Albany School District Newsletter
APRIL 2024
Doing something BIG in a special little place
A Message From Mr. Soderberg, Superintendent
What a great time of year! It’s easy to feel the anticipation of the final month of school and Graduation for the Class of 2024! While we are proud of all our students, this time of year we are especially focused on the many accomplishments of our seniors. They have displayed the Comet Spirit from start to finish.
Here are some important dates for our graduating class.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Senior Awards Night - 7:00 PM
Friday, May 24, 2024 - Graduation Ceremony - 7:00 PM
As we enter the final month of the 2023-2024 school year, I want to express my sincere appreciation for our amazing staff. The Albany School District is filled with dedicated, caring, and talented adults who choose to put the needs of our students above all else. We are truly “doing something BIG in a special little place”.
It's a great day to be a Comet!
Go Comets!
Mr. Soderberg
A Message from Mr. Ritzert, 4K-12 Principal
Happy April, Comet Nation,
It’s been another busy month for Comet Nation. We have been challenged by the weather to get our Spring sports seasons rolling, however, I know our teams are doing well! The baseball, softball, and track and field seasons are in full swing, it has been exciting to watch and catch some of the action. Here are a few of the other events/activities happening in April that we can reflect on and celebrate:
ACT and FORWARD Testing
FFA Donkey Basketball
National Honors Society Induction
PTO Carnival
Albany FFA Banquet
Quarter 3 Recognition Assembly
Quarter 3 selections for our Measures of Excellence (staff) and students for “Respect” were made. Staff recognized in Quarter 3 for Measures of Excellence are Cheryl Gentilli, Elementary, and Kris Evans, Middle School/High School. For our staff nominations, 1 member was not present (support staff) so we will have 4 staff members recognized at our Quarter 4 CARE assembly which will take place on May 20th at approximately 2:00 pm. Here are our student award winners for Q3: Respect:
4K: Axel Hill & Reece Gruber
K: Eiker Martel Velazco & Callum Calvert
1: Ronin Schlapbach & Lane Calkins
2: Aria Cavin & Keira Shrader
3: Kelsee Brugger & Ayla Vozka
4: Emerson Walker & Gage Workinger
5: Neveah Alexander & Ozzie Frain
6: Oliver Celeya & Irene Stokstad
7: Logan Ellinger & Colee Liberatore
8: Donaven Frantzen & Lucian Hill
9: Ally Leszczynski & Lydia Ahnen
10: Kaleb Broughton & Tyler Patchen
11: Kaden Zurfluh & Maddie Pfaff
12: Zander Kollatz & Bryce Hughes
We have recognized 84 students for their efforts in Citizenship, Achievement, and Respect through 3 quarters this year! It’s always so exciting to see the smiling faces of our students as they come down when their names are called.
As we continue into the final push of the 2023-24 school year, I want to share my appreciation for the partnership between home and school. We must remain committed to working together to meet the needs of every student. This is critical to our success. As we continue to do BIG things in this special place, I thank you. I am honored in service to our students, district, and community.
GO COMETS!
Mr. Ritzert
.A Message from Ms. Becher, Director of Special Education/Student Services
Summer School Registration is now open! We are excited to have offerings for students going into Kindergarten through High School.
Elementary school students (entering K-5) can participate in in Camp Comets. This program runs Monday through Thursday in June from 8:00 - 12:00. Students will rotate through six, fun classes. They will have recess and snack breaks.
Middle school students (entering 6-8) will run Mondays through Thursdays in June from 9:00 - 12:00. Students will select three of our four classes - PE, Art, Outdoor Studies, and Math & Games.
High school students can sign up to take their required Personal Finance class over the summer. This will take place Monday through Thursdays in June from 9:00 - 12:00.
Sports Camps are available for elementary and middle school students (entering 3-8). We will offer basketball, volleyball and track and field. The Comet Elite strength and conditioning starts in June and extends through July. There are three sessions in the morning.
