February 2016 Newsletter

B EAVER D AM H IGH S CHOOL
P ARENT N EWSLET TER
F EBRUARY 2016
Mark DiStefano
Crystal Bates
Shawn Bartelt
Melissa Gehring
 Principal
 Associate Principal
 Associate Principal
 Activities/Athletics Director
500 Gould Street  Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Ph 920.885.7313  Fax 920.885.7317
www.beaverdam.k12.wi.us
Greetings BDHS Family!
The heart of the winter season parallels a sharpened focus on planning for the 2016-17 school
year. Our students have already identified their course requests for next year, so now we are on
the front end of the schedule design-and-build stage. We are reviewing the insights gained from
the course-registration process and actively developing and assigning sections over the next
month. This will allow us to complete the build in March, fine tune in April, and complete student schedules in May.
While we are working on the schedule and a few other key logistical planning efforts behind the
scenes, the day-to-day operations at BDHS only heighten in intensity. The next several weeks
mark an increase in academic rigor as we move toward early spring and a very busy testing
time. All freshman will take the state-required Aspire assessment through ACT, sophomores
will take both the Aspire assessment and the newly-required Forward assessment while our entire junior class will take both the ACT and ACT WorkKeys assessment. Just as we have in the
past, we will make some adjustments to accommodate the logistical demands of these highstakes state-mandated tests. The level of correspondence and detail will increase as we approach
the assessment periods.
While many elements in the classroom escalate, the season for our activities and athletic clubs
reciprocate that reality as well. Whether it is a district FFA speaking contest, RoboHackerz
competition, or the start of the WIAA winter-playoff season for sports, our students are actively
representing Beaver Dam in exciting fashion.
As a final note, I would like to invite all of you to review some wonderful information that is
available on our district’s website about our BDUSD Strategic Plan’s Key-Performance Objective that addresses the antiquated high-school facility and district safety as a whole. The following link will take you right to the High School & District Safety Planning webpage. http://
www.bdusd.org/district/safetyandsecurity.cfm In addition, we are hosting additional monthly
Meet, Greet & Tour sessions at BDHS on March 7, April 4, May 2, and August 8. Please consider attending one of these events and/or encouraging and inviting a neighbor to learn more
about our facility.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 15th or at
various events supporting our students together. Go Beavers!
All the best,
Mark
P ARENT
T EACHER
C ONFERENCES
F EBRUARY 15
(4-7:30)
I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :
FBLA
2
PROM
2
SUBSTITUTES
NEEDED
3
JR PLANNING
NIGHT
4
FAFSA
5
OPEN
ENROLLMENT
10
P ARENT N EWSLETTER
P AGE 2
FBLA
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is gearing up for their regional competition hosted by Random Lake High School on Saturday, February 6th. Competitors include Lindsey
Baumann, Zach Beekman, Emily Bornick, Baysia Boschert, Weslee Bullock, Selah Castellano,
Ana Chavez, Victoria Estrada, Emma Grulke, Kaitlyn Herreman, Madison Jansen, Alicia
Kuhfuss, Karissa Marquardt, Morgan Moreau, Jennifer Rhea, Walker Schulz, Olivia Sell,
Emily Tisdale, Hailley Tuck, and Arianna Weinberger. Please wish them luck!
After regionals, FBLA will prepare for FBLA-PBL week which runs from Monday, February
8th to Saturday, February 13th. This is held during CTE month. We will plan recruitment
activities, a local business leader speak to our chapter, a professional-attire requirement, a
FBLA-PBL spirit day, and a possible community-service activity.
FBLA is also currently hosting Half Court Hot Shot
at various girl’s and boy’s basketball games during
Half Time. Anyone who purchases tickets during the game has a chance to win $100 dollars
that is donated by National Exchange Bank. Our next Half Court Hot Shot’s are February
4, 5, 12, and 25!
This past Friday, January 22nd, FBLA teamed up with FFA and attended the Badger Hockey game vs. the Minnesota Gophers. Students enjoyed this experience, and it was the very
first Badger hockey game for some!
Lastly, FBLA will hold a fruit, cheese, and beef sale during the entire month of February.
Seek out an FBLA member to place your order!
NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM
We are very pleased to announce that Beaver Dam High School will participate in the National Spanish Exam contest for the first
time this year in March! This is a motivational contest organized by the AATSP (American Association of Teachers of Spanish and
Portuguese) which serves as an excellent way to recognize our students’ achievements in Spanish. It also promotes proficiency in the
language, assesses national standards, and promotes further interest in language learning. Over 150,000 students participated nationally in the contest in 2015 with many students receiving certificates or medals for their success. Seniors who earn a top score in Wisconsin have the opportunity to earn scholarship money! We are very proud of our World-Language students and look forward to the
opportunity to further celebrate and share their success with the community.
PROM 2016
As we make our way out of winter, members of the junior class are beginning to think about the 2016 Spring Prom. Students will
meet with Mr. Aschebrook and Mr. Duesterbeck this next week to select a theme and assemble a tentative work schedule for two
evenings each week during the months of March and April. These two months will be a busy time for your son or daughter, and we
are looking for willing parents who might provide snacks and refreshments during these work periods. Pizza from one of many local
chains, subway-style sandwiches, and veggie trays are always a favorite treat. This could be your way to promote teamwork among
the group, and if you are interested, please e-mail Mr. Duesterbeck ([email protected]), and he'll gladly insert you into their
calendars. Thank you for helping us keep prom season a safe time for all.
Prom is April 23, 2016, and is open to all grade levels.
P ARENT N EWSLETTER
P AGE 3
PRINCIPALS OF ENGINEERING —SURVIVAL SHELTERS
With the temperatures hovering around 5 degrees and a wind chill well below zero, the students of the Principles of Engineering class
ventured outdoors to test their Emergency Shelter. As part of the engineering curriculum, the students constructed a shelter to withstand to a variety of weather conditions. Students determined the minimum outside temperature a person could survive in their shelter based on the shelter’s size, insulation factor and amount of body heat one person can provide. Some shelters worked better than
others, but everyone survived at least an hour in some very cold temps. Then it was back inside for some hot chocolate and treats!
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Yearbooks for the 2015-2016 school year can only be ordered through Jostens (the publisher) at this time. You should have received a
postcard earlier in January outlining the steps to ordering a yearbook. Please visit www.jostens.com/yearbooks to get started with
the ordering process. Yearbooks are $50.
Yearbooks from the 2014-2015 school year arrived at the end of September and students were notified through announcements and
signs around school to pick them up at that time. If your child still has not picked up their yearbook, the child should notify Mrs.
Combs in room 132 so they can receive their book.
If you have any questions, please contact Oriel Combs, yearbook adviser, at [email protected], or by phone at 885-7520 ext. 2139.
SUBSTITUTES NEEDED
The Beaver Dam Unified School District has an opportunity for you to serve the children of our community! We are looking to hire
substitute teachers at all levels.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in education, please consider applying, even if your license has expired.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, we will sponsor you to get a substitute teaching permit, including a (required) one
-day training.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity work in an award winning school district!
Please contact Sharon Bliefernicht at 920-885-7300 ext. 1112 or email her at [email protected].
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Beaver Dam Unified School shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, handicap or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law in the educational
programs or activities which it operates or in employment practices.
P ARENT N EWSLETTER
P AGE 4
JUNIOR PLANNING NIGHT
Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2017:
You and your 11th grade student are cordially invited to attend a Junior and Parent Education Planning Group Conference
on Monday, February 15. This is not a traditional parent-counselor conference. This conference will focus on information that relates to your son/daughter’s education, college and career development. This information will help you and your student to continue planning for his/her future. Information shared is general, but you will have your child’s specific data in an individualized folder.
Counselors are available after the presentation to answer questions. Appointment is not necessary to attend this Junior Parent Night.
The conference begins with an overview of Career Cruising. This is a website that your student will use to help identify his/her
strengths and challenges, and to begin investigating possible colleges or universities s/he might want to attend. We will then go over
the transcript, do a credit check, and make sure your student is on track for graduation. We will also discuss the importance of rigor
in choosing next year’s classes and talk over postsecondary options. This is a great opportunity to continue those important conversations about your student’s future dreams, plans and goals.
If you cannot attend the Planning Night on February 15, you may want to schedule an individual daytime meeting with your school
counselor starting in late February.
We look forward to meeting with you and your Junior student!
Junior and Parent Education Planning Group Conference
Monday, February 15
BDHS Auditorium - 6:00 p.m.
