August Family Newsletter

Hello, AHS Families!

I hope this message finds you all enjoying a wonderful summer and making lasting memories with friends and family. As we bask in these warm and sunny days, it’s also time to start thinking about the upcoming school year.

I’m excited to share that we have gathered all the information you need for the new academic year in this communication! Consider it your one-stop shop for everything related to the 2024-2025 school year. Simply click on the red boxes with white text, and it will take you to a link with the outlined information. At AHS, we will not be sending out a paper packet as everything you need is in this communication and/or in a Skyward message.

Throughout the year, we will keep you informed and engaged through our monthly newsletters sent as a link in a Skyward message. The email will be titled "Do Not Reply AHS Family Newsletter." These newsletters will be packed with exciting updates, important announcements, and highlights of our students' achievements. We try to limit the number of emails you receive by including as much information as possible in our monthly newsletter, so please take a few minutes to read it each month. However, we may send time-sensitive updates via Skyward during the year as well.

Additionally, please mark your calendars for our Welcome Back Day on Thursday, August 29th from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. This special event will be an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with their schedule, meet teachers, learn about athletics and activities, and ask questions.

The first day of school for ALL students will be on Tuesday, September 3rd from 8:20 a.m. - 3:35 p.m. The entire AHS faculty and staff can’t wait to see all our students back on campus. We are thrilled to embark on another year of learning, growth, and shared experiences. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated staff, who are always here to assist and guide you. Our office staff will be available beginning August 12th, and all other staff members will be back in the building on August 26th.

As the summer days continue, I encourage each of you to seize every moment and make the most of your time together. Cherish these precious moments with your loved ones and recharge your energy for the exciting journey that awaits you in the new school year.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and let's all look forward to an inspiring and enriching academic year ahead.

Best,

Becky Bauer

Principal

We ask that all families update their online information each year to help us better serve your child. Previously, we had a number of required paper forms that needed to be signed by families, but we have conveniently put those all online for you to access and complete. Only families listed as "primary" in our system need to complete annual registration. All families may update contact information and emergency contacts as well. Although we have upgraded to a new Family Access, your previous username and password should work to log in. Use the "forgot password" link if you have trouble logging in.

We have created some instructions to help you get started: Registration Instructions.

Please complete the steps for online registration prior to August 30th.

We are looking forward to meeting the Class of 2028 during Freshman Orientation on Thursday, August 29th from 8:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

8:15 a.m. - Freshman orientation begins (students should meet in the AHS gym)

8:20 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. - Get to know you activities, walk through schedule, meet their teachers, learn about AHS activities, Q/A session, and lunch.

Other important information about Freshman Orientation:

• If your student buses to/from school, Student Transit will pick up students at their scheduled time (morning) and will bring students back home after the 12:45 p.m. dismissal.

• Students can bring lunch or purchase one from school. Families can add money to lunch accounts online, drop off a check at the AHS office, or stop by the Food Service office from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. during Welcome Back Day. Please note that you do not have to have money in your account prior to orientation.

• Students will be receiving their Chromebook during orientation. Students should bring their backpack to carry it home.

• All incoming 9th grade students will be assigned a locker.
  

• Students do not need to bring all of their supplies unless they want to store them in their locker. Teachers will collect classroom supplies on the first day of school.

*Following dismissal, parents and students can participate in Welcome Back Day. Welcome Back Day is from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. During this time, students and families can connect with teachers, learn about activities and athletics, receive support with the registration process, connect with family resources, and ask questions.

A Skyward Message will be sent to 9th grade students and families by mid August with more detailed information.

We are excited to see all students and families on Thursday, August 29th. Please see the poster below for more information.

School Devices:

• Students should bring fully charged devices to school on September 3rd. As a reminder, district devices should only be used for learning. Devices will not connect to the internet from 12 a.m. - 4 a.m.

Cell Phones:

• Cell phones will need to be kept in backpacks or lockers during class time which allows students to focus on learning. Cell phones may be used before school, during passing times and lunch, and after school. More detailed cell phone information will be shared in mid-August and the first day of school.

Lockers:

• All incoming 9th graders will be assigned lockers. Any sophomores through seniors who want a locker can get one on Welcome Back Day or during the first week of school. More communication will be forthcoming.
  

Office Hours:

• The AHS office will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. beginning August 12th. Please contact Melissa Buss at mbuss@altoona.k12.wi.us if you have questions or need something before then.

All students need to have their picture taken on Tuesday, September 10th so they can get a student ID. More information will be forthcoming at the start of the school year.

8/29- Freshman Orientation 8:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (see info below)

8/29- Welcome Back Day 12:00-6:00 p.m. (all students & families)

9/2- No School - Labor Day

9/3- First Day of School (all students)

9/10- Picture Day

9/16-9/20- Homecoming Activities

9/21- Homecoming Dance

9/27- No School - Staff In-service

A parent note or phone call is required when a student is absent from school. If your student is going to be absent, please call the activity/absentee hotline number 715-839-6095.

When a student turns 18, they must have a signed form on file allowing them to sign themselves out of school or call themselves in sick. Once the note is turned in to the office and approved by the principal, the student will be able to call in their own absences or leave school for appointment on their own. Attendance will be monitored and parents will be informed if attendance becomes a problem.

We want our schools to be open and welcoming places for our families, volunteers, and the community. At the same time, it is important that they are safe and secure places for our students and staff.