Visit our website for more information and to register for our summer offerings!
WINTER JACKETS
Please remind your children they must wear their jackets to school. The Wisconsin weather changes so much between recess, and we want only the best for our students. Thank You!
SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSE - RACHEL ARNOLD
I have enjoyed helping to care for the health needs of your children this year! There are
many things to think about as we approach the last month of school. Here are just a few
reminders from the health office:
End of School Year Medication Pick up- All medication kept at school must be picked
up by the last day of school. Students are not permitted to transport medications home.
If you are unable to pick up medication by the last day of school, alternative
arrangements can be made by contacting the school nurse office.
*If your child is planning on attending Summer School and you would like to leave the
medication at the school, please notify the school nurse.
Planning to bring medications to the health office next year- As a reminder,
medication authorization forms expire at the end of each school year. Make sure you
make your request to the health care provider before August.. New medication forms
must have a start date on or after August 1st, 2024, or say 2024-25 school year to be
valid for next school year.
Immunizations- ALL students entering the 7th grade are required to have received the
Tdap Booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) prior to the first day of their 7th grade
school year. An updated form with these newly given immunizations documented must
be on file with us prior to the first day of school. If your child is entering 4k-6th grade
please contact your student’s primary care provider to see if they will need any required
immunizations before school resumes in September.
Thank you, and please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions! Enjoy a
fun and safe summer!
ALBANY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (NHS)
Congratulations to the 2024 Albany National Honor Society New Inductees.
* Emma Grosz * Lillyana Morales * Caleb Smith * Emerson Briggs * Beckett Wachholz
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT - MR. BAKKEN
6th Grade Science: The students just finished learning about light waves. They worked with different-sized mirrors to create a light maze with a partner. This allowed them to be creative and solve problems using engineering design principles. Our next project will involve using sunlight to cook our food! The middle school students will be making solar ovens and using the power of the sun to cook a hot dog! This project will test their creativity, patience, and teamwork skills.
7th/8th Grade Science: The students are busy with their motion and forces projects. They have the option to choose from various projects to explore on their own or with a partner. Many students are interested in the Rube Goldberg machine and have come up with some great ideas. These students will also soon be building solar ovens and competing to see who can achieve the highest temperature!
Biology 2: Students in Biology 2 have been learning about the different phyla in the animal kingdom through various dissections. Recently, they dissected grasshoppers, crayfish, and starfish. Soon, they will dissect fish, sharks, bullfrogs, and rats! In between dissections, students have been comparing and contrasting each animal to better understand the animal kingdom.
Mr. Brandon Bakken
Albany MS/HS Science (608) 862-3135 Ext. 2203
MS/HS TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DEPARMENT - MR. BROUGHTON
ELEMENTARY GENERAL MUSIC - MS. STEFANIK
4K-K: Students have been experimenting with adding egg shakers and scarves to accompany music. They have also been having fun learning some classic movement songs like “The Hokey Pokey” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”
1st & 2nd: Students have been learning how to write notes and create (and clap) their own rhythms. Aside from this, they have been singing some of their favorite songs that they learned this year while adding the use of scarves and improvised movement.
3rd -5th: Students have been working through their music history lessons where they have been learning all about the 4 main periods of music and composers from those times. Students finished their Instrument Karate lessons. Many “belts” were earned for learning to play songs on the Glockenspiel (3rd & 4th grade) and Ukulele (5th grade)!
Hailey Stefanik
Elementary Music Director
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT- MRS. BROWN
7th Grade Ancient History: Students are currently working on their unit of Ancient Greece. We have discussed mythology, geography, and politics. Our last unit of the year will transition us into Ancient Rome.
10th Grade World History: Students just finished their unit on WWII. Students will now be creating their own study independence movements of the 50s-80s. Students will focus on a specific region of the world and get to teach their peers!
Modern US History: Students are currently studying American economy and politics of the 1980s-1990s. We have discussed the administrations, successes, and setbacks of Reagan and H.W. Bush.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT- MR.CAMPBELL
Here is what is going on in Mr. Campbell's classroom...
