april 2019 newsletter - school district of west salem, wi...april newsletter 1 april 2019 – it’s...

Letter from Superintendent Troy Gunderson

School District of West Salem

April 2019

NewsletterContents

• LetterfromSuperintendentTroyGunderson............................................1

• CalendarofEvents.........................2-4

• CommunityEvents.............................5

• DistrictAnnouncements...............6-7

• SchoolBoardMinutes.................8-10

• NoticeofElection..............................11

• PollingLocations&Hours..............12

• DistrictNews......................................13

1April Newsletter

April 2019 – It’s Time to VoteApril 2019 will be a pivotal month for the School District of West Salem. The election on April 2nd will determine our financial course over the next year and the make-up of our school board for the next 3 years. The ballot will include a referendum question seeking permission to exceed the revenue limit by $1.6 million in 2020, $1.8 million in 2021, and $1.9 million in 2022. In requesting these additional funds, the school board focused on four main points.1. Maintaining “West Salem” quality programming. The additional funding is necessary to maintain current programming. If the referendum fails, the budget will be reduced.2. Clearly identified expenses. The school board identified the specific needs of balancing the current budget, funding for competitive salaries and benefits, restoring funding for a school bus, saving for future roof repairs, and funding for additional maintenance and utility costs.3. Limiting the term to three years. Following input re-ceived from a recent district survey, and in light of unpre-dictable politics in Madison, the school board opted to

limit the request to a three-year period. 4. Keep taxes lower than most area school districts. In comparison to the neighboring districts of La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, Melrose-Mindoro, and Bangor, West Salem has the lowest school taxes. If the referendum pass-es, West Salem will remain at or near the lowest on this list.For more information about the referendum please visit the district web site at bit.ly/WSReferendumThe April ballot also includes four candidates for three positions on the school board. Candidates include three incumbents and one challenger. Each available position represents a full three year term. The candidates will ap-pear on the ballot as follows: 1. Melinda Bloomfield (I) 2. Sean Gavaghan 3. Ken Schlimgen (I) 4. Tom Grosskopf (I)Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting our school district. And, thank you for taking the time to vote. Your civic participation is the “public” part of public education.Sincerely,

Troy M. Gunderson, Superintendent

School District of West SalemSchool District of West Salem

Athletic Events

Monday, April 1, 20194:30pm Softball: Varsity Game vs. La Crescent-Hokah @ La Crescent High School5:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Viroqua @ Riverview Park5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Viroqua @ West Salem High SchoolTuesday, April 2, 20194:15pm Track: Varsity Meet vs. Alma/Pepin, Cochrane Fountain City & Prescott @ Cochrane-Fountain City High School4:30pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Logan @ Houska Park4:30pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Logan @ West Salem High School4:30pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Logan @ Logan High School4:30pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Onalaska @ West Salem High SchoolThursday, April 4, 20194:30pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Altoona @ Eau Claire Soccer ParkFriday, April 5, 20194:30pm Track: Varsity Quad vs. Cashton, Melrose-Mindoro & Nekoosa @ West Salem High School5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Osseo- Fairchild @ Merchants Baseball Field5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Arcadia @ West Salem High SchoolMonday, April 8, 20195:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Prairie du Chien @ St. Feriole Island 5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Prairie du Chien @ Prairie Du Chien High School5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Westby Area High School @ Westby High SchoolTuesday, April 9, 20193:30pm Track: JV/Varsity Invitational vs. Aquinas, Arcadia, Black River Falls, Central, G-E-T, Holmen, Logan, Luther, Sparta, Tomah, Westby Area High School @ Holmen

4:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Arcadia Country Club4:30pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Sparta @ Sparta HS-BSB Field5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Sparta @ Riverview Park5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Sparta @ West Salem High School5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Tomah @ West Salem Elementary School7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Tomah @ West Salem Elementary SchoolThursday, April 11, 20194:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Coulee Golf Bowl4:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Holmen @ Holmen High School4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Mauston @ Lion5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. G-E-T @ West Salem High School5:45pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Holmen @ Holmen High SchoolFriday, April 12, 20195:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Arcadia @ Riverview Park5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Arcadia @ West Salem High School6:30pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Logan @ Logan High SchoolMonday, April 15, 20194:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Coulee Golf Bowl5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Westby Area High School @ Riverview Park5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Westby Area High School @ West Salem High School5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Mauston @ Veterans Park FieldTuesday, April 16, 20194:00pm Track: Varsity Invitational vs. Mauston & Westfield @ Mauston High School

Calendar of Events April

Calendar of events continues on next page...

