Inside this edition:
March 2016
• Middle Schoolers Get A Taste of the Spotlight • Board of Education Candidate Profiles • Board of Education Candidate Forum • Author Visits Inspire Students & Staff • Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment • Tom Juran Named Teacher of the Year • Engaged in Excellence!
Middle Schoolers Get A Taste of the Spotlight Over 250 middle school students performed to packed houses as Elmbrook’s renowned fine arts program showcased two musicals at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center this winter. Following months of rehearsals, Wisconsin Hills students performed Mulan Jr., while Pilgrim Park’s students presented Beauty and the Beast Jr. There are many middle schools who perform annual musicals, but few have the opportunity to perform in front of 600 people on a 2,000 square foot professional stage.
Above: WHMS Mulan Jr. At Left: PPMS Beauty and the Beast Jr.
First-year Pilgrim Park music teacher and Beauty and The Beast Jr. director, David Michels, said he was in awe of the work ethic and the amount of growth displayed by our students. “Knowing they would be performing at the Wilson Center elevated the intensity and commitment of the cast and crew during rehearsals, and I was extremely proud of their performances.” While for some students it was their first time performing in such a large production, others relied on their previous experience in elementary school. “By the time our students reach middle school,” said WHMS Principal Lisa Rettler, “they may have already performed three or four music concerts and a musical at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center during their Elmbrook elementary experience.” Rettler continued, “We are proud of our students’ interest and passion in musical and theater performance in collaboration with our parents. Our community’s support for the arts is truly second to none.”
Message from the Superintendent What does it mean to be engaged in excellence? To our students it means being recognized among the best in the Mark Hansen, Superintendent nation as Presidential Scholars, as state placewinners in Swimming, learning from award-winning authors, and performing on the professional stage of the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center. To our staff members, engaged in excellence represents service, commitment, and dedication which often leads to recognition by community and state organizations. To our school board it demands leadership in governance and service to the community, most recently demonstrated through the creation of the Enrollment Balancing Task Force and charge to address the surge in student enrollments at two of our elementary schools. Thank you to all who engage in excellence every day on behalf of our students. It is truly what makes our school district and community great!
Board of Education Candidate Profiles Three candidates are running for two seats on the School District of Elmbrook Board of Education. Two candidates are running for the At-Large seat. One candidate is running unopposed for the Area II seat. Each Board member represents the entire school district; therefore residents should select one candidate for each seat. The general election is Tuesday, April 5, 2016. 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?
GAry J. JOnES (InCuMBEnT) – AT-LArGE
14640 Mesa Court Brookfield, WI 53005 • jones_gary_john@hotmail.com
Question 1: There are many challenges and opportunities facing public education and I want to have a part in solving the challenges and growing the opportunities in the Elmbrook District. We are a very high achieving district and want to continue to move upward, but when you are as high as we are, additional growth is likely to be more difficult and expensive. I will work to balance improvements with prudent financial leadership. Question 2: I have served two terms on the board and feel that I understand and appreciate the work and direction of the district. We have great administrators and I enjoy working with them and the entire staff at the CAO and in our ten schools. I feel that the experience that I have gained over six years qualifies me to serve effectively for another term as board member. If I have a philosophy regarding serving on the board, it is the importance of getting things right the first time, as much as possible, and therefore will always be trying to get the details correct. Family: Spouse: Joan Jones; Seven children, all graduated from the Elmbrook District. District Resident: 43 years Education: A.A.S. degree in Broadcast Electronics from Milwaukee Institute of Technology (Now M.A.T.C.) Profession: Retired as Manager of Engineering Operations from Milwaukee Public Television.
LIndA BOuChEr – 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. Family: Spouse: Peter Pagonis, aka “Chef Pierre” District Resident: 25 years Education: Master of Science in Education from University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Bachelor 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.
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 nine 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 was actively involved in the development of a five-year financial plan and believe we need to be more pro-active in applying technology for distance learning. I strongly believe in transparency and community engagement in our decision-making processes. Family: Spouse: Cindy Allgaier; Nine adult children (5 district graduates) District Resident: 28 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
✔ Board of Education Candidate Forum Tuesday, March 22, 6 p.m. Elmbrook Schools Central Administrative Office 13780 Hope Street, Brookfield • Board Room Sponsored by the Elmbrook Parent Network and Leadership Council (EPNLC)
✔ View Candidate Forum and Board of Education Meetings Online Visit http://elmbrookschools.pegcentral.com
✔ Vote April 5, 2016
Author Visits Inspire Students and Staff
Brookfield Central’s Tom Juran named Teacher of the year
Several Elmbrook Schools have hosted acclaimed authors this year, reinforcing the District’s focus on literacy while inspiring the next generation of writers with their publishing journeys. Gordon Korman, author of 85 different children’s and young-adult books including Swindle, spoke to 700 students at Burleigh Elementary in February. Principal Christian Pleister noted, “Gordon’s central message that everyone has something special to offer in their writing is important for our students to hear and understand.” Also in February, Gavriel Savit, author of Anna and the Swallow Man, met with a Brookfield Central creative writing class and shared his approach to writing and the importance of choosing the right profession. Wisconsin Hills welcomed two authors this past fall; young adult author Joelle Charbonneau and 2013 Newbery Medal winner Katherine Applegate. Charbonneau discussed her new thriller NEED, Above: Author Gordon Korman addresses students and staff from which recently across the District at Burleigh Elementary.
