It is my pleasure to to share with you the inaugural issue of the Williams Bay School District's Year in Review for the 2022-2023 school year. Students in the district receive a first-class educational experience, one that provides a foundation for future success.
We strive to prepare students to become high academic achievers, while at the same time ensuring students grow into even better people. Our caring, hardworking staff are truly invested in providing the best educational experience for our students and take great pride in being an integral part of the Bulldog family. This mindset, along with the tremendous support of our community partners allows our district to be an amazing place for students to learn each day.
The Williams Bay School Community empowers all students to achieve and excel academically, socially and civically to reach their individual goals.
Exercising the right to learn in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment
Learning and becoming a lifelong learner
Making a positive contribution to society
Developing individuals with good character, compassion and integrity
Understanding the importance of respect and responsibility in our global society
Ensuring a positive learning climate and school culture to promote continuous student growth and achievement in the Williams Bay School Community
Developing a systematic process to attract, train and retain high quality staff
Manage facilities and resources in a responsible, efficient and effective manner
Fostering community partnerships to benefit the overall development of the school community
Williams Bay School District (WBSD) is located in the south central portion of Walworth County on the beautiful shores of Geneva Lake The district serves students in three-year-old kindergarten through 12th grade from the Village of Williams Bay and portions of the towns of Delavan, Geneva, Linn and Walworth. WBSD has established a reputation for high academic achievement and providing students an individualized learning experience that helps them be college and career ready in order achieve their post-secondary goals.
Mr. Jack Lothian President JLothian@WilliamsBaySchool.org
Mrs. Karolyn Nelson Vice President KarolynNelson@WilliamsBaySchool.org
Dr. Patrick Peyer Treasurer PPeyer@WilliamsBaySchool.org
Mr. Ed Nichols Clerk ENichols@WilliamsBaySchool.org
Mr. Mark Schneider Member-at-Large MSchneider@WilliamsBaySchool.org
ABond@WilliamsBaySchool.org
Dr. Ali Bond Elementary School Principal Emily Soley-Johnson Middle / High School PrincipalStay & Play is our weekly play group for 0-4 year olds in the Williams Bay community During the
22-23 school year, we met every week on Fridays when school was in session for one hour. During this program, parents/guardians stay with their child to engage in activities and meet each other! This school year, Michelle Johnson, Dana Syring, Kassie McOmber, and Anne Marie Gump were the facilitators from Williams Bay Elementary School who planned a theme for the week, including a book and craft. The main goals of our program are to promote play and social development, create relationships with families in our community, provide community resources, and to connect families to our staff and school! We had great weekly attendance this year, sometimes having up to ten or more children join us Be on the lookout for information on this program for the 2023-2024 school year
Little Paws is Williams Bay School District's playbased, 4K preparation program The curriculum is theme driven where focus is put on developing fine and gross motor skills with sensory integration At Little Paws, they work to promote independence, selfawareness, cooperation, and language development. Little Paw students start their day with a table activity and reading books. This is called a “soft start” and focuses on students making their own choices. Then they move into a morning greeting and a song followed by structured time where they learn about the calendar, colors, shapes, body parts, feelings, weather, and the letter of the week. From there a book is read out loud together and a related craft is done
Congratulations to Scarlett Wenzel (1st Place) and Savannah Wenzel (2nd Place) for their excellent work in this year's Spelling Bee. The winning word?? Counterfeit.
A bulk of their day is play! There are several different centers: dramatic play, block center, puzzle center, sensory play, library, and art During center play students work on skills like sharing, communication, and problem-solving Next, they have a whole group movement break, snack, and then end their day with time outdoors They pack a lot of fun, hands-on, engaging activities in a short time!
The NAMM Foundation is proud to recognize our district community for the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members who are making music part of a well-rounded education We salute the commitment of the community to ensure that every child can learn and grow with music.
Each year students from around Walworth County are chosen by their Art teachers to participate in the Walworth County Arts Council Children's Art Show. Each student's art is displayed during a recognition ceremony and they are awarded a certificate for their achievements. This year, the Williams Bay Elementary School had ten students recognized.
Throughout the year, older students and younger students are paired up for Buddy Events. These events promote mentorship, friendship, and positive interactions between different age groups.
