November Eagle News 2024

College, career, and life planning is essential in helping students and families navigate the future. By exploring various options early, students can make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, setting a foundation for long-term success. Families play an important role in this process by offering guidance, support, and helping students identify their strengths and interests. When students have a clear sense of direction, it empowers them to pursue opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations, both in high school and beyond.

• Representatives from colleges, universities, and local businesses will be available in Gym 1 to share information about educational programs and job opportunities.
• Staff members will be on hand in the commons to discuss current classes and offer guidance on future courses that students may be interested in exploring.

Here are some key questions students and families can ask college and career representatives to make the most of the event:

• What are the most popular majors or fields of study at your institution?
• What support services are available for students (e.g., academic advising, career counseling, internships)?
• Are there opportunities for financial aid or scholarships?
• What types of jobs or industries are in high demand in your region?
• How can students best prepare for admission to your program or for a career in your field?

Open dialogue between students and families is critical when planning for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Consider these questions to guide your discussions:

• What are your academic interests or subjects you are passionate about?
• What career paths or job fields are you curious about?
  
• Are there any special skills or experiences you would like to gain before starting your career?
• What financial considerations should we keep in mind as we plan for college or career training?
• What is your path to future success?

We encourage all families to take part in this valuable opportunity to support their child’s academic and career journey. We look forward to seeing you there!

This event will provide parents/families with a lot of information and resources within the community. Please join us in the high school auditorium to discuss county services and support for children, students, and families that are available now and post-high school. You can also enjoy the College and Career Fair in Gym 1 afterwards.

LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL SERVICES AND SUPPORTS

• ADRC (AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER)
• DVR (DEPARTMENT OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION)
• MY CHOICE PROGRAM
• TMG/IRIS PROGRAM
• BADGERCARE AND FOOD SHARE PROGRAMS
• ST. COLETTA
• YMCA
• PROJECT SEARCH
• OPPORTUNITIES INC.

Parents are HIGHLY encouraged to attend this event to learn more about the FAFSA application process. Our presenter will be available to answer questions after the presentation.

What Do Parents Need to Know About FAFSA and Financial Aid?

Prepare now so you can complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available on or before Dec. 1, 2024. Here are some ways you can get ready:

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).

• Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.

• Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.

If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.

The Jefferson County Christmas Neighbors Program will open the application process for the 2024 Holiday Season on Monday, November 4, 2024.

What to expect this year:

Families will shop for their children’s toys and will be able to select two (2) new toys per child from the new toy area ($50 value per child) and one (1) additional toy per child from the used toy area. In addition, families may select one (1) blanket and one (1) item per family member from the used housewares and holiday décor area. Each child in the family will also receive a hat, a pair of mittens, a scarf, and a roll of wrapping paper. But distribution doesn’t stop there . . . Families will also receive a box of food complete with canned and dry goods as well as some perishable items (such as ham or turkey).

Application Process:

Residents of Jefferson County seeking to be recipients can choose from one of two programs: "Toy Give-Away" or "Adopt-a-Family". Please note you must be an active participant of a state-funded child welfare program, with a case worker (such as WIC, etc.), and be the legal guardian of at least one child (infant to 18 years of age) to be considered for acceptance into either program.

To complete an application, please call 920.674.4499 and a volunteer will help you complete the application form by phone. The office hours are from 9 am to 4 pm., Monday through Friday, November 4 through December 9, 2024. You must speak with a volunteer in order to enroll. Applications are not available on-line and will not be mailed.

Phone applications for either of this year's programs must be received NO LATER THAN Monday, December 9, 2024, to be eligible for participation in the current year's programs.

If you have questions about applying, please reach out to our volunteers by calling 920-674-4499 starting November 4, 2024. Applicants are asked to call during office hours whenever possible or to leave a message with their name and a phone number where they can be reached.

Donations Needed:

Donations can be made by individuals or businesses. We accept new and used toy donations, new blankets, wrapping paper, and new hats and mittens. Community support for the Christmas Neighbors has been great over the years. And as need grows in our county, we must rely heavily on our fantastic supporters!

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations through December 16; all Premier Bank and Badger Bank locations, Fort Community Credit Union (Fort Atkinson and Watertown), County City Credit Union, U.S. Cellular (Jefferson), Tan-a-Latte, and Theisens. You can also bring your donations to the activity center at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, December 17.

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to P.O. Box 177, Jefferson, WI 53549. If you prefer, you may donate through PayPal or a credit card using this link. The included link will direct you to a page where you can make a donation in the amount you choose.