2 October NewsletterApril Newsletter

4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Fox Hollow Golf Course4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Viroqua @ West Salem Elementary School5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Cochrane Fountain City @ Cochrane-Fountain City High School7:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Cochrane Fountain City @ Cochrane-Fountain City High SchoolThursday, April 18, 20194:00pm Track: Varsity Invitational vs. Bangor, Black River Falls, Brookwood, Mauston, Sparta & Wonewoc-Center @ Sparta High School5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Logan @ Logan High School7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Logan @ Logan High SchoolMonday, April 22, 20194:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Viroqua Hills Golf Course5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Luther @ Luther High SchoolTuesday, April 23, 20194:15pm Track: Varsity Meet vs. Alma/Pepin, Augusta, Blair-Taylor, Cochrane Fountain City, Durand, Mondovi, Tomah, Wabasha-Kellogg &Whitehall @ Cochrane-Fountain City High School4:30pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Fox Hollow Golf Course5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. G-E-T @ Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau Middle School5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Sparta @ West Salem Elementary School5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Doubleheader vs. Sparta @ West Salem High School7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Sparta @ West Salem Elementary SchoolThursday, April 25, 20195:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Onalaska @ Onalaska High School7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Onalaska @ Onalaska High School

Friday, April 26, 20194:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Skyline Golf Club 5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Viroqua @ Viroqua High SchoolSaturday, April 27, 20199:00am Golf: Boys Varsity Invitational vs. Argyle, Barneveld, Cuba City, Darlington, Dodgeville, Fennimore, Fort Atkinson, Iowa-Grant, Kohler, Lancaster, Mineral Point, Platteville, Portage, Prairie du Chien, Richland Center, River Valley, Sauk Prairie, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ River Valley High School9:00am Tennis: Boys Varsity Quad vs. Edgerton, Portage & Tomah @ Portage High School10:00am Track: Varsity Invitational vs. Adams/ Friendship, Aquinas, Arcadia, Bangor, Boscobel, Brookwood, Cashton, Colfax, Durand, Fall Creek, Fennimore, Franklin, Hayward Community Schools, Holmen, Hudson, La Crosse Central, Lodi, Logan, Mauston, Mosinee, Onalaska, Rochester Century, Viroqua & Winona Senior @ UW-La CrosseMonday, April 29, 201912:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Invitational vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, Cochrane Fountain City, G-E-T, Holmen, Sparta, Tomah, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Skyline Golf Club1:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Viroqua Hills Golf Course4:00pm Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs. Luther @ Onalaska Reserve Field School4:00pm Baseball: Varsity Doubleheader vs. Luther @ Luther High School4:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Central @ West Salem High School4:30pm Track: Freshmen/Sophomore Meet vs. Tomah @ Tomah HSTuesday, April 30, 20194:00pm Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs. Central @ West Salem High School4:00pm Baseball: Varsity Doubleheader vs. Central @ Copeland Park4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Arcadia Country Club


3April Newsletter

4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Mauston @ West Salem Elementary School5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Central @ Fields For Kids5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Arcadia @ Arcadia High School7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Central @ Fields For Kids

Saturday, April 6, 20198:00am District Solo & Ensemble @ West Salem High SchoolSaturday, April 13, 20198:00am Depart for New York City TripThursday, April 18, 201911:00pm Return from New York City Trip

Tuesday, April 2, 20198:00am Spring PicturesWednesday, April 3, 2019All Day Environment DayThursday, April 4, 20196:30pm Kindergarten and 1st Grade Rhythms Program @ Heider CenterFriday, April 5, 20197:25am Walking School Bus Meet at the corner of N. Tilson & W. Hamlin StreetsTuesday, April 9, 2019-Friday, April 12, 2019All Day 4th Grade Forward TestingFriday, April 12, 20197:25am Walking School Bus Meet at the corner of N. Tilson & W. Hamlin StreetsTuesday, April 16, 2019-Thursday, April 18, 2019All Day 3rd Grade Forward TestingFriday, April 19, 2019All Day No School-Easter BreakMonday, April 22, 2019All Day No School-Easter BreakWednesday, April 24, 20198:00am 4th Grade to the OECThursday, April 25, 20198:00am 4th Grade to the OECFriday, April 26, 20197:25am Walking School Bus Meet at the corner of N. Tilson &

