I hope you all enjoy a joyous holiday season. As we close out 2024 and move forward into 2025, there is much that we can be thankful for. Our students and staff have demonstrated positive growth in many areas, and while we are always striving to improve, it is also important to recognize our students, staff and families for the accomplishments that have been made. We are, no doubt, grounded in our academic press; but, there is so much that makes up or contributes to the success of our school and district communities. Whether it is the hours of volunteer work to support our annual Madigral event or the volunteer hours provided by our National Honor Society students, our MSD family has and will continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back!

A well-deserved winter break is just around the corner! From Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3, there is no school, and we encourage our families and students to celebrate and savor the joys of the season. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Please be sure to read the rest of this virtual newsletter for District-wide updates and individual building information. Thank you for staying engaged, celebrating our students, reaching out when there is a concern and partnering with us to create a positive learning environment for all students. As a staff, we have many great things planned at MSD and are thrilled with the learning that will take place in 2025!

Wishing you and yours the very best this holiday season!

Liz Calnin

All MSD offices will be closed on the following dates:

1. Tuesday, December 24
2. Wednesday, December 25
3. Tuesday, December 31
4. Wednesday, January 1

Having access to the portal allows parents to keep all important school information up to date. Please check your information and make any necessary changes. If you need any assistance, please contact Mr. Bill Moyers or Ms. Liz Smith at 297-7617.

Winter weather can change quickly in Wisconsin. When winter weather strikes, we have three options for adjusting our days. Because we are approaching winter weather, I would like to take a moment to review our inclement weather options. As a school district, we determine whether or not our schools will be in session, and our number one priority is the well-being of our students. It is ultimately up to the family as a decision-maker to determine whether or not their child(ren) attend(s) school during winter weather events. If schools are open and you feel it is best for your child to stay home, please call the Attendance Secretary, Ms. Tammy Kohnke, to provide an absence notification.

When winter weather is forecasted, we monitor forecast models frequently. A team gets up and begins testing conditions at or around 4:00am to allow us time to check roads throughout our district so that we can announce any cancellations by 6:00am.

Cancellation -- If we cancel, we will make every effort to make this decision by 6:00am. This means all schools, after-school programs, and public use of buildings are canceled for the day. The school district buildings are considered “closed.”

Two Hour Delay -- If we delay, we will, again, try to make this decision by 6:00am. The school day starts two hours later than normally scheduled.

• Buses run two hours behind their normal schedule.

• No breakfast is served.

• School lunch will be served at or near the normally scheduled time.

• After school programs and public use of buildings may still occur.

If a Two Hour Delay becomes a Cancellation, this decision will be made typically before 8:00am.

Early Release -- If we release early, we will try to make this decision by 10:00am.

• Lunch is at or near the normally scheduled time.

• After school programming and public use of buildings is canceled.

We plan to communicate any weather-related decisions to you in the following ways:

• Local TV and radio

• District website, district social media (Facebook, Instagram)

• District alert notifications: Email, phone call and text message

Weather cancellations are tough decisions because we realize that last-minute changes in the school schedule create inconveniences for families. We will take great care in each situation to use the information available to us to make the very best decision we can. We understand that families rely on schools to meet a variety of needs. That said, we will stay open whenever we are able to safely transport the children using our busing system, but if you feel the weather creates an unsafe situation for your child, please also know that we respect your discretion in making the decision you feel is best for your child(ren).

Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. At MSD, we always try to get the kids outside as much as we can. With that in mind, we ask that you help you child come to school prepared to be outside everyday. Coats, hats, and gloves can help to make a cold day outside a fun recess for all.

December 9 - No School

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Holiday

January 17 - Semester End

January 20 - No School

December: December 9

January: January 13

Any parents/relatives of MSD students who wish to chaperone field trips, attend class parties or volunteer on site must complete and pass a background check. For more information, please call the District office at 297-7617.

Documents required to run in the next Montello School Board election are available in the District Office or on our website. A Campaign Registration Statement and a Declaration of Candidacy must be filed no later than 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in the office of the school district at 222 Forest Lane, Montello Wisconsin.

Please note that the District Office will be closed on December 24, December 25, December 31 and January 1 in observance of holidays. On December 23, 26-27, 30 and January 2-3, the hours of business will be 9:00am to 3:00pm.

