Wisconsin Heights School District

A huge Thank You to the Knights of Columbus! They donated $500 to the Special Education Intellectual Disabilities program. Pictured: Student Services Director, Dr. Matt Green; Knights of Columbus Council Member, James Kartman, District Administrator, Dr. Jordan Sinz

October is National Principals Month! It's a time to honor principals for their impact on the success and well-being of our students. In addition to leading their schools, principals bring their compassion, creativity, and connection-building to strengthen the #VanguardPride community. Today we celebrate Wisconsin Heights Middle/High School Principal, Liz Dostal! Thank you, Principal Dostal, for your contributions to Wisconsin Heights Middle/High School and the District!

October is National Principals Month! It's a time to honor principals for their impact on the success and well-being of our students. In addition to leading their schools, principals bring their compassion, creativity, and connection-building to strengthen the #VanguardPride community. Today we celebrate Wisconsin Heights Elementary Principal, Scott Moore! Thank you, Principal Moore, for your contributions to Wisconsin Heights Elementary and the District!

Angie Wolf - School Board Member "I grew up outside of Richland Center and graduated from the Ithaca School District. My dad worked on a dairy farm and my mom in a factory. We spent a lot of time at the farm where we learned about animals, crops, tractors, and hard labor. Later, we moved to a dairy farm where I learned more about the dairy industry. I have one older sister and two younger brothers. My graduating class was all of 17 students, so I know first-hand the benefits of having smaller class sizes. Our school was a one-campus location where all students were in the same building. There were many opportunities for students to participate in many extracurricular activities and also be dual athletes at the same time. I was in band and sports and took drama and medieval classes where we were able to go to APT frequently to see plays. I attended MATC and received my Associates Degree in Administration. My first full-time job was at the UW Hospital in the Transplant Department. After that, I was a Securities Trader at an Investment Management firm in Madison where I worked for 19 years. Now I work with my husband, Chris, in an Account Management/Sales/Drafting position. This career change has allowed me to spend more time with my family and attend school and sporting events. Chris is a Heights graduate and we have 4 boys. Bailey, a 2022 WH graduate, who is a Freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ; Peyton, a Junior; Grayson, a 6th grader; and Cody, a 3rd grader, all at Heights. We have two Great Dane pups, Minnie and Tinkerbell, and live on my husband’s family farm, 2 minutes from the school. We enjoy vacationing at Walt Disney World. We are a sports family and there is only a short window during the year where we have weekends and weeknights free! I wanted to be on the school board for a few reasons. 1. I have students in the district, in all levels of education, and it is important for me to bring my experiences as a mother and a community member to the table. 2. I wanted to be involved in the processes, functions, and inner workings of the school and help make those hard decisions, challenge decisions when needed, and bring new recommendations/options to keep our students learning, growing, and exceeding. 3. I want to fully support our small school district. Coming from a small school district, I want to do all I can to support ours and keep it growing, exceeding expectations, and creating a learning environment that will pave the path for the future leaders of this community and this country. " Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, Angie Wolf!

Matt Crowe - School Board Member "I attended a small rural public school district in Ohio. My dad was a school principal and helped my grandparents on their farm. My mom was a physical therapist and her parents farmed, too. While growing up, I was in 4-H and FFA, and graduated in a class of 65 people. Due to the school size, I was able to play sports, participate in student council, had leadership opportunities, and was in the school musical. When I went to college, I went with the intention of having a career teaching history but changed my mind and went to med school. I selected the University of Wisconsin as the place to do my residency and moved to Wisconsin! I looked around for a school district that felt like home. Wisconsin Heights had so many similarities, I moved to the district from Madison. With my dad being a principal for 40 years and our family spending so much time at school events, the school was a second home for me growing up. The unobstructed opportunities to participate at a small school and the excellent teachers set me up so well for my career and life skills. I wanted to be on the school board to perpetuate that opportunity for future generations - highlighting the great benefits of supporting small rural public schools for producing great citizens with well-rounded experiences and a community feel to their approach to life." Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, Matt Crowe!

Did you know there is a National Yearbook Week? Well, there is! And it's this week! First, a huge shout-out to those individuals who work on our yearbooks, and to our advisor, Ms. Van Den Bergh! There is a lot of work that goes into getting all those photos that will spark a memory and setting up the pages for each yearbook and we appreciate it! 👏 #VanguardPride yearbooks will be given out to students by the end of the school year. Seniors will receive their books prior to graduation. To order an Elementary or Middle School Yearbook, go to https://bit.ly/EMSYearbook Elementary Yearbook Code - 12485023 Price per book starts at $13 Middle School Yearbook Code - 12484823 Price per book starts at $11 For a High School Yearbook, go to https://bit.ly/WHYearbook Price per book starts at $49 - But don't wait! The deal is only valid until October 21st! #NationalSchoolYearbookWeek #SchoolYearbookWeek #NationalYearbookWeek #YearbookWeek

