FALL 2016 the cardinal - Chippewa Falls Middle …...cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us | NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2016 Cardinal Line 3 The National Merit Scholarship

Dear community members,

At the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, we are proud of the connections we have with our community and grateful for the support we receive from you. In this issue of The Cardinal Line, we want to take the time to thank our community for its support of projects like the Ice Dreams campaign, the new marching band uniforms, and Southview’s playground project.

In this issue, you will read about additional ways our staff and students connect with our community and our business partners. We are proud of the opportunities our schools and our partners provide to students. Our children are the future of our community, our most valuable investment!

On November 8th, there will be two referendum questions on the ballot. To help inform your vote, we have designated a portion of this issue of The Cardinal Line to informing our community about the decisions laid before them for the future of school facilities. Please be sure to get out and vote!

Thank you for making Chippewa Falls a wonderful community for our students and families. Our best days in Chippewa Falls are still come! Thank you for being a part of them.

Best,

Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos Proud Superintendent of the CFAUSD

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

N E W S F R O M T H E C H I P P E W A F A L L S A R E A U N I F I E D S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

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Inform Your Vote

OurStudents OurCommunity OurFutureSEE PAGES 8-9 FOR FACT SHEET AND

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS☛

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2 Cardinal Line FALL 2016 NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT | cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE >>> SCHOOL BOARD

Katie Gienapp Student Representative

on the School Board

ABOVE: Area students, through the Manufacturing Boot Camp, listen to Andy Schmidt, from Advanced Laser Machining, explain a process.

LEFT: Alyssa Kellagher (center), Exploring Executive for the Manufacturing Boot Camp presents the school district with the Wisconsin Economic

Development Human Capital Award. L to R: Becky Davis (Principal at Chi-Hi), Travis Tainter (Automotive teacher at Chi-Hi), Alyssa Kellagher, Heidi Eliopoulos

(Superintendent of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District), and David Schaller (Principal at Chippewa Valley High School)

CHIPPEWA COUNTY – MANUFACTURING BOOT CAMP : : : School District Receives Award for Boot Camp

Over the summer 22 students (half from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District), along with the Boy Scouts, participated in a 6-week coed work-based course called the Manufacturing Boot Camp through the State of Wisconsin Blueprint for Prosperity Grant. The camp provided opportunities for students to explore businesses in the Chippewa Valley where employers are challenged to fill manufacturing jobs.

Some of the student coursework included OSHA 10 Training, Critical Core Manufacturing Skills Certificate

(CVTC), Intro to LEAN and 5S (UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center), Maintenance Awareness Certification (MSSC), General Safety in Electronics Assembly, Employability Training, and Resume Building.

At the end of the camp each student earned just over $1,000; received certificates and training at no cost; attained elective credit from Chi-Hi; had exposure to and made connections with local manufacturers; and experienced opportunities for future employment. ■

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS

BUSINESSESAdvanced Laser Machining, Inc.

Alliance Plastics Corp. Allied Dies, Inc.

Processed Metals Innovators, LLC (PMI) Spectrum Industries, Inc.

Rex Systems, Inc.TTM Technologies, Inc.

COMMUNITYChippewa County Economic Development

Workforce ResourceChippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC)

UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach CenterJunior Achievement

Chippewa Falls Area Unified School DistrictOther Chippewa County School Districts

The boot camp was very successful in introducing the students to all aspects of manufacturing, from accounting and engineering to laser cutting and welding. Manufacturing is an exciting

field and we were happy to be able to share our story with the students!” – John Walton, Senior Business Development Manager at Advanced Laser Machining, Inc.

SSenior Katie Gienapp is the 2016 – 2017 Student Representative on the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District School Board.

In addition to Katie representing the student body, she is involved in several other school activities, including Athena, NEHS, FCA, NHS, a student-led Bible study, cross-country, theatre, and the Principal Advisory Council. Katie is also part of the Power of Words Writing Club (a club was just established this year).

Katie loves to write stories, essays, and blogs. “Writing makes me feel like I have something special and unique to share with the world,” Katie adds.

“I am very honored to represent my school and meet such amazing leaders and role models in our community. It’s really amazing to see the hard work and deliberation that goes on behind the Board’s decisions. Their passion and care for the students is plain to see!” says Katie.

