Arcadia High School

Below are key November updates and dates to keep on your radar:

• November 4: Progress Learning Assessment #2 (Grades 9–11) & National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

• November 12: End of Trimester 1

• November 13: Staff In-Service Day (No School for Students)

• November 18: Raider Family Network Meeting (5:30 PM in the HS LMC)

• November 25 – 29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we finish Trimester 1 strong and start Trimester 2!

During the week of October 12th, our campus successfully completed a series of practice safety drills to ensure our students and staff are prepared for a variety of emergency situations. We will continue to fine-tune our processes and protocols to maintain a safe, secure learning environment.

Our district utilizes the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a clear, plain-language framework recommended by the Wisconsin Office of School Safety. Throughout the school year, we continue to reinforce these five primary response actions:

• HOLD ("In Your Room or Area"): Keeps hallways clear during non-violent disruptions or medical situations while normal instruction continues inside classrooms.

• SECURE ("Get Inside, Lock Outside Doors"): Used when there is potential activity or a threat outside in the community. Exterior doors are locked, and learning continues normally inside.

• LOCKDOWN ("Locks, Lights, Out of Sight"): Used for an active threat inside or near the building, practicing rapid concealment, quiet, and door security.

• EVACUATE ("To the Announced Location"): Used for orderly movement out of the building to safe assembly areas (e.g., in response to fire or environmental hazards).

• SHELTER ("Hazard & Safety Strategy"): Used for protective actions during severe weather or environmental hazards.

Thank you for your partnership in discussing the importance of these safety practices with your student. If you have any questions regarding our safety protocols, please feel free to reach out to the High School Main Office.

Next Meeting: November 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM (High School LMC)

What’s on the Agenda for November?

Our November meeting will focus on keeping parents and guardians connected and supported as students navigate high school. We have a full agenda packed with valuable information and opportunities for open discussion, including:

• Course Pathways & Future Planning: Preparing for 2027–2028 course scheduling by exploring academic opportunities at Arcadia High School, including high school graduation tracks, college credit opportunities (AP/Dual Enrollment), Career & Technical Education (CTE/Trades) pathways, and Youth Apprenticeships.

• Attendance & Truancy Policies: Reviewing school policies and discussing ways we can work together to support consistent student attendance.

• Student-Parent/Guardian-Advisor (SPA) Conferences: Gathering feedback on recent conferences and brainstorming ways to improve communication and partner with families more effectively.

Mark your calendars—we look forward to seeing you on November 18th at 5:30 PM in the HS LMC!

We Want to Hear From You!

Your feedback and input help shape our future meetings and topics. Have a question, an idea for a guest speaker, or a topic you’d like us to address in an upcoming session?

👉 Click Here to Submit Your Ideas, Topics, or Questions

As we approach the end of Trimester 1, we want to remind families of our school attendance expectations and how unexcused absences directly impact student eligibility for co-curricular activities, special events, and, for seniors, the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony.

Participation in extra-curricular activities and the graduation ceremony is a privilege tied to consistent class attendance. To remain eligible, students must stay within the handbook attendance thresholds:

• Trimester Cap: No more than 14 unexcused period absences and/or unexcused tardies (or a combination of both) in any single trimester.

• Full-Year Cap: No more than 70 total missed class periods (equivalent to 10 full school days) across the entire academic year.

How Families Can Stay On Track:

• Monitor Progress: Check your student’s daily attendance and tardy records regularly through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

• Submit Medical Notes: If your student misses school for a medical, dental, or legal appointment, please submit official documentation to the main office so the absence can be excused.

• Reach Out Early: If your student is struggling with attendance, please contact the High School Main Office or their school counselor so we can partner with you on a support plan.

Scholastic Eligibility Consequences (End-of-Trimester Standards)

Group A Activities (Interscholastic Athletics)

• 1 or 2 Failing Trimester Grades: The student-athlete is ineligible to participate in all athletic contests for 15 scheduled school days starting at the beginning of Trimester 2. Eligibility may be regained on the 16th scheduled school day if the student is passing all current classes.

• 3 or More Failing Trimester Grades: The student-athlete becomes ineligible to participate in athletic contests for the entire subsequent trimester.

• Incompletes: Receiving two or more incomplete grades results in ineligibility until the incomplete work is satisfactorily completed and passing grades are established.