JHS Europe Trip is going to Italy in Winter 2025-26, and your student is invited! We'll visit the Vatican, marvel at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, roam the remnants of Ancient Rome, toss coins in the Trevi Fountain, ring in the new year on the Sicilian shores of the Mediterranean, explore the Amalfi Coast, and wander the ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius!

• How this opportunity will benefit your student
• What we’ll see and do on our trip
• Everything that’s included in this experience
• How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
• How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period

There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you, your student, and any other interested family members attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Ciao!

Welcome to your final year with the School District of Jefferson! We hope you have received an invaluable education that prepares you to achieve your dreams. At the end of this school year, the community and your families will come together to celebrate your achievements through high school graduation. We need to begin preparing now because graduation day will be here before you know it.

Any eligible student participating in Jefferson High School graduation must have an appropriate cap and gown (maroon for all). In addition to caps and gowns, some students may also wish to order announcements, invitations, and assorted senior material. All prospective graduates will meet with Chad Kilton, our Jostens representative, during homeroom on Wednesday, October 30. You will also receive a packet with ordering information and an order form.

Orders will be collected during both lunch periods on Friday, November 6. A down payment (or full payment, depending on the order size) is expected with the order. Failure to order and provide payment may result in an increase in pricing or even potentially an inability to participate in commencement. Graduation materials are typically distributed toward the end of March.

If you have any questions you can contact the main office or Chad Kilton at chad.kilton@jostens.com.

The new 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise is an initiative created by the Universities of Wisconsin to ensure Wisconsin students can attend any UW university without paying tuition or fees. The 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise applies to new undergraduate students, with adjusted gross incomes of $55,000 or less, who first enroll starting with the Fall 2025 term.

More information can be found at the following link: www.wisconsin.edu/tuition-promise/

Helping Your Teen Stay Organized

One of the pillars of AVID instructional strategies is Organization. High school is a busy time for students, and staying organized is key to managing schoolwork and reducing stress. As parents, you can help your teen build strong organizational habits. Here are a few simple strategies:

Use Binders for Specific Subjects

• Courses like Biology and Algebra often require binders to organize notes and assignments. Encouraging your teen to keep their binders up to date will help them stay on track.

Focused Note-Taking

• Some students used Focused Note-Taking Sheets to organize their thoughts. Help your teen break down complex topics and review their notes before assessments.

Embrace Digital Tools

• Digital organization tools, like ePortfolios, shared folders, or Google Keep, can help teens manage their work. Encourage your teen to use these tools to keep their schoolwork organized.

• Planners and to-do lists, whether paper or digital, can help teens track deadlines and manage tasks. This is a simple yet effective way to prevent last-minute stress. Here is an example of the AVID Assignment Log.

Supporting your teen in developing these habits now will help them manage their workload with confidence, preparing them for future success.

The School District of Jefferson provides qualified professionals to assist our students and families with a variety of academic and social/emotional needs. If in need, please seek out a pupil services staff member at the locations listed.

District Office

• Jennifer Shohoney, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services (920) 675-1062 shohoneyj@sdoj.org
• Andrea Bonofiglio, Administrative Assistant (920) 675-1043 bonofiglioa@sdoj.org

Sullivan Elementary

• Heather Fetherston, School Counselor (920) 675-1225 fetherstonh@sdoj.org
• Katy Riederer, School Psychologist (920) 675-1103 riedererk@sdoj.org

East Elementary

• Lindsay Fanelli-Huettl, School Support Specialist (920) 675-1133 fanelli-huettll@sdoj.org
• Daniel Mowry, M.S., LPC, School Counselor (920) 675-1426 mowryd@sdoj.org
• Ashley Thoel, M.Ed., CAGS, School Psychologist (920) 675-1478 thoela@sdoj.org

West Elementary

• Heather Fetherston, School Counselor (920) 675-1225 fetherstonh@sdoj.org
• Hannah Riedl, School Support Specialist (920) 675-1378 riedlh@sdoj.org
• Katy Riederer, School Psychologist (920) 675-1103 riedererk@sdoj.org

Jefferson Middle School

• Deanna Battist, M.Ed., School Counselor (920) 675-1326 battistd@sdoj.org
• Hannah Riedl, School Support Specialist (920) 675-1378 riedlh@sdoj.org
• Ashley Thoel, M.Ed., CAGS, School Psychologist (920) 675-1478 thoela@sdoj.org

Jefferson High School

• Tanya Dwyer, Registrar/Administrative Asst. (920) 675-1126 dwyert@sdoj.org
• Lindsay Fanelli-Huettl, School Support Specialist (920) 675-1133 fanelli-huettll@sdoj.org
• Shannon Mooney, M.Ed., GCDF, School Counselor (920) 675-1126 mooneys@sdoj.org
• Katy Riederer, School Psychologist (920) 675-1103 riedererk@sdoj.org
• Amanda Wallace, M.Ed., School Counselor (920) 675-1126 wallacea@sdoj.org

AP exam fees are due Friday, November 1, by 3:30 pm! The fee is $99 per exam. You can pay via e-Funds, cash, or check (made payable to JHS).

