IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS
DECEMBER 2023
IOWA-GRANT DISTRICT OFFICE
THOUGHTS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT....
I’ll never forget the story which I heard on Garrison Keillor’s, A Prairie Home Companion about two brothers aspiring as business partners. The brothers lived in a rural area and were able to purchase hay for $1.25 a bale. (I can remember when that was the price of small, square bales.) The brothers would take their purchase up the road and resell it for $1.25 a bale. This went on for a while until one brother said to the other, “We’re not making any money on this.” To which the second brother replied, “You know, you’re right. We need a bigger truck.”
Over the past three decades, there have been numerous reports prepared by the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, the La Follette School for Public Affairs, The Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials, and most recently, the Wisconsin Policy Forum, all which highlight Wisconsin’s declining support for public education in favor of property tax relief. Many of these same reports highlight the negative effects of revenue limits on school districts.
Perhaps it is time to reconsider this policy at the state level. While the school aid formula in general is doing a fair job in equalizing aid to school districts, the dynamic of revenues being limited to amounts under inflation forces school districts to either reduce staff and programs, to seek authority to exceed the revenue limits, or both. None of these options are sustainable, and the result is that more and more school districts are relying on operational referenda and referendum dollars to fund education. Paraphrasing a report from Forward Analytics, K-12 on the Ballot, in 2022, 100 districts relied on referendum dollars to fund more than 10% of their costs. Fourteen districts relied on referendum dollars to fund more than 25% of their educational costs.
A system which limits revenues to amounts less than inflation has had the net effect of defunding education and forcing school districts to repeatedly go to a referendum to cover operating expenses. The revenue limits, once indexed for inflation, have been on the whole, steadily declining. The limits were actually reduced by 5% in the 2010-11 school year. Six of the past eleven school years, the allowable increase was held to zero.
With revenues tied to enrollment, declining enrollment exacerbates a structural finance impossibility. We may try to balance budgets by cutting expenditures only so far before our programs are compromised and the quality of what once was, suffers. The bottom line is that this is not a problem a bigger truck can solve. Until state law and policy change, the Iowa-Grant School District will likely join an ever-increasing number of districts going to referendum for more revenue authority. The school board will be discussing these issues and the possibility of facility improvements over the next few months. The board is considering a community survey to assess the level of support for various options. As momentum gathers, I envision more community forums like our October Family and Community Town Supper and encourage everyone’s participation.
Michael Shimshak
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION
IOWA-GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
IGHS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
12/01 6:00 PM Wrestling: Varsity Dual vs Prairie du Chien (Home)
12/02 8:00 AM Wrestling: JV Tournament vs West Delaware (Away)
12/02 11:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Tournament vs West Delaware (Away)
12/04 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Ithaca (Home)
12/04 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Ithaca (Home)
12/05 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Mineral Point (Home)
12/05 7:00 PM Girls Basketball Pep Band
12/05 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Mineral Point (Home)
12/07 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Riverdale (Away)
12/07 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Riverdale (Away)
12/08 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Southwestern (Away)
12/08 6:00 PM Wrestling: JV Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Wisconsin Dells - The Bubble
12/08 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Southwestern (Away)
12/09 9:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Wisconsin Dells - The Bubble
12/11 5:00 PM School Board Meeting
12/11 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Potosi (Home)
12/11 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Potosi (Home)
12/12 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Southwestern (Away)
12/12 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Ithaca (Away)
12/12 7:15 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Ithaca (Away)
