The Oakfield Difference Message from Mr

The Oakfield

Our Roots Run Deep - Our Branches Stretch Far Difference May 2021 Oakfield School District, PO Box 99, Oakfield, WI 53065 Oakfield Little Free Library Refurbished The Oakfield Little Free Library, located in front of the Oakfield High School Patio, has been closed since May 1, but reopened on Saturday morn- ing, May 15. The tiny lending library was removed in order to be cleaned, refurbished and reloaded with books, magazines, small puzzles and DVD movies. Denise and Mark Shaffer of Second Street have become its stewards, and will give it monthly updates with fresh and seasonal books and materials. A variety of items available in the library are appropriate for Oakfield Citizens of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens to adults. Cheryl Kutcher, re- tired Oakfield art teacher, is adding her talent to the project by painting the little house bright colors so that it is easily seen from the street. “Our little library houses fantasy, history, romance, cook and picture books and fiction for readers,” says Mark Shaffer. “In the movie department it features fairy tales, westerns, cartoons, travel and seasonal selections for all ages. The idea of the library is to ‘take one, leave one.’ This keeps the cir- culation fresh and changing all the time. It’s also a good way to pass along books you like and own but don’t have a need to keep any more. On Saturday, May 15, from 10AM until noon Oakfield Little Free Li- brary visitors were greeted at the renovated public library by Denise Shaffer, co-steward of the library, and be rewarded with a surprise for attending it’s “re-opening!” “We are hoping for a warm, sunny day and a lot of smiling faces!” Shaffer concludes. Dates to Know (TENTATIVE ONLY based on COVID-19 conditions) Graduation June 4, 2021

FREE Highlights BREAKFAST & Permit No. 4 No. Permit Oakfield, WI PAGE 2: Principals Message LUNCH Non Profit Org Profit Non ECRWSSEDDM U.S. Postage PAID Postage U.S. PAGE 3: Distrtict Administrator Message FOR ALL STUDENTS! PAGE 4: Retirements Oakfield WI PAGE 5: OES Free meals for any child 18 and under. Curbside: For details and weekly registration go to A’viands PAGE 6: OHS Food Service link (Virtual Pick Up) on the district website. Pick up each Monday June 7- August 23 PAGE 7: 2021 Senior Spotlights Summer School: June 14-July 9th PAGE 8: 2021 Prom Breakfast served on site daily. Daily lunch & Friday meals sent home via backpack. PAGE 9: 2021 School Board Minutes

POSTAL PATRON POSTAL PAGE 10: Markings On Our Land View Your School Menus at

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PAGE 12: Communication Form/Calendar 2 May 2021 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGES The Oakfield Difference Message From Mr. Brown According to the laws of aerodynamics the bumblebee cannot fly. Its body is too big and its wings are too small. But the bumblebee, ignorant of the laws of physics, flies and makes a bit of honey everyday. Our school year was challenged to even get off the ground. COVID, masking requirements, line tracing, COVID testing, hybrid schedule, block classes, virtual instruction, Zoom meetings, Canvas and Google, and that was even before the school year began. Staff and student quarantines, short- ened sport seasons and even one shutdown. It has been a stressful school year. Staff were stretched, we have many teachers out for various reasons and lots and lots of substitutes in our building. We should not have been able to fly. And there were many moving parts to our day. Lunches looked different, student interaction was decreased and we did not come together as an entire building once. Social distancing was difficult on all of us. In spite of the odds, we persevered. Our entire learning community and the Village of Oakfield came together. We did not fight or argue. We did what we could to benefit our students. Classroom learning looked different, but our kids received instruction and learned. We held homecoming and prom - in a different way - but worked to celebrate our students and community. We are now streaming our end of year events so all of our loved ones can see our great students receive recognition for their efforts. Things are different and we are excited to return to normal as soon as possible. I am proud of our accomplishments this year. Our staff was incredible and deserve to be thanked and honored for their work. Our students were solid and continue to be the best part of our district. Our parents and community were supportive and should be recognized for their grace and acceptance of our limitations and requirements this year. We are better together. Like the bumblebee, we should not have been able to fly. AND like the bumblebee we flew, and students learned while we made a bit of honey everyday. Thank you for your support. Please reach out if there is ever anything I can do to make our district stronger. It is an honor to serve the families of Oakfield.

Timothy J. Brown MS/HS Principal School District of Oakfield [email protected] (920) 583-3958 Message from Mrs. Doyle The best way to sum up the school year is WE DID IT! YOU DID IT! THE STUDENTS DID IT! Wow, it has been quite a ride this year, but we all worked together to support students and to keep kids in school ALL YEAR, well, except one virtual snow day. However, that was on Mother Nature, not us.

When we opened the doors to the elementary school on September 1, 2020, our main goals were to keep OES students healthy, safe, and learning in-person as long as we possibly could. We also made sure parents had the option for virtual learning for those students who weren’t ready to return to in-person learning yet. Now, we have all students back in your building to end the school year. It feels GREAT! Thank you again for all your patience, understanding, support, and communication this year. Every storm is followed by a rainbow, we sure had a few “storms” along this journey, but we had a lot more “rainbows” to celebrate.

All kids need summer, and time to unwind. Parents need it too. However, the students have worked super hard to rebuild their academic skills this school year, so don’t let the “summer slide” cause your child to fall backwards in their skills. Spending 30 - 45 minutes a day on reading, writing, and math sure can make a difference. Below are a few ideas to keep your child growing during the summer months: Read a books together Visit the public library and join their reading program Use the iReady website to continue individual student learning Play board games or card games using math skills Write letters to teachers, friends, family members Keep a journal between a child and a parent Attend summer school Participate in the OES Summer Challenge

Have a wonderful, healthy, fun-filled summer!

2021-2022 School District of Oakfield Academic Calendar Aug/Sept 2021 February 2022 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 August 24, 25, 26 No School--Teacher Professional Development 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 August 25, 2021 District Open House 4pm-6pm 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 September 1, 2021 First Day of School 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 September 6, 2021 Labor Day--No School 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 October 8, 2021 No School--Teacher Professional Development 26 27 28 29 30 October 19 & 21, 2021 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm Oakfield Elementary October 22, 2021 Parent Teacher Conferences 8-11:30am--No School 920-583-3146 October 2021 March 2022 November 24, 2021 Early Release (2 hours early) Normal Day Schedule: 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 November 25-26, 2021 Thanksgiving Break--No School 8:00 a.m.-3:15 p.m. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 November 29, 2021 No School--Teacher Professional Development 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 December 23, 2021 Early Release (2 hours early) Oakfield Middle/High School 17 18 PT 19 20 PT 21 22 23 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 December 24, 2021-December 31, 2022 Winter Break--No School 920-583-3141 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 January 3, 2022 No School--Teacher Professional Development Normal Day Schedule: 31 January 17, 2022 No School--Teacher Professional Development 8:00 a.m.-3:25 p.m. November 2021 April 2022 February 21, 2022 No School--Teacher Professional Development 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 TBD Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm Ms. Tracey Conners 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 March 21, 2022-March 25, 2022 Spring Break--No School District Administrator 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 April 15, 2022 Good Friday--No School 920-583-2226 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 April 18, 2022 No School--Teacher Professional Development 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May 30, 2022 Memorial Day--No School Mr. Timothy Brown June 3, 2022 Last Day of School-early release (2 hours early)-Graduation MS/HS Principal December 2021 May 2022 June 6, 2022 Teacher Workday 920-583-3958 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 * denotes end of semester MS/HS Mrs. Becky Doyle 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ** denotes end of trimester elementary school Elementary School Principal 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 920-583-3146 26 27 28 29 30 31 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 175 student days Mrs. Holly Rabe January 2022 School Psychologist/ 1 June 2022 Director of Special Education 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 920-583-3146 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Mr. Doug Mock 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS/HS Activities Director/Phy Ed 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 920-583-4599 School Day No School

