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Bluejay Bulletin

March 2025

Bluejay BulletinMarch 2025

Principal's Message: Principal's Message:

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March 2025


Dear Parents,

I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all involved in our recent Pops Concert. A huge round of applause to our talented musicians, artists, and their instructors for putting on such a memorable event. If you missed out, don’t worry! We host Solo and Ensemble on March 28 and we have our Spring Concerts coming up in May.


Additionally, let's give a shout out to our girls' and boys' basketball teams, along with our cheerleaders, for their outstanding achievements on the court! Their hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance have been truly inspiring. Good luck to our Boys’ Basketball team as they head into the postseason. Spring sports are right around the corner.


Please plan to join us for Parent/Teacher conferences! These meetings provide valuable opportunities for us to discuss your child's progress, address any concerns, and collaborate on ways to support their academic journey. Please be sure to sign up for a conference slot if you haven't already done so. Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 6 from 3:30-7:30pm.


You also have the opportunity to set up a meeting with me on these nights as well; I'd love to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Your active participation is key to your child's success!


With that, I want to say how truly honored I am to work with your children on a daily basis. Working with kids has always been a joy for me and I appreciate the opportunities I have to get to know them as the years go on. Let’s continue to work together for the success of our children.


Warm regards,

Juli Gauerke-Peter

Athens Middle/High School Principal

Attention High School Students Attention High School Students

February Highlights February Highlights

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FBLA

Aleah Frahm and Isabella Zastrow were the top finishers for Athens FBLA, taking 2nd place in Future Business Educator and Public Speaking, respectively. Aleah and Isabella will advance to the State Leadership Conference held March 31-April 1st in Green Bay. Bianca Boneske will also be competing in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report, a straight to state event. Vanessa Espinoza-Quiroz and Itzel Espinoza-Quiroz will be participating in a Leadership Academy being offered. Itzel Espinoza-Quiroz will also be running for the Wisconsin FBLA State Reporter position.
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FFA

Nine FFA members headed to DC Everest to compete in the District Leadership Development Events or LDEs. We have six individuals moving on to Sectionals in March. Quiz Bowl ⭐️2nd place moving on to Sectionals Prepared Public Speaking ⭐️Danica Knott ⭐️Ellis Baer Employability Skills ⭐️Isabella Zastrow 2nd place moving on to Sectionals Discussion Meet ⭐️Kierstin Passehl ⭐️Amanda Paul 1st place moving on to Sectionals
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Middle School Forensics

The Athens Middle School Forensics team competed in Level II competition at the Marathon Venture Academy recently. All 36 members earned Excellence ribbons for their 15 entries. Entries included play acting, readers theatre, prose, poetry, solo acting, news reporting, and nonoriginal speech.
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Wrestling

Last weekend was great for Athens Wrestling! Friday January 31st our MS competed at the 25 team CWWC Conference meet in Merrill and placed 6th as a team (1/2 point away from 5th place Wisconsin Rapids). Saturday February 1st 21 Athens Youth wrestlers competed at the Merrill Youth Tournament and placed 1st as a Team with 8 wrestlers taking 1st. Also on Saturday HS Girls competed at the Marshfield Queen of the Mat tournament where Jendry placed 6th. Our HS Varsity also took to the mat competing at the Marawood conference tournament in which Evin Passehl achieved Conference championship at 138 lbs! Below are placewinners at the Marawood Conference meet. 113 - Garrett Frahm placed 3rd 126 - Dale Felix placed 4th 132 - Gavin Frahm placed 4th 138 - Evin Passehl placed 1st 144 - Kian Ellenbecker placed 5th 150 - Shaylon Blake placed 4th 157 - Jeffery Draper placed 6th Below are placewinners at the Merrill MS CWWC Conference meet. 70 - Rosney Cruz Perez placed 5th 84 - Stone Parkes placed 2nd 98 - Kody Belter placed 3rd 136 - Connor Ebben placed 4th 144 - Isaac Bingham placed 5th 160 - Austin Natzke placed 6th 190 - Wes Ochodnicky placed 3rd
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Wrestling

