SPRING 2008 NEWSLETTER

As the 2007-2008 school year draws to a close, we should take the time to appreciate the many accomplishments of the West De Pere School District.  With the support of our community, dedicated parents, teachers, and students we opened two new educational facilities.  Hemlock Creek Elementary School opened in September and is a beautiful, spacious, functional facility equipped with the finest technology available for our childrens’ education.  Our charter school, the Phantom-Knight School of Opportunity, opened and is providing challenging learning experiences to students.  The Board of Education approved a four year old kindergarten program.  The program will begin during the 2008-2009 school year and will prepare young children for future school success.  We have two additional teachers that have earned National Board Certification and are pleased that we have another Golden Apple winner.  There have been many initiatives in curriculum and we continue to provide state of the art technology to our children.  This year our enrollment increased by 150 students, which is the largest enrollment gain in Brown County and quite unique compared to the rest of Wisconsin school districts.  We should be extremely proud of these accomplishments, which are strong indicators of a healthy, progressive school district.  Such accomplishments can only be achieved through an energetic staff, an understanding Board of Education, and a community that cares and sacrifices for their children.

Curriculum development continues to make progressive strides to ensure comprehensive and engaging educational programming for all students. The Science Committee is in the process of aligning new resources with recent curriculum revisions. The Middle School math pilot will conclude this spring with a recommendation for program adoption to be implemented in Fall, 2008. The Literacy Committee is researching best practices and materials to support the district’s balanced literacy framework, content area reading, and literacy development. Music, Art, and Physical Education Departments are involved in team meetings to develop sequential learning targets at each grade level. The months ahead will continue to provide staff with exciting opportunities for professional development related to curriculum design, technology integration, and resource implementation.

We are all very proud of our students for their achievements in learning, volunteerism in the community, the pride they demonstrate for their schools, and the many successes they have earned in academics and co-curricular activities.  Our academic decathlon team advanced to regional competition and missed going to state by one point.  One of our wrestlers earned a third place bronze medal at the WIAA State Tournament.  Our One Act Play “Drama 101” advanced to state competition and received the Critics Choice Award, the Ensemble Acting Award, and honorable mention for directing.  Our Pom & Dance Team won the Division II State Championship in LaCrosse winning both the Pom & Dance and the Kick competitions.  Our band and choir students continue to prepare for solo and ensemble competition.  These student accomplishments highlight the talents of the children and young adults in our community.  Our community has great students!  Please take the time to congratulate and recognize all our students.

On a personal note, I believe most citizens know that I am retiring at the end of the 2007-2008 school year.  This decision was the most difficult of my career because of the extreme pleasure I have experienced with the wonderful children and excellent staff in our district.  West De Pere is a quality learning organization with outstanding students, staff, administrative team, Board of Education, and community.  I would encourage our citizens to continue to support our schools as generously as you have and to volunteer services to assist in any means possible.  Any Superintendent would be proud to serve with such enthusiastic, supportive people.  It has been rewarding to serve the district in a leadership role in providing the best education for our children through strong academics; safe, functional facilities; challenging strategic plan; and outstanding co-curricular programs.  We have all enjoyed the successful journey that has earned West De Pere a positive reputation in our region and state.  My family and I appreciate the support, kindness, and trust the School District of West De Pere community has given us since 1997.  West De Pere is a place that we enjoy calling home.  The children, staff, and management team at West De Pere will always remain very special to me!  Please continue to encourage students to achieve in academic and co-curricular activities.  Best wishes for continued success!

---

ELECT NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Sadly two of our current school board members have chosen not to run for re-election this spring. Janice Coenen and Bob Heuvelmans are calling it quits after serving several terms. We salute them for the time and energy they’ve put into their terms on the School Board.
This leaves two open spots that will be voted for on the spring ballot. Three district residents have filed papers and announced their intentions to run for these two positions. Those candidates are, in order of appearance on the ballot…..

Devin Perock, Patrick Peeters and Joseph Bergner

You will be asked to vote for “NO MORE THAN TWO” candidates on the ballot. This means that you can vote for two people, one each to fill the two empty spots on the School Board.
Please make your voice heard. Get out and vote for the two candidates you feel will best serve the school district. You will vote in your usual polling places. If you are unsure of the location of your polling place you can contact your municipality or call the school district office.

Nationally BoardCertified Teachers

West De Pere is proud to announce the achievement earned by Patti Jo DeVillers and Sheila Kohl. They were recently honored for receiving National Teacher Certification status. Pictured left to right: State Superintendent of Schools, Elizabeth Burmaster; West De Pere Schools FACE/Careers/Entrepreneur Teacher, Patti Jo DeVillers; West De Pere Schools Middle School Teacher, Sheila Kohl; Wisconsin First Lady, Jessica Doyle.

Golden Apple Winner

West De Pere is proud to present the 2008 Golden Apple Award winner! Ellen Celske, Spanish teacher at the High School was awarded the Golden Apple Recipient Award on March 13. Pictured is Paul Beideman, Golden Apple Chairperson and Ellen Celske receiving her award.
The Golden Apple program honors teachers in the greater Green Bay area for excellence in teaching. Ellen has been chosen from many nominees. All Golden Apple winners will be recognized at the Golden Apple Dinner Program on April 16, 2008.

Pom & Dance State Champions

Submitted by Jennifer Zurawski
Elementary and Middle School Business Ed. Teacher

On February 2, in front of a packed La Crosse Center, the West De Pere Pom & Dance Team made history!  For the first time ever, the team brought home TWO state championship titles in the same year!  The girls earned first place in Division 2 Pom and Division 2 Kick.  This is the sixth time the team has won the Pom division in the last eight years, and the first time it has ever won the kick division.  The team is coached by Jennifer Zurawski and also received help this year from dance team alumni Molly Uebele, Abby Server, and Tina Canadeo.  Congratulations to the team for another great season!!!