W. Hamlin Streets8:00am 4th Grade to the OECTuesday, April 30, 20198:00am 4th FFA Day Field Trip

Monday, April 15, 20193:30pm Parent-Teacher Conferences-7:30pmMonday, April 15-Thursday, April 18, 2019All Day 5th Grade Forward TestingThursday, April 18, 2019All Day Trimester 3 Mid-TermFriday, April 19, 2019All Day No School-Easter BreakMonday, April 22, 2019All Day No School-Easter BreakTuesday, April 23, 2019All Day Grades Submitted for Trimester 3 Mid-TermTuesday, April 23-Friday, April 26, 2019All Day 6th Grade Forward Testing

Friday, April 19, 2019All Day No School-Easter BreakMonday, April 22, 2019All Day No School-Easter BreakWednesday, April 24, 2019All Day ACT Aspire Assessment for SophomoresThursday, April 25, 2019All Day ACT Aspire Assessment for FreshmenFriday, April 26, 2019All Day 4th Quarter Mid-TermMonday, April 29, 2019All Day Grades Submitted for 4th Quarter Mid-Term

Band Events

Elementary School Events

Middle School Events

High School Events




Community Events

5April Newsletter

Priya Oshan, an eighth grader at WSMS was recently chosen as one of just 56 winners out of over 1,000 applicants in the AAA Discover Crew AmaWa-terways essay contest! She wrote an essay on her thirst for travel, saying “Traveling will expand my perspective. ... By traveling abroad, I will gain knowledge to help me become a global citizen. An adventure like this will change my life in a positive way.” As part of her prize, she and her moth-er will travel to Amsterdam and Belgium on an all-expenses paid cruise through the North Sea. During her week long trip, she will learn about local history, science, nature, sustainability, art and have an immersive classroom experience in each country. Great job Priya!

6 April Newsletter


District Announcements

The West Salem School District prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Pupil Services Director at (608) 786-0700. To file a complaint of discrimination write to: Eric Jensen, Pupil Services Director at 405 East Hamlin Street, West Salem, WI 54669 or call 608-786-0700. The West Salem School District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Celebrating Student Art

*Are you transferring to a different college or do you need a copy of your high school transcript?*

WSHS graduates that need a transcript can request one online, or print out an official transcript request form by going to the Stu-dent Services page on the district website at www.wsalem.k12.wi.us

Transcript Information

2019-2020 Open EnrollmentOpen Enrollment into the School District of West Salem runs February 4-April 30, 2019. To access the application, and for more information, go to the DPI website at https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Students that are currently open-enrolled do not need to reapply.

School Board MembersMelindaKopnisky-Bloomfield~~~~~~~~~799-5313SylClements~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~786-1491JaneHalverson~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~786-1067KenSchlimgen~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~786-4382CatherineGriffin~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~769-1714TomGrosskopf~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~386-0168RobinFitzgerald~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~792-4130

*Board meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of every month*

WSMS Student Wins National Essay Contest

During Celebrate West Salem on March 17, several students from West Salem Elementary, West Salem Middle and West Salem High had their artwork on display for community members.

Community members had a chance to vote for their favorite pieces of art, and the following students were our winners:1st Place: Mikayla Wemette (pictured with Ms. Lotspaih)2nd Place: Brielle Moore (pig)3rd Place: Liam Wight (cow)Best of Show: Alicia Zarecki (cat eye)We are very proud of all the students who participated!

District Announcements

Heider Center

Box Office (608) 786-2550Monday: Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday: Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: Noon to 4:00 p.m. www.heidercenter.org

Patchouli: The Landscape of Guitar

Thursday, April 4, 20197:30 p.m.

