Columbus School District

Email: promote@columbus.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.columbus.k12.wi.us/
Location: 200 West School Street, Columbus, WI, USA
Phone: (920) 623-5950
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWisconsin/

Instagram: columbusschooldistrict

The purpose of my section this month is dualistic in nature. First, I want to be sure to pass on credit where credit is due. Second, I want to be sure that all of you are informed of our new Columbus High School principal hire.

I included a press release, that several area media sources ran last week, in regards to our new hire, Mr. Arik Gunderson. We plan to highlight Mr. Gunderson more in a future newsletter. Furthermore, I want to be sure to emphasize the portion of the release that compliments the efforts of Mr. Jay Freerking and the entire high school team! I am the type of person that when I see a quote that I like, I write it down. I once noted a quote I read by Madeleine Albright, “Leaders are made by the situations they are involved in. I think that some rise to the occasion and some do not.” The team at the high school rose to the occasion more than ever expected for the situation that they were involved in.

Press Release:

Columbus School District is excited to announce Mr. Arik Gunderson as the next principal at Columbus High School. Mr. Gunderson was approved by the Board of Education at a meeting on October 23, 2023. He emerged as the top candidate out of the field of sixteen that applied for the position. Gunderson participated in three rounds of interviews for the position.

Gunderson will be joining Columbus from the Fond du Lac School District. He served as the High School Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Business Teacher during his ten years in Fond du Lac.

Gunderson completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He completed a Master of Education degree, including his administration license, from Concordia University.

In a press release, Columbus School District Superintendent Jake Flood said:

“We are very excited to welcome Mr. Gunderson to our team in Columbus. I have confidence that he will help us to continue to move forward. Arik’s commitment to being student-focused and holding a high level of expectations were highlighted throughout the entire hiring process. I believe that we have an opportunity to do great things together for our students in Columbus. I hope the community will help welcome him.”

The principal position was filled by Mr. Jay Freerking on an interim basis for the first two months of the 2023-2024 school year. The position opened following the resignation of Mr. Jon Rouse. Mr. Freerking will return to the role of High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director. Flood said, “Enough cannot be said about the great job done by Mr. Freerking and the staff over the past couple of months. Their ability to rally set a strong foundation for our transition to Arik.”

Gunderson will begin at CHS on November 9.

Jake Flood

Superintendent

Columbus School District

In August, the Columbus School District introduced a new publication, "Charlie's News," to enlighten the community about the district. Based on stakeholder feedback, we continue to put an emphasis on increasing our external communication. Charlie’s News was intended to take our stakeholders on a journey through various aspects of the district's operations, student achievements, and initiatives. If you have not had a chance to check it out, please feel free to click on the link. Our intention is to create this publication annually. We hope that you enjoy it!

We are proud to highlight some Columbus Alumni that have joined the Military. Please click the button or email promote@columbus.k12.wi.us, if you are a Columbus Alumni and would like to submit a story. Please note that these stories can be shared on social media/marketing material.

The Columbus School District is in the process of working with a new program called rSchools Facilities Scheduler. It's an online scheduling system that keeps track of all the district's useable spaces. The useable spaces include the gyms, cafeterias, libraries, conference rooms, athletic fields, and some classrooms. There will be certain hourly and/or daily rental times. Please visit our district's website under the Facilities tab for more information.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

The District Administrator may close the schools, delay the opening of school, or dismiss school early when such alteration in the regular session is required for the protection of the health and safety of students and staff members. The District Administrator shall have the authority to determine which school-related activities may be conducted if the school is closed for a period of time. Staff and students may be alerted by Infinite Campus notifications along with the following media stations: WBEV-1430AM, WMTV-Channel 15, WKOW-Channel 27 AND WISC-Channel 3.

If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Columbus School District. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in your language. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 1 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365
• Visit www.caresolace.com/columbus and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

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Are you looking for ways to help in our community? Consider donating to the Columbus School Nutrition Angel Fund.

The funds will be used to help families receive nutritious meals through the School Nutrition Program.

It’s easy to do. You can send or drop-off your donation to the District Office or any school office. Make checks payable to Columbus School District. In the Memo write Angel Funds.

Columbus School District Office, 200 W School Street, Columbus, WI 53925

If you wish to donate electronically please click the link.

For more information, please contact the district office 920-623-5950

Please follow us for up-to-date communication from the Columbus School District

Facebook: Columbus Wisconsin School District

Instagram: columbusschoooldistrict

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Please click the link to visit the 2023-2024 school calendar.

Feel free to keep up with Board agendas and actions. Please click here to redirect you to Board Docs.

Columbus School District ensures each student will be prepared for future success.

Vision of the District:

Columbus School District will create a global learning experience in rural Wisconsin.

We Believe All Students and Staff:

• are valued.
  
• are engaged in learning.
  
• are responsive to unique learning needs.
  
• have a place to belong.
  
• appreciate diversity.
  
• interacting with community will benefit all.

We are hiring! Please click the links below to redirect you to the job postings.

Certified Staff Positions Available - WECAN

Support Staff Positions Available -WECAN

Support Staff Positions Available - Indeed