Inside this edition: • Technology Makes Learning Personal • Board of Education Candidate Profiles • Peperkorn Named Associate Principal of the Year • Fairview South Students and the Community • Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool • Elmbrook Welcomes the Class of 2028! • Celebrate Success!
District Leverages Technology to Make Learning Personal The jobs of today require critical thinking, collaboration, and communication with people located all over the world. One way the Elmbrook Schools are equipping students to be successful at college and in future careers, is by making learning personal and engaging all students in the learning process. “For the past two years many of our teachers and students across the district have begun the journey towards personalizing learning,” said Dana Monogue, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “Thus far, we have experienced strong academic results, increased skills, and outstanding student engagement. We are excited to expand this approach to all classrooms over the next two years, with dedicated access to technology for every student in grades 4-12 by 2016-2017.” Gabbie Zastrow, an 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School explained that “Providing all students with a Google 5th grade student teams develop sales presentations in social students to Chromebook device allows encourage others to settle in their colonial region. each student to engage in their learning anytime, anywhere. It redefines the learning experience as something that is not limited by a school building or during school hours.” Using the Google Application suite and a variety of web-based resources, students become motivated to deepen their learning, often exceeding teacher expectations. Alix Kasmarick, Principal of Tonawanda Elementary School, adds that “Technology access combined with expert facilitation by our teachers empowers students to pursue knowledge and information in ways not previously possible in a traditional classroom. Students are able to quickly access content that matches their interest levels and readiness.” Kasmarick continued, “Personalizing learning has become an integral part of our district’s mission, and has been made a top priority in terms of professional learning and resource allocation. At the school level, we feel incredibly grateful to have such powerful tools for learning.”
February 2015
Message from the Superintendent Our District has a tradition of excellence that is evident in the work of our students, staff members and the Board of Education. Mark Hansen, Superintendent Through the generous support of our community we are able to provide opportunities to our students to thrive in the classroom as Presidential Scholars, excel as award-winning Artists, and actively participate as community volunteers. We celebrate all of their accomplishments in this edition of LINK. Similarly, we celebrate our staff members who have received local and state recognition, awarded for their dedication and commitment to the success of all students. Finally, our community is fortunate to have a rich history of service to our school board. We are grateful to Meg Wartman as she concludes her fourth consecutive term later this spring, and for all community members willing to give of their time and talents to continue the Board of Education’s tradition of excellence.
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 7, 2015. Each candidate was asked to provide responses to the following two questions: Question 1: Why have you chosen to seek election to the Elmbrook Board of Education? Question 2: What personal philosophies and experience do you have that will help you best represent the Elmbrook electorate?
JEAN LAMBERT (INCuMBENT) – AREA IV
15150 Tulane Ct., Brookfield, WI 53005 • LambertAreaFour@gmail.com
Question 1: During my first two Board terms, I actively participated in processes that resulted in a balanced budget without significant staff reductions and class size increases. Further, I provided leadership to the Community and Legislative Engagement committee to foster relationships with elected officials so the needs of the district and impact to the district of policy and financial decisions are clearly understood. I bring the perspective of private-sector business to the table for all personnel matters: employee relations, compensation, personnel policies, etc. There’s more work to be done: • Support innovation to enhance student achievement • Support leadership and staff as we work together to build a stronger district • Support continued development of fiscal policy that balances revenues/expenses • Assure the legislature is equipped with factual information as education policy decisions are made Question 2: Education is the foundation of success. The challenges are to seek continuous improvement, cut waste and lead via reliable metrics while maintaining fiscal control. My board experience, education and extensive business/leadership experience have prepared me well to serve our students and families. Family: Spouse: Roger Lambert; Seven children – One is currently enrolled in the District as a junior at Brookfield Central. Five have graduated from college and one is currently a junior at Whitewater. District Resident: 40 years Education: MBA from Marquette University 1991; Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Nursing 1987; RN Diploma from the Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing 1977 Recent awards/recognition: Elmbrook School Board Member since 2009; Project Management Certification (PMP) from the Project Management Institute; Girl Scouts of America 16 Years of Service; Boy Scouts of America 12 Years of Service Profession: Senior Financial Analyst – Froedtert Health
SCoTT whEELER – AT-LARGE
4745 N 158th St., Brookfield 53005 • wheelersa@gmail.com
Question 1: Education is critical to the future of our children, and leads to a strong community and society. With five children who are or will be attending Elmbrook schools, I want to keep this district one of the best in Wisconsin. When we lived in another state, I saw firsthand what happened when poor teaching and curriculum negatively impacted one of my children. I have been impressed with the quality education in Elmbrook, and I want to maintain great schools while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. Question 2: One of my top priorities is ensuring every student has the chance to succeed in school by providing the best curriculum, technologies, and extracurricular activities to help them learn and grow. I will thoughtfully listen to all sides of an issue to make a decision that best serves the needs of the students and our community. I would be honored to have your vote. Family: Spouse: Andrea Wheeler; Five children – 6th grade daughter at Pilgrim Park, 5th & 3rd grade sons at Burleigh, son who will begin kindergarten at Burleigh next year, and a two-year old son at home. District Resident: 4 years Education: 2002 – BA Biochemistry from Brigham Young University; 2006 – Masters of Education in Instructional Technology from Utah State University Profession: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- where I provide training and supervision for volunteer religion teachers in Eastern Wisconsin.
Mark Peperkorn Named Associate Principal of the Year Strong leaders are the backbone of any organization and the Elmbrook Schools takes great pride in having some of the top educational leaders in the state. Mark Peperkorn, Associate Principal at Pilgrim Park Middle School (PPMS), was recently named Associate Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators for his outstanding work within the district. “During his five years at PPMS, Mark has had a profound impact on positively shaping our school culture,” explained PPMS Principal Mike Sereno. “He has been able to develop strong relationships with students, staff, and parents, and he has worked with these groups to implement several positive behavioral support systems. As a result, we have very few student discipline issues at our school.”
