CHALK TALK A newsletter for employees of the DeForest Area School District November 2006

Don't miss this special presentation! CONTENTS Health & Wellness News ...... 1 Staff Stuff...... 2 "Seven Nutrition Habits of Highly Healthy People" Tech News ...... 5 presented by Donna Weihofen Student Spotlight...... 5

November 30, 2006 DASD . . . 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Online www.deforest.k12.wi.us District Office Conference Room Board Agendas & Minutes Professional Development Info Staff Resources Forms The Staff Health and Wellness Nationally recognized for her Committee is sponsoring a workshop on engaging, informative and practical healthy nutrition habits. Mark the date presentations on nutrition, Donna is also and time on your calendars and plan to known as the “Nutrition Magician” and is attend this informative and entertaining the author of five popular books. Two of presentation. The committee will focus the books will be available for sale at the The mission of the DeForest Area on nutrition and healthy eating habits workshop: Mom’s Updated Recipe Box School District is to provide an during November and will have other ($15) and Mom’s Updated Quick Meals excellent education by engaging, nutrition information available for staff Recipe Box ($15). Donna shares her challenging, and inspiring all throughout the month. expertise on regular television interviews, students to pursue their full Donna Weihofen, and speaks at conventions and workshops potential. Senior Nutritionist, throughout the country. Listen as she University of works her magic and turns the audience Wisconsin Hospitals into “highly healthy people.” CHALK TALK & Clinics, will Donna says, “One of my favorite A newsletter for employees of the DeForest Area School District present a fast-paced, activities is creating new recipes for my interesting program television programs and testing them Chalktalk is a newsletter published that motivates out on family and friends. I appear to each month for employees of the audiences to make practice what I teach concerning good DeForest Area School District. Its healthy, tasty food choices. nutritional habits, although I am known purpose is to foster communication Get answers to several health for my “sweet tooth”. Being a practical among district staff, by providing questions . . . Do we really have to nutritionist, I know that depriving oneself information and sharing ideas and follow that old food guide pyramid? Is of chocolate can lead to deviant behavior, accomplishments. pasta really so bad? Do I need to give so I have learned to budget certain All employees are encouraged to up coffee? Should I take a vitamin? essential sweets from the top of the submit articles. How about herbal supplements? Do pyramid into a healthy diet.” Debbie Brewster, Coordinator I have to drink milk? What is better Please pre register with Jean School/Community Relations - butter or margarine? What are the best Bystol to ensure that we have enough cancer fighting foods? Will eating at handouts available. The DeForest Area School District does not night make me fat? Is chocolate a new Contact Vickie Laughren, Wellness discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, health food? Will red wine save my Coordinator, if you have any questions. national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, heart and improve my mental health? marital or parental status, sexual orientation, Check out some of her recipes at http: or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap in employment and its //www.channel3000.com/donnasrecipes More health and wellness news on page 2. educational programs and activities. STAFF STUFF

2006-07 DASD Health & Wellness Topics for 2006-07 health and October Exercise - walking, biking, pilates classes (These programs are currently running - contact Jean Bystol wellness for more information) activities November Nutritious Food - Healthy Snacks, Quick Dinners, Brown Bag Lunches, Great American Smokeout The Staff Health and Wellness December Stress Reduction Committee wants to increase your awareness of health issues and help you January Healthy Eating Habits and Weight Loss to improve your own personal wellness. Wellness is being aware of and actively February Healthy Heart Month - relationships, dancing, jump working towards better health. To roping, cross-country skiing help you achieve this, the committee designated focus topics for each of the March Smart Nutrition - food labels, what’s in fast food, calorie remaining months of the school year. burning, sharing recipes They are listed at right. A complete list of activities that will April Mental Health - Humor, co-worker relationships, take place throughout the school year is balance work/home responsibilities also included below. If you have any questions, please May Exercising- Biking, walking, Relay For Life, exercising habits contact Vickie Laughren at ext. 6521 or for summer months Jean Bystol at ext. 6522.

More!

Ongoing health & wellness activities

Wellness Newsletter - One of the first steps in maintaining health is learning and understanding more about it. I will be sending out a Health and Wellness Newsletter once a month that will focus on various wellness topics and will include practical, usable health and fitness tips. The newsletter will highlight related activities and events that are sponsored by the District for that month.

Wellness Library - We have a library in the Human Resources Office of wellness books, exercise DVDs and healthy recipe books that employees can check out from Jean Bystol. If you have wellness-related materials that you would be willing to donate to our library, drop them off. If you would like them back, please label them clearly with your name.

