| DeForest Area School District |
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On Jan. 26, DAHS hosted one of the largest Forensics tournaments in south central Wisconsin this year. More than 450 students participated.
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| For friends of the DeForest Area School District |
January 2013 |
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Superintendent candidate public forum
As many know by now, the DeForest Area School District's Board of Education is seeking a new superintendent. Dr. Jon Bales will be leaving our school district at the end of this school year to become the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA). The DeForest Area School District is pleased to announce the finalist candidates for our Superintendent vacancy: Wayne Anderson and Susan Borden.
Community members are invited to meet our two finalist candidates at a public forum:
Tuesday, February 12
6:00-7:00 pm
Comfort Inn & Suites
While only the Board of Education can vote to name the new superintendent, staff and community input is important. A form will be provided at the forum for individuals to submit questions and provide feedback.
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A proactive, considered response to school safety
by Dr. Jon Bales, Superintendent
as published in the DeForest Times-Tribune, Community Voices column
Incidents of violence in the recent past have certainly raised awareness and anxiety for people about personal safety in public spaces, especially schools. The Sandy Hook Elementary and other school shootings are horrific experiences. It is true that public schools are statistically one of the safest places a child can be. As a Superintendent and a parent, I can tell you that fact does little to alleviate anxiety and worry.
Read More,
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School safety & crisis preparedness
by Ann Higgins, Director of Administrative Services, and David Perrodin, Director of Student Services
The DeForest Area School District works to be proactive in addressing school security and crisis preparedness. The following are practices the District has embraced to promote a safe school environment.
Read More, pp. 2 & 3
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Spring school board election
Three seats are open for the April 2 election for the DeForest Area School Board. Running for these positions are:
Town of Windsor: Steve Tenpas (I)
Village of DeForest (2 seats open): Jan Berg (I), Kate Lund (I), Jeffrey Horn
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Digital Learning Day is February 6
 February 6th is Digital Learning Day all over the United States, including DeForest. Digital learning includes all sorts of activities . . . mobile learning, quality assessments, project-based learning, creating content, researching, taking online classes, and more. No matter what the digital learning activity, the goal is to improve the learning of every student and Digital Learning Day celebrates those successes.
You can find out more by visiting the Digital Learning Day web page or check out the Twitter hashtag for the event: #DLDay. Besides the national and state celebrations, we'll be celebrating in DeForest too by highlighting and sharing some of the successes in digital learning--and there are many! Here are some links where you can find out more:
- Wisconsin's Digital Learning Day site: http://goo.gl/QApS1
- The National Digital Learning Day site: http://goo.gl/T9gqD
- Twitter: @DLDay2013 or #DLDay
We'll share our Digital Learning Day highlights in the next issue of DASD News.
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Students learn strategies for achieving success in college and in life
by Judi Walsh, DAHS Counselor
Students at DeForest Area High School can earn college credits (for free) while still in high school. A new class, College Success, not only allows students to earn credits at Madison College, but at many of the UW system colleges as well. This will help students to prepare for the rigor and expectations of college courses, and will also save them time and money as well.
For example, a three credit class at Madison College costs around $350. Three credits at UW - LaCrosse can cost $820. Students who take College Success at DAHS can transfer those credits to many colleges across the state and save the tuition and time it would take to earn those credits in college.
But, it's not just the time and money... Did you know that for most students, the reasons for dropping out of college or not doing well is due in large part to issues outside the classroom? Academic failure can be the result of relationship issues, poor self-management skills, lack of motivation, poor study skills, poor emotional management and/or demanding nonacademic responsibilities. College Success will help students to get on the right path by developing behaviors, habits and skills that will enable them to succeed.
If you have questions on the course or the UW System colleges that accept this transfer credit, please contact Judi Walsh at DAHS (jwalsh@deforestschools.org).
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American Legion Auxiliary sponsors 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 "What Freedom do I enjoy the most?"
Participants may download an entry from www.deforest.k12.wi.us >> District >> News. Entries are due by March 11, 2013 and can be submitted directly to Kathy Disch, 613 DeForest Street, DeForest, WI 53532.
There are five age categories of entries, each with requirements for the number of words allowed in the essay. In addition to recognition at the local, state and national levels, cash awards are also given.
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New DASD website launched Feb. 4
DASD is proud to announce the formal launch of our new, redesigned website! Six months in development, you will see it is a completely new look, design & feel.
We hope that you will find it much easier to navigate and get the information that you want to know about our district and your child's school.
Same address: www.deforest.k12.wi.us
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School Spotlight: Morrisonville Elementary School focuses on community and environmental science
Morrisonville Elementary is a small, rural, multi-age school north of DeForest that prides itself on their caring community atmosphere. According to teachers Gina Buettner and Julie Harrier, "Our family atmosphere is important to us as we recognize the importance of respecting everyone's position in the building, including students, to help keep the family running smoothly." The school has two multi-age classes. Older students are paired with younger students to serve as field trip buddies, reading buddies and math buddies. Through these partnerships older students take on leadership roles and mentor their younger buddy. The community atmosphere is even carried over to the lunch room where everyone eats together at "family tables" - another opportunity the younger kids have to mingle with their older mentors.
Read More, page 6
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Education - Business partnership awards
The DeForest Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee presented two awards at the Chamber's annual dinner on January 23.
 Business Friend of Education award went to Deb Vesling, of Keller Williams for her cooperative efforts with our school district, helping to ensure that students are well prepared for the workplace and citizenship. Debbie Brewster thanked Deb for her participation with the elementary Adopt-a-Class program and the high school Reality Day.
 The Education Committee also recognized the staff of Morrisonville Elementary School as the 2012 Educator Friends of Business. The school was chosen for this recognition as a school that has partnered with businesses to provide quality educational experiences for students.
Morrisonville staff (pictured: retired teacher Colleen Fogo, 3/4 teacher Gina Buettner, educational assistant Ann Hinner, 1st/2nd grade teacher Julie Harrier, principal Mike Weisensel) work closely with the local agri-business community on several student projects.
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Police, school district recognize crossing guards
 In honor of Wisconsin's annual Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition, Superintendent Jon Bales and DeForest Police Chief Bob Henze visited with Nora Geach, S uzanne Wentland, and Bette McMillin. Bales and Henze thanked them for their service to the school district and community.
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Stay connected with DASD
 Facebook pages
 DASD News Blog
 YouTube channel
Bus delays and school closings
Timely notices are posted on the district's home page. These notices are used if for any reason a bus is delayed
picking up children in the morning or dropping them off at the end of
the day.
Local radio and TV announcements will also continue to be made for
weather-related school closings. Notices are also posted on the District
website, or you may call 842-6668.
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(page 7)
Upcoming events in the Madison area p. 7
Parent Teacher Conferences
February 7-19
FFA Family Fun Night
February 9
One-Act Plays
February 11 & 12
Superintendent Candidate Forum
February 12
Cat's Pajamas
February 14
No School
February 22
College Goal WI
(FAFSA help)
February 24
Community Blood Drive
at DAHS
February 27
Early Learning Fair
for 4-year-olds
March 7
Check out these
DASD website links:
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| Thank you! |
Click here to download a PDF version of this DASD News issue (and previously versions). |
| 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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