Like a Warrior Newsletter October 2021

School District of Amery

OCTOBER • 2021

AHS Music presents...

Nov. 4-7, 2021 • Details on back

FFA TEACHES...

Food for America Program Amery High School FFA students hosted their annual Food for America program in October. Each year, grades 3-5 classrooms are invited to the high school to learn about elements of agriculture through lessons planned and led by high school FFA members.

FFA’s Food for America is an educational program focusing on agricultural literacy in elementary schools and communities. It is a program developed to assist FFA members and all agricultural education students in leadership skill development as they reach out to youth by sharing the world of agriculture.

Food for America began years ago in Amery as a recruiting tool for FFA. Advisor and Agriculture Education instructor Derrick Meyer plans it early in the school year because it’s a great event to get students involved in the Amery FFA program.

Amery’s 2021 Food for America experience began with a real tractor-driven hayride from the Intermediate School to the High School. Upon arrival, students attended lessons specifically planned for each grade level through fourteen separate stations set up inside and outside the high school agriculture area. Stations included outdoor lessons with live horses, pigs, goats, a donkey, and a dog as well as indoor stations focused on maple syrup,

ice cream, milk and cheese, tilapia, handwashing, and small animals.

Third grade students learned about general plants and animals used in agriculture. Fourth graders learned about agricultural by-products such as gelatin, and they did a hands-on lab using corn to make plastic. Fifth grade lessons focused on safety with animals, psychology of animals, and farm safety to include a power takeoff (PTO) demonstration.

Students in all three grades sampled cheese, milk, ice cream and maple syrup.

Food for America is beneficial for the high school students as well as their young

guests. FFA students write the lessons, make the posters, and plan the presentations to be approved by Mr. Meyer. If students are not presenting, they are leading the groups of young students through the stations.

Younger students are often the group leaders and then become the organizers and presentation leaders as juniors and seniors.

Food for America began years ago in Amery as a recruiting tool for FFA

One of the important benefits of FFA is that it teaches members how to talk in front of others.

They are giving ‘speeches’ and don’t even know it. And there is no better way to learn about a topic than to teach about it.

Meyer, FFA advisor, likes to have students do projects that are ‘bigger than themselves.’ He describes them as projects that could not be accomplished by one person but instead require a group effort, such as Food for America.

Special thanks to the Amery FFA alumni who helped by driving the hayride tractors and donating dairy products and money for lesson materials.

The Kindergarten ABC Fashion Show!

The legacy kindergarten classrooms at Lien Elementary participated in ABC Bootcamp, which was modified after a teacher in Tennessee named Mr. Greg. ABC Bootcamp is a research based, 26-day rigorous introduction to all 26 letters and sounds.

ABC Bootcamp introduces the letters and sounds so kindergartners can begin manipulating letters and sounds to make words. For each letter there was handwriting instruction, beginning sound circle charts, a craft, a decodable book, and beginning sound share. Of course, each classroom did it a little differently. The kids loved the letter and sound routine each day, and they learned so much.

At the end of ABC Bootcamp, they celebrated their hard work with a fashion show! Students took a paper bag vest home and were assigned a letter. Families helped to decorate the vests with items that started with their assigned letter.

Kindergarten students showed off their letter vests with an ABC Fashion Show by walking through the halls of Lien Elementary. Every classroom and Clubhouse room filled the hallways and supported the kindergartners and cheered them on! They ended the fashion show by posing on the red carpet.

Thank you to everyone, including families at home, who made the ABC Bootcamp and Fashion Show a success.

Fourth Grade Engineers Design Sailboats & Windmills Students in the Intermediate School use multiple Engineering is Elementary (EiE) kits in their science classes where they explore various forms of engineering.

In a recent unit, fourth-grade students learned about mechanical engineering using literature from Denmark and the engineering design process.

Their first challenge was to plan, design, and create a sail that would move a sailboat the fastest across a “track” using “wind” from a fan. Of course, there were parameters that students had to follow, such as certain types of materials, number of materials, and time constraints.

Students were given the challenge across multiple days where they worked in teams to brainstorm ideas, drew up plans, got their plans approved, built and tested their sails, and finally, improved their sails before the final test.

