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Columbus School District
February Newsletter
Contact Us
Columbus School District
Email: promote@columbus.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.columbus.k12.wi.us/
Location: 200 West School Street, Columbus, WI, USA
Phone: (920) 623-5950
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWisconsin/
Instagram: columbusschooldistrict
Events
Febrauary 9th
February 12th & 26th
12th - Board Workshop at 7:00 p.m.
26th - Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
February 15th & 27th
15th - K-8 Conferences 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
27th - K-8 Conferences 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Message From The Superintendent
What is the Deal with All the Questionnaires and Surveys?
As I crafted the title, I couldn’t help but say it in my Jerry Seinfeld voice. I am not sure how well the Seinfeld references work any longer. My nephews are quick to tell me, "No one even knows that show anymore.” Regardless, the increase in the amount of questionnaires and surveying is a topic that I have heard about and personally noticed.
I started by hypothesizing why the number of surveys have increased. At the basic level the answer is simple, everyone is doing it. This ranges from school surveys to simple questions after checking out at the store. In a sense, I believe part of the reason is that it is trendy. This is because apps have made it much easier. Furthermore, I believe that some businesses, schools, and organizations have a feeling of security if a survey is completed. I think the larger factor, though, is related to the philosophy on participation when collecting feedback. If I think back to previous decades, it was common to utilize committees for feedback for a sample of the population. The trend has gone to less committees and more input from the greater population.
In my career, I have tried to be intentional in developing a personal philosophy on the use of surveys. Several years ago when I focused on forming this philosophy, I tried to narrow in on stakeholders' preference of one long survey with a variety of topics versus many smaller surveys on a singular topic. I learned that there wasn’t any significant preference from parents and community members as a whole. It really simply came down to personal preference. That led me to think deeper. Eventually, I landed on the key philosophy that a survey is only as good as the questions and the overall purpose of collecting the information.
The purpose of our school district’s surveys vary. They typically fall into one of these categories: 1) Give our stakeholders a voice on current practices (i.e. Performance Perception), 2) Explore new topics and understand our stakeholders, 3) Inform decision making, or 4) Measure change during a time period (i.e. surveys that are either required by an agency or to measure progress on our operational expectations). No matter the purpose, the goal is for us to allow the feedback to be received in a safe manner.
I learned along my journey that people tend to respond to surveys for two main reasons. First, they respond when they are passionate or engaged with the content of the survey (positively or negatively). Second, they respond because they are the people that will simply “always fill out the surveys”. For reference, the survey that was conducted by School Perceptions this year for the district had a 13% response rate. The number was a typical response for that type of survey.
My purpose of this message is to acknowledge the survey-heavy environment that we live in. Also, several individuals shared the past couple of years that they enjoy the background knowledge or “the why” to our operations. This was a good time to do so about this specific topic.
In the end, we never want any of our questionnaires or surveys to feel like homework. We want it to feel like an opportunity to share your feedback. Later in the newsletter, you will see references to two different surveys. There is a survey for collecting information that aligns with our district’s Wellness Policy. This is an example of a survey necessary for an outside agency report. Second, the aforementioned School Perceptions survey summary is attached.
To circle back to the original Seinfeld reference, we hope that this was not a newsletter article about nothing. We hope this provides further clarity on why it feels like there are more questionnaires and surveys. Finally, we hope that you continue to provide feedback when appropriate for you.
Sincerely,
Jake Flood
Superintendent
Columbus School District
Polar Plunge
It's Special Olympics Wisconsin's Polar Plunge season! CHS Project Unify, a club at Columbus High School for students with and without disabilities that promotes kindness and inclusion in our school and community, is fundraising for the Polar Plunge. We are hoping to be the top fundraising team in the state of Wisconsin for the 4th year in a row!
Money raised from the plunge allows Special Olympic WI athletes to participate in tournaments, access health screenings, and fund transportation and equipment. It takes approximately $750 a year to support one athlete!
What’s more? Special Olympics WI gives us 25% of what we fundraise back to our schools to support inclusive programming. With that rebate, we fund a grant for teachers/coaches/advisors to purchase items to make their classrooms/teams/clubs more accessible and inclusive. Additionally, we fund a $500 Live Unified Scholarship for a graduating senior who is pursuing a career serving individuals with disabilities.
Our fundraising goal this year is $10,000, and we are well on our way! Will you please help us reach our goal? Donate to Ms. Henderson's page (which goes toward the overall team's total!) here!
