TASD PAWS Newsletter 12/01/23

NOVEMBER 2023 Tomah Area School District tomah.education Sign Up to receive this e-newsletter directly to your inbox! [here]

Hello, Tomah Area School District Families and Community!

Enjoy this monthly edition of the PAWS highlighting the amazing gifts and talents of our students and faculty! We’re drawing closer to the end of the first semester of this academic year with our academic and cocurricular activities moving full steam ahead!

Thank you for your ongoing support of all programs offered to our children!

Tomah Area School District is hosting a "Prospective Board Member Workshop" on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Tomah District Office Conference Room located at 129 West Clifton St. This informational meeting is for patrons interested in running as a candidate for a board member position on the Tomah Area School District Board of Education during the next election cycle. Information will be provided by District Administrator Mike Hanson. Two current board members will also be in attendance to answer questions. Topics of discussion include Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Guide for Candidates, Tomah Area School District informational handouts, and a question-and-answer session. Please feel free to contact the Tomah Area School District for more information at 608-374-7004 or visit our Board of Education webpage at https://www.tomah.education/boe/election.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Tomah Area Board of Education meets twice in the month of December. The board will hold its Board Academy meeting on December 4th, at Robert Kupper Learning Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. The regular meeting of the board of education will be held Monday, December 18th at Robert Kupper Learning Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tomah Area School Board meeting agendas and minutes may be found on our school district website.

1st Quarter

HONOR ROLL

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Tomah Area School District is proud to offer the monthly PAWS to our community members. Be sure to stay connected with the district through this publication, school district website, and our social media platforms. Enjoy the Holiday Season!

-Dr. Mike Hanson District Administrator

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

HAPPENING IN OUR DISTRICT THS BAND STUDENTS ACHIEVE MUSICAL HONORS AROUND THE MIDWEST Several students from Tomah High School were selected to be a part of the UW-Eau Claire Honor Band and the Gustavus Adolphus Honor Band in early November. The UW-Eau Claire Honor Band occurred on November 4 at the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire. The Gustavus Adolphus Honor Band occurred at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN on November 5-6. There were over 70 other high schools being represented through their band students participating in these honor bands at both events. These honor bands bring people together from all over the Wisconsin and Minnesota area to play music and learn together.

Band students from THS were treated to performances by the UW-Eau Claire Symphony Band and Wind Symphony as well as the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and Gustavus Wind Symphony at each honor band. Other highlights from the experiences included an ice cream social, master classes by applied instrument faculty, awesome massed-band rehearsals, a grand finale concert, and, of course, a TON of fun! Famous composer Oscar Navarro was present at the Gustavus Adolphus Honor Band as well and the ensembles performed several of his compositions at the finale concert. What a treat it was for them to perform music written by the same person conducting the ensembles!

Tomah Bands faculty strives to give TMS and THS band students opportunities that will help them learn and grow as musicians. Honor band festivals are a great way to do this. Our students represented Tomah Bands with pride, class, and excellence in music performance. Congratulations to all performers selected for these prestigious opportunities!

(UW-Eau Claire Honor Band) from L to R: Joanna Stryker, Annie Jungmeyer, Adam Johnson, Caleb Renaud, Kaitlynn Gigous, Lucas Wilson

UW-Eau Claire Honor Band Performing at the Pablo Center at The Confluence

(Gustavus Adolphus Honor Band) from L to R: Mr. Knoepker (THS Band Director), Dr. Heidi Johanna Miller (Gustavus Wind Symphony Conductor), Marshall Reiman, Aubrey Jungmeyer, Daniel Jungmeyer, Adam Johnson, Ethan Gole, Aiden Santiago, Grayson Hess, Alyssa Marth, Dr. James Patrick Miller (Gustavus Wind Orchestra Conductor), Ms. Schraufnagel (TMS/THS Band Director)

Gustavus Adolphus Honor Band Performing at Gustavus Adolphus College

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

JAG

JOBS FOR AMERICA’S GRADUATES

2023-24 JAG CEREMONY On October 31st, JAG welcomed its new and returning participants with an Initiation and Installation to the program through a swearing in ceremony and party!

