April 2019 Newsletter School District of West Salem Contents

• Letter from Superintendent Troy Gunderson...... 1 • Calendar of Events...... 2-4 • Community Events...... 5 • District Announcements...... 6-7 • School Board Minutes...... 8-10 • Notice of Election...... 11 • Polling Locations & Hours...... 12 • District News...... 13

Letter from Superintendent limit the request to a three-year period. Troy Gunderson 4. Keep taxes lower than most area school districts. In April 2019 – It’s Time to Vote comparison to the neighboring districts of La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, Melrose-Mindoro, and Bangor, West April 2019 will be a pivotal month for the School District Salem has the lowest school taxes. If the referendum pass- of West Salem. The election on April 2nd will determine es, West Salem will remain at or near the lowest on this list. our financial course over the next year and the make-up of our school board for the next 3 years. For more information about the referendum please visit the district web site at bit.ly/WSReferendum The ballot will include a referendum question seeking permission to exceed the revenue limit by $1.6 million in The April ballot also includes four candidates for three 2020, $1.8 million in 2021, and $1.9 million in 2022. In positions on the school board. Candidates include three requesting these additional funds, the school board focused incumbents and one challenger. Each available position on four main points. represents a full three year term. The candidates will ap- pear on the ballot as follows: 1. Maintaining “West Salem” quality programming. The additional funding is necessary to maintain current 1. Melinda Bloomfield (I) programming. If the referendum fails, the budget will be 2. Sean Gavaghan reduced. 3. Ken Schlimgen (I) 2. Clearly identified expenses. The school board identified 4. Tom Grosskopf (I) the specific needs of balancing the current budget, funding for competitive salaries and benefits, restoring funding for Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting our a school bus, saving for future roof repairs, and funding for school district. And, thank you for taking the time to additional maintenance and utility costs. vote. Your civic participation is the “public” part of public education. 3. Limiting the term to three years. Following input re- ceived from a recent district survey, and in light of unpre- Sincerely, dictable politics in Madison, the school board opted to Troy M. Gunderson, Superintendent