Last weekend was great for Athens Wrestling! Friday January 31st our MS competed at the 25 team CWWC Conference meet in Merrill and placed 6th as a team (1/2 point away from 5th place Wisconsin Rapids). Saturday February 1st 21 Athens Youth wrestlers competed at the Merrill Youth Tournament and placed 1st as a Team with 8 wrestlers taking 1st. Also on Saturday HS Girls competed at the Marshfield Queen of the Mat tournament where Jendry placed 6th. Our HS Varsity also took to the mat competing at the Marawood conference tournament in which Evin Passehl achieved Conference championship at 138 lbs! Below are placewinners at the Marawood Conference meet. 113 - Garrett Frahm placed 3rd 126 - Dale Felix placed 4th 132 - Gavin Frahm placed 4th 138 - Evin Passehl placed 1st 144 - Kian Ellenbecker placed 5th 150 - Shaylon Blake placed 4th 157 - Jeffery Draper placed 6th Below are placewinners at the Merrill MS CWWC Conference meet. 70 - Rosney Cruz Perez placed 5th 84 - Stone Parkes placed 2nd 98 - Kody Belter placed 3rd 136 - Connor Ebben placed 4th 144 - Isaac Bingham placed 5th 160 - Austin Natzke placed 6th 190 - Wes Ochodnicky placed 3rd
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Wrestling

Last weekend was great for Athens Wrestling! Friday January 31st our MS competed at the 25 team CWWC Conference meet in Merrill and placed 6th as a team (1/2 point away from 5th place Wisconsin Rapids). Saturday February 1st 21 Athens Youth wrestlers competed at the Merrill Youth Tournament and placed 1st as a Team with 8 wrestlers taking 1st. Also on Saturday HS Girls competed at the Marshfield Queen of the Mat tournament where Jendry placed 6th. Our HS Varsity also took to the mat competing at the Marawood conference tournament in which Evin Passehl achieved Conference championship at 138 lbs! Below are placewinners at the Marawood Conference meet. 113 - Garrett Frahm placed 3rd 126 - Dale Felix placed 4th 132 - Gavin Frahm placed 4th 138 - Evin Passehl placed 1st 144 - Kian Ellenbecker placed 5th 150 - Shaylon Blake placed 4th 157 - Jeffery Draper placed 6th Below are placewinners at the Merrill MS CWWC Conference meet. 70 - Rosney Cruz Perez placed 5th 84 - Stone Parkes placed 2nd 98 - Kody Belter placed 3rd 136 - Connor Ebben placed 4th 144 - Isaac Bingham placed 5th 160 - Austin Natzke placed 6th 190 - Wes Ochodnicky placed 3rd
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Wrestling

Last weekend was great for Athens Wrestling! Friday January 31st our MS competed at the 25 team CWWC Conference meet in Merrill and placed 6th as a team (1/2 point away from 5th place Wisconsin Rapids). Saturday February 1st 21 Athens Youth wrestlers competed at the Merrill Youth Tournament and placed 1st as a Team with 8 wrestlers taking 1st. Also on Saturday HS Girls competed at the Marshfield Queen of the Mat tournament where Jendry placed 6th. Our HS Varsity also took to the mat competing at the Marawood conference tournament in which Evin Passehl achieved Conference championship at 138 lbs! Below are placewinners at the Marawood Conference meet. 113 - Garrett Frahm placed 3rd 126 - Dale Felix placed 4th 132 - Gavin Frahm placed 4th 138 - Evin Passehl placed 1st 144 - Kian Ellenbecker placed 5th 150 - Shaylon Blake placed 4th 157 - Jeffery Draper placed 6th Below are placewinners at the Merrill MS CWWC Conference meet. 70 - Rosney Cruz Perez placed 5th 84 - Stone Parkes placed 2nd 98 - Kody Belter placed 3rd 136 - Connor Ebben placed 4th 144 - Isaac Bingham placed 5th 160 - Austin Natzke placed 6th 190 - Wes Ochodnicky placed 3rd
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Wrestling