Katie plans on attending the University of Iowa to double major in English and Journalism. ■

cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us | NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2016 Cardinal Line 3

The National Merit Scholarship Program chose Emma Burlingame as a National Merit Scholar Finalist. She received a $2,500 scholarship sponsored by the University of Alabama.

National Merit Scholar

Emma Burlingame

EEmma is one of a group of approximately 7,400 students nationwide who received a National Merit Scholarship. Earlier last school year, Emma was notified that she was chosen as one of approximately 15,000 students as a Distinguished Finalist in the National Merit Scholar Competition from the over 1.5 million students who applied. This designation placed Emma into an elite level of academic performance when compared to high school scholars from across the United States.

Emma graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School this past June. She is attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL to purse a degree in English, minoring in Spanish. Her goal is to complete a Master’s Degree in Business after receiving her undergraduate degree.

In the future, Emma hopes to pursue a career as an editor for a publishing company. ■

Congratulations Emma!

HALMSTAD ELEMENTARY RECEIVED NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The Chi-Hi/McDonell swim team has reason to celebrate. As far as people recall they hadn’t won a meet against the Old Abes since before 1990. In the 26 years since, Eau Claire Memorial has won at least a share of the Big Rivers Conference title 23 times.

The girls had a phenomenal performance. Chi-Hi/McDonell won 9 of 11 events against the Old Abes, beating them 92-78 at Chippewa Falls Middle School.

“Memorial swam great,” Coach Tina Parker said. “The Old Abe girls elevated our girls to swim hard. They’re always the team to beat and they’re a great team.”

As the team waited for the final results, Coach Parker and her team huddled. When it was announced, a roar of celebration echoed throughout the pool and the school’s halls. “Our girls accomplished something that’s never, to my knowledge, been known to happen,” Parker said. “They knew they can do it.” ■

LANDMARK WIN >>> ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOK

Swim Team Beats Eau Claire Memorial

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Halmstad Elementary School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2016. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 1982 to recognize public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on

their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve high levels. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.

The criteria for the award is steep and challenging. For each of the school’s subgroups, the school must be in the top 15 percent of all schools in the state in the area of closing the gap between the performance of the school’s subgroups and those in the rest of the state. The growth of all students in the school over the past five years must exceed the growth performance of all students in the state of Wisconsin.

Blue Ribbons are awarded to schools by the United States Department of Instruction Secretary, Dr. John King. The National Blue Ribbon Award is the most highly coveted award in education. Receiving a National Blue Ribbon Award is the highest honor bestowed upon schools in the United States.

This award is public recognition of the earnest work of our students, the engagement of their families, the diligence and commitment of our talented staff, and the support of our community. Halmstad Elementary School is proof to the rest of the United States that every student can achieve. ■

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON AWARD FOR 2016

CLASS OF 2016

THANK YOU SPONSORSAshley Construction

Alger Electric Wisconsin Metal Fab Northwestern Bank

Monkey BusinessSmiles in Motion Pediatric Dentistry

Kristo Orthodontic SpecialistsRealityworks

HSHS St. Joseph’s HospitalMayo Clinic Health Systems

Hallie ChiropracticKids USA

Markquart Motors

On Saturday, October 1 Southview Elementary hosted its first annual Southview Bear Crawl 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk. There were over 275 registered for the event and many volunteers and sponsors from our community helped to make the Bear Crawl a success. The event raised $8,700! All of the proceeds will be put toward the community inclusive, or barrier free, playground to be built at Southview Elementary School.

SOUTHVIEW HOSTS FIRST BEAR CRAWL FUNDRAISER FOR PLAYGROUND

THE BARRIER FREE/INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND WILL:

SERV

ICE EX

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ENCE 32 Years of Foster Grandparenting at Parkview : : : Two Grandmas

For 16 years two grandmas have been volunteering through the Foster Grandparent Program at Parkview Elementary.

Millie Schweinler (Grandma Millie) and Barb Robinson (Grandma Barb) both started in 2000.

We caught up with Grandma Millie recently in Miss Thomas’ class at Parkview.

After retiring from a career as a Registered Nurse Millie moved back to the Chippewa Valley, as she grew up in Bloomer. Millie saw an advertisement for Foster Grandparents through CESA-10 on TV. She experienced a similar program when she worked at the Kansas Neurological Center. She called CESA-10 and was brought in for an interview. The rest is history.

“It is an absolute joy to work with the kids. They eat lunch quickly to get the opportunity to work together,” says Millie. She comes in four days a week and looks forward to getting up and coming in every day.