2008-2009 West De Pere High School Pom & Dance Team Tryouts

April 21-25, 2008
4:00 – 6:00 P.M. in the High School Commons
Please call Coach Jennifer Zurawski at 337-1099 ext. 2158 for more information.

School Board Member Honored

Janice Coenen, a member of the West De Pere School Board, was honored for 30 years of service during the 2008 State Education Convention held January 23-25 in Milwaukee. Coenen received her award from Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) President Gabe Kolesari and John Ashley, WASB Executive Director.
“We know that you are dedicated to public service and have the interest of children first in your heart. We thank you for doing a terrific job and for your long-time support of the children in this state and your district,” Kolesari said.
Coenen’s service provides an outstanding example of a fundamental tenet of Wisconsin’s system of public education: local schools that are governed by their own communities.
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards is a nonprofit association that provides information and services to Wisconsin school boards in the areas of school law and policymaking, collective bargaining, legislation and leadership development.

Child Development Days Screening

The dates for the Child Development Days Screening have been set for the evenings of April 16 and April 17, 2008 from 4-7 p.m. at Westwood Elementary School. The purpose of this screening is to provide you with in-depth information about your child’s development and to give you suggestions that will help promote future school success for your child. If you filled out an “Ages and Stages Questionnaire” and received a letter inviting you and your child to a free developmental screening and have not yet scheduled an appointment, please call 337-1393 ext. 8012.

Jan Derouin Memorial Track Meet

May 17, 2008
Registration for K-6 students - 10:00 a.m.
Running Begins – 10:30 a.m.
High School Outdoor Track
Students must be accompanied by a parent
Concessions will be sold

FOURTH Annual Hopp vs. Cop Basketball Fundraiser

April 11, 2008 West De Pere High School

Doors Open 6 p.m. Tip Off 7 p.m.
TAISHU Moped Raffle Tickets $5 ea. or 3/$10

All funds raised will be used for the Syble Hopp Therapeutic Pool Maintenance Fund.
Silent Auction Items Needed
For donations or information
please call Syble Hopp at 336-5754

Four Year-Old Kindergarten 2008-2009

The School District of West De Pere is excited to be working with our community child care providers to offer a Four Year-Old Kindergarten program for the 2008-2009 school year. Providing young children with early educational experiences creates students who are more successful throughout their educational career. A committee of representatives from local child care providers, parochial schools, school faculty, and school administration has been meeting weekly to finalize the planning for the four year-old kindergarten. While planning will continue during the remainder of the school year, the committee has established the following points for four year-old kindergarten:
The program will be located at the following locations:

◊ Westwood Elementary
◊ Hemlock Creek Elementary
◊ Local Day Care Facility(s)

Each location will offer a half-day program. Some locations may offer a morning and an afternoon session, while other locations may offer only a morning session.
All locations will follow the school calendar.
Depending on space availability at each site, children may be served at a location (either a school or child care facility) outside of their home school attendance area. If this occurs, transportation will be provided.
Children must be 4 years old before September 1, 2008.
Four year-old kindergarten is a voluntary program and no child will be required to attend.
Transportation will be provided and will follow the same regulations as what is provided to our kindergarten students.
The four year-old kindergarten program will be developmentally appropriate and may include but will not be limited to:

◊ Readiness skills
◊ Language development
◊ Social development
◊ Emotional development
◊ Physical development
◊ Self-help skills

Within the next month, the locations of the four year-old kindergarten sites will be finalized. Once the locations have been finalized, students will be placed at a location. We are projecting that parents will be informed of their child’s placement by the end of May.
If you are interested in registering your child for four year-old kindergarten or if you have questions about four year-old kindergarten, please contact the Westwood Elementary School Office (337-1087) or the Hemlock Creek Elementary School Office (425-1900).

Five Year-Old Kindergarten Registration 2008-2009

The School District of West De Pere recently held kindergarten registration for children who are planning to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2008.  In case you missed it and you are planning on sending your child to kindergarten, please register your child as soon as possible at your school of residence:  Hemlock Creek Elementary School, 1900 Williams Grant Drive, De Pere or Westwood Elementary School, 1155 Westwood Street, De Pere.  Children must turn 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2008 and live in the West De Pere School District to be eligible for the West De Pere kindergarten program.  For registration you will need to bring your child’s birth certificate, their immunization record, and proof of address.  The child does not have to attend the registration.  If you have any questions, please call 425-1900 ext. 3320 for Hemlock Creek or 337-1087 ext. 1322 for Westwood.

West De Pere Schools School Calendar 2007-2008

March 21-28 K-12 No School
May 2 K-12 Early Dismissal
May 26 K-12 No School
June 10 K-12 Last Student Day

West De Pere Schools School Calendar 2008-2009

September 2 K-12 First Student Day
September 19 K-12 Early Dismissal
October 29 K-12 Early Dismissal
October 30-31 K-12 No School
November 26-28 K-12 No School
December 2 9-12 Early Dismissal
December 24-31 K-12 No School
January 1-2 K-12 No School
January 16 K-12 Early Dismissal
January 23 K-8 No School
February 20 K-12 Early Dismissal
March 6 9-12 Early Dismissal
March 13-20 K-12 No School
April 10-13 K-12 No School
May 8 K-12 Early Dismissal
May 25 K-12 No School
June 11 K-12 Last Student Day

Attention: Non-Residents of the West De Pere School District

This newsletter is a service provided to all residents of the West De Pere School District. The most effective and affordable process utilized in circulating this newsletter throughout our community is to use a saturation mailing which occasionally picks up a few streets in the postal route areas of non-residents. It is difficult and costly to avoid a few non-residents from receiving this newsletter. Our efforts to communicate with our resident families is important. Thank you for understanding.

