IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS
JUNE 2024
IOWA-GRANT DISTRICT OFFICE
Thoughts from the Superintendent........
Thank you to all of our teachers, staff, supportive parents and community. We have had a great school year.Congratulations to our graduating seniors and to our new freshman class who were promoted from the eighth grade. As the year winds down, we are already focused on the year ahead. From the district level, our biggest challenge is to end deficit budgets. While we have already eliminated a number of positions, the way Wisconsin school finance is structured, all school districts eventually must go to referendum in order to maintain current programs. In our case, we need to do so to not only maintain current programs, but to address some deferred maintenance.
The board of education will take up the question of a referendum for operations to be placed on the general election ballot in November. Over the next few years, the district needs 1.2 million dollars of additional revenue authority on a recurring basis. The tax impacts for a $200,000 home are estimated to be as follows: $224 if the levy is increased by $500,000; $314 if the levy is increased by $700,000; $403 if the levy is increased by $900,000; and $538 if the levy is increased by $1,200,000. In the broadest sense, there are two options to consider: 1) stepping up the amount each year over several years, and 2) requesting full authority for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and beyond.
If the board should choose the second option, I would recommend that the district not levy the full amount and instead, still step up the amount to even out the tax levy and avoid swings up and down. At this time, my recommendation is option two, only because in reviewing how the ballot question reads for option one, I feel that it may be confusing to voters.
If the board takes action in June, or at the latest in July, I expect that we will engage in an informational campaign. As a rule, the board and administration may not use district resources to encourage a “Yes” vote. Instead, we will do all we can to ensure that everyone who wants to, can be an informed voter.
Coming from the outside, I am continually impressed by the supportive community and great education provided by the Iowa-Grant School District. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. Thanks again for another great year.
Michael Shimshak
Panther Camp 2024
Iowa-Grant will be hosting a Volleyball Camp for students entering grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The camp will be June 24th -27th. Form and Registration must be Received by June 18th to guarantee a T-Shirt.
Happy Retirement
Thank you Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Anderson, Ms. Benish, Mrs. Frey, and Mrs. Gardiner for your dedication to IGSD.
IOWA-GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
IGHS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
6/01 Track & Field: Varsity State Tournament - TBA
6/03 Golf: Varsity State Tournament - TBA
6/04 Baseball: Varsity Sectionals - TBA
6/06 Softball: Varsity State Tournament - TBA
6/07 Softball: Varsity State Tournament - TBA
6/08 Softball: Varsity State Tournament - TBA
6/10 6:30 PM Board Meeting
6/11 Baseball: Varsity State Tournament -TBA
6/12 Baseball: Varsity State Tournament -TBA
6/13 Baseball: Varsity State Tournament -TBA
IGHS Band Uniform Update
By now you've probably heard the high school band is raising money for new marching uniforms. The current uniforms were purchased in 1986! Thank you to Community First Bank for hosting 2 bakes sales and the students/families that brought in goodies to sell. We raised $1109 to put straight towards uniforms! We have also received generous donations from the Livingston-Clifton Fire Department, Farmer's Bank, the Fillback family, Royal Bank, IG Athletic Boosters, IGEF, IGEAPSSP, and ALLETE Clean Energy. Thanks also to those who have purchased car decals or tossed a few bucks into the hat at our concerts. It all adds up!
2024 Seniors Were Awarded $539,334 in Scholarships
Congratulations 2024 IGHS Scholarship Winners
Jayden A
IG Student Council Scholarship
Pete & Katie Spurley Memorial Scholarship
Jayden B
Michigan State University Presidential Scholarship
Daughters of the American Revolution Award
Roy Schambow Memorial Scholarship
IGEF James E. Schroeder Scholarship (4 yr.)
