IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS

From Fulbright to Lao Tzu

If there is to be peace in the world,

There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,

There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,

There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,

There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,

There must be peace in the heart.

We are already past the midpoint of our school year. From now until graduation and 8th grade promotion, the calendar seems to just get busier and busier. Time, which should be constant, seems to change speed. In that vein I ask that you allow me to reflect back to another day, a slower time, and life experiences which I realize still influence my thinking about our current state of affairs and my striving for peace in the heart.

I think about my school experience and how it is at once similar and at the same time dissimilar for the students in our schools. Like the families I know in Iowa-Grant, my parents valued education and the importance of doing well in school. This was stressed daily at the dinner table. Joining the debate team included reading the Congressional Record, printed on paper in those days. Our students are excelling in forensics and the arts and have many sports opportunities and at the same time, probably not reading the Congressional Record. As we face problems of social isolation, likely the result of cellphone scrolling and social media, bills are being drafted in the state legislature to ban cell phones in schools and the world is moving toward nationalism.

I devoured the Congressional Record for the conflict therein as the Vietnam war divided our society, there was a social revolution, and the Cuyahoga River caught fire from industrial pollution. Speeches by one senator, William Fulbright, became some of my favorites. As fate would have it, I would later twice become the beneficiary of the scholarship program he launched through the Department of State.

At the heart of the Fulbright program is the promotion of citizen-to-citizen diplomacy as a means to creating better international relations and a more peaceful world. While I have never been to Israel or Gaza, as the world events unfold, I remember my Fulbright exchanges and my conclusion that the people in other countries love their children just as much as we do ours. Their patriotism around their morning flag raising at school is just like ours. The hopes and dreams of their lives are like the hopes and dreams we have. The family is the foundation to society, and peace in the heart is a worthy goal. It is clear to me that Senator Fulbright left a mark of influence on my thinking that has carried through my life.

Now, as a school leader, I am challenged in hearing that some among us are to be perceived as enemies and the reason for our declining Gini coefficient. I wonder about maintaining peace in the heart. I am asked, what will be the school’s response should Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers arrive at our schools for enforcement actions?

My answer is twofold. First, it seems highly unlikely that the counties of Iowa, Grant, or Lafayette for that matter would be selected for immigration enforcement activities. Secondly, if this were to happen, School Board Policy 5540 states that, while we cooperate with authorities, we do so only to the extent that the educational environment is not disrupted. Therefore, no authorities would be provided access into the schools without a bench warrant issued by a judge.

I sense that there is a sense of fear within communities with the national focus on immigration. I hope that the knowledge of the district’s policy can assuage some of these fears. It is highly unlikely that our schools will be the site of enforcement activities. Authorities would need a valid warrant.

The board policy is excerpted below, followed by another teaching of Lao Tzu which has guided my leadership. My request is that in the spirit of Lao Tzu we might be able say, “We did this ourselves.”

5540 - THE SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

The Board is committed to maintaining the educational atmosphere of the schools and restricting access by individuals not part of the school system but also recognizes its responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and its need for assistance from law enforcement in certain circumstances.

When law enforcement requests permission to interview a student at school, the District Administrator or building administrator shall be contacted prior to any further action by law enforcement. The administrator shall determine whether it is appropriate to provide access to the student based on the officer's purpose, whether the officer has stated that there is an emergency involving imminent threat, or that the officer is in possession of a valid warrant. A warrant shall be deemed valid if executed by a judicial officer and describes the school premises.

To lead people, walk beside them ...

As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.

The next best, the people honor and praise.

The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ...

When the best leader's work is done the people say,

We did it ourselves!

02/01 9:00 AM Wrestling: JV Tournament vs Multiple Schools @ River Ridge

02/01 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Band/Choir Mattress Fundraiser

02/01 2:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs New Glarus (Away)

02/01 3:15 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs New Glarus (Away)

02/01 8:00PM - 11:00 PM Sweetheart Dance

02/03 6:00 PM Music Parents Meeting

02/03 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Ithaca (Away)

02/03 6:00 PM Gymnastics: Varsity Meet vs Prairie du Chien @ Dodgeville

02/03 7:15 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Ithaca (Away)

02/04 6:00PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Riverdale (Home)

02/04 6:45 PM Girls Basketball Pep Band

02/04 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Riverdale (Home)

02/06 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Darlington (Away)

02/06 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Darlington (Away)

02/07 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM Forensics Ice Cream Social (IMC)

02/08 9:45 AM Wrestling: Varsity vs Multiple Schools @ Prairie du Chien HS

02/08 10:00 AM Gymnastics: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Dodgeville

