Fall 2015 - De Soto Area School District

DE SOTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fall 2015
NEWSLETTER
DE SOTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
Dedicated to Learning and Growth; Striving for Excellence
Vision Statement:
Pursuit of excellence by
providing exemplary educational
opportunities in academics,
arts, athletics, citizenship and
technology.
~Beliefs~
We are…
Homecoming Pep Assembly
Waving the De Soto Booster Club Pirate Pride rally towels!

partners with families and
communities
supporting a respectful,
responsible, safe and
caring learning
environment.

dedicated to high
academic achievement
and student success.

Pirate Cheerleaders and mascot celebrating
at the Homecoming Pep assembly.
committed to continuous
improvement.
District News
It has been a great start to this school year! Our teachers, students and administration have
focused on promoting a positive learning environment where respectful, responsible and safe
behaviors are the norm for everyone in the school settings. On the first day of school, UWLa Crosse’s Chancellor Gow joined De Soto Middle/High School students and staff, and continued the theme of personal responsibility in his speech to students focusing on appreciating
diversity, setting academic, athletic, social and personal goals and the value of learning from
all life experiences in and out of the classroom. We valued Chancellor Gow’s presence as it
represented the strong connection between our school and the opportunities for continued
education after graduation. We recognize that by involving and inviting outside resources into
our schools we can provide greater inspiration and opportunities for each of our students.
We also began our year with tremendous appreciation for the larger “community family” of supportive boosters, PTO,
businesses, service and civic organizations that provide financial and support resources to our school programs, students
and families. These community collaborations are important and in many ways essential to maintaining the high quality
programs, facilities and educational options available to our students. However, none are more valued than the partnership we share with our student’s parents, grandparents and family members who alongside us share in the direct efforts
to ensure the educational and social development of their child and all children in our district.
Just prior to the start of the school year, Superintendent Jim Kuchta accepted a position in the Amery School District.
The administrative team, along with teachers and staff dedicated themselves to ensuring the smooth start to the school
year. Our staff continues in their commitment to provide all students with a quality education and opportunities for holistic growth and achievement. During the leadership transition, the administrative team members have taken on additional
responsibilities and have worked diligently to ensure the effective, efficient and fiscally responsible operation of the
school district. Mrs. Gronning, who serves as the Middle/High School principal, has been assigned the additional duties
of interim superintendent during the transition period. Mr. Fergot, social studies teacher, is providing daily assistance as
the Middle/High School Associate Principal. Mr. Olson, Prairie View principal will be responsible for all weather related
school adjustments, working with Mr. Groves and the district’s transportation company. Mr. Chapes is facilitating administrative team meeting and other administrative team members have assumed additional responsibilities as well. Our
staff welcomes contact by parents and community members and we encourage everyone to reach out on any topic or concern about your child’s education to the appropriate teacher or administrator.
The School Board has formed an Ad Hoc Committee to address the future direction of the District’s leadership and this
process includes an assessment of the district’s system strengths including educational programming, infra-structure and
staffing strengths. The Ad Hoc Committee will develop a leadership profile and review traditional and alternative administrative leadership models. Feedback from parents, community members, teachers and students is welcome and will be
sought over the next few months as the Board looks to make a determination by February on the future leadership structure that is best suited to our district’s needs. We value this opportunity to move forward as a district and community to
best meet the needs of our students.
De Soto Area School District Board of Education
Shirley Alton-Village of Ferryville, Jess Boardman-Town of Genoa, Dan Fladhammer-Village of De Soto,
Geri Fox-Village of Genoa, Kirk Holliday-Town of Freeman, Jeff Long-Village of Stoddard,
Rick Pedretti-Town of Wheatland, Dean Penkalski-Town of Bergen and Kevin Walleser-Town of Sterling
Administrative Team
Mike Chapes, Stoddard Elementary Principal
Tim Fergot, MS/HS Associate Principal
Linzi Gronning, De Soto MS/HS Principal/Interim Superintendent
Kelly Olson, Prairie View Principal
Pat Busteed, Maintenance & Custodial Director
DuWayne Gronning, Director of Technology
Betsy Knutson, Food Service Director
Caron Malin, Special Education Director
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2015-16 Board Meeting Dates
School Board Election Notice
Monday, December 21
Monday, January 18
Monday, February 15
Monday, March 21
Monday, April 18
Monday, May 16
All meetings are held in the Middle/High School LMC
at 7:00 pm unless posted differently and are open to the
public.
The following seats will be up for election on
April 5, 2016:
Village of Genoa
Village of Stoddard
Town of Sterling
If you are interested in running, Campaign Registration Statement and Declaration of Candidate
papers must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, January 5th in the District Office.
If a primary is necessary, it will be held Tuesday,
February 16th.
2015-16 New Staff: L-R: Danielle Hopkins-MS/HS
Phy Ed, Kirsten Jandrin-School Counselor, Jennifer
Arndt-PV Kindergarten, Bryce Muenchow-Elementary
Music, and Chelsey Oswald-HS Math
Ricarda, Kelly & Alara
Have you ever considered hosting an exchange student for the semester or the year? There are currently three
exchange students attending De Soto High School. Kelly is from Denmark and is living with the Sikora family,
Ricarda is from Germany and lives with the Martinson family and Alara is also from Germany and lives with the
Hohlfelder family. They each had a few things to say about their time here.
Alara says that the best things about living with her host family is to experience another family, coming out of her
comfort zone and meeting new people who like her just the way she is.
Kelly said that she has enjoyed volleyball a lot. Now that it is over she can only look back at the everyday practices
with her volleyball girls, all the good home games and of course the long and short rides to away games and tournaments. She also said that she cannot wait to see what the upcoming days of this year will bring.
Ricarda was very thoughtful with her answer as to why she thinks other families should consider hosting in De Soto. The top reason for her is to try something new! She said “I was really nervous to make this step to be an exchange student, but I realized after the second day here in De Soto that it was one of my best decisions I’ve ever
made. You make new friends during the exchange year and learn so many things about the other countries. Also
you help a student to make his/her dream come true and, I mean, isn’t it an awesome moment to live it together.
The best thing for me is that you make it the best year ever with so many memories and such an amazing time together with a person from another country!”
If you are interested in helping to make a dream come true for one of the many exchange students available for this
upcoming school year, please contact Leah Monroe with EF High School Exchange Year at (608) 606-2652 or
monroe@mwt.net
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MOLE DAY 2015!
Celebrated annually on October 23 from 6:02 a.m. to
6:02 p.m., Mole Day commemorates Avogadro's Number
(6.02 x 1023), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry.
Mole Day was created as a way to foster interest in chemistry.
Schools throughout the United States and around the world
celebrate Mole Day with various activities related to chemistry
and/or moles.
De Soto students in Mr. Campbell’s chemistry classes celebrated the mole by making mole sculptures from aluminum,
enjoying mole treats, and telling mole jokes. Drew Foley
wrote and enthusiastically performed a rap to show his appreciation for the mole.
New Club—High School Math Club
La Crosse Culvers supports local
dairymen and the De Soto FFA
On Aug. 18th the La Crosse Culvers donated
10% of all purchases from 5 to 8 PM. This
generous donation totaled $353 which will
be used to send FFA members to the
National FFA convention in Louisville
Kentucky.
Do you enjoy a challenge? Do you like to know the why's
instead of just the how's? Then Math Club is for you. We
will study the history of math; as well as, look at concepts
that might never be seen like the Golden Ratio or Fermat's
Enigma. There might even be a few competitions with other
students around the state. If you like math and are up for an
exciting challenge, come and join the High School Math
Club! For more information, contact Ms. Oswald.
FFA members that served meals during that
time were:
President: Trisha Nickelotti
Vice President: Benjamin King
Secretary: Jessica King
Treasurer: Emily Scoville
Student Advisor: Brandon Parr
Parliamentarian: Jaclyn Dahl
Members: Kameron Perry, Sierra Martinson
Thank You Culvers and we look forward to
partnering with you for this event again in
2016!
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What is Title I?
Title I is a federally funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Through Title I, money is given to school districts based on the
number of low-income families in each district. Each district uses its Title I money for extra educational services for children most in need of educational help.
The focus of the Title I program is on helping all students meet the same high
standards expected of all children.
Under the Title I legislation, schools and families form partnerships to help students who need support in meeting high academic standards. Congress has provided this financial assistance to qualifying school districts since 1964.
