Inside this edition:
June 2018
• Elmbrook Receives Grant for Fabrication Lab • Newbery Winning Authors • School Safety Update • Elmbrook Celebrates Excellence Accross District & Community • Herb Kohl Scholarship/Fellowship Award Recipients • Lexi Romero Named a 2018 WIAA Scholar Athlete • Thank You to Retiring Employees • Official Alumni Network
Julian Rhee and Sophia Sun Named U.S. Presidential Scholars
Julian Rhee, Brookfield East High School
On May 8, Brookfield East Senior, Julian Rhee was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and Brookfield Central Senior, Sophia Sun, a U.S. Presidential Scholar for the state of Wisconsin. Julian and Sophia will be presented with Presidential Scholar Medallions on June 24 in Washington D.C. at a ceremony sponsored by the White House. They were two of five students honored from Wisconsin, and selected from 5,200 candidates who qualified for the 2018 awards. The Presidential Scholar in the Arts is determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ competition. Julian is one of 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts selected this year. Additionally, two Presidential Scholars are selected from each state, one young man and one young woman, and 15 at-large students, based on outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams as well as several other school and community-based criteria. Sophia was selected as the female representative from the state of Wisconsin. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. This is the second year in a row that an Elmbrook student has been selected as a Presidential Scholar. Colin Gray-Hoehn from Brookfield East was Wisconsin’s Presidential Scholar in 2017.
Message from the Superintendent Safety first, and then everything else. Over the past two months, Board President Kathryn Wilson and I had the Mark Hansen, Superintendent opportunity to engage our community on the topic of school safety. Hundreds of students, staff and parents joined us to reflect on our current practices and identify ways in which we can improve. Thank you to all who participated and to our local law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration. Our preparedness training and pursuit of best practices are strengthened through our community partnerships. As we close out another school year, I am amazed at the accomplishments of our students and grateful for our community’s support. Enjoy this edition of LINK and thank you for helping us achieve Excellence in Education!
Sophia Sun, Brookfield Central High School
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Elmbrook Receives Grant for Fabrication Lab On Tuesday, May 1, the State of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded the School District of Elmbrook a $25,000 grant to create a Makerspace and Fabrication Lab or “Fab “This Fab Lab will allow Lab” at Brookfield Central High for applied learning School. The fab lab is a highin the fields of science, technology workshop equipped with computer-controlled manu- technology, art, and facturing components that gives mathematics that will students a space to design and advance Elmbrook create prototypes using robust technology in electronics, wood- students in their future working, metalworking, plasma career field.” cutting, textile photography and video production. Principal Brett Gruetzmacher and Technology Educator Tom Juran were joined by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO, Mark R. Hogan, State Representative Rob Hutton, and WCTC Dean of Applied Technologies Michael Shiels, to celebrate the awarding of the grant, which captured a vision created by several Elmbrook educators. “This Fab Lab will allow for applied learning in the fields of science, technology, art, and mathematics that will advance Elmbrook students in their future career field,” said Elmbrook Board of Education President, Kathryn Wilson. At Left: Technology Educator Tom Juran
At Right L to R: State Representative Rob Hutton and Superintendent Mark Hansen
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Newbery-Winning Authors This Spring, Elmbrook students were able to hear firsthand from Newbery Medal winners Kwame Alexander and Erin Entrada Kelly. Kwame Alexander, 2015 Newbery Medal winner for his book The Crossover, spoke to 600 middle school students from Pilgrim Park and Wisconsin Hills at Carroll University on April 9. Alexander’s interactive presentation had students create a mural to represent the strength of community diversity.
Newbery Medal winning Author Kwame Alexander joined by Pilgrim Park and Wisconsin Hills students.
Erin Entrada Kelly visited Burleigh Elementary on May 2 to speak with 600 students from Burleigh and Brookfield Elementary. She encouraged students to find their creative voice, answered questions from students, and stressed the the importance of kindness. Kelly was awarded the 2018 Newbery Medal for her novel Hello, Universe. “We are so grateful to continue our collaboration with Boswell Books and provide these unique experiences for our students,” said Kay Benning, District Library Coordinator.
School Safety Update A school safety update was presented to the Board of Education on May 22. Highlights of the presentation include an acknowledgement of the District’s many strong practices that are already in place, a summary of the feedback collected from several listening sessions, and a 15-month action plan to strengthen the District’s safety approach. Evident throughout was the District’s collaborative partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. Over the years, this collaboration has resulted in the District’s transition to the Run, Hide, Fight protocol, and more recently, the deployment of a threat assessment protocol and strategies to effectively share information. In March, several listening sessions were conducted with staff, student leadership groups, and a community listening session held at each high school in March. Key themes included the desire for more information and training, a collaborative approach with community groups, and appreciation for the District’s ongoing commitment to school safety. Find out more about Elmbrook’s approach to school safety at www.elmbrookschools.org/safety.