April Newsletter 1 School District of West Salem School District of West Salem 4:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Calendar of Events Westby Area High School @ Arcadia Country Club April 4:30pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Sparta @ Sparta HS-BSB Field 5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Sparta Athletic Events @ Riverview Park Monday, April 1, 2019 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Sparta 4:30pm Softball: Varsity Game vs. La @ West Salem High School Crescent-Hokah @ La Crescent 5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Tomah High School @ West Salem Elementary School 5:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Viroqua @ 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Tomah Riverview Park @ West Salem Elementary School 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Viroqua Thursday, April 11, 2019 @ West Salem High School 4:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, 4:15pm Track: Varsity Meet vs. Alma/Pepin, Viroqua & Westby Area High School Cochrane Fountain City & Prescott @ Coulee Golf Bowl @ Cochrane-Fountain City High School 4:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Holmen 4:30pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Logan @ Holmen High School @ Houska Park 4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Mauston 4:30pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Logan @ Lion @ West Salem High School 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. G-E-T 4:30pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Logan @ West Salem High School @ Logan High School 5:45pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Holmen 4:30pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Onalaska @ Holmen High School @ West Salem High School Friday, April 12, 2019 Thursday, April 4, 2019 5:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Arcadia 4:30pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Altoona @ Riverview Park @ Eau Claire Soccer Park 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Arcadia Friday, April 5, 2019 @ West Salem High School 4:30pm Track: Varsity Quad vs. Cashton, 6:30pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Logan Melrose-Mindoro & Nekoosa @ Logan High School @ West Salem High School Monday, April 15, 2019 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Osseo- 4:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black Fairchild @ Merchants Baseball Field River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Arcadia Westby Area High School @ Coulee @ West Salem High School Golf Bowl Monday, April 8, 2019 5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Westby Area 5:00pm Baseball: C-Team Game vs. Prairie du High School @ Riverview Park Chien @ St. Feriole Island 5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Westby 5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Prairie du Area High School @ West Salem Chien @ Prairie Du Chien High School High School 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Mauston Westby Area High School @ Westby @ Veterans Park Field High School Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Tuesday, April 9, 2019 4:00pm Track: Varsity Invitational vs. Mauston 3:30pm Track: JV/Varsity Invitational vs. & Westfield @ Mauston High School Aquinas, Arcadia, Black River Falls, Central, G-E-T, Holmen, Logan, Luther, Sparta, Tomah, Westby Area Calendar of events continues on next page... High School @ Holmen 2 AprilOctober Newsletter Newsletter School District of West Salem Friday, April 26, 2019 4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, 4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Westby Area High School @ Fox & Westby Area High School @ Skyline Hollow Golf Course Golf Club 4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Viroqua 5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Viroqua @ West Salem Elementary School @ Viroqua High School 5:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Cochrane Saturday, April 27, 2019 Fountain City @ Cochrane-Fountain City 9:00am Golf: Boys Varsity Invitational vs. Argyle, High School Barneveld, Cuba City, Darlington, 7:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Cochrane Fountain Dodgeville, Fennimore, Fort Atkinson, City @ Cochrane-Fountain City Iowa-Grant, Kohler, Lancaster, Mineral High School Point, Platteville, Portage, Prairie Thursday, April 18, 2019 du Chien, Richland Center, River Valley, 4:00pm Track: Varsity Invitational vs. Bangor, Sauk Prairie, Viroqua & Westby Area High Black River Falls, Brookwood, Mauston, School @ River Valley High School Sparta & Wonewoc-Center @ Sparta 9:00am Tennis: Boys Varsity Quad vs. Edgerton, High School Portage & Tomah @ Portage High School 5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Logan 10:00am Track: Varsity Invitational vs. Adams/ @ Logan High School Friendship, Aquinas, Arcadia, Bangor, 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Logan