Like a Warrior October 2022

Student Writes Screenplay for Upcoming AHS

Sophia Danielson, AHS Senior, remembers shopping many years ago in the dollar section at Target and purchasing the youth adaptation of the classic novel Little Women. Danielson fell in love with the story by Louisa May Alcott.

With their father fighting in the American Civil War, sisters Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth were at home with their mother, a very outspoken woman for her time. Little Women tells of how the sisters grew up, found love, and found their place in the world.

“I love the complex characters in this story,” Sophia says. “I think that’s the reason it’s still so beloved today.” The 154-year-old novel has been adapted countless times, and modern versions continue to be popular.

Danielson has fond memories of rereading the novel and watching film and television versions. She especially remembers being upset the first time she learned that the character Beth died. Beth did not die in the youth adaptation.

Sophia Danielson, AHS Senior

When Danielson was a freshman, she suggested Little Women for a future Amery HS production. Director Mrs. Erdrich could not find a script that she liked, so Sophia jokingly asked, “What if I write one?” Erdrich agreed.

The novel is considered ‘public domain,’ which means Danielson could write her own screenplay using lines from the book without violating copyright restrictions, but she could not take specific lines from movie, TV, theatre, or other adaptations unless they were used in the actual book. She intentionally avoided studying any of the movie versions too closely so she could avoid copying, though she occasionally watched specific scenes or listened to music from the films for inspiration.

Danielson started by taking notes and writing the script one act at a time. She selected scenes (too many!), rewrote them for the stage without rhyme or reason, and frequently revised. The script was too long. Sophia eventually began to incorporate more of her own creativity while reframing the story to make it more cohesive rather than a string of scenes.

Since the novel was written in 1868, the style of language posed a challenge. Through the revision process, Sophia adapted the language to be less formal and more conversational so that it would be more enjoyable for a modern audience.

She did a readthrough, continued to revise, and eventually reached a final draft that was thirty pages shorter than her original. The process took about eighteen months.

Sophia enjoyed the creative liberties that came with writing her own script. For example, she felt that most screenplay adaptations presented Beth as a one-dimensional character, so Sophia focused on more fully developing Beth’s character. Mrs. Erdrich encouraged Sophia to also focus on the character of the Professor and suggested that Sophia use a scene where Jo is reading a story and rewrite it as a play within a play. Danielson is happy with the results!

It has been a valuable learning process. Sophia has grown in her writing skills, her use of language, and she has especially learned to use fewer words to communicate. She has also learned to be humble and accept help with suggestions, revisions and even a professional editor.

Once the cast began rehearsing in September, Sophia had to learn to give up control to the director, be flexible, and accept that it may not look exactly the way Sophia pictured it when she wrote it. “Some of my favorite ideas I had while writing the script turned out not to be good for the play. I had to learn to let go and realize that, a lot of the time, I wasn’t completely right in what I thought would be best.”

Danielson’s screenplay of Little Women will open on the Amery High School Auditorium stage on Thursday, November 3 at 7:30 pm with four performances through the weekend. She will play the main character Jo, a dream role of hers, alongside twenty-eight other high school cast members. Though there are just a handful of main characters, there are several auxiliary roles and a couple choreographed dance sequences to include several cast members.

According to Danielson, it has been fun and encouraging to see the cast excited and invested in the performance. She loves the dedication every performer and backstage helper has shown. “I’m most excited to get into the headspace of my character and watch everyone else do the same,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing how everyone in the cast is passionate about their character and is really connecting on an emotional level with them. I hope the show is moving and inspiring to the audience, and that they will find something new in it whether they know the story or not.”

AMERY HIGH SCHOOL presents

~ SHOW DATES & TIMES ~

Thursday, November 3 7:30 PM

Friday, November 4 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 5 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 6 1:30 PM

Photo Credit: Bob Johnson

ADAPTED BY Sophia Danielson from the novel Little Women by Lousia May Alcott

DIRECTED BY Danielle Erdrich

FAMILY MATH NIGHT

Lien Elementary hosted their annual Family Math Night for students in 4K through grade 3. Fifty-one families for a total of 181 participants gathered to practice and improve various math skills through fun games and activities. This year’s theme was ‘Dice Games.’ Each family received a packet of games and supplies to continue the learning fun at home. Thank you to PowerUp for donating healthy grab-andgo goodie bags for all the participants and the many dedicated Lien staff who volunteered their time.“

AIM STUDENTS

TREK TO CREX MEADOWS

AIM students have been researching and studying the six different values of a tree. The Intermediate students traveled to Crex Meadows in Grantsburg to inquire about these different values. They had fun exploring tree identification, different wildlife habitats, and the variety of animals living in Wisconsin. Afterwards, they decided on an overarching question to answer through research. The results of their research were showcased to community members and parents on the evening of October 25.