Tickets: $24/$22

Octo- 7April Newsletter


WSMS Mathcounts Competes at State! Please join us throughout the month of April to celebrate the artwork of the Class of 2019. A public reception will be held at the Heider Center on Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

WSHS Senior Art ShowThe State Mathcounts Competition was held in Sheboygan on Saturday, March 2, 2019. There were 140 total students competing, representing 47 different schools from across the state of Wisconsin. There were 24 offi-cial teams competing. West Salem’s team competitors were Brennan Holst, Jackson Fry, Celia Mitchell, and Alyssa Kruse. They placed 15th as a team. Pictured L-R, Holst placed 17th, Fry placed 68th, Mitchell placed 100th, and Kruse placed 107th. Mathcounts is a national program designed to promote excellence in math and science in grades 6 through 8. West Salem’s Mathcounts program is coached by Tammy Bentzen and Sarah Weber. The National Competition will be held May 12-13 in Orlando, Florida. The top four individuals from the State competition will represent Wisconsin at the National Competition.

Art ReceptionThursday, April 25, 2019

6:00-7:30pm

Art GalleryWSHS Senior Art Show

April 1-30, 2019See poster below right

The Buildings and Grounds Department would like all students, parents, specta-tors, etc. that are attending after school events at West Salem Elementary School, including both school and Park and Rec, to please use Door E on the North side of the building to enter and exit.

More and more frequently, individuals are coming to the front doors, which are not open after school hours. Door E is the only set of doors that will be open for after school events. Thank you for your cooperation!

Notice for After School Events at WSES

Patchouli is master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter, guitarist, Julie Patchouli. They take their aristry to another dimension with their new animated painting concert experience, The Landscape of Guitar.


School District of West SalemRegular School Board Meeting MinutesFebruary 25, 2019Marie Heider Meeting Room7:00 p.m.ConveneThe meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Vice President Syl Clements. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee Courier, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district office on February 20, 2019.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American FlagBoy Scout Troop 77 led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and Ken Schlimgen recited the District Mission Statement.

Roll CallPresent: Syl Clements, Ken Schlimgen, Tom Grosskopf, Catherine Griffin, Robin Fitzgerald, and Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Mike Malott, and Ryan Rieber; Student representative: Rachel Newton. Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Jane Halverson and Dagan Hemker.

Approval of AgendaMrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Connection with the CommunityRachel Newton, Student Representative, reported on:1. The Aquaponics class teamed up with the Advanced Foods class where students made salads with ingredients grown in the high school’s Aquaponics class2. This past weekend, 5 West Salem High School art students had their artwork shown in the West Central Youth Art Month Exhibit in Black River Falls. The students were Emma Hull, Reghan Sage, Rachel Stein, Ada Hage, and Cristina Toro Garzon. Of those 5 students, 3 of them also had their work selected to hang in the State Capitol Rotunda Exhibit in Madison in April. The 3 students were Emma Hull, Rachel Stein, and Ada Hage 3. Joe Wopat held his SEP on March 17. He hosted a wheelchair basketball all-star game with local celebrities and members of the community. He raised $1,167 for NASA, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities.4. Team 5019 Gearbox Heroes held a scrimmage at the middle school on March 16. NHS members were also there and helped out with concessions, and Shanda Athnos sang the National Anthem5. For their HOSA community awareness project, Madison Dutton, Anna Gorski, and Samantha Thompson collected one dollar on February 19th from students so they could carry around their backpacks for the day. They brought awareness to autism.6. Show Choir is holding their auditions today and tomorrow for next year’s group.7. Division 2 State Wrestling results: Dalton Schams placed 2nd, Joe Hess placed 6th and Aaron Bahr did not place.8. Girls’ basketball lost their regional match.9. Boys’ basketball will have their first playoff game this Thursday.10. Gymnastics placed 2nd at sectionals this past Saturday and will be heading to state this Friday and Saturday.

11. Girl’s hockey lost in overtime during their sectional match on Friday. 12. Boy’s hockey lost against Tomah on Saturday.

CorrespondenceA Proclamation by Carolyn Standford Taylor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2018, was read.

Public comments – None.

Written and Oral ReportsPolicy Committee – Mrs. Griffin reported on the meeting held earlier tonight.