Boscobel, Brookwood, Cashton, @ Logan High School Colfax, Durand, Fall Creek, Fennimore, Monday, April 22, 2019 Franklin, Hayward Community Schools, 4:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, Holmen, Hudson, La Crosse Central, Lodi, Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua Logan, Mauston, Mosinee, & Westby Area High School Onalaska, Rochester Century, Viroqua & @ Viroqua Hills Golf Course Winona Senior @ UW-La Crosse 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Luther Monday, April 29, 2019 @ Luther High School 12:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Invitational vs. Arcadia, Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Black River Falls, Cochrane Fountain City, 4:15pm Track: Varsity Meet vs. Alma/Pepin, G-E-T, Holmen, Sparta, Tomah, Viroqua Augusta, Blair-Taylor, Cochrane & Westby Area High School @ Skyline Fountain City, Durand, Mondovi, Tomah, Golf Club Wabasha-Kellogg &Whitehall @ 1:00pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black Cochrane-Fountain City High School River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & 4:30pm Golf: Boys JV Match vs. Arcadia, Black Westby Area High School @ Viroqua Hills River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua & Golf Course Westby Area High School @ Fox Hollow 4:00pm Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs. Luther Golf Course @ Onalaska Reserve Field School 5:00pm Baseball: JV/Varsity Game vs. G-E-T 4:00pm Baseball: Varsity Doubleheader vs. Luther @ Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau @ Luther High School Middle School 4:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Central 5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Sparta @ West Salem High School @ West Salem Elementary School 4:30pm Track: Freshmen/Sophomore Meet vs. 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Doubleheader vs. Tomah @ Tomah HS Sparta @ West Salem High School Tuesday, April 30, 2019 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Sparta 4:00pm Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs. Central @ West Salem Elementary School @ West Salem High School Thursday, April 25, 2019 4:00pm Baseball: Varsity Doubleheader vs. Central 5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Onalaska @ Copeland Park @ Onalaska High School 4:30pm Golf: Boys Varsity Match vs. Arcadia, 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Onalaska Black River Falls, G-E-T, Luther, Viroqua @ Onalaska High School & Westby Area High School @ Arcadia Country Club April Newsletter 3 School District of West Salem 4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Mauston W. Hamlin Streets @ West Salem Elementary School 8:00am 4th Grade to the OEC 5:00pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Central Tuesday, April 30, 2019 @ Fields For Kids 8:00am 4th FFA Day Field Trip 5:00pm Softball: JV/Varsity Game vs. Arcadia @ Arcadia High School Middle School Events 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Central @ Fields For Kids Monday, April 15, 2019 Band Events 3:30pm Parent-Teacher Conferences -7:30pm Monday, April 15-Thursday, April 18, 2019 Saturday, April 6, 2019 All Day 5th Grade Forward Testing 8:00am District Solo & Ensemble @ West Salem Thursday, April 18, 2019 High School All Day Trimester 3 Mid-Term Saturday, April 13, 2019 Friday, April 19, 2019 8:00am Depart for New York City Trip All Day No School-Easter Break Thursday, April 18, 2019 Monday, April 22, 2019 11:00pm Return from New York City Trip All Day No School-Easter Break Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Elementary School Events All Day Grades Submitted for Trimester 3 Mid-Term Tuesday, April 23-Friday, April 26, 2019 Tuesday, April 2, 2019 All Day 6th Grade Forward Testing 8:00am Spring Pictures Wednesday, April 3, 2019 High School Events All Day Environment Day Thursday, April 4, 2019 6:30pm Kindergarten and 1st Grade Rhythms Friday, April 19, 2019 Program @ Heider Center All Day No School-Easter Break Friday, April 5, 2019 Monday, April 22, 2019 7:25am Walking School Bus All Day No School-Easter Break Meet at the corner of N. Tilson & Wednesday, April 24, 2019 W. Hamlin Streets All Day ACT Aspire Assessment for Sophomores Tuesday, April 9, 2019-Friday, April 12, 2019 Thursday, April 25, 2019 All Day 4th Grade Forward Testing All Day ACT Aspire Assessment for Freshmen Friday, April 12, 2019 Friday, April 26, 2019 7:25am Walking School Bus All Day 4th Quarter Mid-Term Meet at the corner of N. Tilson & Monday, April 29, 2019 W. Hamlin Streets All Day Grades Submitted for 4th Quarter Tuesday, April 16, 2019-Thursday, April 18, 2019 Mid-Term All Day 3rd Grade Forward Testing Friday, April 19, 2019 All Day No School-Easter Break Monday, April 22, 2019 All Day No School-Easter Break Wednesday, April 24, 2019 8:00am 4th Grade to the OEC Thursday, April 25, 2019 8:00am 4th Grade to the OEC Friday, April 26, 2019 7:25am Walking School Bus Meet at the corner of N. Tilson &

