Phoenix awarded for improving school climate

DELAVAN — The Wisconsin PBIS Network (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) has recognized Phoenix Middle School as a “School of Merit” for implementing a high-quality, school-wide student behavioral program.

PBIS, or “The Comet Code” as it is known at Phoenix, is a proactive approach that establishes safer and more effective schools throughout the country. It is currently being implemented by about 47 percent of schools in the state and Phoenix was one of 146 schools recognized as a School of Merit for the 2012-13 school year, according to a congratulatory letter from Carolyn Stanford Taylor, assistant state superintendent in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Division for Learning Support.

Schools were recognized as Schools of Merit based on an application process, which included team and meeting information, implementation and outcome data, as well as narrative questions and answers that described the data, systems, and practices of PBIS implementation within the school.

The Comet Code, implemented fully at Phoenix this school year — it was rolled out in the midst of the 2011-12 school year — is the “mantra” by which students and staff live daily.

The Comet Code defines a set of expectations for all people in the building — from students, to teachers, classroom aides, visitors and principals — and all areas of the building — classrooms, the hallways, cafeteria, playground, bus loading zone, and more. It calls for everyone to “Be Respectful,” “Be Responsible,” “Be Safe” and “Be a Learner” at all times, and reinforces those ideas through positive reinforcement, including rewards.

The code helps ensure the Phoenix Middle School environment is an appropriate place for everyone to learn to his or her maximum potential. Students are often rewarded and recognized for displaying positive behavior and following the rules, so they’re not just receiving reminders or reprimands when rules are broken.

Discipline data that must be reported to the state shows the code is helping improve the learning environment at Phoenix.

Since 2009-10, the number of major behavioral issues resulting in student suspensions fell by more than half. Minor offenses since 2009-10 have fallen by more than 70 percent.

In the 2009-10 school year, there were 3,018 minor discipline offenses, resulting in a detention or other teacher-assigned consequence, and 348 major offenses that resulted in an in-school or out-of-school suspension.

In 2010-11, there were 2,029 minor offenses and 286 major offenses at Phoenix. By 2011-12, the numbers fell to 843 minor referrals and 202 major referrals. This past school year, minor offenses remained consistent at 844, while major offenses continued to fall to 158.

Charles Tollefsen, Associate Principal, Phoenix Middle School

Associate Principal Charles Tollefsen said the data shows that students are in the office less and in the classrooms more, where learning can occur. That’s a good thing.

“The school atmosphere is a lot more positive now,” said Associate Principal Charles Tollefsen. “As far as major behaviors go, which often result in classroom disruptions and missed classroom time for students, they have been reduced significantly.”

Tollefsen said he also sees fewer and few of the most serious offenses.

“With middle school students, they’ll always have impulsive behaviors because of their age, but as far as major negative behaviors, such as fights, possessing drugs or alcohol, or being involved in gang activities, those are down to near zero offenses,” he said, noting that the random locker and backpack searches by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department Drug and K-9 Units resulted in no drugs or weapons being found.

Additionally, gang activity by studens that may go on in the community has been absent from school, which helps create a safer climate, Tollefsen said.

“With the work our staff has done with School Resource Officer David Markely, we really don’t see a lot of gang issues in our school,” Tollfesen said. “Graffiti-wise, we’ve haven’t had any gang-related graffiti in our school this entire year. We didn’t have a single gang-related fight this last year or the year before. So as far as the perceptions that there is a gang problem here, we really don’t have them here.

“We don’t have a lot of kids who openly associate themselves with gangs inside of our school. Outside, maybe some do because of the environment they live in. But inside Phoenix Middle School, we simply don’t see it.”

 

About the award

Wisconsin PBIS Network Schools of Merit show the following characteristics:

• Have staff who have been trained by Wisconsin PBIS Network approved trainers
• Have staff who have been trained in PBIS at tier 1
• Have demonstrated fidelity on the Benchmarks of Quality (70 percent or higher)
• Have school leadership teams that meet regularly
• Have active coaching and administrative leadership
• Have taught students and staff school-wide expectations
• Actively use fidelity data to improve implementation efforts
• Actively use student outcome data (Big 5) to problem solve

As a Merit Award winner, Phoenix Middle School will receive a school banner, a letter of congratulations and recognition at the 2013 Wisconsin PBIS Network Summer Leadership Conference.

For more information about the Wisconsin PBIS Network, visit: http://www.wisconsinpbisnetwork.org/.