AP exams ordered AFTER November 8 will incur an additional $40 late fee.

If you have any questions, please contact the counseling office at 920.675.1126.

Parents can check their student’s grades and attendance directly via the PowerSchool parent portal. Can’t remember your password? Please contact Mrs. Dwyer and she can reset your parent password.

Dear JHS Seniors and Parent/Guardian(s) of a JHS Senior,

We wanted to inform parents and students of our attendance policy for our senior class. In 2018, the board of education reviewed and revised our senior attendance policy. During our fall student class meetings, we informed our Senior Class of 2025 of this attendance requirement. Our goal as a school is for every student to participate in the commencement ceremony. Best practices indicate that student attendance is a leading contributing factor to school success. On pages 11-12 of the Jefferson High School - Student Handbook, we address the importance of attendance:

By holding all of our students to the high standard of attendance set by Wisconsin State Law (Wis. Stat. sec. 118.15 & 118.16), the School District of Jefferson knows our students will be more successful. Our senior class will be held to that same standard and will be required to earn the privilege of participating and walking during the commencement ceremony to receive their diploma.

All students who meet the graduation requirements for Jefferson High School have the right to graduate and receive their transcripts, but participation in the commencement ceremony is a privilege. Our goal once again is student-driven. We understand the vast majority of our students will have little to no problem meeting this standard and we greatly appreciate parents' support in this matter.

As members of the administrative team of Jefferson High School and the School District of Jefferson, we are passionate about your son or daughter attending school and being as successful as they can be. Reaching one’s full potential can be guided while in class and working in person with our faculty.

If you have questions or concerns, please call or email the Principal or Associate Principal at Jefferson High School Administrative Office, at 920-675-1100.

Yours in Education,

Nick Skretta, Principal skrettan@sdoj.org

Rick Lehman, Associate Principal lehmanr@sdoj.org

Seniors! If you haven’t applied for college yet, NOW IS THE TIME! Applications should be completed no later than Thanksgiving. This deadline allows students to be considered for scholarships from universities and helps to secure housing contracts. Additionally, this timeline allows for timely completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which is scheduled to be available on or before December 1.

College Application Process

The new 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise is an initiative created by the Universities of Wisconsin to ensure Wisconsin students can attend any UW university without paying tuition or fees. The 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise applies to new undergraduate students, with adjusted gross incomes of $55,000 or less, who first enroll starting with the Fall 2025 term.

More information can be found at the following link: www.wisconsin.edu/tuition-promise/

Below is the website for all of the private colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin. These are fantastic institutions with many benefits for students . . . including great financial aid packages.

http://www.wisconsinsprivatecolleges.org/

This is the website for all things UW! Check out freshmen admission requirements, college visits dates, scholarships, majors, and much more!

http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/

The ASVAB is not a test, but a tool used to measure a student’s strengths and provides suggested career paths based on those strengths. Students do not need to be interested in military enlistment to participate in this battery.

Friday, November 1, 2024

8:00 am - 11:00 pm

Counseling Office Conference Room

Deadline to register: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

If you are interested in participating, please stop by the counseling office to pick up a permission slip.

If you are unable to participate this time, no worries! We will be offering a second ASVAB test date on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

* Request score reports

* Register for a national test date

* Practice for the test with ACT readiness questions

http://www.actstudent.org

Even though JHS is only two months into school, Eagle Crew has been busy! Showcasing their dedication to the betterment of their community through helping the younger students in the district, many members came into school during their summer break to assist the incoming students for the Freshman/New Student Transition Day. Further showing their dedication, many Eagle Crew members spent an entire school day being group facilitators for the 7th grade Courage Retreat possible. This day was a huge success, with much participation from every student.

Additionally, Eagle Crew members led their first freshman homeroom of the year, where they introduced themselves, then led a community building activity where the freshmen shared the stories behind their names. Throughout the school year, Eagle Crew will continue to engage the freshman homerooms with fun, relationship building activities, in an effort to support our positive school culture!

When Eagle Crew is not in the freshman homerooms, they are reaching out to send positive vibes through monthly emails! Whatever it is, the mission is the same . . . to provide community building through peer leadership!