Kewaskum District News
September 10, 2021
Message from the District Administrator
We had our second week of school, and it's been wonderful to see students reading, playing their instruments, and working in small groups on projects. On Monday, WTMJ4 (check out our Facebook page for a link) broadcasted a great segment featuring two of our high school students and how they were preparing for a career in education. Not only was I touched hearing about how excited they were to work with students, but I realized that having clear career aspirations puts them at an advantage when they graduate. We call this competency being a Future-Focused Professional, and our vision is that all Kewaskum graduates are able to set and accomplish their career goals, no matter what those aspirations are.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Bazata
District Administrator
Upcoming Dates
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
9/11 20th Anniversary of 9/11 10:00 a.m.
9/23-24 6th Grade Camp
10/1 Homecoming Game
10/8 No School - Professional Development Day
10/10 KEYS Run/Walk 11:00 a.m.
10/25 Special Board Meeting
View all school calendars.
Communication
Follow us on Facebook to get a glimpse into the day of a Kewaskum student. You will see regular posts about what is happening in the classrooms. Viewers' favorite post over the past week is below. View the TMJ4 interview.
How to Calendars - The district and school calendars have taken on a new look this year to make them easier to use. You will now find events taking place around the district and in the schools by clicking on Calendars (located on the right sidebar of the website or on the Parents pull-down tab). The calendar will initially come up to the District 2021-22 Academic Year. By viewing the bottom of the document you will find a tab for each school. Click on the tab for the school you want to view. The high school tab also includes a link to the Athletics calendar.
Automated Phone Calls
We will use SendIt for automated phone calls this school year. Whenever we use the auto call you will find the message also sent to your email address and as an SMS text message (select "cell" in Skyward Family Access to identify your number as a cell number). Please check these locations to see the message for further clarification prior to placing a phone call to the school.
Around the District
Bus Drivers - Johnson School Bus has also experienced staffing shortages this year. They are in need of regular drivers as well as drivers for after-school events. They offer flexible hours! To qualify to drive a school bus, an individual would need a CDL from the DMV to get a learner's permit. The $30 cost is refunded upon getting a license. A pre-employment drug screen and physical is needed (paid for by the company). Once a learner’s permit is received at the DMV, Johnson Bus has a trainer on-site to help them learn the process, and they have a third-party tester to give them the required test to get their license (paid for by Johnson Bus). Starting pay is $12/hour, and they are currently offering a $1000 sign-on bonus. Interested individuals should contact Johnson Bus directly for more information at 262-626-4414.
Board Business - Just the Facts
Ceremonial Reading of Oath
Board Clerk, Stephanie Bird administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed board member, Bradley Petersen. Bradley is a 2015 graduate of Kewaskum High School and has served as a lay member of the Policy Committee. His appointment is through April 2022.
Recognition
The District was awarded a $51,069 School-Based Mental Health Grant from the DPI, in August. The grant will be used to provide training and support to staff and students for mental health needs.
Items for Discussion or Report
School Resource Officer Report - Chief Bishop reported on the joint efforts of the Kewaskum Police Department (KPD) and the District during the 2020-21 school year. The report included incident types and numbers as well as the success of the summer school Junior Police Academy program. He also reported Officer Kohn will complete the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years and then letters of interest will be received to allow other KPD staff to apply for the role.
District Administrator Report
Dr. Bazata reported on the number of meals served to students during summer 2021. He also gave an update on the first day of school and discussed the upcoming Community Survey.
Business Manager Report
Ms. Thoreson provided the final numbers for the 2020-21 budget and is expecting the final audit to take place in December. She also reviewed the levy management conversation that took place in July with the goal to keep the levy flat.
Student Learning Report
Mr. Flood, Curriculum Director, reported fourteen students are enrolled in the Virtual Program. He also discussed how the beginning of school Professional Development Days was utilized.
Pupil Services Report
Mrs. Heipp reported on Seclusion and Restraint that took place during the 2020-21 school year as required by the Wisconsin law for Seclusion & Physical Restraint Act 125 as revised by Wis. Act 118.
Board Self-Evaluation
The board discussed their self-evaluations.
Items for Discussion and/or Action
A resolution authorizing temporary borrowing in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000; issuance of taxable tax and revenue anticipation promissory notes; and participation in the PMA Levy and Aid Anticipation Notes Program was approved.
The FFA out-of-state trip to the National Convention in October was approved.
Purchases over $5,000 for Discussion and/or Action
The board approved Key Benefits Concepts for a 6-year agreement for a total of $22,200, CESA 6 to provide six coaching sessions with Allies in Mental Health Education for $7,200 to be paid out of the Mental Health Grant, the Professional Services Group to provide training for the 2021-22 school year for $6,150 to be paid out of the Mental Health Grant and the purchase of a partial intercommunication system for FES, per design through Sound Specialties, with the District contributing $6,375 and the COPS grant covering $19,125 of the cost.
2021-22 Mitigation Plan
Resource Links
Local organizations share events, registrations and information with families around the district. As information is received the Community Bulletin Board is updated. This month you will find information from:
Girl Scouts - registration takes place September 16
Boltonville Firecrackers 4-H Club - Ice Cream Social October 19
Boys & Girls Club Youth Basketball Leagues Grades 3-6
Salem UCC Clothes Closet - clothes for those in need