BLA Newsletter: April 28, 2026

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**Traducción al español está disponible si presiona la palabra Translate**

Mrs. Monroe and Mrs. McIntee attended a mentor event at the Wisconsin Challenge Academy. Our cadets are doing an amazing job. They are learning about life skills, character development, goal setting, real world safety skills and preparing to take their GED exams. Three BLA students are currently attending the Wisconsin Challenge Academy.

1. Cadet Jenkins has earned Cadet First Class

2. Cadet Coleman has earned Cadet First Class and is conquering her fears of rapelling

3. Cadet Martinez is part of the drill team and a Cadet Ambassador

Mrs. Monroe and Mrs. McIntee are each serving as mentors for one cadet. They are supporting the students throughout this process.

Have you placed your order?

SENIORS, have you ordered your cap, gown and tassel? If not, please do so ASAP to avoid late charges (there is a $15 late fee added after March 1st) and your items arriving on time in April. Orders are now being accepted online at Midwest Scholastic. Also, if you ordered any clothing items, you will be notified by email when they arrive between now and April.

What Are School-Based Mental Health Services? School-based mental health services are provided by one of our licensed professional therapists at schools in Rock, Green & Walworth Counties that are partnered with Stateline Mental Health Services.

Why Are School-Based Options Important? It is estimated by the American Psychological Association, that one out of every ten children have a serious mental health challenge and that only one out of five children receive treatment from a mental health provider with specialized training to work with children. Research has shown students are much more likely to seek mental health services when they are accessible in schools. To ensure student engagement and achievement, students need to acquire positive brain health. Allows for students to reduce barriers to learning, while enhancing social and emotional development

How Can Our Therapists Help Your Student? They can help with many areas, including: Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anger Management, Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Disabilities, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Mood Disorders, Autism, LGBTQ+ Issues, Abuse, Trauma, Behavioral Modification, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Domestic Violence, Grief, Learning Disabilities, Panic Disorders, Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, Adjustment Disorder

Please contact our student services staff at BLA for further information. 608-361-2205

If a student does not pass a course, there are two possible options for making up the credit, depending on how the course is retaken:

a. Retaking the Course (Traditional Instruction)

• When a student repeats the same or a comparable course through in-person instruction at BMHS, BLA, or through BVS (not through a credit recovery online platform), the previous credit and grade will be eliminated, and the new grade will replace the original.

• The second grade will determine credit earned, grade points, and will be used in calculating GPA.
  
  

b. Credit Recovery - during Summer School

• If the course is retaken through credit recovery (using the APEX online platform), the transcript will note that it was completed as credit recovery.
  

• The student will receive credit only—the credit recovery grade will not affect GPA.
  

• The original course and grade will remain on the transcript and will continue to be factored into the GPA.

Why This Matters

Understanding the difference between retaking a course and completing credit recovery is important when planning for graduation, GPA improvement, or class rank.

• Students who wish to improve their GPA should consider retaking the course through BMHS/BLA/BVS instruction.
  

• Students who need only to earn the credit for graduation may choose the credit recovery option.
  

• Counselors can help students and families decide which option best fits their goals.
  
  

If you have any questions about weighted grades, GPA, or the credit recovery process, please contact your student’s counselor. We are here to help each student stay on track for graduation and future success.

Alexandra (Lexi) Monroe - Counselor - 608-361-2218 , amonroe@sdb.k12.wi.us

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

4K is a full-day program taught by DPI certified teachers. SDB uses fun, engaging, hands-one learning to prepare students for their future education. The daily activities develop early math and reading foundational skills while cultivating their language and cognitive skills. Art, music and PE is integrated into the school day. Our social emotional curriculum fosters positive social skills, self image and citizenship. Students must be 4 by September 1st to be eligible for enrollment; there is no early entry into 4K.

Thursday, May 7th - 5:00-7:00 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Friday, May 8th - 9:00-12:30 - School-wide bowling field trip to Cougar Lanes in Clinton

Friday, May 8th - 12:30 dismissal for all students

Monday, May 25th - No School - Memorial Day

Thursday, May 28th - Senior Class Trip - Information coming home soon!

Click on the Calendar for your copy of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar.

For English, click here

For Spanish, click here

• Cell phones and other personal electronic devices including earbuds will be secured before the academic day begins and will not be permitted in classrooms, hallways, common areas or bathrooms during the school day.

• Any devices found during the day will be collected and given to administration.

• These restrictions will apply during field trips and school events, as they are considered extensions of the classroom learning environment.

• Students may use cell phones in the learning lab during lunch.

Why the changes:

• Maximize learning time and experiences with students without the disruption of cell phones or other electronic devices

• Help develop more time for social interaction with students without cell phones consuming the environment

• Promote student health by turning off outside distractions and help students focus on course content and show evidence of understanding

• Avoid online harassment and bullying of others during the school day

• Improve school safety in support of all students

Please refer to policy 443.5, student use of mobile phones and electronic devices, for further information.

The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority. We utilized the Raptor system to provide a consistent, standardized way to monitor visitors and volunteers in our school buildings.

When you are visiting or volunteering at Cunningham, you will be required to present an identification card at the main office. Your ID will be scanned through our raptor system. The system will print out a visitor badge that includes your name, photo, date, and time.

Raptor is able to scan all U.S. government issued licenses, identification cards, Matrícula consular ID cards, permanent resident card, and active military cards. If you have questions about the Raptor system, please reach out to us.

We truly value the commitment of all our families who stay engaged with our district. There are numerous ways for you to stay connected including downloading our free SDB App, signing up for our monthly community newsletter, listening to one of our podcasts, viewing all the great news about our district, reading one of our latest blogs, or following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.