8th Grade:
The eighth grade students have spent the first half of April discussing westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny. We focused on the first part of Manifest Destiny where we were forming the 48 contiguous states. Next year, the students will focus on the second part of Manifest Destiny where the population climbs in all of those states and we add two more. The second half of the month, we started to discuss events leading up to the American Civil War. War never happens as a result of one event, but a series of events. We will discuss those events into the beginning of May before discussing the war itself and later a time period known as Reconstruction.
9th Grade:
The ninth grade students have been hard at work learning about the Great Depression. We discussed some of the New Deal and Second New Deal programs and policies aimed at getting us out of the economic depression. We also discussed the role of the federal government and some of the discussion surrounding the role of the Executive Branch. Our unit culminated with writing a timed essay about the 1920s and the 1930s. We will begin May by starting to discuss the causes of World War II and how World War I was a catalyst. We will end the year with a focus on World War II, the Holocaust, and an introduction to the Cold War.
Civics:
The civics class spent the first part of April participating in a mock trial. Students were each given different roles in our trial. We were involved in two cases, one where the person did not change lanes to give an emergency vehicle space and the other involving a bicycle versus car accident. The students did a really nice job for our mock trial, especially since it was our first attempt. In the middle of April, we started our unit on Economics. We discussed the basic concepts of MicroEconomics and MacroEconomics, along with supply and demand. We will continue into May discussing GDP, taxes, and government spending. In addition, we will do a short unit on loans, credit, and retirement to finish out the school year.
Psychology:
Psych is always a whirlwind. It is a very fast-paced class and even though it is an Intro to Psychology class, it is quite demanding and difficult. We spent the first half of April discussing stress (not from Psychology, of course) and how to deal with stress. Students even created a stress survival guide for others to follow. Later in April we discussed psychological disorders and that continued into mid-May. Students will finish out the year with a final exam. Every so often, we also participate in serial killer Friday, where we learn about different crimes and motives/psychological disorders.
Thanks,
Jeff Campbell
MS/HS Social Studies
Data Coordinator
Graduation Coordinator
HS/MS SCHOOL COUNSELOR - MRS. DOYLE
Signe Doyle
Middle and High School Counselor
608-862-3135 Ext. 2117
"Every child deserves a champion-an adult who will never give up on them."
HS ELA DEPARTMENT - MR. EVANS
Albany ELA is blossoming with new challenges and sprouting new ways of thinking!
Sci Fi/Dystopia is finishing their reading of Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five before reflecting on it with a thematic analysis essay.
In English 9, we just finished Romeo and Juliet, A Monster Calls, and are now about to get their choice books for the Isolation Unit!
Creative Writing Workshop has been writing and learning about incredible and challenging forms of poetry.
English 10 has just finished Macbeth and are now playing with the concept of satire as they read "A Modest Proposal" by Jonothan Swift.
Adventure Lit has just finished Into the Wild and the Synthesis Essay that goes with it, and are now jumping into their final unit in which they explore their own wanderlust and adventures.
BAND, CHOIR & DRAMA DEPARTMENT - MR. KAROLEK
5th Grade Band: This month the 5th grade band started practicing their music for the upcoming Spring Concert.
6th Grade Band: This month the 6th grade band continued practicing their music for the upcoming Spring Concert.
Middle School Choir: This month the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choir students continued practicing their music for the upcoming Spring Concert.
7/8th Grade Band: This month the 7th and 8th grade band continued practicing their music for the upcoming Spring Concert. They also had a very successful performance with the High School Band at WSMA Concert Festival on April 24th.
High School Choir and Band: This month the High School Choir and Band continued practicing their music for the upcoming Spring Concert. Both the Choir and Band had a very successful performance at WSMA Concert Festival on April 24th.
