School District of Baraboo E-Newsletter | |
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Welcome Back. toSchool Year 2022-23! | |
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A video message from Dr. Briggs
Dear Thunderbird Families,
I am excited to welcome you all back to the 2022-23 school year. I hope this letter finds you all well and excited to return to school. The 2022-23 school year kicked-off one week ago today for K-12 grade students, and officially started today for our 4K students. The year holds a lot of promise to be an exceptional one. Much of that is because of YOU as families, staff, and community members. Thank you for your continued commitment and engagement as a commUNITY. You all are an essential school commUNITY member.
Our theme this year is “CommUNITY” and it focuses on our district-wide mission which is, to Prepare and Inspire all learners to Grow to their full potential and to Engage in this ever-changing world. Students and staff will utilize the power of commUNITY across every learning environment. As educators, we understand the importance of belonging as a key driver to an ever-changing world. We want to make sure EVERY STUDENT, FAMILY and STAFF member understands they are a part of this commUNITY. We also want to make sure that this happens EVERY DAY, not just every once in a while. We are committed as the School District of Baraboo to ensure CommUNITY in EVERY WAY!
Last year, I held listening sessions with commUNITY members, students, and staff. I used the feedback and data shared at the sessions to consider how to best organize staff to serve all students, decrease educator workload, and function coherently. I am happy to share the Multi Level Systems of Support (MLSS), the Code of Conduct (COC), and the School District of Baraboo Organizational Structure. All of which provide valuable information and show our commitment as a district to student-centered practices.
The three overarching commitments listed below, which I shared as part of my “Entry Plan Report - A Strategic Call for Action” during the 2021-22 school year, will continue to be key focal points. These overarching commitments will drive and support students, staff, families, and the commUNITY this year and into the future.
Baraboo School District Overarching Commitments
Building a Culture of Belonging
Student-Centered Practices
Staff Morale and Retention
These three areas are central for the development of transformational opportunities and the foundation of developing equity in our School District of Baraboo’s school commUNITY. I want every student, staff member, family, and community member to feel and know this is the right place to live, work, and/or visit.
I want to create a school commUNITY that believes all students can learn, and all staff believe in every student. To that end, and in an effort to focus our work; all staff will ground goals for the year in the strategic indicator of Culture of Excellence, as part of the School District of Baraboo Strategic Plan ‘19-’22. As a team, we will lean into the following areas: Culture of Excellence, Educator Efficacy, CommUNITY Partnerships, and Facilities and Operations by focusing our Continuous School Improvement Plans with direct links, strategies, and measurable indicators for school building and District level work. You will hear more about this focus from building leaders and myself as we work to finalize Continuous School Improvement Plan information and details. These plans will be a key focus that I will continue to communicate with families and community members as we kick-off the school year, as well as throughout the school year.
Lastly, one of the most important things to you all as families is ensuring your child's safety at school.
Throughout this school year, the District will be focused on the success of all students. This starts with building meaningful relationships and providing a safe and secure environment for learning. I want every student who walks through our doors to know that they are loved, will be heard and seen! School safety is a priority in the School District of Baraboo. As a school district we have taken some key measures to ensure your child’s safety. I want to make sure you all are aware and also aid you in supporting the expectations we have for your child’s and our staff’s safety. Examples of current, ongoing safety measures include:
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Raptor Technology visitor registration system is used throughout the District to conduct a sex offender check on each visitor and print a photo ID visitor pass that visitors wear like a name tag;
- Staff accompanying all elementary children to the bus pick-up area at the end of the day to ensure that students get on the correct bus, are picked up by a parent, or proceed to the after-school program;
- All District-wide schools have entrances with a buzz-in system at the main entrance, locked exterior doors on the remainder of the building, and shatter-proof window film in strategic areas;
- Security cameras throughout all schools.
Examples of enhanced safety measures for the 2022-23 school year include:
- Transition to staff teaching with classroom doors closed and locked;
- Building Emergency Response Team (BERT) members and custodial staff will frequently check exterior doors to ensure they are completely closed;
I sincerely look forward to continuing to build our Beloved CommUNITY with all of you, and I’m grateful for you all as families, staff, students and commUNITY members.
Thank you for all the continued support for the School District of Baraboo! Together, we will continue to give our best to our students, families, and commUNITY.
Always Onward,
Dr. Rainey L. Briggs
Superintendent
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And we are off - the first few days of school are in the books!
One week ago today was the first day of school for K-12 grade BSD students and we have had a great first few days of school!
