Connecting the Elmbrook Schools Community Inside this edition:
March 2019
• Board of Education Candidate Profiles • Preschool Accepting Applications • Kindergarten Enrollment in Progress • Become What’s Next • Herb Kohl Scholarship Recipients • Brookfield Jaycees Award Winner
HeritageFest – A Celebration of Cultures Elmbrook’s 3rd Annual HeritageFest celebration of cultures, languages, traditions and food from over 35 different countries attracted nearly 1,100 people to Brookfield East High School on Tuesday, February 19. Hosted by Elmbrook “This event continues to be Schools in partnership with Elmbrook’s Parent Network, the event showcased the diversity in our a powerful experience for community, with students and families sharing Elmbrook families.” different aspects of their culture and heritage. “This year’s event far surpassed our expectations,” said Mary Beth Bauer, Swanson Elementary English Language Teacher. “The passion that presenters put into their booths and performances demonstrated the importance of this diverse cultural celebration, further highlighted by the community’s incredible turnout.” In addition to engaging families relatively new to the country, this year’s festival featured beautiful and informative cultural displays from students, staff, and community members. Many students and community members wore traditional ethnic clothing, and 19 different cultural performances took place on two stages including a Chinese Dragon Dance, Celtic Flute performance, Bharatanatyam Indian Dance, K-Pop performance, and musical instrument performances from around the world. “I am thankful for the opportunity to honor the heritage of our families and to provide an opportunity for others to learn about the many cultures that make up our community,” said Silvia Pasquini, Elmbrook Parent Network President.
Message from the Superintendent Spring is finally here! It is always exciting to see the snow melt and feel the momentum build towards the end of a school year, especially following an extraordinary winter Mark Hansen, Superintendent with so many weather-related school closings. A state championship in boys basketball, several significant community service/impact projects, and a planned (2020) new location for our District Office on the Fairview South campus, further add to the excitement in and around our schools. Our diverse community’s commitment to excellence and opportunity continues to attract new families to our schools. In February, we launched a 32-member Facility Planning Task Force charged to design a 10-year plan to address the growth in student enrollments in our elementary schools. We appreciate those in our community who are willing to share their time and talents and help position our district for long-term success. Thank you to our entire community for your support of the Elmbrook Schools!
Enrollment Opportunities Preschool Accepting Applications
Elmbrook offers 4-year old students an amazing opportunity to jumpstart their learning through our preschool program at Burleigh Elementary. We welcome you to visit www.elmbrookschools.org/preschool for details or to setup your school tour.
Kindergarten Enrollment in Progress
Students who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2019 can join Elmbrook’s Class of 2032 by enrolling online today! We welcome you to visit www.elmbrookschools.org/enroll for details or to setup your school tour.
Board of Education Candidate Profiles
Two candidates are running unopposed for two seats on the School District of Elmbrook Board of Education. Each Board member represents the entire school district; therefore residents should select one candidate for each seat. The general election is Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Each candidate was asked to provide responses to the following two questions: Question 1: Why have you chosen to seek election to theElmbrook Board of Education? Question 2: What personal philosophies and experience do you have that will help you best represent the Elmbrook electorate? GLEN R. ALLGAIER (INCUMBENT) – AREA II 2455 Buckingham Place, Brookfield, WI 53045 • moroni4u@yahoo.com Question 1: I feel deeply committed to the public education system. The Elmbrook School District has provided five of our children with rich experiences in academics, athletics and the arts. We are making good progress in the district and I want to contribute to further strengthening the ‘Elmbrook experience.’ I feel that my business skills can help us effectively manage the significant pressures on the district budget. Question 2: My twelve years of experience on the school board help in understanding the issues facing administrators and teachers. My years as a senior manager in a Fortune 500 company provide insights regarding fiscal responsibility and team building. I am an advocate of: student learning as top priority, fiscal responsibility, data-based decision-making, and community engagement. I was instrumental in the formation of a High School Facilities Team that consisted of key leaders of opposing viewpoints and resulted in a successful referendum that upgraded our two high schools. I have been actively involved in developing a ten year capital plan that can be achieved without additional borrowing. I strongly believe in transparency and community engagement in our decision-making processes. Family: Spouse: Cindy Allgaier (deceased); Nine adult children (5 district graduates) District Resident: 31 years Education: B.S., Electrical Engineering, Princeton University (1965); Ph. D., Electrical Engineering, University of Arizona (1971) Profession: Retired–Executive Director, Research and Development, Eaton Corporation