02/10 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV2 vs Platteville (Home) (IGEMS)

02/10 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs River Valley (Home) (IGHS)

02/10 6:30 PM Board Meeting

02/10 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs River Valley (Home)

02/11 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV2 vs Cuba City (Home) (IGEMS)

02/11 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Cuba City (Home)

02/11 6:45 PM Boys Basketball Pep Band

02/11 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Cuba City (Home)

02/14 Tri-State Honors Band @ UW-Platteville

02/14 Wrestling: Girls Varsity Regionals vs TBD @ TBD

02/14 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Prairie du Chien (Home)

02/14 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Fennimore (Away)

02/14 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Prairie du Chien (Home)

02/14 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Fennimore (Away)

02/15 4:00 PM Tri-State Honors Band @ UW-Platteville

02/15 Wrestling: Varsity Regional vs TBD vs TBD (Away)

02/15 10:00 AM Gymnastics: Varsity Invitational vs Platteville @ Platteville HS

02/17 Forensics Sub-District Competition @ Platteville HS

02/18 Wrestling: Boys Varsity Sectionals vs TBD @ TBD

02/18 Wrestling: Girls Varsity Sectionals vs TBD @ TBD

02/18 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Belmont (Away)

02/18 7:00 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Cassville (Away)

02/18 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Belmont (Away)

02/20 Gymnastics: Varsity Conference Meet @ Southwestern HS/MS

02/20 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV2 vs Platteville (Away)

02/20 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Boscobel (Home)

02/20 6:45 PM Girls Basketball Pep Band

02/20 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Boscobel (Home) (Senior Night)

02/21 Wrestling: Girls Varsity Sectionals vs TBD @ TBD

02/21 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Fennimore (Away)

02/21 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Fennimore (Away)

02/22 Wrestling: Boys Varsity Sectionals vs TBD @ TBD

02/24 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV2 vs Lancaster (Away)

02/24 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Lancaster (Away)

02/24 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Lancaster (Away)

02/25 Basketball: Girls Varsity Regional vs TBD @ TBD

02/27 Wrestling: Boys Varsity State Tournament vs TBD @ TBD

02/27 Wrestling: Girls Varsity State Tournament vs TBD @ TBD

02/27 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Mineral Point (Home)

02/27 6:45 PM Boys Basketball Pep Band

02/27 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Mineral Point

02/28 12:30 PM Early Dismissal

02/28 Basketball: Girls Varsity Regional vs TBD @ TBD

02/28 Wrestling: Boys Varsity State Tournament vs TBD @ TBD

02/28 Wrestling: Girls Varsity State Tournament vs TBD @ TBD

DISTINGUISHED HONORS:

Seniors:

Bret C., Blake D., Gavin H., Emma P., Dawson R., Katie R., Addison S.

Juniors:

Pajessa B., Trinity B., Jaxon B., Adeline F., William F., Abigail H., Quinn H., Rilya H., Brooklyn J., Addison K., Noah L., Treaton L., Ellison M., Gabriella M., Delaney R., Everett Z.

Sophomores:

Cash A., Blayden B., Kristina C., Abigail D., Addeline E., Landon F., Jacob G., Madelyn K., Presley L., Lillian L., Brayden S., June S., Deacon W., Owen W.

Freshman:

Kylie B., Breanna D., Alayna E., Joslyn I., Cadence K., Ava K., Olivia K., Evelena L., Stevie P., Makenna R., Braelyn R., Ezmae S., Georgia T.

HIGH HONORS:

Seniors:

Riellyn C., Aiden F., Arleth G., Georgia H., Lakyn H., Kayden K., Baylee L., Jocelyn R. R., Addysen S., Charles S.

Juniors:

Maddox F., Anayeli G.-C., Quentin K., Sam L., Joshua P., Laila R., Alexandria S., Lucinda S.

Sophomores:

Wyatt A., Noah G., Connor J., Calvin M., Riley M., Carly S., Charlie V., Jack W.

Freshman:

Taylor A., Reese D., Liam H., Trinity L., Lilly P., Brynne P., Maria S., Hadleigh V.

HONORS:

Seniors:

Lucas C., Hayden H., Faith K., Scot P., Zoe R., Gretta S., Natalie S., Karaline S.

Juniors:

Nina B., Daniel D., Lexie K., Laina M., Reese P., Addyson W.

Sophomores:

Jason B.- G., Griffen C., Holdyn D., Brock H., Mason Hove, Valeria R. R., Grant R.