Brookfield Central technology teacher, Tom Juran was recently named Teacher of the Year at the Wisconsin Technology & Engineering Association’s (WTEA) annual conference on February 25. Mr. Juran has taught graphic design and computer techL to r: WTEA President Jesse Domer and Teacher of the nology courses at Central Year recipient Tom Juran for 21 years, inspired by his students and what they are able to accomplish. “I am honored by the recognition, which is a result of the success generated by my students.”
announced a movie adaptation, to 300 engaged eighth grade students. Applegate spoke to 5th and 6th graders from across the District, challenging students to find something you love and to L to r: Prior to book signing Superintendent Mark Hansen, Author Katherine Applegate, WHMS Principal Lisa Rettler, persevere through life’s and District Library Coordinator Kay Benning gather in the challenges. Her 2013 WHMS Library. Newbery winner, The One and Only Ivan has sold over 35 million copies. Said Kay Benning, District Library Coordinator, “We are so fortunate to have access to award-winning authors. Their stories and backgrounds highlight the effort and grit necessary to succeed in the process of writing, something our students experience every day in the classroom.”
ronn Blaha named Brookfield Jaycees Outstanding Educator
L to r: BCHS Principal Brett Gruetzmacher, Outstanding Educator Ronn Blaha, BCHS Key Club Co-Presidents Rachel Baker and Abby Ng.
Brookfield Central’s Ronn Blaha received the 2016 Brookfield Jaycees Outstanding Educator award in February for his continued dedication to education and betterment of his students. Blaha serves as advisor to Central’s Key Club, which was the largest in the state with 369 members and the most active in the world, volunteering over 9,000 hours in 2014-15. As a two-time award winner, Blaha humbly acknowledged his students and their tremendous commitment to service and the Elmbrook community stating, “I have the best job in the world.”
Preschool Accepting Applications
Kindergarten Enrollment In Progress!
Online applications for enrollment into the 2016-17 Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool program are now being accepted. Students must be four years old on or before September 1, 2016. Please visit www.elmbrookschools.org/preschool for details.
If you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2016 and would like information regarding Kindergarten enrollment, please visit www.elmbrookschools.org/kgenroll.
Mark Hansen, Ph.D. Superintendent Kathryn Wilson Board President Chris Thompson Editor Jill Kokta Design
13780 Hope Street P.O. Box 1830 Brookfield, WI 53008-1830 (262) 781-3030
www.elmbrookschools.org
rESIdEnTIAL CuSTOMEr
Engaged in Excellence!
Brookfield East Cheerleading State Champs!
Brookfield Barracudas Take 3rd at State! Brookfield Barracudas, a co-op team comprised of athletes from both Central and East, finished third in the WIAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Championships at the UW Natatorium in Madison. BEHS senior Connor Rumpit earned the title of State Champion in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:34.26. The team is coached by Bill Twitchell. Congratulations!
L to r: Ben Attenberger (BE), Sam Kult (BC), Ben Everson BC), *Connor Rumpit (BE), Ryan Linnihan (BC), Emer Ramirez (BC), Joe Decker (BE), *Tomer Korabelnikov (BE) *Designates Captains
Brookfield East Cheerleaders were named State Champions in the Super Small Varsity category at the Cheerleading State Championship in Madison in February. Their squad rose to the top of nine Division 1 Teams, recognizing their precision technique Seated L to r: Elli Ashcroft, Jamie Keith, Abigail MacVane, and athleticism. The *Madi McDonald, Jenessa Maager Standing L to r: Mia Bergstrom, *Sierra Fischer, BEHS squad is coached Bella Zarenana, Megan Fleming, Allie Keith, Claire Lukas *Designates Captains by Amy Fischer. Congratulations for being recognized as the best in the State!
Three Elmbrook Students named as Candidates in the Presidential Scholars Program Congratulations to three members of the Class of 2016 who have been named to a group of 4,000 candidates nationwide in the Presidential Scholars Program. These high school seniors are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Andrew Cao Brookfield Central H.S.
Aileen Herman Brookfield Central H.S.
Sean Wei Brookfield East H.S.