LINDA BOUCHER (INCUMBENT) – AT-LARGE 2340 Kevenauer Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005 • peterpagonis@att.net Question 1: I am committed to maintaining the recognition for one of the best educational communities in the state through commitment, teamwork and tenacity even in challenging circumstances. Collaborating with stakeholders in educational endeavors has been my lifelong career and passion. I have observed first-hand the needs of the Elmbrook School District and I will work hard to address all the concerns. Question 2: My top priority is ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I have been a long time sub in East, Central, Fairview South and taught as a daily substitute in almost every school in the district. I have observed school climate and culture first hand. Being a special education teacher, I have met with many parents and administrators with IEP’s and I hear the needs of all aspects of the school environment and would like to collaborate with fellow board members and the community to address the best possible solution for every students’ issues and district concerns. In the three years that I have been a member of the Elmbrook Board of Education I have served on following committees: Finance & Operations, Community & Legislative Engagement and Personnel. I am actively engaged with the Facility Planning Task Force. Family: Spouse: Peter Pagonis, aka “Chef Pierre” District Resident: 30 years Education: Master of Science in Education from University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Post Master courses from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Awards & Recognition: Golden Key International Honour Society (Academics, Leadership, Service), Certificate of honor in a Performance Assessment/Assessment Literacy course. Profession: Special Education Teacher (K-12) in multiple districts in Wisconsin.
Jake Somlai (BCHS) Division 1 State Wrestling Champion in the 220-pound weight bracket completes a perfect season of 48-0.
Mary Ellen Ritter (BCHS) named 2019 Wisconsin Journalist of the Year by the National Journalism Education Association.
Elmbrook Elementary Schools donate 4,350 pounds in food items to the Waukesha Food Pantry.
More than $110,000 was raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the 2019 Milwaukee Student of the Year Challenge. The team was led by BEHS siblings Ryan and Tara Reilly.
Photo by Dave Radcliffe, The Freeman
The GEarheads (WHMS) FIRST Lego League State Tournament Champions advance to the World Championships in April.
Brookfield Gymnastics Head Coach Erin Kokta named 2019 Coach of the Year by the Wisconsin High School Gymnastics Association.
Michael Linnihan (BCHS) earned two Division 1 State Championship titles in the 100 Freestyle and the 200 Freestyle.
Akshat Channashetti (PPMS) to compete at the State National Geographic Geography Bee.
LAUNCH students participate in the Milwaukee Tool Challenge.
Braden Rumpit (BEHS) became a Division 1 State Champion in the 1 Meter Diving competition. Pictured with Coach Mary Woodson.
Brookfield East/Central Orchestra teacher Dr. Denice Haney is the recipient of ASTA’s Elizabeth A.H. Green School Educator Award.
Ryan Pifher (WHMS) represents Elmbrook at the Badger State Spelling Bee.
BCHS Cheerleaders named State Champions in the Non-Tumble division at WACPC 2019.
Dixon students raised $7,500 for Fisher House Wisconsin through their student-led production of the Nutcracker ballet.
Brookfield Central Boys Basketball Division 1 State Champions.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MILWAUKEE, WI Permit No. 5654
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
Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarship Award Recipients
Brookfield Central seniors Sabrina Huang and Katherine Liu, and Brookfield East senior Arjun Shreekumar were the recipients of Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarships for their academic achievements and continued excellence. The students are among 188 graduating seniors that will receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Foundation. “The Kohl Foundation’s commitment to students throughout Wisconsin continues to be remarkable,” said Superintendent Mark Hansen. “Congratulations to Sabrina, Katherine, and Arjun on this incredible recognition.”
Judy Scaro Named Brookfield Jaycees Outstanding Educator The Brookfield Jaycees honored Wisconsin Hills Library Instructional Technology Assistant, Judy Scaro, as an Outstanding Educator at the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet on March 22 for her involvement and impact on her school and our community. Judy was praised for her work which included her part in transforming the WHMS Library into an innovative hub of learning and discovery. “Judy is student-centered, passion-driven, and a creative and inspiring leader,” said WHMS Principal, Lisa Rettler. “She engages our district and regional community in various ways, with students always at the center of her mission.” Each year the Brookfield Jaycees honors an educator, a firefighter, and a police officer for their leadership in the Brookfield community.