IG Music Parents Scholarship
IG Booster Club Academic Decathlon Scholarship
Felix B-G
United States Army
Madison B
UW Green Bay
Dodgeville Eastern Star Scholarship
Livingston Community Improvement Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Meagan C
IG Music Parents Scholarship
Linden Community Scholarship
IGEF Dorothy Lepeska Scholarship
Mississippi Valley Lodge #86 Independent Order of Odd Fellows
American Red Cross Scholarship
Livingston Community Improvement Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
IG Student Council Spirit Award/Scholarship
Cobb Lions Club Scholarship
Bentley C
IGEF Bernadine Olson Scholarship
Cara Hill Memorial Scholarship
Edgewood College Deans Scholarship
Edgewood College Henery J. Predolin Scholarship
Royal Bank Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Clare Bank Scholarship
Amiah F
Grant County Emergency Services Assoc. Scholarship
IGEF Harold Colthard Scholarship
WI Masonic Foundation Mineral Point Lodge #1
Derek Lendosky Memorial Scholarship
IG Panther Pride Scholarship
Iowa County Farm Bureau Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
Class of 1969 Scholarship
Karen Fisher Honorary Scholarship
Nikolei F
Coon Hunters Association Scholarship
IG Music Parents Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Susie Andrew Memorial Scholarship
Livingston-Clifton Fire Department Scholarship
Thomas B. and Grace Stevenson Jones Scholarship
Livingston Community Improvement Scholarship
Raimer Family Scholarship
Cristian G
IG Student Council Scholarship
Sawyer G
William "Sparky" Caygill Memorial Scholarship
SWTC Lenz Family Endowment Scholarship
SWTC Scholarship for the Iowa-Grant Community
Grace G
IG Music Parents Scholarship
Cobb-Eden Fire Department
Cobb Lions Club Scholarship
Brach H
WI Technical Excellence Scholarship
IGEF Mick Gundlach Scholarship
SWTC Daryn Tresner Scholarship
Gerald Fritsch Memorial Scholarship
Gryphon H
IG Faculty Scholarship
Adriana J
Marian University Academic Achievement Scholarship
Marian University Early Sabre Award
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Livingston-Clifton Fire Department Scholarship
Marian University Campus Scholarship
Marian University Campus Scholarship
Elyse L
Montfort Veterinary Services Scholarship
IG Music Parents Scholarship
IG FFA Alumni in Memory of Dan Liddicoat
IGEAPSSP Scholarship
Cobb-Eden Fire Department
American Red Cross Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Ss. Anthony & Philip Catholic Church Scholarship
Live Like Levi Memorial Scholarship
Lenys A. Dietzman Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
IG FFA/David Bendorf Memorial Scholarship
Iowa County Association of Home & Community Education IGEF Dennis & Marilyn Carr
UW Platteville Academic Merit Scholarship
Makaya M
IGEF Mae E. Austin Scholarship
Florence & Wilson Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Compeer Financial Scholarship
IGEF Limmex Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
United Cooperative Scholarship
Upland Hills Health Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
Livingston Community Improvement Scholarship
Rachel Bakken Memorial Scholarship
Class of 1969 Scholarship
Shelly Osterndorf Memorial Scholarship
Davin M
Cobb Lions Club Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
Angelina P
Cobb Lions Club Scholarship
IGEF J. Bruce & Margaret L. Bradley
SWTC Scholarship for the Iowa-Grant Community
Lillian P
Lakeland University Achievement Scholarship
Community First Bank Scholarship
Rewey Alumni Scholarship
Rachel R
UW Platteville Business Challenge Scholarship
Linden Community Scholarship
IGEF Limmex Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Beau's 5th Quarter Memorial Scholarship
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
Class of 1969 Scholarship
UW Platteville Keri Pustina Memorial Scholarship
UW Platteville Academic Merit Scholarship
Ashton S
UW Platteville Academic Merit Scholarship
WI Masonic Foundation Linden Lodge #206
Thomas B. and Grace Stevenson Jones Scholarship
IG Youth Boys Basketball Scholarship
Gavin S
IG Faculty Scholarship
Wayne & Marion Davis Memorial Scholarship
Art Hanson Memorial Scholarship
Alaina S
IGEAPSSP Scholarship
Lenys A. Dietzman Scholarship
Karen Fisher Honorary Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
SWTC George & Marilyn Gibson Memorial Scholarship
Domanyc S
IG Faculty Scholarship
SWTC Scholarship for the Iowa-Grant Community
Rylee S
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
Class of 1969 Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Rachel Bakken Memorial Scholarship
American Red Cross Scholarship
Community First Bank Scholarship
Cyle S
WI Masonic Foundation Linden Lodge #206
IG Youth Boys Basketball Scholarship
Edgewood College Deans Scholarship
Kurt Garvey Award
Edgewood College Henery J. Predolin Scholarship
Jayden V
IGEF James E. Schroeder (2 yr)
SWTC Ritchie Implement Scholarship
Lilliana V
Linden Community Scholarship
IGEF Christianson Family Scholarship
SWTC George & Marilyn Gibson Memorial Scholarship
Class of 1969 Scholarship
IGEF J. Bruce & Margaret Bradley
Sophia V
WI Academic Excellence Scholarship
IG FFA Alumni in Memory of Dan Liddicoat
IG FFA/Dave Bendorf Memorial Scholarship
IGEF Glen and Connie Gard Scholarship
IGEF James E Schroeder (4yr)
IGEF Robert Graver Scholarship
Roy Schambow Memorial Scholarship
Iowa Grant Lions Club Susie Andrew Memorial Scholarship
Scenic River Energy Cooperative Scholarship
Southwest Wisconsin Pheasants Forever Scholarship
UW Platteville Academic Merit Scholarship
Lillian W
IG Student Council Scholarship
University of Iowa National Scholars Award
Iowa-Grant Lions Club Scholarship
Morgan W
IG Music Parents Scholarship
IGEF James E. Schroeder (2 yr.)