Johnson Bus Service Teacher Professional Development-no school Mr. Nick Straks First/Last Day of school District Open House 920-210-6404 PT-Parent Teacher Conference Snow Make-Up Days Oakfield Child Care/Learning Center SP-Spring Parent Meeting To be determined Director-Bre Reis Board approved 3.8.2021 920-583-2648 The Oakfield Difference DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE May 2021 3 Message from Dr. Dalzin Dear Oakfield School District Community Residents, As I am writing this article, it is bittersweet as it is the last time I will develop one for the Oakfield Difference. With that said, I would like to thank Mr. Huebel and the Oakfield High School Publications class for putting the community newspaper together each month! A few updates: • Ms. Conners (the new Oakfield District Administrator) will officially start July 1. Everything I have heard about her is she has great skill. She will do a great job and is lucky to inherit a great staff, community and student body. Please be as welcoming to her as you were to me five years ago. Thank you for that. • The District is working with Nexus Solutions to conduct a facility assessment for the MS/HS. That should be completed by the end of this summer. • Congratulations to middle school social studies teacher, Mr. Ronca, as he will be retiring after 33 years in the District. He has made such a difference for so many students. Thank you, Bob! • I am proud that we have kept our students safe this year by implementing various mitigation strategies. I realize the hybrid schedule at the middle/ high school was challenging but we continue to focus on safety and student learning. • On June 4, we will graduate the class of 2021, which has been an exceptional class! We also welcome the 4K class of 2035! It is so exciting to think about how their educational experience will change. I am very proud of what we have accomplished as a learning community in the past five years. This has included: 1. Achieving the status of being rated as Significantly Exceeds Expectations by the Department of Public Instruction for two of the past years districts have been rated. 2. Increasing academic and co-curricular opportunities for students. 3. Improving the financial stability of the school district by passing an operational referendum. 4. Completing over $2 million on facility projects (new science classroom, updated fitness center, new classroom, new flooring and windows, carpeting in all classrooms, and updated bathrooms to name a few examples. 5. Increasing open enrollment by 34 students since 2015. There is still much work to be done as the School District of Oakfield but I am so glad to have been a small part on the journey. Keep your eye on Oakfield; we are well on our journey of becoming the best small school district in Wisconsin.

With Pride and Respect, Dr. Vance Dalzin District Administrator [email protected] office: 920-583-2226 cell: 262-497-2661 http//twitter.com/DalzinEd Youth Leadership

Congratulations to Adi

Moser who recently com-

pleted the Youth Leadership Our Roots Run Deep – Our Branches Stretch Far

Fond du Lac through Envi-

sion Greater Fond du Lac. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE Adi spent the past 7 months 2021-2022

learning about many different

aspects of government, small Monday, May 10, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual business and leadership. Monday, May 24, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC Monday, June 14, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC Monday, July 12, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC Monday, August 9, 2021 Summer Workshop/Retreat 4:00-8:00 p.m. OES IMC Monday, August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC FFA Monday, September 13, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual By Bryanna Smith, FFA Reporter Monday, September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC Even with COVID, the FFA has still Monday, October 11, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual been able to do somewhat normal events. Monday, October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC Monday, October 25, 2021 Annual Meeting/Budget Hearing 6:30 p.m. OES IMC A few weeks ago we had our annual FFA Monday, November 8, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual banquet where we said goodbye to our Monday, November 22, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC 2020-2021 president Blake Justmann. We Monday, December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC know you’ll move to do great things in Monday, January 10, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual the next chapter of your life Blake! At the Monday, January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC banquet we also had the installation of Monday, February 7, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual Monday, February 21, 2022 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC our 2021-2022 officer team. Cami Patten Monday, March 14, 2022 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC - President, Emalie Seagar - Vice Presi- Monday, April 11, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 p.m. Virtual dent, Savana Kintzler - Secretary, Megan Monday, April 25, 2022 Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m. OES IMC Kottke - Treasurer, Bryanna Smith - Reporter, Molly Miller - Sentinel, Marissa Kottke - Historian, and last but not least, Megan Miller - Parliamentar- ian. Congrats Ladies! We would like to say a special thank you to Oakfield Community Blood Drive everyone who purchased something from our plant sale. It was a July 9, 2021 huge hit! This July we will have a few members attending the State Oakfield Community Center FFA Convention. We will also be having students exhibiting at the Fond du Lac County Fair in July. 12:30-5:30 pm Best of luck to those showing! Members are looking forward (Please call the Red Cross to schedule an appointment) to attending other fun events throughout the summer. 4 May 2021 RETIREMENTS The Oakfield Difference Dr. Vance Dalzin Where did you go to college? UW Whitewater - Bachelors, UW Milwaukee - Masters, Edgewood - Doctorate

What degrees have you obtained? Bachelors In Education: History, Government, Sociology Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership

How many years have you been in education? 34 years

What other school districts have you worked in? Principal at Whitewater High School for 12 years Superintendent for 2 other school districts Superintendent for School District of Oakfield for 5 years

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Oakfield School District? I really like being around kids everyday. Getting to know the students better has really been a highlight. I also like when I get the opportunity to be a substitute teacher for classes.

What are your plans for retirement? My wife is actually retiring as an educator too! We have plans to move somewhere warmer, out of state. We are going to travel a lot too to visit our children who will be dispersed around the country. I will also be teaching classes at the college level.

What will you miss the most about the Oakfield School District? I think I will miss the people the most. Seeing staff and students everyday is always great!

Do you have any words of wisdom for the students at Oakfield School District? Find something that you’re passionate about and don’t give up your dream(s). Make sure you enjoy what you do and are continuing to grow in our changing world.

You see kids everyday. What’s something you’ve learned from them that you’ll keep with you in the future? I’ve definitely learned that young kids are very, very, very honest!

Do you have any interesting stories to share from your time as superintendent at Oakfield School District? I really enjoyed helping the district pass an operational referendum! Also, seeing how courses have evolved at the high school level has been really fantastic. (Example: Robotics & more AP courses) I think one of my favorite moments would have to be the welcoming ceremony that was held in the Middle/High School gym when I started here as superintendent. The entire student body celebrated with matching T-shirts and a big pep rally!

Do you plan on still being involved in education in some way during retirement? I plan on teaching at the college or university level. I also would love to continue substitute teaching whenever I can. Mr. Bob Ronca Mr. Ronca started his teaching career 33 ½ years ago at the School District of Oakfield and is retiring after the 2020-21 school year. Bob Ronca received his bachelor’s degree in education from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and his master’s degree in educational administration from University of Wis- consin Superior. Mr. Ronca has “taught almost every subject one could think of”. He started off as a third grade teacher for four years then moved on to the middle school. As a middle school teacher, Bob taught language arts, science, creative writing, environmental education, consumer education, study skills, and social studies. After his 33 ½ years of teaching, social studies was his passion. Mr. Ronca has been mar- ried to his wife Lois for 25 years and has two daughters, Kamryn, age 24, and Jensyn, age 21.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Oakfield School District? Again, what I will miss most about the Oakfield School district is the relationships I’ve built with both my fellow workers and the students. Ultimately, what I will miss most are the kids.