Elmbrook Celebrates Excellence Across District & Community The Third Annual Engaged in Excellence Awards Red Carpet Gala took place Monday, May 7 at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center. In addition to honoring retirees and staff achieving years of service milestones, over 80 individuals were celebrated as finalists in 14 different award categories. Each of the award presenters, many of whom were students, were recognized for their own accomplishments during the 2017-18 school year including state medal winners, elementary musical stars, accomplished musicians and more! Hosted by Elmbrook’s Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Thompson, the show echoed the Academy Awards and parodied Late Night television skits
including Bus Stop Karaoke! The gala was generously sponsored by the Elmbrook Education Foundation. The program also included a moving tribute by renowned violinist and Brookfield East Valedictorian, Julian Rhee, honoring staff members Jim Jacobsen, Amanda Filkins, and Jim Qualler who passed away this school year. Award recipients were selected from over 600 nominations submitted by students, families, and staff. Elmbrook Schools is grateful to all finalists, presenters, the Elmbrook Education Foundation, and the 575 attendees for their commitment to excellence in our community.
Congratulations to This Year’s Award Recipients • Alumni Excellence: Angela Graf (BCHS ‘90) and Evelyn Werking (BEHS ‘11)
• Excellence in Teaching - Middle School: Jennifer VanAcker, Pilgrim Park
• Excellence in Coaching or Advising: Ronn Blaha, Brookfield Central
• Excellence in Teaching - High School: Kari Doepke, Brookfield East
• Excellence in a Community Partnership: United Heartland
• Excellence in Teaching - New Educator: Alecia Krutz, Dixon
• Excellence in Leadership: Kristin Olson, Tonawanda
• Excellence in Teaching Support: Meredith Wafle, Swanson
• Excellence in Service & Support: Eric Hagen, Central Office • Excellence in Substitute Teaching: Mitch Weber, Brookfield East
• Excellence in Teamwork: Brookfield Central Food Service Team: Kathy Brezgel, Jongdee Bounyong, Roberta Chaney, Mary Golab, Shelby Leighton, Connie Miskowski, Tonia Parkinson, Peggy Reinders, Diane Seymour & Angela Vetta
• Excellence in Teaching - Elementary: Kayla Moffatt, Burleigh
• Excellence in Volunteering: Spencer Mayhew, Tonawanda
• Excellence in Student Services: Karen Kaltenbrun, Fairview South
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Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship Award Recipients
Alena Huang, Brookfield Central
Sophia Sun, Brookfield Central
Natalie Schmidt, Brookfield East
Pam Kania, Swanson Elementary
Brookfield Central seniors, Alena Huang and Sophia Sun, and East senior, Natalie Schmidt received Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarships for their academic achievements and continued excellence. Additionally, Swanson Elementary teacher, Pam Kania, was named a Fellowship Award Recipient for her work with students. All Herb Kohl award recipients were honored at a recognition luncheon on April 8 by U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (retired). Each student received a scholarship in the amount of $10,000, and each teacher awardee received a $6,000 classroom grant. Congratulations Alena, Sophia, Natalie, and Pam!
Lexi Romero Named a 2018 WIAA Scholar Athlete Brookfield Central Senior and Gymnastics State Champion, Lexi Romero was named one of 33 statewide Scholar Athletes by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) and Marshfield Clinic. In 2018, an all-time record 881 seniors from 455 Wisconsin high schools were nominated. Lexi’s finalist status is evidence of her distinction both academically and athletically. Romero was recognized at a ceremony in Wausau on May 6, where she received her award in the company of her family and coaches. Next year, Romero will attend the University of Minnesota on a track scholarship. L to R: Head Gymnastics Coach Erin Kokta, Lexi Romero, Head Girls Track & Field Coach Brian Calhoun & Head Girls Golf Coach Brian Scrobel
Retiring Employess – Thank You for Your Service Each year the District recognizes retiring staff members who have dedicated their careers to serving students. Many thanks to: Patricia Barina, Sharon Biehl, Sue Brummer, Wanda Boggs, Donald Brzezinski, Kitty Callahan-Janas, Su Edington, Patricia Glubka, Naomi Heckmann, Janet Holt, Rick Kiedrowski, Roselyn Kinsella, Pam Koutecky, Laurel Leahy, Anita Olikara, Kay Oeding, Susan Pankiewicz, James Riegert, Michael Rose, Debbie Strzyzewski, Rebecca Thomas, Rusty Wilson, and Linda Zahn.
Official Alumni Network – Join Today! With over 400 alumni registered since its launch in February, the Alumni Network seeks to connect Elmbrook graduates all over the globe! Alumni are able to engage with the district and each other, share reunion information and memories, and find unique and exclusive give-back opportunities through student mentorship, career speaking opportunities, and more. Alumni can sign up via email or by using the social sync option, allowing them to easily connect through Facebook or LinkedIn account to keep profiles up-to-date and contact information private. Visit alumni.elmbrookschools.org to get connected today! 12
13780 Hope Street P.O. Box 1830 Brookfield, WI 53008 262-781-3030 Mark Hansen, Superintendent Kathryn Wilson, Board President Chris Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer Jill Kokta, Communications Coordinator Eric Hagen, Communications Assistant www.elmbrookschools.org LINK is written and produced by the School District of Elmbrook. The district is solely responsible for content. The school district and City of Brookfield are separate local government entities. All costs associated with LINK are covered by the School District of Elmbrook.