Kewaskum District News
August 12, 2022
Message from the District Administrator
One of my favorite questions to ask people is to describe the best teacher they have ever had. And when I say “teachers,” I make it clear that I’m talking about anyone who taught you something. It could be a classroom teacher, but it could also be a softball coach, a friend, or a family member.
As they talk about these best “teachers,” I have found a few common themes in their responses. Usually they talk about how the person:
- Authentically cared for them as an individual
- Challenged them at a level that was difficult but attainable
- Built characteristics of commitment that helped them be successful in life
Almost always, people talk about how their best teacher cared about them. It’s difficult to learn from someone who doesn’t care about us. Strong relationships allow for more opportunities to try new things or take chances without having a fear of failure.
In the Kewaskum School District, part of our mission is to “foster strong relationships” with our students, and we work hard on building a Culture of Care. For example, we survey our students to see which staff members with whom they feel connected. When we find a student who isn’t connected to anyone on staff, we have programs in place to make sure that everyone feels like they have a strong advocate at the school that they can go to if they need help.
Not only do connected students feel motivated to come to school, they also tend to have better mental health, higher school performance, and stronger friendships. We want all students to feel like they belong to their school community.
Just like the theme song of the sitcom Cheers, I think we all want to be in a place “where everybody knows your name.”
Dr. Mark Bazata
Superintendent
Kewaskum School District
- KMS Lunchroom Supervisor
- Food Services
- Special Education Paraprofessional
- Cleaning Specialist
- Special Education Teacher (KHS)
- English Teacher (KHS)
Come join our team and apply today!
BACK TO SCHOOL!
The new start and end times of the school day will be:
- 4K (morning / afternoon times) - 8:55 am to 12:00 pm / 12:40 pm to 3:45 pm
- Other elementary school grades - 8:55 am to 3:45 pm
- Middle and high school - 7:30 am to 2:45 pm
If you have any questions, please contact your school secretary.
Events
8/16 Jump to the Middle (incoming 6th graders)
8/16 August Warm Up (incoming Freshmen)
8/16 6th Grade Parent Night (KMS)
8/22 Annual Meeting: 7:00 pm KHS Theater
8/30 Open House: KMS/KHS - 3:30-5:30, FES/KES - 4:00-6:00
9/1 First Day of School
ELEMENTARY TRANSITION UPDATE
The final family playdate will take place at Farmington Elementary on August 15, from 3:00-5:00!
Board Business
Each month this section will include information on topics discussed at the regular school board meeting. These updates come from unapproved minutes of the meeting.
Recognition
Braeden Scoles was recognized for his accomplishments in wrestling. He is a two time National All-American, and a three time WIAA State Champion.District Administrator Report
Dr. Bazata provided updates on the elementary transition, leadership retreats, the bus driver appreciation breakfast on 08/16/22, extensive summer renovations and the WASB/Fall Regional meeting and workshops calendar. Dr. Bazata thanked the cleaning staff for all their hard work over the summer getting the buildings ready for the first day of school.
Business Manager Report.
Ms. Thoreson provided an update on the 21/22 and 22/23 financials. The 21/22 year ended with a surplus. The auditors will present their findings at the December board meeting, and in September the short term borrowing resolution will be brought before the board.
Student Learning Report
The Elementary Data Team report was given by the Elementary Principals, Ms. Hyde and Ms. Petersen. How data is collected, who is involved in the process and the tier intervention flow-chart were presented.
Items for Discussion and/or Action
The Board approved an overnight/out of state field trip for the Kewaskum Cross Country team to attend the Roy Griak Invitational in St. Paul, Minnesota from 9/23/22-9/24/22.
Purchases over $5,000 for Discussion and/or Action
The Board approved the 22/23 Educere subscription, the purchases of additional lockers at KMS, concrete laying at KMS, as well as coaching sessions with Allies in Mental Health Education and the Project SEARCH program participant.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
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:
- 1,000 Miles for the Memorial - Sept 3rd; join U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tarra Gundrum on the last leg of her bike ride.
- Kewaskum Arts Council - Music in the Park Tuesdays June 14 - Aug 23
- Kewaskum Community Food Pantry - Tuesday & Thursday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
- Kewaskum Public Library Child Programs
- Kewaskum Public Library Teen Programs
- King's Kids registration
- MPTC Tech Knowledge College - registration opens May 2
- Peace Pantry (located in the parking lot of Peace UCC Kewaskum)
- Salem UCC Clothes Closet
- The Threshold
Mission of the District
At the November School Board meeting, the Board approved a revised Mission of the District. Over the coming months, continuous work will be done around the district to incorporate this mission into what we do.
Vision
The vision of the Kewaskum School District is to be an exceptional place to learn and work where students and staff are equipped with the academic, social-emotional, and work skills to meet the challenges of their diverse futures and reach their full potential.
Mission
The mission of the Kewaskum School District is to maximize its resources and assets to provide responsive instruction, foster strong relationships, engage the community, and model high expectations.
Values
The values of the Kewaskum School District are:
- Inclusivity - meeting the diverse needs of all students
- Unity - working together for a common goal
- Integrity - acting with honesty and accountability
- Transparency - communicating clearly and accurately
- Innovation - utilizing resources creatively to move forward
- Excellence - holding ourselves and others to high standards
Kewaskum School District Vision of a Learner
Kewaskum School District students are ...
- Effective Communicators who read, speak, and write with clarity and purpose.
- Community Contributors who volunteer their time, energy, and resources to improve their community and embrace equity and diversity.
- Responsible Collaborators who commit their best effort and engage in shared goals with empathy, kindness, and respect.
- Creative Problem Solvers who apply critical thinking, flexibility, and innovation to identify, assess, and find solutions for important issues.
- Resilient Learners who adapt to the challenge of learning with enthusiasm.
- Future-Focused Professionals who set and accomplish academic, career, and financial goals through exploration and inquiry.
- Healthy Individuals who practice mental and physical self-care.
- Digital Citizens who utilize digital learning strategies and tools to protect and improve themselves and their community.
CONTACT US
We want you to reach the school and person you are trying to reach quickly and efficiently to best meet your needs. Please add our school phone number to your cell phone contact list.
- Kewaskum Elementary 262-626-3101
- Farmington Elementary 262-626-3102
- Middle School 262-626-3104
- High School 262-626-3105