What are your plans for retirement? First, I plan on taking some time off after I retire. I would eventually like to look at working at the university level to be an advisor/mentor to students interested in becoming teachers.

What will you miss the most about the Oakfield School District? Again, what I will miss most about the Oakfield School district is the relationships I’ve built with both my fellow workers and the students. Ultimately, what I will miss most are the kids.

Do you have any words of wisdom for the students at Oakfield School District? If I could give any words of wisdom to students of the Oakfield School District it would be the idea of resilience. Life will be full of ups and downs and one must have resilience to get through the tough times. I believe it was Confucious that said “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Mindset and attitude are extremely important in life.

You see kids every day. What’s something you’ve learned from them that you’ll keep with you in the future? What I’ve basically learned from the students I taught was humility. Also, how to stay young at heart and have fun.

Do you have any interesting stories to share from your time as a teacher at Oakfield School District? There are way too many memories I have collected from my time in Oakfield to name just one as my favorite. In general, I will always remember the relationships I built with both my fellow educators and the students. Essentially, that’s what it’s all about. However, one interesting memory and time period was teaching in temporary modular units after the tornado destroyed the old middle school. That was something! The Oakfield Difference OAKFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL May 2021 5 OES Green House Field Trip for Art On May 11th, all students Kindergarten through 5th grade took a walking field trip to the Oakfield High School’s Greenhouse! In the weeks prior to the field trip, students were busy sculpting small clay pinch pot planters in art class. They were extremely excited to learn about the greenhouse and turn their clay creation into a functional plant pot! It was all smiles afterwards! The kids were so proud of their work! A special thank you goes out to the OHS Horticulture class for their tender care of the greenhouse and the offering of plants for each elementary student! Thank you to Mrs. Daane for her collaboration and help with making this walking field trip a success!

Oakfield Elementary Students are Climbing the Walls! By Karen Albert, OES Physical Education Teacher Students at Oakfield Elementary were climbing high this quarter in physical education classes. We completed our rock climbing unit and many students have climbed to new heights. Students learned a great deal about trust, risk-taking and facing their fears. They are truly becoming inspira- tions to themselves and others by taking the challenge to do their best while climbing the walls. OES is fortunate to have two types of rock climbing walls: a traverse wall in the mezzanine and a 20 foot vertical wall in the gym. Both walls offer different challenges, but each gives hands, arms and legs a good workout. Along with climbing the vertical wall, students in grades 3-5 also learned how to belay for others. Those who are asked to belay need to possess good leadership, communication, responsibility, safety and physical skills to assist climbers. They also need to be confident and helpful to ensure success for the climber. We have been practicing using “words of encouragement” to assist climbers to be their very best! Students enjoyed the challenge that hula hoops brought to the traverse wall. They were asked to either climb through or under the hoops without knocking them down. This took a lot of motor planning, especially for the younger students! Students also were challenged on the traverse wall by doing a partner climb, connected by a hula hoop. This taught patience, cooperation and grip strength! Some students also sought the challenge of trying to climb with their eyes closed, trusting a partner to guide them with words. The high wall has varying degrees of difficulty where students were challenged to climb higher each time and possibly even make it to the top to ring the cowbell. Students get a great sense of accomplishment when rock climbing by facing their fears and going higher than many thought they could. They are learning that they are braver and stronger than they think. I am so proud of our students, and it is heartwarming to see how happy they are for their classmates when they reach the top or a new height. We look forward to rock climbing every year in PE class. 6 May 2021 HIGH SCHOOL The Oakfield Difference

Oakfield Spring Football Post-Season Football Honors

Football in the spring??? Of course, what could go wrong? Since high-risk sports were not allowed Grant Bass - 2nd team quarterback to start on time in Fond du Lac County, Oakfield decided to play in WIAA’s alternative spring foot- Hunter Sabel - 1st team running back ball season. Although there were many ups and downs, the season could be determined as a success. Jack Fox-Honorable mention running back Injuries forced younger players onto the field and a lot of players stepped up and filled any void left by Bryce Bornick - 1st team Offensive lineman the starters. Since there was a cross-over of softball and football seasons, all of the home games were Christopher Quick - 2nd team Offensive lineman played in the stadium at Kewaskum High School. Blake Justmann - 2nd team Offensive lineman, The season started with a difficult game at Wisconsin Heights on March 26. After an inspirational 1st team Defensive lineman comeback attempt, the Oaks lost 28-22. Wisconsin Heights ended up being the only 8-player team to Mason Tapp - 2nd team Defensive lineman be undefeated in the spring. Despite losing, the team seemed to grow up and several young players Bart Bijl - 2nd team Punter received valuable experience. Defensive player of the year - Blake Justmann Week 2 brought a matchup with Sturgeon Bay at Booyah Field in Green Bay. It was a very physical All Region and All State Defensive End-Blake game, with the offenses dominating the scoreboard. The Oaks eventually won the battle, 64-52. Justmann As with the first two weeks, our next week was another tight battle with Gibraltar, in what was our Selected to play in WFCA All Star game - Blake first home game of the year. After giving up a late score, Oakfield triumphed with a 36-32 victory. Justmann and Coby Liebelt Week 4 brought another tight game until the fourth quarter as Oakfield beat Chequamegon 39-8 in Kewaskum. This was our Homecoming and every player entered the game at some point. A 20 point fourth quarter allowed for the blowout. The team was happy to be able to put an opponent away Remaining Track & Field Schedule when they needed to. Divisional Conference Meet - Wednesday, June Although the week 5 game was canceled due to Covid protocol, the Oaks were able to finish the 2nd @ Dodgeland season at home against the co-op of Green Bay NEW/Providence/Oneida on May 1. In what was a Trailways Conference Championship - Tuesday, back and forth affair, the Oaks were able to prevail by a score of 29-26. This was Oakfield’s 50th win June 8th @ Palmyra-Eagle since playing 8-player football. In 8 seasons of 8 man, the team owns a 50-23 record. WIAA Regional - Monday, June 14th Overall, it was a good season with many memories. The most important part was getting the op- WIAA Sectional - Thursday, June 17th portunity to play football and there was a lot of working together. There was football, trap, and base- WIAA State - Friday & Saturday, June 25th-26th ball players that were juggling schedules to make each team get the most out of their time. We thank everyone who supported us along the way.