Last weekend was great for Athens Wrestling! Friday January 31st our MS competed at the 25 team CWWC Conference meet in Merrill and placed 6th as a team (1/2 point away from 5th place Wisconsin Rapids). Saturday February 1st 21 Athens Youth wrestlers competed at the Merrill Youth Tournament and placed 1st as a Team with 8 wrestlers taking 1st. Also on Saturday HS Girls competed at the Marshfield Queen of the Mat tournament where Jendry placed 6th. Our HS Varsity also took to the mat competing at the Marawood conference tournament in which Evin Passehl achieved Conference championship at 138 lbs! Below are placewinners at the Marawood Conference meet. 113 - Garrett Frahm placed 3rd 126 - Dale Felix placed 4th 132 - Gavin Frahm placed 4th 138 - Evin Passehl placed 1st 144 - Kian Ellenbecker placed 5th 150 - Shaylon Blake placed 4th 157 - Jeffery Draper placed 6th Below are placewinners at the Merrill MS CWWC Conference meet. 70 - Rosney Cruz Perez placed 5th 84 - Stone Parkes placed 2nd 98 - Kody Belter placed 3rd 136 - Connor Ebben placed 4th 144 - Isaac Bingham placed 5th 160 - Austin Natzke placed 6th 190 - Wes Ochodnicky placed 3rd
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Letters of Intent Signing

Spring National Letter of Intent (NLI) Signing Event On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, two Athens Seniors signed their National Letters of Intent. Congratulations Malaina and Brianna

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FCCLA Valentines Cooking Making with AES

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FCCLA Valentines Cooking Making with AES

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FCCLA Valentines Cooking Making with AES

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Jazz Band Combo

Our Athens High School Jazz Combo performed at the UWSP Jazz Fest on Friday, February 7th. Six members of the combo received exemplary soloist awards. Ben Hartwig, Eli Schaer, Robert Giese, Eli Paul, Delaney Beasley, and John Zunker were all recognized for performing improvised solos. Aleah Frahm provided the rhythm for the group on the drum set. The students also watched performances of other HS groups, the UWSP Jazz Ensemble, and the Matt Wilson Group, a professional Jazz combo
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Jazz Band Combo

Our Athens High School Jazz Combo performed at the UWSP Jazz Fest on Friday, February 7th. Six members of the combo received exemplary soloist awards. Ben Hartwig, Eli Schaer, Robert Giese, Eli Paul, Delaney Beasley, and John Zunker were all recognized for performing improvised solos. Aleah Frahm provided the rhythm for the group on the drum set. The students also watched performances of other HS groups, the UWSP Jazz Ensemble, and the Matt Wilson Group, a professional Jazz combo
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Boys Basketball

Bluejays hosted the Abbotsford Falcons and won! Between the 3 piece student band and our fans, we cheered our boys on to victory! It was definitely a game to remember.

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Boys Basketball

Bluejays hosted the Abbotsford Falcons and won! Between the 3 piece student band and our fans, we cheered our boys on to victory! It was definitely a game to remember.
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Middle school Team Building

Students were recognized for their honesty and for making the honor roll for first and second quarters.
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Middle School Team Building

Students were recognized for their honesty and for making the honor roll for first and second quarters.

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Middle School Team Building

Students were recognized for their honesty and for making the honor roll for first and second quarters.
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Pops Concert

Wow! What an amazing crowd that came out to support our student musicians on Sunday, February 23. From bucket drums to Jazz Band, to full choir and band performances, and even some student artwork. So proud of all our kids and our music teachers for coordinating and putting together this year’s incredible POPS concert! A shout out to our parent volunteers, too, for their support and help. It really does take a village!
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Pops Concert

Wow! What an amazing crowd that came out to support our student musicians on Sunday, February 23. From bucket drums to Jazz Band, to full choir and band performances, and even some student artwork. So proud of all our kids and our music teachers for coordinating and putting together this year’s incredible POPS concert! A shout out to our parent volunteers, too, for their support and help. It really does take a village!

