JANUARY 2025

There was a senior graduation meeting on January 7th. Jostens was here to hand out packets and talk about ordering graduation caps, gowns, tassels, announcements, etc. There are a few extra packets in the main office for seniors who could not attend. Jostens will be back Tuesday, January 14th, from 10:30-3 p.m. to take orders which can also be completed online. Jostens Order Form 2024-25 Jostens Online Website

The graduation caps and gowns are the same from year to year. If you choose to use the gown of an older sibling or friend, you would still need to purchase the 2025 graduating year tassel.

The senior high semester 1 final exam schedules on Thursday and Friday, January 16th and 17th, are below. Please note students are expected be in attendance for all periods, including study hall except if they have privileges or are excused by a parent. The IMC and commons will be available for those who ride the bus home at 2:40 p.m. as buses run at their normal times. Also, Friday is a late start with period 1 exam beginning at 8 a.m. Lunch will be offered both days. Links: Final Exams 1/16/25 Thursday and Final Exams 1/17/25 Friday

Yearbooks ordered by January 17, 2025 at 3 p.m. are $60. Yearbooks can be purchased on Infinite Campus under “Optional Fees” or in person at the Senior High school main office using a credit card, check, or cash. Parents are asked to please let your student know if you paid for one and to pick it up in May. The price will increase to $75 after 3 p.m. on January 17, 2025 and cannot be purchased until yearbook distribution in May on a first come, first serve basis with limited supply. Infinite Campus can be checked at anytime under Fees to see if one has been purchased.

Senior Ball will be held February 22, 2025, from 7-10 p.m. at the Rothschild Pavillion. Tickets will go on sale the week before the ball. Students must be a senior at D.C. Everest High School to purchase tickets.

There was a Senior Ball planning meeting Friday, January 10th. All seniors are welcome to help make this the best Senior Ball yet! If you missed the meeting, see Mrs. Oosterhuis in the Student Services Office.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are Thursday, March 6th and Monday, March 10th from

3-6 p.m. One of the primary parents will receive an Infinite Campus email or hardcopy mailing of their personal website instructions around February 12th. Use this to sign up for your student’s teachers which starts Wednesday, February 19th, at 8 a.m. The website will give you the opportunity to sign up for in-person meetings. You will know your times immediately and be able to change appointments if necessary. Please write your times and dates down as there will not be another email confirming what you chose. The system will be open for parents to schedule up until 24 hours prior to the conference date. If March 6th or 10th does not work, please reach out to your student’s teacher to set up a meeting in the week following.

Please KEEP your personal website link you used to set up conference(s) in case you need to change, add, or delete appointments.

If you do not have computer access, you can schedule by calling or emailing Dawn Seehafer in the main office at (715) 359-6561 ext. 4021 starting February 19th. Refer to Infinite Campus for 3rd quarter progress on grades if needed.

Juniors will be participating in the state required ACT test on March 11th during the school day. Juniors are required to attend. The test will be administered using ACT's online format only. Sophomores and seniors will not have school on this day.

Sophomores will be participating in the state required Pre-ACT and Forward testing on April 15th during the school day. The tests will be administered using the Pre-ACT and Forward testing online formats. Sophomores are required to attend. Juniors and seniors will not have school on this day. More information to follow.

The Wisconsin Valley Conference uses GoFan for online ticketing. Tickets for sporting events need to be pre-purchased online using this link prior to each event: https://gofan.co/app/school/WI25026.

We are also offering the following WVC Season Passes through GoFan:

• Adult WVC Pass - $90 – Good for one ADULT ticket for each regular season HOME & AWAY game within the WVC schools during the 2024-2025 school year. **This pass is not eligible for away non-conference events or WIAA post-season events.

• Family of 4 WVC Pass - $250 – Good for one ticket for each member (up to four) to each regular season HOME & AWAY game within the WVC schools during the 2024-2025 school year. **This pass is not eligible for away non-conference events or WIAA post-season events.

• High School Student WVC Pass - $25 – Good for one HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ticket for each regular season AWAY game within the WVC schools during the 2024-2025 school year. **This pass is not eligible for away non-conference events or WIAA post-season events. ID may be required at the gate.

To purchase any of the above passes or other season passes, please visit: https://gofan.co/event/1017989?schoolId=WI25026

Student photo ID cards serve as the activity pass for all HOME athletic, drama, and musical events (excluding the Variety Show, dances, WIAA playoff games, and tournaments). It also serves as a library card to check out books and other reference materials and to enter the building during school hours. If lost, the replacement cost is $9 paid in the main office. Students are expected to carry their ID card at all times. Students who lost their ID may purchase a new one in the main office for $9.

Fees vary by activity and are based on the overall costs of the school programs. Options for fee waivers or payment schedules are available and can be arranged by contacting the athletic director.

Semester 1 grades will be posted in Infinite Campus on January 26th.