4 AprilOctober Newsletter Newsletter School District of West Salem Community Events

April Newsletter 5 School District of West Salem

Celebrating Student Art District Announcements During Celebrate West Salem on March 17, several students from West Salem Elementary, West Salem Middle and West Salem High had their artwork on display for community members.

Community members had a chance to vote for their favorite pieces of art, and the following students were our winners: 1st Place: Mikayla Wemette (pictured with Ms. Lotspaih) 2nd Place: Brielle Moore (pig) 3rd Place: Liam Wight (cow) WSMS Student Wins National Essay Contest Best of Show: Alicia Zarecki (cat eye) Priya Oshan, an eighth grader at WSMS was recently chosen as one of just We are very proud of all the students 56 winners out of over 1,000 applicants in the AAA Discover Crew AmaWa- who participated! terways essay contest! She wrote an essay on her thirst for travel, saying “Traveling will expand my perspective. ... By traveling abroad, I will gain knowledge to help me become a global citizen. An adventure like this will change my life in a positive way.” As part of her prize, she and her moth- er will travel to Amsterdam and Belgium on an all-expenses paid cruise through the North Sea. During her week long trip, she will learn about local history, science, nature, sustainability, art and have an immersive classroom experience in each country. Great job Priya!

Transcript Information The West Salem School District prohibits discrimination in all its programs and *Are you transferring to a different college or do activities on the basis of race, color, creed, you need a copy of your high school transcript?* national origin, age, disability, and where WSHS graduates that need a transcript can applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, request one online, or print out an official parental status, religion, sexual orientation, transcript request form by going to the Stu- genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, dent Services page on the district website at or because all or a part of an individual’s www.wsalem.k12.wi.us income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication 2019-2020 of program information (Braille, large print, Open Enrollment audiotape, etc.) should contact the Pupil Services Director at (608) 786-0700. To file Open Enrollment into the School District a complaint of discrimination write to: Eric of West Salem runs February 4-April 30, Jensen, Pupil Services Director at 405 East 2019. To access the application, and for more Hamlin Street, West Salem, WI 54669 or information, go to the DPI website at https:// call 608-786-0700. The West Salem School dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Students that District is an equal opportunity provider and are currently open-enrolled do not need to employer. reapply. School Board Members Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield~~~~~~~~~799-5313 Syl Clements~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-1491 Jane Halverson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-1067 Ken Schlimgen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-4382 Catherine Griffin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 769-1714 Tom Grosskopf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 386-0168 Robin Fitzgerald~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~792-4130 *Board meetings are held the second and fourth April Newsletter 6 Monday of every month* School District of West Salem District Announcements Notice for After School Heider Center Events at WSES

Patchouli: The Landscape of Art Gallery The Buildings and Grounds Department Guitar WSHS Senior Art Show would like all students, parents, specta- tors, etc. that are attending after school Thursday, April 4, 2019 April 1-30, 2019 See poster below right events at West Salem Elementary School, 7:30 p.m. including both school and Park and Rec, Tickets: $24/$22 Art Reception to please use Door E on the North side Patchouli is master guitarist Bruce Thursday, April 25, 2019 of the building to enter and exit. Hecksel and singer-songwriter, 6:00-7:30pm guitarist, Julie Patchouli. They take More and more frequently, individuals their aristry to another dimension are coming to the front doors, which are with their new animated painting not open after school hours. Door E is concert experience, The Landscape the only set of doors that will be open for of Guitar. after school events. Thank you for your Box Office (608) 786-2550 cooperation! Monday: Noon to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Friday: Noon to 4:00 p.m. www.heidercenter.org

WSMS Mathcounts Competes at State! WSHS Senior Art Show The State Mathcounts Competition was held in Sheboygan on Saturday, Please join us throughout the month March 2, 2019. There were 140 total students competing, representing 47 of April to celebrate the artwork of the different schools from across the state of Wisconsin. There were 24 offi- Class of 2019. A public reception will be cial teams competing. West Salem’s team competitors were Brennan Holst, held at the Heider Center on Thursday, Jackson Fry, Celia Mitchell, and Alyssa Kruse. They placed 15th as a team. April 25, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. We Pictured L-R, Holst placed 17th, Fry placed 68th, Mitchell placed 100th, and hope to see you there! Kruse placed 107th. Mathcounts is a national program designed to promote excellence in math and science in grades 6 through 8. West Salem’s Mathcounts program is coached by Tammy Bentzen and Sarah Weber. The National Competition will be held May 12-13 in Orlando, Florida. The top four individuals from the State competition will represent Wisconsin at the National Competition.

