KEWASKUM DISTRICT NEWS
As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to highlight something that makes our district truly special. In Kewaskum, we celebrate this week as School Staff Appreciation Week. That’s because we believe that every person who works in the Kewaskum School District is an educator, no matter their title or role.
Whether it’s a classroom teacher, a bus driver, a food service team member, a custodian, technology specialist, an administrative assistant, or a paraprofessional, each one contributes to the academic and personal success of our students. They create safe environments, build meaningful relationships, and set the stage for powerful learning every day.
As someone who grew up with two middle school teachers as parents, I’ve seen firsthand the heart and dedication it takes to work in a school. It’s not just a job—it’s a calling. Our staff show up each day with purpose and passion, working to ensure that every child is supported, challenged, and known.
This week has been filled with moments of gratitude from students, families, and community members. It’s been wonderful to see, but I also know how much it means when that appreciation continues beyond this one week. So as we head into the final stretch of the school year, I encourage you to keep it going. Send a note, offer a kind word, or simply say “thank you” to someone who makes a difference in your child’s day.
Dr. Bazata
Superintendent
Kewaskum School District
Keeping our passwords private and our accounts secure is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, all current 5th grade and 8th grade student passwords will be changing on July 7th. This change is necessary as 6th grade and 9th grade students have increased password security requirements.
In late June, an email will be sent out to student email accounts containing their new password. We kindly ask that you remind your child to write it down in a safe place for future reference. Once the password changes are made, your child will not be able to use their current password to access their accounts.
Come support the Kewaskum FFA and get your garden growing! The annual FFA Spring Plant Sale will take place on Friday, May 9, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, May 10, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
They'll have a beautiful selection of annual flowers, vegetable plants, assorted planters, and hanging baskets - perfect for spring planting and Mother's Day gifts!
Warmer weather is finally here! As students are spending more time outdoors, we’ve noticed an increase in the number of ticks found on them at school. Please check your student regularly for ticks.
If we find a tick on your student, we will notify you, remove the tick, and place it in a sealed bag for your student to bring home so you can identify the type of tick.
For more information on ticks, their removal, and a helpful fact sheet, follow this link from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Several pieces of fitness equipment will be up for auction from July 15-31.
If you're interested in taking part, be sure to visit Wisconsin Auction during that time. Items will go to the highest bidder, who will be responsible for any auction fees and delivery costs, if applicable.
There's still time to register for the upcoming Strength Over Addiction Recover (SOAR) workshop in Oconomowoc for kids ages 6–15! This workshop helps children learn about substance use, stigma, and resilience through age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and fun activities. Participants will also build coping skills through meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
When: Saturday, May 17, from 8:30am to 3:30pm
Where: Ladish Co. Foundation Center (34700 Valley Road, Oconomowoc)
Cost: Free! Includes activities and lunch.
Registration: Space is limited, and registration is required. Click here to reserve a spot!
This workshop is offered through a partnership between Rogers Behavioral Health and Parents Place. For more information, visit their website at https://rogersbh.org/.
Each month this section will include information on topics discussed at the regular school board meeting. These updates come from unapproved minutes of the meeting.
RECOGNITION
- The KEYS organization was nominated for the WASDA Child Advocacy Award for Individual or Community-Based Organizations by the Kewaskum School District for their numerous resource donations, community service, and active participation.
- District support organizations - KEYS, FES PTO, KES PTO, and the Booster Club - were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the students of the district.
- Craig Sanborn announced his retirement as Booster Club President after more than a decade of service and was honored for his contributions and lasting impact on the school community.
- Lori Heisler is retiring after 44 years with Johnson Bus and was recognized for her commitment to student safety and well-being, as well as her dedicated service.
- Student representatives to the School Board, Madison Klemme and Lauren Rettler, were recognized for their dedication to their school and service on the board.
REPORTS
- Dr. Bazata presented the District Administrator Report, highlighting graduation, summer school registration numbers, and the district’s summer hours. He also provided a preview of the June Board meeting.
- Mr. Brightman presented the Business Manager Report and provided an update on the budget process, as well as the District's financial dashboard, which is tracking as expected.
- Ms. Heipp presented the updates to the Library Plan and reported on progress towards the established goals.
- Committee chairs provided updates from their last meetings.
- Ms. Rettler presented the Student Representative Report, discussing spring sports, senior scholarship night, and prom, and expressing appreciation and thanks to the Board.
- Ms. Halopka presented the Community-Based Education Coordinator Report, providing background information, outlining the core responsibilities of the position, and sharing goals and next steps.
ITEMS FOR ACTION
The Board approved the following:
- Retirement: Kim Bocher (School Nurse)
- Hires: Jennifer Eisenhauer (Special Education Teacher), Jamie Leoni (Student Government Co-Advisor)
- Payroll and accounts payable reports
- 2024/25 budget revisions
- YMCA contract
- Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum
- Job descriptions
- Purchases over $7,500 as recommended by the Finance Committee
- Updated policies as recommended by the Policy Committee
