School District of Baraboo

Back to School Reminders! Please visit our website for more details! (www.baraboo.k12.wi.us) First Day of School To help reduce the anxiety that can often be experienced with attending the first day of school in a new building, the first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year will be different for 6th-12th-grade students than in past years. This year will look as follows: • 9th-grade students and new 10th-12th-grade students to BHS report Friday, September 1, 2023. More information will be sent by Baraboo High School. • Returning 10th-12th grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. • 6th-grade students and new 7th and 8th-grade students to JYMS report Friday, September 1, 2023. Further details will be shared by Jack Young Middle School. • Returning 7th and 8th-grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. • All kindergarten-5th grade students report Friday, September 1, 2023, for their first day of school. • All 4K and Early Childhood students report on Thursday, September 7, 2023, for their first day of school. Open House Details Open Houses will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023. • Elementary School Open Houses - 4:00-6:00 pm • Jack Young Middle School Open House - 4:30-6:30 pm • Baraboo High School Open House - 5:30-7:30 pm #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Earlier this week the School District of Baraboo held its first Data Summit for the year at Baraboo High School. Data-informed decision-making plays a critical role in the development and implementation of multi-leveled systems of support (MLSS) and the Continuous School Improvement Teams (CSIT) to ensure collaborative structures are in place to support collective responsibility in supporting students, who are at the center of all we do. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Each summer the BSD building and maintenance and summer custodial crews kick things into high gear by deep cleaning all of our district buildings. We would like to give all crew members a huge shoutout and thank YOU for all the work they have been and will continue to do to keep our schools clean and safe. In addition to the cleaning, they have been moving classrooms and completing various other summer projects such as working on modifying the JYMS front office to better support students and families, as well as maintenance on the Indoor Pool. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

This morning nearly 160 incoming 6th-grade students took part in their JYMS orientation! The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from elementary school to middle school a positive one for all students and to help familiarize them with the building. The event is led by English Language Arts Teacher Ms. Teresa Kamps and 36 WEB leaders. Ms. Kamps said, “Many teachers and staff volunteers help with the planning and delivery of this day, and I am so appreciative of all that they do to make it a success!” Eighth graders students serve as WEB (Where everyone belongs) leaders and mentors to the 6th graders. The students took part in large and small group activities that were designed to address students’ needs and concerns in an enjoyable manner. Activities included name games, tips for success at JYMS, and get-to-know-you opportunities. During this time the sixth graders made new friends and connections from across the Baraboo School District. Way to go 6th graders and WEB leaders! We can’t wait to see you this school year at JYMS! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Get Ready, 5th graders! It’s almost time for 6th Grade Orientation! The staff and students of Jack Young Middle School invite you to our 13th annual Sixth Grade Orientation with our 8th-grade WEB Leaders 8:00 AM -11:30 AM Thursday, August 17, 2023 JYMS Main Gymnasium/Commons Area The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from elementary school to middle school a positive one. Eighth graders will be serving as WEB leaders and mentors to the sixth graders. Large and small group activities are designed to address students’ needs and concerns in an enjoyable manner. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t bring all your “stuff”...travel light! If you have any questions, please contact the WEB Coordinator: Ms. Teresa Kamps tkamps@barabooschools.net Please RSVP for this event using the link below. This form is to get an idea for attendance and to organize any transportation needs. If you are unable to complete the form, your student can still attend the event. Link: https://bit.ly/43z5ndd 8th-grade WEB Leaders! Remember you have training on August 15th and 16th from 8:00 AM- 11:00 AM

This week members of the BSD Administrative Team, Administrative Assistants, SAFE's, and Instructional Coaches took part in The Ho-Chunk Nation SEED Project Retreat. SEED stands for "Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity" and the group partners with communities, organizations, and schools to train leaders to facilitate their peers in conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward social justice. SEED seminars which are grounded in personal reflection and testimony, listening to others' voices, and learning together in the context of intersecting identities and systemic analysis so participants work in large and small groups, as well as independently. “It has been wonderful to take part in SEED training,” said Pat Doty, Director of Student Services. “The small and large group discussions have helped us connect as a team and listen better to all voices.” #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Connect with your student's teachers at Open House on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. - Elementary Schools - 4:00-6:00 pm - Jack Young Middle School - 4:30-6:30 pm - Baraboo High School - 5:30-7:30 pm Visit our website to learn more about the start of the 2023-24 School Year! https://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/ #AlwaysOnwardBSD

