IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS

What a difference a year makes…

As we go to press this month, we look back on where we were last year at this time, and it seems that so much has changed in just one year. Our district’s financial picture has improved significantly. The 2024-2025 fiscal year budget ended with a surplus that the board designated toward capital improvements so that we can maximize our eligibility for general state aid. Because of the referendum, some long outstanding facility needs are being addressed.

For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the state will provide no additional general aid to cover the $325 per pupil allowable increase in revenue authority. This increase will now be borne directly by property owners on their property tax. The Capital Times reports that ⅔ of the districts in the state will have reductions in state aid this year. All of this makes it challenging for the district to access the remaining revenue authority gained through the referendum. It is my opinion that, with the referendum, in combination with the loss of general state aid, the former state imposed revenue limit is now replaced by a new, de facto limit, being what property owners can afford.

Also looking ahead to the new year, we'll be welcoming new teachers at both the IGHS and IGEMS. At IGEMS, Samantha Schoenberg will join the district as a 4th grade teacher. At the high school, David Cushman will be joining us as a student intern in math, and Shaun Reuter as a physical education & health teacher. Mr. Zach Raimer has been appointed as the new IGHS activities director. It appears that we will have record numbers for participation in fall sports this year and the seasons are looking promising. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September when the rhythm of the school year returns.

Michael Shimshak

Before the start of the school year please review your student's immunization record and ensure that they have the requirements for their age/grade level or an exemption on file at school. There have been changes for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Please see the links below for more information.

To review your student’s immunization record

• Go here! Wisconsin Immunization Registry

To review age/grade requirements for WI Schools

• Go here! STUDENT IMMUNIZATION LAW AGE/GRADE REQUIREMENTS

The form that schools use for immunizations and exemptions

• Go here! Student Immunization Record

Updated 2024–2025 school year immunization requirements

• Read more here! Updated 2024–2025 school year immunization requirements

There have been no changes to the exemption options for medical, religious, or personal conviction reasons. The school district needs a completed Student Immunization record form for these exemption options.

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

8/5 Football Practice Starts

8/11 6:30 PM Board Meeting

8/15 5:30 PM Football: Varsity Scrimmage vs Multiple Schools (Away)

8/18 Volleyball & Cross Country Practice Starts

8/21 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Back to School Night - IGHS & IGEMS

8/21 5:00 PM IGHS Freshmen & New Student Orientation - IGHS IMC

8/22 7:00 PM Football: Varsity vs Fennimore (Away)

8/23 9:00AM Volleyball: Varsity Scrimmage vs Multiple Schools @ Waunakee

8/25 5:00PM Football: JV vs Fennimore (Home)

8/27 12:00PM Volleyball: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Onalaska

8/28 8:00 AM Volleyball: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Onalaska

8/29 5:00 PM IGHS Booster Club Great Steak Night

8/29 7:00 PM Football: Varsity vs Dodgeville (Home)

8/30 9:20 AM Cross Country: Boys/Girls Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools (Home)

The AP English Literature exam, given in early May, tests students' literary analysis and writing skills. In Wisconsin, students who pass this difficult, timed exam typically earn college credits. Congratulations to the following seniors from Mrs. Montgomery's AP English class for passing this national exam: Bret Connolly, Lucas Christiansen, Linnea Elg, Carter Rickard and Katie Rickard.

Happy August! School supplies are out, and it is exciting with school right around the corner. Contact the Iowa-Grant Elementary Middle School Office if you have questions about purchasing school supplies. We will see what we can do to help!

I have had the opportunity to see some students through summer school. Thank you to the teachers and volunteers who have helped make our summer school possible. The Missoula Children’s Theater will be putting together a performance of Hansel and Gretel. Performances will be at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9th and IGEMS. Thank you to Julie and Don Hawes for hosting our two Missoula leaders. I also appreciate the assistance with our T-ball and Coach pitch programs by volunteer coaches, Christi Kennicker, Brittany Nicksic, and Karyssa Prohaska, along with the PTC concession stand, as we wrapped this up this past week.

We look forward to seeing students back soon, and as always, please reach out to the office if you need anything.

Through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, we provide all 4K families free access to ParentPowered (formerly Ready 4K) to help you stay on track with learning goals all year long. This free service provides you with weekly text messages which include simple ideas and activities you can do to help your child learn and grow. Messages provide tips to help you build on daily routines, such as activities to use when getting dressed or preparing a meal. No internet, extra time, or special materials are required. There’s absolutely no cost, and you can opt out at any time by texting STOP.

Interested? You can learn more about ParentPowered (Ready 4K) from this video: Welcome to the ParentPowered Community.

How can you sign up? We will take care of your enrollment, with your permission. You can contact me at IGEMS by phone or email, if you have any questions or wish to be enrolled. Or, simply fill out a permission form which will be available on 4K Signing Day, August 5th or in your child’s classroom at Back to School Night, August 21st.

I can’t wait to see your smiling faces! Stay safe, have fun, and keep reading, Panthers!

In the final two weeks of Summer School, some students got to make some pretty cool projects in shop class! One group got to design and make CO2-powered cars and have a drag racing tournament. The other group made some awesome tablet holders and tic-tac-toe boards. Students had a fun and new learning experience, gaining some useful skills in the woodworking area!

Parent Teacher Club Meeting August 18th. We welcome all IG families to join our email list to stay up to date on events coming up. Contact Christi Kennicker at ckennicker@igs.k12.wi.us to get our monthly emails.