The award serves to recognize an associate principal dedicated to making their school a safe and positive environment while improving student learning and instructional collaboration; skills that Peperkorn strives to bring to the district. “Winning this award has been a very humbling experience for me. I am not one ~ Mike Sereno, PPMS Principal who strives for acknowledgements or awards,” said Peperkorn. “I would rather heap the praise on those who have assisted me during my evolution as an administrator. Without the support of my wife, my children, my principal, my amazing staff, my fellow administrators and the district’s senior leadership team, none of this would have been possible.”
“Mark has had a profound impact on positively shaping our school culture.”
Financial Support Connects Fairview South Students with Community The School District of Elmbrook strives to meet the needs of all students in and out of the classroom. Through outings into the community, students at Fairview South (FVS) gain real world experiences that help them in the years following their education. Integral to these outings are the school’s vans which transport students to various learning opportunities. This winter, thanks to the generosity of the Elmbrook community the school has been able to replace an old van. Fairview South students work at The Fairview South Program is Easter Seals in Waukesha. dedicated to meeting the unique needs of students “The kindness of spirit ages 10 through 21 with mild to severe cognitive amongst our community in disabilities. Some students also have trouble support of our students is inspiring.” with vision or hearing, communication, or other ~ Karen Brennan, FVS parent & president of the Friends of Fairview South physical disabilities. Holly Lee, Program Director, explained that community experiences give students the opportunity to
learn how to behave in social and public situations, and to complete everyday tasks like navigating a grocery store. “It really supports their communication skill building,” she added. “It is important that our students are integrated into the community,” said Karen Brennan, a parent of a FVS student and the president of the Friends of Fairview South. “This is a benefit to our students but also to the community at large as they are exposed to our fantastic kids.” Brennan explained that The Friends of Fairview South conducts an annual appeal whose funds are used to support the needs of the school and student activities. The school was able to raise $22,000 through the annual silent auction and raffle, supported by 200 personal, corporate, and community group donations from organizations such as the Brookfield Lions Club. The rest of the funds were generously provided by a local anonymous donor. “Our students overcome extreme obstacles to participate in everyday life, often enduring pain, medical issues and frustration,” said Brennan. “The kindness of spirit amongst our community in support of our students is inspiring.”
Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool Set to Launch in September
Elmbrook welcomes the Class of 2028!
Following the Board of Education’s decision in December to approve a fee-based preschool option for four-year-old students, over 75 interested parents attended an open house on February 5th at Dixon Elementary. The preschool, taught by certified teachers licensed by the state of Wisconsin, will host a morning and afternoon session lasting three hours each day, five days a week for students who are four years old on or before September 1, 2015. Fun and engaging learning opportunities will be designed to assist students in preparing for the academic, social and emotional expectations of five-year-old kindergarten. “We believe strongly in the value of early learning opportunities for all students in our community,” said Dana Monogue, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “By offering a quality option for resident families taught by licensed teachers, we hope more of our families will consider participating in an early learning experience before entering five-year-old kindergarten.” Limited to 120 seats in its first year, families are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. More information, including additional tour opportunities may be found at www.elmbrookschools.org/preschool.
Future Burleigh Vikings attend Kindergarten Open House.
Kindergarten Open Houses were held in January at all elementary schools to welcome the Class of 2028. This event featured short presentations, child-centered activities and school tours for parents and their future Kindergarten students. If you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2015 and would like more information regarding Kindergarten enrollment, please visit www.elmbrookschools.org/kgenroll.
Celebrate Success! Governor's Council honors Brookfield East’s Business Education Dept. as a 2014 wisconsin Financial Literacy Award Recipient
Registration opens March 23 at 5:30 pm oNLINE oNLY Please visit the Elmbrook website at www.elmbrookschools.org/summerschool for information.
Connect with us Like us on Follow us on From L to R: Superintendent Dr. Mark Hansen, Principal Mr. Andy Farley, Business Education Teacher Mr. Jason Kruse, Governor Scott Walker
Three Elmbrook Students Named as Candidates in the Presidential Scholars Program
Veronica Daniel Brookfield Central H.S.
Advait Reddy Brookfield Central H.S.
Shane Huang Brookfield East H.S.
Congratulations to three members of the Class of 2015 who have been named as candidates in the Presidential Scholars Program. They were selected from nearly 3.4 million high school seniors across the nation on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
2015 Brookfield Jaycees outstanding Educator Congratulations to Kristin Olson, Teaching and Learning Specialist, who has been named the 2015 Brookfield Jaycees Outstanding Educator for her work supporting the students and staff at Tonawanda!
Congratulations to the 2015 Scholastic Art Gold and Silver Key Award winners: East Students: Noah Fricker, Andrea Lans, and Kenn Larson Central Students: Elizabeth Brucker, Holly Hoeppner, Sam Koh, Riley Tsang, Emma Favill, Nicoleia Haris, and Stephen Wetter The Scholastic Art Awards – Wisconsin competition is the regional section of The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards National Program. These students will have their artwork on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum from February 7th-March 22nd.
13780 Hope Street P.O. Box 1830 Brookfield, WI 53008 262-781-3030 Mark Hansen, Superintendent Tom Gehl, Board President Chris Thompson, Editor Jill Kokta, Design www.elmbrookschools.org The School District of Elmbrook welcomes your feedback for continuous improvement. E-mail questions, feedback, and suggestions to feedback@elmbrookschools.org.
The mission of the School District of Elmbrook is to educate and inspire every student to think, to learn, and to succeed.
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.