Music Department Concert Update: The Albany Music department would like to invite the community to our Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 1st. The concert starts at 7:00 PM and the doors will open for the public at 6:15 PM. We are looking forward to sharing the various musical accomplishments that the students had this year with all of you!
MS MATH DEPARTMENT - MR. KOPLIN
Geometry: Students have been learning how to find the measure of the exterior and interior angles of regular polygons. They have also worked on problems relating the side length ratio of similar figures to the area ratio.
8th Grade: Students have been learning angles and their relationships including: supplementary, vertical, corresponding, alternate interior, same side interior, exterior, and remote interior. They also learned that the angles in a triangle always add to 180 degrees. Next they will learn about the Pythagorean Theorem.
7th Grade: Students have been working with algebra tiles and finding the lengths and areas of a collection of tiles. They have also used these to help with combining like terms. Now students are learning to calculate tax and tip based on percentages.
6th Grade: Students have been simplifying expressions using the Order of Operations. They were also introduced to the distributive factory and solved problems using least common multiples and greatest common factors.
Tim Koplin
6-8 Math and Geometry
Albany School District
608-862-3135 x2213
MS ELA DEPARTMENT - MS. MCDONALD
ELA 6- As April comes to a close, 6th graders are finishing up the book, “Percy Jacknson and the Lightning Thief.” Throughout this month, we have also been studying prefixes and affixes in order to expand our vocabulary knowledge.
ELA 7- 7th graders are finishing up the novel Tangerine. The culminating assignment will focus on students analyzing characters and how their choices impact others. Our final unit for the year will focus on the novel, “The Outsiders”.
ELA 8- We are finishing up the Odyssey. For the culminating project, students will be writing a paper about whether they believe Odysseus is a hero or not based on his actions in the story.
Speech- Now that we have finished out persuasive speech unit, speech students will be focusing on job interview preparation. This unit will include information on cover letters, resumes, and common interview questions.
HS PHYSICAL EDUCATION - MR. OLSEN
HS MATH DEPARTMENT - MR. SCHWAB
In Algebra 1, we will be working with various representations of inequalities and applying previously learned content to new contexts.
The Algebra 2 class will be studying series and sequences with an emphasis on utilizing sigma notation and developing methods of analyzing different types of mathematical lists.
Our Precalculus class will be finishing our exploration of conic sections (ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas) before wrapping up the year with parametric equations.
The Calculus students will be learning more methods of finding three dimensional volumes before reviewing for the AP Calculus Exam which is used as a final for the class.
With their experimental project data gathered, the Statistics students will be analyzing their data and finishing their research papers. In addition to the papers, the class will be focusing on analyzing categorical data using hypothesis testing.
Thanks!
Jim Schwab
Albany High School
Math Teacher
HS SCIENCE DEPARTMENT - MRS. RYAN
Physics - Students are finishing up rotational kinematics and rotation dynamics. We will be starting Springs and Oscillations next week.
Biology9 - Students are starting a section on the structure and function of DNA.
Biology10 - Students have been learning about ecosystems and how the water cycle affects living things.
Chem II - Students have a lab soon on acid-base neutralizations and how to make salts and water. Next up we will be learning how to titrate acids and bases..
Physical Science - Students are learning about atomic number, mass, and weight. They will be calculating different isotopes and ions.
MS PHYSICAL EDUCATION - MRS. THOMPSON
We have been spending our time learning and practicing volleyball skills this month.
MS/HS FACE DEPARTMENT - MRS. RUSSELL
Sixth grade FACS just started this week. Our first unit is focused on families and friends. This will be followed by the sewing unit.
Culinary Skills students are concluding a unit on meat that focused on the selection and proper preparation techniques of beef, pork and lamb. They took a few days off to bake and decorate cakes for the PTO Carnival.
Confectionery Arts also put their decorating skills to work on cakes for the PT O Carnival. This was followed by the pie and pastry unit where each student prepared a mini apple pie from start to finish.
International Foods students just completed several labs on Jamaican cuisine. Korea is the next country they will study. It is sure to introduce us to some unfamiliar flavors.
