DASD News . . . . 2014-15Engaging, challenging,

and inspiring all students to pursue their full potential.January 2015

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In this issue•  School board news      Referendum set for April 7, 2015 ............................1      Planning process......................................................2      What are the needs? ................................................2      What’s included in the referendum?........................3      Cost .........................................................................3•  New Alumni Hall of Fame .........................................4•  Norski Walk of Honor ................................................4•  DASD Parent Support Group ....................................4•  School Spotlight  ........................................................5•  DASD summer school ...............................................6•  American Legion Auxiliary sponsors essay contest ..6•  Crossing guards recognized .......................................6•  Upcoming events in DeForest & Madison area .........7•  Introduction to Google, for DASD parents ................8

Nearly 20 high school National Honor Society students served 68 older adult guests at the annual LINK-ages Breakfast held at the DeForest Community/Senior Center on Saturday, January 17.

continued on p. 2

At their January 5 meeting, Board of Education members approved moving forward with a referendum 

Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30-7:00 pmEagle Point Elementary School

Monday, March 16 | 5:30-7:00 pmDeForest Area High School

Thursday, March 26 | 5:30-7:00 pmWindsor Elementary School

Tuesday, March 31 | 10:45 am-12:15 pmDeForest Area Community & Senior Center

Tuesday, March 31 | 5:30-7:00 pmDeForest Area Community & Senior Center

Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation, followed by an Open House. Key individuals will be available for Q&A.

on April 7, 2015, based on a report from the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).  The referendum will be for $41 million, and in summary, includes:•  Building a new Eagle Point Elementary on the existing site

•  Building a major addition and remodeling Windsor Elementary School

•  Addressing safety needs at Yahara Elementary •  Improving and expanding space for STEM at the 

Middle and High SchoolsMore information about the planning process, details of 

the plan, and estimated costs are available in this issue of DASD News (pages 2-3) and on the DASD website.

www.dasdreferendum.org

School board news Attend an Open House

DASD NewsJanuary 2015

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Planning process

What are the needs?

Below are some of the most pressing needs as identified by the comprehensive facilities 

study, community and staff input, discussions by the school board and Community Advisory Committee, and the community survey.

Increase capacityDASD currently serves approximately 1,300 K-4 students in four elementary schools•  3 of our 4 elementary schools are at or over capacity.

•  2,000 housing units are approved, with new home building picking up.

•  Conservative estimates predict an increase of 7% (100 elementary students) in the next 5 years.

•  Core areas (gyms, cafeterias, restrooms) are no longer large enough for current enrollment.

Improve safety & security•  Yahara and Eagle Point lack the ability for the main office to view and properly control the front entrance.

•  The Yahara site does not support safe separation of bus and parent traffic

•  Windsor Elementary - single drop off/pick up for busses and cars from Windsor Road creates extreme safety concerns.

•  General safety/security upgrades are needed at most buildings, including improvements to the camera systems, emergency exit lighting, and adding emergency generators.

Address aging buildings & infrastructure•  Some existing infrastructure is over 60 years old.

•  Plumbing, heating/cooling, electrical, and other key building systems have reached, or are approaching, the end of their useful lives.

Improve learning spaces•  Appropriate spaces in elementary schools for services that did not exist when buildings were built. 

•  There is a high demand for students to be ready for careers and/or post-secondary education in fields such as engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, research, and computer science.

•  Curricular changes have impacted the types and sizes of classrooms and labs needed.

•  More focus is needed for hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities, which need appropriate spaces.

•  A modern manufacturing and agri-science focus requires an investment in improved buildings and equipment.

www.dasdreferendum.org

The Board of Education and district staff have been monitoring the population 

growth of the community, student enrollment in our schools, and the condition of our buildings. Beginning in 2013, they began a more indepth study and planning process that included many individuals from our community and staff.The timeline (at right) shows some 

of the key activities in the district’s process to study and plan for increasing enrollment, continued improvement in safety and security, addressing aging buildings, and improving learning spaces for students.The process included community and 

staff listening/input sessions, extensive work by a 45-member Community Advisory Committee, and a district-

wide survey.  More information about each step in the process is available on the district website.Now that the school board has 

moved forward with a referendum question, much more information will be shared in the coming weeks.Watch your mailbox for newsletters 

and fact sheets.  Information will also be shared with the DeForest Times-Tribune.  And, of course, visit the website for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.In addition, the Open Houses are 

intended to be an in-person opportunity to ask questions.