The fastest sailboat went all the way across the track (over 50 inches) and reached the other side in 34 seconds. It was built with a popsicle stick, tape, and a plastic bag.

Their second challenge was to design and build the blades for a windmill that would lift as many washers in a cup as possible. After their first experiment, groups of students were eager to begin this next challenge. They used their knowledge of the first challenge to design more efficient ways for their blades to spin.

The windmill that lifted the most washers was built from aluminum foil, popsicle sticks, and tape, and lifted 14 washers. The fourth-grade students loved the competition and were engaged throughout the entire process.

Other EiE kits that the fourth grade students will be able to experience include designing a knee brace with biomedical engineering, modeling bird sounds with sound engineering, electrical engineering with circuits, and environmental engineering when making solar ovens.

• Girls Head Soccer Coach • Bus Drivers • Food Servers We are also hiring substitute Paraeducators, Bus Drivers, School Nutrition Staff, Custodians and Clubhouse Childcare Workers.

Applications for all employment (including substitute positions) are accepted only through the WECAN website. Visit the Employment page of the district website for the link to WECAN and more information: www.amerysd.k12.wi.us.

If you encounter difficulty submitting an online application or if you have questions, please call 715-268-9771 x272. It is extremely important to us that all persons interested have full access to the application procedure at the School District of Amery.

THE CLUBHOUSE

Early Learning Center, Before & After School Care, and Summer Day Camp

The Amery School District Clubhouse programs are designed to provide a safe, supervised, fun, and enriching environment for all children.

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS: • Each child develops in skills and abilities at a different rate.

• Every child is special and deserving of love and respect.

• The early years are ideal for learning.

• Learning is fun!

• Children learn best by doing.

• Quality childcare programs have a long-term effect.

• Programs should encourage a positive self-concept.

We invite you to visit the Clubhouse anytime during operating hours. If you would like to meet with a staff person, please call the Clubhouse site at Lien Elementary to schedule a visit. Also, if you have a talent or skill you would like to share with the children, we encourage you to contact our staff or director to arrange for this opportunity.

To learn more, visit the Clubhouse pages of the district website.

Outdoor Education Goes Camping The high school Outdoor Adventure Education class went for an overnight backpack camping and kayaking trip to Governor Knowles State Forest alongside the St. Croix River. Students enjoyed hiking, backpacking, cooking on their camp stoves, kayaking, fishing, setting up tents, and relaxing around the campfire.

Thank you to parents for allowing students to use equipment from home and thank you to UW River falls for supporting the class and providing a discount on equipment rentals. Students had a great time, and the kids were able to use all the skills learned throughout the class. .

FROM THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR Thank you to our students, their families, and our staff for making the first quarter of the school year a grand success. We are proud that the Amery school community has been able to realize a much more normal school experience. Amery classrooms are back to the important work of teaching and learning. Our school cafeterias are a buzz with an energy only kids can provide. And, throughout the late summer and early fall, our athletic fields have been busy with practices and competitions. The School District of Amery looks forward to continuing our partnership with youth, their families, and our community to chart the course of a hopeful and successful school year.

By now you likely have received a community survey from the School District of Amery. As the survey notes, our focus as a school system will always be to provide a high-quality education, yet we also need to maintain and improve our facilities. To help accomplish this goal, the district needs to hear from our community. The Amery Board of Education believes now is a good time to address the maintenance needs of the district due to its financial health. Your feedback on the survey will be key in decisions which will shape education and life in Amery for decades to come. More information on how to complete the community survey can be found on pages 8-9.

One of the highlights of the school year will soon be upon us – the musical Mary Poppins. Please join the cast and crew of the show as we enjoy an Amery production of this classic musical. The show features a multi-age cast representing kids young and old. Thank you to our music department and to those associated with this production for their hard work and dedication in making it happen.

Further, a humble debt of gratitude for the time, talent, and courage dedicated to making Mary Poppins a reality for the Amery community. More information on when and where to see the show can be found on page 12.