School Census

Accurate census data is critically important to many aspects of any school district. It helps us make more accurate future class-size projections, anticipate growth and accompanying needs, identify specific target populations, fulfill our state-mandated child-find obligations and acquire state funding.
As we begin to work on the school census, we are asking for your help. If you live in the West De Pere School District and you have children between the ages of 0 and 19 as of June 30, 2008, please fill out the census form on the next page.

All children need to be counted for this census, even if your children do not attend the West De Pere Public Schools.
Please return your completed census form ASAP.
You can return the form by:
mail, drop off, or fax to the West De Pere District Office (930 Oak Street, De Pere 54115 fax: 337-1398)
drop off or mail the completed form with your student to Westwood Elementary, Hemlock Creek Elementary, West De Pere Middle School or West De Pere High School.

By law, you are required to supply this information (all information remains confidential). Your cooperation will help us meet the needs of the students and residents of the West De Pere School District. If you have questions please contact Ginny @ 337-1393 ext. 8010. Thank you for your help!

Summer School

Submitted by Jo Boss
Elementary Associate Principal

The West De Pere Summer School program for 2008 will be held in several locations. Grades K-5 will have classes offered at both Hemlock Creek and Westwood Elementary Schools. The West De Pere Middle School will also be utilized with the majority of the classes being geared to grades 6-8 with the exception of the Cooking Classes. All Cooking Classes be held at the West De Pere Middle School.
The classes will be offered from 7:45 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., depending on the course. Tutoring will be offered for grades K-12 at Phantom Knight School of Opportunity and the two elementary schools.
We will again have offerings at West De Pere High School in English, Social Studies, Math, Driver’s Education, Band Camp, Summer Band, Fitness, Summer Musical, and Choreography Camps.
We will continue our Luke Stempa Fine Arts program at Comedy City in June and July. We will also be developing a partnership with the De Pere Parks and Recreation Department which will enable us to offer more services for working parents.
The Summer School Showcase Night will be held at the West De Pere High School on the evening of July 2, 2008. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Summer School booklets will be available April 8, 2008. For more information, please contact the Westwood Elementary Office (337-1087).

Check It Out!!

An ADDITIONAL reason to join Summer School!!!

June Session Summer School participants involved in The Luke Stempa Arts Institute and other performance based classes (Puppetry, Dance, Musical Revue!) will get the opportunity to perform at the annual Celebrate America in downtown Green Bay on July 4.  This year the summer school students of West De Pere will provide entertainment and performance pieces for the entire greater Green Bay community from 11a.m.-dusk!!!   Any type of performance is encouraged!
Peggy Eserkaln, Director of the Arts Institute, will organize interested summer school students.  Instructors of summer school or parents interested in having student(s) involved in the July 4 performance should contact Peggy at peserkaln@wdpsd.com or 217-5819.

West De Pere High School Greenhouse Plant Sale

The West De Pere Horticulture/Landscaping classes are growing a variety of plants in their school greenhouse for use in plantings around the high school, in the community and for a plant sale.  There will be a wide variety of plants available for sale including annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and some vegetables.

Open house will be held Monday, April 28, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. during the annual FFA Awards night.  Plants will also be available for sale during regular school hours, before school and after school.  Stop in the high school office for directions to the greenhouse.  If you have any questions regarding the plant sale, please contact Mrs. Hedrich

Office Max Award

Submitted by Jane Paluch
Westwood Elementary Principal

Westwood Elementary School reaped rewards as a teacher from Westwood was awarded cash and prizes through the Office Max Adopt-A-Classroom program. Sandi Laluzerne was nominated and recognized for dedication and achieving excellence in education. She was among 1000 teachers nationwide and 35 teachers from Wisconsin to be recognized.
Office Max of Green Bay, led by Bryan Walker, set up an award celebration surprising her with gifts and office supplies, including an office chair and digital camera. In addition, Office Max has an online donation program that Westwood teachers registered for and several received $75 gift certificates to spend on school supplies.

Notes from the Nurse

Dawn Schaefer RN, BSN (920) 337-1087 ext. 8031 E-mail: dschaefer@wdpsd.com

New Tdap and Varicella Immunization Requirements
for Students for 2008-2009 School Year

Why are these requirements being made?

From 1986 through 2004, Wisconsin had the fifth highest rate of pertussis (whooping cough) in the nation with almost 5,000 cases being reported in 2004 alone. Pertussis outbreaks occur because protection declines 5-10 years after completion of childhood DTP/DTaP vaccinations. Tdap is a new vaccine that is recommended for adolescents and is anticipated to help prevent pertussis from occurring including pertussis outbreaks in schools.
Two doses of varicella vaccine have been shown to be more effective than one dose in preventing “breakthrough disease” cases of chickenpox in children of all age groups.
Recommendations for both Tdap and varicella vaccines are made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

What are the new requirements, what grades are affected and when will they begin?

The Wisconsin Student Immunization Law will require:
1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for students entering 6th , 9th and 12th grades, and
2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for students entering Kindergarten, 6th and 12th grades beginning in the
2008-09 school year (this coming fall).

What do parents need to do?

Have your child vaccinated with Tdap and/or varicella vaccine if he or she has not already received the vaccine(s).

Are there exceptions to the Tdap and varicella vaccine requirements?