Octo- April Newsletter 7 School District of West Salem

School District of West Salem 11. Girl’s hockey lost in overtime during their sectional match on Regular School Board Meeting Minutes Friday. February 25, 2019 12. Boy’s hockey lost against Tomah on Saturday. Marie Heider Meeting Room Correspondence 7:00 p.m. A Proclamation by Carolyn Standford Taylor, State Superintendent Convene of Public Instruction, School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2018, was The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Vice President Syl read. Clements. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee Courier, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, Public comments – None. WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Written and Oral Reports Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, Policy Committee – Mrs. Griffin reported on the meeting held and district office on February 20, 2019. earlier tonight.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag District Strategic Initiatives update by the Business Operations Team Boy Scout Troop 77 led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge and Troy Gunderson were reviewed. Mr. Gunderson announced: of Allegiance and Ken Schlimgen recited the District Mission the resignation of Jeremy Yachwak-school nutrition. Statement. Elementary Staff Recognition – Mr. Rieber announced that Dayna Roll Call Andersen was nominated and selected by UW-La Crosse and Ashley Present: Syl Clements, Ken Schlimgen, Tom Grosskopf, Catherine Thornton was nominated and selected by Viterbo University for Griffin, Robin Fitzgerald, and Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield. Also Early Career Educator Awards. Anne Skaar was the months WXOW, in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Mike SSE Music, Brenengen Auto, and Dependable Solutions - Tools for Malott, and Ryan Rieber; Student representative: Rachel Newton. Schools winner. Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Jane Halverson and Dagan Hemker. Consent Agenda Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to approve the Approval of Agenda Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2019; the invoices Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to to be paid; the Open Enrollment requests for 18-19 school year as approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. presented; hire: high school softball coaches-Brian Babiash-head, Brittney Hodgson-assistant, Rod Hamilton-volunteer, Rob Hanson- Connection with the Community volunteer, and Michelle Babiash-volunteer; high school girls’ and Rachel Newton, Student Representative, reported on: boys’ track head coach-Katelyn Shepardson; middle school track 1. The Aquaponics class teamed up with the Advanced Foods class coaches-Nicole Friell, Ben Tashner, Sarah Weber and Bill Jensen; where students made salads with ingredients grown in the high 7th grade softball coach-Makenzie Becker and Ethan Ringlien, 8th school’s Aquaponics class grade softball coach Katie Fink; approve the WIAA Cooperatives 2. This past weekend, 5 West Salem High School art students had for 19-20 and 20-21 for hockey, gymnastics and wrestling; and their artwork shown in the West Central Youth Art Month Exhibit approve contracts for administrators as presented. Motion carried in Black River Falls. The students were Emma Hull, Reghan Sage, unanimously. Rachel Stein, Ada Hage, and Cristina Toro Garzon. Of those 5 students, 3 of them also had their work selected to hang in the State Discussion/Action Items: Capitol Rotunda Exhibit in Madison in April. The 3 students were Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky seconded to approve for Emma Hull, Rachel Stein, and Ada Hage a first reading of policy #422.1 Foreign Exchange Students as 3. Joe Wopat held his SEP on March 17. He hosted a wheelchair amended, #345.52 Commencement Ceremony, #522.71 Staff Use basketball all-star game with local celebrities and members of of Social Media, #529 District Vehicle Driver Requirements, #673 the community. He raised $1,167 for NASA, an organization that Payment Procedures, and #171.1 Public Notification of School Board supports individuals with disabilities. Meetings and Required Legal Notices. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Team 5019 Gearbox Heroes held a scrimmage at the middle school on March 16. NHS members were also there and helped out No action was taken on the first reading of Policy #723 Crisis Plan. with concessions, and Shanda Athnos sang the National Anthem 5. For their HOSA community awareness project, Madison Dutton, No action was taken on the first reading to reaffirm Policy #720 Anna Gorski, and Samantha Thompson collected one dollar on School Safety Policy. February 19th from students so they could carry around their backpacks for the day. They brought awareness to autism. Mrs. Griffin moved, Mr. Grosskopf seconded to accept the 6. Show Choir is holding their auditions today and tomorrow for administration’s recommendation to offer members of the next year’s group. professional teaching staff who qualify for Wisconsin Retirement 7. Division 2 State Wrestling results: Dalton Schams placed 2nd, Joe System and who qualify for the School District of West Salem post- Hess placed 6th and Aaron Bahr did not place. employment benefit an early retirement incentive of an additional 8. Girls’ basketball lost their regional match. 