Studying the six different values of a tree

BE THE ONE!

On October 5, the class of 2027 participated in the annual 8th Grade Community Building Day at Camp Wapogasset. Activities included cooperative game play and the low ropes course. Students learned how to support one another and work together.

In the afternoon, they enjoyed a presentation titled, “Be the One” which focused on kindness and how just one person can “Be the One” to make a difference.

THE SCHOOL GARDEN -- REVIVED!

This spring, the school district grounds crew, the high school FFA students, and the Lien Elementary Garden Committee made some much-needed renovations to the school garden.

Plans were made for two apple trees, two pear trees, and eight raised garden beds to be filled with a variety of vegetables. The gardens were built and spaced evenly so the grounds crew could mow between them. The trees were planted and the garden beds were filled with soil, but they only had enough compost and fertilizer for five of the garden beds. The planting included carrots, green beans, peppers, tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers.

Megan Greeson, a local farmer and mother of Amery students, donated vegetable and flower plants as well as her time and expertise to help some of the students prepare the beds and plant on the last day of school.

The garden committee also called upon the help of Jon McBride, the Director of School Nutrition, to learn what veggies would be best to harvest for school lunch. McBride also generously donated a brand-new compost machine.

Several volunteers came during the summer to water the plants and the trees and to weed. But, when no one was around, and with no fence to keep them out, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other critters began to feast on the growing garden plants!

In the fall, carrots, peppers, and a handful of green beans were harvested. One little vine from the one little tomato plant was clipped. Important lessons were learned, and the gardeners are ready to make next year’s school garden even better!

FROM THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

We have moved quickly through the late summer start of the school year, into fall, and soon another Wisconsin winter. The first quarter of the school year has flown by. The fall athletic season has now concluded. We are poised for the high school play, holiday concerts, and the winter athletic season. Again, the days of this school year have been charted with the extraordinary success of our kids and our school staff. There is so much to be proud of in the School District of Amery. This edition of the district newsletter features the progress of work from the recently passed referendum, school events taking place this fall, as well as a student feature on high school senior Sophia Danielson who wrote the AHS screenplay for Little Women opening on the Amery High School auditorium stage on November 3.

The talented cast of Little Women is set to entertain members of our Amery community and beyond during the first weekend of November. Please consider making this high school production, presented by Amery kids, part of your to-do list this fall. It will be an event well worth your time.

The School District of Amery is committed to providing continuous updates to our community members about the process and timeline for referendum work in the district’s four buildings and grounds. The plan and timelines for the building redesigns are published here, were published in the Amery Free Press, and can be found on the Referendum 2022 page of the district website.

The landscape of school events will be populated with a ton of great opportunities for our students and their families to shine. I invite you to take part in the great many wonderful events which involve Amery kids. Our kids are the heart and soul of Amery, the best little town in northwest Wisconsin. The late fall and winter of 2022 on into 2023 give all of us plenty of chances to see our kids make us so very proud. Come be a part of their success!

It is, as always, a great time to be a WARRIOR!

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn Doerfler District Administrator School District of Amery

Amery Area Residents,

Timeline of Lien Elementary Project Completion

Summer of 2023 - Relocate Playgrounds

Summer of 2023 - Structural Upgrades to Existing School

September of 2023 - Mobilization / Fencing / Erosion control

October/November of 2023 - Site excavation / Footings / Foundation

January of 2024 - Roofing

February of 2024 - Windows / Underground Rough-Ins

February – April of 2024 - Interior Rough-Ins / Above Ceiling Rough-Ins

May – August of 2024 - Finishes / Interior Doors / Cabinets / Sitework

August 25, 2024 - Project Completion

Timeline of High School Project Completion

June of 2023 - Construction Begins

Summer of 2023 - Begin Mechanical Rooms and Media Center Renovations

School year 2023-2024 - Renovation Phases Throughout

Spring/Summer 2024 - Renovation of Science Rooms and Commons

Summer of 2024 - Site work/Loading Dock

August 2024 - Project Completion

Referendum Update

This past April, voters of the School District of Amery passed two resolution questions for referendum. The first question approved district-wide building system and infrastructure repairs and improvements, mainly in the high school. The second question approved elementary safety and security upgrades and expansion of the Clubhouse Early Learning Center.