Yes, there are two. The first is with Tdap vaccine. If your child will be entering 6th, 9th or 12th grades and already received a tetanus-containing vaccine (Td vaccine) within the last 5 years, your child is compliant and Tdap vaccine is not required.
The second exception is for varicella vaccine. If your child had chickenpox disease, even after the 1st dose of varicella vaccine, further doses of the vaccine are not required.

Where can I get Tdap and/or varicella vaccine for my child?

These vaccines are available from your child’s doctor or local health department. Please have your child immunized well in advance of school opening to avoid the late summer rush at doctor’s offices and immunization clinics. Immunization record forms will be available in the school offices and the school nurse web page. Please contact Dawn Schaefer RN if you have any questions at 337-1087 ext. 8031.

Did you know…

The K-12 Science Committee is currently reviewing new resources and innovative strategies to support changes and updates in the K-12 science curriculum. These updates include the following new high school science courses for 2008-09: Advanced Placement Physics, Advanced Placement Chemistry, and Environmental Education.

Following several months of study, the 6-8 Math Committee will make a recommendation this spring for program adoption. The final selection will align closely with K-5 Everyday Math and College Preparatory Mathematics at the high school.

The Literacy Committee is in the process of researching best practices to support the district’s balanced literacy framework and K-12 literacy development.

The K-12 Music, Art, and Physical Education Departments are continuing their work to update existing curricula and align course content to ensure comprehensive educational program options for all students.

April 21-27, 2008 is National Turn-off-the-TV Week, and it’s all about having fun! The challenge can take place at any time, and invites families to turn off their television, video games, and Internet for an entire week. A week-long recess from television may help your family discover more time to play, talk, read, exercise, volunteer and participate in community activities. Are you up for the challenge?

Research indicates that every thirty minutes of additional homework a student does per night can raise his/her overall GPA (Grade Point Average) by half a point. (Marzano, 2001)

Looking for creative ways to help your child with homework, provide extra practice, and engage your child’s creativity? Check out Thinkfinity Parent Resources. This regularly updated online collection includes mathematics, history & social studies, science, geography, and reading & language arts. Check it out… http://marcopolo-education.org/teacher/featured_resources.aspx
Submitted by Kimiko Ott, Instructional Resource Coordinator
337-1393 X8029

Teachers Reading to Learn

Submitted by Lisa Hollihan-Allen
K-12 Reading Specialist

This school year 24 teachers across the district are participating in voluntary Professional Development Book Study Groups. Interested teachers meet in their buildings about once every three weeks to read, discuss and share ideas about a book/topic they have chosen to study.
Westwood is studying vocabulary. We started the year reading articles from The Reading Teacher (a journal from the International Reading Association). We then moved into the book Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown and Linda Kucan.
Hemlock Creek is studying one of the components of a quality balanced literacy program. We are reading The Daily 5: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey and Jean Moser. We are also viewing the companion DVD.
The Middle School is studying content area reading strategies by reading Do I Really Have to Teach Reading? Content Comprehension, Grades 6-12 by Cris Tovani.
The High School is studying comprehension strategies at the high school level by reading I Read It, But I Don’t Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers by Cris Tovani.
Joleen Rahn, West De Pere High School teacher, said, “I like that we are studying comprehension strategies again this year at the high school level. Tovani’s book meshes well with the Kylene Beers’ book we studied last year. Both books contain effective strategies that are easy to apply in the classroom. We’re sharing great ideas.”

Westwood Adopts Families

Submitted by Katy Joosten
Westwood Elementary Teacher

For the eighth year, the Westwood Student Council has organized the “adoption” of families through the Salvation Army during the holiday season. This past holiday, Westwood adopted six needy families. The generous families of Westwood donated clothing, toys, toiletries, paper products and grocery gift certificates for each needy family to help them through the holidays. Student Council members participated by labeling, organizing and packing the gifts. Juliet Ellis, Elizabeth Saunders and Gabi Wanish, Student Council members said, “It feels great to be able to know that you helped someone in need.” Several thank you cards were received from the Salvation Army families. Student Council would like to extend a great big thank you to all of our school families that donated gifts to support this project during the season of giving.

W.T. Graham Youth Art Awards Announced

Submitted by Mary Jo Scanlan and Kristine Landreman
Hemlock Creek and Westwood Elementary Art Teachers

The artwork of Hemlock Creek’s second grade art student, Cody Beno and Westwood’s fourth grade art student, Braden Schmidt, has been selected to receive a W. T. Graham Youth Art Award for 2008, as part of the annual Wisconsin Art Educator’s Youth Art Month observance. Cody and Braden’s artwork, along with 40 other award winners across the state, is displayed in the beautiful State Capitol Rotunda in Madison. The official award ceremony was held on March 6, 2008. The works of art of all the award winners will also be exhibited in the Young Peoples’ Art Exhibition at the Wisconsin State Fair from July 31-August 10, 2008.
Youth Art Month contest is an annual Wisconsin Art Education Association activity that enables students to participate in the state celebration of youth art. For the Capitol exhibit, only 300 pieces from grades K-12 were chosen from the entire State of Wisconsin. The program emphasizes the value of art education for all children and encourages public support for quality art programs.
Congratulations to these young artists.

Living Museum

Submitted by Marge Hannon
Hemlock Creek Elementary Teacher

The third grade classes showed their knowledge of famous Americans with a Living Museum Presentation in February. The students researched a famous American, completed a timeline of their person’s life, wrote an “I’m Important” poem, and drew a portrait. This was all displayed on a presentation board. They then dressed as their famous person and parents visited each exhibit and experienced each famous American come to life. Students were very proud of their knowledge of the importance of each person in history.
The third grade classes are also preparing for a patriotic music program that they will perform in March. Songs like “This Land is Your Land” and the “Star Spangled Banner” can be heard loud and clear as they practice.

