| DeForest Area School District |
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| For friends of the DeForest Area School District |
April 2009 |
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 Greetings!
Several business and community members participated in the Framework for Our Future conference on February 26, 27, and 28, 2009 (more information below). Those not in attendance have a chance to contribute their thoughts. Visit www.frameworkforourfuture.org to give YOUR input.
The 3rd annual Reality Day for high school seniors is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27. If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Debbie Brewster at 842-6581 or dbrewster@deforest.k12.wi.us.
As always, please contact us if you have any questions. If you would like to unsubscribe, please go to the bottom of the page. |
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Framework for Our Future 2.0
Over 100 stakeholders provide input to the future of DASD
The DeForest Area School District's school board held a conference, called "Framework for Our Future 2.0: Seeking our New Horizon", on February 26, 27, and 28, 2009. Over 100 people -- community members, parents, students, teachers, business, government, senior citizens, and others, shared important ideas on the future of our school district and community.
Those not in attendance also have a chance to contribute their thoughts through a survey that mirrors the questions asked of conference participants. Where possible throughout the survey, the context of the discussion is explained. Visit www.frameworkforourfuture.org to complete the survey. These additional ideas will provide useful information to the school board as it does its work.
A summary report of the February conference will be published in the near future, and will be posted on the DeForest Area School District's website.
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 School district earns bond rating upgrade, saves with refinancing
Diane Pertzborn, Director of Business and Auxiliary Services, announced at the March 9 school board meeting that the DeForest Area School District has earned a bond rating upgrade by Standard & Poor's from AA- to AA+ - two categories higher than the previous rating. Few districts in the state have achieved this rating.
This rating, along with current bond market conditions, compelled the board to refinance the remaining payments on the District's 2000 referendum debt. The result will be a significant savings of more than $140,000 to local taxpayers in future debt levy.
Standard & Poor's awarded the upgrade on what is described as the district's outstanding financial management, budget development policies, and commitment to maintaining a strong operating balance.
The 2000 referendum provided for an expansion and renovation of the high school, construction of the 5/6 facility to the middle school, an increase in the annual operating budget to support the new facilities, improvements in K-12 technology, and a 600-seat auditorium at the high school. |
 Elisa Welch named Herb Kohl Fellow
Elisa Welch, spanish teacher at DeForest Area Middle School, was recently honored as a 2009 recipient of the Herb Kohl Foundation Fellowship Program. Kohl fellows are chosen for their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, their ability to motivate others, and for their leadership and service within and outside the classroom. Welch is one of 100 teachers throughout Wisconsin to receive the honor, which comes with a $1,000 award to the teacher and their school.
Welch and fellow Wisconsin honorees were honored at a recognition ceremony on Saturday, March 21. She was accompanied by her family, middle school principal Paul Herrick, Assistant Principal Kim Christian, Director of Administrative Services Ann Higgins, and fellow middle school teachers Bill Black and Christine Buchanan. |
 Fifth annual Walk of Honor recognition
Nominations taken until April 15
The DeForest Area School District is currently taking nominations for the 6th annual Walk of Honor, which recognizes individuals within our greater school community who have demonstrated ongoing commitment and significant contributions to their school district. Honorees may be alumni or former staff members of the DeForest Area School District, or area community members, who best personify the school district's vision and have aided in achieving its ends.
A community-based committee reviews nominations to select outstanding candidates for the Norski Walk of Honor. The honorees will be selected this summer and recognized by the school district and community in the fall.
More information about the Norski Walk of Honor is available at: http://www.deforest.k12.wi.us - For Community - Walk of Honor.
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40 Assets
Tip of the Month
Empowerment: Connecting With Youth to Build "Assets
Include young people as active participants in events. . . Give young people appropriate and important responsibilities with in the family.
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Pictured above...
In honor of Youth Art Month, 11 student artists from Yahara Elementary School recently displayed their work at the Wisconsin Art Education Association Regional Art Show at Hilldale Mall in Madison. |
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Events Calendar
Annual "Back-to-School" Lunches in April and May
DAHS Spring
Musical, "Cinderella"
April 30-May 2
7:00 pm; Cost $5.00
High School
Performing Arts Center
Interested in a trip
to London in 2010?
Call Jan Williams at
842-6751 for more information
Drama Club
Camp for Kids
June 22-July 24
Call Jan Williams at
842-6751 for more information.
Mock Crash
Simulation
for the Community
Thursday, May 28,
7:00 pm
High School Parking Lot
North Star
Blues & BBQ Festival
Upcoming Family Events
in the DeForest and Madison area
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| Thank you! |
Click here to download a PDF version of this District Dialogue issue. |
| Contact Information |
Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can assist you in any way . . .
Debbie Brewster, School/Community Relations Coordinator
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