IOWA-GRANT PANTHER PRESS

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure to be in the audience for a number of performances of our high school and middle school music students at the Solo & Ensemble festival in Cuba City. (See details below.) This was on the heels of a moving concert the week before. I was amazed at the talent, the quality, and the heartfelt musicianship of our students. Eleven class A events qualified for state level competition in Platteville on April 25, 2026, involving twenty-six students. I admit to a little bias, but it was apparent to me that most of the participation at this multi-school event was dominated by Iowa-Grant music students. Congratulations students and thank you to our middle school and high school music teachers Heather Gile and Brian Zwick!

On a similar note, our forensics students had equally impressive results at the District Forensics contest in Barneveld. All twenty-six students qualified for state competition in Madison on April 17, 2026. Congratulations students and thank you to our coaches Amanda Linscheid and Michelle Wetter! These are just two examples of many co-curricular opportunities our students have. We have a strong FFA, Leo Club, opportunities for theater, musicals, and more. These are in addition to the all the athletic opportunities for our students have. We appreciate the community support for these programs. Good luck to our spring sports teams!

Speaking of athletics, as I suggested last month, Highland Community Schools followed through with requests for us to consider more co-ops for sports.Golf, Track, and Softball will be on the Iowa-Grant’s board agenda for the April 13, 2026 board meeting, which may start at 6:00 PM instead of the usual 6:30 PM, to provide an opportunity for public comment on the co-op initiatives. Both districts recently approved a co-op for baseball for the 2027-2028 season, and we have enjoyed a successful co-op for wrestling for many years. It seems that ultimately, over time, we may be entering into co-op agreements with Highland for all sports.

Among the good news, we also face challenges, from state funding to national and international concerns. The rising fuel costs have the real potential to put our budget in deficit when the fiscal year closes on June 30, 2026. These rising costs may make it difficult for area districts as they go to referendum to address the funding challenges associated with declining enrollment and the state’s policy of shifting the cost of public education from the state to local property tax payers. Iowa-Grant is in a better position thanks to the successful referendum last year. At the same time, we recognize that any increases in revenue will likely be a burden at the local level.

To conclude, we have will always have highlights and challenges, things to celebrate and problems to solve. I find solace in the sentiment often attributed to Anaïs Nin, “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” I recently heard some research about the value of noting three things for which we are grateful each day. The finding was that as beneficial as this is to one’s well-being, the practice is enhanced if it also includes reflecting on one opportunity to do good in the world. One kind act is all it takes. Perhaps you’ll join me in making this a plan.

Michael Shimshak

4/02 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Riverdale (Home)(Cobb)

4/02 5:00 PM Baseball: Varsity vs. Wauzeka-Steuben (Away)

4/03 NO SCHOOL

4/04 9:30 AM Golf: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Dodge-Point Country Club

4/06 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Highland (Home) (Livingston)

4/06 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Boscobel (Away)

4/07 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Boscobel (Home) (Livingston)

4/07 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Dodgeville (Away)

4/07 6:45 PM Softball: JV vs Dodgeville (Away)

4/08 9:00 AM Cap & Gown Pictures - Seniors

4/09 Prisoners of War Remembrance Day

4/09 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity vs Multiple Schools @ Lancaster HS

4/09 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Darlington (Away)

4/10 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Mineral Point (Home) (Linden)

4/10 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Mineral Point (Away)

4/10 5:00 PM Softball: JV vs Mount Horeb (Away)

4/10 5:00 PM Softball: Varsity vs Mount Horeb (Away)

4/11 9:00 AM Softball: JV Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Livingston Ball Park

4/11 11:00 AM Baseball: Varsity Triangular vs Multiple Schools @ Livingston Ball Park

4/12 2:00 PM Forensics Showcase

4/13 American Creed Day

4/13 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity vs Multiple Schools @ Dodgeville HS

4/13 4:30 PM Softball: Varstiy vs Lancaster (Home) (Cobb)

4/13 6:00 PM Softball: JV vs Lancaster (Home) (Cobb)

4/13 6:00 PM Music Parents Meeting

4/13 6:30 PM Board Meeting

4/14 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Parent/Teacher Conferences

4/14 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Darlington (Home) (Livingston)

4/14 5:00 PM Baseball: JV vs Barneveld (Away)

4/16 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Parent/Teacher Conferences

4/16 4:15 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Cassville HS

4/16 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Wisconsin Heights (Home) (Linden)

4/16 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Riverdale (Away)

4/16 4:30 PM Softball: JV vs Cuba City (Away)

4/16 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Cuba City (Away)

4/17 NO SCHOOL

4/17 Forensics State Contest

4/17 4:30 PM Baseball: JV Doubleheader vs Cuba City (Home) (Linden)

4/18 9:00 AM Softball: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ Prairie du Chien -Bluff Valley MS