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The referendum will ask district residents for $41 million to address increasing enrollment, safety and security needs, aging buildings, and improved learning spaces. 

What’s included in the referendum?

A breakdown of the cost for the proposed $41 million project (described above) is as follows:

EPES:    $18.6 millionWES:    $17.2 millionYES:    $250,000DAHS:   $4.2 millionDAMS:   $750,000The estimated tax impact for a 

successful $41 million referendum is an increase in the mill rate of $0.16 per $1,000 of property value.  The chart at right illustrates the estimated tax increase based on property value.

Cost

Eagle Point Elementary SchoolBuild a new Eagle Point Elementary School on existing site, which will:•  Increase student enrollment capacity for grades K-4

•  Accommodate Early Childhood students (currently served at HEC)

•  Provide for more energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs

•  Improve safety/security•  Increase parking space and improve traffic flow

•  Provide more efficient and effective layout focused on learning

•  Allow for minimal disruption to school operations during construction

[Note: The CAC considered a major remodeling of the Eagle Point building, but felt rebuilding the school would be a better investment given the current building condition and design, and knowledge that students could continue to learn while a new building is constructed.]  

Windsor Elementary SchoolBuild a major addition and remodel Windsor Elementary School, which will:•  Increase student enrollment capacity for grades K-4

•  Provide a new, larger gym and cafeteria, and add restrooms

•  Relocate the main office to better monitor/control visitor access

•  Replace the oldest part of the building

•  Improve parking and traffic flow•  Provide more efficient and effective layout focused on learning

Yahara Elementary SchoolAddress safety needs at Yahara Elementary School.•  Reconfigure student pick-up/drop-off areas for improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety (through a financial partnership with the Village of DeForest)

•  Relocate the main office to better monitor/control visitor access

DeForest Area Middle School & DeForest Area High SchoolImprove and expand space for STEM at the middle and high school.•  Remodel and increase space for high school technology education and agri-science programs that have not been renovated since the building was built in 1969.

•  Remodel current technology education space at middle school

•  Offer program options, such as engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science and software engineering, and upgrade current programs such as construction, welding, animal science, etc.

•  Enhance integration of technical programs with science and math curriculum.

More Information: www.dasdreferendum.org

Questions? Send us an email: referendum@deforestschools.org

DASD NewsJanuary 2015

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New Alumni Hall of Fame honors graduates of DeForest Area High School

DASD Parent Support Group

Barbara Buffington, Director of Pupil Services for DASD, is facilitating a discussion group 

for parents/guardians of students with disabilities or students with 504 plans within the DeForest Area School District. Topics of discussion may include: 

IEP meetings, Allergy awareness, DPI due process, parent liaisons, transition, etc.Meeting dates are as follows:Wednesday, February 254-6 pm at Holum Education Center, Boardroom

Wednesday, March 184-6 pm at DeForest Public Library

Wednesday, April 224-6 pm at Holum Education Center,Boardroom

Wednesday, May 204-6 pm at DeForest Public Library

Please contact Julie Hartman at jhartman@deforestschools.org for more information.

The DeForest Area School District is currently taking nominations for the 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. 

The recognition program will recognize the following:Alumni - for their outstanding accomplishments while enrolled in the 

DeForest Area School District as well as achievements following graduation.  Alumni may not be considered for nomination until ten years* following their graduation from the DeForest Area School District.

Staff - for their contributions to the DeForest Area School District, as well as the greater school community.  Individuals may not be current employees of the school district and may not be considered for nomination until five years* following their completion of employment with the district.

Community members - for their contributions to the DeForest Area School District.  Consideration is given to those who demonstrate contributions or service for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years.

Nomination Forms Available for both programs at:•  DeForest Area Public Library•  DeForest Area Community Ctr.•  DeForest Area School District     (all buildings)A nomination form can also be downloaded from the school district’s website:  www.deforestschools.org > Current Topics.  Deadline for nominations is April 15.

(* may be granted posthumously)

Norski Walk of Honor

The DeForest Area School District is soliciting nominations of distinguished graduates for consideration to the DeForest Area School District Alumni Hall of Fame. This program recognizes and 

honors former DeForest Area School District graduates as having achieved a significant degree of success in their pursuits of higher education and/or in their professional careers. The Alumni Hall of Fame recognition provides outstanding role models for the students in the DeForest Area School District and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our graduates.To be considered for this honor, each individual must have a completed 

Application of Nomination containing the following criteria:•  Graduate of DeForest Area High School.•  Attended the DeForest Area Schools for more than two years.•  Graduated from high school a minimum of 10 years before being nominated.

