We are excited to head into our first official break of the year while also celebrating so many accomplishments from the school year so far. A reminder that we only have school Monday and Tuesday this week (normal schedules) with no activity bus Tuesday afternoon. We hope you have a safe and restful 5-day weekend. There will be no Howl next week as we will just be coming back from our break. The Howl will resume on December 8th. Check out this week's Howl:

• Greetings Wolf Pack!
• Upcoming Events
• Native American and Indigenous People's Heritage Month
• State Report Card
• Attendance Data Analysis
• Screenagers
• Thanksgiving Baskets
• Attention Freshman Families
• Attention Sophomore Families
• Attention Senior Families
• These Teens Mean Business Showcase
• Student and Classroom Spotlights
• In Case you Missed it!

November 25th-26th- NORMAL schedule (we will not have an extended SP30 on the 25th or Day of Service on the 26th).

November 26th- NO ACTIVITY BUS. Have a great break!

November 27th-29th- NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving Holiday Break.

As we come to the end of Native American and Indigenous People's Heritage Month and also celebrate Thanksgiving this week. Take a moment to watch this short video encouraging us to pause and learn more about the Ho-Chunk people.

State Report Cards are one measurement of success and areas of growth for a school. It is by no means a full picture of who we are as a community, however, it is one way to assess our current state.

This week the 23-24 State Report Cards were released and we received our first State Report Cards as a One West community. Our first school year we were evaluated under an alternative measurement as a new school. This year we were evaluated alongside all of the schools in Wisconsin. In our second year of existence we exceed state expectations and achieved the highest possible score (100) for ELA growth and exceeded the state average for both ELA and math achievement and growth. We are in the top 20% of all 9–12 high schools in the state.

We know that the first two years of launching our school community had their fair share of challenges. If we can accomplish this amidst those challenges, the sky is the limit for us as a One West community. Can't wait to see what this year and beyond has in store.

As we continue into second quarter and prepare for our short week this week and a strong push from break to break, we continue to focus on attendance. This past Monday during SP30 students went through the following slides practicing their data analysis on both a school and individual level.

Students grounded themselves in the vocabulary related to attendance, specifically the two types of attendance rates: SIS and Full Day Attendance, as well as The Gap in between and that it is an indicator of students being at school but not attending class from bell to bell.

Students then analyzed schoolwide data trends both by grade and by block and talked them through in small groups in their SP30 class.

Finally, each and every student got an individualized email with their specific to date SIS, full day attendance rates as well as their calculated gap. Students then created goals for improving (or maintaining their attendance between now and December 13th). They created a calendar invite for the 13th to remind them of their goal for reflection on that date.

Please connect with your student this week. Ask them about their current attendance rates, their goals and the action steps they have identified to improve their attendance (or maintain it above 90%). Together we will achieve our goal of every student being 90%+.

The Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition is hosting a screening of the film Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age. Registration is required and once an individual or group registers, they will have a two week window, from December 1st through 15th, to view it in your home whenever you want!

Screenagers explores parental struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction and offers solutions to help kids find balance. Registration is required and once an individual or group registers, they will have a two week window, from December 1st through 15th, to view it.

Thanksgiving Baskets will be distributed during regular hours at the Sunshine Place Sun Prairie Food Pantry starting Wednesday, November 13 through Wednesday, November 27.

Monday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Thursday: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Clients can pick up their Thanksgiving Basket during their normal pantry visit. A pantry visit is not required to pick up a Thanksgiving Basket. No sign up is required for Thanksgiving Baskets this year! This year, Baskets will be choice-based and with more options.

For additional information or assistance contact your school social worker!

Susi Sirianni (last names A - K) at sesiria@sunprairieschools.org

Caitlin Fahey (last names L- Z) at cmfahey@sunprairieschools.org

On Friday, all Freshman attended an ACP Planning Presentation in the PAC. Students gained valuable information about their academic and career plans at SPW. You can view the presentation HERE

Topics included:

• Graduation Requirements

• Reviewing Transcripts

• Testing options

• Academic and Career Opportunities

What is the STEM Academy?

The STEM Academy is a dual enrollment program for Sun Prairie Area School District high school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics. Students take full-time college classes at Madison College in 11th and 12th grade to earn transfer level credit towards an associate degree while completing high school requirements, at no cost to students and families. More information can be found at this website. There will also be an informational meeting in the evening on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at SP West.