Westwood Youth Art Month Winners

Submitted by Kristine Landreman
Westwood Elementary
Art Teacher

Three students from Westwood Elementary had their artwork selected for the Northeast Regional Art Show at the Algoma Public Library, April 5-25, 2008. On Saturday, April 5, an opening celebration will be held from 1-3 p.m. Certificates will be presented to the students at 2 p.m. Outstanding young artists, their art teachers and their art programs will be recognized at this celebration.
The Westwood student winners are Ciarra Hardtke, grade one; Braden Schmidt, grade four; Kylee Turzinski, grade five.

Reading and Sports

Submitted by Kathleen Held
Hemlock Creek Elementary Principal

In February, Green Bay Gambler Hockey Team members read to grades 3 and 4 Hemlock Creek and Westwood students. The players read a chapter excerpt from sports author, Matt Christopher. They then told about the kind of reading they enjoy and answered questions about life as a hockey player. No matter how busy or hectic the hockey schedule gets, they said they always find time to read! The Gamblers did a great job! Students have been checking out sports books from the school library at a “face off pace.”

Snowshoeing at Hemlock Creek

Submitted by Heide Diekvoss
Hemlock Creek Elementary Teacher

The Kindergarten classes at Hemlock Creek were able to go snowshoeing with Fran from Fallen Timbers Environmental Center. Each year Fallen Timbers comes for an onsite field trip that teaches the children about snowshoes and how to use them. This year we had plenty of snow and the children had a great time using the snowshoes. It’s great to see the children embrace a new way to get outside and exercise during the winter months.

Green Bay Packer Food Drive

Westwood Elementary participated in the annual Packer Women’s Association Food Drive to benefit those in need at Paul’s Pantry. Student Council organized the event at Westwood. Each classroom competed to collect the most food and top prize was awarded to Mrs. VanderVelden’s 5th grade class.
Not only was there an in school competition but each school involved competed against one another to raise the most pounds of food per student. Westwood raised an outstanding 5.9 pounds per student. The total amount raised was 3,330 pounds! Westwood took 2nd place in the community and was awarded with visits by three Packer players.
At an all school assembly in December, Shaun Bodiford, Junius Coston and Chris Francies visited Westwood Elementary. The green and gold sea of students cheered the players on as they answered questions and spoke about being a Packer. The assembly was emceed by third grade teacher Regan Budek, who led the entire gym in a rousing version of the Packers’ “12 Days of Christmas”.

Child Nutrition Programs

The School District of West De Pere participates in the USDA nutrition programs. If you think your child may be eligible to receive free or reduced lunch prices, please contact Mary at 337-1393 ext. 8019 to obtain the necessary forms.

Oneida Nation Visitors

Submitted by Sandi LaLuzerne
Westwood Elementary Teacher

Third graders at Westwood Elementary had an opportunity to learn about Oneida culture thanks to Sarah Summers and Reggie Doxtator from the Oneida Nation Museum. The students were told many historical facts and stories. Sarah Summers shared the story of the corn husk dolls with the third graders and demonstrated how to make them. One of the highlights was a hands-on-exhibit of artifacts which included beadwork, cradleboards, ribbon shirts, lacrosse equipment, rattles, and baskets.
Randy Cornelius, a storyteller from the Oneida Nation told many stories to the third graders as part of a Native American Unit. The students enjoyed the stories about how the birds received their own special song and how the wolf, bear, and turtle clan came to be. His wonderful stories helped the students realize the importance of stories passed on through generations by storytellers.

Bellin’s Kids for Running

Submitted by Mary Bain
Hemlock Creek Elementary Teacher

West De Pere Elementary students will have the opportunity to train to run the Bellin 10K Run in June. Training will take place at both Westwood and Hemlock Creek Elementary Schools. We had a great turn out for this event last year, and we really had fun training! Of course the donated popsicles and Dairy Queen treats were a big hit! We are hoping for great participation again this year as Kids for Running is a great way to promote healthy living!

Elementary Music News

Submitted by Bonnie Seiler
Westwood Elementary Music Teacher

Twenty six fifth graders at Westwood Elementary meet at lunch recess two days a week to sing in choir.  At the holiday concert in December, the choir performed songs about peace, planet earth, snowflakes and a medley of Christmas favorites. Solos, duets, and small groups also sang a variety of winter and Christmas songs.  At the conclusion of the concert, the audience joined the choir in a holiday sing-a-long.
At the spring concert in March, the choir sang patriotic, folk, and planet earth songs. The audience joined them in opening the concert with “The Star Spangled Banner.” The choir also sang a song about making good choices, “I Think I’ll Think Twice” featuring three soloists.
The choir, soloists, duets and small groups will perform Disney songs at the last concert in May. Selections include songs from Aladdin, Lion King, Toy Story, and High School Musical.

In February, fifth graders from Hemlock Creek Elementary and Westwood Elementary shared their musical talents by singing and playing instruments. Solos, duets, trios, and small groups performed a variety of music including classical, folk, rock, Broadway, Disney, and movies. Instruments played included the piano, flute, alto saxophone, trumpet, recorder, snare drum, French horn, tuba, and trombone.