BSD has begun engaging stakeholders in the long-term facilities planning process by re-forming an Elementary Facilities Advisory Committee (EFAC). The committee is expected to work through December 2023, reviewing data and providing feedback to the Board on potential facilities options. During its first meeting on August 7th, the EFAC was presented with information regarding the state of the District's elementary facilities. BSD faces capital maintenance costs estimated at over $27 million at the elementary level. More than $11 million of these capital maintenance costs are associated with near-term projects. Capital maintenance includes basic infrastructure and building operating systems including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Read the complete article in today’s Thunderbird Thursday! Link: https://conta.cc/44afRQt #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Baraboo High School recently hosted a memorable Meet & Greet event, where students, parents, and guardians had the opportunity to meet Principal Considine and tour the building. The event was marked by warmth and enthusiasm as Principal Considine engaged with the school community, sharing details about the upcoming school year. Principal Considine said, “It was great to hear from both students and parents that they are excited for September 1st and the opportunity for our new students and freshmen to get acclimated to the building before the rest of the student population attends on September 5th.” #AlwaysOnwardBSD

The first day of 4K is one month from today! Do you have your student registered for the 2023-24 school year? 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. Learn more and register your student today! Link:https://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/o/belc #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 1! Congratulations to Mr. Damion Beth Baraboo High School Math Teacher who has been named a 2023 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellow! There is a saying that math is a journey, not a destination, and for BHS Math Teacher Mr. Damion Beth it has been an exhilarating 23 years of helping guide students to be positive members of society. Mr. Beth considered himself more of a traditionalist when he first started his career. However, when a colleague introduced him to the concept and philosophy of standards-based grading, it planted a seed that changed how he approached his students, lessons, and grading practices. Mr. Beth said, “I believe students grow most from experience, discussing, and getting feedback about the material presented rather than constant grading.” Because of this, in recent years Mr. Beth has been spending less time grading lessons and more time giving authentic feedback. “I want my classroom to be a place where students feel safe and want to come and enjoy learning. I want students to be able to experience mathematics, run into a problem that puzzles them, and wonder what the solution to the problem is.” Raising achievement for all of his students is and has always been a top priority of Mr. Beth. After teaching for 15 years in the Baraboo School District Mr. Beth took on an instructional coaching role in the distinct. While the position gave Mr. Beth the opportunity to work with teachers across the learning community, he missed the daily interaction with students, and seeing the joy they experience when students accomplish something they thought was impossible. The Kohl Teacher Fellowship program recognizes and supports teaching excellence and innovation in the state of Wisconsin. Their goal is to support Wisconsin teachers in the pursuit of their unrealized goals for their classrooms or professional development. The 100 Herb Kohl Fellowship recipients and the 100 Wisconsin schools of those teachers will each receive a $6,000 grant. Congratulations Mr. Beth we are thrilled and honored to have you as a Thunderbird! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 2! BSD is thrilled to announce that GLW is a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School! GLW is 1 of 297 schools nationwide and 1 of 8 in Wisconsin to be selected as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School. GLW will be formally recognized with the other 297 NBRS 2022 schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC on November 3 and 4, 2022. Click the link below to read the complete media release. https://bit.ly/3BMExnt #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 3! Check this out! 🔟 Thunderbird educators were nominated for NBC15 Madison's Crystal Apple Awards. Thank you for your tremendous work of engaging, challenging, and inspiring every student, every day in every way! 📒📚📝 More than 700 nominations for over 400 educators from school districts across South Central Wisconsin were submitted this year. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

School Year 2022-23 Highlight! Mrs. Shafer's North Freedom 5th graders celebrated Pi Day by playing a Pi Day Word Play (writing as many as they could that begin with "pi"), creating PiScapes with the digits of Pi, learning a card game called Race to the Pi, and of course, eating apple pie. YUM!

