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DISTRICT NEWS
for families
November 16, 2023
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DISTRICT MISSION: The mission of the Cedarburg School District is to provide an exemplary education that challenges students in a nurturing environment to develop into lifelong learners, to become responsible adults, and to achieve their goals and dreams. |
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Dear CSD Parents and Families,
Congratulations to the Cedarburg School District (CSD) students, educators, and families! The recently released 2022-23 Wisconsin State District and School Report Cards again confirm what we all know - that the Cedarburg School District is in an incredible educational community. For the 3rd year in a row, each of the five schools and the district ranked as Significantly Exceeds Expectations in the Wisconsin State rating system. This is no small feat and requires the dedication and effort of each district student, staff, and family member. Congratulations, well done!
We've had an incredible last few days. Last Friday, November 10, the district participated in the 3rd annual Veteran’s Day Car Procession. Developed with the American Legion Peter Wollner Post 288, the car parade was exciting for all in attendance. Veterans drove their vehicles following a procession through the parking lots of our elementary schools and in front of the high school on Evergreen Blvd. The morning concluded with a short student tribute video presentation, coffee and donuts, and a flag-raising ceremony at Webster Middle School. The whole morning was awe-inspiring to watch our Cedarburg students wave their little American flags and cheer on the veterans. What a phenomenal community event!
On November 11, I attended the Cedarburg Education Foundation (CEF) annual Bulldog Gala at the Bog. I was greatly impressed by the fact that so many Cedarburg residents were willing to give their time and resources to support our students. The funds raised by the CEF will go a long way in helping CSD provide exceptional learning experiences for each of our students. Thank you to the CEF Board and the CHS Student Ambassadors for countless hours making the Gala a successful event!
Finally, this week marks American Education Week, a week-long celebration that brings awareness of education's critical role in our Nation. I am proud to lead the incredible staff at the Cedarburg School District. During this season of Thanksgiving, I want to express my appreciation for our dedicated and hardworking educators. The commitment to our students is truly remarkable. Also, thank you to the members of the school PTOs for their unwavering support of our teachers and schools.
As I seem to reiterate each month, the Cedarburg School District Community is a truly unique and special place. Not every community shows the overwhelming support for its students and educators that Cedarburg does, which then directly makes possible the significant accomplishments demonstrated by our students. I know I speak for all of CSD when I say “Thank You” to our families and community members for your support of Cedarburg Schools.
Wishing you a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday,
Dr. Jeridon Clark, Superintendent
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District & School Report Cards |
The overall district score improved since the last report card in 2021-22, and we are incredibly proud that, for the third time, the district, as well as each of our five schools, earned the rating of Significantly Exceeds Expectations. This performance is EXCEPTIONAL, and ALL students' achievement continues to be celebrated!
Webster ranked #1 in the state of 254 middle schools - grades 6-8. Of 605 Wisconsin elementary schools, Parkview was #6, Westlawn was #11, and Thorson was ranked #20. CHS ranked #5 in the state of 428 9-12 high schools and #3 of traditional high schools. Learn more about each school report card in the State Report Card Update from the November 15 School Board meeting.
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A Few Highlights ICYMI (in case you missed it)
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A Morning to Honor Our Veterans | November 10, 2023 |
Veterans Car Parade
To honor our local veterans on this special day, CSD elementary and high schools joined together to create a special Veteran's Day for our families and community. Teacher representatives coordinated a Veterans processional with American Legion Peter Wollner Post 288, led by the Cedarburg Police Department, past the elementary schools and CHS on Friday. Students and staff showed their heartfelt appreciation for our Veterans by writing thank you cards, making posters, and cheering for them as they traveled along the processional route.
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Camp Hometown Heroes
As part of a Service Learning Project for Veteran's Day, Cedarburg elementary students, CHS Student Council, and staff donated money over the course of a week to send to Camp Hometown Heroes! The Camp is a free week-long overnight summer camp for children and siblings of fallen U.S. service members. Collectively, our schools raised $1,640! Way to Go, CSD!!
