GRAND AVENUE NEWSLETTER

Principal - Craig Trautsch

craig.trautsch@saukprairieschools.org

Dean of Students- Erin Smith

erin.smith@saukprairieschools.org

Website: www.saukprairieschools.org
Location: 225 Grand Ave, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
Phone: (608) 643-1900

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Grand Avenue Families,

Happy November! It always amazes me how fast the time goes. Here are a few notes about what has happened recently at Grand or is upcoming.

Last week’s Prediction Run was a huge success. Students showed great effort and enthusiasm throughout the event. Thank you for your support in making it such a positive experience for everyone.

A special thank you to Mrs. Hiel for bringing Opera for the Young to our school. This was an incredible opportunity for students to experience a live musical performance and learn about the art of opera in an engaging way.

Looking ahead, our students will enjoy a bowling trip between November 10–17 to celebrate the funds raised from our Fun Run. On November 11, our 5th graders will take part in a Veteran’s Day Ceremony alongside local veterans to honor those who have served our country.

Please note a few important dates. There will be an early release at 1:35 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19. School will be closed from Wednesday, November 26 through Monday, December 1.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Your partnership helps make Grand Avenue a great place for students to learn and grow.

Craig

Monday, Nov. 3- Opera for the Young

Wednesday, Nov. 5- VFW Presentation

Monday, Nov. 10- School Board Mtg. -7:00 PM @ Bridges

Tuesday, Nov. 11- Veterans Day- 9:00 Gymnasium

Wednesday, Nov. 12- Brain Heart World Community Conversation 6:00-7:30 PM @ SPHS-Leola Hall

Tuesday, Nov. 18- GSPie meeting- 6:30 PM @ Bridges

Wednesday, Nov. 19- Last day of Tri. 1 & Early Release

Monday, Nov. 24- School Board Mtg.-7:00 PM @ District Office

Tuesday, Nov. 25- Last day of Trimester 1

Wednesday, Nov. 26- Monday, Dec. 1- NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, Dec. 2- Return to School

Monday, Dec. 22- Friday, Jan. 2- Winter Break- NO SCHOOL

Monday, Jan. 5- Return to School

Upcoming Performances:

Tuesday, November 25th @ 7:00 p.m.-

5th Grade Chorus to sing National Anthem at SPHS Hockey Game

Monday, January 12th @ 6:00 p.m.- 3rd Grade Family Folk Dance Night at Grand Avenue

Friday, January 16th- time TBA-

5th Grade Chorus to sing National Anthem at Madison Capitals Game

Thursday, March 5th @ 6:00 p.m.-5th Grade Concert at Grand Avenue

Tuesday May 12th @ 6:00- 3rd Grade Concert at Grand Avenue

Thursday, May 21st- 4th Grade Field Trip to Overture Center for the Link Up Concert

Thursday, May 21st @ 7:00 p.m- 5th Grade Chorus to perform at Middle School Choral Concert

Thursday, May 28th- 5th Grade Chorus Field Trip to sing at Bridges Elementary

Some parents reached out to our district asking us to facilitate a conversation about this important topic. Superintendent Jeff Wright and Curriculum Director Chanda Kulow are leading this session. All are invited to join us. RSVP below.

We will watch a film and have a conversation during a 90-minute event on Wednesday, November 12th. It will take place in Leola Hall at the SPHS River Arts Center.

Although the film we will watch is appropriate for students in middle school and high school, this event is intended for adults only. The film was produced by "Fight the New Drug," a non-religious and non-legislative, non-profit organization that exists to raise awareness on the harmful effects of pornography.

Link for "button" to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfITfIyTs98ZFa_olhrq7XF5WnTuRhIIqKdrmYlxsmFashWkQ/viewform?usp=header

School breakfast is served every morning from 7:30 AM until the school day begins.

It's a simple way to ensure your child has the energy they need for a successful morning. Every meal includes a daily entree, choice of milk, juice, and fruit.

• Breakfast is FREE for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

• Full price is $2.05.

• Check out the daily breakfast menu at https://saukprairie.nutrislice.com/menu/grand-avenue/breakfast

In collaboration with the other schools in the district, Grand Avenue will be collecting items for the Sauk Prairie Food Pantry. Other schools within the district will be collecting food, personal hygiene, and other items. Grand Avenue will be collecting paper goods. This helps ensure that the Food Pantry will receive a variety of needed items besides just food. Some examples include paper towels, toilet paper, tissue, baby wipes, and more. If you are able, please send in paper good items to Grand Avenue between Monday, November 10- Friday, November 21.

