On Tuesday, April 4, Shorewood residents will vote on a non-recurring operating referendum that would provide our schools with an additional $5.5 million in funding in each of the next five years. REMINDER: EARLY VOTING BEGINS TUESDAY, MARCH 21!

Increasingly, local school districts are looking to taxpayers for assistance in funding schools. There are 52 school referendums on the ballot this April in Wisconsin, and 82% of Wisconsin school districts have pursued an operating referendum since 1992.

This funding is critical to supporting our students, our staff, our community services, and our financial position for future years. Our schools are at the heart of our community and our tradition of excellence depends on an operating referendum to preserve the programs and services that define Shorewood.

What’s at stake?

· Maintaining our high-quality student experience

· Retaining and attracting top-notch staff

· Building required financial reserves

· Continuing to host recreational and enrichment programs

Why is Shorewood pursuing an operating referendum now? Years of state funding falling short of inflation - combined with increasing costs to deliver the student-focused education that defines our district - has placed our ability to maintain our comprehensive educational programs and unique learning experiences at risk. In fact, without an operating referendum, the District projects a gap of $25 million over the next five years, with $2.5 million of that in reductions for 2023-24. There is no way reductions of this magnitude will not impact the education we are proud to deliver.

For more information on the operating referendum and the District’s needs, view our Referendum FAQ page.

If you still have questions or desire more information, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming Referendum Info Sessions. We are happy to answer any questions so that you can be an informed voter on April 4. Remember, early voting begins on Tuesday, March 21!

In-Person Referendum Info Session

Monday, March 20

6pm, Village Center Meeting Room

Virtual Referendum Info Session

Tuesday, March 21
6:30pm, Link to join meeting

We are excited to be opening more slots for our Partners in Play program at Lake Bluff! If you aren't familiar with Partners in Play, it is an integrated preschool program designed for 3 and 4 year olds with and without special needs to learn from and form relationships with each other.

This language-based learning environment allows children to engage in developmentally appropriate early learning and play activities. We are seeking a limited number of 3- and 4-year old resident students to be peer models for this early learning playgroup. Peer models typically demonstrate the following skills:

• Age appropriate social and cooperative play skills
• Strong communication skills
• Independence in self-care including toileting training, hand-washing
• Willingness to learn and have fun with all children

The playgroup runs from Monday through Thursday from 8:30-11:00am and is currently led by a: dual certified teacher and supported by a speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist and special education teaching assistant. Students receiving services in special education are placed in the program through an evaluation process by a team at Shorewood School District. Please see the attached flyer or reach out to Zulay Kuehn, zkuehn@shorewood.k12.wi.us, for additional information!

As you know, at LB we have some of the best educators around! With that in mind, please feel free to submit a staff shoutout whenever you feel so inclined. Please click here to submit the staff shoutout. I will also include this link in future Beagle Bulletins!

One of the ways we will build community this year is through our Joke of the Day! Students will have the opportunity to submit a joke of the day. Jokes will be read by a member of the student services team during morning announcements. While the student’s name will not be mentioned, their grade will be mentioned. (Example: Today's joke comes from a 3rd grader!) Please click here to have your child submit the joke or to submit the joke on behalf of your child.

Please click here for more infomation.

Come enjoy a glass of wine at Scout Wine Merchants on Thursday, April 13, from 7-9pm and purchase a bottle for the Shorewood Seed Foundation's Swing with Shorewood Wine Pull*. It's a great opportunity to hang out with friends in the District and support Shorewood Schools. [The Wine Pull will take place on Saturday, May 6, at the Gala.] Hope to see you there!

Are you curious? Creative? Expressive? Excited? Explore everything, acquire abilities, find a passionate pursuit, design, and make at Discovery World!

Camps for kids entering 1st-8th grades run June 12th through August 25th. To learn more about the offerings available, view FAQs, register for camps or apply for scholarships, visit the Discovery World website here. Camp registration closes at 5:00pm on the Thursday prior to the start of each camp week.

The Shorewood School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, creed, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or parental status, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities, or employment with the District. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following designee handles inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator and Compliance Officer, 1701 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211, 414-961-2854, humanresources@shorewood.k12.wi.us.