Freshman:

Hayden A., Ty C., Karla G., Isabella N., Carmen P., Rena P., Michelle Q., Hope S., Ryan T.

Iowa-Grant Construction and Skills USA students attended Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139, Coloma Training Center. Students learned about careers in heavy equipment operations. If you want to know more about it click here. https://139training.org. Students had a chance to operate equipment, learn about the different areas of operations, from cranes, bulldozers, and many other pieces of equipment. They learned that not only equipment operator but also safety, personnel management, and much more in the construction field. Students got to talk with industry people about working conditions, continued training, pay, benefits, retirement.

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!

On January 10th and 11th the most talented musicians from around our SWAL conference gathered at Mineral Point High School to form one Honors Band. They rehearsed for many hours on Friday and again on Saturday before putting on a concert Saturday evening. Congrats musicians! Addy W. and Alex S. also participated in an Honors Band at University of Dubuque on January 17th. This was a one day event-- they rehearsed all day and did a concert that same evening. We have one final Honors Band experience coming up in February. Will F., Gabby M., and Lucy S. have been accepted into Tri-State Honors Band, which is a two day event that takes place at UW-Platteville. Thank you to our Music Parents group for covering the cost of this event!

HS SWAL Honors Band Participants: (back row L to R) Quentin K., Josie J., Breanna D., Alex S., Lucy S., Will F. (front row L to R) Abby H., Gabby M., Addy W., Abby D., Chris C.

MS SWAL Honors Band Participants: (back row L to R) Jaxson R., Isaiah H., Max H. (front row L to R) Natalie M., Elsie V., Aubrey G

Dubuque Honors Band: Addy W. and Alex S.

Saturday, January 25th the Iowa-Grant High school hosted 8 schools - Boscobel, Cuba City, Darlington, Fennimore, Ithaca, Mineral Point, Riverdale, and Southwestern. Spectators were treated to an amazing concert on Saturday afternoon with Dan Krunnfusz directing the MS choir students and Ray Calderon directing the HS students. Congratulations to all participants!

HS SWAL Honor Choir Participants: (back row L to R) Blake D., Trenton P., Quentin K., Will F

(front row L to R) Gabby M., Addy W., Lucy S., Alex S., Abby H.

MS Honors Choir Participants: (L to R) Max H., Lainey J., Allena H., Kierah D., Natalie M., Evie K., Aubrey G.

CONGRATULATIONS! On Wednesday January 29th, the Iowa-Grant FFA chapter competed at the District Speaking Contest in Lancaster, WI!

Please congratulate the following members: 1st place: Lily L. in Discussion Meet , 2nd place: Middle School in Quiz Bowl, 3rd place: Evy. L in Creed Speaking. The top two teams/individuals are advancing on to the Sectional Contest in Fennimore, WI on March 19th! Wish them luck! Congratulations to all competitors for their hard work and persistence!

In February, IGEMS will be busy with events! Brad the Book Guy from CESA will present on February 7th to our 7th and 8th-grade students. February 3rd begins National School Counseling Week. February 11th is the 100th day of school. February 3rd 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 home basketball games on February 4th, 6th, 11th, and 13th.

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

Monday, February 17th: Wild Print with a Pep Rally at 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 18th: Crazy Hair and Headwear Day

Wednesday, February 19th: Mismatch Day

Thursday, February 20th: Favorite Sports Team Day

Friday, February 21st: Panther Day

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the spelling bee last month and our spelling bee representative. Thank you to Mrs. Boldt for organizing the event.

Middle School Students will participate in the SWAL Math contest on February 26th.

We have an early dismissal on February 28th at 12:30 p.m. so please mark your calendars.

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.

Looking for ways to help your child focus on a task? Let’s take a look at these 5 recommendations from “Parent Powered” (formerly Ready 4K).

1st: Think about the age of the child. Being able to focus is a skill, which grows with age and practice. Younger children between ages 4 and 6, may start to lose focus after 10-15 minutes of an activity. Kids between ages 7-10 are typically able to focus for 20-30 minutes, and children 11 and older are able to maintain focus for 30-45 minutes or more.

2nd: Build in breaks. It takes a lot of energy to focus. When kids are expected to focus on a task for a longer period of time, building in a break or two helps to make it easier. 10 minutes of movement or time outdoors can be enough to recharge a child’s focus. A quick glass of water can boost focus too.