The School Break Meal Program (SBMP)

*A new form needs to be completed for each school break. Even if you filled one out earlier this year, you still need to complete this form to register for this program.*

In coordination with the Sauk Prairie Area Food Pantry, the School Break Meal Program aims to help families who may experience a shortage of food over school breaks, such as Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks. The SBMP food boxes include shelf-safe food, produce, and frozen food options.

Please fill out the attached form if you would like to participate:

Winter 25-26 School Break Meal Program; District-wide

Please contact Amanda Boatwright, Grand Avenue and Tower Rock School Social Worker, if you have any questions!

Email: amanda.boatwright@saukprairieschools.org

GA Landline: (608) 643-1968

TR Landline: (608) 643-1997 (ext. 5914)

Holiday Helpers

Our Holiday Helpers program helps families in need get gifts for students/children. Sponsorship usually takes place in the form of a cash donation, a new toy/gift donation, or a gift card. If you would like to support a Grand Avenue student/family, please contact our school social worker, Amanda Boatwright.

Amanda Boatwright, GA School Social Worker

amanda.boatwright@saukprairieschools.org

(608)643-1968

Congratulations to this year’s Prediction Run winners! Students in grades 3-5 from Grand Avenue Elementary participated in the Prediction Run that took place on Tuesday, October 28th here at Grand Avenue. The award ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 29th at Grand Avenue.

1. WHAT IS THE PREDICTION RUN?

The actual name of the Prediction Run is The Great Grand Avenue Cross Country

Halloween Prediction Run and it is NOT a race. Each runner predicts how long it

will take him/her to complete the course.

2. HOW DID THE PREDICTION RUN COME ABOUT?

Forty-seven years ago, with Dr. John McAuliffe’s help, a plan was developed for a

physical fitness and wellness activity. Training is done during each student's

recess using our run/walk course.

3. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

- Every Grand Avenue Student

4. AWARDS

- Shirts for the two boys and two girls in each classroom who come closest to

their predicted time.

- Increased health, pride in their accomplishments, and building community are some of the other benefits/awards of this event.

Prediction Run Winners Include:

Grade 3:

Kayser Kirch, Ryan Bakken, Chloe Wood, Harper Ballweg, Seiler Kirch, Montgomery Ederer, Jayda Olson, Kyia Snider, Beau Keller, Roman Koenig, Harper Kirk, Sophie Bach, Cora Siebecker, Landon Schoepp, Damon Ripp, Vada Steinmetz, Elle Schell, Oliver Clapper, Jace Jensen, Presley Seymour, Ella Herbrand, Reid Lenerz, Micah Otto, Nova Greimel, & Raelynn Lewis

Grade 4:

Cameron Woods, Crosby Albright, Ivy Schwichtenberg, Ellen Krueger, Kellen Allaby, Cael Schoenberg, Ivy Liegel, Emma Naggs, Jayde Slaney, Bryton Kosler, Jackson Gehin, Hattie Roloff, Elise Liegel, Henry Bevier, Ronan Reuter, Taelyn Bindl, Soleil Lamberty, Liam Torres, Jack Wruck, Grace Hanson, Joscelyn Arrieta, Lincoln Volp, Mason Kuhnke, Chloe Lewis & Carter Lewis

Grade 5:

Levi Storm, James Popple, Madelyn Bischoff, Collyns Fitzpatrick, Wyatt Whaley, Michael Rasmussen, Arian Reyes, Quinn Byrd, Mia Leaf, Emma Slaney, Pyetro Gomes-Aliendre Penaroil, Landon Keiser, Sara Wilke, Charley Miles, Hunter Anen, Christopher Hague, Dhara Stephens, Scarlet McClearn-Padley, Clare Kaderavek, Jordon Olson, Jacob Velazquez-Matinez, Iris Taggart, Juniper Franciskovich, Grant Schmidt, Phillip Buckingham, Scarlett Payne, Vivianne Herbrand & Kallie McFarland

In October, we talked about the skill/trait of Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others. Responsibility is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. Across grade levels students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.

We are looking forward to focusing on Gratitude this month! One way to think about Gratitude is “choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.” Practicing Gratitude can increase our well-being and even our happiness! Gratitude is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress-management.

Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing Gratitude. Here are 2 “PurposeFull Pursuits” you can complete together!

1. What are some small, specific things that you are Grateful for? Maybe it is your favorite water cup, the way the cat sleeps on the chair, or when your grandma bakes banana bread. Spend some time as a family trying to think of at least 10 small things that you have Gratitude for and then choose to notice them this week with a smile. Review Gratitude as a family!

2. Remember that Gratitude is choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives. Find a place in your home to display a glass jar. Cut up small slips of paper and place them next to the jar. Use the jar to collect special people, places, events, and memories that your family is thankful for. Find a time each week to add slips of Gratitude to the jar and assist students in writing or drawing gratitude as needed. Having a gloomy day or a challenging time as a family? Pull out the slips of Gratitude and read them aloud together as a reminder of your Grateful moments. (I do this with my family every Sunday and review them at the end of the year)

Miss Sadie

School Counselor

Opera for the Young visited Grand Avenue this morning for a lively performance of The Elixir of Love! The group brings live, professional opera performances to schools across the Midwest — and today, our students got a front-row seat to the fun!

Grand Avenue’s 5th Grade Chorus joined in on the performance, adding their voices to the production. 🎵

A special treat for us this year, Sauk Prairie (and Grand Ave) alum Austin Bare was one of the professional opera singers in the cast- starring as the poor, lovesick cowboy, Jimmy Reno.

Austin is pictured with his 4th Grade teacher, Tammy Markley.

The Grand Avenue October Above The Line theme was “Responsibility.” The students listed below received awards on Wednesday, October 29th, from their classroom teacher or staff member who felt that they are an especially responsible individual. Congratulations to these students!

Bottom row (L-R): Sophia Warfield, Ava Fiene, Cody Meinholz, Roman Koenig, Elle Schell, Chloe Wood, Hannah Bischoff, Nevaeh Wilke-Gonzalez, Annabelle Cole, Foster Hellenbrand, Camden Bittner, Jonah Cody & Liam Thornton

Middle row (L-R): Joscelyn Arrieta, Hattie Gerry, Chevy Lovell, Kellen Allaby, Asher Passehl, Olivia Steinmetz, Waverly Miller, Paxon Koenig & Rivynn Smith

Top row (L-R): Abigail Schmitt, Tristan Ballweg, Colton Shields, Miles Wipperfurth, Grant Schmidt, Deklan Norton, Lucy Pickett, Emma Slaney, Maddy Bischoff, Madelyn Keller & Kendall Koenig

Not Pictured: Sawyer Hicks, K’Lee Esparza Condon, Margot Lenerz & Aria Hiel

Free Movie Day at Bonham Theatre

Monday, December 1 (No School Day!)

GSPie invites you to a FREE family-friendly movie day at Bonham Theatre on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 1:00pm. This year we are showing Zootopia 2. Reserve your family's tickets here. Plan to arrive between 12:15-12:45pm to allow time to grab some popcorn, candy and a drink! Seating is first come, first served.

We also need a few helping hands for popcorn prep! If you are interested in volunteering before the movie starts - or if you reserve tickets and your plans later change, please reach out to Amy Dean at awrollproductions@gmail.com so we may reallocate your tickets, as this event did sell out last year.

See you at the movies!

Box Tops for Education

You can help support our schools when you shop for groceries and household essentials by scanning your receipts into the Box Tops for Education App or by connecting your Walmart account directly to the Box Tops app (no scanning required!). Every little bit helps - just search for Bridges Elementary School or Grand Avenue Elementary after you download the app to start earning for your school! For the month of November, Box Tops is offering 16 Bonus Box Tops if you purchase any 7 participating products. Join the challenge to earn more for our schools!

Square 1 Art Dates Have Moved!

We have moved our Square 1 Art sale from spring to fall! You may have heard that your student was working on this project last month in art class! Look for order forms to come home starting November 19. Orders will be due December 3!

Get Involved - Your Way!

Join us for our upcoming GSPie meeting and see how you can be part of our amazing school community! Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s a place for you. Come learn what we’re about—no pressure, just connection! Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30pm at Bridges Elementary. We would love to see you there!

Thank you for continuing to support your children and our schools!

GSPie (said G - S - Pie)

Your Parent-Caregiver Organization

The PTO/PTA at Bridges and Grand Ave

Thank you for continuing to support your children and our schools!