 

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Lewandowski, Vance are June Rotary Students

Chalcie Vance, daughter of Lori Taylor and Johnny Taylor, and Ethan Lewandowski, son of Henry and Catherine Lewandowski, have been selected as the Delavan Rotary Club students for the month of June.

Chalcie Vance

Chalcie is active in Lydian choir, “Be the Change” Team, book club and the “Mr. D-DHS” committee.  She is a member of the National Honor Society.  Chalcie volunteers at solo and ensembles; at Cornfest in Darien; at the Valley of the Kings in Sharon, Wis., helping with animal care; behind the scenes with musicals; and childcare at Phoenix Middle School during events.  After high school, Chalcie plans to study English and Creative Writing at UW-LaCrosse.

Ethan participates in school bands, including  jazz band, symphonic band, marching band and full symphony.  He is a member of the National Honor Society.  Ethan volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America (he is an Eagle Scout); Young Men’s church group, as well as youth conference service projects.

Ethan Lewandowski

Ethan has been called to serve in the Brazil Manaus Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a period of 24 months speaking the Portuguese language.  After his mission trip Ethan will attend Brigham Young University.

As recipients of this award, Chalcie and Ethan were escorted by an administrator at D-DHS, to the Rotary Club luncheon at Lake Lawn Resort on Monday, June 3, 2013.

Congratulations to Chalcie and Ethan on receiving this prestigious award.

 

See the list of local DDHS scholarship award recipients

In total, from local and other sources, Delavan-Darien High School graduates earned more than $680,000 in scholarships at the 2013 graduation ceremony, held June 6.

From local sources, 131 scholarships were given out this year, totaling more than $152,000. See that list below.

For just the second time since the Delavan-Darien Foundation was developed in 1972, all seniors who applied for a local scholarship received at least one of the available scholarships managed by the Foundation.

The Foundation is the non-profit organization that manages the assets of and fundraises for many of the local scholarships awarded annually to DDHS graduates.

DDHS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM LOCAL AWARDS – 2013 

Bohn Family Leadership Award – $10,000 – Nicky Sterken, daughter of Lester Sterken, Delavan, and Helen Sterken, Argyle, WI

Bohn Family Leadership Award – $10,000 –Samuel Logterman, son of Sarah & Steven Logterman, Delavan

Pentair Scholarship – $8,000 – Haley Severson, daughter of Shari & Joe Severson, Delavan

George W. Borg & Effie Borg Award – $4,000 – Taylor Scott, daughter of Jodi & Steven Scott, Delavan

George W. Borg Science Award – $8,000 – Alexandra Kort, daughter of Kathy & Chad Kort, Delavan

Borg Foundation Achievement Scholarship – $4,000 – Michael Vander Zee, son of Sandra & Robert Vander Zee, Delavan

Benson Family Scholarship – $6,000 – Therese Hartogh, daughter of Catherine & Daniel Hartogh, Delavan

SPX Flow Technology, Delavan Operations Scholarship – $5,000 – Caleb Marse, son of Shawn & Michael Marse, Delavan

Dora S. Arthur Award – $500 – Cassandra Hinojosa, daughter of Veronica & Jose Gutierrez, Delavan

Kikkoman Foods, Inc. Award – $3,000 – Lauren Kuntz, daughter of Thelma & David Kuntz, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Education Association Award – $1,000 – Chalcie Vance, daughter of Lori & Johnny Taylor, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Kathleen Frederick Reader Memorial Award – $1,000 – Nicholas Bradley, son of Carey & Ralph Bradley, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Max Schmaling Memorial Award – $1,000 – Naason Cano, son of Ana & Israel Cano, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Doug Kahl Memorial Award – $500 – Mirbella Turcios, daughter of Lisa Ortiz, Delavan & German Turcios

Delavan-Darien Foundation Howard Knapp Award – $600 – Maribel Soto, daughter of Maria & Arturo Sot, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Robert Michael Koval Memorial Award – $500 – Keanna Ecklund, daughter of Heidi Ecklund, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Wilma Lauterbach Memorial Award – $1,000 – Nathan Dobratz, son of Elaine & Gervase Dobratz, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Gene Shreves Award – $1,000 – Kylie Bliss, daughter of Rhonda & Tim Bliss, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Gene Shreves Award – $1,000 – Abraham Pacheco, son of Maria & Mario Pacheco, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Charles Wileman Memorial Award – $750 – Holly Maize, daughter of Carla & Dennis Maize, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Wallace Zimmermann Memorial Award – $1,000 – Kishan Patel, son of Bhavana & Mahendra Patel, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Darien Corn Festival Chuck & Su Brown Memorial Award – $1,000 – Miranda Cary, daughter of Penny Schmuck, Darien, & Thomas Cary, Sharon

