IOWA-GRANT PANTHER PRESS

Three things are on my mind as we finish another successful year in the Iowa-Grant School District: First, end-of-the-year gratitude; second, the state of affairs with the dynamics of Wisconsin’s budget surplus, politics, and property taxes; and third, the list of new laws for public school districts as we look forward to the upcoming school year.

End of School Year Gratitude We are incredibly grateful for the strong support of our community and the meaningful partnerships that help bring our school district’s mission to life. We have outstanding teachers and staff. Our students have excelled in academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make another great year at Iowa-Grant. The years to come look promising as we continue to address deferred maintenance, curriculum updates, and increased cooperation with Highland Community Schools.

State Government - Politics, Property Taxes, and K-12 Education High hopes for the promise of state support of K-12 special education costs and the possibility of property tax relief contained in Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) were dashed when all senate democrats and three senate republicans voted down the bipartisan compromise. SB 1 would have provided significant relief in property tax burdens and would have come much closer to fulfilling the state’s promise of 40% reimbursement for special education costs. Senate Republicans and Democratic Governor Evers had reached a compromise, yet the senate voted it down. One can opine that there must be some behind the scenes politics going on here, but in any regard, the result will likely be another year of state-wide increases in local property taxes. It is worth noting that while the Legislative Fiscal Bureau found that the compromise in SB 1 would have created a $2.95 billion structural deficit by the end of the 2027–29 biennium, the current budget surplus was estimated to be 2.5 billion and is growing.

New Laws for Public Schools: As we complete the school year and focus on plans for the upcoming year, we must begin to implement at least sixteen new state laws, which will influence everything from cell phones in school (2025 Act 42 - Prohibited Uses of Wireless Communication Devices); to the prohibition of drones on school property (2025 Act 189-Operation of Drones Over School Property); to noticing parents, and reporting immoral conduct, (2025 Act 57. Notice to Parents Upon Receiving Reports of Sexual Misconduct by School Staff Members): to school buses, tribal regalia at graduation, and more. Three of these new laws are highlighted below.

Probably the most noticeable change for students will be 2025 Act 42 - Prohibited Uses of Wireless Communication Devices. The law requires school boards to adopt a policy to prohibit students from using a personal wireless communication device (including, but not limited to, a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or gaming device) during instructional time, with some exceptions. While this is currently our local practice, the board adopted the new policy as required by state law.

Drone photography is becoming ubiquitous. Under 2025 Act 189. Operation of Drones Over School Property, the use of drones over school property will be prohibited without the express written authorization of the school board or at the direction of law enforcement for listed purposes. No one may operate a drone over school property when school is in session, or the property is being used for a school event. A school board must respond to a request for authorization within five business days of receiving the request. This responsibility might be delegated to the administration, as the board meets once per month.

Finally, a new law on financial literacy creates an option for meeting the 0.5 credit financial literacy graduation requirement. Students may now fulfill this requirement during their high school years by completing a financial literacy program offered through a financial institution or by taking an AP business course that includes personal finance. At this time, our high school curriculum already meets the financial literacy requirement through existing coursework. It will be important to monitor how the new option may impact student choices and participation, particularly if students begin completing the requirement through local financial institutions.

Once again, thank you for another wonderful school year and we look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Michael Shimshak

As the school year comes to a close and families begin summer plans, Iowa-Grant School District would like to encourage parents and guardians to take a few minutes to review their student’s immunization record before the start of the next school year.

Summer is a great time to schedule appointments and make sure students meet Wisconsin immunization requirements for their age/grade level or have a completed exemption form on file with the school. Appointments can fill quickly later in the summer, especially for students entering new grade-level requirement years.

Important Reminder for Incoming 7th Grade Students

Students entering 7th grade are required to have:

• 1 Tdap vaccine
• 1 Meningococcal vaccine

Important Reminder for Incoming 12th Grade Students

Students entering 12th grade are required to have:

• 2 doses of Meningococcal vaccine

These requirements are commonly missed, so families are encouraged to check records early and plan ahead if updates are needed.

Helpful Links

To review your student’s immunization record:
Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR)

To review Wisconsin age/grade immunization requirements:
Student Immunization Law Age/Grade Requirements

To access the Student Immunization Record form:
Student Immunization Record Form

There have been no changes to exemption options for medical, religious, or personal conviction reasons. The school district must still receive a completed Student Immunization Record form for any exemption request.

If you have any questions, please contact District Nurse Amanda Linscheid at alinscheid@igs.k12.wi.us.

History has been made. The Iowa-Grant Panthers are Conference Champions for the first time in program history! An incredible accomplishment that reflects the hard work, dedication, and determination shown by every athlete on this team throughout the season. What a year to be a Panther.

Leading the charge were Lane Foley and Jonah Wetter, who both finished the season with an outstanding average of 24.10 out of 25, tying for 16th in the entire state of Wisconsin. In the conference, the two tied for first place, with Foley earning the Conference Champion title and Wetter taking second based on cumulative weekly scores. A remarkable showing from two of the program's best.