Southwest Wisconsin All Terrain Club Scholarship
Kaleb W
IG Faculty Scholarship
IG Booster Club Scholarship
Landon W
IGEF Robert and Martha Klindt
Class of 1969 Scholarship
UW Platteville Academic Merit Scholarship
Harrison W
Sath & Cheryl (Goke) Menon Scholarship
SWTC Scholarship for the Iowa-Grant Community
Photo Credit Erin Reddy Wolff
Thank You Iowa-Grant Education Foundation
Congratulations to the 2024 Iowa-Grant Educational Foundation
scholarship recipients and their donors.
1st row (L-R) Morgan W. (James E. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship - 2 year Tech),
Meagan C. (Dorothy Lepeska Memorial Scholarship), Amiah F.
(Harold Coulthard Memorial Scholarship), Elyse L. (Dennis &
Marilyn Carr Family Scholarship), Landon W. (Robert & Martha
Klindt Scholarship).
2nd row (L-R) Jayden B. (James E. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship
- 4 year College), Sophie V. (James E. Schroeder Memorial
Scholarship - 4 year College, and Glen & Connie Gard Scholarship), Brach
H. (Millard "Mick" Gundlach Ag Scholarship), Bentley C.
(Bernadine Olson Memorial Scholarship), Jayden V. (James E.
Schroeder Memorial Scholarship - 2 year Tech).
3rd row (L-R) Rachel R. (Thomas & Mary Jane Limmex
Scholarship), Lilliana V. (Christianson Family Scholarship and J. Bruce
and Margaret L. Bradley Memorial Scholarship), Makaya M.
(Thomas & Mary Jane Limmex Scholarship and Mae E Austin Memorial
Scholarship), Angelina P. (J. Bruce and Margaret L. Bradley Memorial
Scholarship).
4th row: IGEF Board members: I-G Superintendent Michael Shimshak,
Fred Skaife, Mike Peat, Peggy Biddick, Vicki Langfoss, Connie Gard.
Scholarships awarded in 2024 totaled $27,500
Photo Credit Erin Reddy Wolff
The Class of 2024 say "Peace Out I-G!"
Graduation was held on Saturday, May 25th at Iowa-Grant. Afterwards, the new graduates gathered for a picture with Ms. Benish. The Class of 2024 was Ms. Benish's last graduating class. Good luck to our graduates and Happy Retirement to Ms. Benish.
Thank You to the Class of 1974 for Attending our 2024 Graduation
Celebrating the class that graduated 50 years before started in 2010. This year was no different as members of the Class of 1974 came and celebrated the Class of 2024. Thank you to the Iowa-Grant Education Foundation for donating Iowa-Grant History books to those members.
Congratulations Mr. Pronschinske and Ms. Benish
Mr. Pronschinske and Ms. Benish were recognized as Outstanding Coordinators for Youth Apprenticeship for the 2023-2024 school year. Panther Proud!
High School Band Information
The band has had a busy few weeks!
The middle and high school groups completed successful concerts on May 14th & 16th. High school graduation practice and performances took place on May 24th and 25th. This isn't the end, as they now they head into marching band season for the summer!
Summer band lessons with Mrs. Gile (for all for students that are just finishing grades 6-11) will start the week after Fourth of July. ALL lessons will take place in the HS band room. The direct exterior doors will allow for convenient drop offs (and as a bonus, it's usually one of the more climate controlled rooms in the district!). Schedules were sent home in paper form with students and can also be found on the Iowa-Grant High School Band Facebook page.
Summer Marching Band Dates
June 2- Montfort: 1:30 call time. We meet on the corner of S. Fountain and Grant St. across from B-L Agri-Services.
June 23- Livingston: 1:00 call time. We meet in Bell Park nearest S. Grove St.
July 28- Linden: 1:30 call time. We meet at the Linden Community Building on Main St.
August 11- Cobb: 1:30 call time. We meet in the United Methodist Church parking lot.