Tuesday - Exercise classes - Back by popular demand is the Tuesday exercise class with Kelly Olson. The first session will be Pilates. Classes will be held each Tuesday at 4:15 in the large group room at the Middle School. Cost for the 8-week course is $5.00 per person, payable at the first meeting. Please contact Jean Bystol to register for this class.

Wednesday - Weight Loss Group. With wellness grant funds from last year the District purchased a scale so we have the ability to hold FREE weight loss sessions. The group meets once a week at 4:15 to share recipes, nutrition and weight-loss tips; weigh in; and offer support to one another. Please contact Jean Bystol if you are interested in participating in the group.

Thursday - Walking Group - Fall is a beautiful time of the year for walking. Employees are invited to meet at district office each Thursday at 4:15 for a thirty-minute walk around the community. Bring a friend and join us for a low-impact way to burn calories. Enjoy the combined benefits of exercise and social interaction with other staff members. A great way to unwind after a day at work! Please contact Vickie Laughren if you are interested in this activity.

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Teacher of the Year CowParade Who are these Windsor Elementary School scary folks? students and staff are sending Craney to buy a cow!

Windsor students and staff have a mission! They want to help children at UW Children’s Hospital, and bring Windsor artist, Julie Hustad’s cow home. Students, staff and Windsor families are raising money for the school to Middle school teacher Anne bid on Hustad’s cow, which is part of Tredinnick was recently named Middle this summer’s CowParade Wisconsin. District Offi ce celebrates School Wisconsin Teacher of the Year for More than 100 painted, costumed and the 2006-07 school year. Halloween with a pot whimsically transformed CowParade luck luncheon. Tredinnick was one of four educators cows are currently grazing in Madison who teach in Wisconsin’s PK-12 public and its surrounding areas including schools to receive the honor. According Fitchburg and Sun Prairie. Julie Hustad to State Superintendent Elizabeth is a local artist and resident of Windsor, Burmaster, “These Teachers of the Year whose current middle school student Yahara is in the "Pink" exemplify the many fi ne educators who attended Windsor Elementary School. work with our students every school Sponsored by the Portage Daily Register, Yahara Elementary School staff day.” “They make it their educational Hustad designed and created “Cowpiary". (pictured below) and students went mission to give their best, to help our A live auction will be held on “Passionately Pink for the Cure” on children learn by doing, and to inspire November 10 at the Alliant Energy Center October 20 … the cure for breast the reluctant learner through creative where 50 of the cows from CowParade cancer, that is. Each adult was invited teaching, innovative strategies, and Wisconsin will be sold to wear pink and to donate $5 or more student mentoring.” to the highest bidders. to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Last spring, Tredinnick was a recipient Windsor Student Foundation in honor of breast cancer of the Herb Kohl Education Foundation Council members came awareness month. Students joined in on Teacher Fellowships. Anne Tredinnick up with a unique way to the fun as well, wearing their favorite pink has been a fi fth-grade mathematics, conduct the fundraiser. outfi t. The event raised $640, according science, and reading teacher at De Forest The students held to Karen Klosterman, kindergarten teacher Area Middle School since 2001. She a “Penny Drive” from September 28 at Yahara and event organizer. previously taught in Windsor, Barneveld, through October 1, whereby each and St. Louis, Mo. She earned her morning students put their pennies into elementary education degree, with a jugs. The class with the most money won specialization in math and science, from a prize. the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a master of education in professional development from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Eagle Point staff mentor students

Twenty EP/HEC staff members are participating in a new mentoring program where they are building stronger connections with individual students. Linda Bergh has organized this program and has planned monthly activities for Tim Hopping is wearing the group to participate in. For October, pink socks, and Jerry mentors and mentees decorated pumpkins. Lapp is sporting a pink mohawk!

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Congratulations Superintendent Bales! Honored by Illinois State University