2016-2017
STUDENT/GRADE/COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS
Students have been assigned to counselors alphabetically according to their last name. If you have questions or concerns regarding
scheduling, courses, grades, postsecondary planning, or personal issues, please contact the Student Services Office at 885-7520
x7520. We are happy to assist you!
COUNSELOR
Stephanie Haberkorn
Ext. 2237
Jackee Hill
Ext. 2114
Nate Wilke
Ext. 2115
Lynn Gruenewald
9th (2020)
10th (2019)
11th (2018)
12th (2017)
A-G
A-G
A-G
A-H
H-O
H-O
H-O
I-O
P-Z
P-Z
P-Z
P-Z
Student Services Secretary
Ext. 2113
P AGE 6
P ARENT N EWSLETTER
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE!
About The ACT Test – The ACT is a national college admissions examination that measures your knowledge in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The ACT is a four-part exam that includes four multiple-choice
tests. The total testing time is three hours, and scores are reported on a range of 1 to 36.
ACT Test Preparation - The Test Prep section of the ACT web site offers sample tests, an online test preparation program, test
descriptions, informational booklets, tips and test-day procedures to help students prepare for the ACT. Test prep for the ACT is
located at http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/.
ACT Test Registration Information - The registration fee for the ACT test is $39.50 (No Writing) or $56.50 (Plus
Writing). If you miss the registration deadline, you can still register for the test as long as you register within the late registration
timeframe. There is a $25 added fee for late registration after the due date. If you can't afford the registration fee for the ACT (No
Writing) or ACT Plus Writing, you may be eligible for an ACT Fee Waiver (see your high school counselor
For more information and to register online for the ACT test, see: www.actstudent.org
ACT Test Dates
April 9, 2016**
June 11, 2016*
*given at BDHS
**given at Wayland)
Registration Deadline
March 4, 2016
May 6, 2016
SAT Test - The SAT (or Scholastic Aptitude Test), a program of the College Board and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is an entrance exam for colleges and universities. The SAT is a three-hour multiplechoice test designed to measure your verbal and mathematical reasoning skills. Along with the other academic information you provide to the college, the test is designed to predict your readiness for college-level studies and to predict your academic performance in college. Test prep for the SAT is found at https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice AND https://
www.khanacademy.org/sat.
SAT Subject Tests - The Subject Tests are usually given on the same days as the SAT.
See https://student.collegeboard.org/ for general information and to view or send your scores to colleges and universities.
SAT Registration Information - The registration fee for the SAT Test is $54.50. The base fee for the SAT Subject
Tests is $26 and $18 per Subject Test (except for the Language Tests with Listening which are $26 each). If you miss
the registration deadline, you can still register for the test as long as you register within the late-registration timeframe. The fee for
late registration is $28. Registration for the SAT is found at https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/.
SAT Test Dates
March 5, 2016
May 7, 2016
June 4, 2016
Registration Deadline
February 5, 2016
April 8, 2016
May 5, 2016
NOTE: A newly designed SAT will replace the current SAT starting March 2016. A few of the changes include an
all-new essay that is optional, no penalty for guessing, and no vocabulary that students may never use again.
See https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat?navId=gh-nsat for more information regarding the new SAT.
P ARENT N EWSLETTER
P AGE 7
ASPIRE TEST FOR 9TH AND 10TH GRADE STUDENTS
Test Dates: May 4th and 5th
These tests are designed to aid schools and parents in identifying gaps within a student’s learning. These tests also identify students in
need of either intervention or additional academic challenges while determining college and career readiness and mapping student
growth over time. The State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is working closely with ACT to ensure that all of the
ACT assessments will test students with the same rigor that our students have been taught with the Common Core State Standards. These tests are all a part of DPI-mandated changes to district evaluations and are standard in public school districts across the
state. If you would like more information on the tests, check out the ACT Aspire website: http://www.act.org/
aap/wisconsin/aspire.html.