• 1 or More Failing Trimester Grades: The student is ineligible to participate in Group B events, competitions, or meetings. Students may continue attending required practices/rehearsals, but cannot participate in public meetings or events. Eligibility can be regained on the 16th scheduled school day of Trimester 2 if the student is passing all classes.

How Families Can Help Before November 20th:

• Review Infinite Campus Weekly: Check current grades and missing assignments with your student.

On Wednesday, November 4, Arcadia High School will host a special instructional day combining academic assessments, character development, financial literacy, and mental health awareness.

Morning Schedule (Grades 9–11 vs. Grade 12)

• Grades 9–11: Progress Learning Benchmark Assessment #2

  • Students in grades 9–11 will complete their second Progress Learning benchmark assessment of the school year during the morning. This assessment measures academic growth in core subjects, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to individual student needs and identify areas for growth as we wrap up Trimester 1.

• Seniors (Grade 12): "Bite of Reality" Financial Literacy Activity

  • Seniors will participate in Bite of Reality, a hands-on, interactive financial literacy simulation hosted in partnership with Arcadia Credit Union. Students will navigate real-world budgeting decisions—managing income, housing, transportation, groceries, and everyday living expenses—to gain practical money management skills for life after high school.

Afternoon Workshops & Guest Speakers (All Students)

In the afternoon, all students will participate in two impactful rotations:

1. "Control the Controllables" with Mark Horbinski (WON80 Sportsmanship Movement)

   • Guest speaker Mark Horbinski—educator, former athletic administrator, and founder of the WON80 Sportsmanship Movement—will present to our student body. His presentation focuses on mindset and emotional regulation, encouraging students to channel their energy toward factors directly within their power: attitude, effort, body language, and response to adversity.

2. Mental Health Awareness & Wellness Refreshers

   • Led by our high school counseling team and health department, these sessions provide essential mental health refreshers to address local YRBS data, tackle mental health stigmas, and challenge stereotypes.

   • Students in the UW-Oshkosh CAPP Personal Health & Wellness course will showcase their mental health projects to facilitate discussions. The goal is to equip students with crisis resources and help them recognize signs of mental health struggles in themselves and their peers.

How Families Can Support at Home:

• Encourage your student (Grades 9–11) to get a good night’s rest on Tuesday, November 3, and arrive on time with a charged device.

• Ask your senior about their budgeting choices during the "Bite of Reality" exercise!

Each month all staff members have the opportunity to nominate their peers for the School District of Arcadia Stronger Together Award. The purpose of the Stronger Together Award is to recognize employees who serve our district in an exceptional manner by collaborating with staff, inspiring students and engaging families. Read More

We are excited to share that our new Raider Ready Site is officially live! This platform serves as a central hub for all high school students and families, offering easy access to key resources including:

• College & Career Planning: College resources, financing/financial aid info, and Academic and Career Planning (ACP).

• Academic Guidance: Graduation requirements, the Laude System, course scheduling, and requesting transcripts.

• Student Success & Opportunities: Mental health resources, Senior Meetings, and Youth Apprenticeships.

For Senior Families: Our comprehensive senior scholarship database and application details will also be housed directly within Raider Ready under the Financing College tab in the coming weeks. Each year, local donors, businesses, and community organizations demonstrate incredible support for our graduates—in past years, we have awarded around $250,000 in local scholarships to graduating seniors at our annual Senior Awards Night in May!

We encourage all families to bookmark and explore the Raider Ready Site as a go-to tool for planning throughout high school and beyond. If you or your student have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the High School Counseling Department or Main Office.

If your student is planning to attend a four-year university, technical college, or post-secondary training program after graduation, it’s time to start preparing for financial aid! Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in determining your student’s eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans.

What You Need to Gather Before You Begin

Before starting the application, please make sure you have the following information on hand:

• StudentAid.gov Accounts (FSA ID): Both the student and required parent contributor(s) must create individual accounts.

• Social Security Numbers (for student and parents, if applicable).

• 2025 Federal Tax Returns & Income Information for both the student and required parent contributor(s).

• Current Financial Records: Savings/checking account balances and relevant investment details.

• List of Colleges: A list of schools your student is considering. (Note: Your student does not need to be accepted—or have made a final decision—to list a school!)

Important Links & Resources

• Create Your StudentAid.gov Account (FSA ID): We strongly encourage both students and parent contributors to create their FSA IDs before starting the application.

• Complete the 2027–2028 FAFSA: Access the official federal financial aid application. Please ensure you select the 2027–2028 form.