Meet the Title I Teachers
Nikki Egge
Lisa Robbins
Prairie View Elementary
For more information
Stoddard Elementary
Negge@desoto.k12.wi.us
on Title I in Wisconsin:
Lrobbins@desoto.k12.wi.us
(608) 648-2227
http://dpi.wi.gov/
(608) 457-2101
Ext. 516
Ext. 618
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“Dedicated to Learning and Growth; Striving for Excellence.”
Stoddard
A Note from Ms.Elementary
Mary
Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a
wonderful summer break. It is so nice
to see all the smiling faces. The start of
the new school year can bring so many
different emotions to your family especially for children who are starting
school for the first time. Please remember to talk with your children about
school and reassure them that parents/
guardians and school staff are here to
work together to make Stoddard Elementary a great place for them to learn
and grow. Remember to ask your child
how their day was and what their favorite part of the day was. It also helps
to have a daily routine in place. It
makes for a less stressful morning for
everyone if a child knows the routine.
Not only do we have new students
this year, but new staff as well.
Please help us welcome Mr. Bryce
Muenchow who will be the new music teacher and Ms. Kirsten Jandrin
who will be the new 4K-12 guidance
counselor.
We did have a few staff members
leave and we wish them the very
best.
I am hopeful we will have another
wonderful year and I look forward to
getting to know you and your children.
Reminders:
Upcoming
Events
*Nov 25-27- No School
*Dec.14 –Music Concerts @ Stoddard
Breakfast starts at 7:30am. Classes
start at 8:00am and the School day
ends at 3:00pm.
Check monthly calendars. There
will be many events listed.
Check folders daily for important information.
Please sign in/out if visiting our
building.
Label all clothing with child’s name.
Please do not park by curbs marked
yellow in front of school.
Please stop in the office to sign child
in or out.
*Dec. 23-No School
Start of Winter Break
Elementary Holiday Concert Updates
Stoddard
Prairie View
th
Monday, December 14
2 pm Grades 3-5 program for students and staff
(community members welcome)
6:30 pm Grades K-2 program for families
Kindergarten will start with a short program in the gym
Grades 1-2 families will do a Christmas related craft in
their rooms
6:45 pm Kindergarten will go to their room and do the
craft
Grades 1-2 students and families will then relocate to
the gym to give their portion of the program
Monday, December 7th
2 pm Grades 3-5 program for students and staff
(community members welcome)
5:15-6:10 Soup Supper—All Families Welcome!
6:30 pm Grades K-2 program for families—Planning for
all K-2 students to perform and not have to split the
groups
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HOMECOMING COURT 2015
The 2015 Homecoming Court was presented at the Homecoming Pep Rally Friday afternoon! From left to right: Bailey Gianoli, Hunter Thompson, Serena Holliday, Ben King,
Queen-Idji Boardman, King-Jon Thompson, Skyler Hunze, Kassidy Kreuzer, Marissa
Kunert and Dylan Krause. The Pirates “Caged the Wolves” defeating Wonewoc Center
47-12 on October 9th. Way to go Pirates & Fans!!
ATTENTION ALL SENIORS
ACT® Prep Course
YOU NEED TO GET YOUR
COLOR SENIOR PHOTO
Designed to raise student test scores!
Spring 2016: Feb. 6 - March 12
UW-La Crosse | website
This unparalleled ACT® test preparation course
readies students for all four sections of the ACT®
test, plus the optional writing section.
TO
MR.STINGL
BY JAN 15TH
Students take official, retired ACT® pre- and posttests to determine strengths and weaknesses.
Qualified instructors work directly with students
to work through this comprehensive preparation
program. Preparing for the ACT can increase test
scores that are important for gaining acceptance
into your college of choice and for expanding
your scholarship opportunities.
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
EMAIL IN JPEG FORMAT (HEAD
AND SHOULDER)

BRING IN A PHOTO TO MR. STINGL

HAVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
MAIL OR EMAIL TO MR. STINGL
If you will not have your
Senior pictures available
by January 15th see Mr.
Stingl ASAP!!!!
Where are they now...
We are adding a new feature to our newsletter highlighting alumni. If you are an alumni, or know one, please tell us.
You can send an email to jkreuzer@desoto.k12.wi.us with a couple of sentences about what they are doing and a picture if possible. We will set aside a page each newsletter to share who we have heard from. Thank you in advance
for your assistance!
To start our new feature we wanted to share with you all the Alumni who are working for the District! Look how
many of us came back! The story below about Devin Simko, shared by Greg Koelker-retired English teacher,
started the wheels turning and “Where are they now…” was created! We hope you enjoy it and share to
help us keep it going.
Staff
Melissa (Fladhammer) Nolte, HS English—2006
Mark Arneson, Band—1979
Tony Paletta, 5th Grade Stoddard—1983
Guy Boardman, Maintenance—1992
Abbey Sedlmayr, PreK Stoddard & Prairie View—2008
Mark Boardman, MS/HS Custodian—1985
Tracy Snitker, Prairie View Custodian—1991
Kim (Ames) Bohnenkamp, MS/HS Secretary—1984
RoxAnne (Thompson) Fox, District Librarian—1967
Substitute Teachers, Aides & Support Staff
Deb (Bohland) Groves, SPED & MS/HS Secretary—
1969
John Audetat—1980
MacKenzie Knutson—2014
Jennifer Gullickson, Teacher’s Aide Prairie View—1992
Dorothy (Berra) Stokke—1972
Sheryl (Caley) Haakenson, MS/HS Kitchen—1999
Kathy (Trussoni) Tully—1988
Opal (Matlock) Hostert, School Nurse—1992
Lynn (Everson) Tully—1984
Josh Knutson, Stoddard Custodian—1993
David Venner—1965
Jackie (Dilworth) Kreuzer, District Secretary—1986
Caron (Sedlmayr) Malin, Special Ed Director—2002
Ronda (Boardman) Nelson, 2nd Grade Prairie View—
1986
Devin Simko, DHS Class of 2006, made his La Crosse
Community Theater debut in The Complete Works of
William Shakespeare (Abridged) in September. Devin,
the one on the left, did Solo Acting in Forensics and
played parts in plays such as “Our Town,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Annie” at De Soto High School before
graduating in 2006. Now a carpenter for (Mike DHS
'08) Nickelatti Construction in Stoddard, Simko says,
“I missed being on stage and hanging out with people
in the theater. I never met anybody in theater I didn’t
get along with. . . my favorite part is being the center
of attention and making people laugh.”
Photo courtesy of the La Crosse Tribune
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AWARD WINNING TEACHERS
HEATH ELIASON—TOP NOTCH TEACHER
WKBT-A math teacher at De Soto Middle School has only been there for three
years, but he is already making a huge impact on many student lives. “I had a really
good math teacher in high school,” said Heath Eliason. Eliason has always wanted to
be a teacher. “I remember sitting in his class one day and looking at him as I was
taking a test and thinking, ‘Man, he has a great job,’” said Eliason.
WKBT, News8000.com Summer 2015 Award
After Hard work and dedication, Eliason landed his dream job of teaching and
coaching basketball. “In De Soto, I get to teach them in the middle school and then
coach them when they get into high school, so it’s sort of a continuation of the relationship that you build with the kids in the classroom,” said Eliason.
—You can read the full article at News8000.com, choose the Schools tab.—
SCOTT KING—DISTRICT 3 ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
The Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association recognized Scott King’s distinguished service as an educator, coach, official and athletic administrator and was proud to honor King
as the 2015 District 3 Athletic Director of the Year at the annual November conference held
in the Wisconsin Dells. King also received his 25-year athletic director service award at the
WADA Awards banquet. King was also recently inducted into the Lyman Hall of Fame and
has previously received coach of the year awards. He is also a recipient of the Golden Heart
Award and the Gatorade “Coaches Care” Honor Roll award.
While at De Soto, King has been a leader with booster organizations and has guided the
development of both youth and school sports programs. He has consulted on the design of
new physical education facilities, and overseen the renovations of softball and football
fields. He worked with the Booster Club to secure funding for the new gym State banners, a
discus cage and developed a shot put area for De Soto’s track program. King also oversaw
the selection of fitness equipment for the new school/community strength and conditioning
center.