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Allison Bradley, daughter of Carey & Ralph Bradley, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Nataline Duerig, daughter of Francine & Roy Duerig, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Autumn Ford, daughter of April Ford, Delavan, and Russel Ford

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Shelbie Greidanus, daughter of Vonda & Randy Greidanus, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Matthew Iserloth, son of Denise & Jerry Iserloth, Lake Mills

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Alexander Koch, son of Shelley & Steven Koch, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Lauren Kuntz, daughter of Thelma & David Kuntz, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Ethan Lewandowski, son of Catherine & Henry Lewandowski, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Jacob Moyer, son of Christy Moyer, Delavan & James Moyer, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Kaylee Rowland, daughter of Mary & Jeff Rowland, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Ethan Schmidt, son of Sue & Richard Schmidt, Elkhorn

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Kelsey Selgren, daughter of Maria Kuhn, Burlington, & Jeff Selgren

Delavan-Darien Foundation Memorial Award – $1,000 – Leslie Wright, daughter of Judy & Ronald Wright, Sharon

Delavan-Darien Foundation Irvin & Harriett Llewellyn Award – $1,000 – Ethan Lewandowski, son of Catherine & Henry Lewandowski, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Irvin & Harriett Llewellyn Award – $1,000 – Logan Truckenbrod, son of Lori & Dean Truckenbrod, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Richard McClellan-Smith Memorial Award – $500 – Vanessa Tejeda, daughter of Blanca & Manuel Tejeda, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Michael J. Dillner Memorial Award – $500 – Cody Chic, son of Sarah Barton & Mark Chic

Delavan-Darien Foundation Nanette Nicolay Memorial Award – $500 – Mirbella Turcios, daughter of Lisa Ortiz, Delavan & German Turcios

Delavan-Darien Foundation Cinco de Mayo Scholarship – $500 – Vanessa Tejeda, daughter of Blanca & Manuel Tejeda, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Cinco de Mayo Scholarship – $500 – Vanessa Vaughn, daughter of Maria & Cornelius Vaughn, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Rotary Award – $1,000 – Carrie Getka, daughter of JoEllen & Richard Getka, Sharon

Delavan-Darien Rotary Award – $1,000 – Samantha Hoyord, daughter of Pamela & Mark Hoyord, Delavan

Florence Dunwiddie Memorial Award – $500 – Allison Warrenburg, daughter of Brenda & Lester Warrenburg, Delavan

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 450 Award – $300 – Sara Farley, daughter of Donna & Thomas Farley, Darien

American Legion Post 450 Award – $250 – Miranda Cary, daughter of Penny Schmuck, Darien, & Thomas Cary, Sharon

American Legion Post 450 Award – $250 – Holly Maize, daughter of Carla & Dennis Maize, Delavan

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 95 Award – $500 – Sara Farley, daughter of Donna & Thomas Farley, Darien

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 95 Award – $500 – Anna Leitzke, daughter of Kathleen & Brian Leitzke, Delavan

American Legion Post 95 Award – $1,500 – Cody Chic, son of Sarah Barton & Mark Chic

Delavan Junior Women’s Club Award – $1,000 – Holly Maize, daughter of Carla & Dennis Maize, Delavan

National School Orchestra Award – $500 – Rachel Riggs, daughter of Samuel Riggs, Delavan & the late Angela Riggs

Vincent Agius Memorial Award – $300 – Denzel Jensen, son of Darlene & Richard Jensen, Delavan

Jacqueline Yanke Memorial Award – $300 – Miranda Cary, daughter of Penny Schmuck, Darien, & Thomas Cary, Sharon

Delavan Lioness Club Award – $1,000 – Nicholas Sween, son of Katherine & Kenneth Sween, Delavan

Robert Labonne Award – $400 – Cody Chic, son of Sarah Barton & Mark Chic

Delavan-Darien Optimist Club Award – $1,000 – Elizabeth Roum, daughter of Michelle & Mark Roum, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Optimist Club Award – $1,000 – Tonette Seitz, daughter of Lisa & Christopher Seitz, Delavan