Who can apply to the STEM Academy?

Tenth grade students who meet the entrance criteria can apply. Current entrance requirements are at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA, 90% attendance rate and minimum progress toward high school graduation requirements. Since Sun Prairie has a limited number of available spots in the STEM Academy, application to the program does not guarantee admission.

How do students apply for the STEM Academy?

The application can be found HERE, and there are paper copies available in Student Services. All completed application materials must be turned into Student Services no later than Monday, February 24, 2025 at noon.

Please contact Mrs. Griffin (rlgriff@sunprairieschools.org) if you have questions.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available to submit for next school year. You can fill out the FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid website. If you would like support filling out the FAFSA, Sun Prairie East will host College Goal WI on January 7, where there will be financial aid advisors available to help.

On November 14th, Sun Prairie West High School students hosted their annual Empty Bowls dinner, raising $1,000 for Sunshine Place, a local nonprofit. Over 227 attendees enjoyed a delicious array of 11 homemade soups prepared by SP West's ProStart cooking students, who spent the week chopping, cooking, and perfecting their recipes. The event also featured beautiful handmade bowls crafted by the Ceramics Class, live music by orchestra members, and support from FBLA students who helped with marketing and tours. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of these talented students, the dinner doubled its fundraising efforts from last year!

A huge thank you to the dedicated staff members—Jill Hansen, Gavin Christianson, Erin Barnard, and Kevin Wager—for guiding students throughout this event. We also extend our gratitude to Sarah Wells and The Wells Farm for generously supplying meat for the soups, as well as the Sun Prairie Farmers Market for their support. Finally, we thank the community members who came out to support the students and this wonderful cause. Your involvement made a meaningful impact!

2024 MSAN High School Student Conference Recap

Last week from November 13-16, 2024, students and chaperones from Sun Prairie East, Sun Prairie West, and Prairie Phoenix Academy attended the MSAN High School Student Conference in East Lansing, Michigan. Hosted by East Lansing Public Schools at Michigan State University, this year’s theme, “Leaving Our Legacy,” focused on leadership and creating lasting positive change. MSAN stands for Multicultural Student Achievement Network.

Over 20 school districts nationwide participated in this impactful event. Here are some highlights from Sun Prairie's experience:

A Prairie Phoenix Academy student poet captivated the crowd with an original performance.

Students worked with MSAN advisors to create action plans for justice and equity in their schools.

Scholars toured Michigan State University and enjoyed lunch at Brody Square.

Panels featuring student leaders and entrepreneurs of color provided inspiration and practical advice.

Key Conference Highlights:

• Keynote speakers Mari Copeny (Little Miss Flint) and Myles Johnson, Lansing District 5 Commissioner.
• Team-building activities and action project planning.
• University tours and a student panel with Michigan State University leaders.
• “MSAN's Got Talent,” roll calls, and a celebratory dance.
• The Benefits:
• Networking with peers across the country.
• Engaging in discussions about barriers faced by students of color.
• Developing leadership skills to drive equity and justice in their schools and community.

A special thanks to our chaperones and staff who made this amazing experience possible for our students! The conference was a powerful and inspiring experience, motivating students and chaperones to take action and create change in their communities

Students in APES collected their final data on our school’s soil health and its effect on decomposition.

APES students analyzed human population dynamics by looking at historical (cemetery) and modern data.

Chemistry students collected data and calculated the average atomic mass of a new element “beanium.”

We need YOUR input too! Do you have an idea of something that should be included in the Howl? Your ideas are always welcome. Email our Admin Associate to the Principal, Jordain Blank at jnblank@sunprairieschools.org.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

No student may be unlawfully discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student’s sex (gender identity, gender expressions, and non-conformity to gender role stereotypes), color, religion, profession, or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin (including limited English proficiency), ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment is a form of discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the District. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur.

(SPASD District Policy JB)

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at 608-834-6620. Si un estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor contactenos en el 608-834-6620.

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Hmong, please contact us at 608-834-6630. Yog tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov ntawv ntawm no ua lus Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 608-834-6630.

We strive to keep The Howl as streamlined as possible with all of the important information for our community. To the end once something has appeared in The Howl, it will move here to the "In Case you Missed It!" section. Take a moment to peruse and make sure you have not missed important info!