We appreciate your support in our mission to respect, accept, and include everyone, everyday. Thank you!
Student Account Balances
We have seen an increase in negative lunch balances. Please take a look in infinite Campus to see where your family is at with lunch accounts. In order to make any purchases, a student account MUST have a positive balance throughout the school year.
Student accounts can be blocked at parent's request by contacting the Food Service Director.
Pay By Check or Cash
Envelopes are available in each school office or place payments in a sealed envelope with the student(s) full name, meal ID#, and amount enclosed.
Payments received are processed and updated within 24 hours with the exception of holidays and vacations.
Pay Online
Using your parent portal, you can track your student's meal account balance and spending habits
CSDE 9 Pin Tap Bowling Fundraiser & Cardinal Apple Award
The Columbus School District Endowment is a non-profit organization that raises funds and provides resources for the educational enrichment of students and staff in the Columbus School District. Interest earned from the fund is used for teacher/staff grants for Professional Development. The Cardinal Apple Award is presented to an individual who has dedicated a lifetime of education service to our school district.
Alumni In The News
We are proud to highlight some Columbus Alumni. Please click the button or email promote@columbus.k12.wi.us, if you are a Columbus Alumni and would like to submit a story. Please note that these stories can be shared on social media/marketing material.
Facilities Use
2023-2024 Inclement Weather/School Cancellation
We hope that this information will not be applicable for a while or ever this school year. The odds are probably against us, though. If 3 days of school are cancelled, those days are “built in” with the approved 2023-2024 school calendar. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, including an extraordinary number of delays/early dismissals, the district would not make up the first 3 cancelled days. If there would be more than 3 days cancelled, the district would consider converting any of the following from in-service days to school days: February 9, April 19, and/or May 17th.
We had a number of stakeholders inquire about utilizing virtual learning days in the event of a cancellation during this school year. In the end, we were not confident that all students would have access to their education. This is feedback received in regards to students living in rural areas and families of younger students. This approach is not totally off the table in extreme circumstances; however, it will not be our first approach to replace cancelled days. Furthermore, we love having students in front of our Columbus staff! In the end, our goal of this message is to communicate early for planning purposes. This was all done with substantial research and consideration. We will provide information as soon as possible, in the case of any cancellation.
Notifications for Inclement Weather
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
The District Administrator may close the schools, delay the opening of school, or dismiss school early when such alteration in the regular session is required for the protection of the health and safety of students and staff members. The District Administrator shall have the authority to determine which school-related activities may be conducted if the school is closed for a period of time. Staff and students may be alerted by Infinite Campus notifications along with the following media stations: WBEV-95.3FM, WMTV-Channel 15, WKOW-Channel 27 AND WISC-Channel 3.
Care Solace Supporting Columbus Schools
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Columbus School District. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in your language. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 1 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365
- Visit www.caresolace.com/columbus and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
See attached flyer English
See Family letter English
See attached flyer Spanish
See Family letter Spanish
Angel Fund Donations
Are you looking for ways to help in our community? Consider donating to the Columbus School Nutrition Angel Fund.
The funds will be used to help families receive nutritious meals through the School Nutrition Program.
It’s easy to do. You can send or drop-off your donation to the District Office or any school office. Make checks payable to Columbus School District. In the Memo write Angel Funds.
Columbus School District Office, 200 W School Street, Columbus, WI 53925
If you wish to donate electronically please click the link.
For more information, please contact the district office 920-623-5950
Social Media
Facebook: Columbus Wisconsin School District
Instagram: columbusschoooldistrict
Menus
Charlie's Tree House K-5 February Menus
Club Charlie's 6-8 February Menus
Charlie's Food Court 9-12 February Menus
2023 Columbus Community Survey Results
Please click the link below to see the results in BoardDocs from our Community survey.
Please click the link blow to fill out this optional survey
School Calendars
Spring Election
Board Business
MISSION OF THE DISTRICT
Columbus School District ensures each student will be prepared for future success.
Vision of the District:
Columbus School District will create a global learning experience in rural Wisconsin.
We Believe All Students and Staff:
- are valued.
- are engaged in learning.
- are responsive to unique learning needs.
- have a place to belong.
- appreciate diversity.
- interacting with community will benefit all.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Certified Staff Positions Available - WECAN
Support Staff Positions Available -WECAN
Support Staff Positions Available - Indeed