At the September Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the final design for Lien Elementary School. The October meeting agenda will include the final proposal for the Amery High School design.

The designs presented to the board provide for the completion of all work proposed in the referendum questions. The district is committed to addressing the maintenance needs of the district just as they were spelled out in the referendum.

Elementary renovations will include additional classrooms and increased Clubhouse space. Renovations will also address improved safety and security with a new, secure main entrance that provides independent entries for school and the Clubhouse. Within the school hallways, sets of doors will be added

throughout the building thereby reducing threat to students and staff. To improve traffic safety and patterns, a new parking lot will be located southeast of Lien.

Much of the work to be completed at the high school will not be visible after completion as it includes a nearly full replacement of the mechanical and electrical systems and structural improvements to the roof and walls. The areas of the high school that will look different include upgraded labs in science, agriculture, and technology education as well as updates to the finish and function of the commons and cafeteria area.

The district is working with Kraus-Anderson and LHB Architects to obtain vendor bids for work to begin in the summer of 2023.

The School District of Amery will continue to update the community regarding the referendum through district mailings, Board of Education meetings, the Amery Free Press, and the district website. For complete information on the initial referendum and plans moving forward, visit the Referendum 2022 page of the district website www.amerysd.k12.wi.us.

“It is a very exciting time for the Amery schools and community. As promised in April, the district, with the support of Amery residents, is making an investment in education for OUR KIDS, OUR COMMUNITY, AND OUR FUTURE.”

~Dr. Shawn Doerfler

Learning about science is SWEET & FUN!

A Visit to the Apple Orchard

Intermediate students have been learning about plants in their fourth grade traditional science classes. Students hiked the school forest to extend their learning beyond the classroom, and they had the opportunity to visit Z-Orchard in Amery.

The owner of Z-Orchard, Bill Zager, taught them about the process of growing and harvesting apples and how he makes his homemade apple cider. Students were lucky to be able to taste some cider!

They also learned about the role that bees play in pollination, why the beekeeping suits are white, and how bees communicate. Zager taught them about the jobs of the bees, how each bee functions in the hive, and how they make honey.

FIRST GRADE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR STORIES

The final step in the process of writing a book is to “send it out into the world.” Each of Mrs. Matson’s first grade students worked hard to write and illustrate a book. The class got to send their books out into the world by walking on the lighted carpet and reading their books to a second-grade student.

Go Big Red

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Never stop trying, learning & growing!

Visit www.amerysd.k12.wi.us for complete details, new classes and events as they are scheduled, and online registration. ‘Community Education’ can be found under ‘Community’ in the main menu.

Or contact the Amery Community Ed office to learn more: email commed@amerysd.k12.wi.us or call 715-268-9771 ext. 220.

Open to youth & adults from any school district or community!

FOR ADULTS

COOKING: SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Easy fried chicken cutlets, spicy homemade mac & cheese, Louisiana cream corn, and honey corn bread. Hands-on with culinary expert Jon McBride. Tues, Nov 8

5:30-8:30 p $39 includes all ingredients, utensils & tools.

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS THAT WOW!

Learn everything you need to know about Charcuterie, practice, and take home a locally made handcrafted Charcuterie board from Dave Herman. Hands-on with culinary expert Jon McBride.

Mon, Nov 28

5:30-7:30 p $49 includes a locally made handcrafted Charcuterie board

SLAUGHTER & BUTCHER A SHEEP

Slaughter and butcher a sheep provided by Whetstone Farm, and go home with meat for your freezer! A hands-on demonstration of how to slaughter, skin, gut, and break down the whole animal into wrapped cuts. There will be guidance each step of the way. Students may bring up to one helper. Lunch provided. Sat, Nov 19 9 a - 5 p $450

BLACKSMITHING: PRACTICAL TOOL-MAKING

Class is designed for adults, and prior blacksmithing experience and/or training required. Sat, Dec 3 from 8 a - 12 p AND Sun, Dec 4 from 12-4 p $139

EASY OIL PAINTING “WINTER SUNSET”

Jay Rupp is a certified Bob Ross instructor who enjoys painting with those who have no experience painting, don’t want to paint, can’t draw stick people, as well as experienced artists.

