March 1 Newsletter

During March, many national celebrations spotlight schools and public education, including National Music in Our Schools Month, Youth Art Month, and Read Across America Day. March is a great time to attend one of the many performances our schools are hosting, volunteer to read with one of our elementary students, or access our Facebook page and view our previous posts highlighting the artwork of our middle and high school students.

Here are the upcoming performances and concerts hosted by our Beloit Memorial High School students. Please take advantage of these performances and an art show that showcases our talented students. Our middle schools will host events in April; please check our district calendar on the homepage of all our websites for upcoming dates and times.

83rd Annual Rockford Art Museum’s Young Artist Show: Saturday, March 2 at Rockford University Clark Arts Center, 5050 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108. The free show is from noon to 6:00 p.m. Several of our Beloit Memorial High School student-artists were selected from a competitive field to participate in this show.

BMHS Spring Musical: Spongebob The Musical on March 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Beloit Memorial High School Auditorium.

BMHS Band and Orchestra Concert: Monday, March 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Beloit Memorial High School Auditorium.

BMHS Spring Choir Concert: Tuesday, March 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beloit Memorial High School Auditorium.

Our elementary schools are hosting their Spring Sings; please connect with your child(ren)’s school for upcoming dates and times.

In service,

Dr. Willie E. Garrison II

School District of Beloit Superintendent

The Wisconsin Forward Exam will take place during a testing window from March 18 to April 26.

The exam is designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. We recognize that this test is once a year and does not reflect all that your child knows, but it does measure grade-level expectations aligned to the standards. Your child’s school will send out more detailed information specific to their testing schedule in the near future so that you are aware of the testing days by grade level. Please support your child in preparing for a positive testing experience by encouraging them to do their best effort and ensuring they are well-rested.

The Forward Exam is administered online in the spring of each school year at:

• Grades 3, 5, 6, and 7 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics,
• Grades 4 and 8 in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
• Grades 10 Social Studies.

Please feel free to reach out to your child(ren)’s teacher with any follow-up questions or access this family brochure provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

We hope to see you on March 12 at Blue Collar Coffee at 108 W. Grand Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Spanish interpreters will be available.

Our 2024 Referendum webpage is updated with additional information. Access the How the Referendum Money will be Spent, Mill Rate History Information, and City of Beloit Polling Locations.

Below we are also sharing the Know Your Local Government Presentation on the School District of Beloit Taxes provided by Executive Director of Business Services Robert Chady.

In the words of former President John F. Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Thank you to the 32 staff, students, families, community and business leaders, volunteers, and advocates who shared their support, thanks, and appreciation for our district staff and students.

Over the next few weeks, we will share each person’s story and testimonial. Stay tuned and follow us on Facebook.

This week, we share information on more than a dozen events including Aldrich's Mary Poppins Jr., BMHS's the Spongebob Musical, Breaking the Stigma on Mental Health, Coffee and Connecting with the Superintendent, Aldrich Expo, Fruzen Expo, and countless others.

Community Referendum Informational Sessions: Wednesday, March 13 (Todd Elementary), and Wednesday, March 27 (Kolak Education Center)

Upcoming Wednesday Early Release Dates: March 6 and 20, April 17, May 1 and 15

No School/Teacher Workday: Thursday, March 28

Spring Break: Friday, March 29 through Friday, April 5

No School/End of Term 3: Monday, April 8

School Resumes: Tuesday, April 9

Access our 2023-2024 school calendar for all the details.

At the School District of Beloit, we enjoy sharing events, achievements, and recognitions highlighting our students, staff, and community partners. We provide transparent and up-to-date information and communication through our social media platforms, our SDB App, website, weekly school newsletters, and my newsletter. We appreciate the positive engagement by everyone who follows us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and stays connected with us by downloading our SDB App or accessing our News Tab.

We believe in respectful, truthful, and encouraging messaging and communication. We will continue to communicate in that manner with our students, staff, families, and community.