•  Up to three recommendation letters supporting the individual’s nomination.

•  Application signed by the person making the nomination.•  Documentation (i.e., resume) demonstrating the work history and professional/academic successes of the nominee.

Each year the Hall of Fame committee will induct up to five members to the Hall.  Applications for this honor can be made by self-nomination.

The Norski Walk of Honor, displayed at DeForest Area High School near the south gym and pool recognizes individuals within our community who have demonstrated ongoing commitment and significant contributions to our school district.

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School Spotlight

FFA student members, Libby Manthe and Emma Weisensel, presented the District’s Land Lab 2014 harvest results to the Board of Education at their January 26 meeting. The students reviewed the Land Lab activities and shared the results of their soybean and corn trials. The land lab covers approximately 71 acres, 37 acres of soybeans and 34 acres of corn. Manthe and Weisensel presented Board President, Jan Berg with a check for $4,800.44 as rent payment on the district property for 2014.

FFA students present Land Lab results to Board of Education

Tim Hopping, retired Yahara and Morrisonville Elementary School guidance counselor, and his certified therapy dog, Chloe, recently visited Yahara Elementary School.   Chloe is a seven year old mixed lab that has gone through 

training and certification through Therapy Dogs, Inc.  She regularly visits Yahara Elementary School, Waunakee Manor, St. Mary’s Hospital.  Pictured is YES kindergarten student, Duncan Crowley, reading to Chloe.“The students are so excited when Chloe visits!  They beg 

to read more books and everyone asked when she will be back,” said reading teacher Kathy Williams.   According to Williams, there are many benefits for 

students reading to therapy dogs.  The main one is that they are very good listeners.  “Chloe is patient and doesn’t interrupt when a student comes to a tricky word,” said Williams.  The Norski readers are looking forward to Chloe’s next visit!

Students read to Chloe

A team of students from DeForest Area High School (pictured at right) recently earned second place in the Tech Olympics competition, held at Viterbo University in La Crosse during the Wisconsin High School Theatre Festival. The Tech Olympics is a great way to test students’ 

technical skills in a fun and friendly competition with their peers.  Actors, designers, directors, technicians, and theatre enthusiasts are invited to participate.  DAHS students Cole Hamilton, Jade Seeley, Mikayla Staplemann, Stephen Hutton-Okpaeleke, Garrett Scheffen, and Noah Stewart, competed in several individual and team events including Hang & Focus a Light, Knot Tying, Strike and Set up Props, Sewing a Button, Folding a Drop, and Legging a Platform. They were judged based on time, safety, and correct performance. Cole Hamilton also received an individual first place 

award in the Hang and Focus a Light event.Performing Arts Manager Brett Price is the team’s 

advisor.

Students earn honors at Tech Olympics

L-R: Mikayla Staplemann, Jade Seeley, Stephen Hutton-Okpaeleke, Garrett Scheffen, Cole Hamilton. Not pictured: Noah Stewart

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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.  Prizes are awarded at each level.The topic this year is: “What

does freedom mean to my family?” Participants may download an entry from www.deforestschools.org >> District >> News/Communication.  Entries are due by March 13, 2015 and can be submitted directly to Kathy Disch, 613 DeForest Street, DeForest, WI 53532.  Questions? Call (608) 846-5393.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.

District, police department recognize adult crossing guards

In honor of Wisconsin’s annual Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition, District Administrator, Dr. Sue Borden and DeForest Police Chief, Bob Henze visited with school crossing guards on Jan. 14. Borden and Henze thanked them for their service to the school district and community.

Roger Guffey at the corner of E. Holum Street and Cleveland Street, near Eagle Point Elementary School.

Nancy Kunesch (filling in for Nora Geach) serves middle and high school students in the morning at Jefferson and S. Cleveland Streets. Suzanne Wentland (pictured at left) does the same in the afternoon.