10% onto their post-employment benefit as presented. Motion 9. Boys’ basketball will have their first playoff game this Thursday. carried unanimously. 10. Gymnastics placed 2nd at sectionals this past Saturday and will be heading to state this Friday and Saturday. Board Development preparation for Board Retreat in March of 8 AprilOctober Newsletter Newsletter 2019. Mr. Gunderson provided the board members with the handout to 2nd place in Electronic Technology, and Samantha Quam took 2nd review prior to the retreat – Boards: Tolerate? Ignore? Embrace?. in Job Interview. 3. DECA has returned from state and is sending 14 students onto Administrative Action Items List – discussion was held and no action was the international conference: Ryan Schlimgen, Aaron Bahr, John taken. Glassmaker, Kylie Wright, Carissa Hass, Dani Miller, Julia Krien, Rayna Dressel, Kendra Ames, Abby Sharp, Kate Fitzgerald, Max Adjournment Mrs. Griffin moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to adjourn at Schumacher, Julia Stoleson, and Josie Hanson. 8:11 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Also, at state DECA, Max Schumacher and Julie Stoleson were elected as state officers to represent the State of Wisconsin. Respectfully submitted, 5. The National Honor Society is partnering with the BloodCenter of Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Clerk Wisconsin to host a blood drive on Thursday, March 14, from 8:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. School District of West Salem 6. The Robotics team competed at Duluth for the Northern Regular School Board Meeting Minutes Lights Regional Competition from Thursday to Saturday. With March 11, 2019 approximately 60 teams there, they placed 52nd. Marie Heider Meeting Room Correspondence – None. 7:00 p.m. Public comments – None. Convene The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Jane Written and Oral Reports Halverson. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee Courier, La Selection of Art Work – Middle School Art Teacher Angie Hemker Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW TV-19, WKBT-TV, invited board, administrators and district staff to select work from WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First Community Credit Union, the K-12 Honors Art Exhibit in the Heider Gallery to be displayed in St. Joe’s Country Market, River Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post the Heider Meeting Room for a year. Office, Village of West Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district office on March 7, 2019. Buildings & Grounds Committee – Mr. Clements reported on the events of the March 4 committee meeting. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Tom Grosskopf led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of CESA #4 Board of Control – Mrs. Halverson reported on the events Allegiance and Shawn Handland recited the District Mission of the Board’s last meeting. Statement. District Strategic Initiatives update by the Superintendent’s Cabinet Roll Call Team and Troy Gunderson were reviewed. Mr. Gunderson Present: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Ken Schlimgen, Tom announced: the hiring of Susan Kenyan as a limited term school Grosskopf, Catherine Griffin, and Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield. nutrition employee, and that Sharon Hindley will replace Sara Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy Gunderson, Ben Wopat, Patterson, who resigned, for the remainder of the school year. Mike Malott, Ryan Rieber, Deanna Wiatt, and Shawn Handland; Student representatives: Rachel Newton and Dagan Hemker. Approval of Agenda Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Robin Fitzgerald and Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve Eric Jensen. the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Connection with the Community Consent Agenda Rachel Newton, Student Representative, reported on: Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve the Regular 1. Reverend Richard Erikson, a part-time driver of bus #9 for West Board Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2019, as amended; the Salem has just published a children’s book about safety, simple facts, invoices to be paid; the retirement of High School English Teacher and excitement about riding a school bus. The profits from his book Wendi Hundt, and accepting the administration’s co-curricular go to the state to fund extracurricular activities or school sport costs recommendations: high school assistant track coach-Stacy Mitchell, for underprivileged local students, as well as Talking School Bus Laura Skemp-Deal, Anessa Holey, Tommy Friday, Matt Matel, Enterprises, an incorporation that benefits orphans in Cambodia. Samantha Rielly, Cole Murray; high school baseball- Charles Ihle 2. Auditions for the summer musical Annie are being held next (varsity head coach), Jason Holter, Trevor Kastenschmidt, Damian Tuesday, March 19. Wiblin (assistants); high school girls’ soccer assistant coach- 3. Ryan Nickles had a third-place finish in the Badger State Games Darwin Carranza; high school boys’ golf head coach-Jim Klos; Trap Shooting Competition. second semester assistant play director-Elle Nimm. Motion carried 4. Spring sports practices have begun. unanimously.