Grandma Barb has a similar schedule coming in several days a week.

Jill Koehler, teacher and co-coordinator of the program at Parkview, says, “Grandma Barb is an amazing asset to Parkview. Her smile, warm hugs, love of learning, and helping others radiates on the faces of students who all are excited to work with her. She makes every student feel special. She is priceless! I feel blessed to have her in my classroom and throughout our building.”

In addition to Grandma Millie and Grandma Barb at Parkview, we have two other elementary schools participating in the Foster Grandparent Program: Halmstad – Mary Ann Ludwigson, Doris Reeves and Mary Josifek; and Stillson – Bev Nengas. ■

The Foster Grandparent Program started in 1965 at the Northern Center. It was the first of it’s kind throughout Wisconsin and the nation. In 1987 it moved into the school system. Currently this intergenerational program is sponsored by CESA-10 which services 29 school districts in the area. Fourteen of the districts have active grandparents. Each Foster Grandparent spends 15 hours/week or more in schools working with students, under the direction of teachers.

If you or someone you know is at least 55 years old and interested in volunteering please contact Mary Jo Hanson at the CESA-10 office at 715.720.2042 or [email protected]. A child is waiting for you!

“Students love Grandma Millie! They look forward to giving her a hug and spending

time with her. Grandma Millie is a real positive role model for Parkview!

– Angie DeGidio, teacher and Foster Grandparent co-coordinator

Grandma Millie helping a student in Miss Thomas’ classroom at Parkview

HISTORY OF THE FOSTER GRANDPARENTING PROGRAM

Interested in supporting? Contact Carla Golden

715.726.2411

CAMPAIGN UPDATECost: $216,000

Raised: $108,700Remainder: $107,300

■ Provide environment where all children can play together regardless of mobility level

■ Encourage creative and active play for children of all cognitive abilities

■ Promote independence for all children

■ Increase the level of interactions among all children


Chirps

UNIFORMSOur school, community and businesses raised $72,000 for 175 new marching band uniforms in a matter of months. Thanks to all who helped organize and to all the donors. The new uniforms looked sharp as the students took the field at the state competition on October 15-16. Thank you for supporting our Marching Cardinals!

To see more photos of the new uniforms at the State Competition go to: cardinalcountry.smugmug.com/20162017/Marching-Band/State-Competition/i-5tQvnvH/ANEW UNFIROMS AT

STATE COMPETITION

VETERANSThis year’s theme for Homecoming Week was “Made in America.” Throughout the Homecoming game, local veterans were honored for their bravery and sacrifices for our freedom.

The Chi-Hi Football team, under the direction of Head Coach Chuck Raykovich, ran a winter coat collection for the Hands Foundation which is for the homeless veterans. The coats collected during Homecoming week and the game were delivered to the regional office in Minneapolis. This region has 4,000 to 4,500 homeless.

To see a story that Coach Rayko wrote about “Our Most Important Duty” please visit: athletics.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/documents/2016-17/CFAUSD_PointAfter.pdf

OUR MOST IMPORTANT DUTY

HOMECOMINGGAME PHOTOS

One of the After School Voyagers classes this fall is called Pay it Forward. Eight middle school students traveled to Irvine Park over five Tuesdays. They hopped off the bus and enthusiastically headed to the tiger display where they were met by Jean (Keyeski) Arneson. Jean herself was once a student of the Chippewa Falls School District, graduating in 1978.

Students grabbed their brushes and containers of paint and hit their stations to paint areas identified by Jean. “It’s fairly straight forward, as I have all the areas numbered,” said Jean. “I give them a bit of direction. Then they spread out to paint the walls of the tiger exhibit.” When the children arrived, the tigers moved from the back of their enclosure and sat up in front -- especially the white tiger who did it every week.

Dick Hebert, Director at Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation, asked Jean if she would be interested in painting the wall and Jean was eager to help out. In the Fall of 2015, the Voyagers After School class painted the Wagner Street hill under the leadership and guidance of Jean.

Each Tuesday Jean took nearly 45 minutes to prepare for the students to help painting for an hour (laying and taping down the tarps, mixing paint, and labeling areas). The middle school students’ chaperone Sonya Arendt (7th grade teacher at the Chippewa Falls Middle School) pitched in with the painting as well.