Enrollment in JAG is at its highest, with 84 students enrolled. Julianna Scott, who runs Tomah’s JAG program, says “The students of JAG are what makes the program successful. Those at risk of not graduating or those who need a helping hand in school get involved with the program to be a part of our 1005 graduation rate.” When in JAG, students are focused on employability skills, positive social and emotional responses and self regulation needed for coping skills and to be able to care for themselves once graduated from the program.

JAG SPOTLIGHT DAY Tiffany Converse-Mitchell

Samantha Nauman

Skeyenne Squires

Ashley Nauman

Kelly Jump

Joey Resop

Ellie Buckingham

Trinity Anderson

On November 14th, eight students were featured on Spotlight Day, which celebrates the successes and milestones of the students. The students get to tell their story, talk about their time in JAG and their goals for the future and how JAG is helping them get there. The Spotlight students are members of JAG’s Career Association and get voted into their elected positions by their peers. Each student has to 'campaign' in order to be elected-these students help plan lessons, field trips, guest speakers and get a leg up on leadership skills by being involved in these capacities.

Artisans and speakers from the Ho-Chunk tribe visited the schools showing the students traditional games, craftsmanship, food and more. On the 14th, students in all the schools got the chance to attend, and participate in, a mini pow-wow. It was an amazing week of learning and fun!

HAPPENING IN OUR DISTRICT

THS ATHLETES ATTEND MVC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Picture this: high school athletes from eight schools, who usually compete on the field or court, coming together for a summit on leadership. The Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) makes it happen each year, with 200 top-notch student athletes to attend this epic event held at Logan High School in La Crosse. With Craig Hillier, author and speaker, as their guide, the students soaked up the secrets of being a leader both on and off the field. Equipped with their very own copy of his book, these student athletes are ready to take on whatever comes their way, in sports and in life!

EMERGING LEADERS On November 12th & 13th eighteen THS DECA Members attended the Emerging Leaders Conference at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin DECA leaders are uncommonly good. They never settle for the ordinary but work hard to push for the next level of performance.

At this year’s Emerging Leaders Conference, students worked on building the skills, creative ideas and opportunities for their high school chapter members to grow as leaders.

The conference was packed full of engaging general sessions, interactive breakout sessions, and plenty of opportunities to network with Wisconsin DECA members from around the state.

The conference wrapped up, with Keynote Speakers, and Chic-Fil-A owners, Monica and Craig Daniel, sharing their story of success and mentoring on the east side of Madison. DECA students who attended the were Avary Chapman, Cadence Davies, Glynnis Fleming, Kai Garvin, Manraj Grewal, Megan Habeck, Marco Huser, Alexa Miller, Tyler Moake, Adisyn Nance, Cale Ollendick, Greta Quinlan, Brenna Reynolds, Molly Stavlo, Katie Thompson, Kieralynn Tupper, Preston Wildes, and Bay Winrich.

TASD COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT EARNS SPECTRUM The Tomah Area School District was recently honored by the Wisconsin AWARDS

Angelica Kasputis, Communications Coordinator for the TASD

School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) with Spectrum Awards of Merit for its work in school communications.

WSPRA presented the Spectrum Awards at its annual conference held November 8-10. Tomah earned an Award of Merit in the Marketing/Advertising category for their print ad “Follow Our Story” which highlights the students across the district, and an Award of Merit in the Special Purpose Project category for their Youth Apprenticeship Spotlight Presentation.

Spectrum Awards recognize the high-quality public relations efforts produced by Wisconsin school districts. “The projects from the Spectrum Award winners show how important it is to communicate well in schools and connect with the community. They represent some of the best work being done in schools throughout the state.” said Joelle Doye, current President of WSPRA. “These winners show how key good communication is in education and how important it is to involve everyone to support our schools in Wisconsin.”

WSPRA’s Spectrum Awards were judged by members of other school public relations associations in 20 different states, from New York to California.