Delavan Lions Club McGinnis Award– $1,000 – Nicholas Sween, son of Katherine & Kenneth Sween, Delavan

Delavan Lions Club Carroll Award – $1,000 – Michael Vander Zee, son of Sandra & Robert Vander Zee, Delavan

Delavan Lions Club Curry Award – $1,000 – Caleb Marse, son of Shawn & Michael Marse, Delavan

Delavan Lions Club Holman Award – $1,000 – Leslie Wright, daughter of Judy & Ronald Wright, Sharon

Aurora Lakeland Medical Staff Award – $2,000 – Kishan Patel, son of Bhavana & Mahendra Patel, Delavan

Marv Shepard Memorial Award – $1,000 – Anna Leitzke, daughter of Kathleen & Brian Leitzke, Delavan

Aurora Health Care Award – $1,000 – Nicky Sterken, daughter of Lester Sterken, Delavan, and Helen Sterken, Argyle, WI

Delavan-Darien Foundation Community Bank Award – $2,000 – Kishan Patel, son of Bhavana & Mahendra Patel, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Community Bank Award – $2,000 – Schuyler Williams, son of Cynthia & Dean Williams, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation McGinnis Education Award – $1,000 – Lee Schramski, son of Kristi & Lee Schramski, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Merlin Moser Award – $1,000 – Brandon Gregory, son of Vickie Conley, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Merlin Moser Award – $1,000 – Stephanie Kasun, daughter of Debra & Michael Kasun, Elkhorn

Delavan-Darien Friends of the Visual & Performing Arts Award – $1,000 – Sarah Heyer, daughter of Gayle Fortman, Delavan, & Arthur Heyer

Delavan-Darien Friends of the Visual & Performing Arts Award – $1,000 – Rachel Riggs, daughter of Samuel Riggs, Delavan & the late Angela Riggs

Stephanie Roherty Memorial Scholarship – $500 – Kylie Bliss, daughter of Rhonda & Tim Bliss, Darien

Stephanie Roherty Memorial Scholarship – $500 – Sara Farley, daughter of Donna & Thomas Farley, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Mary Austin Meeuwsen Memorial Award – $1,000 – Sara Farley, daughter of Donna & Thomas Farley, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Margaret Sturtevant Austin Memorial Award – $1,000 – Sarah Kieffer, daughter of Terri & Richard Kieffer, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation David Austin Memorial Award – $1,000 – Kyle Forester, son of Kathryn Forster-Hogan & Kenneth Forster, Delavan

Delavan Soccer Club Scholarship Award – $350 – Caleb Marse, son of Shawn & Michael Marse, Delavan

Delavan Soccer Club Scholarship Award – $350 – Nicky Sterken, daughter of Lester Sterken, Delavan, and Helen Sterken, Argyle, WI

Red Devil Youth Football Scholarship Award – $600 – Bryce Davis, son of Alice & Brian Davis, Darien

FFA Alumni Award – $2,000 – Nataline Duerig, daughter of Francine & Roy Duerig, Darien

FFA Alumni Award – $2,000 – Breanna Sorg, daughter of Sherri Sorg, Delavan, & John Sorg, Darien

FFA Alumni Award – $500 – Bryce Davis, son of Alice & Brian Davis, Darien

FFA Alumni Award – $500 – Holly Maize, daughter of Carla & Dennis Maize, Delavan

FFA Alumni Award – $300 – Denzel Jensen, son of Darlene & Richard Jensen, Delavan

Darien Woman’s Scholarship – $350 – Bryce Davis, son of Alice & Brian Davis, Darien

Darien Woman’s Scholarship – $350 – Daisy Dorantes, daughter of Gisela & Humberto Dorantes, Darien

Darien Woman’s Scholarship – $350 – Breanna Sorg, daughter of Sherri Sorg, Delavan, & John Sorg, Darien

Darien Woman’s Scholarship – $350 – Cierra Yakes, daughter of Sarah & Derk Yakes, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation William Fleck Memorial Award – $1,000 – Caleb Marse, son of Shawn & Michael Marse, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Education Award – $1,000 – Chalcie Vance, daughter of Lori & Johnny Taylor, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Booster Club Award – $1,000 – Carrie Getka, daughter of JoEllen & Richard Getka, Sharon

