VASD Newsletter

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The safety of our students is the top priority in the Verona Area School District (VASD), and we take all threats of violence with the utmost seriousness. Any statement that involves threats of harm, whether made in jest or not, will be fully investigated. We want to be clear that every report is considered credible until proven otherwise, and the consequences of making such comments will be significant.

It is our responsibility to investigate each threat thoroughly. It’s important to acknowledge that even unfounded threats and their related investigations can cause anxiety, stress, and disruption for students, staff, and the broader community. There is no such thing as a “joke” when it comes to statements and threats involving weapons and violence. Any student making threats, either in a serious or joking matter, will be held accountable in alignment with the VASD’s Progressive Response Model, which includes repercussions up to and including a recommendation for expulsion. In addition, investigating “joking” threats diverts valuable time and attention from the high-quality education you expect in the VASD and places unnecessary demands on local law enforcement resources.

In addition to this letter to families, VASD staff will begin meeting with every student to address these critical issues directly. They will emphasize the power of language and word choice, reinforcing that words related to violence, guns, or threats—whether meant sincerely or not—are never appropriate in school. Students need to understand that such language will be taken seriously and can have significant consequences for themselves and the wider school community.

VASD staff will also use these meetings to remind and inform students how to promptly report any concerns they may have. Students must know who to turn to and how to report issues that could impact school safety. Reporting these concerns to a trusted adult is key to keeping our schools safe. We ask that you please remind your student that if they hear something or see something threatening, they should report the information to an adult or use the VASD tip line immediately.

Together, we can maintain a safe, focused learning environment for our students. We appreciate your partnership in helping us reinforce these important messages and uphold the security and well-being of our school community.

Nominations for Wisconsin teachers and principals can now be submitted here for the 2025 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards. The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship recognizes teachers who have demonstrated superior ability to inspire love of learning in their students, have motivated others, and have provided meritorious service both in and outside the classroom. The program recognizes and supports principals who demonstrate administrative leadership and who positively influence school culture. These awards include a $6,000 grant for the educator and a $6,000 grant for their school!

Last year, three of our educators were awarded with this honor (see photos below). It only takes a few minutes for you or your children to nominate someone. Click here to nominate a teacher or principal today!

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 1: Sergeant Logan Brown talks about Fitchburg Community Night Out

Episode 2: Director of Athletics and Activities Adam Stiner talks about his childhood and school experience in Verona Area and his new leadership role

Episode 3: 2024-25 Convocation Recap - Dr. Clardy talks about what Convocation is and why it's an important part of kicking off the school year.

Episode 4: Music Teacher Heather Thorpe, and VAHS Students Mia and Aimika talk about the upcoming musical Freaky Friday

Each month, we will feature something special from Food & Nutrition. It could be our healthy menu items, dishes from various cultures, or locally sourced produce or dairy. School breakfast and lunch menus are easy to find on the global icons on the VASD website.