A newsletter for the residents of the School District of Sheboygan Falls | FALL 2016
Let the Reading Begin
Reading IS fundamental to academic success.
A new effort aimed at preschoolers in the
School District of Sheboygan Falls seeks to
achieve that goal.
Launched by the Sheboygan Falls Memorial
Library, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is
part of a national initiative designed to foster
pre-literacy skills in young children. Although
children generally learn to read after they start
kindergarten, being exposed to books and
especially having adults read to them helps get
them ready to read on their own.
“It’s huge for kids to see that pictures and
letters have meaning,” explained Beth Anzia,
a literacy specialist at Sheboygan Falls
Elementary School, who was one of the first to
sign up with her own preschooler.
Ashley Bisterfeldt, also a literacy specialist
at Sheboygan Falls Elementary, signed up
with her son, too. “My little boy is crazy about
Sheboygan Falls Memorial Library and the School District are supporting a literacy effort focused on our youngest learners. All parents
and youngsters are welcome and encouraged to join in!
program up, making it as simple as possible for
“We’re excited to get this launched,” said
children and their parents.
Beining. “We can’t wait to see that first smiling
face in that cap and gown.”
reading. We read every night,” she said. “The
Children sign up at the library and get a tote
more vocabulary a student knows, the more
bag and a library card if they don’t already
Bisterfeldt noted that it takes about 30 seconds
ready they will be for kindergarten.”
have one. They also receive a reading log.
to read a board book. The program brochure
Children color in a shape to record each book
also breaks down the total in achievable
they have “read.”
chunks of time. For instance, reading 20 books
Lynn Bub, principal of Sheboygan Falls
Elementary, pointed out that the program
will help the District since students enter
Once the entire sheet is completed, they take it
kindergarten at various levels of readiness.
to the library and receive a simple toy or other
Learning vocabulary and beginning literacy, like
incentive. When they reach their goal of 1,000
how to hold a book the right side up and which
books, there will be a “graduation ceremony”
direction to read text – left to right – gives
and the child will dress up in a cap and gown.
students a head start on reading skills.
Their photograph will be sent to the newspaper,
Tina Beining, children’s programming librarian
posted on the library’s Facebook page, and
at Sheboygan Falls Memorial Library, set the
hung in a Wall of Fame display at the library.
per week for a year adds up to 1,040 books.
Children can count the same book more than
once. The length of the book doesn’t matter –
picture books and board books count too.
One of the beauties of this program is its
simplicity, according to Beining. “All they need is
a library card and we have thousands of books.”
Let the reading begin.
Transforming Technical Education
It’s not your father’s auto shop anymore.
“This is not a single faceted room,” said Ed
A big thank you and congratulations to Scott Keuhn, Technical
Talent Acquisition Coordinator – Human Resources, Bemis
Manufacturing Company, for his work with the School District
of Sheboygan Falls. Featured in the photo are Curt Tenuissen,
high school Technical Education teacher, Scott Keuhn, Luke
Goral, high school principal, and Alexis Hardin, high school
English teacher.
Scott Keuhn, Bemis
Manufacturing, is
“Friend of Education”
At the August 30 inservice, the School
District of Sheboygan Falls presented
the “Friend of Education” Award to Scott
Keuhn from Bemis Manufacturing.
Scott was nominated by several staff
members for his impact on K-12
classrooms through the Bemis externship
project and classroom presentations, as
well as his work with the high school’s
Project Grill Team.
Staff members who gave speeches about
Scott’s work and presented him the
award were Curt Tenuissen, high school
Technical Education teacher, Luke Goral,
high school principal, and Alexis Hardin,
high school English teacher.
Scott is a 1978 graduate of Sheboygan
Falls High School.
Injection Molding Machine
2 | School District of Sheboygan Falls | Fall 2016
Hughes, the Sheboygan Falls High School
technology education teacher who has
spearheaded development of the Innovation
Design Center. “This is a general purpose
facility with highly technical equipment that
students will use to build STEM-related (science,
technology, engineering and math) projects.”
