December High School Newsletter

🎶 Hark! The district angels sing,

Vacation’s near—it’s happening!

Parties, projects, kids run wild,

Counting days till grades are filed.

Students from our FCCLA chapter recently had the opportunity to attend FCCLA Day at the Fiserv Forum. The day kicked off with an inspiring employee panel, where students learned about career opportunities and the diverse roles that contribute to the venue's success. Following the panel, students enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of both the Fiserv Forum and the Baird Center, gaining a deeper understanding of how these world-class facilities operate. The day culminated in an action-packed Bucks game, giving students the chance to cheer on their team in person. It was an unforgettable experience that combined education, career exploration, and sportsmanship in a truly memorable way!

Students in Art, Construction, and Business classes worked together to build a school store.

In College Prep English, students stepped into the roles of characters from Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales prologue. They then engaged in a "speed dating" activity for review, interacting with one another to uncover the identities of their fellow pilgrims.

Ms. Brandau’s student teacher, Ms. Swanson finished up her time with us at G-E-T. She did an amazing job and students really enjoyed having her here. We want to wish her the best of luck and know she will be a wonderful teacher. Mrs. Hovell and Ms. Brandau are offering ACT prep. They will have a new test outside of their rooms each week. Please stop and see either of them if you have any questions.

Mixed Choir, Robed Choir, and the Middle School choirs joined together for their Winter Concert on Dec 9. Songs included classics such as “In the Bleak Midwinter”, “The Holly and the Ivy”, “Ave Maria”, and “The Christmas Song”. Some modern songs performed included “The Theme from Elf” and “That’s Christmas to Me” by Pentatonix. Robed Choir and the Middle School choirs joined for a final song called “Baba Yetu”, which is The Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. “Baba Yetu” can be found in the video game Civilization IV and has won many awards.

A cappella groups Vocal Point and Out of the Blue traveled to Shell Lake on Dec 7 to participate in their festival, “Acapalooza”. Cambridge, Casco, Shell Lake, and G-E-T were able to work with clinicians Katherine Bodor and Jordan Roll throughout the day to work on their songs. Vocal Point performed People Like Us (Kelly Clarkson, solo Mackenzie Tobias), Jealous (Labrinth, solo Kaitlyn, C.) and Everything (Michael Buble, solo Riley S.) while Out of the Blue performed Lost in Japan (Shawn Mendes, solo Sawyer P.) and Ain’t it Fun (Paramore, solo Autumn R.). The next item of business for a cappella is hosting AcaFest on January 11, 2025. Tickets for the event are live on the website getpac.org. It usually sells out, so get tickets now!

Footloose cast members have been nominated for Jerry Awards, which are similar to Wisconsin High School Tony Awards. If chosen, the students will attend the awards event in Madison, WI in March alongside other schools and students throughout the state. Nominations are:

For Outstanding Lead Performances:

Kailtyn C.- Vi Moore

Riley S.- Rev. Shaw Moore

Sawyer S.- Ren McCormack

Nels T.- Willard Hewitt

Spirit Award:

Sawyer P.

Maddie R.

Congratulations to the nominees!

In PE class this month, students have been active with pickleball and archery, developing their coordination, focus, and teamwork skills. Pickleball helps improve agility and quick decision-making, while archery enhances concentration and patience. These activities provide a fun way to stay active while building lifelong physical and mental skills.

This month, students in Mr. Secor’s Physical Science class had the task to create a Rube Goldberg machine with their groups. A rube goldberg machine is basically an overcomplicated machine with many different steps that complete one simple task. The simple task they had to perform was safely extinguishing a burning candle. Students brought most of their materials from their homes which is always fun to see the various random things they have! We had a lot of fun with this project - it is my favorite of the year and a lot of students’ as well.

The high school business department has been hard at work bringing The Nest, the school store, to life in a brand-new physical location. With the help of the art department and construction class, the space now boasts a fresh, eye-catching design, complete with creative painting and a functional slat wall to enhance the store's appeal. The Nest is officially open for business during ELT on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, offering a convenient spot for students to shop while showcasing the power of teamwork across departments. We are located between the lunchroom and the teachers lounge. Feel free to email Mrs. Kube if you would like to take a look around (nicolekube@getschools.k12.wi.us)

Students in Mr. Hurd’s AP European History class recently participated in a “Salon Party” during their Enlightenment Unit. The French salon was an informal gathering of educated people, where they were able to exchange ideas, receive and give criticism of current events and topics, read their own works and hear the works and ideas of other intellectuals. Students in class role-played a prominent Enlightenment philosopher, discussing various topics of the time period, including human nature, slavery, deism, religious toleration, capital punishment, and economics. The charcuterie, also developed in France, added a great touch. The smoked cherrywood MontAmoré cheddar was particularly good!

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We’re excited to tell you about a free program, ENGAGE Wisconsin, that will provide your student with an extra layer of support this school year. Here’s what one parent had to say about this program:

“I couldn't ask for better dedication and support for my daughter. Our mentor is a blessing and has incredible energy. I love how she got my daughter out of her shell and talking more (and finding her voice to speak up more). Thanks to our coach and this program, my daughter loves school and learning again. This program is the best thing that could ever happen for my daughter and me!” — ENGAGE parent

The state has partnered with Graduation Alliance to provide an extra layer of support for K-12 students and their families to boost school engagement and academic success during the school year.

If your student chooses to participate in the program, they will be assigned a personal mentor who will answer questions, connect them with resources, and develop a plan to help them stay on track and engaged with their schooling!

Their coach will reach out by phone, email, text message, and more to provide support by grade level such as:

All Students

● Encouragement and motivation

● Access to 24/7 virtual tutoring services

● Organization and study tips

● Referrals to local nonprofit organizations that can provide support with life’s challenges

● Helping students identify resources and connections to help overcome obstacles and promote self-sufficiency

● Encouraging students to engage with their school and teachers

● Setting goals for academic and personal success

Grades K-5

● Information about educational opportunities like summer reading programs

● Activities and resources to strengthen reading, math, and handwriting skills

● Skill-appropriate books kids will enjoy reading

Grades 6-8

● Teaching students how to effectively communicate with teachers via email

● Helping kids advocate for themselves in the classroom

● Showing students how to prioritize assignments to get work done on time

Grades 9-12

● Feedback on resumes and cover letters

● Information about summer job and internship opportunities

● Encouraging and guiding post-graduate planning

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity! If you have any questions, feel free to email the program directly at EngageWI@GraduationAlliance.com or visit RegisterWI.GraduationAlliance.com.

All the best,

Mr. Oliver

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