The Sun Prairie Area School District is required by state and federal law to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services. This process is known as “Child Find”. The Sun Prairie Area School District is also required to provide annual notice of its Child Find activities. Below will find a copy of our annual Child Find Notice with the procedures for accepting and documenting a referral. The notice is provided in English, Spanish and Hmong.

As a school district we engage in yearlong school improvement planning that is broken into three 100 day cycles. We just completed our first 100 days and last week our Guiding Coalition (leadership team) spent a day reviewing the work we have completed thus far this school year, celebrating the success, trouble shooting the areas of growth and planning for our next 100 days.

As a part of the day each team created a graphic representing celebrations from the first 100 days in the form of: a tree!

The Roots: The roots of our work during the first 100 days were the strategies and actions that all of our other work has been grounded in. Our roots this fall have been norms and agreements among adults, with students and across spaces. We have intentionally built consistency through tightening our universal practices (pass expectations, expectations of students being in classrooms, etc) and restorative practices school wide.

The Trunk: The tree trunk in our illustration is the adult practices that grow out of the roots and allow the branches to grow. Our adult practices have including a universal practice of teachers analyzing student learning in their professional learning teams to identify what students have learned and areas they still need to grow. Additionally we have been engaging in and reflecting on personal and professional learning including Courageous Conversations around race and that the best place for students is in their assigned class.

The Branches: The product of the roots and the trunk are the branches. The results that we have seen so far this fall has been improved attendance, a decrease in the use of out-of-school and in-school suspension and that our professional learning teams are student focused and collaborative.

We have great momentum this fall, moving in the right direction. We have seen a significant uptick in tardies in the last month and next week will have more data on attendance, what is going well and areas we need to grow.

For the safety and well-being of all students, parents/caregivers are not permitted to board the school bus for any reason. We understand that sometimes it might seem convenient, but keeping the bus environment secure and on schedule is our top priority. If you need to speak with your child or address something related to transportation, please contact your school principal or Brinda Thompson at Kobussen Buses at (608) 825-8700, and they will be happy to assist you. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe and efficient ride for all our students.

On Friday, all Sophomores attended an ACP Planning Presentation in the PAC. Students gained valuable information about their academic and career plans at SPW. You can view the presentation HERE.

Topics included:

• Graduation Requirements

• Reviewing Transcripts

• Testing options

• Academic and Career Opportunities

This year we are offering the ASVAB Career Exploration Test on Thursday, December 12. It is a no-cost career planning tool. The ASVAB offers information about all options after high school for college-bound students and those interested in other pathways. It is a great opportunity for those who are not sure about what they want to do after they finish high school. This test will be available to any sophomore, junior or senior. The test will be administered by Education Service Specialists and school personnel. The test takes about 2 hours to complete and results will be provided a week after. Location of the test is at SPW, room TBD. Testing will start at 8:45am. Student scores will NOT be released to the military unless requested.

The ASVAB is designed to help students:

• Learn more about themselves and the world of work.

• Explore occupations in line with their interests and skills.

• Discover all the ways to enter the career fields they are best suited for

• Develop an effective strategy to achieve their career goals.

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Saldana (cmsalda@sunprairieschools.org), school counselor.

Please use the QR code to sign up by December 5, 2024 or sign up in Student Services.

SkillsUSA is raising funds for community service projects this year. Please consider supporting their efforts. Popcorn is sold through our Double Good popcorn store. Sale is open Monday through Thursday, and orders are shipped directly to YOU! Some flavors shown below.

As your Deans of Students, we’re here to support you in any challenges you might face. If you need to report bullying, harassment, or conflicts with teachers or peers, please reach out to us. We’re committed to helping you get the assistance you need and will connect you with the right resources to resolve the situation. Rest assured, all conversations are 100% confidential, and our goal is to ensure you feel safe and supported at school. Stop by any time and visit us across from the Restorative Practices space (1423) and next to the Admin Office (we are between 1400 and 1500). - Coach Rob and Ms. Diaz

Our before and after school tutoring is up and running!!! Schedule out time this week to stop by the Wolf Study lounge to get help, catch up, or study for your classes.

• Morning Tutoring: 8:05 AM – 8:35 AM

• After-School Tutoring: 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM- Activity bus available at 4:45pm
  

Questions? Reach out to Nehemirah Barrett @ntbarre@sunprairieschools.org

Great work on the progress made! Keep up the great work.