Mon, Dec 5

5:30-9:30 p $59 includes all supplies

FOR YOUTH

LITTLE ENGINEERS ROBOTICS: RESCUE TEAM

Two classes offered for grades 1-3. Alarm Device, Helicopter, Sea Rescue, Fork Lift, & Pulling Rover. Have fun building, programming, and testing machine robots during this 5-day after school course.

Mon, Nov 14, 21, 28, Dec 5 & 12 OR Tues, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 After school until 4:20 p $50

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY - DNR

Anyone born on or after 1/1/85 and ages 12+ must have passed snowmobile safety to operate a snowmobile in WI. Ages 11+ can take the class; however, it is not valid until age 12. A DNR Customer ID # is required for registration. Dec 12, 13 & 16 (must attend all 3) 5:30-8:30 p $10

RECREATION

BASKETBALL WINTER REC FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES

Sundays 1:30-3:30 pm

Amery Middle School gym November 6 through March 12 (Gym closed December 25 and January 1)

For youth grades 4-12. Families encouraged. Younger children welcome with adults. Bring your own basketball and clean shoes for the gym.

Enter through North doors No fee

OPEN GYM FOR FAMILIES

Select Sundays, Nov-March, in the Intermediate School. For families with children of all ages. Parents/Guardians must stay in the gym with the children.

Exact dates & times to be determined. Visit Community Ed online to learn more.

INDOOR WALKING

Walkers are welcome in the school hallways from 4:30-6:30 pm on days that school is in session

Prairie Fire Children’s Theater & Amery Youth JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

NEW -- Please register online for each child who plans to audition. No charge for children to audition/ participate. Prairie Fire is funded through ticket sales.

• For Amery children grades 3-8; 70 roles available

• Auditions Mon, Jan 9 from 3:30—5:30 p

• Practices Jan 9-13, Mon-Fri 3:25-7:45 p. (Time depends upon the role assigned)

• Shows - Fri, Jan 13 at 7 p & Sat, Jan 14 at 10:30 a

ONLINE COMPUTER CLASSES

Zoom link and a class recording will be shared via email

USING GOOGLE AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER

Gmail, Chrome, Maps, Drive, Spreadsheets, YouTube, Calendar…and much more! Learn to upload and store all your files online and easily access on your smartphone or computer.

Tues, Nov 15

5:30-7:30 p $24

USING SOCIAL MEDIA SAFELY & PRIVATELY

Use social media intelligently and responsibly; learn to minimize whatever risks exist.

Wed, Nov 23 5:30-7:30 p $24

PROTECT YOUR PC - DEFEND YOUR PC AGAINST VIRUSES, HACKERS & MALICIOUS SOFTWARE

Secure your computer, network and devices against potential threats and attacks.

Wed, Nov 30

10 a - 12 p $24

DIGITAL PHOTO ORGANIZATIONIPHONE/IPAD & COMPUTERS

If your digital photo collections are a mess, the instructor can help you with software and online services to help you organize your images. Wed, Dec 7 10 a - 12 p $24

Pre-register for all classes, trips, and events through Amery Community Education

Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis BROADWAY!

‘HAMILTON’

A second motorcoach has been added for Amery-area fans! Seats are on main floor near the back of the center sections and on the sides. Thurs, May 4 1:00 p matinee Departure from Amery at 10:30a return at 5:30p $130 includes all fees and motor coach

OF THE COLORS:

of Foreign Wars Amery Post 7929 and the American Legion Larson-Torgerson Post 169

VETERANS DAY ADDRESS: Lieutenant Colonel Daniel J. Schone Lt Col Schone is the Deputy Commander, 92d Operations Group, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. A native of Amery, Lt Col Schone entered the Air Force in 2004 after graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and earning a commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. His career includes operational flying assignments as a C-130E/H instructor navigator, a C-17A instructor pilot, and a KC-135R/T evaluator pilot. The Colonel has commanded both an operational flying squadron and a deployed flying squadron. Lt Col Schone is a senior pilot with over 4,000 flight hours and over 1,400 combat hours. He is married to Dr. Micaela Schone, also an Amery High School graduate, and they have two daughters, Frankie and Frannie. • AMERY HIGH SCHOOL BAND: Marches of the Armed Forces and Star Spangled Banner • AMERY HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR: God Bless the USA

Breakfast immediately following for all veterans, auxiliary members, and their spouses. The FREE breakfast is hosted by Amery FCCLA and AHS Warrior Catering.

Amery School District

543 Minneapolis Avenue Amery, WI 54001

U.S. Postage Paid

Amery, WI 54001

Permit #20