Peer Mentor Program

Submitted by Leon Bunker
Middle School Counselor

The West De Pere Middle School has started a new Peer Mentor program. Peer mentors are students who pair up with another student to provide social and academic support. The role of a mentor is lengthy: a friend, motivator, coach, tutor, companion, resource, confidant, listener, cheerleader, supporter, advisor, sounding board, and role model. This buddy system provides a supportive and encouraging environment for students that may not feel a part of the school. They meet weekly for one period to talk, do schoolwork, discuss issues, or possibly play a game with another mentor and mentee.

Alumni Tournament Another Success

The Annual Alumni Tournament was held on Saturday, December 29, 2007. Even though the number of participants was down this year, the amount of fun and enjoyment everyone had was still quite evident. We were able to raise just under $900 which will go towards a scholarship in Erwin Cottrel's name. Thank you to all of those who participated or came out to support their favorite players.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Next year's event is scheduled for December 27, 2008. We hope to make it the best one yet!

Middle School Art Corner

Submitted by Theresa Lotto
Middle School Art Teacher

The De Pere Lions Club had the “Peace Around the World” poster contest this past fall. Students from West De Pere Middle School competed against three area schools for a chance to win a $50 savings bond. One grade 6 student, Paula Jo VanRooy, was chosen the winner from our school. Paula and Art Teacher Theresa Lotto are pictured above. The Lions Club hosted a dinner celebration to present the $50 savings bond to all the winners. Everyone was excited about receiving recognition for their creative talents. Good luck to everyone that participates next year.
The Second Annual Art Show will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the West De Pere Middle School Commons. Student artwork will be on display, as well as student entertainment. Awards will be presented at 7:00 p.m. to student winners in the following categories: painting, drawing and sculpture. Please mark your calendars for this wonderful event.
The West De Pere Middle School Art Club has been meeting every Monday since November. We’ve been busy creating various things, such as Frosty the Snowman (pictured) for the holiday concert, stamping holiday cards courtesy of Ms. Vieux, selling cookbooks, making buttons and magnets, creating Valentine’s Day cards and clay projects. The Art Club would like to extend a big thank you to Ms. Beyer and Ms. Siefert for volunteering their time throughout the school year.

Middle School Stellar Spellers

Submitted by Christine Seroogy
Middle School Teacher

On Friday, January 11, eleven stellar spellers competed in the West De Pere Middle School All-School Spelling Bee. The competitors by grade level were as follows:
After a rigorous competition, two students emerged as top spellers. Natalya Jensen, an 8th grade student, won the competition. Our second place student, Brett Grathen, a sixth grader, was the runner-up.
Natalya went on to compete in the CESA 7 Regional Competition held at Washington Middle School in February. We congratulate Natalya for placing second and wish her well should she, as alternate, compete in the state competition. What a wonderful way to show off our Phantom Phundamentals of courage, pride, and responsibility.

6th Grade
Brett Grathen
Emily Kussow
Danielle Smith
Bryan Jordan

7th Grade
Max Holt
Eric Baeten
Maddie Siefert
Kimberly Tenor

8th Grade
Natalya Jensen
Lindsay Vogels
Matt Goethe
Cassie Thomas

Academic Decathlon Rocks

Submitted by Dennis Kostac
High School Math Teacher & Academic Decathlon Coach

Big time congratulations go out to the West De Pere High School Academic Decathlon Team for obliterating all school records at the regional competition in January. The team scored a record 30,681 points to place third in the regional and first in Division 2. The team just missed qualifying for the state competition held in March.
Leading the way with six ribbons including first place awards in Music and Math and third place score overall in the Honors group was Tyler Zey. Jerah Doxtator took a third place award overall in the varsity group including a first place award in Speech. Nate Arnold and Drake Bies took first place awards in Interview with Drake scoring a near perfect score of 990 points out of 1000. Christina Sislo took home first place awards in Language and Essay and a second place award in Speech. Solid performances by Amanda Hendricks, Brett Belmore, Mike Carlson, and David Schneider propelled the team to a phenomenal 18 ribbons.

Performing Arts-Alive and Well at Middle School

Submitted by Terry Schneider
Middle School Teacher

Students at the Middle School have had various opportunities to showcase their talents this school year.  During the first semester, student actors and singers worked diligently to perform the Disney musical, Beauty and the Beast.   A cast and crew of over 60 students performed to two afternoon and evening audiences at the West De Pere High School auditorium during the last two days of November.  Student actors gave polished performances as animated characters such as a teapot, a candlestick, a clock and a wardrobe came to life on the stage.  Student leads included Hannah Jackson as Beauty and Zach Hibbard as the Beast.  The musical was directed by middle school teachers Terry Schneider and Erik Hansen.
As second semester began, 39 thespians and speakers were actively preparing for forensics competitions held in Pulaski and Howard-Suamico.  All students on the forensics team advanced to Level II competition and successfully earned blue ribbons or trophies for their accomplishments.  In addition, Destination Imagination teams made up of twelve 6th graders began writing skits and making props to solve challenges for this regional problem-solving competition held in March at Seymour Schools.  Students performed in the Hit or Myth and Di’ve Got a Secret categories.  Forensics and Destination Imagination programs are coordinated by Nancy Stacie and Terry Schneider.  The West De Pere Middle School is proud of the many talented speakers, actors and singers that actively participate in extra-curricular programs that build their communication skills.