James Kartman - School Board Member "My name is James Kartman. I live in the Village of Mazomanie with my wife Nicole and three children Ivy (20), Ian (17), and Adi (14). I have been serving on the Wisconsin Heights School Board for over eight years. I have held the position of President, Vice President and Treasurer. My occupation as a Dane County Deputy assigned to Black Earth is serving the same community I represent as a School Board Member. I am also a Member of the Wisconsin Heights Optimist Club, American Legion and Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Council 7811 for Black Earth/Mazomanie. I originally ran for school board because I wanted to become more involved in the community. I grew up in Cassville, Wisconsin, which is a small district in southwestern Wisconsin. My wife also attended a small school, Ithaca, Wisconsin. I attended the University of Dubuque and graduated with a degree in education. I then served in the military on active duty for four years. When my wife and I moved to the Mazomanie area we both found Wisconsin Heights attractive due to the many opportunities for students to become involved. I believe, in a large school you are often just a number but in a small school you are an opportunity waiting to happen. After the past eight years as a school board member, I still feel this way. I enjoy the work I do to help make Wisconsin Heights a better place. " Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, James Kartman!

Mary Beth Schall - School Board Treasurer "Though not a native of the Wisconsin Heights area, I was so fortunate to have it become one of my favorite places! So much so that we moved here. After being the school nurse for many years, I wanted to continue my ties to this wonderful school district. I currently live in the Town of Mazomanie, but next year will live in the village. Wherever I live, I am heavily invested in the success of our students. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to see the exceptional staff that I worked with continue to give so selflessly. It will be my wish come true if in a few years, my grandsons will be students here. We offer everything students and staff need to excel in an intimate, no student falling through the cracks, setting." Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, Mary Beth Schall

Mike Wagner - School Board Clerk "I grew up on a family farm and graduated from Middleton High School. We built a home in the town of Black Earth where we have lived for over 15 years. I also own/operate Wagner Flooring. I married a Wisconsin Heights alumnus, Sherri, and we have two kids in the Wisconsin Heights School District. My son is a senior and daughter is a freshman in high school. Both kids are active in sports and my son is also the President of the FFA. I joined the board to help and be a part of the school. I have been on the school board since 2018 and have served as the Board Clerk since 2021. Being part of the board allows me to be involved in the decisions that impact the school district." Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, Mike Wagner!

Barb Statz - School Board Vice-President "As a proud Wisconsin Heights alum and lifelong resident of Black Earth, I am incredibly thankful for our small school district and rural school communities. I have so many fond memories at Heights, ie. the grade school mini-olympics, participating in the high school production of ‘Annie’ when I was in 3rd grade, the class trip to Germany, playing in the 01’ and 04’ state volleyball tournaments, just to name a few. Perhaps most special, was marrying my high school sweetheart. After graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in Communication Science and Rhetorical Studies, my husband and I set up local roots and are now raising a Vanguard of our own. I am a third generation WH School Board Member, as both of my grandfathers and father served before me and, as the daughter of a retired teacher, I appreciate all aspects of education. I’ve grown to value my past experiences and recognized the opportunity to give back to the community I love, working to elevate the educational experience for all of our students. We are fortunate to have tremendous support from our communities and the familial atmosphere is a testament to the meaningful connections made both inside and outside of school. To me, VanguardPride is preserving the rich history and traditions that make us unique and remaining committed as engaged stakeholders building enthusiasm for our school community’s continual progress." Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, Barb Statz!

#VanguardPride Wisconsin Heights Athletics Week of October 3 - October 8 https://bit.ly/WisHeightsAthletics

Cindy Beuthin - School Board President "My husband, Bill (a '95 Heights Grad), and I live in the Town of Mazomanie. Our daughter, Kiley, is a Heights '22 graduate. She is now at UW La Crosse studying Computer Engineering. I started on the school board in April 2015 and am currently the Board President. Previously active in the WHPTO and my daughter's Girl Scout Troop, I wanted to become more involved in the district and the community. With a vision for continuing the success of the Heights School District, these past seven years have certainly been adventure filled! With the hiring of Dr. Jordan Sinz, completing the Future Search, successfully passing a building referendum, coming through a pandemic, and beginning this year with a one-site campus, I can easily say my experience as a board member has been an incredible journey. I am excited to see what comes our way in the near future, with a great board, admin team, and district staff around me." Thank you #VanguardPride School Board Member, Cindy Beuthin!