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Pops Concert

Wow! What an amazing crowd that came out to support our student musicians on Sunday, February 23. From bucket drums to Jazz Band, to full choir and band performances, and even some student artwork. So proud of all our kids and our music teachers for coordinating and putting together this year’s incredible POPS concert! A shout out to our parent volunteers, too, for their support and help. It really does take a village!
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Pops Concert

Wow! What an amazing crowd that came out to support our student musicians on Sunday, February 23. From bucket drums to Jazz Band, to full choir and band performances, and even some student artwork. So proud of all our kids and our music teachers for coordinating and putting together this year’s incredible POPS concert! A shout out to our parent volunteers, too, for their support and help. It really does take a village!
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Middle School Geography Bee

A shout out to our middle school Geography Bee team of Audrina Stevens, Carol Aguilera, AJ Zastrow, Riley Byrd, Maddie Scantlin, Emillie Snyder, and Mariah Passehl on their second place finish at the competition in Medford tonight. Congrats to Carol for placing 4th place overall. Way to go Bluejays!

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Middle School Geography Bee

A shout out to our middle school Geography Bee team of Audrina Stevens, Carol Aguilera, AJ Zastrow, Riley Byrd, Maddie Scantlin, Emillie Snyder, and Mariah Passehl on their second place finish at the competition in Medford tonight. Congrats to Carol for placing 4th place overall. Way to go Bluejays!
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Middle School Geography Bee

A shout out to our middle school Geography Bee team of Audrina Stevens, Carol Aguilera, AJ Zastrow, Riley Byrd, Maddie Scantlin, Emillie Snyder, and Mariah Passehl on their second place finish at the competition in Medford tonight. Congrats to Carol for placing 4th place overall. Way to go Bluejays!
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Middle School Geography Bee

A shout out to our middle school Geography Bee team of Audrina Stevens, Carol Aguilera, AJ Zastrow, Riley Byrd, Maddie Scantlin, Emillie Snyder, and Mariah Passehl on their second place finish at the competition in Medford tonight. Congrats to Carol for placing 4th place overall. Way to go Bluejays!

📣 🏈 Athlete of the Month! 🏐🏃 📣 🏈 Athlete of the Month! 🏐🏃

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Itzel Espinoza- Quiroz/ Girls Basketball

Itzel has started playing more and more varsity time despite being injured and overcoming an illness. She has led the team in scoring and/or rebounding on multiple occasions. She infuses an energy in the team when she enters the court.
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Riley Schultz-Becker/ Boys Basketball

Riley Schultz-Becker has had a really solid year earning him Unanimous First Team All-Conference. Riley led our team in most statistical categories and his leadership on and off the court is outstanding!

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Evin Passehl/ Wrestling

Evin has been chosen because he is our Marawood Conference Champion and had a great season worth recognizing.
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Dale Felix/ Wrestling

Dale has been chosen for his dedication and his performance at the Regional Tournament.

🔨🎨🎼Fine Arts Students of the Month 🎺🔧📷 🔨🎨🎼Fine Arts Students of the Month 🎺🔧📷

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Leila Petrusczak/ Art Student of the Month

Leila is a hard-working student, who devotes a great amount of time towards the art department. She is a great artist who understands many features and specifications of creating art. Leila has helped many students gain an understanding and appreciation of art and has shown how powerful and empathetic art can really be. In the past years, Leila has also devoted her time in the music department singing with the choir. Leila has a great personality; she is a blast to hang around with and will be sure to get a good laugh out of you.
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Hunter Zoromski/ Tech Ed Student of the Month

Hunter is a great student who shows his hard work through the tech shops. Hunter has helped many students and beginners on the basics of welding, and other shop machines and tools. Hunter has put a lot of effort into getting where he is today, and has shown his effort in many different ways. Hunter is a very “down to earth” person, and will be sure to bring cheer to anyone who is around him. No matter what he's going through he will always put a smile on your face.
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John Zunker/ Music Student of the Month

John is a multi-instrumental musician who spends a lot of his time in the music department. He has helped beginners with basic fundamentals of instruments and music theory. He plays a wide variety of instruments, including Guitar, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Piano, Brass Instruments, Drums, Concertina (Accordion), and many more. John has recently played the pep band, with a rock and roll warm up, and a polka show halftime. John has also formatted the idea for fine arts students of the month, with the help from Hunter Zoromski, and Leila Petrusczak.