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American Legion Post 288
Following the car parade, Webster Middle School observed Veterans Day with a long-standing partnership with the American Legion Peter Wollner Post 288. Webster was honored to host Veterans from all branches who came for Webster's Veterans Day tribute and special screening. CSD salutes all veterans for everything they've done to serve our country. We could not be more proud of our young citizens in Cedarburg and their appreciation for our local Veterans!
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American Education Week | November 13-17 |
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We look forward to celebrating our teachers and support staff who make excellence in Cedarburg possible every year. Thank you to our educators and everyone who makes this work possible and for all you do for students, families, and our community every day. Our five schools are so fortunate to have the backing of incredible PTO groups supporting our teachers and support staff! |
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Just one example: The CHS PTO recently completed a makeover of the CHS Staff Lounge, including adding a new coffee bar and a beautiful moveable wood island with stools, additional lighting, and a cozy seating area. The walls received a fresh coat of paint with the addition of a wood mural, which has completely changed the feel of the room. The PTO was so excited to have transformed the existing space into a place where all staff can take a moment to relax, chat with fellow colleagues, and enjoy their lunch. This project would not have been possible without the amazing helpers: The Finishing Touch (Owners CHS family Jake & Tara Knox), CSD Buildings & Grounds, BSL Studios (Owner, CHS Alum Sophia Zang), NG Custom Builders (Owners, CHS Family Nick & Kelly Griepentrog) and the generous monetary donations from many CHS Families. The PTO hopes this will be a space for all staff to enjoy now and in the years to come.
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"Cedarburg High School PTO plays an important role in enriching the educational experience not only for students but also in support of teachers and staff. Throughout the year, we help organize and facilitate several events and volunteer opportunities that contribute to the overall success of the school and its students. One of our favorite events is American Education Week. It is a time to come together to celebrate the role of education and express our gratitude to the educators and staff who have made a difference in our student’s time at CHS."
~ Mary De Lone and Lisa Eickberg, PTO Co-Presidents
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The Bulldog Gala is Cedarburg Education Foundation's largest fundraising event of the year. The Gala focuses on raising funds to build toward the CSD Comprehensive Innovation Plan and the instructional impact to extend, enhance, and ensure access for all. At Saturday's CEF Gala, the Fund-A-Need auction was geared toward raising funds for a new CHS Virtual Reality Lab. This marks the second phase of the CHS "Digital Making" project. The Virtual Reality Lab will bring a new level of engagement to students through immersive learning, affording learners opportunities that may otherwise not be available.
CSD is fortunate to have the community's generosity that supports the arts as an integral component of CSD's comprehensive STEAM initiatives.
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CEF Innovators of the Year |
Congratulations to Krista Penrod, District Digital Learning and Innovation Coach, and Sheri Rowe, Elementary Math Coach, who were honored with the "Innovator of the Year" Award at the CEF Gala for their ongoing commitment to the Girls in STEAM initiative! |
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Director of Buildings & Grounds Resignation |
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Last night at the November 15th School Board meeting, the School Board approved the resignation of Brian Braaksma, Director of Building and Grounds. His last day will be December 1, 2023. We have greatly appreciated the work Brian has done for the district. He has been fully committed to ensuring our facilities are well-maintained and that we are prepared to meet our future maintenance needs. While we are sad to see him go, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
The hiring process has begun and a timeline has been established. We hope to be able to present the final candidate for approval at the January Board meeting.
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2024-25 CSD School Calendar |
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The 2024-25 school calendar was approved at last night’s Board meeting. This year, the district created a Calendar Committee, providing an opportunity for staff input. While keeping the appropriate cushions at each level for snow days, we made some notable changes for 2024-25:
- August Professional Development Days fall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the two weeks leading up to the start of the year.
- The first day of school is September 3, 2024, the day after Labor Day.
- Three of the four Friday Early Dismissal Days are bookmarked with Professional Development Days in October, February, and May. This gives our families three opportunities for longer weekends in the year. By providing these opportunities to our families, we hope to see an increase in our attendance rates throughout the year.