North Freedom Elementary School had a record turnout at their open house. Principal Mrs. Kathy Andreasen said, “It was wonderful to greet families and get the opportunity to continue to build those strong relationships.” Staff and students have quickly found their stride getting into the rhythm of school. Routines are being established by all and students are eagerly engaging in academic activities. Principal Andreasen said, “It has been a great start to our 2022-2023 school year!”
“This has been one of the best starts to a new school year that I can remember,” said Principal Mr. Glenn Bildsten. He went on to say, “It's been a lot of fun welcoming our students back to school the past few days. I am so proud of the students and their positive mindsets, and I'm also so proud of our staff for all the hard work they have put into their preparations for the 2022-2023 school year.” BHS students and staff have a lot to look forward to as the rest of the school year unfolds.
Have an amazing year Thunderbirds, Onward!
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BELC First of School - September 8th
Today was an exciting day for BELC students and families because it was the first day of 4K! The Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative, more commonly known as BELC, is a 4-year-old Kindergarten program offered by BSD in partnership with various community childcare providers: Children’s Day Center, Bear-A-Boo Daycare, and the Head Start/Renewal Unlimited Agency.
The goal of 4K is to promote a love of learning in a social setting which will lay the foundation for a successful school career. BSD educators strive to utilize developmentally appropriate practices and instructional strategies. Dr. Chris Olson, Principal at BELC and West Kindergarten Center, said, “We are super excited for the start of 4-year-old Kindergarten and Early Childhood programs, and appreciate how our educators are able to partner with families on their students' education.” He went on to say, “The BELC staff and I love seeing all of these new and smiling faces. We can’t wait to make their first year of school an awesome year!”
BSD is proud and appreciative of the residents of the Baraboo area for providing access to a tuition-free, high quality 4-year-old kindergarten program available to all students. We believe our youngest learners and their families receive short term and long term benefits from their participation and can’t wait to follow how they learn and grow this school year!
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GLW Unity Mural Finally Complete!
Two years ago Mr. Erick Blasing, Principal of GLW at the time, imagined the beautiful idea of a mural lining GLW's courtyard and assembled a team to make that dream a reality. He applied for, and received, Sauk County's Good Idea Grant. With these grant funds and the help of the West Willson Parent Association, and the Baraboo Public Art Association the mural team had enough funds and materials to begin this lengthy design and development process!
In the spring of 2021 Ms. Danielle Nolden, GLW's art teacher, invited all of her 4th and 5th grade artists to help design ideas for this future mural. Nineteen of those creative student drawings were incorporated into the design Ms. Nolden mapped out!
That design was then handed off to Mrs. Meg Watson, BHS art teacher, who worked with her fabulous Art Club throughout the following school year and into the summer! The group painted each of the panels to resemble the original student drawings and they even had an opportunity to add some of their own ideas and designs!
When the mural was complete members of the BSD Buildings and Grounds Department worked hard to install and frame it so the artwork can be enjoyed by thousands of artists to come!
GLW hosted a Grand Reveal Celebration at Open House on Monday, August 29 to honor all of the amazing artists who helped imagine, design, and create this special unity mural! It celebrates and welcomes the wonderful diversity of our students and community, and brings beauty to this Baraboo Elementary School.
Special thank you to all student artists who helped contribute to this project:
Karly Genovese, Maggie Parchem, Reece Stanek, Fiona Miller, Rylee Green, Ben Carrol-Brooks, Angelina Modesto-Phillips, Lexi Boukhankov, Lyla Bingham, Audrey Allaby, Isabella Mayer, Maddison Litscher, Owen Hale, Lucien Jahn, Carter Breunig, Karli Dougherty, Ethan Weber, Gabe Berje, Holden Harry, Katie Duran Garcia, Jamie Hanson, Gabe Hassebrock, Taylor Hulett, Sam Johnson, Sam Kruschel, Keiran Laukant, Jackson Seldon, Kennedy Klongland, Chance Garske, Shelby Straubhaar, Irene Mendes, Cait Stanley, Sylvie Stevens, Claire Hittman, Carson Krueger, Bryana Splinter, Nadine Klaetsch, Abby Gasser, Cadence Gerrish, Olivia Kolar, Faith Lewis, Grace Haskins, Aimee Acree, Alex Capps, Ignas Dauksys, Julia School, Nelson Funmaker.
