IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS

Perhaps the old quip, “if I had more time, I would have written you a shorter letter” fits here. Poetry would be even more dense, but I am willing to spare that share this time around. Instead, I ask if you’d be willing to indulge a small bit of rambling as I cover a few topics in the vein of nurturing a culture of appreciation. In the short time serving as superintendent of Iowa-Grant, I consistently notice that our students, staff, and community have a sense of commitment, loyalty, and connection to our schools. For this, I am appreciative and there is more; the heart of the matter, the matter of the heart.

Throughout my career, I have always been fascinated by the advances in the understanding of the brain and cognition. This ongoing research informs our practice in education. Over the past forty years I witnessed the changing mindset of a fixed brain after one reaches adulthood, to a malleable brain capable of change throughout life. While the notion of the first years of life being so formative, (The first three years last forever.) We now know about neural plasticity and how we can change the internal story we tell ourselves, lay down new neural pathways even a second language later in life. Almost daily, there are new findings.

To me, among the most intriguing of findings, is the understanding of the vagus nerve and its connection of the cerebral brain to the “gut-brain”. These new understandings reinforce the common wisdom we hear expressed in “trust your gut.” But the vagus nerve does more, it is also the pathway integrating the brain and the heart. The board of education asked me when interviewing to become the superintendent, when someone says, in Iowa-Grant, the schools are the heart of the community, what does that mean to you? While having some sense of it, having started my career in a rural district, my appreciation of this idea continues to grow exponentially and to deepen with a fuller sense of the heart. With all due respect to my accomplished cardiologist brother, the heart is more than a pump.

Coming around the evidence and expressing appreciation: We appreciate our teachers and staff, who bring heart to their work everyday. We appreciate our coaches and volunteers, who give countless, selfless hours for the benefit of our student athletes. You may read about their successes elsewhere in the Panther Press. We appreciate our advisors and the opportunities and encouragement they provide for our students. For example, our FFA is hosting a contest this week. Thanks are due to Ms. Hammerly and the volunteers you've organized to help. The LEO Club will participate again in the Polar Plunge next weekend. Thank you Mr. Boland. Forensics will compete in February. Thank you Ms. Wetter and Ms. Linscheid. We were well represented in both the honors band and honors choir. Thank you to our music teachers. This list goes on and on, the score keepers at events, the booster club, the custodians, who set up and take down, etc. There are just too many to mention. The Iowa-Grant School District is not only the heart of the community, it is the community that is serving our children and family with a full heart. For this I am thankful.

Michael Shimshak

Below is a copy of the election notice as filed and posted by Wisconsin Statute.

Both incumbents, Mary Schauff and Tim Lundell, filed their candidacy and will appear on the ballot unopposed. Write-in candidates have until March 29, 2024 to register.

All election information is available on the district website at: https://www.igs.k12.wi.us/page/board-of-education-election-information

Any questions regarding the 2024 Spring School Board Election may contact Loras Winders, lwinders@igs.k12.wi.us or 608-943-6311.

2/01 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Darlington (Home)

2/01 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Darlington (Home)

2/02 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Boscobel (Away)

2/02 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Boscobel (Away)

2/03 8:30 AM Wrestling: JV Conference Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Mineral Point HS

2/03 9:00 PM Wrestling: Varsity Conference Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Mineral Point HS

2/03 10:00 AM Gymnastics: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ River Valley HS

2/05 6:00 PM Gymnastics: JV/Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Platteville HS

2/05 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Belmont (Home)

2/05 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Belmont (Home)

2/06 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Riverdale (Away)

2/06 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Riverdale (Away)

2/07 3:30 PM FFA District Leadership Development Event

2/08 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Darlington (Home)

2/08 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Darlington (Home)

2/09 Tri-State Honors Band @ UW-Platteville

2/09 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Fennimore (Home)

2/09 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Fennimore (Home)

2/10 Tri-State Honors Band @ UW-Platteville

2/10 10:00 AM Gymnastics: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Platteville

2/10 10:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Regionals vs Multiple Schools @ Mineral Point HS

2/12 Forensics Sub-District Competition

2/12 6:30 PM Board Meeting

2/13 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Cuba City (Away)

2/13 6:00 PM Wrestling: Team Sectionals @ Fennimore

2/13 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Cuba City (Away)

2/15 5:00 PM Gymnastics: Varsity Conference Meet vs Multiple Schools @ River Valley HS

2/15 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Boscobel (Away)

2/15 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Boscobel (Away)

2/16 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Fennimore (Home)

2/16 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Fennimore (Home)

2/17 The Start of FFA Week

2/17 10:00 AM Wrestling: Varsity Sectionals vs Multiple Schools @ Mineral Point HS

2/17 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Snowball Dance

2/19 Music Parents' Meeting

2/20 Basketball: Girls Varsity Regionals - TBD

2/22 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Mineral Point (Away)

2/22 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Mineral Point (Away)

2/22 Wrestling: WIAA Individual State @ UW-Madison Kohl Center - TBD

2/23 Basketball: Girls Varsity Regional - TBD

2/23 Wrestling: WIAA Individual State @ UW-Madison Kohl Center - TBD

2/24 Basketball: Girls Varsity Regional - TBD

2/24 Wrestling: WIAA Individual State @ UW-Madison Kohl Center - TBD

2/24 10:00 AM Gymnastics: Varsity Sectionals vs Platteville (Away)

2/27 Basketball: Boys Regionals - TBD

2/29 Basketball: Girls Varsity Sectionals - TBD

14 welding students completed Mrs. Hammerly's Welding Course this first semester. Students created horseshoe snowmen using what they learned in the class for their final project.