RON VON GLAHN—WI RURAL SCHOOLS ALLIANCE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
De Soto Middle/High School Agriculture Teacher Ron Von Glahn was honored Thursday, November 12 as the 2015
Wisconsin Rural Teacher of the Year at the Rural Schools Alliance annual conference in Stevens Point. Mr. Von
Glahn has had a 29-year career as an agriculture teacher, advisor, coach, student mentor and student advocate. He was
recognized for his state level leadership in the development and institution of online agricultural curriculum. He also
worked with the Eastern Allamakee Schools in Lansing Iowa, who were unable to secure an agriculture teacher for the
2014-15 school-year by coming up with a plan to allow him to travel to Iowa and teach Agriculture classes to Key
High students. His mission as an agriculture teacher has always been as a facilitator to student achievement, not only
while students are in school, but also to ensure each student has the
support and skills to be successful in their daily lives, relationships,
careers and as citizens in society. His agriculture and environmental
classes are a highlight for his students with a classroom learning environment that has zero tolerance for “put downs” and bullying. Mr.
Von Glahn has mentored at-risk students and counseled many into not
dropping out of either high school or college. Outside of the classroom, he has been assistant softball coach, assistant volleyball coach,
and for 9 years was the head varsity baseball coach at De Soto. He was
named the District Baseball Coach of the Year in 1999. Today he is a
volunteer coach, working with softball pitchers at several area
schools. Mr. Von Glahn has prepared and supervised students on more
than twenty trips to the National FFA Conference.
(cont. on page 10)
Linzi Gronning, Tamera Von Glahn , Ron Von Glahn and Leah Luke, Past President of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance
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RON VON GLAHN—WI RURAL SCHOOLS ALLIANCE TEACHER OF THE YEAR—CONT.
His students participate annually in the Farm to School, Harvest Challenge, the Jag Lake FFA Leadership Camp, the
Vernon County Fair, 4-H Clubs, World Dairy Expo Judging, FFA Regional and Sectional leadership conferences, Regional and State FFA Career development, the State FFA Convention, and an annual trip to Chicago for seniors.
Mr. Von Glahn’s community service includes serving as the Superintendent at both the Vernon and Crawford county
fairs. For twenty-nine years he has worked with Junior Fair exhibitors and adults. He has also served as the treasurer of
the Vernon County Fair Meat animal sale for twenty-seven years. He served as the President of the Wisconsin Agricultural Educators in 2004-05 and introduced the State to the online CAERT curriculum; Mr. Von Glahn was one of the
first agriculture teachers to move to this curriculum, which he has successfully taught for the past 9 years, providing the
most current and up-to-date materials for students. Mr. Von Glahn introduced and maintains the greenhouse operations,
management, marketing and sales program he began twenty-nine years ago; he has served as a volunteer consultant
providing assistance to fellow agriculture teachers in Viroqua, Seneca, Kickapoo, Westby and Prairie du Chien; he continues in his collaboration with teachers, parents, families and community members in developing and maintaining
greenhouse programs throughout the region; Mr. Von Glahn also served as Chairman of the Region Three Constitution
and Bylaws committee of the National Association of Agricultural Instructors and was Chairman of the Region Three
Convention held in La Crosse in 2006. He is a volunteer instructor for the Department of Natural Resources providing
community member and student certification in Trapper Education, Boating and ATV safety. He spearheaded the youth
Legion Baseball and summer softball league for De Soto area youth. He is a founding member and treasurer of the De
Soto Lions Club. He serves as parliamentarian for the De Soto Area Schools Annual Board meeting. He is also a veteran of the US Air Force. This state award makes him eligible for a national award. Mr. Von Glahn and his wife Tamera
live in De Soto.
Congratulations Ron & Scott for awards honoring your life-time careers of distinguished service! You are
shining examples of life-long commitment to students, the District and the community in which we live.
Thank you!
Prairie Vet Service and Zoetis Donate to
De Soto FFA
By partnering with Prairie Vet Service/Anne
Marie Elwing, Zoetis has donated $ 449 to the
De Soto FFA Chapter this year. This contribution has helped put equipment in classrooms,
helped build new animal agriculture facilities
for FFA chapters, fund leadership development
events and class projects, secure blue jackets,
send members to their first National FFA
Convention and more. A percentage of animal
health products purchased thru Prairie Vet Service are donated to the De Soto FFA. De Soto
FFA wishes to thank Prairie Vet Service and
Zoetis for a partnership that supports Agricultural Education here at De Soto High School.
Harvest Challenge
This year the De Soto Harvest Challenge Team saw a lot of news
faces and overcame several obstacles in this year’s competition.
This year’s Harvest Challenge members were: Anna Busteed,
Brandon George, Darin George, Roxanna Haakenson, Zach
Kuchta, Grace Mitchell, Trisha Nickelotti and Emily Scoville.
Monique Hooker was the team’s Chef Mentor and she taught
students how to make a cost effective, healthy meal that our
school lunch program could make during the school year. For the
Vernon County Harvest Challenge competition, the students
made Pirate Polenta, Cannonballs and Tomato Sauce, Gold
Biscuits, and Barnacle Chips. The team finished 3rd in the
Community Choice and 3rd in the Kid’s Choice during the taste
testing portion of the event. With 7 of the 8 team members being
first year members and underclassmen, the Harvest Challenge
Team will use their experience and knowledge to be competitive
in next year’s competition.
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Stoddard Elementary Chili Cook-Off
Congratulations to Stoddard Elementary fourth grader Amanda Moser for winning this
year's Stoddard PTO Chili Cook Off. The cook off is held each year at Stoddard Elementary and is open to anyone who lives in the De Soto School District.
Our champ Amanda went up against some real tough competition who had a lot more
experience in the kitchen than she did. I know, because I too entered the contest and this
wasn't my first chili competition. Ten contestants entered the race for the title and it was
Amanda who became this year's champ. The voting for the contest is done by community members who receive a ticket after paying to judge all the chili. Once they have tasted all the contestants chili they cast their vote on whose tasted the best.
I tasted Amanda's Chili and I can tell you first hand that not only is Amanda's
Crunchtastic Chili recipe delicious, it's child friendly with the amount of heat she has in
it. Being the great young lady that Amanda is, she has attached her recipe for all to
enjoy!
If you feel like you have the best chili recipe in the area and can compete with Amanda
please join us next year for our annual cook off. All proceed for this event go to support Stoddard Elementary
School.— Mike Chapes, Stoddard Elementary Principal
Amanda's Crunchtastic Chili
2lbs Hamburger
2 15oz cans Kidney Beans drained
2 15oz cans Chili Beans in Sauce
2 Large onions Chopped
3 Stalks Celery Chopped
1/4 cup Chili Powder
2 Quarts Homemade V8 Juice
5 Good Shakes of Cholula
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
Cook Hamburger until brown with
onions, salt and pepper.
Mix everything in a crock pot on low
for 5 hours. Enjoy!!!
Culver’s Rewards Character at Prairie View
In an effort to promote positive behaviors and encourage academic
achievement, Prairie View Elementary teamed up with the Viroqua Culver’s for “Kids of Character.” This program encourages
students to display positive character traits in every aspect of their
life. Culver’s provided certificates for: “A” for Effort Award,
Great Job Award, Leadership Award, Super Reader Award, and
Good Character. These awards are given out to students throughout the school year by all staff members and are also used for door
prizes during monthly positive behavior parties. Thank you Culver’s!!
Students are proudly displaying their “Culver’s Kids of Character
Awards” which can be used for free ice cream, Kids Meals, or Extra Value Meals.
Back (L-R): Ethan Nickolai, Braedyn Peterson, Harris Krueger,
Cadence Thompson, Avyn Holliday.
Front (L-R): Jaycee Sandry, Spencer Kirking, Brianna Turben.
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Prairie View PTO
Spooktacular
Dalton Hauge
bobbing for
apples!
The Prairie View PTO put on a
Halloween Spooktacular for students
and their families. The event was
filled with games, fun, and treats.
There was apple bobbing, a ring toss,
and even a mad scientist station.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made it a wonderful success. A special thank you to the high
school students who volunteered and
were interactive with the children.
They helped set a good example for
our students!
Students brought carved pumpkins
which we set up in the Prairie View
garden. We had a “haunted” walk lit
up by jack o lanterns.
Sonny and Guy Boardman as
“The Blues Brothers!”
De Soto Zombie Run!
On Tuesday, October 27th, the
High School Wellness Club
hosted their 2nd Annual Zombie
Run! Due to weather, the run
was moved inside which turned
the event into a Zombie Haunted
House. Participants made their
way through the school, which
was pitch black in some areas!