District Strategic Initiatives update by the Business Operations Team and Troy Gunderson were reviewed. Mr. Gunderson announced: the resignation of Jeremy Yachwak-school nutrition.

Elementary Staff Recognition – Mr. Rieber announced that Dayna Andersen was nominated and selected by UW-La Crosse and Ashley Thornton was nominated and selected by Viterbo University for Early Career Educator Awards. Anne Skaar was the months WXOW, SSE Music, Brenengen Auto, and Dependable Solutions - Tools for Schools winner.

Consent AgendaMr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2019; the invoices to be paid; the Open Enrollment requests for 18-19 school year as presented; hire: high school softball coaches-Brian Babiash-head, Brittney Hodgson-assistant, Rod Hamilton-volunteer, Rob Hanson-volunteer, and Michelle Babiash-volunteer; high school girls’ and boys’ track head coach-Katelyn Shepardson; middle school track coaches-Nicole Friell, Ben Tashner, Sarah Weber and Bill Jensen; 7th grade softball coach-Makenzie Becker and Ethan Ringlien, 8th grade softball coach Katie Fink; approve the WIAA Cooperatives for 19-20 and 20-21 for hockey, gymnastics and wrestling; and approve contracts for administrators as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion/Action Items:Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky seconded to approve for a first reading of policy #422.1 Foreign Exchange Students as amended, #345.52 Commencement Ceremony, #522.71 Staff Use of Social Media, #529 District Vehicle Driver Requirements, #673 Payment Procedures, and #171.1 Public Notification of School Board Meetings and Required Legal Notices. Motion carried unanimously.

No action was taken on the first reading of Policy #723 Crisis Plan.

No action was taken on the first reading to reaffirm Policy #720 School Safety Policy.

Mrs. Griffin moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to accept the administration’s recommendation to offer members of the professional teaching staff who qualify for Wisconsin Retirement System and who qualify for the School District of West Salem post-employment benefit an early retirement incentive of an additional 10% onto their post-employment benefit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Board Development preparation for Board Retreat in March of


2019. Mr. Gunderson provided the board members with the handout to review prior to the retreat – Boards: Tolerate? Ignore? Embrace?.

Administrative Action Items List – discussion was held and no action was taken.

AdjournmentMrs. Griffin moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to adjourn at 8:11 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Clerk

ConveneThe meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Jane Halverson. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee Courier, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district office on March 7, 2019.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American FlagTom Grosskopf led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and Shawn Handland recited the District Mission Statement.

Roll CallPresent: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Ken Schlimgen, Tom Grosskopf, Catherine Griffin, and Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Mike Malott, Ryan Rieber, Deanna Wiatt, and Shawn Handland; Student representatives: Rachel Newton and Dagan Hemker. Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Robin Fitzgerald and Eric Jensen.

Connection with the CommunityRachel Newton, Student Representative, reported on:1. Reverend Richard Erikson, a part-time driver of bus #9 for West Salem has just published a children’s book about safety, simple facts, and excitement about riding a school bus. The profits from his book go to the state to fund extracurricular activities or school sport costs for underprivileged local students, as well as Talking School Bus Enterprises, an incorporation that benefits orphans in Cambodia.2. Auditions for the summer musical Annie are being held next Tuesday, March 19.3. Ryan Nickles had a third-place finish in the Badger State Games Trap Shooting Competition.4. Spring sports practices have begun.

Dagan Hemker, Student Representative, reported on:1. Members from Youth Frontiers went over to a few kindergarten classrooms and helped out teachers in their classrooms and interacted with the students on Thursday, March 7, and will continue to do so every other Thursday. 2. Skills USA students participated in a competition during the weekend of March 2, Dan Schwarz placed 1st, Ethan Ashbeck took

2nd place in Electronic Technology, and Samantha Quam took 2nd in Job Interview.3. DECA has returned from state and is sending 14 students onto the international conference: Ryan Schlimgen, Aaron Bahr, John Glassmaker, Kylie Wright, Carissa Hass, Dani Miller, Julia Krien, Rayna Dressel, Kendra Ames, Abby Sharp, Kate Fitzgerald, Max Schumacher, Julia Stoleson, and Josie Hanson.4. Also, at state DECA, Max Schumacher and Julie Stoleson were elected as state officers to represent the State of Wisconsin.5. The National Honor Society is partnering with the BloodCenter of Wisconsin to host a blood drive on Thursday, March 14, from 8:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.6. The Robotics team competed at Duluth for the Northern Lights Regional Competition from Thursday to Saturday. With approximately 60 teams there, they placed 52nd.