Oakfield Track & Field Softball Senior Spotlight: Vanessa Flury How long have you been playing softball? Since as long as I can remember What made you wanna start playing softball? Just started watching my sisters play and I wanted to be exactly like them What is your goal for this softball season? I would say my biggest goal is to make this the best season that I have played and hopefully make it to state and win. What makes playing softball enjoyable? Being with my teammates and meeting so many new people over the years. What position do you play? I am a Catcher What is something you want to improve on? Colten Gustavus Jaiden Volbright Something I want to improve on is definitely bunting. It’s not Emily Reynolds Nora Waltz really something that I am very good at. Abi Streeter Kenzie Craig What is something you don’t like about softball? Bennett Dercks Rueben Arellano I think my least favorite thing about softball is definitely Hudson Martin Chloe Gudex bunting while I am up to bat. Running is a close second even Alex Paz Coaches: Brittany Gib- though there isn’t very much running in softball its still not very enjoyable. Cole Volbright son & Karen Albert OHS Athletics Choir Members Perform Well for Solo-Ensemble By Doug Mock On Thursday, April 29 choir members from OMS and OHS performed their solos and duets for a Today, I would like to share an awesome tab on the guest adjudicator. The results from the day are as follows: School District of Oakfield High School website. Under Class A *I Class B I the high school tab there is a HS Athletics/Co-Curricular Coby Liebelt ~ vocal solo Mekena Gerlikovski ~ vocal solo Calendar option. Under this link you can view the daily Noah Haseman ~ vocal solo Madeline Meredith ~ vocal solo activities at Oakfield High School. You can also view schedules of many athletic game and practice schedules Class A I Class B II as well as other co-curricular things occurring. Coby Liebelt ~ musical theater solo Mackenzie Liebelt ~ vocal solo Another nice feature is you can download a mobile app Tori Smith ~ vocal solo to your smart phone that will allow you to view these Norah Haase ~ vocal solo Class C I same features through your phone. The last feature is you can sign-up for the Notify App that will send you Kaitlyn Volbright ~ vocal solo Caden Mueller ~ vocal solo phone messages about cancellations or reminders for any of the activities that you select to be notified about. Class A II CONGRATULATIONS to all of these students I am very proud of our student athletes’ abilities to adapt Maddy Boeder ~ vocal solo on their outstanding performances!! to the changes required to play throughout the school Maddy Boeder ~ musical theater solo year and look forward to a “normal” year for the 2021-22 Gwen Fisher ~ vocal solo school year. Please feel free to contact me with any ques- Bryanna Smith and Lynsey Streeter ~ duet tions you have throughout the summer and next school Kaitlyn Volbright and Norah Haase ~ duet year. I hope everyone has a great summer and GO OAKS!! The Oakfield Difference 2021 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT May 2021 7 Congratulations Class of 2021!! Bo D. Jacob What is your favorite high school memory? Senior Maddison Freund What’s your plans after High school? homecoming Plans for after high school? I will be attending MPTC for Electrical Going to UW FDL for Radiology Javaun Mielke Favorite high school memory? Taking care of chicks. Blake A. Justmann What’s your plans after High School? What’s your plans after High school? I plan on going to UW Fond du Lac. Hailey Ganser I will be attending University of Wisconsin River What is your favorite high school memory? Swaggy Plans for after high school? Falls for pre-veterinary giving me a fist bump. Work full-time What’s your favorite high school memory? Home- Favorite high school memory? Getting to talk to coming no matter what year homecoming is my Hunter Pauliot guest speakers like Howie Hawkins and Howard favorite time of the year I’m going to miss having the What are your plans after high school? Dulley. whole school getting active to show school spirit. I plan to go to Moraine Park to go into culinary arts What is your favorite high school memory? Sopho- Hannah Ganser Alexis R. Kamenski more prom Plans for after high school? What’s your plans after High school? Work full-time Work and go to college for my job to pursue further Carla Paz Favorite high school memory? Speaking to Howard with my career. What are your plans after high school? Dulley What’s your favorite high school memory? My favor- I will be attending the University of Wisconsin- ite memory in high school is becoming a state officer Green Bay majoring in social work. Nataly Godfrey for SkillsUSA Wisconsin. What is your favorite high school memory? Bopping Plans for after high school? to Christmas music on full blast in Mr. Mock’s gym Working class. Tyler A. Kaufman Favorite high school memory? 2018 Homecoming What’s your plans after High school? My plan is to go football game to college and pursue my dream career. Emily Primeau What’s your favorite high school memory? My favor- What are your plans after high school? Colton Gustavus ite high school memory is Freshman year going to I will be attending the University of Wisconsin- Ste- Plans for after high school? my first Homecoming. vens Point majoring in social work. Going to Moraine Park Technical College What is your favorite high school memory? My favor- Favorite high school memory? Being able to be on ite high school memory was my junior prom. Court for my senior year Carley L. Kopf What’s your plans after High school? Madison Boeder I’m stuck between being a nurse or elementary Taylor Tadman Plans after high school? teacher. So after school I will be going into the Plans after High School? Chicago State University for Elementary Education. workforce as a CNA and the following year going to Workforce Favorite high school memory? The art shows college. Favorite High School Memory- Going to state for What’s your favorite high school memory? softball. My favorite high school memory is putting wood Bryce Bornick chips down at the elementary school with Ms. Zim- Plans after high school? Vada Hofman merman. On the way to the Elementary school the River Falls Plans for after high school? Going to UW- Whitewa- wheelbarrow fell out of the trunk and onto the road Favorite high school memory? Going undefeated in ter for Graphic Design as we were driving and we couldn’t stop laughing. football freshman year. Favorite high school memory? My junior year home- room class with Mr. Huebel Emerson Bradwin Coby D. Liebelt Plans after high school? What’s your plans after High school? Workforce-Rough framing carpenter Abigayle Streeter I will be attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, Plans after High School? Favorite high school memory? VA, in pursuit of a nursing degree. I plan to utilize Attend UW Whitewater Don’t have one, I enjoyed every moment in high this degree either through the ICU or through Pedi- Favorite High School Memory-Making it to sectional school with the ones around me. atrics. finals junior year for basketball What’s your favorite high school memory? My favorite high school memory is not one moment, Andrew Crosson but is all of the memories made through Football. Plans after high school? Tailon Tadman Whether it be the team dinners, joking at practice, Yes, I plan on joining a circus for a little bit then tak- Plans after High School? engaging in some unreasonable banter in the weight ing a baking apprenticeship in Germany! Going to Moraine Park Technology College room, or bringing snacks to the Jamboree game Favorite high school memory? Favorite High School Memory- Going to state for freshman year, this team became my family. These The time I won second place in my first and only softball freshman year. interactions will be what I miss most. poetry slam. It was the first and only time I’ve ever won a trophy. Daejin Shepherd My plan after high school is to attend UW-Green Bay Grace B. Maurer Noah DeHaan and get a degree in social work. My favorite memory What’s your plans after High school? Plans after high school? from high school is going to a Milwaukee Bucks bas- I will be attending the University of Minnesota in the Moraine Park for Architectural Technology and elec- ketball game freshman year with Aaiden. Twin Cities, majoring in Biology, Society, & Environ- trical. ment. Favorite high school memory? Bowling team and What’s your favorite high school memory? Tori Smith other outside of school class shenanigans. My favorite high school memories were freshman My plan after high school is to attend Moraine Park year when my classes were easy and Mock giving me Technical College and get an associates degree in peace signs in the halls. Vanessa Flury Marketing & Social Media Management. My favor- Plans after high school? ite memory from high school is Homecoming Week Marian University- Early-Childhood Education during Sophomore year. I also had a lot of fun at our Kya Meinburg Favorite high school memory? Going to state for Senior Prom and Post Prom. What’s your plans after High School? softball my freshman year, playing left and making it I am going to Edgewood college to become a labor to the championship game Mason Tapp and delivery nurse. Plans after High School? What’s your favorite high school memory? Emily Fink Attend the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Senior homecoming Plans after high school? Favorite High School Memory- Anatomy trip to Min- I plan on attending UW-Milwaukee for Social Work. nesota Grace Meyer Favorite high school memory? Carrying around a What’s your plans after High School? chicken egg and trying to keep it warm enough so it I plan on attending Concordia University majoring grows into a chicken. in chemistry and pre-pharmacy. What’s your favorite high school memory? Bradley Foster The anatomy field trip to Minneapolis Plans for after high school? The Marine Corps. Shawn Meyer Favorite high school memory? The experience as a What’s your plans after High School? whole. I am going into the workforce 8 May 2021 PROM The Oakfield Difference

