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At WEM we practice BUCS PRIDE.
We are a Respectful, Responsible learning community dedicated to a
Safe and Positive learning environment for all individuals.
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Hello! We are halfway through the school year already. Soon it will be FFA Week / Snow Week with all those fun activities later this month. March brings spring break. April kicks off with Bucs Night Out, which will include a comedian this year. Soon after will come Prom and then the slide toward graduation and the end of the school year!
This newsletter starts off with the January school board meeting summary. You will also find some information about student award winners, WEM's new online suggestion box, Community Ed activities, important dates, job openings, and more.
Do you have feedback or ideas for future e-newsletter content? I invite you to contact me. Please spread the word to others you think might like to be added by forwarding this email and/or directing them to the e-newsletter subscription sign-up page on WEM's website. Thank you.
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Margo Kulseth, MLIS
Communications Coordinator
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January School Board Meeting Summary
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WEM School Board Regular Meeting
January 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Call to Order - Gary Michael, Chairperson
The meeting was called to order. The board said the Pledge of Allegiance. All seven board members were in attendance: Jon Bakken, Brenda Heuss, Gary Michael, June Rezac, Jay Schneider, Jeff Stangler, and Troy Tolzman. This was the first regular meeting for newly elected members, Heuss and Tolzman. We would like to thank Travis Bowman and Jon Velishek for their years with the school board.
Approval
The board approved the agenda, as well as meeting minutes from the December 19, 2022, regular meeting, and January 9, 2023, organizational meeting.
The organizational meeting occurs as soon as possible in January, each year. The meeting is exactly as it sounds. The new members, Heuss and Tolzmann were sworn in. The officers were chosen: Michael, Chairperson; Rezac, Vice-Chairperson; Bakken, Treasurer; and Scheider, Clerk. The members decide which committees they would like to serve on; the banks the district utilizes are approved, and the official newspaper is chosen.
Presentation
The board heard a presentation from Tom Olinger, ABDO CPA Firm, and approved the 2021-22 financial audit. The presentation and audit files are available for review via the hyperlinks contained in the agenda.
Visitor Comments
There were no visitor comments this month. As a board member, I always appreciate hearing visitors' comments.
Comments from visitors should be informational in nature and not exceed 3 minutes per issue. The Board will not engage in a discussion or debate in those 3 minutes but will take the information and find answers if it is appropriate. As part of the protocol, visitors must keep their ideas and opinions related to policy issues. It is unacceptable for any speaker to slander, engage in character assassination or discuss student or personnel issues (i.e. teacher, coaches, bus drivers, principals, Board Members, etc.) at a public board meeting. The person wishing to address the Board must stand at the provided lectern.
Consent Agenda
The board has begun utilizing a consent agenda. What does that mean? It means that the following items were grouped together and then voted on as though they are one item. If any of the items required discussion. The item would need to be moved from the consent agenda to a separate action item.
The following items were approved: 7-0.
Leave of absence:
- Melissa Wencl - Certified Nursing Assistant/Health Assistant/Administrative Assistant - Beginning January 4, 2023 - March 27, 2023
New hires:
- Madeline Michael - Long-Term Substitute Teacher 1st Grade
- Terri VanHoudt - Cook, Part-Time B2-2/Step 1, $13.96/hour
- Darrell Kotek, Sr. - Substitute Bus Driver
- Joan Steinhaus - Long-Term Substitute Nurse
School year overload:
- Haley Schaaf, Health - $2,884.56 per semester
Recognition
The board approved monetary donations from the January Donation Report.
Reports
The board read reports from Principals Bobbie Jo Bastian and Jennifer Wilson. The board learned that fifth-grade students have begun their DARE lessons. These will continue through April culminating with a graduation. The Junior High students went to Mount Kato, a trip they have not taken for many years. Much fun was had by all who attended the outing. Planning for Snow Week and the Career Navigator is underway at the High School.
