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4-year-old kindergarten program to begin in
fall 2011 The DASD Board of Education gave final approval for implementation of a community based four-year-old kindergarten program at their December 13, 2010 meeting. The program, called "Get Together for Kids, or GT4K," will be available to families on a voluntary basis beginning in fall 2011.
Read more . . . Information meetings set for January 18 & 26. Early Learning Fair & 4K Registration is March 3, noon -7 pm.
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American Legion Auxiliary Essay Contest
The American Legion Auxiliary is once again sponsoring their annual "Americanism Essay Contest" for students in grades 3-12.
Each year members of the local Olson Grinde Post #348 choose four local winners from those submitted, and send them on to the state level, with another chance to win at the national competition.
The topic this year is "How Can I Encourage My Friends to Show Pride in Being an American?"
Participants may download an entry from www.deforest.k12.wi.us >> Today's News, or click here.
Entries are due by March 1, 2011 and can be submitted directly to Kathy Disch, 613 DeForest Street, DeForest, WI 53532.
The chart below shows criteria (including number of words required) for the five categories of entries. In addition to recognition at the local, state and national levels, cash awards are also given.
Americanism Essay Contest Criteria
Class Grade Level Word Req.
I 3 & 4 150-250
II 5 & 6 250-300
III* 7 & 8 350-400
IV* 9 & 10 450-500
V* 11 & 12 450-500
* Essays in Class III and above should be in typewritten form. |
Yahara PTA jump starts mobile learning
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Pictured L-R: Superintendent Jon Bales, Yahara Elementary School Principal Mike Weisensel, YES PTA Co-Presidents Margaret McMahon and Dawn Riemer, Learning Information Systems Coordinator Kim Bannigan |
The Yahara Elementary School PTA recently presented $5,000 to Yahara Elementary School to jump start mobile learning for students. PTA officers are working with Kim Bannigan, the school district's learning information systems coordinator to develop a classroom set of mobile learning devices, such as iPod Touches, that can be used inside and outside of the school building.
According to Bannigan, the handheld devices offer an opportunity for anytime, anywhere learning. They support many subject areas without tying students to a computer lab, classroom or even the school building. "More and more educational applications are being developed for mobile devices. Students can practice literacy skills in both math and language. When on a field trip or visiting the Big Hill, they can use the devices as small computers for notes, pictures, and more. Or in science classes, they can use the devices for data collection inside and outside. We're excited about the possibilities, and are thankful to the PTA for helping to pilot this type of educational tool with young children," said Bannigan.
The devices are scheduled to be ready for YES students by the end of January. |
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Music parents begin fund raising drive for band uniforms
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A student models the new marching band uniform. |
At DeForest Area High School, band instructor David Buehler and his students have made it their goal to start a marching band. And the DeForest Area Music Parents Association (DMPA) wants to help. If you attended any of the home football games this past season, you may have seen the beginning fruits of their endeavors as they marched before the games and during halftime.
"DAHS has not had a marching band in a long time. It provides an exciting opportunity for the students to learn new skills while providing entertainment for our community at athletic events, annual parades and frequent concerts," says DMPA member Shari Gasper. It could also lead to marching band competitions throughout the region, adds Buehler.
 | | High school band members practice wearing their current marching band t-shirts. |
As a new marching band just getting on its feet, members are currently wearing matching T-shirts when performing. While the matching T-shirts create uniformity, the members would like to take the next step and purchase uniforms. Most area schools in our conference have band uniforms.
DMPA members, lead by President Maria Marquis, are working hard to raise funds for these uniforms as well as for various music related activities, such as a Jazz Festival and Solo & Ensemble competition being held in DeForest this year and new risers for choir performances in the Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, it could take several years before enough money has been raised to purchase the new uniforms, which cost approximately $300 each. With about 75 high school band students, this cost equates to $30,000.
So Marquis and fellow parents are looking for support from individuals and businesses in the community in their quest to order uniforms. Marquis submitted an application to the DeForest Area Foundation and was awarded a matching grant of up to $10,000. For every 2 dollars the music parents raise, the Foundation will donate $1, up to $10,000. All supporters will be recognized as DAHS Marching Band Sponsors and will have their business name mentioned at concerts, printed on a banner carried at all marching band performances, and printed in music programs.
Contact Maria Marquis at 842-6010 for more information or to make a donation. |
School Spotlight, p. 5
- DAMS students help homeless
- WES "Road Rally"
- YES gingerbread houses
- EPES donates to Project Linus
- Holy Enchilada MES!
- Read more
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 DeForest Area High School presents . . .
February 3-5, 7:00 pm
at the DAHS Performing Arts Center
Cost $5
Plus Free Senior Citizen preview & reception
Wednesday, February 2
Reception: 4 pm (sponsored by GSA)
Performance: 4:30 pm
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College Goal Sunday
February 20, 2011
Need money for college?
Get free, professional help in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student aid)
- All families looking for college financial assistance need to complete this form.
- Talk to financial aid professionals about financial aid and how to apply.
- Get information regarding state-wide student services, admissions and more!
- For more information or to volunteer, visit www.wicollegegoalsunday.org.
Put the date on your calendar today!
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Kids You Care!
40 Assets
Tip of the MonthAs a family, set clear, concise, and consistent boundaries based on your values and expectations. Make sure everyone-not just the children-is following the same rules, although there may be some differences depending on ages and maturity. Be sure to set up clear consequences for family members who break the rules. Also, make it clear everyone must always let the rest of the family know where he or she is. For more information, visit www.search-institute.org |
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Events Calendar
January 17 & 18
No School
(Staff Development)
January 24
Early Dismissal
January 29
DECA's
Dad & Daughter Dance
February 1
YES Parent-Teacher Conf.
4-7:15 pm
February 3
EPES/HEC Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4-7 pm
YES Parent-Teacher Conf.
4-7:15 pm
February 12
FFA Family Fun Night
Arlington,
5:30 pm
February 14
Community Blood Drive
at DAHS
February 17
MES Parent-Teacher Conf.
3:45-8:15 pm
WES Parent-Teacher Conf.
4-7 pm
February 21
DAHS Parent-Teacher Conf.
4-7:30 pm
February 25
No School
March 3
DMS Parent-Teacher Conf.
3:45-7:15 pm
March 3
Early Learning Fair/
4K Registration, 12-7 pm
Upcoming Family
Events in the
Madison area
Check out these
DASD website links:
Green Bay Packers vs.
DeForest Lions Club
5 on 5
Basketball Game
Saturday, April 9
5:00 pm
Tickets go on sale
February 5 in the
high school PAC lobby
beginning at noon.
Or purchase tickets from a Lions Club member More information: deforestlions.eventbrite.com
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