High School Choir News

Submitted by Laura Rollin
High School Music Teacher

The West De Pere High School Concert and Chamber Choirs participated in a Festival Concert on March 4 at the West De Pere High School auditorium. The annual concert featured a wide variety of music including a barbershop quartet, a challenging vocal jazz arrangement of Flight of the Bumblebee, a video-enhanced performance by a men’s choir, two women’s choirs, America the Beautiful, an arrangement of Civil War songs, a Jamaican folk song, a Korean folk song, a Russian folk song and much more! As part of the preparation for this event, the choirs participated in a WSMA sanctioned Choral Music Clinic. The guest clinician was Dr. Rick Bjella, Director of Choral Studies at Lawrence University. On March 14 and 15, 80 choir students participated in the 2008 District Solo/Ensemble Festival hosted at West De Pere High School with many events qualifying for State Solo/Ensemble to be held at UWGB on May 3. Scheduled choral events for the West De Pere High School are:
March 31, Chamber Choir will perform for the Knights of Columbus meeting held at the Swan Club to honor all area clergy.
April 14, the Concert Choir will be traveling to Madison to perform a noon concert at the Capitol.
April 26, the Chamber Choir will be performing at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago as part of a two-day trip.
June 4, 7 p.m. Choirs will be presenting their annual Pops Concert at the West De Pere High School auditorium.

DECA News

Submitted by Jack Alexander
High School Marketing-Business Teacher

Thirty one West De Pere High School DECA students participated in the Regional Sales and Marketing competitive events at Kimberly High School in January. 770 students from northeast Wisconsin enjoyed role-play events where they had to solve current problems found in daily business activities. Scott Coenen, Craig Weber, Adam Pannier, Erik Berns and Jess Gavic earned the right to compete in the State DECA competition in Lake Geneva in March. Congratulations to all students who participated in the competition!
Results of the State Competition were not available at printing deadline.

Indigenous Games

Submitted by Lisa Boyd
High School Counselor

Six West De Pere students will be competing in Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games in August. The competition takes place in Cowichan Valley, British Columbia from August 3 – 10. In the 1970’s, a number of visionaries began to explore the idea of promoting indigenous cultures and supporting indigenous youth through sports. Leaders of various communities helped the concept evolve and eventually a plan for a large-scale, multi-sport North American Indigenous Games emerged. The first ever contest was held in 1990 with 3,000 participants. Today there are over 9,000 youth competing in 16 sporting events. The events include: 3-D archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoeing, golf, lacrosse, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, swimming, taekwondo, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. West De Pere High School is proud to have six students attending and competing at Cowichan. The students are:
Danielle Denny (11th grade) – Basketball
DaBen King (12th grade) – Baseball
Cree Metoxen (9th grade) – Softball
Megan Polar (9th grade) – Basketball
Natasha Polar (9th grade) – Basketball
Jalessa Schuyler (12th grade) – Archery

Eco-Action Team

Submitted by Natalie Buhl
High School Language Arts Teacher

Students at West De Pere High School are working to make their building more environmentally responsible. The Eco-Action Team, led by Dana Lex and Natalie Buhl, has been working since January to collect data on the school’s recycling practices. From this data, the students are creating an action plan for the month of April which will be dubbed Earth Month.
The Eco-Action Team collects recycling data during the second week of each month by tallying the number of cans and bottles that are recycling properly and comparing that figure to the number of cans and bottles that end up in garbage cans. These figures are displayed in the high school lobby at the end of each month along with recycling tips from the Brown County Recycling Center. The Eco-Action Team hopes to raise awareness of the importance of recycling as well as identify areas of the building in need of recycling containers.
During the month of April, the Eco-Action Team will focus on four areas of environmental responsibility:

reducing energy usage
improving recycling habits
altering transportation habits
promoting environmental stewardship

During April, the Eco-Action Team will hold a used-battery drive to promote awareness of proper disposal for hazardous materials. For more information, please contact Dana Lex (ext. 4256) or Natalie Buhl (ext. 4306) at the West De Pere High School (338-5200).

Senior Mentor Program

Submitted by Bonnie Frechette
High School English Teacher

For many students, the freshman year of high school can be the most difficult as they must deal with a new school, new friends, and new expectations. In order to help with the transition into high school, English teacher Bonnie Frechette and counselor Reiny Klingeisen created the Senior Mentor Program. In its tenth year of existence, the program pairs a freshman with a senior mentor who will help guide the underclassman through his or her first year as a high school student.
In early November, the mentors attended a training session at Camp Ta Pa Wingo near Mishicot, participating in a series of activities focusing on building trust and opening the pathways of communication in a relationship. The activities helped them to understand qualities they would need to be good mentors. Senior mentors enjoyed the experience and left camp with a feeling of confidence about their new roles.
Senior mentors created a year-long plan with their freshman as they officially began the program on November 8. Their mentor roles will continue throughout the entire school year.

Baseball

VARSITY JV
March 28 De Pere HOME Away 4:00 p.m.
April 3 Marinette Away Away 4:30 p.m.
April 4 Pulaski Away Away 4:00 p.m.
April 7 Shawano HOME HOME 4:00 p.m.
April 10 Denmark Away HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 15 New London Away HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 18 Bay Port HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 21 Luxemburg-Casco HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 22 Hortonville Away Away 4:30 p.m.
April 26 Seymour (DH) HOME HOME 11:00 a.m.
April 29 Marinette HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 1 Shawano Away Away 4:30 p.m.
May 5 Ashwaubenon HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 6 Denmark HOME Away 4:30 p.m.
May 10 Oconto Falls (DH) Away HOME 11:00 a.m.
May 14 New London HOME Away 4:30 p.m.
May 15 Luxemburg-Casco Away Away 4:30 p.m.
May 19 Hortonville HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.

