The Falcon Report
School District of Flambeau
Friday, February 19, 2016
Welcome!
From the District Administrator's Office
Even though the calendar says we are just getting a good start on the second semester of school, for some time many of us have been deeply entrenched in planning for the 2016-17 school year. Now is the time we need to make our plans for next year. Developing our budget is a major part of the strategy.
Funding in public education will always be challenging. The key is to use the resources we have in the best possible way. This means continually evaluating how available funds are used. We must determine if programs are supporting our mission and goals of the district. Programs not achieving this objective must be phased out in favor of new ones that meet our evolving needs.
Our major source of revenue is tied to our enrollment. Using formulas established by the State Department of Public Instruction, each school district in the state is allocated a funding amount per student enrolled. The number of students enrolled in the district is then multiplied by that amount. Additionally, as a school district, we are also allocated some federal funding. Federal funding is more so based on the demographics of our district.
The challenge of developing a budget arises when we must develop a budget before we know exactly how many students will be attending school in our district next year. We do use projection models to predict our enrollments, but they are not always as accurate as counting the students when they arrive.
About 70 – 75 percent of a typical school district’s budget is comprised of salary and benefits. Our main purpose is to provide a high quality educational experience for our children. To accomplish this, we are very labor intensive.
This only leaves about 25 – 30 percent of our budget for educational and other supplies, utilities, maintenance, transportation, technology and other contracted services. Many of these costs are fixed. This means we must pay them and make adjustments elsewhere.
The budget building process involves many people. This is an important key, because the more involvement the better understanding and implementation that takes place.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at rich.hanson@flambeauschools.org or call 532-3183.
-- Mr. Hanson
From the Elementary Principal's Office
Technology has become integrated into the classroom in so many ways, that many times we don’t even think about how we are using it. Did you know that most classrooms at Flambeau are equipped with a SmartBoard as well as desktop computers, iPads, and projectors? Students are using technology on a daily basis and parents are becoming more dependent on the use of technology.
This last week, as I walked through the elementary, I observed Mrs. Jerry, our elementary music teacher, in the computer lab, teaching students how to use Garage Band. This was exciting to see and students were very engaged in their learning! Daily, I observe students using technology to listen to books, take AR quizzes, create PowerPoints, learning through apps on iPads, and so much more! Teachers are taking brain breaks with students through the use of technology by showing videos that engages students and gets them moving throughout the day.
One application in particular that I would like to highlight is the use of Seesaw. My son’s classroom teacher has been experimenting with uploading some of Cole’s journal entries, videos of his learning, examples of him reading during guided reading groups, and pictures of his daily creations in the classroom. As a parent, this has been an amazing way for me to see what my child is doing in his classroom and a conversation starter for us at home. Thank you Mrs. Zimmer!
--Mrs. Schley
From the Middle School/High School Principal's Office
Do you or your student that has a story to tell? Check out www.stageoflife.com if you are interested in sharing your life story, experiences and thoughts. This site is a great way to reflect, learn, and display some of your student's hard-earned writing skills. Your story may just touch the lives of many others. Share your story and change the world.
--Mrs. Dieckman
From The Athletic Director's Office
As a reminder, not only can all of our sports event information be found on our website calendar, it can also be found at www.lakelandconference.org. This site allows you to setup notifications so you can see when any events are added, removed, or changed for any sport you choose. All you have to do is choose our school from the home page, and click on the "Notify Me" icon at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Check it out and keep track of your child's sports!
--Mr. Alberson
Helpful Links, Tricks, and Videos
Check Us Out!
Email: stefanie.harris@flambeauschools.org
Website: www.flambeau.k12.wi.us
Location: N4540 County Road I, Tony, WI, United States
Phone: 715-532-3183
Facebook: facebook.com/flambeauschool
Twitter: @FlambeauFalcons