VASD Newsletter

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March is both Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month, a time to celebrate the profound impact of music and art education in shaping our students' holistic development. In the Verona Area School District (VASD), we prioritize nurturing creativity, collaboration, and personal growth through comprehensive programs aligned with the Wisconsin Standards for Music and Art. We are thankful for our outstanding VASD music and art teachers for their talent and commitment to providing excellent music and art education grounded in equity.

Music education cultivates a deep understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through the expertise and passion of our educators, students embark on a journey of discovery, learning to read music, comprehend dynamics, and appreciate the nuances of various musical genres. Whether in a band, ensemble, chorale, orchestra, or exploring individual instruments like drums, guitar, or piano, students learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, and dedication.

Music education extends beyond performance—it can encompass composition, production, and musical theater, providing students with a platform to express themselves creatively. By engaging in music creation and production, students not only hone their technical skills but also develop their unique voice and perspective, finding joy and fulfillment in their artistic endeavors.

VASD’s art education program offers a diverse array of mediums—from digital media and design to ceramics, painting, and video production—empowering students to explore their creativity through multiple avenues. Whether sculpting in 3-D design or capturing moments through photography, students learn to communicate, interpret, and express themselves artistically, fostering a deep sense of self-expression and accomplishment.

By participating in art, music, or theater, students develop technical skills while they cultivate essential life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and resilience. Through collaboration and creative expression, students learn to navigate challenges, celebrate diversity, and embrace their unique identity.

Music and art education play a pivotal role in preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. By fostering cultural awareness and empathy, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, preparing them to thrive in a diverse global society. Music and art education are essential components of a well-rounded education. By providing students with opportunities to explore, create, and collaborate, we empower them to achieve their personal goals and lead healthy, self-fulfilling lives.

We have noticed an uptick in respiratory illnesses among students in recent weeks. Even when our students practice good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, exercising, drinking fluids, and eating nutritious food, sicknesses still manage to find their way into our classrooms. Given this increase in respiratory illnesses and to align with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention respiratory virus recommendations, we have updated the “Is Your Child Well Enough to be at School?” guidance to include the following information:

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat): Children experiencing respiratory virus symptoms that impact their ability to fully participate in the school day or disrupt the learning environment should stay home until both of the following statements are true for at least 24 hours:

• Symptoms are getting better overall, and

• Temperature has been below 100 degrees F without fever-reducing medication

While the risk of spreading a virus is lower after a fever is gone and symptoms are improving, your child may still be able to spread the virus that made them sick. You can further reduce the risk of viral spread by having your child take added precautions over the next 5 days, including wearing a mask and increasing hand hygiene.

Please continue to reference the “Is Your Child Well Enough to be at School?” guidance to help you determine if your child is too sick to attend school.

Help fill your child’s summer with learning, discovery, and fun! VASD is committed to providing opportunities for a summer experience that is filled with academic exploration, enrichment experiences, and curricular reinforcement for all students. The courses and camps listed within our Summer School Course Guide and on our VASD Camps webpage have been proposed and designed to be as enriching as they are engaging.

As you read through the 2024 Summer School course offerings with your child, you will find a list and description of courses for grades K to 12. Online registration for courses will open at the following times:

• Thursday April 4 at 4 PM for high school seniors

• Monday April 8 at 12 PM for K-5 students

• Monday April 8 at 2 PM for 6-8 students

• Monday April 8 at 4 PM for 9-11 students

When registering your student, please make sure that you are selecting courses based upon the grade your child will be ENTERING for the 2024-25 academic year.

Join Dr. Clardy as he shares updates and interviews guests from around the district. In the Loop with the Sup will be posted about every two weeks on Wednesdays. Listen here!

Episode 16: Multilingual Programs in VASD

Coming Soon!

Episode 17: Pupil Services in VASD: Counselors, Health Services, Psychologists, Restorative Practices, Social Workers

Episode 18: Student Advisory Member Experience with VAHS Students Sophie and Sidney

Looking for a way to appreciate a VASD staff member? This is a quick, easy way to recognize a VASD staff member or team. Next time you see or experience something great with a VASD staff member or team, consider taking a moment to send them a shout out. We'll publish it on our website and let the staff member know. What a great way to share your gratitude!

On Monday, March 18th Verona Area High School students taste tested homemade plant based taco meat compared to homemade fresh beef taco meat. Each student that participated had the opportunity to vote on their preferred taco filling. Our Food & Nutrition staff offer tasting opportunities for students throughout the school year to provide variety and assess if an item would be popular on the lunch menu.

School breakfast and lunch menus are easy to find on the global icons on the VASD website.