🍀 March Breakfast Menu 🍀 🍀 March Breakfast Menu 🍀

🍕 March Lunch Menu 🥪 🍕 March Lunch Menu 🥪

Counselor's Corner: Counselor's Corner:

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!!Attention High School Parents!!

Seniors: Community Scholarship information can be found on the school website. Due dates are posted online, on the bulletin board outside the counselors office, and have been emailed to you. Any questions please stop by and ask.


Juniors: ACT is coming up March 19th. There are many online resources to help you prepare. Stop by and ask if you need help finding them.


Sophomores and Freshman: PreACT is March 19th. Practice items can be found online. Please stop by if you need assistance.


!!!Forward Testing window 6-10th Grades Tentatively Planned for March 31st - April 11th!!!

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced an upcoming opportunity to meet Col. Riley Post, the Deputy Director of Admissions at the United States Military Academy West Point. On Wednesday, March 12th at 2:00 PM CT, Col. Post will be at Athens High School to speak with school counselors, students, and parents about what it means to attend West Point. Attendance is free, and anyone with an interest in attending West Point is encouraged to attend.

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced an upcoming opportunity to meet Col. Riley Post, the Deputy Director of Admissions at the United States Military Academy West Point. On Wednesday, March 12th at 2:00 PM CT, Col. Post will be at Athens High School to speak with school counselors, students, and parents about what it means to attend West Point. Attendance is free, and anyone with an interest in attending West Point is encouraged to attend.

📖 Students of the Month 📖 📖 Students of the Month 📖

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Madalin Switlick/ MS Math

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Zachary Martyn/ HS Math

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Kalei Zarnke/ MS Science

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Ben Hartwig/ HS Science

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Hattie Heier/ MS Social Studies

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Terah Schreiner/ HS Social Studies

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Bryn Erickson/ MS English Language Arts

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Eli Paul/ HS English Language Arts

💡 Reminders 💡 Reminders

IMPORTANT DATES 📆

  • March 4th- Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30pm- 7:30pm
  • March 6th- Parent teacher conferences 3:30pm-7:30pm

  • March 7th- NO SCHOOL

  • March 12th- West Point Military Academy Visit 2:00pm

  • March 19th- Freshman and Sophmores PreACT testing

  • March 19th- ACT Testing (Juniors)

  • March 28th- Solo and Ensemble No School Middle and High School ONLY

  • March 31st- April 11th- Forward Testing Window (Grades 6-10)

  • April 9th- Reality Day for Juniors and Seniors

  • April 16th- No School/ Professional learning day

  • April 17th- No School

  • April 18th- No School

  • April 21st- No School

Pickup/Dropoff Procedures 🚗

In our commitment to prioritize student safety, we kindly request that students refrain from crossing between the buses when exiting the building. This precautionary measure is in place to minimize any potential risks and ensure a safer environment for everyone. Additionally, we are asking our student drivers, as well as any students being picked up at the front door to exit the building via the front door (Door A). Your cooperation in adhering to these safety guidelines is greatly appreciated, as it helps us maintain a secure and orderly transportation system for all students. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school community safe.

Absences ☎️

  • Please contact our Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Young at 715-257-7511 by 8:15 am to let her know of your child's absence or appointments. Do not message this to your child's classroom teacher as they do not always have time to check it throughout the day. The office will be letting classroom teachers know.

MS/HS Lunch Policy🍽️

  • Athens Middle/High School is a closed campus. Per the 2024-2025 Student Handbook, no student shall be allowed to leave school premises during the lunch period without specific written permission granted by the Principal.

RVA Resources: RVA Resources:

Did you know there is a Learning Center in your district?

It is a program at a brick-and-mortar building in your school where you can go in person. At the Learning Center, you can find:


  • A space to work on your RVA courses

    • between in-building courses and activities


    • as requested by RVA staff

      if you are placed on academic probation


  • Technical support


About your Learning Center

Coordinator: Ms. Shelly Carpenter

Email: mcarpenter@athens1.org

Phone: 715-257-7511


Address: 601 W Limit Rd. Athens, WI 54411

Room Details/Directions: Room 131


Hours of Availability: 7:30 am -3:30 am

Notes on Availability: Learning Center hours available upon request. Please call ahead if not already scheduled to come in.

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