Before the students came to help, Jean took four days of sketching the concept on the wall, drawing from images throughout the park such as water, trees, flowers, rocks, and waterfalls. These Chippewa Falls Middle School students can feel proud of the beauty they contributed at the park. ■

Thank you for Paying it Forward!

Students >>> Pay it Forward

S.D.I.T. Brendan Monson, a junior at Chippewa Falls Senior High, can be seen in the hallways and in the classrooms with his female black Labrador Service Dog in Training (SDIT). Brendan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2005 when he was a Kindergartner at Southview Elementary. Brendan and his family are training the dog to sense and alert Brendan before he becomes systematic, which means either a drop or elevation in his blood sugars. She is trained to paw Brendan on the thigh as a first alert that blood levels are changing.

A year before Brendan brought his SDIT to school, the administration was alerted to the plan. Before school started Brendan brought her to school in the summer, then introduced her to the student body on the first day of school assembly.


OUR P

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Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD), found herself on stage in August 2016, at the What’s Right In Education national conference in Chicago. She delivered a keynote presentation because the Chippewa Falls Schools was being honored as the showcase district. At this conference the CFAUSD received the Studer Education Award for Excellence in Education.

Chippewa Falls was recognized for the success it is having with its strategic

plan, which is a direct result of the Community Conversation process the district undertook in February 2014.

“We’re really proud of this. This process has led to some great results,” Eliopoulos said. “It’s also a way we ensure the themes of the Community Conversation that were articulated in our strategic plan are actually in place in our schools, right down to every single staff member being involved at some level.”

Showcase School at National Conference

The District has achieved significant improvement in three measures that we look at: employee engagement, parent satisfaction, and how well the district’s departments serve the schools.

“Having a strategic plan isn’t anything unique to Chippewa Falls. A lot of people have strategic plans,” Heidi Eliopoulos said. “Our plan was directly informed by our community. We are identifying what our overall plan is, here’s what our community wants us to do, and specifically what we’re going to do this year to make that happen. We feel good about that. Our community can be assured we are working hard to meet their expectations.”

Although the concept can appear complicated, the superintendent insists it is actually quite simple. “It’s about working together for the good of our students and families; it’s about collaborating and sharing the same focus,” Eliopoulos said. “No matter how successful we are in a certain area, we’re always looking at how we can become better.” ■Taken in part by an article written by Ross Evavold, Editor, Chippewa Herald


Aspiring Administrators

“ – Sara Carlson and Ashley Minaker

AAspiring Administrators 101 is now being offered by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD) for staff who are interested in taking on future leadership roles. With a “grow your own leaders” idea in mind, this class was designed in order to inspire our own staff to seek out administrative roles within the District and beyond. Twenty-five staff members participated in the 2016 pilot class.

The Aspiring Administrators class met once a month, focusing on such topics as leadership, management and pathways to leadership roles. Each meeting ended with a panel discussion during which participants spoke with administrators and community leaders about their views of leadership and the pathway to their current leadership role. This class also

provided an opportunity to shadow an administrator for a day in order to experience life in an administrator’s shoes.

Two of the participating staff members were Sara Carlson and Ashley Minaker, who currently teach English at the Middle School. Both are seeking their Principal’s License as well as their Director of Instruction Certificate.

Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos CFAUSD Superintendent and Michelle Golden Executive Director of Human Resources, taught the class last year. This year, they both will be teaching Aspiring Administrators 101 and added a second course, Aspiring Administrators 201. Both courses will be offered for credit through UW-Eau Claire. ■

L to R: Sara Carlson

and Ashley Minaker

We appreciate that our district has been so encouraging of us during this process and has provided unique opportunities

through this Aspiring Administrators class.”


OFFICER Officer Joe Nelson is the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the high and middle schools. SRO Nelson has been with the Chippewa Falls Police Department for 6 ½ years. Prior to becoming the newest SRO, he was involved in many policing activities relevant to children. Some of the most important projects included cybercrime investigations, presentations about cyber-bullying, YMCA presentations to kids, American Red Cross volunteering, and a member of the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

“I often liked to be visible on patrol stopping to shoot hoops, buying lemonade, or engaging in a nice conversation with our area students. I feel these are important relationship building opportunities, and the kids remember these contacts

throughout their lifetime,” shared SRO Nelson.

As the incoming SRO, Nelson wants to continue to be a positive role model and an influential person in the children’s lives. “The

students are our most precious assets. They are our future, and the community trusts our schools and police to keep them safe. That is my main goal, above all else.”