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Freshman Orientation
9th Grade Orientation took place Wednesday, August 29th. The first-year BHS students met with BHS Link Crew leaders to tour the building to familiarize them with the learning spaces, review class schedules, and locate their lockers.
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BSD Educators Build CommUNITY during Pre-Session and Discuss Safety
Educators returned to work on August 29 and 30th for pre-session professional development. All staff gathered Monday morning at BHS to celebrate the start of the year before heading to their buildings for additional professional development and completing final preparations for the year. Dr. Briggs discussed the importance of building commUNITY and a sense of belonging during his message to all educators. He said, “UNITY in the commUNITY is vital as UNITY represents togetherness. Therefore, it is standing together for every thick and thin matter. There are many stories as well as real-life incidents that have proved that UNITY always leads to a harmonious and fulfilling life for all.” Dr. Briggs asked other staff members to share their definition of unity. BHS Head Football Coach Mr. Steve Turkington explained, “We use the term "FAMILY" on the football team. We ask the kids to take their focus off themselves and put their focus on others. To be a servant leader. To do your job so well that it makes everyone around you better and trust that your teammates are doing the same for you. Ultimately, we want our players to do this out of love for others.”
On Tuesday morning, all BSD educators gathered once again at BHS for professional development with the day's topic focused on school building safety. BSD partnered with the City of Baraboo Police Department and Sauk County Emergency Management to conduct an ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training to better prepare the staff in the event of a critical incident such as the building being be targeted by an aggressive intruder.
Mr. Jed Seidl, Sauk County Emergency Management Director, coached staff to understand how they can test and prepare each day for a potential situation. He said, “Small mental preparations are key to school safety training. When you sit in a room ask yourself 'three things, how could you get yourself, students, and any other staff members out of that room, what can you use to barricade and what do you have to fight back.' This will help to enhance your situational awareness.”
BSD would like to give a big thank YOU to Baraboo Police Department and Sauk County Emergency Management for leading the training!
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Baraboo School District Job Opportunities | | |
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If you, or someone you know, are looking for a job, consider joining the Thunderbird Team. There are even opportunities for those only looking for a few hours a week. Several part-time positions are available, as well as full-time positions for more hours!
More information about various open job opportunities can be found here.
Current opportunities include:
- Student Service Coordinator
- Computer Science Teacher
- Accelerated Learning Strategist
- 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher
- Custodian - Part-Time
- Special Education Teachers
- School Psychologists
- Food Service Preparers
- Bilingual Resource Assistant
- Education Paraprofessionals
- Special Education Paraprofessionals
- Elementary Music Teacher
- Kid Stop Assistants
- Substitute Food Service & Custodial Positions
- Guest (Substitute) Teachers
- Coaches
- And more!
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Baraboo School District Volunteer Opportunities | |
Baraboo High School is seeking AVID tutors for the 2022 - 2023 school year. AVID tutors work with small groups of high school students during the 9th grade AVID elective class under the supervision of an AVID teacher. Tutors will be trained to help Baraboo High School students with study skills, organization, and review of course materials. Tutors are needed on Thursdays and Fridays from 2:15 - 3:30 pm and must be 18-years-old or older.
Interested individuals please reach out to BHS Principal, Glenn Bildsten at gbildsten@barabooschools.net or 608-355-3940. We are eager for you to join us in engaging our students to strengthen our Baraboo community!
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Did you know that our schools provide healthy meals everyday when students are in school?
This fall we will no longer be receiving Federal funding to provide these meals free to ALL students regardless of financial status. However, your child and family may still qualify for free or reduced price school meals.
Check out this video to learn more visit the BSD Food Services page today to complete your application.
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Bus riders please remember:
Be Safe:
-Watch for traffic at the bus stop and wait for the bus
-Be visible to the driver, and enter and exit the bus in an orderly manner when loading & unloading
-Remain seated at all times and keep the aisle clear while the bus is moving
Be Respectful
-Keep hands, feet and objects to self at the bus stop
-Keep an appropriate space between yourself and the person ahead when loading & unloading
-Talk in a quiet voice and use appropriate language while the bus is moving
Be Responsible:
-Arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before pick-up
-Take personal items and trash with you when when loading & unloading
-Set a positive example and keep all objects inside the bus
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Drivers please remember:
- Watch out for children and family members walking and biking to and from school
- Give pedestrians the right of way
- Observe the speed limit, particularly in school zones
- Know when to stop for the school bus and heed flashing lights
- Know and follow the drop off and pick up procedures for the school building
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