Editor's Note: The Principal's report linked in the agenda was for January 2022 by mistake. The information above is from the correct January 2023 Principals' report, which will be linked in the February school board meeting agenda.
The board read a report from Jeff Boran, Community Education & Activities Director. Congratulations to WEM 2022-2023 Triple A Award (Arts, Athletics, Academics) winners, seniors Jordan Green & Eli Wetzel. This MSHSL award recognizes high school seniors who are active in league-sponsored fine arts and athletics and who show success in the classroom.
The board heard some member reports from those who attended the Minnesota School Board Association annual conference held January 12-13 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Jon Bakken, June Rezac, Brenda Heuss, and Troy Tolzman shared a little about the sessions they attended. I can say that this is such an important conference (for me) to attend. I learn a ton about what’s going on in our state, learn more about what other districts are up to, and learn a lot about different pieces of being a board member. It is also a great way to make connections with other board members across the state.
Ryan Jensen, Superintendent in his report talked about some staff development that has been happening and some legislative updates.
Action
The board approved the Resolution of the School Board to Support the WEM Application for MSHSL Foundation Form B2 Grant.
The board approved the following contracts:
- July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, Paraprofessional Contract
- March 29, 2022, to June 30, 2025 contract for Transportation/Heavy Duty Bus Mechanic, Tausten Lamont
- July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023, Laundry Workers
The board approved the lease agreement between Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Independent School District #2143. This contract defines the use of the church parking lot.
The meeting was adjourned.
Upcoming Meetings:
February 27, 2023
March 27, 2023
April 24, 2023
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June Rezac, Vice Chairperson
Note: WEM School Board meetings can be viewed live via Zoom video conferencing, and the recordings for past meetings are available on the website. The agendas and accompanying documents are also available online.
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Congratulations to WEM 2022-2023 Triple A Award (Arts, Athletics, Academics) winners, seniors Jordan Green & Eli Wetzel. This MSHSL award recognizes high school seniors who are active in league-sponsored fine arts and athletics and who show success in the classroom.
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Congratulations to WEM 2022-2023 MSHSL ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership) award recipients, Dylan Holicky and Josie Volkmann.
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New Online Suggestion Box
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Do you feel heard? WEM is excited to announce the addition of an online suggestion box. Please feel free to suggest anything that the WEM School District could do to make you and your students' experience at WEM better!
According to Superintendent Ryan Jensen, "The suggestion box is an attempt to create an opportunity for students, families, and community members to provide input. We want to foster a collaborative environment, and this is one way to allow stakeholders to provide input."
Suggestions are anonymous. There is only one open field in which to type a suggestion and submit it. Anyone who wishes to receive a response should include their name and contact information in that field along with their suggestion. The submissions will be shared with the district administrative team for consideration, along with other staff or board members as appropriate. If you request a response, please be patient and allow the team some time for discussion.
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New Interactive Touchscreen
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We are excited about the new interactive touchscreen in the Waterville school entryway! It includes photos, news, upcoming events, and information about many aspects of the school and our Buccaneers, past and present. Try it out the next time you visit.
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Class of 1997 Baby Pictures
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While cleaning out the vault last spring, we discovered an envelope of baby pictures with a note to return to the class of '97. Only a few are labeled. Please contact Becky Taylor in the high school office ( btaylor@wem.k12.mn.us / 507-362-4431 ) or stop in to check for your photo. Spread the word!
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Community Education / Activities
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New WEM Community Education Registration Website
WEM Community Ed has a new website to register and pay for Community Ed & school classes and activities found in the catalogs. (MSHSL-sponsored activities are NOT on this site.) It allows for online payments. Create an account by clicking on "My Account."
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
WEM ECFE will be hosting 4 family classes for students ages 2.5-5 and parents on Tuesday evenings in February from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Classes will be held February 7, 14, 21, and 28. Classes are in the WEM Preschool room on the east side of the school. Each class costs $5 or $15 if you sign up for all 4. Each week will feature new activities, themes, and learning opportunities! Join us for songs, dancing, stories, and much more!