Delavan-Darien Foundation Booster Club Award – $1,000 – Lee Schramski, son of Kristi & Lee Schramski, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Walworth State Bank Award – $1,000 – Lauren Kuntz, daughter of Thelma & David Kuntz, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Burdette W. Holt Memorial Award – $250 – Nicholas Sween, son of Katherine & Kenneth Sween, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Glen Holman Memorial Award – $1,000 – Breanna Sorg, daughter of Sherri Sorg, Delavan, & John Sorg, Darien

Delavan-Darien Foundation Claude & Kathryn Davis Family Scholarship – $4,000 – Amanda McLernon, daughter of Lisa & Scott McLernon, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Donald Edmunds Memorial Scholarship – $500 – Morgan Benzing, daughter of Shelly & Jason Benzing, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Gene Schmig Memorial Award – $1,000 – Scott Buhler, son of Rebecca & Steven Buhler, Delavan

Sherry Rozelle Memorial Award – $500 – Cierra Yakes, daughter of Sarah & Derk Yakes, Darien

Delavan-Darien Masonic Award – $1,000 – Sarah Heyer, daughter of Gayle Fortman, Delavan, & Arthur Heyer

Delavan-Darien Masonic Award – $1,000 – Vanessa Vaughn, daughter of Maria & Cornelius Vaughn, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Gridiron Club Award – $1,000 – Daniel Supernaw, son of Julie Supernaw, Delavan, & Bill Supernaw, Delavan

Elkhorn Chemical / Mary Ann Butler Memorial – $500 – Rachel Riggs, daughter of Samuel Riggs, Delavan & the late Angela Riggs

Fairfield Grange Scholarship – $1,000 – Rebekah Olson, daughter of Susan & Douglas Olson, Delavan

Fairfield Grange Scholarship – $1,000 – Nicholas Sween, son of Katherine & Kenneth Sween, Delavan

Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly – $1,000 – Carrie Getka, daughter of JoEllen & Richard Getka, Sharon

Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly – $1,000 – Sarah Heyer, daughter of Gayle Fortman, Delavan, & Arthur Heyer

Lynda Cooper Memorial Award – $500 – Sara Farley, daughter of Donna & Thomas Farley, Darien

Kay Waelti Memorial – $500 – Morgan Benzing, daughter of Shelly & Jason Benzing, Delavan

Kay Waelti Memorial – $500 – Brandon Gregory, son of Vickie Conley, Delavan

Kay Waelti Memorial – $500 – Brendan Huber, son of Susan Richter-Huber & Jason Huber, Darien

Kay Waelti Memorial – $500 – Angus McPherson, son of Rachel Catlett, Delavan, & Ian McPherson, McHenry

Zachary Butler Scholarship – $250 – Kylie Bliss, daughter of Rhonda & Tim Bliss, Darien

Robert Torrenga Memorial Scholarship – $250 – Morgan Benzing, daughter of Shelly & Jason Benzing, Delavan

Robert Torrenga Memorial Scholarship – $250 – Nathan Dobratz, son of Elaine & Gervase Dobratz, Delavan

Millard Memorial – $500 – Nicholas Avampato, son of Sarah & Joseph Avampato, Delavan

William Boone Memorial Scholarship – $500 – Margarita Rodriguez, daughter of Maria Gomez & Jesus Rodriguez, Delavan

Darien Fire / Dennis Doering Memorial Scholarship – $250 – Julissa Lavariega, daughter of Melissa Sanchez, Delavan

Direct Contract Cleaning / Mary Ann Butler Scholarship – $500 – Margarita Rodriguez, daughter of Maria Gomez & Jesus Rodriguez, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Award – $250 – Nelida Castaneda, daughter of Isabel & Jesus Castaneda, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Award – $250 – Caitlin Chanda, daughter of Tina Chanda, Delavan & Adam Chanda, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Award – $250 – Alicia Fonseca, daughter of Biatriz & Juan Fonseca, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Award – $250 – Julissa Lavariega, daughter of Melissa Sanchez, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Award – $250 – Maria Valadez, daughter of Lurdes & Jose Valadez, Delavan

Delavan-Darien Foundation Award – $250 – Brizzella Villarreal, daughter of Maricela Gonzalez & Rudy Villarreal, Delavan

Two experienced principals to lead Delavan-Darien elementary schools

DELAVAN — When the start of the 2013-14 school year arrives in early September, two new principals will be leading two of the three Delavan-Darien School District elementary schools.