Chirps

Tina Parker has been an educator for 15 years and has spent the last two years as a kindergarten through fifth grade interventionist at Southview and Hillcrest Elementary Schools. Tina has a strong commitment to her students with achievement and learning always foremost. She believes that all students can learn and that differentiated instructional practices meet all student needs. “Math talk” is implemented within her lessons, focusing on developing mathematical understanding by all students within a helping community. Tina creates an inquiry environment and encourages discussion of problem-solving methods through solving, explaining, questioning, and justifying mathematical strategies. Tina serves as a mathematics coach and district mathematics cadre representative and provides districtwide support to teachers, all while teaching in the classroom full-time.

Tina has had extensive training in Math Add+VantageMR and contributes this knowledge to her success. Tina has a B.S. in early childhood education from the UW-Stout and a M.S. in education with a reading and mathematics specialization from Walden University. ■

Tina ParkerPresidential Award for

Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

“It is such an honor to be considered for the highest distinction given to mathematics and science educators. This prestigious award validates all the years advancing my own education and the endless hours and energy spent to ensure my students excel in the area of mathematics. My personal commitment to teaching and education will continue forward, using best practices to meet the needs of all my students — as if they were one of my own.”

Tina Parker (center) holding Presidential certificate stands between Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John P.

Holdren and Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Assistant Director, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation.

Congratulations Tina!

The Fall Family Connections newsletter is now available online. The newsletter includes basic information about events along with direct links to registration and websites.

Community youth service organizations are now submitting their information to the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Voyagers Program to be included in this newsletter.

Access the newsletter by going to the District website: Voyagers > Family Connections > Directory

FAMILYCONNECTIONS

SPIRITChippewa Falls Area Unified School District teachers show their Mighty Cardinal and German spirit at the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebration in September.

IN THE PHOTO: Jeff Newton (2015 Oktoberfest Festmeister and 7th grade Social Studies teacher) and Tim Leis (2009 Oktoberfest Festmeister and adaptive P.E. teacher)

Family Connections >>> Online

SAVE THE DATE Parent UniversitySaturday, January 28, 2017Korger Chestnut School (140 West Elm Street)More information coming soon.

FrequentlyAskedQuestions

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Why are there two questions?The Board of Education originally started with the $61.2 million question, the question addressing conditions needs. They decided to start with these projects and take out a 10-year bond to pay for them. The long-term plan they discussed is that they would come back to the community in 10 years to ask for remaining needs to be addressed through another referendum. As community members learned more about construction inflation costs and the projected record-low interest rates, they appealed to the Board, asking for the opportunity to put all projects on the ballot, so that the community has the opportunity to take advantage of potential overall savings. In response to this feedback from the community, the Board passed a resolution to put the second $98 million dollar question on the ballot.

Do we need a new high school? Ours seems like it is in good shape.The high school is in good shape. It, like other areas in our district, is undersized for the population and programming we have. The Board has considered a new high school among its options in order to solve space issues in several areas. A new high school solves spaces issues at the high school, the middle school, Hillcrest, Pupil Services, Central Office, and CVHS (which is currently located in leased space at the Northern Center). Building one

new building is more economical that modifications to address space needs at all of the other buildings.

Where would a new high school go?An ad hoc committee of stakeholders (business representatives, parents, staff, municipal representatives) came together to review benefits and drawbacks of multiple options, and have made a recommendation for a location. They are recommending 72 acres near the Chippewa Crossing. The site is currently owned by the state of Wisconsin. The committee recommended this location because of site size, reducing traffic congestion on the West Hill, access to medical facilities and business partners, and notable potential to stimulate real estate and business growth.

What would happen to the current high school if a new one was built? Would it be torn down?No, if a referendum would pass that would result in a new high school being built, the middle school grades would move to the high school building and the Hillcrest students and Adult/Community Education programming would move to the middle school building.

Where would a new Stillson go?An ad hoc committee of stakeholders (business representatives, parents, staff, municipal representatives) came together to

review benefits and drawbacks of multiple options, and have made a recommendation for a location. They are recommending a privately-owned parcel of land that is approximately one mile away from the current Stillson location. The landowner has agreed to sell a piece of land to the district upon passage of a successful referendum.

