IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS

One of several activities a leader can engage in toward creating a culture of appreciation is the celebration of milestones. While we haven’t reached the year’s end quite yet, we are getting close when May rolls in. The end of the school year always becomes a bit more hectic. There is an increase in the number of activities. The mood elevates. Excitement grows and before we know it, our kindergarteners, eighth graders, and seniors are reaching milestones. We recognize the academic accomplishments of our students through awards and recognition ceremonies, banquets, performances, scholarship night, and finally, graduations: kindergarten - May 23rd, high school - May 25th, and eighth grade promotion on May 29th. We have had a successful year. I extend appreciation to all who have had a hand in contributing to these successes and congratulate our students on their accomplishments.

Toward building a culture of appreciation, the second week of May is teacher appreciation week. Please join me in thanking our teachers for their commitment and service to our students. Iowa-Grant has been fortunate to have a very high percentage of teachers who are alum and have worked nearly all, or all of their careers at Iowa-Grant.

And as we close out the year, we have other milestones we should celebrate with gratitude. Congratulations and thank you to high school guidance counselor Jackie Benish, 35 years, and 24 years with Iowa-Grant; high school business education teacher Stacey Gardner; 36 years, and 8 years with Iowa-Grant; 7th grade language arts teacher Holly Allen, 39 years with Iowa-Grant; 3rd grade teacher Joan Frey, 39 years, and 36 years with Iowa-Grant; and IGEMS special education teacher Sue Anderson, 39 years, and 36 years with Iowa-Grant, who will be retiring at the end of this school year. We appreciate the positive contributions you have made on our students’ lives. Enjoy retirement and remember the adage, "Once a Panther, always a Panther!"

Michael Shimshak

Join Lead Camp Coach, Gillian Pakula (IG Alum) and Camp Director, Marla Simon (former Panther coach) along with the camp coaching staff for a week full of volleyball fun!

Dates - June 24th -27th (4 days)

Where - IGEMS building

Intermediate Camp (entering grades 6th-9th) - 12:30-2:30 pm

Half-Pint Camp (entering grades 3rd-5th) - 2:30 - 4:00 pm

New this year! High school level team camp that runs from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm during the same week! Please contact Marla Simon for this form (msimon@igs.k12.wi.us)

5/1 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale (VIP Sale)

5/1 4:00 PM PM Baseball: JV vs Darlington (Home) (Linden)

5/2 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/2 4:00 PM Track & Field: Boys & Girls Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Southwestern HS/MS

5/2 6:15 PM Softball: JV vs Cuba City (Away)

5/3 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/3 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity Match vs Multiple Schools @ Hickory Grove Golf Course'

5/3 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Prairie du Chien (Home) (Cobb)

5/4 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/4 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Prom

5/4 8:30 PM Grand March

5/4 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/5 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/6 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/6 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity Match vs Multiple Schools @ Cole Acres

5/6 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Fennimore (Home) (Cobb)

5/6 5:00 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Highland (Away)

5/6 6:00 PM Softball: JV vs Fennimore (Home) (Livingston)

5/6 6:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Highland (Away)

5/7 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/7 4:00 PM Track & Field: Boys/Girls Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel HS

5/7 4:30 PM Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs River Valley (Away)

5/7 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Darlington (Home) (Livingston)

5/7 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Mineral Point (Away)

5/7 6:00 PM Softball: JV vs Mineral Point (Away)

5/8 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/8 7:00 PM National Honor Society Induction Ceremony @ IGEMS Room 100

5/9 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/9 4:30 PM Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs Riverdale (Home) (Livingston)

5/9 5:00 PM Softball: JV vs Juda (Away)

5/10 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/10 3:30 PM Track & Field: Boys/Girls Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel HS

5/10 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity vs Multiple Schools @ Hickory Grove Golf Course

5/10 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Cuba City (Home) (Livingston)

5/11 8:00 AM -12:00 PM FFA Spring Plant Sale

5/11 TBD Golf: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Dodge Point Country Club

5/11 9:00 AM Softball: JV Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Bluff View Middle School

5/11 10:00 AM Softball: Varsity vs Multiple Schools @ Viroqua HS

5/13 4:00 PM Track & Field: Boys/Girls Varsity Conference vs Multiple Schools @ Fennimore HS

5/13 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Mineral Point (Home) (Linden)

5/13 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Argyle (Home) (Livingston)

5/13 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Mineral Point (Home) (Cobb)

5/13 6:30 PM Board Meeting

5/14 9:00 AM Golf: Varsity Conference Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Darlington

5/14 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Boscobel (Home) (Livingston)

5/14 5:00 PM Fine Arts Night

5/14 7:00 PM Pops Concert

5/15 6:00 PM Senior Awards Night

5/16 Softball: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/16 4:30 PM Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs Fennimore (Home) (Linden)

