New school year gets off to great start

By Cynthia L. Miller

Editor

BRODHEAD – Despite a couple of very hot and humid days, the new school year in the Brodhead district has gotten off to a good start. Meeting in regular session Wednesday, Sept. 9, board members heard reports from staff, and a public comment regarding the district’s transportation policy.

Mary Bennett, a parent of children in the district, requested the board review the district’s school bus policy. She stated that sections of the policy are contradictory, while others are not adhered to consistently throughout the district. The board will put the item on the Oct. 14 meeting agenda.

Facility and food service supervisor John King recapped summer activities and reported that he has locked-in 50% of the district’s gas costs at $3.09, compared to $4.03 a year ago. He will negotiate the needs for the remainder of the year as the costs continue to go down.

High School principal Jim Matthys reported that the new concession stand is open and operational thanks to the many volunteers who worked to complete the project in just 28 days. The new facility will be officially dedicated this Friday during the Homecoming game. Matthys also informed the board about the various activities taking place during Homecoming week; the FFA’s Food for American event on Sept. 22; and the High School’s Band will participate in UW Band Day on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Middle School principal Lisa Semrow also stated the school year was off to a great start, despite a of couple warm days. She has been working on the school’s curriculum, making sure it aligns with standards and creating a check list for teachers.

David Novy, elementary school principal, reported on the district receiving a 21^st Century Community Learning Center grant. The $75,000 grant allows the district to provide after-school services to elementary students. Novy said that 65 students have been invited to take part in the program that got underway Monday, Sept. 14. The program is facilitated by three teachers, two support staff and high school volunteers. Services offered through the program include reading and math support, a healthy snack, science enrichment, and physical activity each school day until 5 p.m., with an abbreviated schedule on Fridays. Novy, and Title 1 teachers Anisti Haffele and Nicole Krumwiede, along with LMC director Kirsten Novy, filled out the grant application and developed the program.

Pupil services director Sarah Wadsworth, along with her team of DeAnne Larson, school psychologist, Jennifer Flory and Kate Hipenbecker, school counselors, presented results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in February of this year. Taken every three years, the survey is conducted to monitor health-risk behaviors including traffic safety, weapons and violence, suicide, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behavior, diet, nutrition, and exercise.

Following a power-point presentation, board members requested that the results be posted on the district’s website so that parents and community members could have access to the findings.

The next meeting of the Brodhead Board of Education will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., with one item on the agenda – discussion on the proposed referendum.