AG DEPARTMENT - MS. RYAN
Hala Ryan
Albany Agricultural Educator
Albany FFA Advisor
SPANISH DEPARTMENT - MS. WICHITA
Spanish 1:
We completed Unit 8 in April. We analyzed the traditional Mexican song "Cielito Lindo", worked with the short stories "¿Dónde está Mateo?" and "La agente desorganizada," learned about some traditional dishes in Latin American countries, and learned about a Grandma YouTuber. Our last unit of the year will be about El Cucuy, the boogieman of Venezuela.
Spanish 2:
In April we finished unit 13. We used the short film "Bunny New Girl" to do a lot of different comprehension activities. We listened and analyzed the song "Chico del Apartamento 512" by Selena, discussed piropos, played BINGO with sentences that had different characteristics, and finally used descriptions and compliments to prepare for Teacher Appreciation Week next month. We have started our next unit, and will be able to finish that one and the next one by the end of the year.
Spanish 3:
Our current unit is centered around a short film called "Oktapodi". We have been doing many different types of activities (reading, writing, listening) using the film. We also talk and play games in Spanish.
Spanish 4:
Our current unit is "La Chancla". It is fun learning about this discipline tool. The students are still working with their 4K friends on Fridays; the littles absolutely love it when their "Spanish Friends" come in. The best part of Spanish 4 in April was our combined field trip with the advanced class from Brodhead. We met in Monroe at the Veracruz Mexican Market and Restaurant. I am so proud of the Spanish 4 students. They talked for the entire trip in Spanish - in the van, at the restaurant, and even with the other students. While waiting for our food, we did trivia in Spanish. After the meal, the students were in mixed groups and did a scavenger hunt in the supermarket. They are amazing kids.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT - MR. WACHHOLZ
Middle School Exploratory - The 8th graders have started in my classroom and have gotten right into some coding work. Soon they will begin Personal Finance and Keyboarding Lessons.
Accounting - The class is learning how to document Sales accounts and Cash Journals for a business.
Microsoft Office - This group is deep into their study of Excel. We have begun work on formulas and soon will be charting graphs and other charts.
Personal Finance - We just finished our Investing Unit and have now started learning about credit and how to manage it effectively.
If you need anything else, please let me know.
Rich Wachholz
SPECIAL EDUCATION - MRS. KOLASCH
Life Skills Math: We have been continuing to work on our most challenging unit which is percentages and sales tax. This has been a hard unit, but we are seeing tremendous improvements We have also worked on menus from local restaurants and determined how much food actually costs!
Applied ELA: Our students are preparing to do their Senior Presentations. Being able to write a resume and determine references are new skills that most have not ever done before. As graduation is approaching, students are realizing that this is it! Emotions are high and surprising. May 24th will be here before they know it! Some of the students participated in Blackhawk Technical College Tech Exploration Days, and two of our seniors will participate in the Letter of Intent Day on May 2nd. It is an exciting time for everyone!
Community Life Skills: The students have been so busy! We have obtained library cards and checked out books. We continue doing volunteer work on Wednesdays at the Albany Thrift Store during the class period, and the students really enjoy it. We recently purchased an electric fry pan and made grilled cheese and tomato soup, to show how we can make a meal for ourselves.
Comet Coffee Cafe: Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-11:30, this business continues to thrive each day. We have made over $1100.00 in profits this year, which we have put back into our business. The students have done well at "running" the shop with Mrs. Kolasch sitting and observing the hard work. It is wonderful to see how they are maturing in their work skills and taking ownership of the Cafe!
