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School Matters 8/12/2024

School News for Residents of Kimberly Area School District

School Matters 8/12/2024 School News for Residents of Kimberly Area School District

2024

Vol. 12, Issue12

Board Meeting Summary 8/12/2024

  • Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, presented information regarding the performance of the District's investments. The investments she reported on include OPEB (Other Post Employee Benefits) funds, retiree HRA funds, TSA funds, and supplemental stipend funds. She explained that there is oversight by PMA Financial and CESA6, as well as the District's finance committee. Hansen stated that the funds are doing well and recommended, on behalf of the finance committee, a motion to keep the investments with the CESA 6 OPEB Trust and remain in the Moderate Growth Portfolio - Investment Strategy 3, which the Board approved.

  • Mike Burgess, Director of Information Technology, presented an update on the District’s Cyber security status. He explained the increase in malicious cyber-attacks, especially on educational institutions, has risen significantly in recent years. Burgess gave examples of how hackers gain access, and what the district has done to improve security in order to limit exposure. A third-party assessment was done to get a sense of the District's security and improvements were made based on what they found. Changes, such as multi-factor authentication, updating and using stronger passwords, and staff training on how to recognize malicious attempts, in addition to updated equipment, security testing, and ongoing infrastructure improvements are among the measures taken. To see the full slide presentation, go to the Boarddocs website.

  • John Schultz, Director of Student Improvement, along with Intermediate Principals Jason Nate (Mapleview) and Dave Lamers (Woodland), presented a plan to change the intermediate progress reporting schedule. They indicated that feedback from parents revealed a desire for more frequent updates. The proposed plan also aligns with the Plan for Excellence. The new schedule would include an adjustment to Intermediate progress reports to better inform parents of their students' progress both academically and in the area of Life Skills, as defined in the Plan for Excellence. The change allows for student ownership, as well as more specific and timely reporting. Progress reports would move from quarterly to semester reports, providing a comprehensive overview of student progress and performance. A new and more robust student-owned unit-based reporting system was proposed in order to share more relevant and timely information to parents. The Board approved the plan to begin the 2024-25 school year.
  • Bob Mayfield, Superintendent, presented the first reading of changes to policy 5517 – Student Anti-Harassment.
  • The Board approved contracts for Rachel Bock, 3rd Grade Teacher at Woodland Elementary School; Emma Hall, 3rd Grade Literacy Teacher at Westside Elementary School; and Jessie Garavaglia, 3rd Grade Literacy Teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, all effective 8/20/2024. They also approved the resignation of Patrisha Hoffmann, 2nd Grade Literacy Teacher at Janssen Elementary School, effective July 19, 2024.


More information about this meeting, including agendas, approved minutes and policy changes can be found on Boarddocs. For more information about upcoming board meetings, go to the District website.

KASD Students Embark on a Cultural Adventure on World Studies Trip

Intermediate Students in Costa Rica
In July a group of 49 intermediate students, parents, and teachers traveled to Costa Rica through the Intermediate World Studies program. They spent eight days immersed in the local culture and ecosystems as they participated in a variety of activities. The students itinerary included a visit to a coffee plantation, horseback riding through the mountains, kayaking at Lake Arenal, hiking at Arenal Volcano, ziplining, relaxing in hot springs, going on a crocodile safari, and enjoying the beach and wildlife at Manuel Antonio National Park. Travelers also spent time volunteering at a local wildlife refuge by helping to clear the trails for visitors. Leading up to the trip students could participate in fundraising opportunities to help offset the cost of their trip. Thanks to teachers Emily Berndt and Nate Cook for organizing, as well as the many parents who helped with fundraising and helped to chaperones on the trip.

Back to School Safety Reminder

Back to school safety tips: be alert, be patient and be prepared
On September 3, 2024, our students and staff will arrive excited for their new school year. For the safety of our students and families as they get accustomed to traveling to and from their school, please be alert, patient, and prepared for busy back-to-school commuting. Keep an eye out for an increase in students walking and biking to school, as well as more traffic around each district building.

Helpful Community Information for the New School Year

Fun welcome back to school graphic

As the new school year approaches, here is some valuable information to help our community members make the most of it. Are you a 55+ resident of the Kimberly Area School District and want to stay connected with the District? Check out one of our Community Connections (formerly known as Senior Quest) events. Stay connected and support your papermaker without leaving the comfort of your home by live-streaming one of our events on Kimberly TV. For those seeking a healthy and active lifestyle, don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the KASD John Malin Strength and Conditioning Center. Stay fit and motivated by taking advantage of the community hours and membership options available. View and subscribe to our District calendars for additional events and opportunities throughout the year. As we embark on another year of growth and learning, these resources are designed to enrich your community experience and keep you connected. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable school year ahead! If you have questions or need help accessing any of the above links, contact Sara Vogel at (920)788-7900.


Community Connections: https://bit.ly/communityupdates2425

Kimberly TV: https://bit.ly/KimberlyTV2425

KASD John Malin Strength and Conditioning Center: https://bit.ly/JohnMalinCenter2425
KASD Calendars: https://bit.ly/calendars2425

Kimberly Area School District
425 S. Washington St
Combined Locks, WI 54113
Phone: (920) 788-7900
Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Board of Education

About this Publication

School Matters is designed to keep you informed of current news in the Kimberly Area School District. Contact us with questions: (920) 788-7900 kasd@kimberly.k12.wi.us


Nondiscrimination Statement
The Kimberly Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student programs and activities.


Title IX Nondiscrimination Statement

The Kimberly Area School District prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Complete Title IX and Nondiscrimination notices can be found on the District’s website.

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