Are we really growing in student enrollment?Over the past 30 years, the district has grown by 23.8%. In 1984-1985 there was the equivalence of 3921 full time K-12 students. Kindergartners attended every-other day, so they were counted as .5 students. In 2014-2015, there was the equivalence of 4856 full time K-12 students. This is a difference of 935. Although our population study suggested our growth would taper off, from last year to this year, the district has grown an additional 86 students.

ReferendumNOVEMBER 8th


30-Year StudentEnrollment History

1984-85 3921

2014-154856

Annu

al B

udge

t

State Aid$30,785,112

55%

Local Taxes$22,888,056

41%

Federal Aid$1,175,884

2%

Other$969,950

2%

DISTRICT REVENUES

Salaries$25,079,416

45%

Fringe$12,287,797

22%

Purchased Services$9,415,603

17%

Non-Capital Equipment$2,047,858

3%Special Ed Transfer

$4,920,3179%Other

$2,068,0114%

HOW GENERAL FUND DOLLARS ARE SPENT

0

5000000

10000000

15000000

20000000

25000000

30000000

35000000

40000000

StudentAchievement

ServiceExcellence

OurPeople

Finance &Operations

Growth

69%

3% 4% 3%

$38,630,984

$1,869,500 $2,122,891

$11,647,627

$1,548,000

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

21%

Referendum


How did the Southview project work? Why can’t we do all the projects the way we did that?Southview was funded over two fiscal years. Since its completion, there have been no increases to revenues for schools. Teaching and learning costs have used up the remaining budget capacity.

What interest rate is being used in the tax impact data?An interest rate of 3% is used for the 10-year loan figures. An interest rate of 3.75% is used for the 20-year loan figures. These are conservative estimates. We would rather over-estimate the tax impact and have our community members be pleasantly surprised than the other way around. We have heard projections of rates lower than the ones we are using in our communication.

Is the construction inflation really 4% per year? That is significantly higher than the Consumer Pricing Index.Yes. This is based on a 30-year average. Our local vendors have confirmed that this is the same figure they use in their planning.

What is the district’s bond rating?The CFAUSD bond rating is aa2, which is considered excellent. Having an excellent bond rating contributes to our ability to obtain a lower interest rate.

How are the cost estimates determined? I’ve heard some people say they seem high. The costs included in the project options are based on real costs plus inflation. The costs don’t represent the highest quality and they don’t represent the cheapest quality. They represent a middle-of-the-road approach, seeking to use quality products that will last without adding unneeded expenses. The costs might seem high because they are considered “turn key” costs. They include all costs to complete the project: construction costs, architectural and engineering fees, contingencies, finishing work, furniture, and technology. This isn’t always the case with project cost projections, but is the case with our project. This is important as we would not be able to accommodate hidden or unexpected costs. The school district had a local construction firm review the costs and have deemed they are appropriate.

Q1c fsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us

Inform Your Vote

To review the exact language for the referendum ballot questions, conceptual drawings, and tax impact, please visit the Referendum webpage at: cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/district/referendum.cfm

There are two questions on the ballot.

Q2QUESTION 1 Requesting permission from the community to borrow and not to exceed $61,210,000 to address CONDITIONS needs. These funds would be used to rebuild and furnish Stillson Elementary, make additions to Halmstad Elementary and Jim Falls Elementary, and address and health and safety concerns across the district (e.g. roofs, windows, HVAC systems). Some of the funds will be used to purchase land for a new high school.

QUESTION 2 Requesting permission to borrow and not to exceed $98,000,000 to address SPACE needs. These funds would be used to build a new high school, re-purpose the current high school for the middle school students, re-purpose the current middle school for the Hillcrest Elementary and Voyager Adult/Community Education, and re-purpose the current Hillcrest for the Chippewa Valley Alternative School and the district departments.

How will each VOTE affect school projects and property taxes?

What is on the BALLOT on November 8, 2016?

OurStudents OurCommunity OurFuture

ASK YOUR QUESTIONS @ [email protected]

CONDITIONS and SPACE needs addressed

SPACE needs addressed

NO to Question 1YES to Question 2

YES to Question 1YES to Question 2

YES to Question 1NO to Question 2

NO to Question 1NO to Question 2

CONDITIONS needs addressed

No CONDITIONS or SPACE needs addressed

$61,210,000$98,000,000$159,210,000

$2.00 per $1000 of Tax-Assessed Value*



20-Year Loan Term 10-Year Loan Term 10-Year Loan Term

Will likely ask again in the near future

How does our school district rank for size and funding?