GSPie (said G - S - Pie)

Your Parent-Caregiver Organization

The PTO/PTA at Bridges and Grand Ave

Grand Avenue continues to be full of fantastic readers! Students have checked out over 5,100 books and playaways! Once again, we are happy to share that our school libraries provide all SPSD students with a digital reading library via Sora that includes a wide selection of eBooks, audiobooks and read-alongs. Sora is accessible through the school webpage, saukprairieschoools.org, (under Important Links, Library Services) on the Elementary Libraries webpage and can be used on chromebooks, desktops and laptops, or on tablets and phones using the Sora app (download via Google Play or the App Store). Once in Sora, search Sauk Prairie in the Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium, select your school district, Sauk Prairie School District and then select ‘Sign in using Sauk Prairie School District.’ The student will then login using their school email address and password (login with Google).

Sora allows students to read or listen to books that fit their personal reading interests. Choices include picture books, read-alongs, chapter books, informational non-fiction, audiobooks, graphic novels and magazines selected to engage our students and encourage reading at the level where they are most comfortable. Please checkout the Elementary Libraries webpage for more access to books via Sora and Tumblebooks.

If your child is ill, going to an appointment, or will be late to school, please call the attendance line before 8:15 am (608-643-1991). This phone line is available 24 hours a day. If you e-mail or call the teacher, you still need to contact the office. It is essential that the school is aware of your child's absence. If a child misses more than an hour in the morning or afternoon, they will be marked absent for half a day. Students leaving early will be marked with a Q code, which is similar to a tardy.

If you call your child in with an illness, we would like you to, please let us know the symptoms, i.e., a fever, sore throat, headache, cough, etc., that your child may have.

In addition, if your child usually rides the bus, please call Lamers to let them know if your child will not be riding the bus. They can be contacted at 608-460-7050.

To ensure the safety of students and allow for adjustments in bus routes, a parent/guardian must complete this form prior to their child riding a bus route that is different from the child's regular dismissal plan documented in Skyward.

The district strongly encourages all requests to be submitted prior to 11:00 AM on the day the change is needed. This form applies to all students in all grades (4K - Grade 12).

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE FORM​​​​​​​

When dropping off or picking up students, please be sure to use the Grand Avenue main entrance doors that face Grand Avenue. Please do not use the parking lot as this is for busses and staff only. In addition, to improve the traffic flow, please pull up toward Marion Park instead of stopping directly in front of the main entrance. This will help prevent traffic issues at the stop signs. You can also drop your child off near the crossing guards who can assist with crossing the street. Additionally, please have your child exit the vehicle closest to the sidewalk rather than onto the street.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep everyone safe.

If you have questions please contact Tammy Smith at 608-643-5983 or tammy.smith@saukprairieschools.org

We invite all parents and guardians to explore the exciting catalog of enrichment and lifelong learning opportunities offered through a collaboration between Sauk Prairie Schools Community Education and the Sauk Prairie Recreation Department. From youth programs to older adults there’s something for every age and interest. Whether you and/or your child are eager to try something new or you're looking for ways to engage in the community, we encourage you to browse the catalog and discover all the ways to learn, grow, and connect in Sauk Prairie.

• Are you looking to purchase tickets for high school events this year? See this link:25/26 TICKET INFORMATION

As a reminder- staff and their school aged immediate family have free admission when the family members arrive at the gate together. The employee just needs to show their ID badge. If family members (school aged students) do not come with their parents, they need to purchase a pass. (The exception is if the school employee is currently working the event or coaching). Contact the athletic office if you have questions.

• If you are in need of some new Eagle apparel, here is the link to our school store: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/wisconsin/prairiedusac/sauk-prairie-high-school

• I am sharing the stadium expectations for spectators: STADIUM EXPECTATIONS. If you have questions, please reach out to the Athletic office.

The Sauk Prairie School District wants to make sure your child/family is included in mailing lists and communications once your child is old enough to register for 4K or Kindergarten classes. If you have a child who is age 5 or under and have not previously completed a SPSD Future Student Form, please complete one today! Use the link below to access the form or pick up a form at the SPSD District Office (440 13th Street, Prairie du Sac). If you have any questions, please email Stephanie Tarnutzer, the District Registrar, or call 608-643-5984. Thank you!

Future SPSD Student Form - English

Future SPSD Student Form - Spanish