Visitors to our schools are asked to please call ahead to set up an appointment with the staff member you are visiting. Unannounced requests often are not possible due to staff schedules.

All visitors are required to do the following:

• Bring your driver’s license (or government identification card). At your first visit to our school, you will use a self-service kiosk to scan your identification card for a criminal background check.

• Wear the visitor’s badge in a place that is easily visible to staff and students.

• Remain in the specific area of the building where your meeting or visit is scheduled.

• Check back out after your visit.

Thank you for your help in keeping our schools safe!

Food Service Information

Hello!

I would like to formally introduce myself, if you haven’t met me yet, my name is Brittany Engel, and I am the School District of Altoona, School Nurse.

I have been a nurse for the last 10 years and have been fortunate enough to take different roles as a nurse ranging from long term skilled nursing, urgent care, wound clinic, pain clinic, behavioral health and heart surgery! This is my third year here at the School District of Altoona.

I am looking forward to the upcoming 24-25 school year and getting to know your student(s)! There are a few items that I would like to bring to your attention. I have created a page on the School District of Altoona website. Located in the “Parents” section, then dropped down to “School Nurse” you will find a few things; my contact information and hours, and information about different health related fields that have printable documents. These printable documents allow for your family and I to communicate effectively about your student(s) health needs and requests.

In the Health Room Documents section you will find documents labeled:

• Allergy Action Plan

• Asthma Action Plan

• Diabetes Management Plan

• Immunization Information

• Medication Forms

• Physical Education Forms

• Seizure Action Plan

Within these sections you will find documents that will allow you to write down information regarding your child’s health needs. Also gives you documentation that your physicians can fill out to help us out throughout the year if your student does have a medication condition. There is an area in Skyward Family Access where you can fill out some information, but updating me also allows me to get you the correct documentation if you are unsure.

If your student takes medications at school, even if they have a document from last year, these will need to be updated on a yearly basis, just like health plans. You can find the medication administration form on the web page as well. The physician medication administration forms are for medications that your student would need an actual prescription from the physician for. The other non-prescription administration form is for medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, etc that are over the counter in nature, if you would like your child to have something at school.

On Welcome Back Day I will be located at the Elementary School. If you would like to bring documents, any medications, or have any questions at all, please feel free to stop by and see me!

If at any time you have questions, concerns, or need anything at all, please feel free to reach out to me at 715-514-3444 or via email at bengel@altoona.k12.wi.us. I look forward to working with your family and your students! Let's have a great year!!

Sincerely,

Nurse Brittany

Skyward is our student management system. This is where you can find all of your student's information regarding attendance, grades, schedule, etc... If you have not done so already, please log in and complete the registration process. This needs to be done each year to ensure we have the most up-to-date information.

Please visit gorails.net and follow Altoona Railroaders Athletics & Activities on Facebook!

Athletics Tickets: Multiple options are available to get tickets to Altoona athletic events this season.

• Group Packages & Sport Season Tickets are available online via GoFan

• Individual event tickets are available online via GoFan and will also be available at the gate using cash

• Individual event tickets on the road within the MBC are also available online via GoFan

• To review all ticket options, you can visit https://gofan.co/app/school/WI18279?utm_campaign=vnn_global&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=vnn&referrer_name=vnn

Altoona high school students will be provided a free pass to all home regular season athletic events. District employees will be provided a free pass that includes a plus one to all home regular season athletic events. These passes will be sent via email from GoFan.

GOLD CARDS are available to senior citizens (62+) to gain free entry into all regular season athletic events. Please stop by the high school to pick one up.

Please note: Passes sold during the regular season do not cover WIAA tournament events.

Activities Code of Conduct

Athletics Online Registration

Travel Release Form

Please consider working an athletic event! Click the 2024-2025 Event Worker Schedule for more information and to sign up. Please direct any questions to Mrs. Brooks or Mr. Caudill in the A.D. Office!

Hey, Railroaders, are you looking to be a part of Locomotion this year? Look no further! Fill out this interest form to receive more information about all things Show Choir! We hope to have a fantastic year!

Locomotion Interest Form

Our school counselors, Mr. Dachel and Mrs. Burich Holle, will be in the office August 13th -14th. Schedule changes will occur from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. They will be back in the office again August 26th - 28th. Please coordinate a time to meet with them by sending them an email.

Heather Burich Holle
9th-10th Grade School Counselor

715-838-4379

hholle@altoona.k12.wi.us

Kyle Dachel

11th-12th Grade School Counselor

715-838-4378

kdachel@altoona.k12.wi.us

You will receive an email from Mrs. Burich Holle or Mr. Dachel about scheduling a time to meet to set up your schedule. Reviewing our Course Description Book before your meeting will help you make informed decisions about your classes. It’s also beneficial to bring a copy of your most recent transcript and grades. We look forward to meeting you and helping you start your journey at AHS.

We understand that many of you have questions about the Direct Admit process and acceptance. We are currently in communication with Skyward and the UW Systems to coordinate the process. A Skyward message update will be sent to families that are participating in Direct Admit later this month. Please note that different schools may be on different time frames based on their school system.

What: The School District of Altoona is growing our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.

Facebook - @altoonaschooldistrict

Twitter - @altoonasd

Instagram - @altoonasd

YouTube - SD of Altoona