FAST FACTS:■ There are 424 school districts in the State of Wisconsin.

■ Our District size is the 32nd largest district in Wisconsin.

■Our District funding is 345th out of 424 districts in Wisconsin. Our district receives $1,421.77 less per child than the state average.

32nd

SIZE FUNDING

345th

424 School Districts in Wisconsin

#MighthyCardinals

NOTE: If we were at the state average our school district would receive an additional $7.275 million per year to fund the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District.

FOR REFERENDUM PODCAST VISIT: cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/board/refpodcast.cfm

*Source: Baird Financial

LINTRODUCING: LAURA BUSHENDORFLaura Bushendorf, the new Career & Technical Education Coordinator (CTE), is a familiar face at the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. She has been with the District for 12 years teaching in the Family Consumer Sciences Department. She has been in education for 17 years and is a 1993 graduate of Chippewa Falls Senior High.

She received her undergraduate degree in Family Consumer Sciences from UW-Stout, minor in Health Education from UW-River Falls, and Masters in Education from Viterbo. She will be pursuing her CTE license from UW-Stout.

“I’m so excited about this new role and the opportunity to help students! I’m

very passionate about CTE!”

■ increasing awareness about CTE

■ continuing to build partnerships with community and businesses

■ building partnerships with students to help them plan for career decisions after high school

■ strengthening connections with post-secondary institutions

■ assisting students in career exploration and post-secondary opportunities

GROW

TH


HOSA members from the 2015 – 2016 school year (Makenzie Sanders, Maisy O’Donnell, Kami Kuester, Abby Fisk and Faith Young) traveled by coach bus with their advisor Ruth Buchner and other chapters of Wisconsin HOSA to the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in June. Their areas of competition were Leadership, Professional and Technical Skills including Medical Spelling, Medical Photography, Health Career Display, Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking, and Certified Nursing Assisting. The experience was one of attending various educational workshops and presentations on current health care issues, attending general sessions with motivational speakers related to health care and an opportunity to meet people from all over the globe with similar career goals. It was six days filled with fun, excitement, recognition and opportunity as Makenzie Sanders, who graduated in 2016, placed 13th in Medical Spelling and Abby Fisk, a junior this year, placed 5th in Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking. This was the first time any Chippewa Falls HOSA member stood on stage amongst the top 10 nationally. ■

Congratulations to our students and advisor Ruth Buchner.

HOSA International

Leadership Conference and Competition

HOSA-Future Health Professions (formally known as Health Occupations Students of America) is a national career and technical student organization endorsed by

the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Division of ACTE.

Laura’s goals for the Career & Technical Education Coordinator’s position include:

Laura Bushendorf with Chi-Hi students

CHIPPEWA FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SEASON SPORTS PASS

c fsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us

The Chippewa Falls High School is offering an All-Season Sports Pass for discounted admission to all regular season home events for the following varsity sports:

Football Volleyball Basketball (Girls)

Basketball (Boys) Wrestling Hockey (Boys)

Hockey (Girls) Swim (Boys) Swim (Girls)

The All-Season Sports Pass may be used for any or ALL of the events mentioned above. Regular admission for any of these events is $4 per adult and $3 for students (K-8th grade). Chi-Hi students (with school ID) are admitted at no charge.

EXCEPTIONS: Admission to any AWAY contests, BRC Tournaments, or WIAA Tournaments are not included with the All-Season Sports Pass.

Passes may be purchased from the Chippewa Falls Senior High School, 735 Terrill Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729Make your check payable to: Chippewa Falls High School Athletics

P L E A S E D E T A C H A N D R E T U R N W I T H Y O U R O R D E R

Send order form with payment to: Chippewa Falls Senior High School, Attn: All-Season Sports Pass, 735 Terrill Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Mail my pass(es) to the following:

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL

_____ Adult Pass @ $50 each

_____ Student Pass @ $35 each

_____ Family Pass @ $100 each$______________________

Total Amount Enclosed

Name(s) to be included on Family Pass (K-8 Children and Parents)

Our goal was to raise $900,000 for an outdoor rink and Varsity locker room. Because of financing and some add-ons we need a little more funding. Therefore, we are short about $35,000.

UP

DA

TE

A BIG THANK YOU to committee members,

donors and those providing physical labor.