The renovated space opened as the Innovation
Design Center in September. It was the
scene of a community gathering and ribbon
cutting on October 13. The educational vision
for this Center was made a reality through
collaborations, partnerships and grants.
Scott Keuhn, Talent Acquisition Coordinator
– Human Resources, Bemis Manufacturing,
has worked with the District on the technical
education program that focused primarily on
specific skills – like welding – and did not
include any training in plastics. He asked
Sheboygan Falls to consider adding plastics to
its revamped Innovation Design Center.
By learning to use the injection molding
machine, students will learn how to make plastic
parts and will be exposed to other skills such as
material management and hydraulics. Under the
arrangement between Bemis, the District and
Milacron, the machine will be replaced every
two years.
The addition of the Center demonstrates the
District’s commitment to incorporate more
hands-on, project-based learning into the
curriculum, across all subject areas and grades.
These types of learning experiences deepen
students’ understanding of academics and help
develop critical thinking skills that are crucial
to preparing students for post-high school
experiences that require technical skills no
matter what the field.
With the addition of the Center, the high school is
offering Computer Aided Design and Engineering
for the first time. Other engineering classes will
be added. Students taking the STEM Geometry
The Sheboygan Falls High School room once used to teach auto
repair and to store maintenance equipment has been transformed
into the Innovation Design Center where students will learn and
hone technical skills that they can carry from the classroom to
the workplace. District employees and local businesses gathered
together on October 13 to celebrate this collaborative effort and
officially cut the ribbon of the new Innovation Design Center.
“The students are always going to get the latest
and greatest in technology,” Kuehn said.
class will also be using the Center’s equipment.
Hughes has successfully applied for grants
Members of the county-wide robotics team,
to underwrite the cost of purchasing some of
hosted by Sheboygan Falls, can use state-of-the-
the software and other items needed for the
art equipment to build their projects.
equipment in the lab.
One of the highlights of the Center is a 33-ton
Kevin Dulmes, facilities manager for the District,
plastic injection molding machine – identical to
oversaw efforts to physically prepare the space
those used in industrial facilities – that comes to
for its new use. “That is a sizable investment
the high school through a partnership between
that small school districts couldn’t afford,” he
the District and Bemis Manufacturing Company.
said. “This would not have happened without
According to Milacron, the manufacturer of the
the help of the local businesses. The financial
machine, this is the first time this type of unit
impact on the District was very low.”
has ever been used at the high school level.
Safety Plan Provides
a Model for Others
Clear and concise. Easy to learn and revise.
These characteristics of the School District of
Sheboygan Falls’ safety plan for emergency
situations immediately impressed the District’s
A Community Vision of a New School
school resource officer, Douglas Hall, when he
came to Sheboygan Falls three years ago.
In Sheboygan Falls, it takes a community to
also asked to think about what it meant to be a
“They’ve been ahead of the curve in having
design a school. And they did.
member of the Sheboygan Falls community.
a plan that’s very easy to work with and a
The School District of Sheboygan Falls will ask
“The reflective exercises helped Michaud draw
voters in November to approve a $30.9 million
out information about making sure we included
plan to build a new middle school.
design ideas such as welcoming entrance that
Hall is not the only one impressed by the
led to a large common space that could be used
plan. Steve Steinhardt, Director of Emergency
for both community and school events and a
Management for Sheboygan County, assists
respect for the history of the community and a
the District in other types of safety training.
vision for the future,” said Born.
He calls it a “stellar plan.” He and Hall are
To help voters better understand what the
building might look like – and how it would be
different from the current school – the district
asked Eppstein Uhen Architects of Milwaukee to
create a rendering, or conceptual design, of the
Gina Koene, an elementary special education
proposed school.
teacher who has taught at the middle school
“During our public input sessions we heard from
community members that they wanted to see
what the proposed middle school might look
like, so the Board decided to include a rendering
and has two children enrolled in the district,
found the process to be “very powerful.” She
Design Architect Chris Michaud of Eppstein
She believes the rendering will help the
Uhen produced the plan after leading a visioning
community understand how the district is trying
process that involved district staff members as
to meet the educational needs of students with
well as community representatives.
the new building. The design includes a large
plan that reflects the core values and mission of
the individual district, he added.