2021 Senior Prom Court Mason Tapp and Emily Fink Coby Liebelt and Emily Primeau Daejin Shepherd and Grace Maurer Michael Sanderson and Kya Meinburg Bo Jacob and Carla Paz Blake Justmann and Abigayle Streeter Alex Wilson and Nataly Godfrey Andrew Crosson and Tori Smith Tyler Kaufman and Alexis Kamenski Shawn Meyer and Emily Reynolds Emerson Bradwin and Vanessa Flury Brock Boelk and Vada Hofman Colten Gustavus and Madison Boeder Bradley Foster and Michael Rilling and Carley Kopf

Crowning Couple Blake Justmann and Vada Hofman

King & Queen Mason Tapp and Abi Streeter (pictured to the right) The Oakfield Difference SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES May 2021 9

SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD 4. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. senior child, she refrained from the a. Regular Board Meeting-Monday, MEETING MINUTES Kopf moved to approve the Feb- conversation. Apr. 26, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ruary 22, 2021 Regular Meeting 12. Mrs. Marcoe, Mrs. Jackie Hun- elementary library 10. Mr. Dercks, OAKFIELD Minutes. Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 gerford and Mrs. Amy Steinke were seconded by Mrs. Patterson moved VIRTUAL noes, 0 absent. appointed to the Board of Canvass to adjourn the meeting into closed MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 5. Mrs. Patterson, seconded by Mrs. for the April 6 election. session at 6:53 p.m. Motion carried 1. Meeting called to order by Presi- Kopf moved to approve the war- 13. The Facilities Committee will 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent. dent Dercks at 5:30 p.m. rants through March 5, 2021 as schedule a meeting for Wednes- 2. Pledge of Allegiance presented. Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 day, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. and SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD 3. Roll Call noes, 0 absent. Mr. Dercks will reach out prior to MEETING MINUTES a. Members: Paul Dercks, Jessica 6. No public comments the meeting to Ms. Conners to ask SCHOOL DISTRICT OF Shepherd, Tanya Marcoe, John 7. Reports: her opinion about the firms. 14. OAKFIELD Nyhuis(5:32 p.m.) b. Absent: Angie a. Administrator Reports Dr. Dalzin overviewed the pro- VIRTUAL Patterson, Heidi Kopf i. Dr. Dalzin reported on the dis- cess, procedures, metrics related MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 c. Staff: Vance Dalzin, Tim Brown, trict including project on Church to COVID-19. 15. Dr. Dalzin sent 1. Meeting called to order by Presi- Heather Bradwin-Haseman Street to start on March 22, April emails to the town/village chairs in dent Dercks at 5:00 p.m. d. Other: Kevin Hickman(Nexus), 12 COW will include staffing plan our area 2. Pledge of Allegiance Kintzler, ChrisH, chrisjackhaase@ and art department. April 26 is the 16. Meetings—Next School Board 3. Roll Call gmail.com, Terri Belanger, Chelsie Reorganization meeting. Meeting a. Members: Paul Dercks, Jessica Bargenquast ii. Principal Brown reported on a. Committee of the Whole—Mon- Shepherd, Tanya Marcoe, John Ny- 4. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mr. items going on at the MS/HS day, Apr. 12, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. huis (5:05 p.m.), Heidi Kopf (5:03 Nyhuis moved to approve the firm/ including great parent meeting b. Regular Meeting-Monday, Apr. p.m.) company to complete a facility as- looking at the block schedule, com- 26, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. b. Absent: None sessment of the middle/high school pleted student scheduling for next 17. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. c. Staff: Vance Dalzin, Tim Brown, building. Mr. Dercks amended his year, 3rd installment in the book Patterson moved to adjourn the Heather Bradwin-Haseman, Becky motion, seconded by Mr. Nyhuis club, ACT Test is tomorrow, high meeting at 6:48 p.m. Motion car- Doyle, Holly Rabe, Jackie Hunger- moved to approve Nexus to com- number of kids flipping virtual for ried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent. ford, Doug Mock, Jon Wessel, Bre plete a facility assessment of the the day adding stress to the staff. Reis, Dani Cords middle/high school building with iii. Principal Doyle reported on COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE d. Other: Junior Class, LM verbiage in contract to be clarified. items going on in the OES includ- SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 4. Mrs. Marcoe, seconded by Mrs. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 noes, 2 ing Burke sent a copy of their SCHOOL DISTRICT OF Patterson moved to approve the absent. catalog, featuring Oakfield’s new OAKFIELD procedures for Prom 2021 as pre- 5. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. playground, to every family. End of VIRTUAL sented. Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 Marcoe moved to accept the retire- the second trimester, Hawaiin day MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 noes, 0 absent. ment of Bob Ronca. Motion carried and Kona Ice for school, welcomed 1. Meeting called to order by Presi- 5. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. 4 ayes, 0 noes, 2 absent. back five virtual students and one dent Dercks at 5:42 p.m. Shepherd moved to approve the do- 6. Meetings—Next School Board more back after spring break. April 2. Pledge of Allegiance nation for post prom bowling run Meetings: 19 is the Forward Exam, transi- 3. Roll Call by parent group. Motion carried 6 a. Committee of the Whole Meet- tion has been good and two new a. Members: Paul Dercks, John Ny- ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent. ing-Monday, Apr. 12, 2021 at 5:30 students started today, the second huis, Angie Patterson, Jessica Shep- 6. Mrs. Patterson, seconded by Mrs. p.m. grade class is very high with 48 herd, Tanya Marcoe, Heidi Kopf Kopf moved to approve the Erate b. Regular school Board Meeting- total students. b. Absent: None cabling for Part 2 of the project. Monday, Apr. 26, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. iv. Doug Mock reported on how c. Staff: Vance Dalzin, Becky Doyle, Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 7. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mr. incredible it is to have the kids back Tim Brown, Molly Liebelt, Holly absent. Nyhuis moved to adjourn at 5:456 in the building, proud of staff. Rabe, Doug Mock, Heather Brad- 7. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mr. p.m. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 b. Financial Updates-Dr. Dalzin win-Haseman, Jackie Hungerford, Nyhuis moved to approve the cost noes,2 absent. reviewed the financials. Jon Wessel of repairing the sewer laterals at c. Facilities Updates-No updates, d. Other: Alicia Meinberg, Angie, the MS/HS per Village of Oakfield REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD meeting is tomorrow. Marsha Primeau ordinance. Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 MEETING MINUTES d. No CESA 6 updates at this time. 4. Mrs. Doyle overviewed childcare noes, 0 absent. SCHOOL DISTRICT OF e. Technology Update-new phone updates including enrollment list is 8. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. OAKFIELD delayed until end of May. increasing, full time teacher needed Kopf moved to approve the addi- VIRTUAL 8. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. for the baby room, tuition increase tional Elementary Special Educa- MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 Patterson moved to approve the coming up and possible change in tion Teacher for 2021-22. Motion 1. Meeting called to order by Presi- appointment of Tracey Conners policies regarding COVID 5. Dr. carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent. dent Dercks at 5:30 p.m. as the District Administrator for Dalzin led a discussion on staffing 9. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. 2. Pledge of Allegiance the School District of Oakfield and plan for 2021-22 including the pos- Shepherd moved to approve the 3. Roll Call the 2021-23 employment contract. sible addition of a MS counselor/ Oakfield Child Care fully funded a. Members: Paul Dercks, Adam Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 mental health navigator and de- playground equipment. Motion Lichtenberg, John Nyhuis, Angie absent. creasing some positions such as long carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent. Patterson, Jessica Shepherd, Tanya 9. Mrs. Marcoe seconded by Mrs. term subs and academic coach. 10. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mrs. Marcoe, Heidi Kopf Patterson move to approve 2021-22 6. Discussion/update on the various Marcoe moved to approve the pur- b. Absent: None academic calendar as presented. purchased service contracts includ- chase of 30 new Chromebooks for c. Staff: Vance Dalzin, Becky Doyle, Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 ing CESA, bussing, lawn care and the 2021-22 school year. Motion Tim Brown, Heather Bradwin- absent. food service. carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent. Haseman, Holly Rabe, Molly Li- 10. Dr. Dalzin presented the pro- 7. Dr. Dalzin overviewed some 11. Meetings—Next School Board ebelt, Doug Mock posed biennial state budget from terms related to the 2021-22 bud- Meetings: d. Other: Chelsie Bargenquast, Joe, Gov. Evers. get. a. Regular school Board Meeting- Angie Giese, Terri Belanger, Rose 11. Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Kopf and 8. Dr. Dalzin reviewed process, Monday, Apr. 26, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. van der Zwan, Ashley, Amy, Chris Mr. Dercks will make up the Eva B. procedures, metrics related to CO- 12. Mr. Dercks, seconded by Mr. H., Kintler, Marsha Primeau, alind- Smith scholarship committee and VID. Nyhuis moved to adjourn at 5:32 sley, Chris Haase, Jen Harrison, they will give out 8 scholarships 9. Meetings—Next School Board p.m. Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 noes, Zuehlke, Acorn, mmauer at $1000. Jessica Shepherd has a Meeting 0 absent. 10 May 2021 MARKINGS ON OUR LAND The Oakfield Difference Markings On Our Land By Karl McCarty

