Bloomer High School
Newsletter
October 2023
Principal's Corner, Mr.Chad Steinmetz
As we prepare this newsletter, we are approaching the midterm of our first trimester of the
2023-2024 school year. I would like to take a moment to compliment our students and staff
and say thank you to them for a successful start to the school year. While we know that the
last few school years have brought a number of challenges, we are proud of how our BHS family has embraced the challenges with a positive attitude. Thank you to you as parents/guardians for supporting your children and our staff in this adventure!
Parent–Teacher Conferences
The School District of Bloomer will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday,
October 19th from 3:30-7:30 p.m. and on Friday, October 20th from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Teachers will have a dinner break from 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19th. High school
students will NOT have school on the 19th and 20th. School district staff have a professional
development day on Thursday, October 19th. All three schools in the district will be following
the same schedule for conferences on both days. It is our hope that this format will be
convenient for parents/guardians who have children in more than one building or have non-
traditional work schedules. When you arrive at Bloomer High School on either date, we ask
that you please stop by the office to pick up your child’s schedule (if necessary) and any other
necessary instructions.
At the high school, teachers will be available in their classrooms for the entire evening or
morning conferences. Since we do have some teachers who travel between buildings,
schedules indicating teachers’ specific times and locations will be available in the high school office.
First trimester midterm reports will be sent home via email in early October prior to parent-
teacher conferences. They are required for students in danger of failing and recommended for students performing below their academic ability. I encourage you to attend parent-teacher conferences on October 19-20, as this is a great opportunity to connect with the teachers to discuss your child’s academic progress.
Wisconsin Student Assessment System
As we progress into the 2023-2024 school year, we would like to provide you with a calendar
for the WSAS – Wisconsin Student Assessment System. All freshmen and sophomores will take the PreACT Secure exam, which assesses students for readiness in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing. These scores predict future scores on the ACT Plus Writing exam. Sophomores will also take the Wisconsin Forward Exam, which assesses social studies. All juniors will take the ACT Plus Writing exam. The ACT Plus Writing exam consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, mathematics, reading, and science, and a 30-minute essay test that measures writing skills. The ACT can be used for college enrollment, scholarships, and NCAA eligibility requirements. A summary of the testing requirements is listed below:
Freshmen PreACT Secure for Grade 9 – Spring Testing Window (March 18 – April 26)
Sophomores PreACT Secure for Grade 10 – Spring Testing Window (March 18 – April 26)
Wisconsin Forward Exam (Social Studies) – (March 18 – April 26)
Juniors ACT Plus Writing – (March 12-15 and March 18-22)
Specific information will be provided to you in February and March of 2024.
Activities Director, Mr. Jason Steinmetz
Fall Sports Seasons in Progress
As we head into the month of October, our fall sports teams are well into their seasons. As a matter of fact, the seasons are approaching the tournament series.
Our girls’ tennis players will begin tournament play with sub-sectionals on Monday, October 2.
The boys and girls cross country runners will compete in the HON Conference Meet at Lake Wissota on Saturday, Oct. 14 with sectionals on Saturday, October 21 at UWBC.
WIAA tournament play begins for the volleyball team with regionals starting on Tuesday, October 17.
Level-one playoffs in football begin on Friday, October 20.
Our swim and dive coop competes in the GNC Conference Meet on Friday, October 20 with sectionals being Friday, Nov. 3.
Mid-Trimester Grade Reporting and Ineligibility
The grade reporting period now includes a mid-trimester grade. A student who becomes academically ineligible at mid-trimester may regain eligibility by meeting the academic standard following a period of five scheduled school days and nights of eligibility. The five day ineligibility period for the first trimester will be 10/5, 10/6, 10/7, 10/10, and 10/11. This pertains to all extra-curricular activities, not just athletics. Coaches and Advisors are expected to clearly communicate and remind students of this. After the 5-day ineligibility period, students can regain eligibility if they are passing all classes, but they also must do weekly grade checks for the remainder of the trimester to remain eligible.
Remaining Home Contests (October)
Oct. 5 Volleyball vs. Thorp - Dig For the Cure/Youth Night (5:45/7:15 PM)
Oct. 6 Football vs. Spooner - Homecoming (7:00 PM)
Oct. 10 Volleyball Crossover vs. TBD (7:00 PM)
You are encouraged to get out and support our fall teams. Both coaches and athletes have put in a great deal of time already this season, and they appreciate your support. For more information about what is happening with Bloomer High School Sports, follow us on Twitter @BloomerSports.