Dr. Jon R. Bales, superintendent for the DeForest Area School District, was inducted into the Illinois State University’s College of Education Hall of Fame on October 14. Andrea Anders, a 1993 graduate of The honor is awarded to alumni of DeForest Area High School, spoke to high the College of Education who have made school students in the Performing Arts significant contributions to the field. Dr. Center on Tuesday, October 24. Bales was honored for his work as an Andrea is currently playing Nicole advocate on issues of effectiveness of Allen in the CBS show, “The Class,” educational systems and for his support and implementation of programs for both An administrator of Davenport traditional and nontraditional students Community School District for 21 of all ages. A community leader, he was years before moving to Wisconsin, Dr. instrumental in the successful passage of the Bales became superintendent of the DeForest Area School District’s referendum DeForest Area School District in 1998. in 2000 – a direct result of his active support He received a bachelor’s degree in for an open dialog between the district’s educational administration, and an Ed. board, administration and key stakeholders S. degree in educational administration in the community. from Western Illinois University. Dr. Bales has served as president of He earned a Ph. D. in educational both regional and statewide education leadership and policy from Illinois State and community boards and recently University in 1997 and was a Fulbright was appointed president-elect of the Exchange Scholar in 2001. Selected Wisconsin Association of School District as DeForest Area Citizen of the year Administrators. He is a member of the in 2004, he has served on several area which airs on Mondays at 7:30. Madison Area Technical College (MATC) boards including the DeForest Area Andrea Anders is best known to District Board where he works closely with Chamber of Commerce, Workforce television audiences for her role as Alex the Workforce Development Board of South Development Board of South Central Garrett in the comedy “Joey.” Her other Central Wisconsin to ensure students are Wisconsin and both the Dane County television credits include “Law & Order,” prepared for a successful future and serves and DeForest Area Library Boards, “Tru Calling,” “Oz,” “” as an advocate and liaison between K-12 the MATC District Board and the and "". She also appeared in and the state’s technical colleges. Wisconsin Association of School the feature film “The Stepford Wives.” District Administrators. Anders is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1997. She received her Master of Fine Arts from Welcome Becky Terry! Rutgers University in 2001. Welcome Becky Terry, our district's new Food Services Anders currently lives in . Supervisor. Becky started her new position in September. Becky comes to us from St. Clare Hospital and Health Services where she served as nutrition services director for six years. Prior to that she served as food service supervisor for Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and recently finished an MBA There are many ways of through Cardinal Stritch University with thesis emphasis on going forward, but only one way of reducing childhood obesity. Becky is a registered dietitian and has certification in state sanitation-food manager. standing still. On a personal note, Becky got married in August. She enjoys traveling, going to —Franklin D. Roosevelt Badger football games, scrapbooking, and playing with her cat, Arthur.

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ISTAP Aligning curriculum and The August inservice technology standards for information sessions offered staff a chance to work on their ISTAP skills goals. The session and technology literacy topics were based on actual ISTAP goals The K-4 Technology and Information Literacy and although there were many positive alignment was approved by LIT on September 22. This document outlines which outcomes, we’re working on new ways to technology and information literacy skills are covered at which grade level and to what meet the needs of all staff. extent. If you’ve met either of The Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Information and Technology Literacy your ISTAP goals (skills are meant to be integrated through the curriculum and cover a wide range of skills: or integration), log in and computers, libraries, research, cooperative groups, and responsibility for one’s own finish a quick reflection to learning . . . everything from creating a word processing document to returning library complete the process. Starting at the books on time. DASD web page, click on For Staff >> The alignment process for grades 5-12 will begin this fall with school technology Resources Links for Staff. You’ll see committees at DAMS and DAHS. a link to ISTAP at the top of the page. Log in using your email address as the username and your phone extension as Don't forget to order your DASD staff your password. If you have questions, please contact apparel through the Korner E-Store! Kim Bannigan (6537) or Howard Draheim (6536). Watch for more face- • Orders will be done though DAHS Korner E-Store. A link is available to-face sessions and other professional on the staff page of the DASD website - www.deforest.k12.wi.us. development opportunities via email and the “Mini-sessions” link on the For Staff • Free Shipping? Yes on all orders placed by Friday November 10. Normal orders page. on the site are shipped directly to the buyer, but this order will be shipped to the Korner Store saving you $$$ and then forwarded directly on to you.

• Use the promo code “Staff” to add the word “Staff” below your school’s logo, Just for fun! to receive a 10% discount, and to receive free shipping. All school’s Logo’s are on the sight. If you want a thread color change, just request that during your checkout process. Wisconsin Trivia Go Norskies! 1. What is Wisconsin's oldest college? STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 2. Who is the U.S. Senator famous for his "golden fleece The DeForest Area award"? High School pom squad 3. Where in Wisconsin was earned several awards at a summer camp they Liberace born? attended at the University 4. Where did artist Georgia of Wisconsin- Green Bay. O'Keefe grow up? 5. Which Wisconsin city is considered to be the Ginseng capital of the world? Answers on page 8. L-R: Kayla Warmuth, Kristi Herman, Katie LaRue, Kendra Womack, Samantha English, Mary Beth Nakkula, Coach Laura Bussie, Katie Gretebeck, Brianne Warmuth, Brandi Kaltenberg, Brianna McHugh, Anna Nakkula, and Danielle Spahn.