It’s hard to say what the area looked like in 1700, but this series of articles will take a stab at it. Af- ter getting feedback from a presentation at Campbellsport Library in November 2019, it seemed necessary to write about “What Was Lost” in the area. Combining conversations from elders, farmers, and land owners in the south and more eastern portions of Fond du Lac County, the following piece looks at what Native Americans left behind on the landscape before permanent European settlement. European Settlement is hard to define, as the French were fur trapping Canada into the Great Lakes in the 1600s. Permanent, routine settlement wasn’t as profound until after the Erie Canal brought settlers from the east and propelled Wisconsin’s statehood in 1848. Of course, we don’t know the names of the prehistoric peoples in the area. Robert Gard’s 1971 book on the Horicon Marsh (Wild Goose Marsh—Horicon Stopover) argues prehistoric natives were replaced by those who were speaking Sioux or Algonquin. When the white man arrived in the area, “the Winnebago, the Potawatomi, the Sauk, Fox, Illinois, and maybe the Kickapoo were most numerous in the Marsh,” (p.17). Gard argued the Menominee and Ojibwa were in the Horicon area, but surmised they had faded before European settlement. That seems to be a pretty good list of who might have meandered through Fond du Lac County. However, since Gard’s book, it is clear that the Northern Cheyenne also claim they have ties to the area. Along those lines, the native markings on the landscape published here are examples from Oak- This view is from Harpers Ferry, Iowa, at Effigy Mound National Monument in No- field, following the ledge north east in Fond du Lac County and south to the Washington County vember of 2019. This national park is free to hike on the Mississippi River, and includes line. They are often intentionally non-specific to location out of respect for caring private property a small museum of tools and native artifacts. If you cross back into Wisconsin a few owners, and an unfortunate disregard for native sacred sites dating back prior to statehood. Per- miles south of this picture, you will be back into Prairie du Chien. There are effigy haps when attitudes change and respect for sacred sites is more apparent, we won’t have to worry mounds on either side of the Mississippi River, including Wyalusing State Park on the about the negligence, abuse and ignorance that has eroded our local history. Wisconsin side. Together, both parks are a wonderful reminder of the appreciation na- Burial and Ceremonial Mounds tives had for nature. (Photo by Karl McCarty) Native American mounds come in many shapes, and many lie between Lake Michigan and the revolved around the land and the four seasons and oral tradition would somehow forget what the Mississippi River in what is known as the Effigy Mound Region. The word ‘effigy’ means that the mounds were for. Even if natives didn’t make mounds by the 1700s, for example, it didn’t mean mound is made in an intentional specific shape of creatures like turtles, bears, eagles and vari- they lacked respect to revere and maintain them. Also, given that natives were displaced around ous other entities, including spiritual. Effigies are particularly common in the southern half of the country, it didn’t leave them time to explain why mounds should have been protected. And Wisconsin and the subsequent neighboring state borders. However, it’s hard to pin down fixed even if they tried to explain their importance, it doesn’t mean that settlers would have understood norms of these mounds and regions. Although the Upper Mississippi River is considered the their different language barriers and for that matter, religious barriers. In addition, once they saw Effigy Mound Region, the Giant Serpent Mound is in Ohio. Clearly this is in a shape of an animal, the mounds being ruined, they may not have wanted to tell the farmers what was plowed over, in so by logic it’s an effigy. We should be careful in categorizing any mound to a specific region, as case it was seen as intentional (and natives didn’t want to see more destruction). there are outliers. Furthermore, not all effigy mounds are burial mounds. As Gary Henschel asks in his book titled Annually, I take students from Oakfield High School to Effigy Mounds National Monument in Prehistoric Tools, Points & Arrowheads (2006, p.92): “If half contained burials, I’ve often won- Harpers Ferry Iowa, right across from Prairie du Chien. Though it is hard to count mounds, the dered what were the rest built for?” Accordingly, we need to keep asking questions, and appreciat- National Park’s information implies that only twenty percent of the estimated 20,000 mounds ing those who are offering more of them than acting like they know the answers. from Iowa to Lake Michigan survived. Mounds seem to have a tendency to have been con- A wise person from the area once told me “If you have four archeologists together you’ll structed near water, which is symbolic to their belief in the sacredness of the waters. For example, have five opinions.” This is important when reading such information on native sites. You a turtle mound might be near the water and close to springs, which are seen as a sign of life, so the weren’t there; I wasn’t there. Read as much information and theories as possible, but weigh turtle mound honors the sanctity of the springs. it carefully. One thing for certain is they are sacred. Whether funeral or ceremonial, they That being said, more mounds along rivers likely survived because settlers could not till are sights of antiquity that should be revered. land as one approached wetlands. For example, a former Town of Ashford resident recently told me he saw three mounds on top of a hill around 1950. The mounds were plowed over Medicine Wheels annually by then, and his estimation that what was once maybe four feet tall was only The medicine wheel is a sacred formation of rocks that make a solid shape, often in a wheel. about a foot and a half by mid-century. The source said each of the three mounds were at Generically speaking, imagine having a rough formation of an old wagon wheel, such as one for a least ten feet long. They were not near water, and serves as an example of the many mounds horse and buggy. The stereotypical one would be a wheel with a rock shaped circular center. That that were lost to what became tillable land. center would have four spokes coming off the center, each spoke coming out of the center would If you visit these effigy mounds, take in the beauty, but avoid walking on them. Most natives I associate with a direction (North, South, East, West). have talked to conclude it is rude to walk on the mounds, and at the very least one should treat the Publications seem to suggest today they should be made out of a few dozen symbolically placed moment of observing mounds as if you are in a cemetery. The neat aspect about understanding stones. For example, Dancing with the Wheel—the Medicine Wheel Workbook, published by mounds is that they are all around, and probably some in the area are still not publicly identified. Simon & Schuster (1991) implies the wheel should be made with 36 stones. There are also technology advancements in photography which can locate their leftover com- One should not think all medicine wheels look alike. They varied upon cultures and tribes. There pacted soil, even if they have been destroyed. Meanwhile, LIDAR technology can survey mounds is one in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, and it wouldn’t look the same as examples in the from the air by illuminating the effigy with a laser light, and in the end you get a topographic map of where hidden mounds are (LIDAR is defined simply here). A good example of various effigy mounds locally can be seen at Henschel’s on the She- boygan Marsh, and Lizard Mounds County Park in Farmington. There are also mounds sprinkled through the Horicon Marsh Area, and even some associated with the Ledge in Fond du Lac County. Just be careful of what you read on mounds. Most of the research published was done by those of white European decent, and whose then-Christian underpinnings would have viewed such burial practices as pagan. In short, research and writing can be slanted, and the ones “documenting” what natives left behind in some cases proved to be a bent angle. There are some who believe one cannot fully appreciate the mounds if one does not sincerely try to understand and respect the native point of view in making them. For example, it is a legitimate question if a nonbeliever can appreciate the meaning of a church the same as the parishioners whose beliefs built it. Additionally, European descendants spent the 1800s and 1900s destroying Native American mounds. Robert A. Birmingham & Leslie E. Eisenberg’s Indian Mounds of Wisconsin (2000) notes, “Opening Indian mounds was a popular Sunday-afternoon activity during the late nineteenth century,” (p.34). Let us hope our modern day burials will not be unearthed three hundred years from now. Whether the mounds you see have bodies buried or were merely ceremonial, many natives would argue you alter the sacredness of the mound when they are systematically destroyed, even if it is in the name of “research.” Another problem is that it is hard to date mounds, as it depends on the type. In the Prairie du Chien area, some are circular (conical) or in a line (linear). Others are in effigy mounds, Here is an early 1900s postcard of the “Indian Medicine Wheel,” in the Big which are estimated to be made about 600 years after Christ, but other mounds such as the Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Although it is hard to read, it appears that conical may have been made 2,500 years ago (according to the National Park System). Linear mounds are estimated to be about 1,500 years old. it describes the wheel as “older than the memory of the oldest Indians” and Another concern is that many historians seem to conclude that mounds were not worked on “supposed to have been used as a calendar stone or ceremonial spot.” It appeared at when white settlement came about. Although it is contrary to modern opinions, one could still that time, there were no medicine wheels east of the Mississippi River. But by the late argue mounds were used and revered by Natives until European settlement. 1900s it was clear there were, including one in the local vicinity of Fond du Lac County. Nonetheless, the national park brochure in Iowa argues, “Around 850 years ago, the building of It now appears there are more than one in the area, with portions of them in various effigy mounds ceased.” However, it seems illogical to some that Native Americans whose lives locations. (Postcard courtesy of Karl McCarty) The Oakfield Difference MARKINGS ON OUR LAND May 2021 11