As always, please know that school district staff are available if you have any questions regarding the education of your child(ren).

We are proud of our role in the lives of your children and their success.

I wish you continued happiness, health, and success as we move through a beautiful fall on into the charm of winters in northwest Wisconsin.

Dr. Shawn Doerfler District Administrator

FRONT ROW: Addie Amans, Madison Moulton, Shannen Fredrickson, Luciana Aizpurua, Marissa Fisk, Annabelle Fisk, Bridgett Madison, Grace Williamson, Paige Komanec, Ella Gould, Kaylee Waalen, Taylor Moulton SECOND ROW (kneeling): Madelyn Mike, Anna Gould, Cayden Meyer, Kruse Yuhas, Aurora Schwartz, Alexandra Edwards, Kylie Lindahl, Emily Oman THIRD ROW: Nevaeha Zacharias, Tia Lochner, Cassie Nicholas, Kaileigh Hosking, Sarah Jensen, Megan Wolf, Mason Bruder, Mateo Aizpurua, Sophia Danielson, Johnny Mahoney, Fredrik Henningsgard, Stuart Hellie, Anna Powell, Grace Carlson, Siri Yuhas FOURTH ROW: Hannah Rust, Haley Pulkrabek, Camden Vance, Lana Belz, JC Wentz, Asa Hoyer, Carter Kurtzhals, Caleb Danielson, David Williamson, Peter Markee MISSING: Rachel Garves, Jaidyn McAlpine, Ryan Moskal

We want to hear from you.

Please take the School District of Amery community survey!

Surveys were recently mailed to all School District of Amery residents and can be taken online or returned by mail. Please take a few minutes to complete your survey.

The Amery area is an excellent place to live and raise a family, and the schools are certainly one of the reasons that this is true. Since Wisconsin began creating report cards for each school district in 2012, the School District of Amery has “exceeded expectations” in academic achievement every single year!

Our district would not be experiencing such success if it were not for the community. We sincerely thank you for this ongoing support, including the approval of an operating referendum in 2017.

While the focus will always be to provide a high-quality education, there is also a need to maintain and improve facilities. Based on a study completed earlier this year and community feedback at two meetings held this fall, we prioritized potential projects to address the most urgent issues. However, before we finalize any plan, we need to hear from you, our taxpayers.

Survey results will be presented at the Board of Education meeting on November 15.

RECOMMENDED PLAN – Estimated cost $35 million This plan was developed using the facility study, as well as the feedback gathered during two community listening sessions. The recommended plan includes projects at all four school buildings, but the most pressing needs are at the high school, which was built in 1976.

The Amery High School projects would include upgrades to classrooms and labs, especially in the science, technology education (‘shop’), and agriculture departments. Significant upgrades would also include major building systems impacting indoor air quality and energy efficiency in addition to replacing floors, walls, doors, windows, roofs, brick sections, and more. View a complete list of projects in the survey and on the district website.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS In addition to the recommended plan, the Board of Education is also asking for your feedback on two other projects that could be included in a facilities referendum.

Early Childhood Center – Estimated cost $7 million

Swimming Pool – Estimated cost $12.5 million

The district and community are experiencing growing demand for early childhood services/childcare.

Current services could be expanded or relocated to reduce the waiting list and free up needed classroom space at the elementary school. In addition to providing early childhood services/childcare, this center would also provide beforeand after-school care for school-age children.

A swimming pool could be added at the Amery school campus for approximately $12.5 million. To accomplish this, the district would need to create partnerships with local organizations. The pool would be available year-round for both school and community use and be available for physical therapy, swim lessons, exercise classes, and general recreation/fitness.

Visit the School District of Amery website to view the community presentations and learn more about potential plans for school facility improvements: WWW.AMERYSD.K12.WI.US – District category – ‘Facility Improvements for Student Success’

How are we doing financially?

How are we doing financially?

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This decline of 35% has saved taxpayers a total ofthe $420 for each debt free.

For the seven years, the mill rate (which is used to calculate school’s portion of $100,000 of property value. See Chart B below. $100,000 of property value. See Chart B below.

