School Matters 9/9/2024

2024

• Karen Dietzler, School Counselor at Mapleview Intermediate and department chair, presented on the student wellness initiatives outlined in the Plan for Excellence. She highlighted two primary focus areas. The first goal is for every student to have at least one trusted adult at school to whom they can turn for support. Dietzler shared that the percentage of students who feel they have such a connection has risen from 72% in the 2021-2023 period to nearly 100% district-wide in the 2023-2024 school year. This increase has been driven by various interventions, including one-on-one counselor meetings across all grade levels, enhanced teacher collaboration, and more frequent parent contacts. The second goal focuses on students receiving targeted, school-based mental health interventions and showing improvement within three months. Dietzler noted that this is a new initiative, with no prior data for comparison. The target set in the Plan for Excellence is a 90% improvement rate, and current data shows that 92.6% of students at KHS, 93.1% of students in grades 5-8, and 96.9% of elementary students have reported improvements. She detailed the interventions used, including both small group and individual methods, emphasizing the importance of early check-ins to build relationships and get to know students. Dietzler also highlighted the focus on fostering strong school connections, with several events planned at the start of the school year to keep students engaged and provide opportunities for connection. To identify and support students, and measure their progress, the school uses a variety of tools, including regular surveys, classroom assessments, guidance lessons, and individual conferences. Student progress will be closely monitored to help staff provide targeted support and continue to expand intervention options.

• Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, requested approval of the Annual Meeting agenda which will take place on Monday, September 23, 2024 following the Budget Hearing. Agenda items include reports from the Board President, Superintendent, and Treasurer, as well as setting salaries for Board members and adoption of the tax levy among other items. View the full agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/kasdwi/Board.nsf/.
• Hansen also presented the preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year. The Board approved the budget which will be presented in detail at the Budget Hearing on Monday, September 23, 2024 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The preliminary budget can be viewed in Boarddocs.

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.

Upcoming Board Meetings:

September 23, 2024

• 6:00 p.m. Regular meeting
• 6:30 p.m. Budget hearing
• 7:15 p.m. Annual meeting

October 14, 2024

• 6:30 p.m. Regular meeting

October 28, 2024

• 6:30 p.m. Regular meeting

Last school year, 42 Kimberly High School (KHS) students earned 162 certifications in the Microsoft Office Series. Several students earned the title of Microsoft Office Specialist Associate by completing four or more certifications for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The exams allow students to prove that they are knowledgeable and prepared to use these programs. Students who successfully complete the Microsoft Office College Series class earn two credits from Fox Valley Technical College. A true win-win for students who take advantage of these opportunities to reach their potential.

Kimberly Area School District residents aged 55 or older are invited to attend Community Connections events. These events help community members maintain a connection with the District. Join us for our Back-to-School lunch on Friday, September 27th. Hear Superintend Mayfield's message about important topics for the 2024-25 school year, reconnect, share lunch, and enjoy student performances. Additional Breakfast and Bingo events are scheduled for later in the school year. The Kimberly High School Key Club will again be volunteering to assist. To view additional dates, details, and menus, or to add your name to our mailing list, visit the Community Connections webpage. Reservations are required at (920) 423-4132 by the Friday before each event.

Do you know a great Kimberly educator you want to nominate for recognition? The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation is seeking nominations for Wisconsin teachers and principals/administrators who have demonstrated a superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, have motivated others, and have provided meritorious service both inside and outside the classroom. Parents, students, other teachers and community members are encouraged to nominate educators from our District whom you believe pursue excellence in education. To learn more and to nominate a talented Kimberly educator, visit https://bit.ly/nominateeducators. The nomination deadline is Thursday, October 3, 2024.

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

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