• College Goal Wisconsin: Offers free, expert assistance to Wisconsin families navigating the FAFSA process.

• Official FAFSA Step-by-Step Guide: Helpful instructions on required documentation, determining parent contributors, and answers to FAQs.

Key Reminders for Families

• It is 100% FREE: Never pay a fee to complete or submit the FAFSA.

• Apply regardless of income: We encourage all families to complete the FAFSA, as many colleges use it to award institutional scholarships regardless of financial need.

• Separated or Divorced Parents: Please review the official FAFSA contributor guidelines to ensure the correct parent information is reported.

• Both signatures required: The application cannot be submitted until both the student and the required parent contributor(s) complete and electronically sign their respective sections.

• Watch college deadlines: Be sure to check the financial aid priority deadlines for each school your student is considering!

Our high school counseling team is dedicated to guiding students through every stage of their high school journey—from academic planning and graduation tracking to college/career prep, course scheduling, and mental health check-ins.

Upcoming 2027–2028 Course Scheduling Process

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, our counseling team will begin guiding students through the 2027–2028 Course Scheduling Process:

• Classroom Presentations & Course Guides: Counselors will visit classrooms to review graduation requirements, academic pathways, college credit options (AP & Dual Enrollment), CTE/Trades programs, and elective opportunities.

• Student-Advisor Planning: Students will work alongside their advisors and counselors to review their academic progress and draft course requests aligned with their post-secondary goals.

• Parent & Guardian Review: Families are encouraged to discuss course selections together at home. Course registration sheets and instructions for submitting selections in Infinite Campus will be sent home with students.

Quick Tips for Parents & Guardians:

• Explore the Raider Ready Hub: Bookmark our all-in-one resource center for details on graduation tracks, course prerequisites, the Laude System, and career pathways.

• Encourage Self-Advocacy: Prompt your student to reach out directly to teachers, advisors, or counselors when they have questions about course placement or need extra help.

• Utilize After-School Academic Help: Take advantage of our designated after-school academic assistance days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) to stay on track.

• Stay Connected: Regularly monitor grades, attendance, and course progress via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

If you or your student have any questions regarding course options or academic planning, please feel free to reach out to the Counseling Department!

Thank you to those who have taken the community survey on our school facilities. If you have not yet completed the survey please take a few minutes to do so.

Take the Community Survey in one of these ways:

1. Online by clicking here: bit.ly/arcadia-survey

2. Download and print a paper survey.

• English: COMMUNITY SURVEY
• Spanish: ENCUESTA COMUNITARIA
• Once complete, return to any District office. The survey is open until November 12.

Academic Progress Checks

• Trimester 1: November 12 (Last day of Trimester)

• Trimester 2: December 14, January 18, February 18 (Last day of Trimester)

• Trimester 3: March 30, April 26, May 26 (Last day of Trimester)

Notable Activities

• National Honor Society Induction Ceremony: November 4
• Musical: December 4–6

• Student-Parent/Guardian-Advisor Conferences: January 18 & 20 (Scheduled with Advisor)

• Spring Play: March 12–13

• Prom: April 24

• Farewell Concert: May 14

• Senior Awards / Baccalaureate: May 19

• Graduation: May 21

Testing Dates

• Progress Learning (Grades 9–11): November 4, February 3
• ACCESS Test for English Language Learners (Grades 9–12): December 1–4

• ACT, Pre-ACT Secure, and WI Forward SS (Grades 9–11): March 16

• November 13
• January 22

• February 22

• March 29

Holiday Breaks (No School)

• Thanksgiving Break: November 25–29
• Christmas Break: December 23 – January 3

• Spring Break: March 22–28 & April 30

General Information

School Website

School Calendar

School Lunch Menus

Graduation Requirements

Cum Laude FAQ

Student Information System & Communication

Infinite Campus

Class Dojo

Schoolwide Expectations

Student Handbook

Schoolwide Expectations

Personal Device Policy

Athletics

Athletic Events Calendar

Athletic Code

Email: andersonw@arcadia.k12.wi.us
Website: https://ahs.arcadia.k12.wi.us/
Location: 756 Raider Drive, Arcadia, WI, USA
Phone: 608-323-3315 ext. 3131

Email: schustert@arcadia.k12.wi.us
Website: https://ahs.arcadia.k12.wi.us/
Location: 756 Raider Drive, Arcadia, WI, USA
Phone: 608-323-3315 ext. 3133