October 2-8 is Wisconsin School Board Week! Wisconsin Heights School District students benefit every day from the leadership and vision of our school board. School board members devote hours of their time each week to provide leadership for our school district. #VanguardPride students and staff are highly valued by our board and it's proven in their daily actions. We are a fortunate district! Throughout this week, we will be individually featuring our school board members to enable the community can get to know more about each member. Please take time to thank these dedicated school leaders. @wischoolboards

October 2 – National Custodial Workers Recognition Day Custodial workers operate behind the scenes. They make sure buildings are clean and ready for each Wisconsin season. As a result, the buildings are safer and healthier for our students and staff. This year, our custodians were critical in getting Black Earth and Mazomanie Elementary Schools moved to the new elementary wing. We can’t thank them enough for adapting to the challenges that arose and making sure everything was in its location for staff to get settled efficiently. Join us in thanking our #VanguardPride custodians! • Bill Sullivan – Building and Grounds Manager • Bret Schultz (MS/HS) • Mark Ziegler (MS/HS) • Jerry Herrling (MS/HS) • Brian Ripp (Elementary • Craig Lawler (Elementary) #CustodialWorkersRecognitionDay Fun Fact: Our custodial staff maintains a total of 251,005 square feet. MS/HS = 167,005 square feet Elem = 84,000 square feet

This month's District Newsletter is now ready to view! Click on the link below. https://bit.ly/WHSDNewsletter #VanguardPride

What a great way to end a week! Mr. Fuchs' Outdoor PE class went kayaking on Lake Mendota Friday, September 23. #VanguardPride

"𝙈𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙣-𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩-𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮." https://bit.ly/3SJH7jv #VANGUARDPRIDE - This district has been working diligently for the last 6 years on utilizing the continuous improvement process to improve learning outcomes for our students. These results reflect the progress we have made. A HUGE shout-out is necessary for our students, staff, and families! "I am very proud of our staff members who have engaged in this work with a can-do attitude. Our shared growth and development support our commitment to Every Child, Every Class, and Every Day! The educational process is truly a partnership involving students, parents, faculty, and the community. We are together on the journey of providing an educational experience that is of distinct quality!" stated Dr. Jordan Sinz, District Administrator for Wisconsin Heights School District. Congratulations Vanguards!

New this year to the elementary specials rotation is ELA Boost. This class is taught by our reading specialist, Mrs. Kroon. In ELA Boost, students get extra instruction in phonics, reading, and writing. Second and third grade students are in ELA Boost this trimester. Mrs. Kroon had the students do a word sort with long and short vowels as a review of what they learned. This week, Mrs. Kroon read the book, "The Word Collector," by Peter H. Reynolds. After reading the book, the students brainstormed words for a class word collection, then wrote words on slips of paper. Mrs. Kroon posted the words on a bulletin board near the #VanguardPride elementary office. Check it out!

Give a big #VanguardPride welcome to our new Elementary Mental Health/Student Support Specialist, Liz Premo! Liz grew up in Columbus, WI and has fond memories of playing high school sports against Wisconsin Heights! She attended UW-Madison, majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Education & Educational Services. After graduation, Liz worked at the Waisman Center on a project focused on language development in toddlers. In 2017, she returned to UW-Madison to earn her Master of Social Work degree, specializing in mental health and child welfare. Currently, Liz is a PhD student and is writing her dissertation on policies and services that promote family well-being. Liz has over 10 years of experience supporting young children and their families. She has worked in many settings, including home visiting programs, childcare centers, and after-school programs. In addition to her new role at Wisconsin Heights, she also teaches two courses in the part-time MSW program at UW-Madison. Outside of work, Liz loves hiking at Devil's Lake in the summer, doing jigsaw puzzles in the winter, and drinking coffee year round. She is a member of the Pardeeville Curling Club and is a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews. Liz recently bought a house in Sun Prairie, where she lives with her husband and their cat, named Sybil. Welcome, Liz!

Wondering what will be for sale at the Homecoming Tailgate? Wonder no more..... HOTDOG - $3 BRAT - $4 HAMBURGER - $4 CHEESEBURGER - $5 PULLED PORK BBQ SANDWICH - $5 WALKING TACO - $4 NACHOS - $4 LOADED NACHOS - $7 (TACO MEAT OR PULLED PORK) ALL MEALS INCLUDE CHIPS OR COOKIES & YOUR CHOICE OF BEVERAGE (WATER OR SODA) HOTDOG MEAL - $5 BRAT MEAL - $6 HAMBURGER MEAL - $6 CHEESEBURGER MEAL - $7 PULLED PORK BBQ SANDWICH MEAL - $7 CHIPS OR COOKIES- $1 LARGE PICKLE - $1 CANDY - $2 POPCORN - $2 WATER OR SODA - $1 (Pepsi, Mt. Dew, Orange Sunkist, Rootbeer, Diet Mt. Dew, Diet Coke, Arnold Palmer) HOT CHOCOLATE OR GATORADE - $2 THANKS FOR SUPPORTING WIS. HEIGHTS FOOTBALL GRIDIRON CLUB! #VanguardPride