Elyse L. and Georgia H. represented the Iowa-Grant FFA Chapter in Stevens Point on January 12th and 13th at the FFA Half-Time Conference. The Half-Time Conference prepares members to keep their FFA chapter active and growing for the second half of the school year as well as help students continue to build their leadership skills. Workshops focused on building your FFA chapter and making a positive impact in your school and your community.

The Iowa-Grant FFA Chapter is now selling strawberries. Proceeds help fund FFA leadership conferences, contests, and events. Strawberries are freshly picked in Florida and delivered the week of March 11.

Orders are available in a half-flat (4‐quarts) or a full-flat (8‐quarts). After you fill out this order form, we will contact you to go over details and availability before order pickup. Please have payment at pickup. Checks can be made out to IG FFA. CASH OR CHECK ONLY.

Please email Lara Hammerly at lhammerly@igs.k12.wi.us with any questions.

You may remember that on the cold windy night of December 9th, some band students braved the elements to spread festive cheer in the Montfort Light Parade. The float took 2nd place! The band students were presented with a $75 check from the Montfort Fire Department. Thank you!

Every 2 years since 1988, the Iowa-Grant High School has participated in LNP (Le Noveau Passè

- The New Path). Students and Staff immerse themselves into another culture or era. This year IGHS dived into all things Mexico - food, art, games, science, dancing, and the list goes on. Students rotated into different sections over 3 days to learn about the Mexican culture and country. They also were able to hear from guest speakers - Mrs. Magsig and Mrs. Boyer and from their own classmates. Thank you to Mr. Boland and Mr. Zwick for putting together a great 2024 LNP. Thank you to Mrs. Hugill for putting together a LNP themed lunch, Los Amigos for catering in authentic Mexican food for the afternoon snack, students Vanessa Q. and Arleth G. for bringing in their gorgeous Quinceanera dresses and showing everyone different dances, and to the staff and students for making it a great LNP.

Congrats to the band members who participated in SWAL Honors Band on January 5th and 6th. Our top I-G musicians got together with top musicians from other local schools to put on a great concert after just a few hours of practice. They represented I-G well!

HS Participants were Gabby M., Lucy S., Will F., Addy W., Alex S., Elyse L.

MS participants were Elsie V., Chelsey M., Breanna D., Michelle Q., Kylie B., & Max. H.

Elyse L., Lucy S., & Will F. will be participating in Tri-State Honors Band at UW-Platteville on February 9 and 10th.

On January 27th, 8 IGMS students and 9 IGHS students traveled to Mineral Point to participate in the SWAL Music Conference. I-G students along with students from Boscobel, Mineral Point, Cuba City, Darlington, Fennimore, Ithaca, Riverdale, and Southwestern, learned and performed songs under guest conductors Marcia Russell and Joseph Anderson. Students did an amazing job!

The Iowa-Grant Student Council and LEO Club will be collecting old pairs of eyeglasses and old cell phones throughout the school year again. Please send them to Mr. Boland. Thank you for supporting the IGHS Student Council and LEO Club!

Panthers have been on fire lately! Congratulations to the Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, IGH Wrestling, and Dodgeville CO-OP Gymnastics teams who have been breaking records and winning games and tournaments! Make sure you get out and cheer the Panthers on! GO PANTHERS!!!!

IGHS Blood Drive sponsored by Student Council and LEO Club will be Friday, March 15th. Every donation helps to fund scholarships for our Seniors. You can sign up by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting the Red Cross Website (just click the purple Red Cross button on the bottom) and entering sponsor code IowaGrantHS.

The Iowa-Grant Booster Club recently gave a $5000 donation to the IGHS Band Department to start their fund for new Marching Band uniforms. These donations are made possible from the money brought in from Concessions.

Thank you Iowa-Grant Booster Club!!!

In February, IGEMS will be busy with events! Brad the Book Guy from CESA will present on February 2nd to our 7th and 8th-grade students. February 4th begins National School Counseling Week. February 8th is the 100th day of school. February 9th will kick off the American Heart Association activities in grades K-4 in our physical education program. Middle School Wrestling and Girls Middle School Basketball will wrap up this month. We have a home wrestling event on February 6th and a home basketball game on February 20th.

We will also celebrate Acts of Kindness Week with Dress-up Days! Please see Ms. Kennicker’s calendar for more details.

Monday, February 12th: Rainbow Day - Wear the rainbow colors.