3rd: Try a “First… Then…” statement. Sometimes we need kids to focus on something even when they aren’t interested in the activity. One strategy is to present it as a “First/Then” statement. The “first” should be the non-preferred task, for example, “First you need to finish this worksheet.” Next you can follow with a preferred task, for example, “Then you get to play with your Legos.” When kids know that something fun will follow, it can make focusing on the task a little bit easier.

4th: Set them up for success. It can help to limit distractions. For example, if your child is doing some independent reading, you might try setting up a cozy spot in a quiet corner. Doing some writing? Have them gather all the supplies they’ll need before they begin.

5th: Get physical to get focused. Kids often have an easier time focusing on more quiet and concentrated tasks after they’ve had the chance to do something active and physical. Consider creating time for some physical games, dancing, a walk around the block, or a bike ride before starting that activity which requires focus.

Our IGEMS Panther Packs program has been helping to ensure that our student have proper nutrition at home on the weekends and to help our families that may be experiencing food shortages. The success of our program depends on the generous donations of our community. If you are interested in donating to the Panther Packs program please drop off donations of money or food in the IGEMS office. Useful items include snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks, or crackers, breakfast items such as cereal or oatmeal (preferably individually packaged), lunch items such as mac and cheese cups, chef boyardee cups, or cups of noodles, and fruit cups. Thank you for continuing to support the Panther Packs program!

8th Grade High Honors:

Madalynn Allen, Rohwen Aultman, Myah Batton, Oliver Christiansen, Deven Engrav, DaCota Freymiller, Ryker Hrubes, Shaylee Husom, Tucker Leix, Mackenzie Liddicoat, Brody Lindner, Leah Nelson, Kayden Peterson, Ainsley Pickel, Alex Potter, Jaeden Roelli, Blake Schauff, Elsie Van Overmeer, Ruby Volenec, and Kipton Wetzel

7th Grade High Honors:

Lucille Anderson, Patrick Brennan, Kierah Dahl, Olivia Enloe, Aubry Gochenaur, Alleanna Hinderman, Isabell Johnson, Isla Klaas, Evie Koss, Lillian Masters, Natalie Mayne, Ayden Olson, Callie PIckel, Jaxson Reiter, Jordence Rothamer, Grant Schauff, Kaydee Shemak, Sadie Spurley, Elway Walter, Quinn Williams, and Landon Wyatt

8th Grade Honors:

Carter Achenbach, Oliver Carey, Avah Clark, Kadyn Gasner, Maxwell Hake, Trygve Herlitz Collins, Isaiah Hines, Lainey James, Sekarra McGraw, Owen Munson, Payton Orth, Shane Rollins, Ever Schilling, Ayson Speth, Brayden Walker, and Daniel Wetter

7th Grade Honors:

Allison Bartolo Garcia, Corbin Batton, Charlie Bollant, Elijah Fulton, and Klyde Halverson

A big thank you to the supporters who came out to the Girl's Basketball game and watched the Panther Dancer performances. If you missed it, there will be a second performance on Feb. 11th during the Iowa-Grant Varsity Boys Basketball game, during halftime.

Our annual IGEMS spelling bee was held on the 9th of January. Our champion is 8th grade student, Kipton W. He spelled the words ballerina and sensation correctly to win the bee. The runner-up is 8th grade student, Alex P., and third place went to Blake S., also an eighth grade student. Kipton advances to the regional spelling bee on February 5th at Southwest Technical College. Congratulations, Kipton, and we know you'll represent Iowa-Grant well!

Open to all Iowa-Grant students between the ages of kindergarten and 8th grade, through our summer school program we are once again able to offer the opportunity to be a part of the Missoula Children’s Theater production! There is no cost to participate but you do have to be willing to commit to the full week of rehearsals. Rehearsals will take place Monday, August 4th through Friday, August 8th from 8-12:30 with the option to stay later on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for acting workshops. Children need to be available all day on Friday, August 8th as practice times may vary before the performance that evening, and will need to be available until noon on Saturday, August 9th for our final performance! Children unable to attend all practices will not be able to be a part of the performance as we are learning a full play during that week. Spots are limited so please make sure you register right away!! New this year, registration will take place online, first come first serve. Please use the link to sign up your child.

Where: Iowa-Grant Elementary

When: Friday, March 7th, 2025

8:00-12:00

Who: Any child in the district born between Sept 2021 and August 2022

The Iowa-Grant School District is holding a Child Development Day for any child in the district born between September 2021 and August 2022. This is an exciting opportunity for you to bring your child to school to check his/her preschool readiness skills. Through play we will explore colors, shapes, counting, following directions, and language development.

If you would like to bring your child to the Child Development Day please call (608)943-6313 ext 0 to sign up!