Dagan Hemker, Student Representative, reported on: Discussion/Action Items: 1. Members from Youth Frontiers went over to a few kindergarten Terri Lenselink, President of the Heider Center Arts Board Inc., classrooms and helped out teachers in their classrooms and presented a request to have enhanced concessions in the Heider interacted with the students on Thursday, March 7, and will continue Center for the 19-20 season. Mr. Clements moved, Mr. Grosskopf to do so every other Thursday. seconded to approve the request for the Heider Center Arts Board 2. Skills USA students participated in a competition during the Inc. to have enhanced concessions, sell alcohol, for the event in weekend of March 2, Dan Schwarz placed 1st, Ethan Ashbeck took February 2020. A roll vote was taken: Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield,

April Newsletter 9 School District of West Salem

School District of West Salem Regular School Board Meeting Minutes March 11, 2019 continued... Marie Heider Meeting Room 7:00 p.m. Aye; Mr. Clements, Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye; Mrs. Griffin, Nay; Mr. Grosskopf, Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Nay. Motion carried. (4-Ayes, 2-Nays)

Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to accept donations from the American Legion Post 51, Friends of Baseball and La Crosse Community Foundation for the baseball team, and from SSE Music, Dependable Solutions and Brenengen Chevrolet for Anne Skaar/elementary school/Tools for Schools. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to approve for a first reading of policy #821.5 District Use of Social Media and #361.1 Acceptable Use of Technology. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to approve for a second reading of policy #422.1 Foreign Exchange Students, #3345.52 Commencement Ceremony, #522.71 Staff use of Social Media, #529 District Vehicle Requirements, #673 Payment Procedures, and #171.1 Public Notifications of School Board Meetings and Required Legal Notices. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to accept the bid and select Bernie Buchner for the elementary HVAC upgrade. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve the part- time custodian to be shared with the Boys & Girls Club as presented, and to amend the contract with the Boys & Girls Club to reflect the cost sharing of the custodian. Motion carried unanimously.

A draft of the 2019-2020 budget process following the election on April 2, 2019, was reviewed by Mr. Gunderson for financial planning purposes.

The list of to do items / information requests was reviewed and recommended updates were noted. No action was taken.

Adjournment Mrs. Griffin moved, Mrs. Kopnisky-Bloomfield seconded to adjourn at 7:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Clerk

10 AprilOctober Newsletter Newsletter School District of West Salem NOTICE OF ELECTION SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WEST SALEM APRIL 2, 2019

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the School District of West Salem on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, the following question will be submitted to a vote of the people:

“Shall the School District of West Salem, La Crosse County, Wisconsin be au- thorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,600,000 for the 2019-2020 school year, by $1,800,000 for the 2020-2021 school year and by $1,900,000 for the 2021-2022 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining educational programming and facilities?”

A copy of the entire text of the resolution directing submission of the question set forth above to the electorate and information concerning District boundaries can be obtained from the District Clerk at the School District offices located at 405 East Hamlin Street, West Salem, Wisconsin 54669.

Acceptable photo ID will be required to vote at this election. If you do not have a photo ID you may obtain a free ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Persons with questions regarding the referendum election should contact Troy M. Gunderson, Dis- trict Administrator.

Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield District Clerk

April Newsletter 11 School District of West Salem School District of West Salem Location and Hours of Polling Place ALL POLLS OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.