High school students dressed up
as zombies to provide a thrill
and add a scare factor. We had
over 100 participants and lots of
sweaty kids! Thank you for
supporting your High School
Wellness Club!
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It’s REAL Reading
In Mrs. Sullivan’s’ room:
Welcome to our 1st “newsworthy”
newsletter about a few events in our
middle/high school Reading/English/
Arts of Language department. We will
be sharing with our parents and community what goes on in our classrooms and what the students are accomplishing.
*6th graders are currently researching interesting topics for their informational expository
essays.
*7th graders are busy writing their own autobiographies and finishing Literature Circle novels.
*8th graders are polishing up their writing skills
and researching about Washington D.C.
In Mr. Morrison’s room:
*9th grade are honing their researching and writing
skills and are in the beginning stage of their informative essays.
In Mrs. Schwartz’ room:
*6th graders will be finishing up their
“Survival” unit and beginning their
new unit on “Challenges and Barriers. Also, we will be reviewing Story
Elements.
*11th graders are moving out of the ancient Middle
East and stepping into the world of tragic heroes,
demi-gods and monsters.
In Mrs. Nolte’s room:
*English 10 completed their society projects (Picture—L)
[E10 Photo Credits: Johanna Kunert, Alex Hobbs and
Lane Buchner]
*7th graders will be starting a Short
Story unit and writing their own essay for publication.
*8th graders will be finishing their
novel and beginning a new unit on
“The 3R’s of Growing Up”.
*Young Adolescent Literature created their own Epics
(superheroes) and is planning an anti-bullying program
for the Middle School in Dec. (Picture—R)
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Art Club Trip to Europe
The De Soto Art Club is planning a field trip to
England, Ireland and Whales this Summer.
There is still room for more chaperones if you
are interested in going. See Mr. Stingl ASAP!
We are presently raising funds to offset the
costs for this once in a lifetime experience. If
any organizations needs art work done ,such as
a mural, individual projects or portrait painting, etc. –Please contact Mr. Stingl at the High
School.
The De Soto Art Club hosted the first “Pirate Painting Party” fundraiser on Saturday, November 14th at the De Soto
Community Center. All the profits raised go towards the 2016 Art Club trip to Europe. Over thirty people attended the
event, had lots of laughs and turned out the lovely landscapes pictured. Meg Buchner, parent of Lane Buchner and Art
teacher at St. Charles School, taught the class. Mr. Stingl oversaw the event, helped the painters, and assisted the student helpers who included Bailey Gianoli, Drew Foley, Lauren Volker, Julia Stalsberg, Lexi Soller and Vin Buchner.
The next “Pirate Painting Party” fundraiser will be Saturday, January 23 from 6-8 pm at the De Soto Community
Center. Tickets are $35 per person which includes canvas, all supplies, snacks and step-by-step instruction. Mr. Stingl
will be teaching the class. Tickets will be available soon (see Mr. Stingl) and make GREAT Christmas presents. No
painting experience is required and the event is easy and FUN!
Congratulations Connor and Matthew!
Matthew Boardman and Connor Ernst were both
chosen to be a part of the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestra. Matthew is 1st Trumpet Philharmonic and Connor is 1st Euphonium Philharmonic. They
both auditioned
and were chosen
based on their
musical talent
for this prestigious local orchestra. What a
great achievement for the De
Soto Band Dept.
GIVING TREE
It’s nearly time for the annual HS SAC gift giving drive!
The giving tree will be set up in the high school commons
from December 1st to December 17th. Please think about grabbing an angel or two from the tree as you attend sporting
events or making a donation to help the SAC select and deliver the gifts. Please return all gifts to the middle/high school
office by December 19th, so gifts can make it to their
destinations in time for holiday celebrations.
Thank you for your generosity through this holiday season!
14
Be SAFE Training
By Greg Koelker
Eleven De Soto High School students and Principal Linzi
Gronning recently took part in a Be SAFE curriculum training
sponsored by the Vernon County Bully Project and facilitated
by Colleen B. Pulvermacher, associate professor University of
Wisconsin. They met at Vernon Memorial Hospital.
All participants agreed that the Be SAFE program would be
beneficial for other youth—elementary, middle and high
Saraya Boardman, Anna Busteed, Cassidy Trussoni and
school age. De Soto High School senior, Cassidy Trussoni
Venessa Larson
said, “A big thing I took away from the day was that we are
Idji Boardman, Morgan Lemke, Alexa Soller, Drew Foley,
dealt stressors in our lives everyday but the way we look at
Lance Buckles and Colleen Pulvermacher, UW Extension
them determines the outcome.” In their evaluation comments,
Trussoni’s classmates added responses like: “I learned that
stress doesn’t always have to be negative.” “I learned I can control the way my mind processes things by slowing down.”
”I think parents should know this stuff.” “Great experience that will impact us and others through our outreach.” “I feel
like I learned a lot about ways to help others and myself.” “I’m going to practice some stuff we learned – like using people’s names, eye contact, trying to ask questions to get to know people better.” “Everyone our age and in our school needs
this training.”
The intentions of the program were to: Build youth capacity in creating safe spaces, understanding differences, nurturing
social and emotional intelligence and becoming critical consumers of the media. De Soto High School was the designated
school for this pilot training project because students and staff have been focusing on bullying extensively, so the Be Safe
curriculum was adapted to focus on a workforce readiness approach.
The Be SAFE training is designed for both the work world and school systems and features 10 major focus areas for students and adults to explore and learn about in order to promote and facilitate safe school and work environments: 1. trying
to understand other perspectives on situations 2. using a new way to handle stress and being more aware of how I treat
others 3. being more thankful of my circumstances 4. being more open minded 5. helping to train others to in the Be
SAFE skills 6. listening more and talking less 7. being more aware of and understanding other people 8. making direct eye
contact 9. teaching younger kids 10. telling others what I need when I’m stressed. Trussoni added, “I would highly recommend this to other students and area schools. Anyone who attends this workshop will benefit from it, not only in the
school setting but also in life. The most valuable part of the course was learning that it takes very little to make a difference in someone else's life. We can make connections with others if we take the time to do so.”
This training was sponsored by numerous agencies in Vernon County. “De Soto was selected because of our activism in
developing student leaders and our focus on the topics of Habits of Highly Effective Teens, understanding and accepting
diversity, leadership and personal goal setting, and PBIS concepts of responsible, respectful and safe behavior,” says Principal Gronning.
Unity Day
Be an UPSTANDER,
stand up to bullies!
15
STOP BULLYING
Let’s stop the bullying behavior. It’s disruptive to family lives and it is disruptive to the learning
environment at school. Before technology, bullying behavior was limited to mostly one-to-one
interpersonal exchanges. Now, it is something that can occur 24 hours a day.
What is bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated
and deliberate, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading
rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
There are three types of bullying, verbal, social and physical. Verbal includes teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting and threatening to cause harm. Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships including telling other children not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors, or leaving someone out on purpose. Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping, pushing, taking or breaking someone’s
things or making mean or rude hand gestures.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyber bullying takes place using a form of electronic technology including devices such as cellphones, smartphones,
computers and tablets through the use of social media sites, text messages, chats, instant messages and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean spirited text messages, emails, rumors started and sent by email or posted on social
network sites, fake profiles, and embarrassing or malicious pictures or videos posted using social networks or websites.
Why is Cyberbullying Different?
Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can take place when a child is alone. Messages and images
can be posted, often anonymously, and distributed exponentially to a wide and varied audience. Deleting inappropriate
or harassing messages, texts, or images is extremely difficult and sometimes it is impossible to trace the source. Digital
devices, social media sites, and technology are not the problem. These tools can be used for very positive purposes to
promote learning, share information, connecting kids with friends and family, and celebrate achievements. Unfortunately, these same tools can be used to be hurtful and divisive.
The problem is bullying using these tools. The effects of bullying, whether in person or through digital technology, are
very similar. According to the stopbullying.gov site, kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:
Use alcohol and drugs
Skip school
Experience in-person bullying
Be unwilling to attend school
Receive poor grades
Have lower self-esteem
Have more health problems
What can we do?
First, we all have a role to prevent and stop bullying—school staff, parents, and students. We must continually send the
message to make sure children understand bullying and cyberbullying behavior is unacceptable. We must make sure students know how to stand up to it safely and know how to get help. At school, victims or witnesses can share information
with our school counselor, teachers or administrators. When a person really needs help, we hope students will step up
and report.