5/17 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Southwestern (Home) (Livingston)

5/18 9:30 AM Baseball: JV vs Riverdale (Away)

5/18 11:30 AM Baseball: JV vs Riverdale (Away)

5/20 Track & Field: Boys/Girls Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/20 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Cuba City (Away)

5/20 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Cuba City (Away)

5/21 Golf: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/21 Softball: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/21 5:00 PM Baseball: Varsity vs North Crawford (Away)

5/23 Baseball: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/23 Softball: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/23 Track & Field: Boys/Girls Varsity Sectionals vs TBA @ TBA

5/24 8:00 AM - 11:00AM Graduation Practice

5/25 1:00 PM Graduation

5/27 Memorial Day NO SCHOOL

5/28 Baseball: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/28 Golf: Varsity Sectionals vs TBA @ TBA

5/29 Baseball: Varsity Regional vs TBA @ TBA

5/30 Softball: Varsity Sectionals vs TBA @ TBA

5/31 Last Day of School - Dismissal at 11:30 AM (No Lunch Served)

5/31 Track & Field: Boys/Girls Varsity State Tournament vs TBA @ TBA

Mrs. Gardiner took the Iowa-Grant High School Accounting I, II, and Advanced Accounting students on a WICPA sponsored accounting field trip on April 17-18. They toured and spoke to accountants at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Ingleside Hotel. All students enjoyed an activity at the Solve Escape Rooms as well.

DISTINGUISHED HONORS

SENIORS

Amiah F., Nikolei F., Elyse L., Makaya M., Rachel R., Lilliana V., Sophie V.

JUNIORS

Lucas C., Bret C., Linnea E., Gavin H., Lakyn H., Faith K., BreAnn K., Dawson R., Katie R.

SOPHOMORES

Pajessa B., Trinity B., Adeline F., William F., Abigail H., Quinn H., Rilya H., Brooklyn J., Noah L., Ellison M., Laila R., Alexandria S., Everett Z.

FRESHMEN

Wyatt A., Cash A., Abigail D., Addeline E., Landon F., Jacob G., Mason H., Connor J., Madelyn K., Presley L., Lillian Linscheid., Calvin M., Harlei R., Brayden S., Carly S., June S., Deacon W., Owen W.

HIGH HONORS

SENIORS

Meagan C., Jenna C., Grace G., Adriana J., Emmerson M., Ashton S., Lillian W., Landon W., Harrison W.

JUNIORS

Adrienne B., Aiden F., Arleth G., Sadie H., Baylee L., Ava O., Myles R., Addison S. Addysen S., Joshua T.

SOPHOMORES

Jaxon B., Emma G., Quentin K., Addison K., Lexie K., Treaton L., Sam L., Kayden O., Reese P., Delaney R., Lucinda S., Hunter S.

FRESHMEN

Ella D., Noah G., Valeria R. R., Grant R., Serenity R., Charlie V., Kendra W., Jack W.

HONORS

SENIORS

Charles H., Lillian P., Cyle S.

JUNIORS

Blake D., Georgia H., Corynne H., Kaycee L., Jocelyn R. R., William W.

SOPHOMORES

Nina B., Gabriella M., Nele N., Myles P., Addyson W.

FRESHMEN

Jonathan B., Griffen C., Holdyn D., Brock H., Josie J., Kylee L., Diego M. S., Riley M., Beckem S.

Congratulations to the following who participated in the SWAL Math Contest held on April 22, 2024:

Algebra 1: Breanna D., Trinity L., Alayna E., Camryn A., and Ava K.

Geometry: June S., Alex S., Abby D., Cash A., Jacob G.

Algebra 2: Noah L., Trinity B., Pajessa B., Rilya H., and Will F.

Pre-Calc: Lakyn H., Lilliana V., Landon W.

AP Calc: Makaya M., Elyse L., Sophie V., Rachel R., Lillian W.

The following earned Bronze: Breanna D., Alayna E., Abby D., Trinity B., Pajessa B., Will F., Lakyn H., Makaya M., and Lillian W.

The following Middle School Students also earned medals:

Alex P. and Ryker H. earned Gold

Stevie P., Makenna R., Ezmae S., Kylie B., and Henry L. earned Silver

Hadleigh V. and Dacota F. earned Bronze

On Sunday, April 28th, the SWAL Academic Banquet was held in Cuba City. Sophie V. and Rachel R. along with their families, mentors, and administration were recognized for their accomplishment in obtaining valedictorian and salutatorian. Congratulations!

Official Results are in from last Thursday's competition!

🎖 Dairy Handler - 2nd Place (Ella P.)