During a series of four meetings, Michaud used
reflective exercises and questions to get the
among public schools on emergency and
safety matters.
everyone can adopt so we’re all working off
see and our vision for the building,” Koene said.
type of process ensures that architects create a
they work to create countywide cooperation
“We are looking at a countywide model that
Born, District Superintendent.
firm works with many school districts and this
using it as a model for other districts as
architects were to the group’s input.
“They really took into account what we wanted to
with their expectations,” Michaud explained. His
revising it,” Hall said.
was especially impressed by how responsive the
with the referendum information,” said Jean
“It helps us get aligned and on the same page
process whereby we are always updating and
open space (commons) in the middle of the
building that has different types of seating so it
the same page,” Steinhardt explained. “We
want to make sure all the schools in the
county are working off the same plan.”
Officials in the Howards Grove School District
took the Sheboygan Falls safety plan and
adopted it with slight changes to fit their
individual circumstances. Other districts are
looking at adopting the plan as well.
can be used in multiple ways throughout the day.
The goal would be to create a county school
The new school will be located adjacent to the
safety team that would meet annually and have
elementary school and the plan will address the
representatives from all the school districts
need to improve traffic flow at both buildings.
discuss issues and collaborate on training.
Although the design is detailed, Michaud notes
Steinhardt said he appreciates the way
that it is in no way a final plan for the school.
Sheboygan Falls officials take time to keep up
group to think about the district’s educational
“We’ve developed a concept, a plan, a general
philosophy and goals for the future as well as
direction. The building will continue to develop
the challenges and successes associated with
as we engage more people in the design
the current middle school building. They were
process,” he said.
with training and updating the plan. “It’s our
kids,” he said. “We need a plan that’s not just
in writing but that’s practiced.”
School District of Sheboygan Falls | Fall 2016 | 3
220 Amherst Avenue | Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us
Fall Newsletter – October 2016
Public Library/School District team up for 1000 Books Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 1
Partnerships and grants bring life to high school Innovation Design Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 2
District commended for attention to safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 3
November 8 Referendum Fact Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert
Residents who would like more information about the referendum question on the November 8 ballot
may contact the School District office at [email protected] or Superintendent
Jean Born at [email protected].
Our Vision
OUR MISSION
OUR COMMITMENTS
To be a community that inspires each
student to reach his or her full potential with
exceptional educators.
To challenge and support students on their
own learning paths within and beyond the
classroom.
We are a community.
We are professionals.
We innovate.
We support the whole student.
4 | School District of Sheboygan Falls | Fall 2016
PLEASE
VOTE
Facilities Referendum
A fact sheet for voters
Sheboygan Falls Middle
School is 88 years old. The
building has three levels,
nine floors, multiple flights
of stairs and obstacles that
present mobility barriers for
people with physical disabilities. Roofs, plumbing,
heating and ventilation, windows and entryways
have far exceeded their normal lifespan. It sits
on a landlocked site that makes renovations
or remodeling very difficult to do in a timely
manner. The building does not have the space or
infrastructure to match the district’s commitment
to preparing students to be college and career
ready in today’s fast-paced, highly technical world.
The
Needs
PRELIMINARY MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE PLAN
Greenview Dr.
Intended for general reference pre-referendum only;
may be adjusted once site engineering and design
moves forward following a successful referendum.
3
6
5
4
2
Existing
Staff Parking
11
1
10
8
r Dr.
Towe
Bus Pick-Up / Drop-Off
Middle School Pick-Up / Drop-Off
Elementary School Pick-Up / Drop-Off
On Site Storm Water Management
© Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc.
.
If the referendum passes, the Board will attempt
to sell the existing middle school. If a sale is
approved, the money budgeted for demolition
may be used for other district-wide capital
replacement items. The referendum asks voters to
approve an amount not to exceed $30,900,000
in one question on the November 8 ballot.
9
iley Ave
Planned site work addresses on-site traffic and
provides separate bus and car drop-off areas for student safety. It includes a budget to demolish the
existing middle school and return it to green space.