Kid Roles—There are many roles that kids can play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may witness bullying. When kids are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. It is important to understand the multiple
roles kids play in order to effectively prevent and respond to bullying.
16
Parent Roles—Be aware of what your kids are doing online. It should never be a secret or “none of your business.” Children
of all ages do not have the emotional maturity to handle and respond appropriately to many of the content topics being shared.
●Talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly. Know the sites your kids visit and their online
activities. Ask where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re doing it with.
●Tell your kids that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is reason for
concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring programs are one option for monitoring your
child’s online behavior, but do not rely solely on these tools.
●Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the devices they use.
●Ask for their passwords, but tell them you’ll only use them in case of emergency.
●Ask to “friend” or “follow” your kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so.
●Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyberbullied. Explain that you will
not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having.
●Establish rules about technology use.
●Keep the lines of communication open. Check with your child. Listen to and understand their concerns. Get to know their
friends.
●Encourage your child to get involved with an activity. There are many school and community activities and programs
that provide opportunities for building positive relationships and skills boosting self-confidence, making friends that
protect them from bullying behavior.
School Staff
We are working to educate students about preventing bullying, being an upstander and teaching students resiliency skills to report bullying and get help.
●PBIS—Positive Behavior Intervention Systems/Strategies—Teachers at all levels are working
within a matrix of expected respectful, responsible and safe behaviors for each school environment from the classroom to the cafeteria, in the hallways and bathrooms, at assemblies and on
buses and fieldtrips. PBIS lessons are taught and positive behaviors are acknowledged and reward activities are planned for exemplary behaviors by individuals and classes.
●Data is collected on all behavioral reports to assess issues and to work on prevention efforts to ensure a positive learning
environment for all students and staff.
●At the Middle/High School the first two days of school were devoted to developing a school culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect through kindness activities, team building, anti-bully education, and other programs focused on establishing a positive school climate.
●Student leadership organizations like Student Activity Councils continue to play an important role in providing school
programs and activities promoting respectful, responsible and safe behaviors. De Soto High School again hosted the
Ridge and Valley Student Leadership Conference on Wednesday, November 18. Students from all conference schools
focused on leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and positive behaviors.
●De Soto High School students received Be SAFE training and those student participants will begin serving as facilitators
for peers and younger students providing resiliency skills to intervene, report and prevent bullying reinforcing positive
and supportive social interactions and inclusiveness.
●R.E.A.C.T. Students are encouraged to REACT: ➢ R—Recognize that bullying is not normal behavior anywhere ➢
E—Explain school rules against bullying—No tolerance—No acceptance ➢ A—Act to report bullying if you or
someone you know is a victim ➢ C—Care for those being bullied and the bully without accepting the bullying behavior ➢ T—Turn to key adults and friends who also believe that bullying is wrong and get assistance.
Resources:
●Wisconsin Department of Instruction http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_bullyingprevention
●stopbullying.gov
●National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
●La Crosse County Crisis Line (608) 784-4357
●Hopeline Text “HOPELINE” to 741741
●Great Rivers 211 Crisis Line
●Center Point Emergency Line: (608) 637-7007
17
River Bluff Families Against Bullying is focusing on reinforcing positive behavior with our students. We had a RAK
(Random Act of Kindness) Challenge at the beginning of school. Students who posted their or other's act of kindness
on our Facebook page were entered to win. Xenia Ibarra won the challenge and received 2 movie tickets.
Our current challenge is Get UP Stand UP UPSTAND! An upstander is someone that stands up for another, not letting
bullying continue. If you stand up for no bullying, then you are an UPSTANDER. Post a picture of yourself, with a
sign that says, "I AM AN UPSTANDER" and you will be entered in the River Bluff Families Against Bullying's next
drawing. Go ahead....show everyone that you don't like bullies. Post your pic on the FAB Families Against Bullying
Facebook page. The prize is a skating party donated by High Rollers.
Future plans include a scholarship that rewards positive behavior in the community. Please contact us if you would
like to contribute or have ideas for sponsors.
riverblufffab@gmail.com
Get UP Stand UP UPStand De Soto!!! Be FABulous!!!
Veterans Day 2015
Middle/High School students provided a meaningful tribute to our country’s veterans. The middle school choir, middle and high school bands performed vocal and
instrumental salutes, and students read from heartfelt memoires written by soldiers
to their friends and family.
Previous to Veterans Day, all middle and high school students took part in a walk to
help raise funds that will support the costs for local veterans to travel on the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the memorials built in their honor.
THANK YOU VETERANS!
Mr. Crandall & Mr. Von Glahn present Mr. Jim Moe
with a $1,000 check for the Freedom Honor Flight!
18
Fall Sports Highlights
2nd Team Defense
Jon Thompson
1st Team Offense
Jakob Hensley
Austin Anderson
Ben Rice
Jon Thompson
Zach Kuchta
2015 Football All-Conference
Honorable Mention
Brandon George Defensive Back
Sean Ziegler
Defensive Line
2nd Team Offense
Jeff Alton
Quarterback
Ryan Lagerman Offensive Line
2015 Volleyball All-Conference
Maddie Stilwell
Julia Wiltinger
Defensive End
Center
Running Back
Wide Receiver
Offensive Line
Kicker
Honorable Mention
Casey Fremstad
Ruby Lensing
1st Team Defense
Coby Gemein
Defensive Back
Jakob Hensley
Defensive Line
Austin Anderson
Linebacker
Nick Malin
Punter
Ridge & Valley Sportsmanship Award
Hunter Thompson
Sportsmanship Award
Maddie Stilwell
JV Volleyball Team
Freshman Volleyball Team
19
NEWS from your School Libraries
Thank you for your support at the recent Scholastic Book Fairs in our district! Because of you, each library was able to select
many new books for the libraries from Scholastic. The school libraries are being staffed this year by teaching assistants and a
part-time consultant. At the De Soto Middle and High School, Kay Silvis is supervising students and managing the daily activities of the library. Cheryl Russell Miller is the TA at Prairie View Elementary and Suzanne Pence is the TA at Stoddard
Elementary. The assistants work with staff and students in the library, they read aloud or discuss books, they help students
learn how to use the library, how to locate information, and what it means to be a good citizen in a digital world. They assist
teachers with helping students develop critical thinking skills and they keep the library organized for everyone. Roxanne Fox
has returned to De Soto to work a few hours a month as the Library Consultant, helping coordinate all the library staff and programming this year.
SPOTLIGHT ON PRAIRIE VIEW LIBRARY
Cheryl Russell Miller is the TA at Prairie View Elementary every Monday, Wednesday and Friday working in
the library with teachers and students. Cheryl has lived in De Soto since 2001 and worked as the Village librarian since 2012. She is the mother of three daughters. Sarah graduated from DHS in 2008, is married and
has one child, Emery, who is 18 months old. Elly and Eva are currently attending middle school at De Soto.
Cheryl is a graduate of Winona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Bachelor of
Science degree in Social Work.
SPOTLIGHT ON STODDARD LIBRARY
Suzanne Pence is the library TA at Stoddard Elementary and works Monday through Thursday. She teaches two groups of
students everyday during the P.I.E. (Prevention Intervention Extension) time period. On Tuesday and Thursday, Mrs. Pence
has classes in the library. Suzanne lives in La Crosse with her husband and two children, Sophia (11) and Sam (8). She has
worked at the La Crosse Public Library as an aide and at the Onalaska Public Library at the circulation desk. Suzanne was
also a substitute teaching assistant for the School District of La Crosse before joining the Stoddard Elementary staff. She has a
Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from UW-La Crosse.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS BEGINS…At all four schools, students are busy reading this year's battle lists for the Wisconsin
Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) Battle. This event will involve students grades 4-12 from all across Wisconsin who compete in a statewide online event in February, 2016. Students are expected to read twenty (20) books from a specific list of titles. They
must also know details of the books, the authors and titles, and understand the overall theme or
motif of each title. Ms. Fox will be working weekly with all groups at the two elementary
schools and the middle and high school beginning in January. Only one team from each school
is allowed to participate in the state battle - so if needed, we will hold our own Battle before theonline event. Any questions
about this program can be sent to rfox@desoto.k12.wi.us
De Soto Food Service Department
The school lunch program and menus are designed to meet USDA nutritional standards. To
meet those standards our schools serve low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, meat alternatives, and a salad bar offering a variety fresh vegetables. To ensure all students receive
healthy meals while at school each meal is thoroughly analyzed. At breakfast we offer two
choices, and during lunch we can offer one to two choices, depending on the day. All meals
include a milk of their choice, additional milk is available for thirty five cents. Breakfast and
lunch menus are sent home monthly with all elementary students and are available on the school
district website. Let us help take the hassle out of planning and preparing meals for your child
and encourage them to eat at school.