If you need access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or would like to request paper copies of report cards please email Melissa Barwick, Student Services Secretary. In your email, please provide child's name and your request.

Should you have any specific questions or concerns regarding your child's grades, we encourage you to reach out directly to the respective teacher. They will be more than happy to assist you and provide guidance on your child's academic performance.

Second semester classes start on January 21st. All students should double check their schedule in Infinite Campus.

Current Seniors planning to attend college in the fall of 2025 in the UW System need to register for placement testing. Admitted Seniors also receive this information directly from the college campus. Seniors not attending a UW School should check with their campus regarding the process for placement testing.

• UW application https://apply.wisconsin.edu/homepage (best when applying to any UW College)
• COMMON APP https://www.commonapp.org/ (best when applying to colleges outside the state or private)
• SEND EDU https://sendedu.org/ (used mostly with private colleges)
• INSTITUTION SPECIFIC APPLICATION (found on institution web page)
• WI Technical Colleges https://www.wistechcolleges.org/apply
• WI Direct Admit https://www.wisconsin.edu/direct-admissions/

We strongly recommend that you apply with an email that is not affiliated with your high school and that you check often. This will ensure that you have continued access to your email account after graduation from high school.

Seniors are encouraged to meet with their school counselor to discuss future plans.

Parents are welcome to attend with their student! Students can set up an appointment using this link.

Here are some Tips:

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your parent/guardian.

• Step #1: Student and Parent/Guardian need to create an FSA ID. Go to studentaid.gov.

• Step #2: Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA can give aid in the forms of loans, grants, and/or work study.

Need help completing the FAFSA? Go to College Goal Wisconsin on January 21, 2025 at NorthCentral Technical College, attend a virtual date, or contact the Financial Aid Office at the college your student plans to attend.

The local scholarship application opens on January 29 and closes on February 12. The local app is one application that students complete in which their responses qualify them for certain scholarships. There will be a meeting during advisory on January 29 to explain how to access the local app.

There are tons of scholarship opportunities available right now! Students can access scholarships by clicking here or by clicking on scholarships under quick links on the College and Career Readiness Canvas page. Please know that only students with a DCE email address can access the scholarship folders. Please be sure to look at the weekly canvas announcement to see scholarships that are due soon.

New this year is a Career and College Center located in room 213. Visit this room for job postings, volunteer information, upcoming college/military visits, scholarship information, and job readiness help.

Advisory is every Wednesday dedicated for Academic and Career Planning (ACP) to get students college, career and life ready. Students spend time with an advisory teacher completing lessons on career and personal exploration to develop an individualized ACP plan. Right now, we are gearing up for getting students ready for course registration!

During Advisory, students actively work on creating their plan using a variety of online platforms - Xello, Canvas, and DCE Portrait of a Graduate Dashboard. They learn how to “Know, Explore, Plan and Go” to make their post-secondary plans a reality by analyzing their personality, interests, classes, experiences and extracurricular activities.

Parents play a vital role in the ACP process and these platforms, which document their student’s ACP journey, are available for parents to view. Throughout high school, these ACP reflective questions can help guide your conversations to help your child make thoughtful decisions about their future. To keep parents informed of ACP activities at DCE, announcements are made every Thursday and advisory lessons are on canvas in the “College and Career Ready” class. In addition, parents and students can access scholarships, job postings and the calendar to see when colleges/military are visiting DCE or we host ACP events, such as the virtual health exploration day on December 10th.

Students used virtual reality to simulate a variety of health careers, including responding to a car accident as an EMT, Nurse, Lab Technician, or

Surgeon.

The Wisconsin Department of Instruction is looking for your feedback in procuring the next ACP platform. Please let them know what you think using this survey link or see the flyer for more information. Research has shown that the ACP process increases student engagement, school connection, motivation and awareness of oneself. This process is gradual and builds upon one year to the next where the student’s goals and plans change based on their personal experiences, until it culminates into a robust career pathway upon graduation. Because of this, it’s very important to get your input.

Congratulations both of you!

Sean O’Donnell for the being November’s YA student of the month. Sean works as a diesel technician at Transport Refrigeration. Sean says “Being in YA is a great learning experience, it offers an opportunity to have workplace experience prior to joining the workforce.”

Shela Lee is the YA Student of the Month for December. This is her second year working as a Dietary Aide at Marshfield Medical Center and she has advanced in her role to training others and working dual positions. Her supervisor, Rachel Starzinski Guralski says Shela is amazing at what she does, is an asset to their department and a leader who trains other coworkers, while many look to Shela for advice. Shela credits her YA job to helping her learn about teamwork, engaging with nurses and cooks, and finding new, efficient ways to do her job faster while still meeting health standards. We are so very proud of Shela and her growth as a YA student following her path into the Health field!