LEFT: Gary Henschel takes the time to teach a visitor how Native Americans would have started a fire with their existing tools centuries ago. Gary and his wife Rosalie have a wonderful museum near the Sheboygan Marsh which has an impressive collec- tion of local native artifacts, and is well worth the visit. Particularly impressive is their willingness to share their stories with you, and answer any questions. Visit their website for more information on the Henschel Site and accommodations. (Photo by Karl McCarty) RIGHT: When studying Native American symbolism, multiple tribes conclude the It is said that many barns constructed since statehood to the early 1900s were made hogan symbol means permanent home. In this context, the medicine wheel might not from “field stone.” This is for sure partially true, but it should be noted that many only be a site left behind by Native Americans, but also one of a permanent spiritual stones in the areas of southeastern Fond du Lac County were used for medicine wheels, abode. (Sketch by Karl McCarty) petroforms, or sacred rocks and prayer sites. We are left to wonder if the rocks put in fencelines or used for local barn construction were in fact part of Native American rock built rock formations, often in effigies of animals. There are some in the shape of turtles and buffalo formations that were centuries, if not millennia, old. As one can see for the Town of in the area. And certainly there are more than just these animals. There is even one in the shape of Ashford, stones were in ample supply near the Katzenburg Hill. This photo postcard what some natives say is a snapdragon. It appears the size of rocks used may fluctuate on what was is courtesy of Suzanne Strachota, whose grandfather Simon was one of the “Strachota available. Some note rocks that were carried to the location by hand, other observers scratch there Bros” mentioned in this caption for the image two hills north of St. Kilian Church. head on how massive rocks could be moved centuries ago thru forests, much less into shapes of Their family eventually created Dairyland Seed. animals. In addition, some point out how red rocks were used, like rhyolite and catlinite. It would be noteworthy if some day we can figure out if the petroforms relate to medicine wheels. medicine book mentioned above. Indeed, the medicine wheels in the Fond du Lac area appar- For example, a placement of the turtle petroform in the sixth to eighth hour position (if you were ently vary. Some may have more rocks, and others I have only heard about and not seen firsthand. comparing the medicine wheel to a clock), might reference the time when turtles breed and the Besides medicine wheels looking different, it’s possible some of them were altered by European subsequent hatching. Such animal formations also might have had multiple uses that included settlement, or unfinished when tribes moved or where kicked out. Given the French settlement not only symbolism such as a tribal clan, but prayer like an altar. of Quebec in 1608 and English settlement of Jamestown in 1607, it’s plausible that the disease devastation that spread to natives certainly came to Wisconsin via expeditions before 1700. Native Altars behavior was greatly altered and populations decreased well before statehood. Just as Christians appreciate altars in their church, Native Americans had places of gathering on More specifically, Thomas Peacock & Marlene Wisuri’s OJIBWE—Waasa Inaabidaa (meaning the landscape that may have had extra significance in terms of sacredness. Some could argue that ‘We Look in All Directions’) clearly dictates massive epidemic kills of natives in the late 1600s the formations in the previous heading might be altars. By this logic, if one (or a group) is going thru the 1800s. This includes epidemics in 1717 on the west side of Lake Winnebago. It is in this to pray, they are going to group around an area, and in some cases this may be a cairn or petro- context that landowners should be aware of how a finished medicine wheel can look, versus the form of special significance. One local landowner told me the plausibility that when you see these plausibility that surviving medicine wheels were not complete (but hopefully not ruined by set- bigger rocks, you might notice a dent in them. Essentially these “offering wells” in the big stone tlers). might be were natives left an offering or gift for the spirits. Typically offerings in prayer today Some also use the term hogan and medicine wheel interchangeably. In native cultures the hogan consist of northern white cedar, tobacco, sweetgrass or sage. But it is not certain what would be is a symbol for a permanent home. Such medicine wheel locations are significant, as many believe offered centuries ago, and this might include food. the spirits of those natives reside and watch over the area, and in this sense the ‘permanent home’ It’s amazing how cultures are connected to each other. Natives in Wisconsin used rock altars to symbol is fitting and accurate not only in the past, but in the present. It is such context of the pray. Meanwhile, in Hawaii natives constructed stone platforms called heiau where many gifts meaning of the hogan that one should understand that the land and rocks is sacred, and any mov- could be offered, including first fruits, first catch, and prayers for weather. In addition, the Pueblos ing of such rocks on accident is callous, and intentional would be evil. Locals have even expressed constructed kivas, essentially wholly or partly underground prayer chambers. All of the above that when walking in the area of a medicine wheel you feel different, which native peoples and often used rocks. Then again, researchers of this area’s native sites described certain prayer spots allies would conclude is evidence of the wheel’s sanctity. Comparing medicine wheels to a cathe- as kivas as well. Meanwhile, when settlers came to the area in the 1800s, they made churches out dral is not hyperbole. In fact, medicine wheels might be more sacred as they could be older, and of natural stone. In this context, we are not as different from those centuries, and maybe millen- therefore the last vestiges of antiquity. nia, back. Please also consider that the medicine wheels took a long time to finish. Some of the natives were When we recognize the similarities of those before us, maybe we will make a more concerted ef- only in the area in seasonal migrations, so the process of building any rock formations could plau- fort to salvage that of antiquity. The burial mounds, medicine wheels, petroforms and altars of the sibly be decades. Disease, warfare, and/or European settlement would have disrupted this. past are just as much a reflection of our predecessors as ourselves.