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

HAPPENING IN OUR DISTRICT A group of High School FFA students traveled to Indianapolis to attend the 96th National Convention at the beginning of November.

The trip was filled with a visit to Caterpillar, the Indiana Zoo, Moore Local butcher and cheese factory, Poe Hamps farm, the rodeo, a concert, bowling night and they had fun checking out all the booths at convention!

American Degrees were given out and our chapter received their Two Star rating, with President Josie Bailey and Vice President Brad Granahan taking the stage to represent Tomah! The whole chapter has come together and worked hard to earn this rating.

Congratulations to our FFA!

Fourth graders at LaGrange Elementary experienced learning both inside and outside the classroom during their unit on Wisconsin Agriculture. They visited a cranberry marsh and learned all about the ins and outs of running a marsh and harvesting cranberries. They were gifted fresh cranberries at the end of their tour, so to wrap up the unit, they baked cranberry muffins, giving students the opportunity to work on problem solving and collaboration, as well as incorporate math skills with measuring! What a tasty way to learn!

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

On November 10th, students all across the district participated in celebrations, honoring our Veterans.

They held assemblies, performed songs and poems, learned flag folding etiquette and its meaning, held parades, performed traditions of remembrance, shared a meal, and showed their gratitude for service members and family members who serve or served. It was a wonderful merging of students and community.

HAPPENING IN OUR DISTRICT Lemonweir Elementary School unveils their new Bookworm Vending Machine!

NOT YOUR TYPICAL VENDING MACHINE! Lemonweir launches first book vending machine in the district!

Always on the hunt for ways to get kids reading more, Lemonweir has launched the first book vending machine in Tomah.

Students trying their best and

Every other week, teachers will pick a student from their class to get a token, which they will then be able to use in the vending machine and pick whatever book they choose! The goal is that each student will be able to earn a book each school year.

In order to run this program continuously, they will need the help of donations to keep the machine stocked. An Amazon Wishlist has been put together and linked below. You can choose to donate books from the Wishlist, or gift cards, for them to use to keep the vending machine full of choices for the students!

working hard during reading

Winners will be shared on the school’s

activities will earn chances to

Facebook page each week! Follow

pick a book from the vending

along and witness the joy of a new

machine at no cost.

book!

Interested in helping keep our vending machine stocked?

Simply follow the QR code to our Amazon Wishlist or contact the school directly.

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

EMPY BOWLS is a fundraiser put on by the Art Honors students at the high school. For $10 you can come in and create your own bowl on the wheel!

There is still time to sign up for the next session on December 1st & 2nd.

No experience necessary! When you arrive, you will be paired up with a student from Art Honors, who will instruct you step by step. Follow the QR code to reserve a wheel!

The fundraiser concludes on December 12th with a Soup Supper to be held in the high school cafeteria from 4-7. Staff, students and community are all welcome!

Monies raised will be donated to a nonprofit organization.

New for the 2023 school year, Miller Elementary has begun hosting a monthly family event, to continue building strong connections between its students, their families and staff!

This month was their Muffins with “Mu” Family event!

Our (TAMS) Montessori school students in E1 expressed their creativity by making colorful turkeys! What a fun way to end the school week before Thanksgiving break!

Wyeville Elementary students performing at their prate themed music concert “The High Seas”

Warrens held a Kindness Literacy Event with activities, snacks and reading, of course!

Celebrating Grandparents Day at Oakdale

Celebrating Grandparents Day at Camp Douglas

ACROSS the DISTRICT follow our story here

1st graders in Ms. Barreau's class at Lemonweir learned about All Things in the Fall and took a field trip to Hidden Trails Corn Maze in West Salem.

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

The Middle School Lego Club is now in full swing for the school year!

Students in Mr. Sasada’s 8th grade Leadership class work on ways to serve their community and learn how to become positive leaders at school and beyond. Raking leaves for those who may be unable, was a great way to put those characteristics to work!