If you are interested in learning more about YA, ACP or CCR (College & Career Ready), please reach out to Manee Vongphakdy, myangvongphakdy@dce.k12.wi.us, room 212, or Sara Pinsonneault, spinsonneault@dce.k12.wi.us, room 213.

Marathon County has an array of supportive resources for families. United Way 211 informational and referral source is a great place to begin for many needs. Groceries, parenting support, counseling, housing- 211 can help find solutions. https://www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help/.

DCE High School operates a food and basic needs pantry. The pantry is available to all students and families at any time. The pantry provides non-perishable food for families to assist with supplemental nourishment at home and basic hygiene supplies for daily use. The pantry is available for emergency needs or weekly distribution. The school also has clothing, shoes, and winter apparel as needed.

Please reach out to School Social Worker, Cristin Czerwonka at 715-359-6561 ext. 4200 or your students' counselor for further information or assistance.

PLEASE see future newsletters for possible changes or the senior high webpage.

JANUARY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7 - Jostens met with ALL SENIORS on Graduation caps, gowns, announcements, etc. during ELT, SH Theater (received a packet to take home)

10 - 2nd Friday Count, VERY important students are in attendance, see above

14 - Jostens returns to take orders on Graduation caps, gowns, announcements, etc., 10:30-3 p.m. only

16-17 - Semester 1 final exams, shortened/altered time schedules above

17 - Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends

17 - Purchase Yearbooks for $60 through 3 p.m., goes up to $75 in May at distribution, first come first serve basis

20 - NO SCHOOL

21 - Quarter 3 Begins

FEBRUARY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

5 - Group pictures taken for the Yearbook (Clubs/Activities/Athletics/Etc.)

20 - Independent Learning Day for Students

21 - NO SCHOOL

22 - Senior Ball, Rothschild Pavilion, 7-10 p.m.

MARCH- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3 - Spring Sports Parent/Coach Meeting

3 - Senior speaker audition signup begins, Seniors watch your school email for signup

6 - Hiring & Career Fair for grades 10-12, more info to follow

6 & 10 - Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3-6 p.m. (one parent per student will be emailed to sign up)

11 - Junior ACT Plus Writing Test, NO School for 10th & 12th

14 - Senior Speaker audition signup deadline

19 - Seniors who signed up for Senior Speaker Auditions check your school email for appointment date and time

20 - Quarter 3 Ends, Last Day prior to Spring Break

21-28 - NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

31 - First day back from Spring Break & 4th Quarter Begins

APRIL- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2 & 3 - Senior Speaker auditions

10-13 - Musical “All Shook Up” (grades 8-12)

15 - Sophomore Pre-ACT & Forward Testing, NO School for 11th & 12th

18 - NO SCHOOL

26 - Junior Prom, Central WI Convention Expo, 7:30-11 p.m.

30 - Mandatory Senior Meeting on Graduation during Advisory in Theater

MAY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12 - All senior fines and fees must be paid to walk graduation

14 - Academic Awards Night, SH Theater

18 - Athletic Awards Night, SH Theater

23 - Last Day for Seniors

26 - NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day

28 - Graduation Ceremony, Stiehm Stadium weather permitting

JUNE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4-5 - Semester 2 Final Exams for Sophomores & Juniors

5 - Last Day of School, Quarter 4/Semester 2 Ends

6 - Snow Day makeup or NO SCHOOL

TBD - Summer School Begins

Phone (715) 359-6561

• Press 1 for the Attendance Office
• Press 2 for the Health Office
• Press 3 for Guidance and Student Services
• Press 4 for Athletics
• Press 5 for Food Service

Office Staff

Mike Raether - Principal - Ext. 4022

Dallas Rennie - Assistant Principal - Ext. 4237

Luke Stachovak - Assistant Principal - Ext. 4240

Michael Krohn – Dean of Students – Ext. 4201

Mike Mathies - Athletic Director - Ext. 4400

Tami Mlodik - School Psychologist - Ext. 4328

Dawn Seehafer - Principal's Secretary - Ext. 4021

Nikki Bolen - Athletic Secretary - Ext. 4236

Melissa Barwick - Student Services Secretary - Ext. 4251

Carla Kietlinski - Attendance Secretary - Ext. 4247

Karry Salber - Front Office Secretary - Ext. 4233

Shebra Elliot - Front Office & Department Chair Secretary - Ext. 4231

Jacki Gburek - Health Assistant - Ext. 4245

Heidi Bartlett - Administrative & Community Partnership Secretary - Ext. 4327

Discrimination

The D.C. Everest Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including pregnancy, gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability or any basis protected by state or federal laws. The following staff are designated to receive inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Gina Lehman, Director of Student Services, gilehman@dce.k12.wi.us, or Sarah Trimner, Director of Talent and Culture, strimner@dce.k12.wi.us, both are located at 6100 Alderson Street, Weston, WI 54476 and (715) 359-4221.