Softball

VARSITY JV
March 29 Green Bay West (DH) Away Away 11:00 a.m.
April 1 Luxemburg-Casco HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 3 Marinette HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 5 Bay Port Away Away 11:00 a.m.
April 7 Shawano Away Away 4:30 p.m.
April 8 Hortonville Away Away 4:30 p.m.
April 10 Denmark HOME Away 4:30 p.m.
April 15 New London HOME Away 4:30 p.m.
April 18 De Pere HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 21 Luxemburg-Casco Away Away 4:30 p.m.
April 22 Hortonville HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 26 Seymour (DH) Away Away 11:00 a.m.
April 29 Marinette Away Away 4:30 p.m.
May 1 Shawano HOME HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 6 Denmark Away HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 10 Oconto Falls (DH) HOME Away 11:00 a.m.
May 13 New London Away HOME 4:30 p.m.

Freshman Baseball

April 1 De Pere HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 4 Pulaski (DH) HOME 4:00 p.m.
April 8 Hortonville HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 11 Seymour Away 4:30 p.m.
April 14 Marinette HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 16 Pulaski Away 4:30 p.m.
April 17 Oconto Falls HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 24 Shawano HOME 4:30 p.m.
April 25 Oconto Falls Away 4:30 p.m.
April 28 Denmark HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 2 New London HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 3 Luxemburg-Casco (DH) Away 11:00 a.m.
May 6 Shawano Away 4:30 p.m.
May 8 Hortonville Away 4:30 p.m.
May 9 Seymour HOME 4:30 p.m.
May 12 Marinette Away 4:30 p.m.

Boys Golf

April 15 Freshman @ Crystal Springs GC
April 16 Grades 9 & 10 @ Village Green GC
April 17 JV/Varsity @ Mid-Vallee GC
April 18 JV/Varsity @ New London GC
April 21 JV/Varsity @ Little River GC
April 21 Freshman @ Mid-Vallee GC
April 22 JV/Varsity @ Mid-Vallee GC
April 23 JV Invite @ Ledgeview GC
April 24 JV/Varsity @ Twin Oaks GC
April 24 Freshman @ Mid-Vallee GC
April 28 Varsity @ Green Bay CC
April 28 Grades 9 & 10 @ Crystal Springs GC
April 29 JV/Varsity @ Northbrook GC
April 30 Freshman @ Highland Ridge GC
May 1 Grades 9 & 10 @ Highland Ridge GC
May 5 WDP Invitational @ Mid-Vallee GC
May 6 Marinette Invitational @ Little River GC
May 6 Freshman @ Mid-Vallee GC
May 7 Grades 9 & 10 @ Mid-Vallee GC
May 8 Varsity @ River Island GC
May 9 JV/Varsity @ Hortonville GC
May 9 Freshman @ Shawano Lake GC
May 12 JV @ Shawano Lake GC (Bay Conf. Tourney)
May 13 Bay Conf. Meet @ Brown County GC
May 15 Brown County Tourney @ Wander Springs GC

Track

March 18 Coed Indoor vs. Wrightstown, Denmark HOME 4:00 p.m.
March 20 Coed Indoor vs. Coleman/Freedom/Lena HOME 4:00 p.m.
March 29 Bay Conference Indoor @ Seymour (Coed) Away TBA
April 8 Coed @ Seymour Away 4:00 p.m.
April 10 Coed vs. Coleman/Lena HOME 4:00 p.m.
April 15 Coed vs. Oconto Falls/Luxemburg-Casco HOME 4:00 p.m.
April 18 Coed @ De Pere Invite Away 4:00 p.m.
April 22 Coed @ New London Away 4:00 p.m.
April 24 Coed @ Pulaski Invite Away 4:00 p.m.
April 29 Coed @ Marinette Invite Away 4:00 p.m.
May 1 Girls @ Ashwaubenon Invite Away 4:00 p.m.
May 2 Boys @ Bay Port Away 4:00 p.m.
May 5 Grades 9 & 10 @ Marinette Away 4:00 p.m.
May 10 Bay Conference Coed Meet @ Luxemburg-Casco Away 4:00 p.m.
May 13 Bay Conference Coed Relays@ Seymour Away 4:00 p.m.

Girls Soccer

March 27 Bay Port (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
April 1 De Pere (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/6:30 p.m.
April 4 Pulaski (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
April 10 GB West (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/6:30 p.m.
April 12 Stoughton Invite (Varsity) Away 11:00 a.m./1:30 p.m.
April 15 Hortonville (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/4:30 p.m.
April 17 New London (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
April 19 Sheboygan Invite (Varsity) Away TBA
April 22 Seymour (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
April 24 Shawano (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/4:30 p.m.
April 26 WDP Invite HOME 10:00 a.m.
April 29 Luxemburg-Casco (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
May 1 Hortonville (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
May 3 GB East Invite (JV) Away TBA
May 6 New London (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/4:30 p.m.
May 8 Seymour (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/6:30 p.m.
May 13 Shawano (JV/Varsity) HOME 4:30/6:30 p.m.
May 15 Luxemburg-Casco (JV/Varsity) Away 4:30/4:30 p.m.

Boys Tennis

April 14 GB Metro Meet @ GB Southwest Away TBA
April 15 GB Metro Meet @ GB Southwest Away TBA
April 17 vs. Pulaski HOME 4:00 p.m.
April 22 vs. Fox Valley Lutheran Away 4:00 p.m.
April 24 vs. Ripon HOME 4:00 p.m.
April 29 vs. Lourdes Away 4:00 p.m.
May 1 vs. St. Mary’s Central Away 4:00 p.m.
May 3 vs. Chilton Away 8:00 a.m.
May 6 vs. St. Mary’s Springs Away 4:00 p.m.
May 8 vs. Xavier HOME 4:00 p.m.
May 13 vs. Clintonville HOME 4:00 p.m.
May 17 WCTC Meet @ Ripon Away 9:00 a.m.