Roxie Kolasch, M. Ed
Cross Categorical Special Education Teacher
Albany High School
608-862-3135, Ext. 2118
COMET CALENDAR
May 1 - Albany Music Department Spring Concert
7:00 pm in the HS Gym
May 4 - Prom
Dance Begins at 8:00 pm
Grand March at 8:30 pm
May 7 - PTO Meeting
5:30 pm in the Cafeteria
May 15 - School Board Meeting
6:00 pm in the Board Room
May 22 - Senior Awards Night
7:00 pm in the HS Gym
May 24 - Class of 2024 Graduation
7:00 pm in the HS Gym
May 27 - NO SCHOOL
May 29 - 8th Grade Celebration
2:00 pm in the HS Gym
May 30 - Last Day of School for Students
COMET SPORTS CORNER
Albany HS Track & Field Schedule 2024
Thursday, April 25th ~ @ Cuba City HS 4:00pm
Thursday, May 2nd ~ @ Black Hawk HS 4:15pm
Friday, May 3rd ~ @ Deerfield HS 4:00pm
Monday, May 6th ~ @ Darlington HS 4:00pm
Friday, May 10th ~ @ Belleville HS 4:15pm
Monday, May 13th ~ @ UW Platteville (Six Rivers Conference Meet) 4:00pm
Thursday, May 16th ~ @ Evansville HS (Frosh/Soph) 4:00pm
Monday, May 20th ~ @ Lancaster HS (WIAA Regionals) 4:00pm
Thursday, May 23rd ~ @ Bangor HS (WIAA Sectionals) 4:00pm
Friday, May 31st & Saturday, June 1st ~ UW LaCrosse (WIAA State) TBD
Juda-Albany HS Softball Schedule 2024
Thursday, April 25th ~ (HOME) Juda vs. Highland 5:00pm
Saturday, April 27th ~ (HOME) Juda vs. Clinton & Palmyra Eagle 10:00am & 2:00pm
Monday, April 29th ~ (HOME) Juda vs. Pecatonica 5:00pm
Thursday, May 2nd ~ @ Potosi-Cassville 5:00pm
Monday, May 6th ~ (HOME) Juda vs. Barneveld 5:00pm
Tuesday, May 7th ~ @ Argyle-Black Hawk 5:00pm
Thursday, May 9th ~ (HOME) Juda vs. Iowa Grant 5:00pm
Friday, May 10th (HOME) Juda vs. Orangeville 5:00pm
Saturday, May 11th ~ @ Evansville (10:00am & Noon)
Tuesday, May 14th ~ @ Monticello-New Glarus 5:00pm
May 16th, May 21st, May 23rd ~ WIAA Regionals
May 28th & May 30th ~ WIAA Sectionals
June 6th - June 8th ~ WIAA State
Monticello-Albany HS Baseball Schedule 2024
Friday, April 26th ~ (HOME) Albany vs. River Ridge (DH) 4:30pm
Monday, April 29th ~ (HOME) Albany vs. Wisconsin Heights 5:30pm
Friday, May 3rd ~ @ Shullsburg-Benton (DH) 4:30pm
Monday, May 6th ~ (HOME) Monticello vs. Barneveld 4:30pm
Tuesday, May 7th ~ @ Argyle-Black Hawk 5:00pm
Friday, May 10th ~ @ Highland (DH) 4:30pm
Monday, May 13th ~ @ Barneveld 5:00pm
Tuesday, May 14th ~ (HOME) Monticello vs. Pecatonica 4:30pm
Thursday, May 16th ~ (HOME) Albany vs. Darlington 4:30pm
Monday, May 20th ~ @ New Glarus 5:00pm
Thursday, May 23rd ~ WIAA Regionals
Tuesday, May 28th ~ WIAA Regionals
Wednesday, May 29th ~ WIAA Regional Championship
Tuesday, June 4th ~ WIAA Sectionals
June 11th - June 13th ~ WIAA State
Albany MS Track & Field Schedule 2024
Thursday, April 25th @ Belleville HS (4:15pm)
Monday, April 29th @ Beloit Turner HS (4:00pm)
Thursday, May 2nd @ Brodhead HS (4:00pm)
Tuesday, May 7th @ Black Hawk HS (4:15pm)
Tuesday, May 14th @ Darlington HS (4:00pm)