In-Person Registration and Meet & Greet Today! In-Person Registraiton 11am to 6pm @ BHS Do you have questions about your student’s transportation, fees or school meals? BSD will have our staff and partner experts on site to help answer any questions. We will also have bilingual staff on-site to provide support if needed. Meet & Greet with Principal Considine 5-7pm @BHS Principal Considine would love the opportunity to meet students and families. On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, he will give tours of BHS for new students to the school beginning at 5pm until the 7pm Fall Sports Parents meeting. Please enter the parking lot off Draper Street or Berkeley Blvd. The Ninth Avenue entrances will be blocked off for maintenance. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 4! Today Jack Young Middle School students and staff hosted first responders from the Baraboo community in remembrance of Patriot Day. The community heroes, students and staff enjoyed lunch together before getting outside to enjoy some of the endurance equipment! Thanks to the amazing JYMS Food Service Team (Tammy, Sandy, Sally, Danna, Mary, Mary, & Nennette), for working to provide extra portions today and for supporting our tradition. Baraboo Fire and EMS, and Baraboo Police Department thank you for spending some of your afternoon with us. Mostly, thank you to those who have served, and continue to serve for our community and beyond! #AlwaysOnwardBSD #NeverForget

Do you have questions about your student’s transportation, fees or school meals? Get them answered at In-Person Registration tomorrow, August 1, 2023, at Baraboo High School (1201 Draper St., Baraboo) from 11am to 6pm. BSD will have our staff and partner experts on site to help answer any questions. We will also have bilingual staff on site to provide support if needed. Please enter the parking lot off Draper Street or Berkeley Blvd. The Ninth Avenue entrances will be blocked off for maintenance. Can’t attend In Person Registration? Complete the Online Registration form https://bit.ly/3Os6h4B to review and update your contact information today. If you need help remembering your login information or assistance creating an account please contact the District Registrar at 608-355-3955 or email registrar@barabooschools.net. We look forward to seeing your student(s) next school year! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

SY2022-23 Highlight! Baraboo High School Student Council attended the Wisconsin Association of Student Council State Leadership Conference at Lambeau Field on April 23-24th. Students attended breakout sessions learning about leadership, collaboration, mental health, and team building. Keynote speaker, LeRoy Butler, retired Green Bay Packer and Super Bowl champion talked about believing in yourself and challenging yourself each day to do what you want to do. Students participated in writing, scrapbook, design, speaking, and leadership competitions earning 4 gold and 4 silver placings. Writing- Will D. (Gold), Brady J. (Gold) Best Project: Anna Collette R., Grace H., Leah H. (Gold) Scrapbook- Annah T., Frankie J., Anna B., Grace H. (Gold) Speech- Ignas D. (Silver) T-shirt Design- Shayla S. (Silver) Group Scenario- Eryn B., Derek G., Kevin G.M., Sergio A. (Silver) Leadership Empowerment and Expansion- Lena H. & Sienna L. (Silver) #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 5! Ray Prindle, an eighth grader at Jack Young Middle School, was recognized at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, on World Mental Health Day, for his recent heroic actions. Interim Police Chief Rob Sinden presented Ray with a commendation from the Baraboo Police Department and celebrated his actions. In late September Ray was talking to a friend online who had been working through some difficult times. Ray’s friend shared that they were not doing well, had access to a firearm, and intended to hurt themselves or others. After checking in with his friend and not hearing anything, Ray turned to an adult he trusted, his school counselor, Ms. Christina Olson. Ms. Olson and Rey worked with School Resource Officer Sabol to contact Canadian authorities, because Ray’s friend lives in Canada, to conduct a welfare check. The information Ray reported was found to be valid. Ray’s friend was thankfully found unharmed and is now receiving medical treatment. “Ray’s actions were courageous and undoubtedly saved human lives,” said Interim Police Chief Sinden. He went on to say, “I commend you for your actions because we strive to have individuals do what you did in this type of situation.” The School District of Baraboo thanks Ray for speaking up and his heroic actions. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health issues or considering suicide, there are resources available. Calling 988 nationwide will connect you to the Suicide and Crisis Line. Texting HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, will connect you to the Crisis Text Line. Sauk County maintains a 24-hour Crisis Line at (800) 533-5692. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Principal Considine would love the opportunity to meet students and families. On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, he will give tours of BHS for new students to the school beginning at 5pm until the 7pm Fall Sports Parents meeting. #AlwaysOnwardBSD