Shawn Madden, the former Somerset High School principal, and Nancy Resch, the former Wittenberg Elementary/Middle School principal, will take the reins at Delavan-Darien’s Wileman Elementary and Darien Elementary, respectively.

Wileman Elementary Principal Deborah Maki and Darien Elementary Principal Kathy Maher both retired at the end of this school year. Together, they had a combined 49 years as teachers or administrators in the district, and more than 66 years combined as education professionals.

“At both schools, we have people coming in with a significant amount of leadership experience and who have had positive experiences with their staff, students and parents,” Delavan-Darien Superintendent Robert Crist said. “With the initiatives we have before us, and the things we need to do next year and beyond, their experience should help us tremendously as we replace two veteran principals at both schools.”

About Madden

Shawn Madden

Madden was principal at Somerset for five-plus years. Prior to that, he was the elementary/middle school principal and associate high school principal for the School District of Elmwood for five years.

His seven years of teaching experience is mostly in special education. He taught special education at the middle and high school levels for La Crosse public schools and at the high school level in Winter, Wis.

Madden has a master’s in education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, is currently studying for his superintendent licensure at Winona State University in Minnesota, and plans to pursue an educational doctorate at Edgewood College in Madison upon his arrival in Delavan. His bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation is also from UW-Stout.

“I’ve been at the high school level about 11 years and I really want to get back to working with elementary students,” he said. “Their formative years are extremely important and I want to help foster that.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be in Southeastern Wisconsin. I’m a huge sports fan, too, so I’ve got equal access to all the Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago sports teams I love to watch in person and on TV.”

When he gets to work at Wileman, Madden said he’s planning to focus on areas identified as needing improvement by the Wisconsin school accountability report cards, particularly students’ reading and math achievement levels.

“I want to develop, enhance and improve those areas identified on the state report card for the school,” he said. “I’m excited to work with the Wileman staff on this and the many other district initiatives. I’ve heard outstanding things about the Wileman staff and the Delavan-Darien School District.”

Madden said he sees his role as being a “leader of educational leaders” in the classroom. He likes to be visible, accessible and approachable for students, staff and parents.

“Even as a principal, I’m not removed from the classroom,” he said. “I am always in them. I’m not one to stay in my office, and I work with students, staff and parents on a regular basis. I am looking forward to working as a team member to make a positive difference at Wileman Elementary School.”

About Resch

Nancy Resch

Resch is excited to join the Delavan-Darien School District as many of the district initiatives align with her belief system, such as ensuring all students graduate college and career ready, and implementing more technology into the classroom.

“I see many opportunities for me to collaborate with a staff that is working hard every day to do what’s best for children, families and the community,” she said. “This is an opportunity to bring my ‘tool belt’ of experiences, knowledge and leadership and combine them with the strong educational foundation that already exists in Delavan-Darien Schools.”

Resch also has years of administrative experience in elementary and middle school settings.

She was first an associate principal at Merrill Junior High for two years before becoming a principal at Three Lakes Elementary School for five years. Resch was then principal for Dyer Intermediate School in Burlington for two years, and principal for three years at two small elementary schools at one time in the Menasha Joint School District before returning to a leadership position at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District in 2009.

As a classroom educator Resch had two stints teaching for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District as a middle school science teacher for four years, and as a special education aide for six years.

Between those roles, Resch taught third through eighth grade math for the Tigerton School District for two years.

She has a master’s degree in education from UW-Superior and bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in education from UW-Stevens Point.

Resch feels her experience will be an asset in continuing moving the district forward and ensuring all students receive a quality education.

“I believe the many initiatives the district is already undertaking fit nicely into my belief system and compliment my professional goals,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with the staff as they continue moving forward to implement the state-required initiatives and work to prepare all students to be college and career ready. I am also very excited about the one-to-one technology plan the district is beginning this fall.”

About the hiring process

Hiring the two newest school leaders was a cooperative effort among administration, teachers and support staff in the schools, Crist said. Delavan-Darien administrators, including Crist, Director of Instruction Cora Rund and Director of Pupil Services/Special Education Sara Halberg, interviewed 24 applicants for the two positions and narrowed the field down to seven candidates.

Crist, Rund and Halberg, along with two teachers from each school and two administrative assistants to the principals from each school, made up the search committees for the seven finalists.

What stood out with Madden and Resch was their extensive administrative experience and knowledge about such issues as curriculum development, students with exceptional educational needs, Response to Intervention (RtI) and Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Crist said. Having such experience and knowledge in the principal roles is vital to the district successfully implementing such programs and initiatives.