Tuesday, February 13th: Wild Hair and Headwear Day

Wednesday, February 14th: Dress in formal wear or wear Red and White for Valentine’s Day

Thursday, February 15th: Teacher Student Day - Dress like your teacher.

Friday, February 16th: Panther Day

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the spelling bee last month and to the two students who represented Iowa-Grant at the sectional spelling bee. Thank you to Mrs. Boldt for organizing the event.

Before long we will be planning for summer school. The year is flying by! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Building Executive Functioning Skills

A Resource from “Parent Powered,” (formerly Ready 4K)

Executive functioning skills is a fancy term used to describe the skills we use everyday to complete tasks. These big brain skills include being able to organize, plan, and manage time. They also include the ability to pay attention, remember things, and have self-control. They are part of everything we do!

They’re also a big part of helping kids find success in school. In the classroom, these skills help kids do things such as: follow directions, take turns, solve problems, stay organized, and turn work in on time. Executive functioning skills are school super skills!

Here are some easy-to-do everyday activities to help your child grow and develop these super skills:

1. Planning and Preparing: helps kids decide what they need to do and how they’re going to do it. One way to build this skill: make a meal together. List all the ingredients you will need and have your child help you gather them. They can assist with setting the table for your meal too.

2. Organization: helps kids keep track of their school supplies and belongings and helps them to be more independent at home too. One way to build this skill: help with laundry. As you do the laundry, ask your child to sort by color or type. When it’s time to fold, invite them to match all the socks or fold and stack the towels.

3. Attention & Memory: are key for following directions. One way to build this skill: play “I Can, Can You?” In this game, players take turns adding and repeating movements. The first player starts with 1 movement. The next player repeats the movement and adds on 1 more. Players keep adding and repeating until someone misses a movement.

4. Time Management: this skill helps kids start and finish a task in a reasonable amount of time. One way to build this skill: play “Beat the Clock” for a task like cleaning up toys or getting ready to leave the house. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see if they can do all the things they need to do before the timer goes off.

5. Flexible Thinking: helps kids to understand there is more than one way to do something. One way to build this skill: play “3 Ways.” Find 3 different ways to say “good night,” at bedtime or 3 different ways to build a tower with blocks. Building this skill helps kids solve problems and work with others.

6. Self Control: key for helping kids manage their big emotions and impulses. As kids develop self-control, they get better at taking turns, sharing, and calming down. One way to build this school: teach them to “Take 5.” The next time your child is frustrated, help them take 5 slow deep breaths or do 5 big jumps. After your child does a “Take 5,” ask them to tell you about the problem. Help them think of one way to solve it.

8th Grade High Honors:

Camryn Andrew

Hayden Aultman

Jason Biddick

Kylie Breuer

Graham Brown

Ty Cutts

Reese DiVall

Breanna Dowell

Alayna Enloe

Luis Escalante Rodriguez

Karla Gaytan

Laim Hildreth

Joslyn Iverson

Cadence Kelley

Ava Klaas

Olivia Koss

Evelena Linscheid

Trinity Lowe

Chelsey Mueller

Isabella Neevel

Carmen Parish

Stevie Pelton

Lilly Peterson

Brynne Pettit

Rena Pettit

Brock Potter

Michelle Quiahua

Garrett Rech

Makenna Riemenapp

Braelyn Rothamer

Ezmae Sandberg

Maria Schafer

Hope Sporle

Maxton Stevens

Georgia Trecek

Hadleigh Vivian

Owen Wienkes

7th Grade High Honors:

Madalynn Allen

Rohwen Aultman

Myah Batton

Oliver Christiansen

Deven Engrav

DaCota Freymiller

Ryker Hrubes

Tucker Leix

Owen Munson

Leah Nelson

Ainsley Pickel

Alex Potter

Blake Schauff

Ruby Volenec

Kipton Wetzel

8th Grade Honors:

Taylor Aide

Ryan Bonson

Trysta Cordts

Zayden Jelle

Henry Litteral

Trinity Loeffelholz

Ali Milestone

Brenna Olson

Cole Schauff

Braden Vacha

Lucas Wetter

Parker Woods

7th Grade Honors:

Oliver Carey

Avah Clark

Trygve Herlitz Collins

Isaiah Hines

Shaylee Husom

Lainey James

Hayden Johll

Mackenzie Liddicoat

Brody Lindner

Sekarra McGraw

Kayden Peterson

Jaeden Roelli

Daniel Wetter

Weston Wolff

Both boys made it to the second round of the regional spelling bee at SWTC. George went out on the word injurious and Owen misspelled the word equivocate. Those were some tough second round words. Nice work, Owen and George!

Congratulations to the following students who have read a million words so far this school year! Studies show that students who read a million words or more in a school year perform better on academic tests, have a stronger vocabulary and background knowledge, and are better problem solvers. Pictured (L-R): Lilly P. (8th grade), Alayna E. (8th gr.), Stevie P. (8th gr.) & Shane R., who has read 3 million words. (7th gr.) Keep reading, Panthers!