If you are interested in donating please contact

Scott Sikkink @[email protected] “This community is one of a kind. Their generosity and willingness to help out is awesome.”

– Scott Sikkink, campaign chair

DEMOLITION VIDEO

FACEBOOK

Conceptual renderings of the locker room and outdoor rink

The first home hockey game is November 8th which will be in conjunction with the Open House. Stay tuned for more information!

11-01-16

PASSES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING RATES:$50/pass for Adult | $35/pass for Student (K-8th grade) | $100/pass for Family

SENIOR CITIZENS: Senior citizens (65+) who are residents of the District may attend sports events for FREE. They must obtain a pass from the District office at 1130 Miles Street.

ATHLETICS

VISIT THE DISTRICT WEB SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

c fsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us

THE CARDINAL LINE published by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District ■ DISTRICT OFFICE 715.726.2417 ■ E-MAIL [email protected] ■ c fsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.usSUPERINTENDENT Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos ■ HUMAN RESOURCES & PUBLIC RELATIONS Michelle Golden ■ LAYOUT/DESIGN Des Sikowski-Nelson

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

EAU CLAIRE, WIPERMIT #1557

PAIDCHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTAdministration Office1130 Miles Street ■ Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos

[email protected] 715.726.2417

BUSINESS SERVICES Chad Trowbridge

[email protected] 715.726.2417, ext. 1806

HUMAN RESOURCES & PUBLIC RELATIONS Michelle Golden


STUDENT SERVICES Christine McMasters


INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS Jenny Starck


EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY Scott Kowalski


ASSESSMENT, QUALITY & BB4C

Dana Sommerfeld [email protected] 715.726.2785, ext. 3004

BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, & SAFETY Randy Knowlton


FOOD SERVICE Susan Lang


Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District1130 Miles Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-1923

Phone: 715.726.2417 Toll Free: 866.701.5864Fax: 715.726.2781

**ECRWSS**POSTAL CUSTOMER

For information on OPEN ENROLLMENT or REGISTRATION

715.720.1850 [email protected]

Tons of opportunities . . . more things to love!

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Michelle Golden, Director of Human Resources and Public Relations

Dawn Siddons, Human Resources Assistant

NON-DISCRIMINATION The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With respect to employment and personnel operations, the District does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital or parental status, physical or mental handicap, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, source of income, creed, membership in the armed forces, or any other status protected by law, or the fact that an individual is a student.

1130 Miles Street ■ Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 ■ tel 715.726.2417 ■ toll free 866.701.5864, ext. 1804Questions? Please e-mail: [email protected]

Applicants please apply through WECANcfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/Employment.cfm WECAN

WisconsinEducationCareerAccessNetwork

VOLUNTEER Volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of our students, offering a different lens through which they learn. Please consider making a difference by applying to become a volunteer. Please download and complete the form located on our web site at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us. Under Human Resources, choose School Volunteer Agreement.

Volunteer Information SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

VOLUNTEER WEB PAGE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT FORM


WE’RE LISTENINGHow to Contact Us

In an effort to make the CFAUSD Board of Education more accessible to our constituents/community, we will continue to sponsor Coffee with Your Board. ■ Interact in a casual setting with the Board Members, the District Administrator, the Business Manager, and other school personnel ■ Ask questions regarding issues facing the district These gatherings will take place at the following locations in Chippewa Falls. The district will host the coffee portion and participants will self-host any additional expenses.

COFFEE WITH YOUR BOARDChippewa Falls Area Unified School District

You are invited to

November 10, 2016 ........4:00 - 5:00 p.m. @ Bridgewater Restaurant March 9, 2017 ................9:00 - 10:00 a.m. @ 4:30 a.m. Coffee HouseMay 11, 2017 .................9:00 - 10:00 a.m. @ 4:30 a.m. Coffee House

Informational

Session

Have you ever considered running for the Board of Education?

In April 2017 there will be two open seats on the ballot for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Board of Education.

The district will hold an informational session for any resident within the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District who would like to know more about being on the Board of Education.

Thursday, November 10, 20167:00 - 8:00 p.m.

District Board Office1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls

Topics will include general information about school board governance, information about the rights and responsibilities of being a Board member, and the process of running for the Board.

Documents

FALL 2016 the cardinal - Chippewa Falls Middle …...cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us | NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FALL 2016 Cardinal Line 3 The National Merit Scholarship