HOW ARE WE DOING FINANCIALLY?

property taxes) has dropped. This decline of 35% has saved taxpayers a total of $420 for each

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The School District of Amery is proud of the combination of top academic performance coupled with responsible spending.

We are proud of this rare combination of top academic performance coupled with responsible spending.

3 KEY SURVEY QUESTIONS

We are proud of this rare combination of top academic performance coupled with responsible spending.

#1 Would you support a $35 million referendum to fund

the recommended plan?

Representing an annual tax increase of $149 per year ($12.42 per month) for every $100,000 of property value. Assumes interest rates between 3.25 and 3.50%.

an early childhood center?

Approval would result in an additional annual tax increase of $30 per year ($2.50 per month) for every $100,000 of property value.

#2 Would you support expanding a referendum to build

Would you support the school district exploring partnerships #3

over the next year to build a swimming pool?

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey before November 8th

Dr. Shawn Doerfler, District Administrator Keith Anderson, Board of Education President Chelsea Whitley, Board of Education Vice President Charlotte Glenna, Board of Education Treasurer Dale Johnson, Board of Education Clerk Erin Hosking, Board of Education Director

Questions?

Need a survey?

Call Becky...

715-268-9771 ext. 272

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Trips

COME FROM AWAY Broadway at the Orpheum!

On 9/11, the world stopped.

On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

This New York Times critics’ pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Recommended for ages 10+. The theatre may require masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination for ages 12+.

Sunday, Jan 23 • 1 p matinee $75 per ticket includes all fees, main floor seating, and motor coach transportation.

FOOTLOOSE

at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Footloose first burst onto the silver screen in 1984 and proved to be one of the year’s most successful motion pictures.

The soundtrack recording reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and went on to sell over 17 million copies worldwide, generating such Top Forty hits as its title song and “Let’s Hear It For The Boy.” The theatre may require masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination for ages 12+.

Saturday, April 23 • 11 a dinner • 1 p show $99 per ticket includes full meal, show, all fees, and motor coach transportation.

Full details for all classes can be found online, or feel free to contact the Amery Community Ed office to learn more. www.amerysd.k12.wi.us Community Education can be found under the ‘Community’ category.

Email: commed@amerysd.k12.wi.us Phone: 715-268-9771 ext. 220

Never Stop Trying, Learning & Growing

FOR YOUTH

Baking: Norwegian Kransekake

Babysitter Training

Co-sponsored by the American Red Cross Ages 10-15 • Saturday, Nov 13 • 9 a - 3:45 p Wendy Carlson

$45

Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre & Amery Youth Present THE WIZARD OF OZ

Learn to make this showy, multiple-tiered, traditional Norwegian cake & bring one home.

Saturday, Nov 13 • 9 a - 12 p Fee for ages 10+ includes all supplies. Ages 6-9 can register to bake with a registered adult for $5.

Lisa Ruehlow $55

Baking: Norwegian Cookies Krumkake & Spritz

74 children will be cast! Youth in grades 3-8 can audition Monday, Jan 10 from 3:30-5:30 p.

Rehearsals Jan 10-14. Performances Friday, Jan 14 at 7 p & Saturday, Jan 15 at 10:30 a.

No charge to participate General admission tickets $6/advance or $7/door; 5 and under free.

Snowmobile Safety DNR Certification

Grades 1-3 • ‘Space’ 5 Tuesdays, January 4-Feb 1 • ‘‘Rescue Team’ 5 Tuesdays, Feb 8-March 8 After school until 4:20 p in Elementary Cool Creator Club $45/student/class

Cool Creator Robotics

Grades 4-6 • ‘Basic Tank’ 4 Mondays, January 3-31 • ‘Gyro Bot’ 4 Mondays, February 7-28 After school until 4:45 p in Intermediate Cool Creator Club $55/student/class

Gotta Dance!!

Sponsored by the Amery HS Dance Team Children in grades K-5 will have fun learning a dance routine after school and then returning in the evening to perform for family and friends at halftime of a boys varsity basketball game.