Petroforms If you know an elder in the community who has stories on the Native American history of the ledge, Branching off the Medicine Wheel, which respected the season and the earth and its creatures, we feel free to contact Karl McCarty@ [email protected]. He would appreciate to record find rocks formed by humans into shapes (petroforms). Just like burial mounds, Native Americans those stories down before they are lost.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The School District of Oakfield does not discriminate against pupils on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, physical, mental emotional or learning disability or handicap in its education programs or activities. Federal law prohibits discrimination in employment on basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap. The district encourages informal resolution of complaints under this policy. If any person believes that the School District of Medicine wheels are not uniform in creation. Their work depended on the rocks available, and the time to finish it. Some have more spokes through the wheel and look Oakfield or any part of the school organization has failed to more like a hogan, as seen in the Big Horn’s Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. Although follow the law and rules of s.118.13 Wis.Stat. or in some way there is no set way to make them, this picture here mimics the one envisioned by Sun discriminates against pupils on the basis listed above, he/she Bear and Wabun Wind in their book, Dancing with the Wheel—the Medicine Wheel may bring or send a complaint to the administration office Workbook, which implies the wheel should be made with 36 stones. However, this style is associated with the modern “New Age” movement, of which many Native Americans at the following address: Oakfield Elementary 200 White disagreed with. This image is provided here for some idea on what a medicine wheel Street, Oakfield, WI 53065. could look like. (Sketch by Karl McCarty) 12 May 2021 COMMUNICATION FORM / SCHOOL CALENDAR The Oakfield Difference DR.VANCE DALZIN DistrDr. ictVance Administrator Dalzin SCHOOL DISTRICT OF Dr. TVanceIMOTHYDistrict Dalzin Administrator BROWN District Administrator6-12 Principal DOUG MOCK 6-12 Dean of Students/Athletic Director

BECKY DOYLE 4K-5 Principal Resident/Parent/School Communications This form is available for you to offer suggestions or make comments about any facet of the School District of Oakfield. If you would like someone from the District to respond to what you have written, please furnish us with the information requested below. CHECK ONE: _____ I hope my input is helpful but it is not necessary for someone to contact me with a response. _____ Please respond to my comments/suggestions: Name: ______Address: ______Email: ______Phone: ______COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: ______Please ______send to: Dr. Vance Dalzin District ______Administrator School ______District of Oakfield ______2020-2021 School District of Oakfield Academic Calendar ______Aug/Sept 2020 February 2021 ______23 24 25 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 August 25-27 No School--Teacher Professional Development 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 August 26, 2020 District Open House 4pm-6pm ______6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 SP16 17 SP18 19 20 September 1, 2020 First Day of School 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 September 7, 2020 Labor Day--No School ______20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 October 9, 2020 No School--Teacher Professional Development 27 28 29 30 October 20 & 22, 2020 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm Oakfield Elementary ______October 23, 2020 Parent Teacher Conferences 8-11:30am--No School 920-583-3146 October 2020 March 2021 November 25-27, 2020 Thanksgiving Break--No School Normal Day Schedule:Please send to: 1 2 3 1 2 3** 4 5 6 November 30, 2020 No School--Teacher Professional Development 8:00 a.m.-3:15Dr. p.m. Vance Dalzin4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 December 24, 2020-January 1, 2021 Winter Break--No School District Administrator11 12 13 14 15 16 17 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 January 4, 2021 No School--Teacher Professional Development Oakfield Middle/High School 18 19 PT20 21 PT22 23 24 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 January 18, 2021 No School--Teacher Professional Development 920-583-3141DISTRICT OFFIC25E 26 27 28 29 30 31 28M29ID30DLE31 SCHOOL & February 15, 2021 ELEMENoNT School--TeacherARY SCHO ProfessionalOL Development Normal Day Schedule:200 White Street HIGH SCHOOL February 16 & 18, 2021 Parent200 Teacher White Conferences Street 4-7pm 8:00 a.m.-3:25 p.m. November 2020 April 2021 March 22-26, 2021 Spring Break--No School Oakfield WI 53065 250 Church Street Oakfield WI 53065 April 2, 2021 Good Friday--No School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Oakfield WI1 530652 3 Dr. Vance Dalzin Phone: (920) 583-41178 9 10 11 12 13 14 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 April 26, 2021 Phone:No School--Teacher (920) 583- Professional3146 Development District AdministratorFax: (920) 583-403315 16 17 18 19 20 21 11 Phone:12 13 (920)14 15 58316-314117 May 31, 2021 MemorialFax: (920) Day--No 583 School-3820 920-583-2226 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18 19Fax:20 (920)21 2258323-467324 June 4, 2021 Last Day of School-early release (1:30pm)-Graduation 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 June 7, 2021 Teacher Workday Mr. Timothy Brown MS/HS Principal DecemberOUR 2020 ROOTS RUN DEEPMay - OUR 2021 BRANCHES* denotes STRETCH end of FARsemester MS/HS 920-583-3958 1 2** 3 4 5 1 ** denotes end of trimester elementary school 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mrs. Becky Doyle 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Elementary School Principal 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 920-583-3146 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Mrs. Holly Rabe January 2021 School Psychologist/ 1 2 June 2021 Director of Special Education 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 920-583-3146 10 11 12 13 14 15* 16 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Mr. Doug Mock 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 MS/HS Activities Director/Phy Ed 31 27 28 29 30 920-583-4599 School Day No School