Both are expected to start at their new jobs in July.

What’s next

The Delavan-Darien School District is still in the search process for two deans of students for Delavan-Darien High School, and a bilingual coordinator for the district.

Interviews for the bilingual coordinator are ongoing now, and Crist expects to start interviews for the two dean positions later this month.

The bilingual coordinator will oversee the bilingual and English Language Learner program and staff in the district and develop a dual-language immersion program as called for in the district’s strategic plan.

The two dean positions will handle all student attendance and conduct issues at DDHS. Duties will change next year for the school’s two associate principal positions. Associate Principal Kevin Parker will primarily handle the implementation and training for new teacher evaluations, while Associate Principal/Athletics Director Craig Lodahl will see his position split between being an athletics director, conducting teacher evaluations and being a part-time science classroom teacher.

Crist expects no further changes to the remaining Delavan-Darien School District administrative staff.

Phoenix students make pillowcases for kids fighting cancer

Click pic for more images in our gallery

DELAVAN — Students in the Phoenix Middle School Family and Consumer Sciences courses were happy to help the ConKerr Cancer organization build its “case for smiles” and help kids who are fighting cancer.

Students under the tutelage of teacher Terri Brown made 18 pillowcases for the non-profit organization, which looks to bring smiles to children and families impacted by cancer by giving patients bedding items to brighten their hospital room and stay.

The district had learned of ConKerr Cancer’s mission midway through the school year. The cases were made with remaining fabric from other class projects as a new community service project for the students.

This kind of class work fits perfectly with the district’s Strategic Plan, which seeks to have “100 percent of Delavan-Darien School District students engage in relevant and meaningful service to their community each year.”

The district will seek donations for the pillowcase materials next school year so students can continue to create the cases for the ConKerr Cancer organization as an ongoing service project.

The kids who sewed the pillowcases enjoyed learning the skills needed to create them. They really enjoyed the fact that they can use their sewing knowledge to help other kids in need feel special as they battle this life-changing illness, Brown said.

The 18 pillowcases of all colors and patterns were sent to the ConKerr Cancer organization at the end of the 2012-13 school year.

Delavan-Darien Summer Food Service Program makes free lunches available

DELAVAN — Stressing the importance of offering nutritious meals to children during the summer months, the Delavan-Darien School District announces its sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, provides nutritious meals to children during the summer, when free and reduced-price school meals are typically unavailable.

Free meals will be made available to eligible children 18 years of age and under. Persons over 18 years of age who are determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who also participate in a public or private non-profit school program during the regular school year may receive free meals, as well.

The following locations will be serving the free meals this summer:

• DDHS, June 17-19 meals served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;
• Phoenix Middle School, July 8-Aug. 1, Monday thru Thursday, meals served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;
• Turtle Creek Elementary School, July 8-Aug. 1, Monday thru Thursday, meals served from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Meals are provided to eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

“This program fills a void created when school lunches are not available,” said Tina Hudy, child nutrition director for the Delavan-Darien School District.  “Helping parents meet the nutritional needs of their children is the strength of this program.”

 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights (Office of Adjudication), 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DDHS awards 153 diplomas to members of the Class of 2013

Click pic for more images in our DDHS Graduation Gallery!

DELAVAN — As freshman, the Delavan-Darien High School graduating class of 2013 signed a banner committing themselves to working hard and understanding that when it comes to school, as the banner says, “It’s all about learning.”

The 153 graduates have grown to understand that life is all about learning, and here is the proof all DDHS graduates can be proud of:

• Fifty percent of this class, ended high school with a grade point average above 3.0 – placing them on the honor roll, with 35 students graduating with a high-honors grade point of 3.75 or better;
• This class has a member, Hayley Severson, who is a National Merit Scholarship recipient – a rare distinction – that demonstrates her academic promise and distinguished performance nationally. She is one of about 15,000 students nationally to receive such an honor;
• Fifty-seven members of this class took a school record 146 Advanced Placement tests in 12 areas, potentially earning more than 500 college credits.
• Members of the Class of 2013 have already earned college credits and recognition in engineering, welding, business, computer skills and even filling out income tax forms. Thirteen grads have been accepted to study at the Milwaukee School of Engineering through their work in our Project Lead the Way program;
• There are 10 Wisconsin Covenant Scholars in the class. They are among the first students in the state to graduate with such a distinction;
• Members of this class have taken more online courses than any class before them at DDHS, and they are the first graduates to pilot a “Bring Your Own Device” technology initiative. Their record for online coursework probably won’t stand long as the district will give DDHS students one-to-one access to technology devices (Chromebooks) starting next year;
• As a class, the graduates have performed 4,250 hours of community service during the last four years. They generously led the effort to raise money for the United Way, for the MACC Fund, local food pantries and shelters, and much more;
• Members of this class have overcome difficulties to graduate – often times juggling school, work, and responsibilities at home while still completing the requirements for their high school diploma. This year, there are a combined 22 graduates from the alternative education R.I.S.E. program at DDHS and the alternative high school in Elkhorn.