Monday, Feb 21 • 3:30-5:30 p & 7:15 p AHS Dance Team $25 includes t-shirt

FOR ALL AGES Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People

Online with ZOOM • Ages 13+ Thursday, Nov 11 6:30-9 p for first class and then additional follow-up on your own with the instructor.

Craig Coffman

$59

Mandala Stone Painting Susan Weislow

$39

Saturday, Nov 20 • 8:30 a - 4 p M & J Barn Quilts • 2’x2’ Barn Quilt $75* • 4’x4’ Barn Quilt $105* *Prepared board & all supplies included in fee. Optional $5 for any graphics or letters you request in your pattern.

Beginning Blacksmithing $139

Easy Oil Painting with Jay Rupp $10

Make an ornament! Join us for a fun evening learning to work with paracord and go home with your own creation. For all ages.

Thursday, Dec 9 • 6-8:30 p Supply list in online description William Osero-Wilson

certified Bob Ross instructor 2 classes available • 5:30-9:30 p • ‘Spectacular’ Monday, Nov 22 • ‘Red Trees’ Monday, Feb 21 Supplies provided including 16x20 canvas

$59

$17

Beginner Classic/Nordic Cross Country Ski Workshop

For beginners or those who want to brush up on their technique. Provide own equipment.

Saturday, Jan 22 • 10 a - 12 p at the beautiful, groomed Balsam Branch Ski Trails.

Barry Tulkki $15/person or $25/family

Beginner Cross Country Skate-Ski Workshop

For beginners or those who want to brush up on their technique. Provide own equipment.

Saturday, Jan 22 • 10 a - 12 p at the beautiful, groomed Balsam Branch Ski Trails.

Greg Hoelscher $15/person or $25/family

PRE-REGISTER for all classes through Amery Community Education unless the description states otherwise.

Find complete class descriptions and details by visiting the online registration link found under the Community Education page of the district website.

www.amerysd.k12.wi.us

BASKETBALL OPEN GYM

ADULT REC BASKETBALL

Supervised free-play basketball for boys and girls grades 4-12. Families encouraged. Younger children welcome when accompanied by parents.

Bring your own basketball.

Team league play in the Amery Middle School gym on Wednesday evenings, November through March.

Sundays • 1:30-3:30 p Amery Middle School gym Nov - March (closed Dec. 26)

All ages welcome. New! Fun! Saturday, Nov 13 • 10 a - 12 p All supplies provided

Barn Quilt Workshop

2-night Sat/Sun classes • 4-8 p Nov 6-7 or Dec 4-5 Rick Tolliver, Anvil Acres

Paracord for Beginners

Little Engineer Robotics

Using snowshoes or just boots, we will hike as a group to get oriented to the trails and learn some history of the area going back to the time of the glaciers. Provide own equipment.

Sunday, Feb 13 • 1-3 p Barry Tulkki $10/person or $15/family

FOR ADULTS

Learn to make and bring home 1/2 dozen delicate Norwegian “spyglass-shaped” cookies and a dozen buttery and delicately shaped Norwegian tea cookies.

Sunday, Dec 5 • 2-5 p Fee for ages 10+ includes all supplies. Ages 6-9 can register to bake with a registered adult for $5.

Lisa Ruehlow $28

DNR ID # required Nov 29, 30 & Dec 2 • 5:30-8:30 p Must attend all 3 classes Tyrel Hanson, Polk Co Rec Patrol

Winter Hike the Balsam Branch Snowshoe Trails

Enter through North door • No fee

November open gym 6-9p to form teams, join teams, or practice with your team. Scheduled team play begins in December.

Team fee: $90 A team representative can register the team online and pay or contact Community Ed.

Amery School District 543 Minneapolis Avenue Amery, WI 54001

4 SHOWS! Thursday, Friday, Saturday November 4, 5, 6 7:00 PM

POSTAL PATRON

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Amery, WI 54001 Permit #20

TICKETS $8 General Admission Ages 3 & under free if sitting on a lap Advance sales:

Sunday, November 7 1:00 PM

Chet Johnson Drug & Amery High School office

Amery High School Auditorium

Tickets at the door

Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Masks are optional.

Social distancing in the auditorium is not guaranteed.