At the Spring Election to be held on April 2, 2019, in the County of La Crosse, the following polling place locations will be used for the Municipalities and Districts

MUNICIPALITY LOCATION BANGOR Town Hall – N4400 State Rd. 162 BARRE Town Hall – W3541 County Rd. M, La Crosse BURNS Town Hall – W1313 Jewett Rd., Bangor FARMINGTON Town Hall – N8309 County Rd. C Mindoro GREENFIELD Town Hall – N1800 Town Hall Rd, La Crosse ( St. Joseph’s Ridge) HAMILTON Town Hall – N5105 N Leonard St., West Salem MEDARY Town Hall – N3393 Smith Valley Rd., La Crosse SHELBY Town Hall – Annex – 2801 Ward Ave., La Crosse WASHINGTON Town Hall – Newburgs Corner Hwy 33 VILLAGE OF WEST SALEM Community Center – 175 South Leonard St., West Salem

The School District of West Salem Board of Education Candidates are Melinda Kopnisky-Bloomfield, Sean Gavaghan, Ken Schlimgen, and Tom Grosskopf.

ALL POLLING PLACES WILL OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M. All polling places are accessible to elderly and disabled voters. Go to https://myvote.wi.gov/ to see if you are registered to vote, locate your polling place, and to find your district. At the close of voting on Election Day, pursuant to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.84, the Election Inspectors at each polling place will convene as the Local Canvassing Board for the purpose of conducting the local canvass pursuant to Wis. Stat. §7.51. This meeting will be open to the public pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 19.81- 89.

12 AprilOctober Newsletter Newsletter School District of West Salem PTO Science Night On Monday, March 18, students from West Salem the amazing things that wind can do such as demon- Elementary got to take an up close look at some fun strating how it moves using wind socks, how air pres- science experiments during the annual PTO Science sure can break a board and how to create a vacuum in a Night where the theme was “Earth, Wind and Fire.” bottle. Mr. Byom really got our students’ attention when High school science staff gave a variety of presentations he demonstrated how different elements can change the on how these elements work to create interesting phe- color of a fire. It was an exciting and eye-opening night nomena in our everyday world. Mrs. Stenberg showed of fun for our students! Thank you High School science students how tornadoes work using two liter bottles and staff and the WSHS National Honor Society students Mrs. Key showed students the mechanisms behind a for putting on such a great event! volcano erupting. Mr. Rueckheim showed students all

Did You Know? Carrots were originally grown as medicine and not food!

Check out videos and photos of the innovative things happening in your student’s classroom at our district Facebook page and Twitter page. Our social media features videos of student activities, teacher features, classroom selfie photos, etc...

For WSHS athletic events, visit our Check out our Facebook page website: @SchoolDistrictofWestSalem *click Calendars and then and *click Coulee Conference Follow us on Twitter You can also set yourself up to receive @WestSalemSD automatic text or e-mail notifications for any of the activities listed OR subscribe to RSS.

April Newsletter 13 11 School District of West Salem NONPROFIT ORG. 405 East Hamlin Street U.S. POSTAGE West Salem, WI 54669 PAID WEST SALEM, WI PERMIT NO. 38

#WeAreWS

Keeping taxes lower than most area districts area most than lower taxes Keeping •

Sharing how referendum funds would be used be would funds referendum how Sharing •

Limiting the referendum to a three-year term three-year a to referendum the Limiting •

Maintaining a quality educational experience educational quality a Maintaining •

In preparation for the upcoming referendum, the school board has focused on four key areas: key four on focused has board school the referendum, upcoming the for preparation In

2022. 2022.

is seeking permission to exceed the revenue limit by $1,600,000 in 2020, $1,800,000 in 2021 and $1,900,000 in in $1,900,000 and 2021 in $1,800,000 2020, in $1,600,000 by limit revenue the exceed to permission seeking is

state-imposed revenue limit for the purpose of funding district operating expenses. The Board of Education Education of Board The expenses. operating district funding of purpose the for limit revenue state-imposed The School District of West Salem will hold a referendum on April 2, 2019, seeking permission to exceed the the exceed to permission seeking 2019, 2, April on referendum a hold will Salem West of District School The Vote April 2 April Vote