Correspondence – None.

Public comments – None.

Written and Oral ReportsSelection of Art Work – Middle School Art Teacher Angie Hemker invited board, administrators and district staff to select work from the K-12 Honors Art Exhibit in the Heider Gallery to be displayed in the Heider Meeting Room for a year.

Buildings & Grounds Committee – Mr. Clements reported on the events of the March 4 committee meeting.

CESA #4 Board of Control – Mrs. Halverson reported on the events of the Board’s last meeting.

District Strategic Initiatives update by the Superintendent’s Cabinet Team and Troy Gunderson were reviewed. Mr. Gunderson announced: the hiring of Susan Kenyan as a limited term school nutrition employee, and that Sharon Hindley will replace Sara Patterson, who resigned, for the remainder of the school year.

Approval of AgendaMrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Consent AgendaMr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2019, as amended; the invoices to be paid; the retirement of High School English Teacher Wendi Hundt, and accepting the administration’s co-curricular recommendations: high school assistant track coach-Stacy Mitchell, Laura Skemp-Deal, Anessa Holey, Tommy Friday, Matt Matel, Samantha Rielly, Cole Murray; high school baseball- Charles Ihle (varsity head coach), Jason Holter, Trevor Kastenschmidt, Damian Wiblin (assistants); high school girls’ soccer assistant coach-Darwin Carranza; high school boys’ golf head coach-Jim Klos; second semester assistant play director-Elle Nimm. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion/Action Items:Terri Lenselink, President of the Heider Center Arts Board Inc., presented a request to have enhanced concessions in the Heider Center for the 19-20 season. Mr. Clements moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to approve the request for the Heider Center Arts Board Inc. to have enhanced concessions, sell alcohol, for the event in February 2020. A roll vote was taken: Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield,

School District of West SalemRegular School Board Meeting MinutesMarch 11, 2019Marie Heider Meeting Room7:00 p.m.

9April Newsletter


School District of West SalemRegular School Board Meeting MinutesMarch 11, 2019 continued...Marie Heider Meeting Room7:00 p.m.Aye; Mr. Clements, Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye; Mrs. Griffin, Nay; Mr. Grosskopf, Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Nay. Motion carried. (4-Ayes, 2-Nays)

Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to accept donations from the American Legion Post 51, Friends of Baseball and La Crosse Community Foundation for the baseball team, and from SSE Music, Dependable Solutions and Brenengen Chevrolet for Anne Skaar/elementary school/Tools for Schools. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to approve for a first reading of policy #821.5 District Use of Social Media and #361.1 Acceptable Use of Technology. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to approve for a second reading of policy #422.1 Foreign Exchange Students, #3345.52 Commencement Ceremony, #522.71 Staff use of Social Media, #529 District Vehicle Requirements, #673 Payment Procedures, and #171.1 Public Notifications of School Board Meetings and Required Legal Notices. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to accept the bid and select Bernie Buchner for the elementary HVAC upgrade. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve the part-time custodian to be shared with the Boys & Girls Club as presented, and to amend the contract with the Boys & Girls Club to reflect the cost sharing of the custodian. Motion carried unanimously.

A draft of the 2019-2020 budget process following the election on April 2, 2019, was reviewed by Mr. Gunderson for financial planning purposes.

The list of to do items / information requests was reviewed and recommended updates were noted. No action was taken.

AdjournmentMrs. Griffin moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to adjourn at 7:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Clerk


School District of West Salem NOTICE OF ELECTION

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WEST SALEM APRIL 2, 2019

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the School District of West Salem on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, the following question will be submitted to a vote of the people:

“Shall the School District of West Salem, La Crosse County, Wisconsin be au-thorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,600,000 for the 2019-2020 school year, by $1,800,000 for the 2020-2021 school year and by $1,900,000 for the 2021-2022 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining educational programming and facilities?”