The rest of the boys' conference standings told a story of depth and consistency across the roster. Brayden Shemak finished 6th, Ryan Thomas 7th, Lucas Wetter 15th, Colton Williams 16th, Brody Lindner 17th, and Garrett Rech 18th. A strong spread that helped power Iowa-Grant to the top of the conference.

The ladies made their presence felt as well. Maria Schafer turned in an impressive 5th-place conference finish, followed by Lillian Linscheid in 11th, Kenna Riemenapp in 19th, and Emery Riemenapp in 24th. Their contributions were a vital part of what made this season one for the record books.

And the season isn't over yet. Twenty-three Panthers will head to the State Tournament on June 7th at the Wisconsin TrapShooting Association Grounds in Rome, WI. With a conference championship already in hand, this group heads to the state stage with confidence, momentum, and plenty left to prove. Congratulations, Panthers!

6/02 Finals Day 1 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th hours

6/02 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Fennimore - Sectional Semi-Final Game (Away)

6/02 5:00 PM Baseball" Varsity vs Riverdale - 2nd Round Regional Game (Home) (Livingston)

6/04 Last Day of School - Early Dismissal at 11:15 AM

6/05 9:30 AM Track & Field: WIAA State Championship @ UW-La Crosse Veterans Memorial Field Complex

6/06 10:00 AM WIAA State Championship @ UW-La Crosse Veterans Memorial Field Complex

6/08 6:30 PM Board Meeting

6/09 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM IGSD Sports Physicals

6/14 Robert La Follette Sr. Day

Scholarship Night was held on Wednesday the 13th at 5:00 PM, and it was an incredible evening of celebration and support for our seniors.

Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned over $551,000 in scholarships—an amazing accomplishment!

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the community members, local businesses, universities, technical colleges, the Iowa-Grant Education Foundation, and the many scholarship committees who made this possible.

Your generosity and investment in our students’ futures is truly appreciated.

l-r (bottom row) - Pajessa Baker, Lexie Kuhls, Gabriella Munson, Allison Spease, Ellison Moen, Emery Riemenapp

l-r (middle row) - Lucinda Spurley, Payton Freymiller, Rilya Hrubes, Maddox Fisher, Treaton Loeffelholz

l-r (top row) -IGEF Leadership: Ron Haas, Peter & Lori Melby (CFSW CFO), Lois Peart, Rachel Zimmer, Mike Peat, Peggy Biddick

The Class of 2026 graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, May 23rd at 1:00 PM. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!! Remember "Once a Panther, Always a Panther!!!"

SENIORS

Distinguished Honors:

Quinn Hoeper, Rilya Hrubes, Brooklyn Jennings, Noah Lange, Everett Zimmer

High Honors:

Nina Buroker, Maria Carrasquinho, Daniel Dosch, Adeline Foley, William Fulton, Anayeli Garcia-Cuahuizo, Emma Govier, Abigail Hake, Addison Kramer, Treaton Loeffelholz, Reese Peterson, Laila Ritchie, Addyson Winkers

Honors:

Eric Bartolo-Garcia, Jaxon Busse, Sam Lundell, Ellison Moen, Gabriella Muson, Myles Pettit, Delaney Reid, Allison Spease

JUNIORS

Distinguished Honors:

Cash Anderson, Blayden Bonson, Chris Crow, Abigail Droessler, Addeline Elg, Landon Friesen, Jacob Grindey, Connor Johnson, Madelyn Klein, Presley Lehman, Kyleigh Miles, Valeria Ramos Ramirez, Harlei Rochon, Brayden Shemak, Carly Shores, June Spurley, Charlie Volenec Deacon Wetzel, Jack Whitaker, Owen Wyatt

High Honors:

Wyatt Aide, Ella Dosch, Noah Gochenaur, Mason Hove, Max Kelley, Calvin McHone, Terrey Palmer, Grand Rickard, Serenity Rose, Tyler Schultz, Kendra Wallace

Honors:

Jason Bartolo-Garcia, Brock Hinderman, Josie Jenkins, Aiden Lenz, Lillian Linscheid, Brooklynn Pearson

SOPHOMORES

Distinguished Honors:

Kylie Breuer, Breanna Dowell, Alayna Enloe, Luis Escalante Rodriguez, Joslyn Iverson, Cadence Kelley, Ava Klaas, Olivia Koss, Stevie Pelton, Lilly Peterson, Brynne Pettit, Rena Pettit, Braelyn Rothamer, Ezmae Sandberg, Georgia Trecek, Hadleigh Vivian

High Honors:

Taylor Aide, Malen Anitua Sesumaga, Ty Cutts, Liam Hildreth, Evelena Linscheid, Trinity Loeffelholz, Trinity Lowe, Chelsey Mueller, Carmen Parish, Cole Schauff