Each year students in Grades 3-8 are given the opportunity to create poetry, prose, expository, illustrated writing, or artwork to submit to the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network (SLALN) for their writing project. This year's theme was "One In A Million". The submitted pieces are judged at the district level, and then, those pieces are judged by the SLALN to determine if they will be accepted into the Southern Lakes Anthology
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Community Outreach Days are held about once a month to help parents, families, students, and teachers make connections with each other and our community. Most of these outreach activities are scheduled during the day on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. On these days there are no 4K classes. Examples of the activities that the 4K students take part in are: taking an adventure through Kishwauketoe Nature Conservatory, going on a field trip to Pearce’s Farm, experiencing Walworth County Gymnastics Center, enjoying a family game day, attending our holiday concert and much more
Battle of the Books is a quiz-based reading activity The participants are assigned 20 books of various levels and genres to read The students are divided into teams of 4-5 students and they work together to make sure all the books have been read. There are monthly practices where students track their progress and study questions. The season culminates in a quiz show style competition, where the teams face off to see who can answer the most correct questions. This year's winners were: Scartlett Wenzel, Lacey McConley, Eva Melcher, Alexis Bellows and Nora Leitzke.
4K Community Outreach Days
This year the Williams Bay Middle/High School welcomed two International Exchange Students Nanao Tsuruta from Japan and Diloro Izzatshoeva from the Republic of Tajikistan had the unique opportunity to not only learn about our culture and customs, but also teach our school community about theirs
Congratulations to Kacey Pietrowiak for being selected as a Student Initiative Scholar by the Kohl Educational Foundation This program aims to identify and reward students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, community involvement, and a strong commitment to their education These scholars are individuals who have taken initiative and made a significant impact in their schools and communities through various projects, initiatives, or activities
Congratulations to Elizabeth Lothian for being selected as a Student Excellence Scholar by the Kohl Educational Foundation. This program aims to honor and reward students who have exhibited outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and a strong commitment to their communities. These scholars are individuals who have excelled academically while making notable contributions through extracurricular activities, community service, or other meaningful initiatives.
Under the direction of Ms. McOmber, School Psychologist/Director of Special Education and Mrs. Williamson, Middle/High School Counselor our school's first Hope Squad was formed. Hope Squad is a school-based peer support program that focuses on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and creating a positive and supportive school environment. These student leaders are trained to recognize signs of distress, offer support, and connect their peers with appropriate resources These students undergo specialized training to develop skills in active listening, empathy, and crisis intervention They serve as a bridge between students in need and school staff or mental health professionals
In October, 6th grade students traveled to Camp Timber-Lee in East Troy for Outdoor Education The program focuses on providing students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to engage with the natural environment, fostering personal growth, skill development, and environmental awareness
Being chosen as the "National History Club Advisor of the Year" is a prestigious recognition in the field of education. It signifies that the recipient has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact in their role as an advisor to a history club at the national level. The award recognizes their outstanding efforts in promoting historical knowledge, fostering a love for history among students, and providing valuable educational experiences beyond the classroom.
Congratulations, Mrs. Soplanda!
Diloro Izzatshoeva Nanao Tsuruta Kohl Educational Foundation Student Excellence Scholar - Elizabeth Lothian
On October 14th, high school students participated in a day of community service in honor of a former beloved teacher The Day of Community Service was started in 2017 to honor the retirement of a favorite teacher, Mr Charlie Mestek Mr Mestek taught all his students the importance of caring for their community and each other. Students this year were asked by community residents, businesses and organizations to serve at different sites throughout the village, doing everything from weeding and mulching to washing vehicles at the Fire Department. Students raked the lawns of Senior Citizens, painted and built equipment at local camps, did roadside garbage pickup, and much, much more
This year's Varsity Boys Basketball team had a very successful year. Under Head Coach Nate Borgen, the team was crowned Regional Champions for the 2022-2023 season.
After completing the new Introduction to Industrial Robotics course and receiving a SACA certification, Kyle Marshal and Charles Pecht took their newly attained skills to compete at the SkillsUSA State Competition. Kyle and Charles pioneered the competition, being the first students from Williams Bay after the schoolwas accepted as a new chapter of SkillsUSA in January 2023. With 18 other schools in the industrial Robotics competition, Kyle and Charles took 3rd place and received medals at the SkillsUSA awards ceremony.
Congratulations to senior Anna Lock and freshman Avery Kimmerly on competing at the 2023 Wisconsin State Forensics Competition in De Forest on Friday, April 21! Anna presented original poetry and earned a silver medal. Avery competed in the category of prose and won a gold medal with a perfect score.
Congratulations to the members of the 2023 Williams Bay High School Math Team. For the 23rd year in a row, the team placed first in all four divisions which include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Advanced Math. This year's team was coached by Ms. Thiel and Mr. Dowden.