Ms. Ellsworth's Media Productions class had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at WKBT News 8000 station! They got to tour the studio, practice the weather with weatherman, Derek, and spoke with the Executive Producers about the processes of broadcast production As said by the kids, "this field trip was a W!"

🎬

During Native American Heritage Month, the THS Diversity Club made beaded bracelets and daisy chains. The proceeds from the sale will go to the Ahuco Head Start Center in Wyeville.

High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.

F A L L

S P O R T s

(Athletes Listed alphabetically)

MVC All-Academic Team Shon Abbas, Josie Bailey (not pictured), Marie Bannan, Jeffrey Baumgartner, Lydia Boettcher (not pictured), Adam Brieske, Jayden Brieske, Timothy Budde, Aisha Fritsche, Josiah Garrels, Owen Gerke, Adeline Gerke, Carter Habeck (not pictured), Karma Hasselberger, Blake Haun, Sophia Hayes, Kaylin Kinner, Aidan Klema, Aliza Koput, Joseph Kube, Andrew Lindberg, Thomas Lisi, Anna Lord, Taylor Lord, Alyssa Marth, Addison Marx, Elizabeth Mathison, Ava McKie (not pictured), Alexa Miller, Cale Ollendick, Cash Pergande, Gabrielle Peterson (not pictured), Brielle Plueger, Marshall Reiman, Boe Rewey, Ty Richer (not pictured), Logan Rufledt, Julie Schlemme (not pictured), Cadence Scholze, Kaleb Sibert, Delaney Spolum, Jacob Squires, Jackson Tackmann, Makala Ueeck, Cora Vitcenda, Anna Wall, Olivia Wall, Janelle Wieden, Ethan Wildes, Madison Wildes, Brennen Worden, Michael Zastoupil

Fall Player of the Year

Fall Coach of the Year

Ty Richer and Trevin Johnson

Scott Conzemius, Boys Soccer

R E C O G N I T I O N s

goes to:

goes to:

MVC 1st Team All-Conference

MVC 2nd Team All-Conference

Camryn Eirschele, Haakon Garvin, Karma Hasselberger, Trevin Johnson (not pictured), Makenzie Kohn, Ty Richer (not pictured) Logan Rufledt, Jacob Squires

Jeffrey Baumgartner, Tyler Boettcher, Elijah Brown (not pictured), Rylee Fritz, Josiah Garrels, Matthew Holness (not pictured), Andrew Rufledt, Olivia Wall

MVC Honorable Mention

MVC Sportsmanship Award

Josie Bailey (not pictured), Rachel Ewers, Aisha Fritsche, Aliza Koput, Joseph Kube, Libby Mathison, Brelee Olson, Bruce Rezin, Cadence Scholze, Jacob Spiers, Dane Vervoren

Sam Bannan, Owen Gerke, Anna Lord, Taylor Lord, Alyssa Marth, Cash Pergande, Addison Schanhofer (not pictured)

Sports Booster Award

Leader of the Pack

Aisha Fritsche, Avery Hagen, Logan Larson, Thomas Lisi, Andrew Rufledt, MaKayla Ueeck

Lydia Boettcher (not pictured), Josiah Garrels, Makenzie Kohn, Marshall Reiman, Logan Rufledt, Jacob Squires, Oliva Wall

To see the THS Athletes of the Month!

Winter Sports Season has begun As a reminder, schools in the Mississippi Valley Conference are now using GO FAN digital tickets for entry into sporting events.

Check out the Step-By-Step instructions for how to buy, use and transfer tickets.

As we make the transition, we will still take cash for the remainder of the year, but many other schools do not, so get your GO FAN account set up and be prepared for away games!

Season passes will only work for home events.

Winter sports using GO FAN include wrestling, basketball and gymnastics. Hockey does not use GO FAN for home games and will still accept cash.

Tickets on GO FAN can be purchased on one account and transferred to another person.

...a look ahead to the month of December

calendar subject to change. please visit our online district calendar & athletics calendar for the most up-to-date information

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High Quality Student Learning. Every Child. Every Day.