A copy of the entire text of the resolution directing submission of the question set forth above to the electorate and information concerning District boundaries can be obtained from the District Clerk at the School District offices located at 405 East Hamlin Street, West Salem, Wisconsin 54669.

Acceptable photo ID will be required to vote at this election. If you do not have a photo ID you may obtain a free ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Persons with questions regarding the referendum election should contact Troy M. Gunderson, Dis-trict Administrator.

Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield District Clerk

11April Newsletter

School District of West SalemLocation and Hours of Polling Place

ALL POLLS OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.

At the Spring Election to be held on April 2, 2019, in the County of La Crosse, the following polling place locations will be used for the Municipalities and Districts

MUNICIPALITY LOCATION BANGOR Town Hall – N4400 State Rd. 162 BARRE Town Hall – W3541 County Rd. M, La Crosse BURNS Town Hall – W1313 Jewett Rd., Bangor FARMINGTON Town Hall – N8309 County Rd. C Mindoro GREENFIELD Town Hall – N1800 Town Hall Rd, La Crosse ( St. Joseph’s Ridge) HAMILTON Town Hall – N5105 N Leonard St., West Salem MEDARY Town Hall – N3393 Smith Valley Rd., La Crosse SHELBY Town Hall – Annex – 2801 Ward Ave., La Crosse WASHINGTON VILLAGE OF WEST SALEM

Town Hall – Newburgs Corner Hwy 33 Community Center – 175 South Leonard St., West Salem

The School District of West Salem Board of Education Candidates are Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Sean Gavaghan, Ken Schlimgen, and Tom Grosskopf.

ALL POLLING PLACES WILL OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.All polling places are accessible to elderly and disabled voters.

Go to https://myvote.wi.gov/ to see if you are registered to vote, locate your polling place, and to find your district.

At the close of voting on Election Day, pursuant to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.84, the Election Inspectors at each polling place will convene as the Local Canvassing Board for the purpose of conducting the local canvass pursuant to Wis. Stat. §7.51. This meeting will be open to the public pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 19.81-89.




Check out our Facebook page @SchoolDistrictofWestSalem

andFollow us on Twitter

@WestSalemSD

11

For WSHS athletic events, visit our website:

*click Calendars and then*click Coulee Conference

You can also set yourself up to receive automatic text or e-mail notifications for any of the activities listed OR subscribe

to RSS.

Check out videos and photos of the innovative things happening in your student’s classroom at our district Facebook page and Twitter page. Our social media features videos of student

activities, teacher features, classroom selfie photos, etc...

Did You Know?Carrots were originally

grown as medicine and not food!

13April Newsletter

PTO Science Night On Monday, March 18, students from West Salem Elementary got to take an up close look at some fun science experiments during the annual PTO Science Night where the theme was “Earth, Wind and Fire.” High school science staff gave a variety of presentations on how these elements work to create interesting phe-nomena in our everyday world. Mrs. Stenberg showed students how tornadoes work using two liter bottles and Mrs. Key showed students the mechanisms behind a volcano erupting. Mr. Rueckheim showed students all

the amazing things that wind can do such as demon-strating how it moves using wind socks, how air pres-sure can break a board and how to create a vacuum in a bottle. Mr. Byom really got our students’ attention when he demonstrated how different elements can change the color of a fire. It was an exciting and eye-opening night of fun for our students! Thank you High School science staff and the WSHS National Honor Society students for putting on such a great event!

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWEST SALEM, WI

PERMIT NO. 38

School District of West Salem405 East Hamlin StreetWest Salem, WI 54669

#WeAreWS

Vote April 2The School District of West Salem will hold a referendum on April 2, 2019, seeking permission to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit for the purpose of funding district operating expenses. The Board of Education

is seeking permission to exceed the revenue limit by $1,600,000 in 2020, $1,800,000 in 2021 and $1,900,000 in 2022.

In preparation for the upcoming referendum, the school board has focused on four key areas:• Maintaining a quality educational experience• Limiting the referendum to a three-year term• Sharing how referendum funds would be used• Keeping taxes lower than most area districts

april 2019 newsletter - school district of west salem, wi...april newsletter 1 april 2019 – it’s...

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