Honors:

Hayden Aultman, Jason Biddick, Reese DiVall, Lily Dosch, Kenneth Halverson, Myles Loeffelholz, Kellen Mumm, Isabella Neevel, Michelle Quiahua, Hope Sporle, Ryan Thomas

FRESHMEN

Distinguished Honors:

DaCota Freymiller, Ryker Hrubes, Leah Nelson, Ainsley Pickel, Alex Potter, Ever Schilling, Elsie Van Overmeer, Ruby Volenec, Kipton Wetzel

High Honors:

Myah Batton, Oliver Christiansen, Maxwell Hake, Lainey James. Tucker Leix, Mackenzie Liddicoat, Jaeden Roelli, Blake Schauff, Weston Wolff

Honors:

Madalynn Allen, Rohwen Aultman, Avah Clark, Deven Engrav, Thomas Foley, Trygve Herlitz-Collins, Isaiah Hines, Owen Munson, Aaliyah Peterson, Kayden Peterson

Happy Summer! As summer begins, I encourage every family to take time to rest, reconnect, and create meaningful memories together. Encourage your children to keep learning in simple ways—through reading, exploring, asking questions, and trying new experiences. Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the school year. We are proud of all our students have accomplished, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another great year.

The eighth-grade promotion date will be Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.

Summer recreation is off and rolling, and summer school, along with T-Ball/Coach pitch, will be held on the dates below:

• July 6th - 9th 1st session: (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

• July 13th - 16th, 2nd session: (2 sections, 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

• July 20th - 23rd, 3rd session: (2 sections, 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m)

There will be a snack/recess in between sections. All dates will be in July due to the gym floor getting refinished.

There will also be a summer school bus that will follow the pool bus routes. The stops are as follows for pick-up: (estimates on time)

7:07 a.m. Livingston Park

7:17 a.m. Rewey Church

7:35 a.m. Linden Park

7:42 a.m. Edmund Church

7:49 Old Cobb School

7:58 a.m. Monfort Post Office

8:07 a.m. at IGEMS

These are the estimated times for drop-off:

11:52 in Montfort

12:02 in Cobb

12:09 in Edmond

12:16 in Linden

12:32 in Rewey

12:46 in Livingston

These times depend on what time the bus leaves the IG school

We also offer T-ball, coach-pitch softball, and baseball. This runs in the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays from July 6th to July 30th with:

T-Ball 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Coach Pitch 6:30 - 7:30 p.m

It will be a fast finish to the school year and a busy summer at IGEMS!

Twenty-seven IGEMS students reached the status of reading one million words this school year. A few even were multimillionaires! Congratulations to these students, and we hope you keep reading over the summer!!

Pictured: L-R (First Row) Wes L. & Jade M.; (Second Row) Isla K., Quinn W., Eden P., Rosie M., Olivia E., Natalie M., Logyn J., Allison M. (2 million) , Rachel W., Abigail M., Irene C., Grady L. (Top Row) Joshua C. (2 million), Patrick B., Ayden O., Jordence R. (3 million), Evie K., Lucy A., Zayleigh H., Hope C., David K., Connor G., Aubrey G., and Erick D. Missing from the picture was Sadie S.

8th Grade High Honors:

Lucy Anderson, Bayley Baker, Katie Bartolo-Rivera, Corbin Batton, Charlie Bollant, Hope Colson, Kierah Dahl, Olivia Enloe, Aubrey Gochenaur, Klyde Halverson, Isabell Johnson, Isla Klaas, Evie Koss, Natalie Mayne, Ayden Olson, Callie Pickel, Jaxson Reiter, Jordence Rothamer, Caitlyn Runde, Grant Schauff, Kaydee Shemak, Sadie Spurley, Elijah Straka, Elway Walter, Quinn Williams, and Landon Wyatt

7th Grade High Honors:

Stevie Brokopp, Brycen Hasburgh, Taytum Loeffelholz, Abigail Mueller, Hannah Nelson, Matthias Straka, Ezzy Walter

8th Grade Honors:

Allison Bartolo-Garcia, Kendra Colson, Joshua Connolly, Lane Foley, Elijah Fulton, MaKenna Gough, and Zayleigh Hermanson

7th Grade Honors:

Chloe-Ann Freymiller, Connor Govier, Easton Halverson, Evangela Halverson, Wyatt A Hamilton, Mallory Heilmann, Tate Lindner, George Linscheid, Brantley Mattix, Graham Pierick, Kensie Schultz, Adalee Thorud, and Cohen Trecek

On May 1st, 4th-grade students toured the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. During the visit, students learned about Wisconsin government and were able to see where state laws are created and debated. They explored the historic building, observed important chambers and meeting spaces, and connected their classroom learning to real-world government in action.

The Panther Packs Program would like to thank our community for supporting the program throughout this school year. Thanks to the generosity of our donors we were able to assist 38 students with backpacks of food each weekend throughout the school year!