General Attendance and Senior Attendance Policy
General Attendance Policy
PROCEDURES FOR WHEN STUDENTS ARE ABSENT
1. If a student will be absent from school, a parent/guardian should call (or email) the main office (568-2800) by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence to report and excuse the absence.
2. A student whose parent/guardian did not call or email the school on the day of the absence must bring a note from the parent/guardian excusing the absence on the day he/she returns to school, between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. The office will issue a pass to that student to present to all of his/her teachers.
3. The written excuse must be presented to the office within three (3) school days of the absence or the absence will be considered unexcused.
Senior Attendance Policy
Attendance Requirement for Participation in Graduation Ceremony (Board Policy – Rule 345.62)
Students of senior status must attend at least 85% of the school year (147 of 173 days) in order to be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. Two half days equal a full day, and six periods equal a full day. A student may not miss more than 10 days of the third trimester, unless approved by the Principal. The Principal may use discretion for extenuating circumstances if a senior were to miss more than 26 days of the school year. After this threshold has been crossed, a student’s wish to participate in the ceremony will require the Principal arranging a plan that will require time to be made up after school, off days, and/or Saturdays. Unexcused absences will not be considered for this provision.
Attendance Matters
News from Student Services, Mrs.Seibel & Mrs.Clements
Important Information for Seniors!
The UW System began accepting applications on August 1st, apply on-line at apply.wisconsin.edu.
The WI Technical Colleges also have begun accepting applications. Go to www.witechcolleges.com to apply.
Please see Mrs. Seibel with any questions.
Seniors are reminded to check the state and national scholarship list on a regular basis. The list is available on the student services high school website under Financial Aid.
Financial Aid Night
There will be a Financial Aid Night in the Bloomer High School Commons on Monday, October 23rd at 6:00 pm. This presentation on how to finance your college education will include information on who is eligible for financial aid, how to apply, and the types of financial aid available, including grants, loans and scholarships.
Juniors:
PreACT
On October 17th, all juniors will be taking the PreACT. The PreACT includes multiple choice questions in English, reading, math and science. Test results will show students strengths and where more high school coursework is needed. All students will receive a copy of their test booklet and results so they may review the questions and compare their submitted responses to the correct answers. This will help students prepare for the state mandated ACT test that all juniors will take on March 13th. If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about this assessment, visit the ACT website at http://www.act.org/preact.
Freshman and Sophomore students have been meeting with Mrs. Clements for check-ins. All students will meet with Mrs. Clements at some point during the first trimester. If you have any questions or concerns as we begin this new school year, please feel free to contact me via email malia.clements@bloomer.k12.wi.us or phone 715.568.2800. Thank you for your support!
All Students:
Unity Day
Monday, October 11th we will be celebrating Unity Day within the Bloomer School District. Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, has been recognized in the United States since 2011. To participate in Unity Day, individuals, schools, communities, and businesses wear or share orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Start College Now/Early College Credit Program
If there are classes that Bloomer High School does not offer, students are able to apply to courses at a technical college (Start College Now) or a UW College (Early College Credit Program). If a student is interested in pursuing this, please have them stop by student services. Applications for the Start College Now and Early College Credit Program are due on October 1st. For more information please visit these links:
Start College Now Application-
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16gL8MaPoqkVwMZGjT8atpPCrrzXm9Tvz/view?usp=sharing
Wisconsin Technical Colleges Start College Now -
https://mywtcs.wtcsystem.edu/educational-services/career-prep-dual-enrollment/start-college-now/
UW System ECCP Information -
https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/prepare-for-college/meet-your-admission-requirements/non-degree/
UW System ECCP Application -
https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ECCP-11.27.19.pdf
Health Care Career Day
Mechatronics Basics Technical Diploma
Dual Enrollment CNC Technician Academy
Unity Day!
Nurses notes-Free Flu Clinic October 11th
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MPVSVOR8rOFIzOJB8rH8M6fDEf01tkTj/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3OXdK6Muq0wTZR7Fm8HuwrbXml2GqEh/view?usp=sharing
Senior Class News
Use the link below to find basic information about Senior year!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6coJHAaSOmcgiq0SQy3fnuQziZTIPp5/view?usp=sharing
Order your Yearbook!
There are 3 ways to order your Yearbook! Do it before the price goes up on December 16th.
Picture Retake Day is coming!
Picture retakes will be on Wednesday, October 11th in the Commons from 7:30-8:00 a.m.Those who didn't have a picture taken on Goal Setting Day should also have their picture taken at this time for their student ID.
Bloomer High School
Website: bloomer.k12.wi.us
Location: 1310 17th Avenue, Bloomer, WI, USA
Phone: 715-568-2800