Celebrating pajama day!
Parents, grandparents and guardians are welcome to participate in
school-meal programs by joining children at breakfast and/or lunch.
All visitors must pay the cost of an adult-meal, which is $1.75 for breakfast and $4.05 for lunch.
For further details please see the secretaries at your child’s school.
Families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced priced meals at any time during the school
year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become
eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.
For details see http://www.desoto.k12.wi.us/Documents/LunchApplication.pdf or contact your
school secretary for information.
Any questions or concerns, please contact Betsy Knutson Food Service Director 608-457-2101 ext. 610
20
2014 - 2015 Q4 Honor Roll
06/11/2015 - De Soto High School
Q4 Honor Roll - 2014-2015 Q4
Grade 12
Perfect Honors
Grade 11
Perfect Honors
Grade 10
Perfect Honors
Grade 9
Perfect Honors
Chapes, Alexandria Adeline
Fremstad, Casey Erin
Chapes, Victoria Grace
Buchner, Lane Elizabeth
Stevenson, Alex Robert
Gianoli, Bailey M
George, Brandon Robert
Chapes, Dylan Kostas
Veglahn, Anna Elizabeth
King, Benjamin Royal
George, Darin Anton
Chapes, Grant William
Wellman, Zachary Craig
King, Jessica Hannah
Haakenson, Roxanna Mae
Greener, Joel Robert
High Honors
Wallin, Benjamin Robert
Kozelka, Lila Rose-Kathryn
Knutson, Sarah E
Bissen, Joseph Daniel
Wiltinger, Julia Kelsey
Kuchta, Zachary James
High Honors
Boardman, Natalie Kathryn
High Honors
Lemke, Morgan Mae
Busteed, Anna Nicole
Brosinski, Sadie
Holliday, Serena Rae
McKittrick, Brianna Caroline
Daentl, McKenna Mercedes
Fosdal, Kara Marie
Kunert, Marissa Leanne
Mitchell, Grace Lydia
Dammon, Susanna Ardell
Halvorson, Clarissa Marie
Larson, Vanessa Marie
Scoville, Emily Marlene
Gilman, Jordan Marie
Kabat, Britani Ann Maree
Malin, Nicholas Philip
Scoville, Logan James
Hatch, Sebastian Forrest
Kuhnke, Austyn Chad
Pavwoski Jr., Jim Alan
Tully, Sierra Carrese
Heckler, Ethan Matthew
Miller, Ashley Jean
Poulin, Benjamin Scott
Veglahn, Rachel Laraine
Helgeson, Fletcher Eric
Obert, Nathaniel Robert
Quamme, Caitlyn Nicole
Wellman, Rachel Lee
Hobbs, Alex Timothy
Olson, Austin Douglas
Rem, Maura Mary
Wopat, Julia Carolyn-Rose
Kunert, Johanna Marie
Payton, Denver G
Stilwell, Madeline Amy
High Honors
Overby, Evan Robert
Peterson, Sophia Rose
Trussoni, Cassidy Jo
Anderson, Austin John
Honors
Wang, Nicholas M
Honors
Boardman, Derek James
Audetat, Isabella Mae
Honors
Alton, Jeffrey Daniel
Brosinski, Grace C
Boardman, Anthony Michael
Abbott, Samantha Rene
Crowley, Monica Ann
Clements, Conner James
Boardman, Cheyanne Jean
Gerke, Emily Jean
Gemein, Coby Daniels
Foley, Drew James
Hendrix, Kylee Rebekah
Marcou, RaeAnn Jo
Hensley, Jakob Alan
Gillespie, Cassidy Laura
Honken, Skylar David
Paulsrud, Troy Robert
Hermeier, Madeline Ella
Gillespie, Patrick George
Jacobson, Noah Reuben
Strasser, Isaac Allan
Hunze, Skyler Owen
Ibarra, Xenia Marie
Poulin, Jesse Lee
Taylor, Renee Marie
Kreuzer, Kassidy Marita
Krause, Katelyn Marie
Strasser, Olivia Marie
Lensing, Ruby Jean
Lagerman, Ryan Kenneth
Trussoni, Jenna Rae
Lomprey, Emily Irene
Marley, Sam Moussa
Nickelotti, Trisha Lee
Parr, Brandon Jeffrey
Dates to Remember
Perry, Kameron James
For the most up to date
information regarding District
activities, please check the
District website,
http://www.desoto.k12.wi.us/,
for the most current times and
dates of concerts, sporting
events and other important
events. Sometimes date and
time changes are necessary and
with Winter weather coming we
may need to make changes with
short notice.
Pep Band!
Rice, Benjamin Donald
Stalsberg, Julia Marie
Thiede-Hundt, Kendra Lee
Voelker, Lauren Renee
Ziegler, Sean Allen
Ziegler, Brianna Cheryl
Honors
Dahl, Jaclyn Rose
Gottbeheat, Morgaine Faith
Johnson, Dylan Lee
Ortiz, Henry Diego
Rockwell, Trent
Rodriguez, Garrit Preston
Soller, Alexa Renae
Werner, Samuel Robert
21
We thank you for
your patience!
GRADE 8
PERFECT HONORS
Anderson, Riley Jo
Brosinski, Ava Claire
Heckler, Hannah Olivia
Klemme, Elaina Jeannette
Krzewinski, Jennafer Nicole
Marley, Charles Thomas
Sikora, Jake Waldon
Skau, Hannah Lou
Tully, Lila Mae
Zink, Isaiah Mathew
HIGH HONORS
Beck, Riggin John
Bergum, Drew Anthony
Bergum, Katie Loren
Creger, Jadon Hunter
Hermeier, Michaela Dianne
Jarzemski, Karmyn Alayna
Knutson, Brendon Paul
Meyer, Leah Marie
Olson, Taylor Renee
Rem, Brigid Kathleen
Venner, Brock Ryan
Voelker, Chase Dean
Woodhouse, Morgan Leigh
HONORS
Arentz, Miranda Mae
Gemein, Gavin Sage
Hass, Emily Carmella
Hermeier, Zachary Gary
Hoff, Livia Olson
Rodriguez, Max Sullivan
2014 - 2015 Q4 Honor Roll
06/11/2015 - De Soto Middle School
Q4 Honor Roll - 2014-2015 Q4
GRADE 7
PERFECT HONORS
Curti, Jacob Antonio
Nickelotti, Paul Maxwell
Sikora, Pearl Elizabeth
Veglahn, James Dwight Ervin
HIGH HONORS
Arce-Johnson, Analia Estrella
Boardman, Alexa Renee
Boardman, Alexander Glenn
Boardman, Matthew Alan
Busteed, Nathan Ryan
Kuhnke, Kyler Roger
Kunert, Michael Joel
Larson, Tyler Le Roy
Pedretti, Hunter Patrick
Steger, Carter Gregory
Story, Alexis Briana
Williams, Adam Richard
Wilson, Lydia Robyn Rose
Yttri, Brianna Elizabeth
HONORS
Fruth, Matthew Ray
Gurske, Trinidy Sky
Huebner, Tymber Anne
Logslett, Caleb Robert
Pedretti, Kaden John
Spears, Takoda Gene
Werner, Molly Isabelle
Above—Middle School Football
Left—Middle School Volleyball
22
GRADE 6
PERFECT HONORS
Haakenson, April Marie
Young, Jordan Layne
HIGH HONORS
Greener, Lily Charlotte
Grelle, Aidan Christopher
Helgeson, Mya Jo
Hobbs, Emma Chloe
Holliday, Isaac David
Kreuzer, Kenzy Maxine
Kurszewski, Jacob Matthew
Larson, Aubree Leigh
Lemke, Trevor Paul
Lowen, Henry Tate
Mason, Levin Ewell
Matson, Alan Jeffrey
Olson, Alec Conrad
Russell-Miller, Elynn Claire
Sanding, Trevor Michael
Spears, Cierra Jo
Stevens, Issiah Mathew
Thompson, Andrew James
Walz, Lucas Anthony
HONORS
Boardman, Zoey Ann
Faulkner, Austin Russell
Fox, Paighton Elizabeth Lee
Garcia, Cezar Alejandro
Greeno, Ellie Marie
Hellerud, Grace Lillian Kaylee
Koch, Emilee Jean
Kukes, Dalton Gabrial
Kunert, Keith William
Lockington, Brooke McKenna
Meyer, Chelsie Jean
Nickolai, Austin Lee James
Nies, Quinton Richard
Penchi, Ella Ann
Randa, Natalie Jo
Runice, Lilli Quain
Scoville, Alex Edward
ImPACT Testing for Student-Athletes
The De Soto Athletic Department is offering parents of middle and high school student athletes the option of having
their child participate in ImPACT baseline testing. ImPACT is a tool to help determine recovery from concussion injury and used to help manage post-concussion return by students to their academics, to exertion and to play. ImPACT is
also a tool to help communicate post-concussion status to coaches, parents, and with parents and clinicians. ImPACT testing is conducted at De Soto Middle/High School by our certified athletic trainer.
