


Columbus School District
January Newsletter
Contact Us
Columbus School District
Email: promote@columbus.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.columbus.k12.wi.us/
Location: 200 West School Street, Columbus, WI, USA
Phone: (920) 623-5950
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWisconsin/
Instagram: columbusschooldistrict
Events
January 8th & 22nd
8th - Board Workshop at 7:00 p.m.
22nd - Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
January 15th
15th- No School
January 19th
19th- Early Release at 12:15 p.m.
Message From The Superintendent
I want to start this month’s message by wishing all of you a Happy New Year. Furthermore, I hope that your Winter Break was enjoyable.
I was reading last week that January can often lead to one of two extremes. It can be a time where individuals take on more responsibilities/obligations in their life. On the other side of the spectrum, some will take the approach of simplifying their life. My guess is that this change is often related to New Year’s Resolutions.
It makes sense that some people want to add and others subtract within their resolutions. There is not a right or wrong way to do it. The cool thing about a good resolution is that it helps define purpose and realigns priorities and passions. With that said, a good resolution also involves hard and focused work.
I have learned that the simplification option can be valuable for some areas within the schooling system. Over the past school year, our professional staff members have been working hard on what is called essential standards. Our staff engages in that work during Professional Development days and Professional Learning Teams. Furthermore, I am well aware that some staff members continue the work during their prep time and time outside of school. This work on essential standards is a way of simplification. There are many teaching standards for each subject making it necessary to identify and focus on the big, core essential standards. In theory, the other standards support the bigger, essential standards. It is worth noting that even though it is a process of simplification, it is rigorous work. There is much pride watching this work progress. It is a great reminder that simplification can be as valuable as increased responsibilities.
I hope that this time of the year is a chance for all of our stakeholders to define their purpose and passions. Furthermore, I hope that this year all of you can simplify or increase your responsibilities/obligations that best align to your circumstances. I am excited for our district in the near and distant future. As we propel into 2024, I am proud to be a Cardinal!
Sincerely,
Jake Flood
Superintendent
Columbus School District
FBLA Region 5 Leadership Conference
Columbus High School will host the Wisconsin Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Region 5 Leadership Conference on February 3! We are expecting over 400 students to compete in a variety of events and need volunteer help.
We are currently assembling a team of more than 60 judges and volunteers to support the in-person student competitions and would appreciate community help.
Judges do not need to be experts in an event topic, they simply need to be able to evaluate presentations with a scoring matrix and provide written feedback to the students. Other event volunteers are also needed.
Conference Date: Saturday, February 3rd, 2024.
Time: 8:30am – approximately 12:30pm
Arrival: 8:30am for orientation.
Event Judging: 10am. Most will conclude by noon.
Departure: You can leave when your event is complete or join us for a light lunch.
Location: Columbus High School, 1164 Farnham St, Columbus.
If you are interested in joining us as a judge or volunteer, please complete the volunteer signup as soon as possible at: https://forms.gle/joUi2h6Fumgmtq5ZA
If you have any questions or need further information about the event, feel free to contact Jamie at region5vp@wifbla.org directly or the CHS FBLA adviser, Brad Williams, at bwilliams@columbus.k12.wi.us.
Thank you in advance for helping make this a great event!
CSDE 9 Pin Tap Bowling Fundraiser & Cardinal Apple Award
The Columbus School District Endowment is a non-profit organization that raises funds and provides resources for the educational enrichment of students and staff in the Columbus School District. Interest earned from the fund is used for teacher/staff grants for Professional Development. The Cardinal Apple Award is presented to an individual who has dedicated a lifetime of education service to our school district.
Alumni In The News
We are proud to highlight some Columbus Alumni. Please click the button or email promote@columbus.k12.wi.us, if you are a Columbus Alumni and would like to submit a story. Please note that these stories can be shared on social media/marketing material.
Facilities Use
2023-2024 Inclement Weather/School Cancellation
We hope that this information will not be applicable for a while or ever this school year. The odds are probably against us, though. If 3 days of school are cancelled, those days are “built in” with the approved 2023-2024 school calendar. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, including an extraordinary number of delays/early dismissals, the district would not make up the first 3 cancelled days. If there would be more than 3 days cancelled, the district would consider converting any of the following from in-service days to school days: February 9, April 19, and/or May 17th.
We had a number of stakeholders inquire about utilizing virtual learning days in the event of a cancellation during this school year. In the end, we were not confident that all students would have access to their education. This is feedback received in regards to students living in rural areas and families of younger students. This approach is not totally off the table in extreme circumstances; however, it will not be our first approach to replace cancelled days. Furthermore, we love having students in front of our Columbus staff! In the end, our goal of this message is to communicate early for planning purposes. This was all done with substantial research and consideration. We will provide information as soon as possible, in the case of any cancellation.
Notifications for Inclement Weather
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
The District Administrator may close the schools, delay the opening of school, or dismiss school early when such alteration in the regular session is required for the protection of the health and safety of students and staff members. The District Administrator shall have the authority to determine which school-related activities may be conducted if the school is closed for a period of time. Staff and students may be alerted by Infinite Campus notifications along with the following media stations: WBEV-95.3FM, WMTV-Channel 15, WKOW-Channel 27 AND WISC-Channel 3.
Care Solace Supporting Columbus Schools
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Columbus School District. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in your language. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 1 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365
- Visit www.caresolace.com/columbus and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
See attached flyer English
See Family letter English
See attached flyer Spanish
See Family letter Spanish
Angel Fund Donations
Are you looking for ways to help in our community? Consider donating to the Columbus School Nutrition Angel Fund.
The funds will be used to help families receive nutritious meals through the School Nutrition Program.
It’s easy to do. You can send or drop-off your donation to the District Office or any school office. Make checks payable to Columbus School District. In the Memo write Angel Funds.
Columbus School District Office, 200 W School Street, Columbus, WI 53925
If you wish to donate electronically please click the link.
For more information, please contact the district office 920-623-5950
Social Media
Facebook: Columbus Wisconsin School District
Instagram: columbusschoooldistrict
Menus
Charlie's Tree House K-5 January Menus
Club Charlie's 6-8 January Menus
Charlie's Food Court 9-12 January Menus
2023-2024 School Calendar
2024-2025 School Calendar
Please click the link to visit the 2024-2025 school calendar.
Board Business
MISSION OF THE DISTRICT
Columbus School District ensures each student will be prepared for future success.
Vision of the District:
Columbus School District will create a global learning experience in rural Wisconsin.
We Believe All Students and Staff:
- are valued.
- are engaged in learning.
- are responsive to unique learning needs.
- have a place to belong.
- appreciate diversity.
- interacting with community will benefit all.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Certified Staff Positions Available - WECAN
Support Staff Positions Available -WECAN
Support Staff Positions Available - Indeed