- Two full weeks off for Winter Break.
- 2025 Spring Break is aligned with all SE Wisconsin schools (March 24-28).
- The last student day is Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
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Sponsored and run by CHS students enrolled in Child Development classes is the "Playschool Program". As part of the curriculum, this program allows students to plan, observe, and work with young children. It will run from December 4-21 (14 classes) from 8:15 - 9:30 AM. CHS has three spots left. If you're interested, you can read more about it here.
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Support the Kapco Kids2Kids Toy Drive |
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The Kapco Kids2Kids Toy Drive is finally here! This is an amazing local fundraiser that is designed to help kids and families in need during the holiday season. Cedarburg local schools, including the elementary, middle, and high schools, have set up donation bins for students to donate new unwrapped toys. These toys will then be delivered to Kapco, who will arrange the toys and allow local children in need to “shop” for their Christmas presents. The collection will run from November 13th to December 1st in the elementary and middle schools and until December 6th at CHS. |
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CPAC "Annie Kids" (A Musical in 5 Days!) |
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For the first time this fall, the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center (CPAC) is hosting a Children's Theater Intensive Mini-Camp through Ozaukee Talent for ages 6-12. Auditions will be held at the CPAC on Saturday, November 18 at 10 a.m. sharp and everyone will get a role. A few spots are still open. There is also an opportunity for children who aren't able to attend the audition and five rehearsals but still desire to be a part of the ensemble can register for just one half-day. Parents will drop their children off at the CPAC right after the district's early release day on December 8.
For more information, check out the CPAC webpage and follow them on Facebook.
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Cedarburg Reads & Writes
Cedarburg Reads is a community-wide program co-organized with the Friends and the library with the singular goal of helping Cedarburg residents in meeting their neighbors, one conversation at a time. This month-long program happens once a year in the fall. Designed to bring people together through the reading and discussion of a common book, programs like this one have been implemented throughout the country to create a shared experience of civic unity through the reading of literature. Related events about the book topic happen in the library and the community throughout the month.
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Author Nickolas Butler with Cedarburg Writes Contest Winners, L-R: CHS junior Eliana Lisiecki, Nickolas Butler, Heather Hilgendorf, Deb Krygiel, and Westlawn student Emerson Grunwald. Emerson read her letter during an all-school Morning POD. Congratulations to all!! To learn more and read their stories, visit the Cedarburg Public Library website.
Photo: Jeanne Mueller from the CFOL (Cedarburg Friends of the Library)
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Seeking CCSF Board Members |
Cedarburg Community Scholarship Fund is an all-volunteer non-profit board that awards in the neighborhood of $200,000 a year in higher education scholarships to local students. The organization is in urgent need of new board members to fill seats that are empty or will soon come open. By joining just one 90-minute meeting each month and joining in a few select fundraising events, you can have a big hand in making an impact on the Cedarburg community. Email ccsf@ccsf.info to learn more or consider completing their board application.
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Cedarburg Public Library Events |
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All events are in the Community Rm; no registration is required unless specified. |
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Nintendo Switch Drop-in, Tues in Nov, 3-5 pm – Play multiplayer Switch games or drop by for card games and puzzles. Ages 8+.
Fantasy Map Making Workshop, Thurs, Nov 30, 6:30-7:30 pm – Learn to draw fantasy maps and build worlds. All materials provided.
Winter Reading Program at the Library starts on Dec 4 to Jan 31!
World Travelers Storytime, Wed evenings in Dec & Jan except Dec 27 & Jan 31
5:30 – 6:00 pm All Ages
Cedarburg Juggling Club, Dec 10, 1 pm-3:30 pm Learn More at CPL.
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Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings |
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All meetings at 6:30 PM in the CHS IMC unless otherwise noted.
12/6 B&G Committee
12/13 Curriculum Committee
12/20 School Board Mtg
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No School | Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 22-24
No School | Winter Break
Dec. 25-Jan. 1
Classes Resume
Jan. 2
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Cedarburg School District
W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
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