🎖 Floriculture - 2nd Place Team (Sophie V. - 1st place individual, Addeline E. - 15th, Payton F. - 19th, Madelyn K. - 22nd)

🎖 Veterinary Science - 14th Place Team (Faith K. - 36th place individual, Elyse L. - 49th, Bode B. - 72nd, CJ S. - 87th)

🎖 Livestock Evaluation - 15th Place Team (Skyler R. - 31st place individual, Kaycee L. - 72nd, Natalie S. - 80th, Baylee L. - 83rd)

Congratulations to all and great job representing the Iowa-Grant FFA Chapter! We are proud of you!

The Iowa-Grant High School in partnership with CESA 3 and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Darla Burton hosted a Career Prep Day for our freshmen through juniors on April 24th. Students met over 15 different employers in the gymnasium and also attended break-out sessions on different jobs - Engineering, EMS/Fire, Wellness (with Keynote speaker Sean Casey), and Apprenticeship. Thank you to all the speakers, employers, staff, and students for making it a success.

The end of the school year is quickly approaching! We have many fun activities planned for the month.

A recap of last month's highlights: the 3rd grade hosted a fantastic wax museum event followed by our Brownies and Books Night. The 2nd grade held a wonderful Grandparent's afternoon. Thank you to everyone who helped make all of these events happen! It has been a busy few weeks.

Now for May: May holds teacher appreciation week May 6th - 10th. With May 8th as Nurses’s Day. We want to thank our school nurse and teachers for everything they do for our students!

Middle School Track Upcoming Meets:

May 3 @ Southwestern

May 7 @ Lancaster

May 14 @ Darlington

On May 16th, we will celebrate our music department with our middle school band and choir concerts.

The Middle School Student Council will host a dance in the cafeteria from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on May 10th.

The eighth-grade promotion date will be Wednesday, May 29th, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.

There are also many field trips and activities that the students will be participating in. Our 6th-grade students will begin the outdoor education activities and will have some surprise cooks at an upcoming cook-out.

Looking ahead to summer, we are working on setting pool bus dates. Summer recreation is off and rolling, and summer school, along with T-Ball/Coach pitch, will be held on the dates below:

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

• 2nd session: July 15-18 (2 sections 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

• 3rd session: August 12-15 (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.

Missoula Children’s Theater will also run August 5 - 10th

There will be a snack/recess in between sections.

We also offer T-ball and Coach pitch softball and baseball. T-ball and Coach pitch will be held in the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays from July 8 - August 1 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 busy summer at IGEMS!

I recently viewed this popular TED Talk delivered by seven-year-old, Molly Wright, and was reminded of the importance both interactive play and conversation has on the healthy brain development of young children. In this video, Molly’s tips for helping a child thrive by the age of five fall into the following categories: connecting, talking, playing, a healthy home, and community. I encourage you to listen to her message.

As weather warms and we spend more time outdoors, here is an activity for you and your 3, 4, or 5-year-old to try from the Thrive by Five Ideas Hub:

• Nature Patterns: Have your child collect items like rocks and leaves. Arrange them in a pattern such as: one rock, two leaves, one rock, two leaves. Then mix them up and ask them to recreate your pattern. Can they remember the order? Have them take a turn making a simple pattern for you to remember.

Brainy Background: Noticing and recreating patterns requires your child to use their focus, memory, and ability to make connections. These are all important skills for learning. Playing with patterns also gives them practice with math ideas like numbers, shapes, and comparing sizes.

Thank you for all you do at home and for all you do to support our school. Working together, we truly do make a difference!

Join us for Math Night, hosted by UW-Platteville students, at the IGEMS Gym and Cafeteria. Families with children from Kindergarten to 6th grade are invited to attend. There will be several math stations for families to visit and participate in. The event is scheduled for Monday, May 6th, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

Congratulations to these middle school reading millionaires! The students pictured have read at least one million words so far this school year. Strong readers make strong students. Keep on reading, Panthers! Pictured first row (L-R): Quinn W., Lucy A., Jordence R., Cadence K., Joshua C., Ayden O., Patrick B. Standing (L-R): Stevie P., Breanna D., Lilly P., Lucas W., Elijah Y., Hayden A., Ryker H., & Shane R.

The 3rd-grade class hosted their annual Wax Museum on April 4th. Each child read a biography and created a speech and costume based on their person. Students presented their speeches in class, had a dress rehearsal for the 2nd-grade class, and then invited their friends and family back to school the evening. This is a favorite event for students, teachers, parents, and grandparents.

Reading is Fundamental awarded Mrs. Vacha and the IG RIF program 100 books to share with students. This program encourages reading by providing a variety of books to students in their home libraries. Congratulations to Mrs. Vacha and the RIF program.
@ReadingIsFundamental @readingisfundamental @Barnes & Noble @BarnesandNoble

Kindergarten took a community field trip to Blackhawk Lake to clean up litter.

IGEMS students have been collecting pop tabs all year to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. Let's see if we can fill up the rest of our container before the end of the year. Thank you to all of the students who have brought in tabs so far this year.