12/12 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Southwestern (Away)
12/14 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Cuba City (Home)
12/14 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Cuba City (Home)
12/15 6:00PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Boscobel (Home)
12/15 7:00 PM Boys Basketball Pep Band
12/15 7:00 PM Wrestling: Varsity Triangular vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel HS
12/15 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Boscobel (Home)
12/16 9:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Richland Center HS
12/16 10:00 AM Gymnastics: Varsity Invitational vs Prairie du Chien @ Prairie du Chien HS
12/18 Holiday Dress Up Day - Wear Your Holiday Pajamas
12/18 7:00 PM IGHS Christmas Concert
12/19 Holiday Dress Up Day - Dress Like Your Favorite Holiday Character (Rudolph, Frosty, Santa, etc)
12/19 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Shullsburg (Away)
12/19 6:00 PM Gymnastics: Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Dodgeville HS
12/19 7:00 PM Wrestling: Varsity Dual vs Multiple Schools @ Highland HS
12/19 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Shullsburg (Away)
12/20 Holiday Dress Up Day - Wear Your Holiday Headwear and/or Socks Day
12/21 Holiday Dress Up Day - Wear Your Holiday Sweater Day
12/21 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Darlington (Away)
12/21 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Darlington (Away)
12/21 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Darlington (Away)
12/21 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Darlington (Away)
12/22 Holiday Dress Up Day - Holiday Head to Toe Day (Dress from Head to Toe in Holiday Attire)
12/25 NO SCHOOL
12/26 NO SCHOOL
12/27 NO SCHOOL
12/27 11:00 AM Basketball: Boys Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ River Ridge
12/27 11:00 AM Basketball: Girls Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Juda
12/28 NO SCHOOL
12/29 NO SCHOOL
12/29 9:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ La Crosse Civic Center
12/30 9:15 AM Wrestling: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools at La Crosse Civic Center
IGHS 1st QUARTER HONOR ROLL
DISTINGUISHED HONORS:
Seniors -
Amiah F., Elyse L., Makaya M., Emmerson M., Angelina P., Lillian P., Rachel R., Lilliana V., Sophie V.
Juniors -
Lucas C., Bret C., Linnea E., BreAnn K., Emma P., Dawson R., Katie R., Pilar S - L., Addison S., Addysen S., Joshua T.
Sophomores -
Pajessa B., Trinity B., William F., Abigail H., Quinn H., Rilya H., Noah L., Ellison M., Delaney R., Alexandria S., Everett Z.
Freshmen -
Cash A., Ella D., Abigail D., Addeline E., Landon F., Jacob G., Mason H., Connor J., Madelyn K., Presley L., Calvin M., Riley M., Brayden S., Carly S., June S.
HIGH HONORS:
Seniors -
Meagan C., Nikolei F., Grace G., Adriana J., Rylee S., Cyle S., Lillian W., Landon W.
Juniors -
Georgia H., Gavin H., Lakyn H., William W.
Sophomores -
Jaxon B., Adeline F., Emma G., Josie J., Brooklyn J., Quentin K., Addison K., Lexie K., Sam L., Gabriella M., Reese P., Myles P., Laila R., Lucinda S., Hunter S.
Freshmen -
Wyatt A., Griffen C., Brock H., Aiden L., Lillian L., Valeria R. R., Grant R., Harlei R., Serenity R., Charlie V., Deacon W., Jack W., Owen W.
HONORS:
Seniors -
Jenna C., Ashton S., Jayden V.
Juniors -
Riellyn C., Blake D., Aiden F., Corynne H., Faith K., Kayden K., Myles R., Gretta S.
Sophomores -
Nina B., Anayeli G.-C., Treaton L., Joshua P., Addyson W., Taylor Z.
Freshmen -
Landon C., Holdyn D., Noah G., Josie J., Abby L., Kylee L., Kyleigh M., Aiden S., Angel V. B., Madeline W.
IGHS Blood Drive Helped Save 141 Lives
IGHS Student Council and LEO Club sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 29th. One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives, the IGHS Blood Drive collected 47 units of blood. Thank you to the Community Members, Students, and Staff that donated or helped with the blood drive. The next blood drive will be Friday, March 15th fro 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Pictured are our Blood Drive Coordinators - Lucas C., Elyse L., Trenton P., and Lillian L.
THANK YOU!
The Class of 2025, along with Mr. Boland & Ms. Gibson, would like to thank everyone who supported their prom fundraiser by buying butter braid pastries. We hope they will add some tasty enjoyment to your holidays.
IGHS FFA Students Attend the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana
Early November, members of the Iowa-Grant FFA Chapter had the opportunity to attend the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Georgia H, Madelyn K, Baylee L, Lily L, Carter R, Charles S, & June S spent 5 days learning and experiencing all that the National FFA Convention and Indianapolis had to offer. Meeting FFA members from across the nation was a huge goal of this group, they met members from 48 other states and Puerto Rico.