Every year, at least 1.7 million brain injuries occur either as an isolated injury or along with other
injuries. About 75% of brain injuries are concussions. For male athletes in high school and in college,
concussion rates are highest for football, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestling. For females in
high school cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse and basketball head the list. At the college level, women’s
ice hockey has one of the highest reported concussion rates.
What is a concussion?
Often referred to by the names “getting your bell rung,” or “dinger”, a concussion is a “mild traumatic brain injury”
and should be treated as a significant neurological event. A concussion is a brain injury that interferes with normal
functioning of the brain (changes how the cells in the brain normally work). A concussion can be caused by a bump,
blow, or jolt to the head or body. Basically, any force that is transmitted to the head causing the brain to literally
bounce around or twist within the skull can result in a concussion. Over 90% of concussions do not involve loss of
consciousness. It is important to note that a concussion can happen to anyone in any sport or athletic activity.
Concussion affects people in four areas of function:
Physical: This describes how a person may feel: headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc.
Thinking: Poor memory and concentration, responds to questions more slowly, asks repetitive questions. Concussion can cause an altered state of awareness.
Emotions: A concussion can make a person more irritable and cause mood swings.
Sleep: Concussions frequently cause changes in sleeping patterns, which can increase fatigue.
ImPACT is a sophisticated test of cognitive abilities that provide a baseline for clinicians and
doctors to assess a student athlete following a concussion incident. ImPACT is a scientifically
researched concussion management tool that assists health care professionals track recovery of
cognitive processes following concussion. ImPACT tests conducted after a concussion allow for
health care professionals, parents and educators to make decisions about academic needs following concussions. For more information on having your child participate in the ImPACT test,
please contact Scott King, Athletic Director at (608) 648-0113.
Parent and Student References:
● Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction—Guidelines for Concussion and Head Injury
http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_tbi-conc-guidelines
● Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA)—Click on the Health tab on the top tool bar of the WIAA homepage. http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Concussions.aspx
● ImPACT https://www.impacttest.com
23
School Counselor News
2015-2016 High School Highlights
Senior year is fun and exciting but is full of many of deadlines, applications, entrance exams and more. Please
stay tuned to the daily school announcements, the school counseling bulletin boards, and the school counseling webpage for any events and deadlines. - https://sites.google.com/a/desotopirates.org/de-soto-schoolcounseling/
Helpful Websites
University of Wisconsin System: www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
Links to UW schools, online application, and “Major Mania” a database of majors and corresponding
schools.
Wisconsin Technical Colleges: www.witechcolleges.org
A website that lists programs at WI technical colleges, tuition, job placement, and online application.
Wisconsin Private Colleges and Universities: www.wisconsinmentor.org
Virtual tours, college planning, financial aid information, and online applications
Minnesota College and Universities: www.mnscu.edu
Similar to the UW System website, except not all the MN schools are represented on the website
College Applications - APPLY EARLY! PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES - that is your
best opportunity to be accepted to the college of your choice. Each school admission period is slightly different.
4-year and 2-year UW schools begin looking at applications on September 15th! Some schools close admission
once they reach a target number of incoming freshmen (for example, UWL is usually full in December). Other
schools close admissions on a specific date i.e. January 15. Technical colleges usually have rolling admissions
which means they accept students into a specific program until it’s full, BUT some programs fill up VERY fast.
Bottom line… APPLY EARLY! and apply to more than one college. You may be wait-listed.
Most college applications are online but check the college’s website for specific application details.
UW System application- www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
ACT Exam - ALL JUNIORS are required to take the ACT Exam by the Department of Public Instruction.
The ACT is also required when applying to a 4-year college or university or the WTC Liberal Arts program.
ALL JUNIORS will take the ACT at De Soto High School at NO cost to the student during the spring of their
Junior year (March 1st & 2nd, 2016 - juniors DO NOT individually register for the required exam, the school
does that). Seniors and other students who wish to take the ACT beyond the one required exam during their junior year can do so at their own expense and time. See below for information regarding additional ACT registration, fees, and test dates.
Additional 2015/16 ACT exam dates for seniors and other students who wish to take the ACT Exam beyond the one required exam during their junior year. These exam dates are not offered at De Soto High
School - Check the ACT website for specific testing sites. Not all sites offer all testing dates.
**Register online at www.actstudent.org - ACT Test Fee: $39.50 (non-writing) $56.50 (plus writing)**
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)
December 12, 2015
November 6, 2015
November 7–20, 2015
February 6, 2016*
January 8, 2016
January 9–15, 2016
April 9, 2016
March 4, 2016
March 5–18, 2016
June 11, 2016**
May 6, 2016
May 7–20, 2016
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School Counselor News-cont.
ACT Exam - Cont.
Official ACT Exam Scores - Send up to 4 ACT score reports for free by listing the colleges you’d like to have
receive them when you register for the exam. If you need additional official score reports or need them in the future
you may request them at http://www.actstudent.org/ for a small fee.
ACT Exam Prep Course - Readies students for all four sections of the ACT exam, plus the optional writing
section. $185 includes textbook set; pre- and post-tests; diagnostic assessment reports; face-to-face instruction and
interaction with qualified instructors. - http://www.uwlax.edu/conted/Test-prep/ACT/ - Online version available
also!
Spring 2016: Feb. 6 - March 12 | Saturdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. | UW-La Crosse | Registration Deadline: Jan. 29, 2016
COMPASS Exam - The COMPASS Exam is used for admittance to some technical colleges in Wisconsin.
Please check with specific schools to ensure you’re registering for the correct exam. The COMPASS or ACT is required to apply to Western Technical College. The COMPASS is offered Monday-Friday at WTC, La Crosse campus. It is also offered at WTC, Viroqua campus.
● Register online at http://www.registerblast.com/wtc/Home/Tab/327. Students will need to bring picture ID
and know their social security number the day of the exam. There is a $20 test fee.
● COMPASS Review (math, reading, writing) - http://www.westerntc.edu/admissions/ReviewOptions.aspx
ASVAB - January 20th, 2016 Measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success, especially in the military. All 11th and 12th grade students will take the exam at De Soto High
School as a career development tool.
Transcript Request - college applications require official transcripts to be sent to the college.
If you apply
online, please notify Mrs. Jandrin to have an official transcript sent. If you apply on paper, bring your completed application and application fee to the guidance office and Mrs. Jandrin will attach an official transcript and mail it
for you. Colleges will not accept you if they do not receive an official transcript. Some scholarships require an official transcripts which Mrs. Jandrin will be able to assist with.
Letter of Recommendation - when asking for a recommendation, keep in mind these suggestions:
●People are very busy. Do not wait until the last minute. Try to ask 2-4 weeks before you need the letter.
●Provide the person with all of the relevant information about your high school career (student activities, work
experience, future study plans and career, and why you’re applying to a particular school or scholarship). Pick up a letter of recommendation request form in the guidance office.
●Provide a stamped, addressed envelope if the recommendation is to be mailed.
●Write a thank-you note to the person for taking the time to help you.
Application Essay - focus on things that you have not already touched upon in the application itself. Be honest,
make your essay personal, and say something that will make you stand out from all the rest. Consider writing about
a challenge you have overcome to leave a lasting impression. Be sure to write professionally with complete sentences and proper punctuation. Have someone review it!
Changes to Senior Schedule - You will need to obtain prior approval from your school of choice before
changes can be made. Most college acceptance letters state “final admission is contingent upon… successfully
completing all the courses identified on your application (any changes to your senior schedule must be preapproved and submitted to us in writing.” All colleges require final high school transcript, which are reviewed for
courses and grades earned in those courses. If you drop a course without approval from your school of choice, they
have the right to retract your acceptance to their school.