DASD summer school

The DASD will once again be offering a summer school program to qualifying students 

in 4K - 12th grade.  Our summer school program is designed for those students in 4K - 6th grade who need to review grade level material in math and literacy.  More information about our program for 7th - 12th grade students will be available soon.Students in 4K - 6th grade qualify 

for summer school based on a number of assessments, including STAR scores, WKCE scores, report card grades, and literacy screeners (PALS and Fountas & Pinnell).  Students are evaluated according to these assessments, and those showing the highest levels of academic need across the district are invited to summer school.Our summer school teachers  

implement a balanced literacy model and targeted math interventions to assist students in reviewing grade level content.  We also have teachers who specialize in reading and math interventions available to our summer school classroom teachers.  These interventionists assist with small groups and provide even more personalized supports for our students.  Our summer school program 

this year runs from Monday July 6th - Friday July 31st.  In late April, 

parents whose children are invited to participate will be contacted with additional information, including registration materials and information regarding fees, schedule, and transportation.  If you have questions about summer school, please contact our Summer School Coordinators, Rachel Bohlman (4K - 6th grade) or Cori Denk (7th - 12th grade).

Spring school board electionThree seats are open for the  

April 7 DeForest Area School Board election.  Running for these positions are:

Village of DeForestJeff Miller (I)

Towns of Vienna/LeedsDeAnna Giovanni (I)

At-Large     Sue EsserChris McFarlin (I)

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Upcoming events in the Madison area

College Goal WisconsinFebruary 21, 2:00 pmDeForest Area High School

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. For more information visit www.www.collegegoalwi.org. 

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Early Learning FairMarch 5, 12 noon - 6:30 pmHolum Education Center Gym

For all families with children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2015.

January 31  DECA’s annual Dad ‘n Daughter   Dance, 6:00-8:30 pmFebruary 9  Two-hour Early Release (students)February 10-13  DAHS Winter One-Act   Performances, 7:00 pmFebruary 18  Community Blood Drive at  DAHS, sponsored by NHSFebruary 23  DASD Parent-Teacher   Conferences, 2:30-7:30 pmFebruary 23  No School for StudentsMarch 7  FFA Family Fun Night, 6:00 pmMarch 7  Badger Conference Solo &    Ensemble Festival,    8:00 am - 4:00 pmMarch 16  Two-hour Early Release (students)March 30 - April 3  No School, Spring BreakApril 7  Spring Election (referendum)

Redefined: A Night of A Cappellafeaturing DAHS Fermata Nowhere February 13, 7:00 pm, DAHS PAC Tickets: $12/adults and $5/students Available through DAHS Music Office, A Cappella members, or contact mcondon@deforestschools.org; 608-842-6821

Wisconsin SingersFriday, March 13, 7:00 pmDAHS Performing Arts Center

Morning Play DateJanuary 29, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AMdreambank.amfam.com/stores/dreambank/743 

Cure Cabin Fever: Legends and Lore of the NorthwoodsJanuary 31, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PMwww.wisconsinhistory.org/calendar/event/3852/cure-cabin-fever-legends-and-lore-of-the-northwoods 

Kids in the RotundaEvery Saturday until April 25, 2015www.overturecenter.org/programs/kids-in-the-rotunda 

Family Music TimeRecurring monthly on the 1st Monday until March 02 11:00 AM to 12:00 PMwww.uwbookstore.com/home.aspx 

UW Geology Museum Story TimeMonthly on the 1st Thursday until March 05, 10:30 AMwww.geology.wisc.edu/~museum/ 

Saturday Science at Discovery: Science of Badger AthleticsFebruary 07, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PMdiscovery.wisc.edu/SaturdayScience 

Arboretum Family Walk: Animal TracksFebruary 08, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PMuwarboretum.org/

Zor Shrine CircusRecurring daily until February 15www.shrinecircusinfo.com/

Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families: Stories and Games from the PastFebruary 22, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PMuwarboretum.org/

Sid the Science KidFebruary 22, 1:00 PM or 4:30 PMhttps://tickets.overturecenter.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=250

DeForest Area School District520 E. Holum StreetDeForest, WI 53532www.deforestareaschools.org

The DeForest Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap in employment and its educational programs and activities.

Introduction to

2015-16 Academic Calendarnow posted at  www.deforestschools.org

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DeForest Area Foundation spring grant application deadline is March 1: www.deforestarea.com/ Foundation_Application.pdf

Learn about the Google application tools students are using for creating, collaborating, and communicating. Laptops will be provided.

Thursday, February 26, 20156:00-8:00 pmDeForest Area Middle School 7/8 LibraryPlease RSVP in one of three ways: www.deforest.k12.wi.us/families/family-resources  (608) 842-6581  dbrewster@deforestschools.org

A hands-on workshop for DASD Parents/Guardians

Reminders