Highlights of the Trip Included:
✔️Visiting the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria, IL.
✔️Engaging in conversations with the top Colleges in the US
✔️Visiting Poe Hamps in Franklin, IN
✔️Cheering on The American Degree recipients from Wisconsin.
✔️A behind-the-scenes tour of Moore Local, a farm-to-table store in Maquoketa, IA
✔️Keynotes from Governor of Indiana Eric Holcomb, Juan Bendaña, and Corey Flournoy
✔️Lainey Wilson & Dillon Carmichael concert
What an amazing experience!
IGHS Presentation of Clue A Huge Hit
The IGHS Drama department presented the play Clue this year. Under the direction of Mr. Zwick and Miss Lindner, the play was a huge hit. There was laughter, drama, murder - making the audience want to see it over and over. Thank you to the cast, crew, and directors for putting on a great performance.
Clue - Cast, Crew, and Directors
Middle Row: Jose J.
Back Row l-r: Director Miss Lindner, Jayden B., Lucy S., Abby H., Will F., Trenton P., Charles H., Quentin K., Myles R., Director Mr. Zwick, Addy W.
UW-Platteville Business Challenge Field Trip Results in a $500 Scholarship
Mrs. Gardiner recently took Iowa-Grant students to UW-Platteville to participated in the Platteville Business Challenge. This challenge allowed them to sit in the role of business manager and make decisions about launching a product with the focus on the company's marketing mix. Each member in the first place group was awarded a $500 scholarship to UW-Platteville. Congratulations to Rachel R. on winning a $500 scholarship!
IOWA-GRANT ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL
From the Desk of Mrs. Gallagher
Seasons Greetings! As we wrap up the year 2023 and move into 2024, there are many things to celebrate! We are once again a 5 STAR SCHOOL at IGEMS! This achievement represents the work of many individuals, including students, staff, and parents. The dedication to the local school district is shown in the many people who attend our various events, donations, and the work of our staff. Thank you to everyone who makes a difference every day. We celebrated with donuts for staff, cookies, and pizza for students, and an energetic gym for our pep rally! A special thank you to our very own IGEMS pep band under the direction of Heather Gile and Katie Wanie.
In December, we will have many programs and activities at the Iowa-Grant Elementary Middle School. The boys' 7th and 8th grade basketball season will be wrapping up on December 7th with a home game versus River Valley. Thank you to our coaches, Dan Prochaska and John Jelle, for their work with our teams. On December 19th, the Middle School Music Department will hold a concert at 7:00 p.m in the IGEMS gym. On December 13th, Holiday programs will be held for 1st and 2nd grade at 1:30 p.m. and 3rd and 4th grade at 2:30 p.m. in the IGEMS gym. A special thanks to Katie Wanie, Heather Gile, and Brian Zwick for their work with our musicians. There will be fun dress-up days from December 18th - December 22nd to get us ready for the season. There is no school from December 23 - January 1st for Winter Break. School will resume on January 2nd.
It is hard to believe, but when we return from winter break, I will be looking ahead to planning with the office team for summer recreation and summer school. More information will come in late January into February. This school year is just flying by.
Have a wonderful finish to the 2023 year, and I wish good things to you and yours always.
Holiday Happenings - From the Desk of Jodi Bast
As I look toward the upcoming holidays as the Early Learning Principal, I have a familiar country song’s lyrics running through my mind, “Let them be little, ‘cause they’re only that way for a while. Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day.” These words are a good reminder at any time of the year, but one I feel is especially important during the holidays when it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. It can be difficult to be in the moment with our children when there are so many things on the “To Do List,” but this is a gentle reminder that it’s okay to shorten that list and take a few obligations off of your family’s social calendar as well.
The 4K Thanksgiving Program is one of my favorite annual traditions at Iowa-Grant. I’d like to thank the teachers and assistants who made it such a fun and festive occasion for our youngest students at IGEMS. The students work so hard and are very proud to take the stage and perform for their family members. We have so much for which to be thankful!