Each spring, for the past 40+ years, a group of enthusiastic Seniors embark on an unforgettable journey to Washington, D C From the steps of the majestic Lincoln Memorial to the iconic dome of the Capitol building, the students immersed themselves in a whirlwind of both educational and fun activities from visiting the Smithsonian to laying a wreath at Arlington Cemetery to taking a D C Afterdark tour
Hannah Abram
Grace Brown
Rosa Jimenez
Henry Kwiatkowski
Elizabeth Lothian
Kacey Pietrowiak
Nicholas Schnobel
Nanao Tsuruta
Morgan Bronson
Evelyn Hamberg
Owen King
Anna Lock
Leeza Patterson
Jesse Robison
Samantha Thompson
Ethan West
Hannah Abram in English & Science
Evelyn Hamberg
Owen King
Alexander Reynolds
Evelyn Hamberg in English, Reading, & ELA
Owen King in English, Reading, Science, & STEM
Elizabeth Lothian in English
Alexander Reynolds in English, Reading, Science, & STEM
Nicholas Schnobel in English, Math, & Reading
Rosa Jimenez
Henry Kwiatkowski
AP Class - Score of 5
Owen King - One Class
Zijie Shen - Four Classes
Alexander Gumble in English, Reading, & ELA
Rosa Jimenez in English, Reading, & ELA
Henry Kwiatkowski in English, Math, & Reading
Leeza Patterson in English
Jesse Robison in English & Reading
Congratulations to these three extraordinary educators who retired from our district this year. With over 80 years of combined experience, their unwavering dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all of those fortunate to have crossed their paths.
In today's ever-changing world, it is increasingly important for students to have practical skills and hands-on experience that prepare them for the challenges of the future Youth apprenticeship programs provide a structured pathway for students to gain valuable experience in a specific industry or trade while simultaneously earning their high school diploma. As we embrace the ever-evolving landscape of education, we continue to support and expand our youth apprenticeship opportunities, unlocking the potential of our future workforce and nurturing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Valedictorian Rose Jimenez was a proud member of the Williams Bay School District since she was four years old. While in school, Rosa was involved in History and Spanish Clubs, Student Council, was a member of the National Honor Society as well was a part of the Academic and Math Teams We wish Rosa all the best as she attends the University of WisconsinMadison to pursue a degree in Psychology
Salutatorian Hannah Abram joined the Williams Bay School District in 2nd grade Throughout high school she was a valued member of the Big Foot/Williams Bay soccer team, was involved in Student Council, History and Spanish Clubs as well as on the Principal's Committee She was also a member of the National Honor Society. Hannah will be majoring in Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Good luck, Hannah!
This year, Williams Bay Middle/High School hosted the 2023 Wisconsin State History Bowl Championship The History Bowl is a competitive academic event that tests participants' knowledge of various historical topics and incorporates elements of both individual and team competitions Varsity team A (Grace Brown, Evelyn Hamburg, Brad Galvin & Dylan Hulke) qualified for Nationals, placing 4th overall in the competition. JV Team C (Avery Kimmerly, Preston Sorensen, Finn Pecht & Ella Durbin) also qualified for Nationals, finishing 3rd overall in the competition
Linda Luburda 15 Years
Amy Mitchell 37 Years
Kara Rowbotham 30 Years
Logan Lindloff Stebnitz Builders
Olivia Gaylord Golden Years
Rosa Jimenez Valedictorian
Hannah Abram Salutatorian
The Start College Now program in Wisconsin is an initiative that allows high school students to earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. It provides an opportunity for motivated and academically advanced students to get a head start on their college education, potentially saving time and money in the future.
In order to participate in the program, students must demonstrate strong academic performance, have a good disciplinary record, and receive approval from their high school and parents/guardians. Additionally, they need to meet any prerequisites or placement requirements for the desired college-level courses.
The Williams Bay School District saw 37 students take part in this program earning 125 credits during the 2022-2023 school year. This is a an increase of 50% compared to the 2021-2022 school year. Students were able to take a wide variety of courses in general education, business, veterinary science, CNC machining and welding. In addition to the benefit of earning college credit while still in high school, the exposure it provides to the college environment is also invaluable Participating students get the opportunity to experience college-level coursework, interact with college professors and students, and navigate the demands of higher education This exposure can help students make more informed decisions about their future educational and career paths
Strengthening our relationships with our community partners is always a focus of the district. School district and community partnerships are essential for creating a holistic and supportive educational environment. By leveraging the resources, expertise, and support of community organizations, businesses, parents, and local government entities, schools can enhance academic achievement, foster social and emotional well-being, promote community engagement, and contribute to overall community development. These partnerships create a powerful synergy that benefits students, families, schools, and the community as a whole, laying the foundation for a brighter future
District:
Website: WilliamsBaySchools org
Facebook: Williams Bay School District
Instagram: WilliamsBaySD
Athletics & Activities:
Website: WilliamsBayAthletics com
Facebook: Williams Bay School District
Instagram: WilliamsBayAthleticsActivities
Twitter: @WBAthleticDept
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Wednesday, August 30
Monday, September 4 Labor Day
Tuesday, September 5 First Day of School!
Wednesday, September 6