Climbing Together - 2/26

Hey there, Hilltoppers. It's been a while! Hope you all had a wonderful February and are looking forward to warmer weather... I know I am.

We've got a few updates to share including the crowning of new STATE CHAMPS right here in Onalaska! Take a look at the articles below to continue staying informed on current district happenings and as always - Go Hilltoppers!

In this edition:

📣 Onalaska Dance Team takes state!

🌟 Family experience surveys

🎲 A new, fun video interview series

If you haven't heard, I am incredibly proud to sing (or maybe dance is more appropriate?) the praises of our Onalaska Varsity Dance Team. Earlier this month, these Hilltoppers won the Division II State Championship for their phenomenal team Jazz performance at the La Crosse Center. Their team Pom routine finished in 4th place. Senior Kaelin Tomashek was named All-State for her individual performance.

The work ethic of these student-athletes is impressive to say the least. They practice year-round, compete all across the state, and perform at countless school events to show their Onalaska pride. They also hold annual clinics to introduce dancing to elementary and middle students, play a big role in our "Dancing with the O'Club Stars" annual event, and make trips to our elementary schools to read, play, and spend time with our youngest learners. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to their fellow students, our district, and community.

Such a well deserved accomplishment. Congratulations, Hilltoppers!

*Click on the image below for a few photos and videos from the team at state as well as the championship celebration event at Onalaska High School. The album also includes a video of the team's winning performance as well as their live reaction to being named state champions.

Summer School course information is now available on our website! While registration for summer school doesn't open until April 15th, it's a good idea to take a look, plan, and prepare for when sign up opens. Spots fill up fast!

Click here to get the latest information and don't forget to check back regularly as we'll be making updates as more information becomes available!

Families that live outside the Onalaska boundary can now apply to attend one of our schools through open enrollment!

Open enrollment is a state program that allows families to attend a public school district outside the boundary they live in. As we've mentioned in past updates, Onalaska is a strong district of choice as we annually have more students from outside communities attending our schools than Onalaska students leaving for other districts.

If you're reading this, you likely don't need to worry about open enrolling unless you live outside our boundary and have a new student that will be joining the district for the first time during the 2026-27 school year. Our ask to you is this: Continue sharing and spreading the message of the experience you and your students have received at our schools! Onalaska is very limited for new development and thus new families. Because of this, our best option against declining enrollment is through this program and you continue to be our best advocates. Thank you for your continued support!

Applications are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and close April 30, 2026. Learn more at: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment

As part of our core values of continuous improvement as well as our strategic plan, each school is conducting their own family survey to better understand their operations. Your feedback is crucial and is used in decision making at our schools and throughout the district.

You can find the links below or in previous communications from your school. Thank you for your time and for helping us be the best we can be!

Please note: If you have children in multiple schools, we ask that you complete a survey for each school. If you have children that attend the same school, you only need to fill out one.

We've started a brand new interview series here at the district with the purpose of featuring the stories of our great students, staff, families, and even community members. The best part? The interviewee gets to pick a game we'll play during our chat to make it extra fun.

Check out our first episode above featuring Megan Ramsay - an Onalaska High School sophomore who, on top of being a great student, is heavily involved in a number of activities including the Girls Wrestling team which is the focus of the interview... in addition to her dominating me in a game of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.

A big thank you to Megan for doing such a great job representing our team, school, and district! I am very much looking forward to doing more of these in the coming months!