In a similar manner, our kindergarten students will be performing for their families on December 8th at 2:00 PM in Room 100. Hopefully, you’ll be able to attend this and/or other holiday performances at IGEMS. First and second grade students will perform at 1:30 on Wednesday, December 13th, and third and fourth graders will follow with their performance at 2:30 in the gym. Our middle school music program will be held at 7 PM on Tuesday, December 19th. These music programs are always top-notch and are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
The First Grade Christmas Store will be open December 4th & 5th for elementary students (Early Childhood through 4th grade) to purchase gifts for their parents. Gifts will be wrapped here at school. This fabulous annual event would not be possible without the hard work of our first grade teachers, volunteers, and donations. Thank you to all who make it possible for children to surprise their parents with a thoughtful gift at Christmas!
Santa Sacks are available once again this year for families in need of assistance providing toys for their children at Christmas. This program is coordinated by Mrs. Darcy Breuer who is assisted by many “elves” at school. Providing gently used toys and books as well as purchasing new items for families who attend the Iowa-Grant School District is made possible through your generous donations. Thank you to everyone who helps to spread Christmas cheer at IG!
On a final note, thank you for your partnership in educating your child. Your attendance at our recent Parent/Teacher Conferences was appreciated. Your taking time to read newsletters and other information sent home by your child’s teacher on a regular basis is appreciated. Your support for the Parent/Teacher Club is appreciated. Your kind and generous donations to help those in need in our community is appreciated. Your taking time to read a book to your child, or to help them study for a test, or to ask about their day at school is appreciated. You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and we are honored to work with you!
IGEMS 1st Quarter Honor Roll
Camryn Andrew, Hayden Aultman, Jason Biddick, Kylie Breuer, Ty Cutts, Breanna Dowell, Alayna Enloe, Liam Hildreth, Joslyn Iverson, Cadence Kelley, Ava Klaas, Olivia Koss, Evelena Linscheid, Henry Litteral, Trinity Loeffelholz, Trinity Lowe, Chelsey Mueller, Isabella Neevel, Carmen Parish, Stevie Pelton, Lilly Peterson, Brynne Pettit, Rena Pettit, Brock Potter, Michelle Quiahua, Makenna Riemenapp, Braelyn Rothamer, Ezmae Sandberg, Maria Schafer, Cole Schauff, Georgia Trecek, Hadleigh Vivian, Owen Wienkes
7th Grade High Honors:
Myah Batton, Oliver Christiansen, Deven Engrav, DaCota Freymiller, Trygve Herlitz-Collins, Ryker Hrubes, Tucker Leix, Mackenzie Liddicoat, Owen Munson, Leah Nelson, Alex Potter, Blake Schauff, Elsie Van Overmeer, Ruby Volenec, Brayden Walker, Kipton Wetzel
8th Grade Honors:
Ryan Bonson, Graham Brown, Reese DiVall, Luis Escalante Rodriguez, Zayden Jelle, Ethan Mulderink, Kellen Mumm, Garrett Rech, Hope Sporle, Maxton Stevens, Ryan Thomas, Braden Vacha, Lucas Wetter, Colson Williams
7th Grade Honors:
Carter Achenbach, Madalynn Allen, Rohwen Aultman, Oliver Carey, Avah Clark, Maxwell Hake, Isaiah Hines, Lainey James, Hayden Johll, Brody Lindner, Kayden Peterson, Ainsley Pickel, Jaeden Roelli, Shane Rollins, Weston Wolff
Patriot's Pen Essay Contest Winners
Recently, the eighth grade students participated in the Patriot's Pen Essay contest sponsored by our local Montfort VFW post 9298. The writing prompt for this year's contest is "How Are You Inspired By America?" The post selected the top three essays that will go on to compete at the district level. The winning essay was written by Alayna E., the second place essay was written by Ezmae S., and the third place essay was written by Camryn A. We are Panther proud of our young writers! If you wish to read the selected essays, please click on this link: https://tinyurl.com/muxpkjuz
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble
The 4-Year-Old Kindergarten classes performed a Thanksgiving Concert. The children danced, sang, and entertained their families with turkey songs. They did a wonderful job spreading sheer joy to start off this holiday season.