4/19 Patriot's Day

4/19 1:00 PM SWAL Academic Banquet @ Fennimore HS

4/20 4:00 PM Golf: JV/Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Deer Valley Golf Course

4/20 4:30 PM Softball: JV vs Mineral Point (Home) (Livingston)

4/20 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Mineral Point (Home) (Cobb)

4/20 5:00 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Hillsboro (Away)

4/21 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Prairie du Chien

4/21 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Mineral Point (Home) (Linden)

4/21 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs Southwestern (Home) (Livingston)

4/21 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Seneca (Home) (Cobb)

4/22 Environmental Day

4/23 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel HS

4/23 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Potosi (Away)

4/23 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Southwestern (Away)

4/24 Arbor Day

4/24 4:00 PM Golf: Boys JV/Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Hickory Grove Golf Course

4/24 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Platteville HS

4/24 4:30 PM Softball: JV vs Mineral Point (Home) (Livingston)

4/25 9:00 AM Softball: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools (Home) (Cobb)

4/27 4:00 PM Golf: Varsity/JV Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Cole Acres

4/27 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Mineral Point (Away)

4/27 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Riverdale (Away)

4/27 6:00 PM JV vs Riverdale (Away)

4/28 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Cuba City HS

4/28 4:30 PM Baseball: JV vs Fennimore (Away)

4/28 4:30 PM Basebll: Varsity vs Fennimore (Home) (Livingston)

4/28 4:30 PM Softball: JV vs Fennimore (Home) (Cobb)

4/28 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs Fennimore (Home) (Cobb)

4/30 4:00 PM Track & Field: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Cuba City

4/30 4:30 PM Baseball: Varsity vs River Ridge (Home) (Livingston)

4/30 4:30 PM Softball: JV vs Boscobel (Home) (Livingston)

4/30 4:30 PM Softball: Varsity vs River Ridge (Home) (Cobb)

4/30 6:30 PM Baseball: JV vs River Ridge (Home) (Livingston)

The Iowa-Grant High School Forensics Team had 30 entries representing 38 students, and we are incredibly proud to announce that every single entry advanced to State!

This achievement is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students. Their preparation, confidence, and performance truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Congratulations to our State Qualifiers: Maddy Allen, Pajessa Baker, Trinity Baker, Kimberly Bartolo Rivera, Kylie Breuer, Chris Crow, Braden Dowell, Breanna Dowell, Deven Engrav, Alayna Enloe, Adeline Foley, Will Fulton, Abigail Hake, Max Hake, Shaylee Husom, Connor Johnson, Cadence Kelley, Ava Klaas, Olivia Koss, Quentin Koss, Evy Linscheid, Lily Linscheid, Brynn Milestone, Chelsey Mueller, Gabby Munson, Owen Munson, Stevie Pelton, Trenton Pelton, Michelle Quiahua, Vanessa Quiahua, Freddy Rodriguez-Acatzihua, Ever Schilling, Alex Sporle, June Spurley, Lucy Spurley, Georgia Trecek, Addyson Winkers, and Everett Zimmer.

A big thank you as well to our coaches, families, and supporters who help make success like this possible.

We wish our team the best of luck as they prepare for the State Forensics Competition on April 17th at UW-Madison!

Join us! On April 12th at 2 pm at the Iowa-Grant High School IMC, we will present the Forensics Showcase, which will feature this outstanding team!

Solo & Ensemble was held on Saturday, March 28th at Cuba City. Congratulations to all the Iowa-Grant band and choir students that participated. 26 students are on their way to State Solo & Ensemble on Saturday, April 25th.

Euphonium Solo- Will Fulton

Trombone Solo- Will Fulton

Brass Quintet- Alex Sporle, Chris Crow, Quentin Koss, Will Fulton, Josie Jelle

Multi-Percussion Solo- Gabby Munson

Sax Choir- Wyatt Aide, Abby Hake, Max Hake, Isaiah Hines, Mason Hove, Evy Linscheid, Lily Linscheid, Owen Munson, Trenton Pelton, Lucy Spurley

Musical Theatre Solos: Abby Hake, Lucy Spurley, Quentin Koss, Olivia Koss

Musical Theatre Duets: Chris Crow &Trenton Pelton, Will Fulton & Quentin Koss

Classical Vocal Solos: Chris Crow, Will Fulton, Quentin Koss, Lucy Spurley

Classical Vocal Duet: Will Fulton and Quentin Koss

Classical Vocal Trio: Will Fulton, Quentin Koss, & Trenton Pelton

Madrigal: Wyatt Aide, Daniel Baker, Chris Crow, Ella Dosch, Will Fulton, Abby Hake, Max Hake, Payton Freymiller, Noah Gochenaur, Emma Govier, Olivia Koss, Quentin Koss, Gabby Munson, Stevie Pelton, Trenton Pelton, Braelyn Rothamer, Alex Sporle, Lucy Spurley, Lucas Wetter, Addy Winkers