ACCUPLACER OR COMPASS/ASSET TEST FOR 11TH AND 12TH GRADE STUDENTS
The ACCUPLACER test is required for admission to Moraine Park and Fox Valley Technical Colleges. The COMPASS/ASSET test is
required for Madison College. Other technical schools may require other tests, so call the school you are interested in to find out what
test you need to take. Minimum scores on the test are not a requirement for admission. Rather, the results are used to determine the
appropriate placement in such courses as math or English. For more information, see www.collegeboard.com/student/
testing/accuplacer, www.act.org/products/higher-education-act-compass or http://www.act.org/asset/tests/.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Parents and students often ask for information about scholarships. There is no one place to look for scholarship information, but several possible opportunities are available such as the following:
-The Beaver Dam Scholarship Guide emailed to all senior students at their .bdusd.org address
-Student Services Office
-Student/parent's place of employment
-Civic, fraternal, religious or other organizations that the student/parent may belong
-Local scholarship as announced in the Daily Citizen and WBEV/WXRO
-College(s)/Universities to which the student is applying (most have incoming freshmen scholarships available)
-Military recruiters
There are a number of local donors who give scholarships to graduating BDHS seniors through the BDHS Scholarship Committee and
the BD Scholarship Foundation. In early February, this information is shared with seniors by the high-school counselors.
For more information, see the district website at the following: http://bdusd.org
FINAL TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Final grade transcripts will need to be sent to the college of your choice at the end of the school year. Please let Mrs. Gruenewald in
Student Services know your final college decision by graduation. Good luck next year! Also, if you receive a scholarship and would
like acknowledgment made in the graduation program, please fill out a short form available in Student Services and return to Mrs.
Gruenewald. All awards should be reported by May 1.
Hasta al día información meteorológica en español, llame: 920-885-7520, empuje número 7.
Estimados Padres:
A través del año escolar las condiciones malas del tiempo pueden ocurrir. La decisión de retrasar o cancelar la escuela se tomara antes de las 6:00 de la mañana y será basada en la póliza del distrito en la mejor información disponible del tiempo.
Por favor escuche la estación de radio WBEV 1430AM /WXRO 95.3FM o WMDC 98FM o vea canales de Madison WISC 3,
WMTV 15, o WKOW 27; o los canales de Milwaukee TMJ 4, WITI 6, WISN 12, o WDJT 58 para las recientes informaciones relacionadas con el tiempo. Tenga en cuenta que los números de canales pueden ser diferentes dependiendo del proveedor de TV/
satélite. Anuncios relacionados con el clima también se publicarán en la página principal del sitio www.bdusd.org y en
www.wbevradio.com y www.wxroradio.com. La mayoría de las estaciones de televisión también anunciar cierre de escuelas en sus
sitios de web.
Si usted cree que las condiciones del tiempo plantean un riesgo indebido para su niño, use su propio juicio y tome la decisión de enviar o no enviar su hijo a la escuela.
Sobre todo: Usted decide primero
Ustedes son los mejores jueces para decidir lo mejor para su niño. Si hay escuela pero usted siente que es más seguro de que su hijo
quedar en el hogar o esperar un poco más tarde, nosotros los apoyaremos en su decisión. El distrito tomara una decisión antes de las
6:00 de la mañana pensando en lo mejor para todos los estudiantes y los empleados, es posible esa decisión no estar el mismo que su
situación individual.
Cerrado por causa de la nieve o hielo
El distrito repasa las condiciones atmosféricas con un servicio meteorológico profesional y con la compañía de autobuses. La seguridad es siempre nuestra prioridad principal. Si las condiciones del tiempo van a mejorar durante el día esto será tomado en consideración.
Debido a un frío extremado
Cuando la frialdad del viento alcanza niveles peligrosos, es posible escuela empiece más tarde o estará cerrada todo el día. Es muy
importante que usted se asegure que su niño esta vestirse apropiada para las condiciones del tiempo.
Cancelar la escuela temprano
El cancelar la escuela temprano no es una opción que tenemos el gusto de utilizar a menos que se espere que las condiciones empeoren a lo largo del día. Esto es sobre todo debido al hecho de que muchos padres trabajan y los niños están más seguros en la escuela.
Por favor tenga un lugar donde su niño pueda ir en caso de que la escuela empezara más tarde o se cancela temprana. Es beneficioso
para su niño que sepa de este plan.
Su Comprensión y Cooperación es Apreciada
Por cada persona que está contenta con la decisión tomada relacionada con el tiempo, hay otra persona que no lo está. Nosotros
apreciamos su comprensión en la dificultad en tomar una decisión acerca del tiempo. Su apoyo en ayudar a su niño a ir a la escuela y
volver a casa en seguridad es sinceramente apreciado.
Hasta al día información meteorológica en español, llame: 920-885-7520, empuje número 7.