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School Counselor News-cont.
Financial Aid Night - Monday, December 7, 2015 @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Ellen Kreger, Regional College Access Advisor for Great Lakes Higher Education Cooperation
Topics: FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) details and financial aid process
The FASFA must be filled out prior to receiving any money from the government for college. It cannot be filled out
until January 1 for the next school year. Must have parent's income tax return for 2015 before filling out the FASFA.
Once you have been accepted to a school check with their financial aid office to determine if they have a deadline for
the FAFSA. Most schools in Wisconsin do not have deadlines, but they encourage students to file their FAFSA as
soon as possible as a lot of financial aid is based on a first come, first serve basis. Invites for Financial Aid Night
will be sent home in November.
Scholarships - Pay close attention to scholarship information throughout the year.
Scholarships come in all
shapes and sizes and are available at the national, state, and local level. It’s always worth it to apply! Many scholarship donors look to award money to students who may be overlooked by others. Some scholarships are for more
specific fields such as automotive mechanics, agriculture, or welding. I will inform you of scholarships on a regular
basis through the guidance webpage, the guidance bulletin board at school, and the school daily announcements.
Please contact me if you would like to receive scholarship updates in a different way. Every college, including
Western Technical College, offer scholarship opportunities. Also look into your parents’ place of employment;
scholarships may be available there too. The Local Scholarship Application is due in the Guidance Office on
March 2, 2016. This is a firm deadline. I will not accept applications after this date. I will begin distributing information regarding the Local Scholarship Application in January. However, if you would like to discuss it with me
prior to that feel free to do so.
Scholarship Award Night - Sunday, May 1, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m. - Information and invitation to come
Campus Visits - Schedule a college campus visit if you haven’t done so yet.
Schedule a visit to UW-L, Viterbo,
and WTC even if you’re already familiar with the campuses. A campus visit will allow you to “feel the college out”
and see if it’s truly a good match for you. Campus visits typically include college and admissions information, academic program information, extracurricular activities and opportunities, guided tours, and a student panel. Campus
visits are offered on weekends and school vacations, but if necessary, campus visits may occur during high school
hours. You are allowed 2 excused college visits per year. Complete a Verification of Student Attendance Form
and return the completed form to Mrs. Jandrin the following school day for attendance verification.
Transfer Information System - Web-based interactive program that allows University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Technical College System students to see how their credits will transfer to any UW or WTCS
campus. This site is an excellent resource for those students planning to start off college at one institution and finish
their degree at another. - www.uwsa.edu
Program Shadows - Western Technical College - Allows you to spend time in a class or lab related
to your program of interest. Visit with Western students and faculty members and find out what it’s really like to be
a student at Western. Find more information on http://www.westerntc.edu/campusvisit/#form, or contact Dave Fish,
De Soto’s High School Relations Counselor, at (608)789-6194 or fishd@western.edu. Program shadows are available during the academic year from September 1 through April 30. Requests for April Shadows must be made by
April 15.
Career Coaching - Monthly one-on-one career coaching available by Dave Fish, High School Relations Counselor from Western Technical College at De Soto High School. If interested, you can request to meet with Dave. He
can assist with the application process and answer any questions you may have. Furthermore, he can check your application status, interpret your COMPASS scores, and schedule a program shadow for you.
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School Counselor News-cont.
Student Contact Information - Set up a personal email address and check it regularly.
Colleges want to
talk to YOU, not your parents. Update your email address and voicemail recording to be professionally appropriate.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Information
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING CLASS VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN/ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP DESIGNEE/TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP DESIGNEE
To be considered, the graduating senior must have been enrolled in De Soto Area School District for their junior and
senior years (enrolled by the Third Friday in September). Students entering De Soto High School without a GPA will
not be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian. The valedictorian at De Soto High School is the student who has
highest cumulative grade point average after the first semester of his or her senior year. The salutatorian is the student who has the second highest cumulative grade point average after the first semester of his or her senior year.
In the event of a tie for valedictorian or salutatorian, the following procedure will be implemented to break
any tie(s):
A.
If there is a tie for valedictorian and only one of the students will commit to attending a university within the
state of Wisconsin, that student who commits to a university in Wisconsin will be the district’s academic excellence
designee. All individuals tied after first semester of their senior year will be asked to complete an Intent to Attend
form that will stipulate whether they plan to attend an in-state or an out-of-state university. This form must be filed
with the District Office no later than February 15th of the graduating year. In the event that more than one student
commits to an in-state university, the tie-breaking procedure will proceed to B, and if necessary, on to item C.
The other student(s) will be co-valedictorians at De Soto High School.
B. The grade point average for all academic core courses will be used to break the tie. The following are the core
academic areas that will be used:
1.
English
2.
Math
3.
Science
4.
Social Studies
C.
The best ACT composite score received by February 1st of the graduating year.
D.
In the event that there is a tie in steps A-C the school board will review a standard scholarship application
completed by each of the students involved and, by a simple majority vote of the board members present, vote to
break the tie.
** Mrs. Jandrin’s Weekly Schedule and Contact Information **
Mon/Wed/Fri - De Soto MS/HS
Tues/Thur - Prairie View & Stoddard
Email: kjandrin@desoto.k12.wi.us
Phone: 648-3311 Ext. 115
Please don’t hesitate to stop by the guidance office throughout the year to ask questions.
I’m here to help and assist you as you plan for your future! - Mrs. Jandrin
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DE SOTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
615 MAIN STREET
DE SOTO, WISCONSIN 54624
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
DE SOTO, WI 54624
PERMIT #1
POSTAL PATRON
Important Information
Attendance Reminder: Attendance at school is essential to the successful completion of an education. Good communication between school and home regarding absences is a major responsibility for the school and the parent/guardian. Part of the school’s mission is to teach students good work habits, which includes regular attendance. All attendance matters (signing in or out, special leave
requests, passes to leave school, reporting absences, etc.) are handled at each school’s office. Please report all absences by 10:00am
by calling your child’s school. If we do not hear from you, we will attempt to contact you to verify the absence. If no contact occurs,
the absence will be considered unexcused.
If your child arrives late for school: Please send a note with your child or call your school’s office. Middle and High school students, upon arrival will sign in and get a pass for class. Elementary students should report to the office for attendance purposes.
If your child needs to leave school during the school day: Please send a note with your student in the morning if they are to leave
school during the day and have them bring the note to the school office before school starts in the morning. This will help to reduce
class interruptions. You will need to sign your student out unless they are a high school student and have been given permission by
you to drive themselves. Upon returning to school, the student is to sign in at the office and they will receive a pass to return to class.
Homework Requests: If you wish to request homework, please let the office know when you call in the absence.
WEATHER UPDATE INFORMATION
Contact Numbers
District Office (608) 648-0102
Middle/High School Office (608) 648-0100
Stoddard Elementary (608) 457-2101
Prairie View Elementary (608) 648-2227
School Counselor
MS/HS [M/W/F] (608) 648-0115
Prairie View Elementary [T] (608) 648-2227
Stoddard Elementary [Th] (608) 457-2101
Transportation Office (608) 648-3830
Special Education Director (608) 648-0107
Athletic Director (608) 648-0113
Should weather, highway, or special conditions require the cancellation
or shortening of the school day, this information will be broadcast over
the following radio and TV stations. Notices will also be displayed on
the District’s web site as appropriate. In some instances the parent
email or “Remind” notifications may be utilized:
WKTY
WIZM
WRQT
WLCX
WLXR
WPRE
WVRQ
WVRQ
KNEI
La Crosse
La Crosse
La Crosse
La Crosse
La Crosse
Prairie
Viroqua
Viroqua
Waukon
580 AM
1410 AM
95.7 FM
1490 AM
104.9 FM
980 FM
1360 AM
102.3 FM
1140 FM
Channel—8
La Crosse
Channel—19 La Crosse
Channel—7
Waterloo
TV
TV
TV
NOTICE TO ALL DISTRICT RESIDENTS: The school newsletter is not sent to all box holders. It is sent home with students
and copies will be put in the banks and post offices in the District as well as Pedretti’s in Genoa, Pronto in De Soto, at the Red
Mound Store and Stoddard Kwik Trip. It will also be on the district website at http://www.desoto.k12.wi.us/. Please contact us at
648-0102 if you want to receive a copy of the Newsletter.
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