KEWASKUM DISTRICT NEWS
This fall, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Tony Frontier about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education. AI has the potential to dramatically change how we teach and how students learn. While there are incredible opportunities that come with this technology, there are also some challenges we need to consider. One of the concerns he presented on was the impact that AI has on productive struggle.
I think about the last time I learned something difficult. I was trying to fix our AC unit that had clunked out during one of the hottest days of the summer. I didn't figure it out right away. I tried things that didn’t work, experienced some frustration, and had to do a lot of research before I figured it out. While those moments may not have been particularly enjoyable, they were an important part of learning.
That's productive struggle. It's the process of working through challenges, making mistakes, and developing a deeper understanding along the way. One concern is that if students only use AI to help them complete tasks, they are bypassing the thinking necessary to learn. After all, there's a significant difference between getting an answer or completing the assignment and actually learning something.
Here are a few ways families can encourage productive struggle at home:
Ask questions instead of providing answers right away.
Normalize mistakes by helping children understand that making mistakes is a natural and necessary part of learning.
Praise the process, and recognize that effort, persistence, and creative thinking are sometimes more important than getting the right answer.
Know when to help and only step in when you see the struggle is no longer productive.
Use AI as a learning tool by encouraging children to use technology to explain concepts, provide feedback, or deepen their understanding rather than simply doing the work for them.
As educators and parents, our goal isn't simply to help students find the right answers. It's to help them develop the confidence, skills, and independence to tackle challenges they haven't encountered before.
In a world where technology can provide answers in seconds, the ability to think critically, solve problems, and persevere through challenges may be more important than ever.
Dr. Bazata
Superintendent
Kewaskum School District
WCATA Presents: A Sextortion Scam in Real Time
Parents and students are invited to join us for a special FREE community presentation on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00PM.
Presented in collaboration with Washington County Anti-Trafficking Advocates (WCATA), the Washington County Sheriff's Department, and the West Bend Police Department, this immersive educational experience will walk attendees through “A Sextortion Scam in Real Time.”
The presentation will help parents and students:
• Recognize the warning signs of sextortion and online exploitation
• Understand the tactics offenders use to target young people
• Learn how to respond if they or someone they know becomes a victim
• Gain practical tools for staying safe online
This is an important topic for every middle and high school student and their parents. We encourage families to attend together and learn how to recognize these situations and respond appropriately.
The event is FREE, but registration is requested so organizers can plan for the number of guests expected.
Register HERE!
The Boys & Girls Club of Kewaskum serves youth ages 6–17 with before- and after-school care. Programs include homework help, sports, arts and crafts, and more.
Located in Kewaskum Elementary School, the Club offers Rise & Shine before-school care from 6:30–8:45 a.m. (additional fees apply) and after-school programming until 6:00 p.m. Transportation is available to and from Farmington Elementary.
For more information visit www.wcbgc.org.
OCTOBER
10/26 School Board Meeting
10/26 KMS Choir Concert
10/29 Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/30 PD Day - No School
November
11/25/26-11/29/26 No School
11/30/26 PD Day - No School
2026/2027 District Calendar