To sign up and pay online for the class, use our new registration website. You will need to create an account (top of the page under "my account.")
Clay Target League
Clay Target League registration is now open. Please register ASAP. Ask either Mr. Androli or Mr. Cooley about getting help to register if necessary. They also will provide details of the informational meeting. (Also see Hunter Safety below.)
Drivers' Ed
Registration is open for the March driver education classroom session. Class is open to the first 30 students that are registered and paid. Register using the new registration website.
Wednesday Night Fitness and Pickleball
Wednesday night fitness and pickleball will be at Morristown school in the gymnasium, stage, and hallways as follows through February 15:
5:30-6:00 Fitness focus/pickleball warm-up if the gym is available
6:00-7:00 Pickleball games for $2/person
WEM Physical Education Teacher, Mrs. Pam Heinz will lead a dedicated fitness workout from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. tailored to the majority opinion. Cardio, step, low-impact, toning, yoga, and stations with weight training are all options. If the gym is available, people can warm up for pickleball games.
Pickleball games will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. per night for $2. Sign in and pay when you arrive. Bring your own competition, or Mrs. Heinz will set up brackets. Singles or doubles are welcome. Four courts are available. Equipment is on hand, or bring your own!
Also during this time, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., hall walking in Morristown on your own is open for free. Just register when you arrive.
Hall Walking
School hallway walking is open to the public during the winter at WEM. Hallway walking is:
- in the Waterville building only (with the exception of Wednesday nights in Morristown as per above)
- on school days only from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- intended for individuals or small groups (2 or 3)
Walkers should use entrance #4 (Waterville Elementary building off Paquin Street). Walkers must wear a visitor sticker with their name and the date. Stickers are located in the upper vestibule of the Elementary entrance on a table on the left. Direct any questions to the Community Education Office at 507-362-4403.
Hunter Safety
DNR Firearms Safety Certification is required of anyone born after December 31, 1979, to purchase a hunting license in Minnesota and to participate in the High School Clay Target League. Students must complete the online course and register for the field day. Students must also attend in-person field days. From time to time, the Waterville area has field days, which we will try to advertise; however, sites may also be found on the MN DNR site.
Little Bucs Preschool
Little Bucs Preschool registrations for the 2023-2024 school year will begin in late February or early March.
S.A.C.C.
School Age Child Care (S.A.C.C.) offers before- and after-school childcare on regularly scheduled school days. Online registrations are open for childcare on select non-school days and scheduled early dismissal days. Summer SACC registration opens on February 6.
SACC is being offered during spring break from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on
March 20-23 to students in kindergarten through age 12. Registration is due by February 26.
Spaces are limited and will be given in the order completed registration forms are received. Please visit the SACC page for details. Contact Ms. Jennifer with questions.
Public Library
More Information
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February 20 - No school, President's Day
February 20-24 - Snow Week / FFA Week
February 27, 6:30 p.m. - School board regular meeting
March 9 and 16 - Conferences
March 17 - End of quarter 3
March 20-24 - No school, spring break
March 27 - No school, curriculum day
March 27, 6:30 p.m. School board regular meeting
April 1 - Bucs Night Out
April 6 - Noon early dismissal, staff development
April 7 - No school
For more details and more dates to remember, check the following:
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- Early Learning Coordinator and Teacher
- Industrial Tech Teacher
- Ag Teacher
- Head Football Coach
- Summer 2023 School Age Childcare Supervisors and Workers
- Paraprofessionals Grades 5-12
- Elementary K-4 Paraprofessionals
- Director of Food Services
- School Bus Route Driver
- Substitute Teachers
- Custodian Substitute
Applications are available on the website or by calling the district office at 507-362-4432.
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WEM SD #2143
500 East Paquin Street
Waterville, MN 56096
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