Good Luck at State!! Panther Proud! 🐾🐾🎷🥁🎤🎶🎵

March was a busy month for the Iowa-Grant FFA Chapter. On March 2nd our strawberry order came in and members were able to pick up their strawberries to distribute among their buyers. Profit from the strawberry sale will go towards chapter expenses such as competitions, leadership opportunities and experiences. The Sectional FFA LDE competition was on the 4th at Prairie Du Chien, all members worked very hard to get to Sectionals and ended their LDE season strong. On Friday the 16th Friday we had our monthly Chapter Meeting. At our meeting we recapped on FFA Week, strawberry orders, discussed CDE and LDE results, and announced officer and degree applications. National Ag Day was on March 24th but due to ACT Testing we moved our celebration to March 23rd, students were served ice cream sandwiches at lunch as a treat. The Regional FFA CDE Competition was held at UW-Platteville on the 26th, We are very excited to learn the results!

As we transition from March into April, we’d like to share a few important reminders and updates.

We are excited to kick off the middle school track season! Practices began on March 30, and we look forward to a great month ahead. This year, Highland is joining our middle school track program in a cooperative partnership between our schools.

Summer school registration is now open. Please note that summer school will be held during the month of July only this year due to scheduled gym floor sanding. We are excited about the upcoming improvements to our gym facilities.

We are also pleased to welcome our new Summer Recreation Coordinator, Amy Vesperman. We are thrilled to have her join our team. During this transition, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the IGEMS office.

The Wisconsin Forward Exams will conclude this month. These assessments measure your child’s progress toward grade-level standards and contribute to Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle School’s state report card. We appreciate your continued support in helping your child do their best.

For more information about the Forward Exam, please visit the following resource:
https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/assessment/pdf/Forward_Brochure_for_Families.pdf

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Did you know reading with your child at home is one of the most powerful ways to support their learning before they even enter school? Here’s why reading together matters:

• Boosts early language skills
  Listening to stories helps children learn new words, sounds, and sentence patterns before they even begin school.

• Builds a love of reading
  Snuggling up with a good book helps children associate reading with comfort, fun, and connection.

• Strengthens comprehension skills
  Talking about stories—asking questions or predicting what happens next—helps children understand and think more deeply.

• Supports school success
  Children who are read to regularly often enter school more prepared and continue to perform better academically.

• Encourages imagination and curiosity
  Books introduce new ideas, places, and perspectives, sparking creativity and wonder.

• Creates meaningful family time
  Even a few minutes a day can become a special routine for you and your child.

Don’t forget your local public library is a wonderful partner in your child’s reading journey:

• Free access to books for all ages and interests

• Participation in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

• Storytime sessions throughout the year and summer literacy programs

• Helpful librarians ready to recommend books

Organizations, such as Read Aloud , provide fantastic free resources, such as lists of books for reading aloud by age span, a 21 Day Reading Challenge, and printable bookmarks and reading trackers.

Helpful Tips:

• Read together daily—10-15 minutes makes a difference.

• Let your child choose books that interest them.

• Ask questions and talk about the story.

• Keep reading together, even after your child learns to read independently.

Remember, it’s never too early—or too late—to start reading together. Your time, attention, and enthusiasm make all the difference. Happy reading, Panther families!

Congratulations to the following middle school students for reading a million or more words this school year. We are Panther proud of your enthusiasm for reading. Keep on learning and reading! Pictured (L-R): Front - Logyn J., Allison M., & Eden P.; Middle - Lucy A.; Back - Connor G., Patrick B., Joshua C., Jordence R., Evie K., Zayleigh H., & Rachel W.

Kindergarten was able to travel to a couple of our local businesses. They learned about the job of a veterinarian, the tools they use, and got to meet some adorable animals. They also visited the Montfort Library where they learned all about what the library has to offer. They listened to a story and went on a library scavenger hunt.

The buy one get one free spring/summer book fair will be at IGEMS the week of April 13th. Browsing days will be Monday, April 13th. Students will be able to shop from the 14th to the 16th during the school day. The fair will also be open during parent-teacher conferences on April 14th and 15th from 4-7 pm. Create an eWallet for your student/s to shop without carrying cash or a check.

Use this link and create an account for your students.

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/iowagrantelemmiddleschool

We have almost reached the top of the Ronald McDonald house here at IGEMS. If you have Pop Tabs at home, please bring them to the school so we can beat our yearly goal. Mrs. Kennicker will take them to a Ronald McDonald house nearby to donate them at the end of the school year. A big thank you to everyone who brings in their Pop-Tabs every year. It is an IG team effort.

The Parent Teacher Club will have a clothing table display on April 8th during family night. Come check out the clothing items and accessories they have for sale.