TAMS “Graduates” their pioneers

Tomah Area Montessori School (TAMS) was founded by the TASD Board of Education in 2015 as a way to bring our families schools of choice (our other choice school is Lemonweir Elementary, a 4515 academic calendar school for grades K-5). TAMS’ curriculum is founded on the Montessori Method which refers to a child-centered philosophy of education developed by the Italian anthropologist and physician, Dr. Maria Montessori. It is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. TAMS provides an authentic Montessori education based on Dr. Montessori’s principles and the standards set forth by the American Montessori Society. Encouraging a child’s innate desire to learn, providing a prepared child-friendly learning environment, and supporting children’s need to work at their own pace remain the foundation of the program. The classrooms consist of mixed-age groupings where students collaborate and learn under the guidance of Montessoricredentialed teachers. Learning is emphasized through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. TAMS is dedicated to the emotional, academic, spiritual, social, and physical development of the child.

The quaint school house has seen impressive growth since its founding. This was the first year for the school to offer 6th grade to give students the opportunity to finish the Montessori Cycle. Five 6th graders will transition to middle school next year. Included in this group are four students who are lovingly dubbed the “Pioneer Students”. Nathan, Myla, Chloe, and Olivia were part of the very first Children’s House (grades 4K-K) class at TAMS in 2015. The four have proceeded through the grades together, and have witnessed the school house’s growth first hand. Myla has really enjoyed her elementary experience at TAMS, “TAMS allows me to grow at my own pace. When I am ready to learn something new, my teacher knows and I get to work ahead on things like Algebra. Being a mentor to the younger kids is also one of my favorite parts of going to school at TAMS. We all help each other, like a family.”

The three teachers, Laura Ames (Children’s House), Amy Jereb (E-1), and Jamie Harlos (E-2) have been active advocates for the continued growth of TAMS.

We are so proud of TAMS and the first “graduating” 6th grade class. Keep watching this tiny but mighty schoolhouse! If you’d like to learn more about TAMS, visit our website, attend a TAMS Governance Board Meeting, or follow us on Facebook!

Dance Team earned the chance to compete at State this year and came away with 10th place for D3 Pom! Congratulations Dancers!

Congratulations to the Girls Bowling team, they qualified for State and came away with a 10th place finish!

THS Wresting made a showing at State with Gavin Finch and Zandrea Mason, Tomah’s first ever female state qualifier. Way to represent!

Congratulations to everyone who competed at the WI State Powerlifting Championship!

Five lifters made the podium: Libby Dahl (132 class, 2nd place), Angie Salvino (165 class, 5th place), Morgan Iverson (181 class, 5th place), Erin Perry (198 class, 9th place), and Jack Thompson (165 class, 2nd place).

Five High Shool Gymnasts broke the school Team Record set back in 2014! Maya Mayer, Morgan Squires, Maddy Pollack, Kady Walker, and Jenna Bakken. Tomah’s new school Record is now 122.3!

Boys Bowling competed at State and with a combined team score of 2392, finished 18th! Tyler Moake finished 71st in Singles. Tyler, joined by Caden Blanchard, will go on to compete in the District 5 All Star Team!

Limited Edition Show Choir has had a record breaking year! They began learning their two shows in July, performed at Cranfest, held car washes, worked Downtown Thursday Nights, Tractor Pull, Ashley for the Arts, and the list goes on! They also traveled to seven different competitions this season. At the competitition in Colby they placed 1st Runner Up, People’s Choice, Spirit Award and Mason Welch won an individual Showstopper Award. In West Branch they placed 3rd Runner Up, won Tomah’s first ever Best Show Design Award, and Adam Johnson won the Showstopper Award. In DePere they placed 1st Runner Up, Best Band, People’s Choice, and Kami Murray won Best Female Soloist. At North St. Paul’s competition they took 4th Runner Up, People’s Choice, and Mitchell Schroeder won the Showstopper Award. Their ‘already amazing’ season ended March 12, when they competed in Holmen and won People’s Choice, Best Closer, Best Vocals (another first ever award for Tomah), Emma Fisher and Nevin Hawver both won the Showstopper award, and for the first time in Show Choir’s 39 year history, they were awarded GRAND CHAMPIONS!

Showchoir director Kate Bruehner said “This season has been incredible, and these kids are FANTASTIC! They have worked so hard and I’m so proud of them!” What a way to wrap up the 22-23 Season! Congratulations Limited Edition Show Choir on this historic win!

Why does Tomah Area School District need an Operational Referendum?

Costs and services provided to students continue to rise yet the state of Wisconsin has not provided an increase to the allowable per student spending in six of the last eight years. The District estimates a fiscal shortfall of approximately $2,500,000 for the next school year and is asking the community to approve a $2,500,000 Operational Referendum. A successful Operational Referendum will allow Tomah Area School District to continue current educational programming to meet the needs of our students. This referendum is not to build a new facility.

How does a passing Operational Referendum impact our students?

Passing the Operational Referendum will help offset budget deficits. This allows Tomah Area School District to continue providing quality class offerings, extracurricular activity opportunities, and added programs for student success. This referendum will also help continue initiatives to maintain the security of District facilities and provide safe learning environments for our students and staff.

How does a failed Operational Referendum impact our students?

Without a successful Operational Referendum, there will be a $2,500,000 deficit next year. Without increases to the allowable per student spending from the state of Wisconsin, the District’s deficits will continue to grow. Tomah Area School District will need to make reductions to personnel and programs to balance the budget.

Tomah Area School District maintains a Fund Balance to secure a solid financial position. These funds are typically used for emergencies and temporary budget shortfalls. These limited funds cannot support all current educational opportunities.

How will the Operational Referendum impact taxpayers?

For the past seven years, the Tomah Area School District community has approved and supported a $1,500,000 referendum. On April 4, residents will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for an Operational Referendum question to exceed the revenue limit by $2,500,000.

This is an increase of $1,000,000 over the past $1,500,000 Operational Referendum. The additional funds will alleviate the fiscal shortfall that has been created by the lack of increases to the allowable per student spending from the state of Wisconsin. Based on current projections, Tomah Area School District’s tax levy rate would stay neutral or flat.

Please see the chart below.

The money a taxpayer pays per $1,000 of property value.

VOTE ON 04/04/23

Example: If a taxpayer had $100,000 worth of property and lived in the Bangor School District, their school portion of property taxes would be approximately $950. If that same person owned $100,000 worth of property in the Tomah Area School District, their school portion of property taxes would be approximately $591.

THE BALLOT WILL READ:

"Shall the Tomah Area School District, Monroe, Juneau and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $2,500,000 for each of the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and the 2026-2027 school years for nonrecurring purposes to maintain and enhance educational and technology programs, school safety and security and school facilities and to maintain current levels of operational expenses?" WANT

EMAIL: referendum@tomah.education VISIT: www.tomah.education/referendum

The TMS Chess and Gaming Club traveled to Sauk City earlier this month where they placed first as a team in the K8 division! Joanna Stryker placed fourth as an individual and Aiden Gonzales placed fifth. Joanna and Aiden also won four of their 5 matches, while Gavin Libbey, Nyomi Grace, and David Ziemianczyk won three of their five matches and Robbie Duehlmeyer won 2!