Bluejay Bulletin

April 2025

Dear Parents:

I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some exciting updates from our school community.

March was a long, busy month. To start, we had parent/teacher conferences on March 4 and 6. A big shout out to all parents that took time to come in and meet with their child’s teachers. Then we began working on scheduling for our HS students going into the 2025-2026 school year. Our school counselors and I met with our current 8th graders and their parents on March 13 to go over our registration process and give some tips on planning for the high school years. We had a great turn out.

After all the parent meetings, we shifted gears and started our state testing. Our ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders completed the PreACT and ACT on Wednesday, March 19th. Thanks to all staff and students for working together to accomplish this important task. I'm pleased to report that the testing day was a success.

Additionally, I am delighted to announce the outstanding performance of our middle school wrestlers at the State competition. This year we sent 11 youth wrestlers to state, with 4 of them representing Athens Middle School. The wrestlers were cheered on by their schools with walk-throughs and pep assemblies prior to their departure. Their perseverance, sportsmanship, and talent were on full display, and they represented our school with great pride. Please join me in congratulating them on their remarkable achievements.

Furthermore, I want to acknowledge the accomplishments of our Middle and High School music students who participated in Solo & Ensemble in Athens, on March 28. Their passion for music and dedication to honing their skills are truly inspiring. I commend each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment to musical excellence. We have several high school students that will be advancing to STATE in May. Please congratulate them on their accomplishments as well.

And, last, but not least, we have completed Quarter 3. Grades have been posted and are viewable on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

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Quarter 4 is in full swing, and we have much to look forward to in April and May, including Junior PROM, spring sports and spring concerts. Please check out the Important Dates at the end of this newsletter for more information.

As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we will continue to celebrate achievements, foster growth, and inspire excellence in our students.

Warm regards,

Juli Gauerke-Peter

Middle/High School Principal

Itzel's dedication to fine art and design is apparent. Her work over the past year has consistently shown good craftsmanship and studio art knowledge. She is also willing to take artistic risks, which has elevated her art to a thought-provoking and highly academic level. These reasons and many more are why Itzel is the Fine Art Student of the Quarter.

Preston Schreiner has earned the title of Student of the Month in Technology Education due to his work ethic, enthusiasm, and contributions to the class. Throughout the month, Preston has been working very diligently on his projects to assure he will finish everything in a timely manner. He approaches each challenge with a positive attitude.His dedication to learning and growth makes him a standout student and a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Aleah has been selected as Music Student of the Quarter for her unwavering commitment and positive energy. She actively participates in all activities and continually motivates her classmates to engage while promoting respect and teamwork.

Wes has been chosen for Athlete of the Month he is always steller on the practice mat and made his way to the regional wrestling tournament. We are proud of you!

Hank has also been chosen for Athlete of the Month for Middle school wrestling as he also practices hard on the mat and made it to the Regional Wrestling Tournament. We are proud of you!

Malaina has been chosen for Track and Field Athlete of the Month as she is already close to breaking a school record only a couple of meets into the season. She is a great leader to all of her teammates and is always positive.

Scheduling information has been sent out to all students grades 8-12. If you can not find the information, please reach out to request the information. We would like this information back as soon as possible with the hopes that students will have solid schedules in place before leaving school for the summer.

!!!Forward Testing window 6-10th Grades Tentatively Planned for March 31st - April 11th!!!

• March 31st- April 11th- Forward Testing Window (Grades 6-10)

• April 3rd- HS/ MS Choir Festival- Marathon HS, (afternoon/ evening)

• April 5th- High School Prom

• April 9th- Reality Day for Juniors and Seniors

• April 9th- Parent Meeting for students taking distance learning classes for 25-26 School year

• April 10th- HS/MS Band Festival- Marathon HS, afternoon/ evening)

• April 15th- 8th Grade Class Trip to Madison

• April 16th- No School/ Professional learning day

• April 17th- No School

• April 18th- No School

• April 21st- No School

• April 25th- Middle School Dance

• May 3rd- State Solo Ensemble @ UW Stevens Point

• May 5th- MS Band and Choir Concert 7:00pm HS Gym- Awards to follow

• May 7th HS Band and Choir Concert 7:00pm HS Gym- Awards to follow

• May 23rd- Graduation 7:00pm

• May 26th- No School Memorial Day

• May 28th- 8th Grade Graduation

• May 30th- Last day of school 1/2 day

In our commitment to prioritize student safety, we kindly request that students refrain from crossing between the buses when exiting the building. This precautionary measure is in place to minimize any potential risks and ensure a safer environment for everyone. Additionally, we are asking our student drivers, as well as any students being picked up at the front door to exit the building via the front door (Door A). Your cooperation in adhering to these safety guidelines is greatly appreciated, as it helps us maintain a secure and orderly transportation system for all students. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school community safe.

• Please contact our Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Young at 715-257-7511 by 8:15 am to let her know of your child's absence or appointments. Do not message this to your child's classroom teacher as they do not always have time to check it throughout the day. The office will be letting classroom teachers know.

• Athens Middle/High School is a closed campus. Per the 2024-2025 Student Handbook, no student shall be allowed to leave school premises during the lunch period without specific written permission granted by the Principal.

It is a program at a brick-and-mortar building in your school where you can go in person. At the Learning Center, you can find:

• A space to work on your RVA courses

• between in-building courses and activities

• 
  

  as requested by RVA staff

  if you are placed on academic probation

  
  

• Technical support

About your Learning Center

Coordinator: Ms. Shelly Carpenter

Email: mcarpenter@athens1.org

Phone: 715-257-7511

Address: 601 W Limit Rd. Athens, WI 54411

Room Details/Directions: Room 131

Hours of Availability: 7:30 am -3:30 am

Notes on Availability: Learning Center hours available upon request. Please call ahead if not already scheduled to come in.