If anyone has questions about running for the board, please contact Liz Calnin at 608-297-7617 or ecalnin@montelloschools.org.

Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes 118.57, 115.384(4) and 985.02(2), the current school and school district accountability report along with a list of educational options can be found on the district website at www.montelloschools.org.

The state of Wisconsin requires all students to be evaluated using state or nationally normed assessments. The assessments will be given this spring. The following provides some information about these assessments. More information will be sent home as the time for the assessments draws near.

The Wisconsin Forward Exam was developed to assess English language arts and mathematics skills for students in grades 3-8, science knowledge and skills for students in grades 4 and 8 and social studies knowledge and skills for students in grades 4, 8 and 10 The testing window for all students in Wisconsin to be evaluated using the Wisconsin Forward Exam is March 17 through April 25. We will establish an assessment schedule for students based on several factors, such as optimal testing times of the day, comfortable settings for testing, adequate breaks between assessments, minimal impact on instruction, and individual student needs. Once the schedule is set, we will send information home, so that you can help prepare your child to do their best.

The PreACT Secure replaces the former ACT Aspire assessment and is given to ninth and tenth grade students to assess their knowledge and skills in the areas of English, reading, math, science, and writing. A student’s performance on this assessment will help predict how they will perform on the ACT when the student reaches 11th grade. These early high school assessments will help identify students who need extra help to learn skills they will need for the ACT and, more importantly, for career and college experiences after graduating. The PreACT Secure test window is scheduled for March 17 through April 25.

The ACT Plus Writing exam is given to all eleventh grade students in Wisconsin to assess reading, math, English, science, and writing. The ACT can be used by students for a variety of purposes including college admission, scholarships, course placement, and more. The online ACT Plus Writing will be given to MSD Juniors on March 25.

As soon as we confirm the dates and times for assessments we will let you know, so that you may plan appointments, events, etc. around those days. It is very important that students are in attendance on the days of assessment so that they do not need to miss other days for make-up testing. Please reach out with any questions you may have.

Please visit www.montelloschools.org or more information or contact Bernie VanRossum, Montello Athletic Director, bvanrossum@montelloschools.org or 608-297-7617.

Season athletic passes for students & adults may be purchased at the High School office. Investing in a pass is both convenient and economical for those sports fans who regularly attend high school games. Passes are only valid for the name listed on the pass. For more information, contact Bernie VanRossum, ext. 281

We want to provide accurate sports information, but many times there are last minute cancellations or rescheduled games. You can now access and print all up-to-date high school athletic schedules through our school website at www.montelloschools.org.

Our breakfast and lunch menus are posted to our website, school newsletters and Facebook. You can also request a hard copy to be sent home.

The FAFSA (Federal Application For Student Aid) is now available for seniors and their parents to complete. You can do this online at www.studentaid.gov. Many colleges will have priority deadlines that are in January, February, or March so don’t wait to get the application done. If you have questions, or need assistance completing the application, contact the counseling office at the high school at 297-7617.

If your student is required to take placement testing for college next fall you will receive information on that. Testing usually takes place from January through April. If required, the college will contact your student with directions on how to take the required placement testing.

Juniors should be thinking about exploring their college options this year. This is a great time to begin narrowing your college choices to keep your applications in check. One way to gather great information is by attending a Wisconsin Education Fair. There are both in-person and virtual events that will allow students and parents to connect with college admission representatives to get some of those college questions answered. Visit the WEF website wefs.org for more information and to register for an event.

Remember that the required ACT Test is fast approaching. All Juniors will be taking the ACT on March 25. All Juniors will have another opportunity to take a practice ACT in January.

You’re moving! There are several reasons why it is very important for you to remember to contact the Montello School District if you are moving so that we can support a smooth transition for your student(s).

Children with suspected disabilities can be referred for a comprehensive evaluation by contacting the school psychologist, Ms. Mikayla Mlsna. For more information, please contact your child's building principal and/or school psychologist by calling 608-297-7617. Additional written information is available upon request.

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 Montello 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/montello and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Website: www.montelloschools.org
Location: 222 Forest Lane, Montello, WI, USA
Phone: 608-297-7617