Newsletter December 20

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As we close out 2024, I want to express our shared gratitude for the dedication and partnership of our students, staff, parents, caregivers, and community, which strive to make our schools a place of opportunity and growth. Today, we are especially reminded of the importance of creating a school district community with a shared purpose that makes us anchored for success.

I’m proud of the progress our district has shown in academic achievement. We've had 3 years of consistent growth, demonstrating an upward trend in all academic areas. We continue to lead the state in providing work based learning opportunities for students. As a result, students are receiving industry level certifications and credits. Our performing arts students went to Scotland for an international competition while our Jazz Band returned to New York for the Essentially Ellington competition for the 12th time– a big shout out to all who participate in activities and athletics. I would also like to acknowledge the challenging work students, teachers, families, the school board, and our administration have done to accomplish these gains for our district.

Looking ahead, 2025 will set the stage for an important new chapter. Over the past several months, we’ve engaged with families, staff, community members, and the Wisconsin Policy Forum to refine our understanding of our district's challenges and identify solutions that reflect our collective priorities. These voices will continue to be instrumental in shaping a potential referendum package, which the School Board will consider in January. We invite you to stay connected with this process on our website and future referendum webpage. In the New Year, we will have a clarified referendum request package, data, and insights available for your review. In the meantime, our work with our School Board will continue to address improvement opportunities.

In closing, remember to celebrate the success of our students, teachers, and our Beloit community. We all know that the success of our students and staff is a shared priority. Let’s carry that momentum into the new year to ensure every student and educator has the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive.

From our School District of Beloit family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a positive and focused start to the new year. School resumes on Monday, January 6, 2025. We look forward to seeing our students return to our schools and classrooms.

In service,

Dr. Willie E. Garrison II

School District of Beloit Superintendent

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves! When kids make it to class each day, they’re not just keeping up with lessons—they’re building confidence, developing friendships, and creating a positive attitude toward learning.

Regular attendance every day at school is a step toward a bright future. Together, we can help our students feel proud and excited about their educational journey.

If you are experiencing challenges getting your child)ren) to school, please reach out to your child(ren)'s teacher or principal. We are here to partner with you to support your child(ren)'s academic success.

Beloit Memorial High School senior Anahi Arroyo sang the National Anthem at the commissioning of the USS Beloit in November. It was an honor to have her represent our city, community, district and she did it well. Way to go Anahi!

Our website has been updated to include easier access to your Skyward account. You may now click on a link found under the SDB Family Center tab on our website's home page. We encourage you to routinely check your child(ren)'s grades (especially upper grades). Parent involvement is key in a student's success!

Winter weather is approaching! The best way to stay connected to your child(ren)'s bus is to download the Bus Zone app.

This app allows you to track your student's bus route, view stop locations, check scheduled arrival times, and more. Download the app on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Now that cold weather is amongst us, please remeber to dress students appropriately. Students should come to school with winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots. Students will have recess if the temperature is 10° or above. If the temperature drops below 10° all students will have indoor recess. If your student needs winter gear, please reach out to your child's student services team.

School Closings: While we will make every effort to keep our schools open throughout the school year, situations such as severe weather may make it necessary to close schools for the overall safety of our students and staff. If weather conditions require that we close our schools, you will receive notification via voice, text, and email. Please ensure that your contact information is updated and accurate in Skyward.

In addition to voice, text, and email, we will send a push notification to our SDB App, post an alert on our website, update the phone lines at each school, post on our Facebook page, and alert local radio and TV stations.

Monday, December 23 - Thursday, January 2 : No School | Winter Break

SDB Holiday Closures: Dec 23| Dec 24| Dec 31| Jan 1 (All Buildings Closed)

Friday, January 3: No School |Teacher Work Day

Monday, January 6: School Resumes

Friday, January 17: No School |Staff PL/Report Card Prep

Monday, January 20: No School | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, January 22: Coffee Connections w/TLE | Blender Café | 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, January 24: Report Cards Sent Home

Monday, February 10: No School |Staff PL

Thursday, February 13: H.S. Evening Conferences

Thursday, February 20 & 25: Elementary Evening Conferences

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.