7
Existing 4K-4
Elementary School
New 5-8
Middle
School
Alfred M
Build a new two-story,
125,000 square foot,
grade 5-8 middle school for
approximately 550 students
on district-owned property
east of the elementary school.
The scope includes flexible learning spaces
and classrooms with capacity for technology
integration, areas for small and large group
collaboration, and adaptable spaces for a variety
of educational opportunities. The plan includes
a two-court gym, cafeteria/commons and a
performance stage accessible from either area,
a controlled main entrance/office area for safety,
and will be ADA compliant.
The
Proposal
Nov. 8,
2016
1 New middle school main entrance
2 New middle school parking
7 Walkway / alternate drop-off area
8 Additional elementary school parking
3 Outdoor education / play area
4 Bus loop (a.m. / p.m.)
9 Cafeteria/commons
10 Two-court gym
Hard surface play area (school day)
5 4K entrance
6 Existing athletic field (will not be affected)
11 Adjoining performance stage
Note: Plan adds a left turn lane from
Fond du Lac Ave. to Alfred Miley Ave.
The
Process
Since 1996, various Sheboygan Falls school boards have proposed plans to the public to repair or replace the existing
middle school, without success. In January 2016, the current Board convened a Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC),
comprised of volunteer community members, to review possible solutions to address the aging building.
At the conclusion of the FAC’s work, the Board and FAC agreed: “Do nothing is not an option.” – FAC report, April 2016
HOW THE PLAN ADDRESSES COMMUNITY INPUT
How the Board engaged the
community to seek input
16 Special School Board workshops
since July, 2015
6 Options evaluated by the
Board of Education
25 Community volunteers on the
Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC)
7 FAC meetings January–March,
2016 plus one meeting in June
4 Options evaluated by the FAC
2 Options advanced based on
FAC feedback
1 Middle school solution finalized
by unanimous Board vote, and
proposed for a November 8,
2016 referendum
“Develop a plan
for the abandoned
middle school if
a new building is
approved.”
The existing middle school will first be offered
for sale. If a sale is approved, the budget for
demolition may be used to address other
district-wide capital replacement needs. If
it doesn’t sell, the building will be abated,
demolished and returned to green space.
“Provide educational
value and make it
cost effective.”
“Lower the
tax impact.”
Square footage meets current enrollment
needs plus a conservative growth estimate.
Quality educational space with infrastructure
to support technology and updated learning
environments. Provides a performance stage,
but no auditorium. Uses land owned by
district. Existing athletic fields at elementary
school remain as is, avoiding relocation costs.
“Present a long-term
solution.”
Since the 2014 referendum, the Board
repaid existing debt, reducing the pay-back
period on the elementary school from 4 years
to 1. The Board projects the district portion
of property taxes will be lower this year,
reducing taxes for 3 consecutive years. This
year’s budget includes replacing obsolete
heating and cooling controls, avoiding a
maintenance referendum at this time.
“Address the traffic.”
Building specifications include items such
as durable exterior finishes, windows, and
mechanical systems. Designed for future
additions needed for community (enrollment)
growth.
A professional traffic study will guide
the district in developing the safest traffic
routes on-site for both schools and new
routes for buses to clear congestion with
parent traffic.
tax impact
The referendum requests that the district be approved to borrow an amount not to
exceed $30,900,000 for the building plan.
Maximum Estimated Tax Increase Over 2015-16 Tax Rate To Borrow $30,900,000
30¢ per $1,000 of Property Valuation
Property Fair Market Value
Per Year
Per Month
$100,000 of Property Value
$30.00
$2.50
$166,000 of Property Value
(2016 average home value in City of Sheboygan Falls)
$49.80
$4.15
$200,000 of Property Value
$60.00
$5.00
Assumptions: 20-year borrowing; estimated interest rates: 3.75%-4%; 1% annual growth in property
value; two-phased borrowing approach. Source: Robert W. Baird & Co.
For more information:
220 Amherst Avenue
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
(920) 467-7893
[email protected]
www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us
www.facebook.com/
sheboyganfallsschools
Public meetings will be scheduled.