IGHS Band Members Performed for Local Area Memorial Day Services
Many of the high school band students even gave up their day off of school to perform in cemeteries to help honor our fallen this Memorial Day. The IGHS bank joined VFW Post 9298 for Memorial Day services in Castle Rock, Livingston and Montfort Monday
Thank You Grab A Cone and Donors!!!
Grab A Cone made a stop at IGHS on Thursday, May 23rd to treat students and staff with a ice cream treat. Thank you to the donors that made it possible.
IOWA-GRANT ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL
From the Desk of Mrs. Gallagher
Happy summer! Students, I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy some time with your family and friends. That is truly what life is about. The 2023-24 school year wrapped up and we are sending a great group of 8th-grade students to the high school. It is bittersweet but I am looking forward to the 7th grade moving into the role of 8th-grade leaders next school year. The office will be getting to work on things for next year.
There are some summer opportunities for students if you are interested.
1st session: July 8-11 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
2nd session: July 15-18 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
3rd session: August 12-15 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
To sign up for July Session 1 classes, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48A5A928A2FBC61-48739060-july To sign up for JULY Session 2 classes, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48A5A928A2FBC61-48741724-july To sign up for AUGUST classes, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48A5A928A2FBC61-48742107-august
There will be a snack/recess in between sections.
We also offer T-ball and Coach pitch softball and baseball. This runs in the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays from July 8 - August 1 with:
T-Ball 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Coach Pitch 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Honor Roll
8th Grade High Honors:
Taylor Aide, Hayden Aultman, Ryan Bonson, Kylie Breuer, Ty Cutts, Reese DiVall, Breanna Dowell, Alayna Enloe, Liam Hildreth, Joslyn Iverson, Cadence Kelley, Ava Klaas, Olivia Koss, Evelena Linscheid, Trinity Lowe, Chelsey Mueller, Carmen Parish, Stevie Pelton, Lilly Peterson, Brynne Pettit, Rena Pettit, Brock Potter, Makenna Riemenapp, Braelyn Rothamer, Maria Schafer, Cole Schauff, Ryan Thomas, Georgia Trecek, Braden Vacha, Hadeigh Vivian, Scarlett Welsh, and Lucas Wetter.
7th Grade High Honors:
Myah Batton, Oliver Christiansen, DaCota Freymiller, Trygve Herlitz Collins, Ryker Hrubes, Tucker Leix, Mackenzie Liddicoat, Brody Lindner, Leah Nelson, Ainsley Pickel, Alex Potter, Blake Schauff, Elsie Van Overmeer, Ruby Volenec, and Daniel Wetter.
8th Grade Honors:
Will Biddick, Graham Brown, Lily Dosch, Karla Gaytan, Zayden Jelle, Riley Levy, Henry Litteral, Myles Loeffelholz, Trinity Loeffelholz, Kellen Mumm, Isabella Neevel, Michelle Quiahua, Garrett Rech, Ezmae Sandberg, Maxton Stevens, Owen Wienkes and Parker Woods.
7th Grade Honors:
Madalynn Allen, Rohwen Aultman, Deven Engrav, Maxwell Hake, Isaiah Hines, Shaylee Husom, Lainey James, Hayden Johll, Sekarra McGraw, Owen Munson, Kayden Peterson, Jaeden Roelli, Ayson Speth, Kipton Wetzel, and Weston Wolff.
Mrs. Boldt is pleased to announce that the following 8th grade students have been selected to have their poetry published. We had a total of 18 students this year that were published; the most that we've ever had! According to Creative Communication, the sponsor of the contest, "Less than 50% of the poems submitted are published. The fact that you have numerous students accepted makes a strong statement about your school and teachers." We are super proud of our Panther poets! If you would like to read their poetry, visit this link: https://docs.google.com/.../1r5XFn.../edit...
Pen Pal Farewell
On Friday, May 24th, the 3rd-grade class hosted their annual Pen Pal Farewell. Students write to a pen pal throughout the school year. Pen Pals have the opportunity to meet their pen pals in September and can also attend our Farewell in May. The students and pen pals enjoy this project immensely.
BOUNCE HOUSE DAY!
8th Grade Promotion
Iowa-Grant 8th-Graders wrapped up their IGEMs careers Wednesday night, 5/29/24, by having a promotion ceremony. Your IGEMs teachers are very proud of all of you and your hard work. We hope that you continue that hard work over at the high school and that you keep making IG a better place.
Congratulations to the IGEMs class of 2024 and future high school grads of 2028!
Iowa-Grant 8th graders did their yearly cleanup of Highway 18 between Cobb and Montfort on Tuesday, May 14th.
Thank you, 8th graders, for continuing this wonderful tradition at IGEMs.