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Tim Onsager accounced the Norski Students of the Month for September. Teachers nominate students based on such attributes as academic progress, attitude, effort, behavior, character and responsibility. Sitting, L-R: Ashton Harris, Tiffany DuVall, Tamra Stoltenberg, Cara Conway. Standing L-R: Ginny Hesness, Karin Bussian, Matthew Willison, Phoebe Jan-McMahon, Josh Bauhs, Sammy Cotton, Becca Kelsey, and Jessica Bubolz.

Over 250 fathers and hundreds of students at YES participated in the annual Donuts for Dad held on October 4.

First grade student Destiny Crump attends Windsor Elementary School’s Open House with her mother, aunt and grandparents. The Open EPES Reading Rascals began in House was held on Thursday, September. Adult volunteers work one-on- September 28. one with first graders.

David Masak recently worked on an Eagle On Friday, October 6th DeForest Area Scout Project at the Big Hill. The project Fire and EMS volunteers visited with first included creating a path to one of the grade and kindergarten students at Yahara ponds at the Hill. He mulched the path, Elementary. They also visited with Eagle Point Elementary School students on created a stairway leading to the water Thursday, October 12. They showed students their firefighting clothing, the fire trucks (for water testing and observation), and and tools, and an ambulance. Firefighters also taught students about fire safety and built a sign and Aldo Leopold bench for what to do in an emergency. the site.

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Jan Windsor students in Christianson, Mrs. Bauer's class kindergarten estimate how much teacher at they think has been YES, walks raised for bidding on with a student the "Cowpiary" and during the ultimately donating school's to the UW Children's annual Hospital. Halloween Parade.

About 430 Yahara Elementary School students, teachers and parents braved 25-mile-an-hour winds and frigid weather Students in Debi Shepherd-Wundrow’s sixth grade reading class created storybooks and on Friday, October 13, for the school’s delivered them to Jean Schaefer’s kindergarten class at Eagle Point Elementary School. annual Walk/Run.

Students & staff celebrate MOYA Students and staff at DeForest Area Middle School celebrated MOYA, Month of the Young Adolescence. Their Safe Schools Committee sponsored several activities throughout the month of October.

“Express Yourself Locker Decoration” contest winners - L to R—Shania Brandt Over 300 students attended the middle DAMS Norki Spirit Day Winners (grade 5), Mackenzie Spurgat (grade 6), school fall festival after school on Brock Allen (grade 5), Jacy Gnacinski Ashley Williamson-Ripp (grade 7) and Friday, October 13. Parents held several (grade 6), Ashley Williamson-Ripp (grade Rebecca Kurtzweil (grade 8). activities throughout the school, including 7) and Derek Mathias (grade 8). board games, a cupcake walk, hula hoop, Karaoke, basketball, volleyball, arts and crafts, golf ball games and dance revolution.

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The Eagle Point Elementary School PTO held their annual Book Fair during Open House in September. Jessica Doyle recently visited Windsor Elementary School to talk about the "Where in Wisconsin is Jessica Doyle" EPES and WES take "Pledge" game. Students, staff, and parents from Eagle Point and Windsor Elementary Schools took the "Hands Pledge" during a special assembly during their Healthy Choices Week at the end of October. Several community members also showed their support by taking the pledge with students.

Windsor students wore special "hands Hands Pledge pledge" t-shirts to celebrate making this healthy choice. "I will not use my hands or my words to hurt myself or Bucky Badger made a surprise visit to take others." the pledge with students.

Windsor guidance counselor Stefanie Nelson talks to students about the taking the "pledge."

Answers to Wisconsin Trivia questions on page 5: 1. Carroll College 2. William Proxmire 3. West Allis 4. Sun Prairie Students from New Reflections Alternative Eagle Point students and staff pose for a 5. Wausau Program took the pledge with students. photo in the shape of a hand.

8 9 WE’VE DONE IT AGAIN THIS YEAR!!! Because of YOU participating in “What Matters” in our community, we have set new records for our district's United Way Campaign. We surpassed last year’s giving total by $150 for a total of almost $9500. Over 27% of our staff donated this year - that's a 1.5% increase from last year. Thanks to all who gave so gererously to our campaign. Thanks also to our building coordinators who put in extra time in this year’s efforts: Barb Anderson (HEC & DO), Pam Dudley (EPES), Deb Mason (WES), Peter Steil (YES), Tim Hopping (MES), Chris Micklos (DMS), and Judi Walsh (DHS).

~ Jim Kohlmetz

DeForest Area School District 520 E. Holum Street DeForest, WI 53532 (608) 842-6500

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