Click pic for more photos in the Empire Photography graduation photo gallery.

Now, the graduates of the DDHS Class of 2013, the 56^th graduating class from DDHS, will step into the post-secondary world, seeking jobs, joining the military (six graduates have committed to serve our country), starting a family, or going to a university, college or technical school.

“Often the next step of our lives is frightening and filled with uncertainty,” Severson said in her graduation class speech. “The unknown brings anxiety and seemingly insurmountable changes that come with working toward an ambition.”

Severson spoke about how students have dealt with change before, and they’ll have to deal with it again as they move on to this next chapter in their lives. She recited a quote from President John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

She told her classmates to look forward to what changes are to come for them next, without fear, anxiety or uncertainty.

“Change goes hand in hand with progress,” she said. “We must make our mark on the world by taking the necessary steps to lead a successful and productive life. While we may not know for sure what is ahead of us, I know that every one of us has what it takes to accomplish anything we put our minds to. As we leave here today I want each and every one of you to remember you have an amazing life to live. So don’t be afraid of the future: embrace it.”

 

Graduation Highlights

Scholarships: In total, from local and other sources, Delavan-Darien High School Graduates earned more than $680,000 in scholarships. From local sources, 131 scholarships were given out this year, totaling more than $152,000. For just the second time since the Delavan-Darien Foundation was developed in 1972, all seniors who applied for a local scholarship received at least one of the available scholarships managed by the Foundation.

Top Students: Class speaker and National Merit Scholarship winner/finalist Hayley Severson was the class valedictorian. She had a grade point average of over 4.6. Classmate Michael Vander Zee was the salutatorian with a GPA of more than 4.5.

Literacy focused: as a class gift, the seniors donated the Delavan-Darien community’s first “Free Little Library.” The little library — in a weatherproof birdhouse shape — houses two small shelves of books, which people are free to take and read. Community members are also encouraged to donate books to the library at any time.

“Literacy has grown to become one of the most important skills someone can have in today’s society,” senior Nicky Sterken said to the audience. “Promoting literacy among the youth of our community is essential for both the childrens’ and our community’s growth. As a class, we decided that the best gift to offer is one for the children that will one day walk these same halls that we have during the past four years.”

The little library will be located by the School Administration Center once it is ready for installation.

(*NOTE: DDHS Graduation DVD videos will be available at the School Administration Center during the week of June 10.)

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Mandatory DDHS Sports Meeting July 23

ATTENTION DDHS STUDENT ATHLETES: There will be a mandatory meeting for all athletes and their parents that plan to participate in Fall 2013 Sports at DDHS on July 23.

All incoming Freshman and their parents, as well as students new to DDHS, will meet in the Auditorium at 6 p.m.

ALL Fall athletes and at least one parent are requested to attend at 6:30 p.m. for breakout sessions that are sport specific. This time will be used to update all forms needed for the “Ticket to Play” and ensure eligibility of our student athletes.

Grover, Schramski, and Scherer are Academic All-State athletes

Alex Grover

Landon Schramski

Joey Scherer

The Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin (GCAW) has announced that Delavan-Darien High School golfers Alex Grover, sophomore; Landon Schramski, junior; and Joey Scherer, senior; are Academic All-State honorees for the boys’ golf season that just concluded.

Students are nominated by GCAW member coaches if they meet the following criteria:

1. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25,
2. participation in at least 75% of their team’s varsity matches, and
3. are at least a sophomore in high school.

All three are student-athletes who serve as a great example to others, proving that academic and athletic successes are not mutually exclusive.

The coaches association believes it is noteworthy that a record 300 male golfers from around the state have been honored this year for maintaining high academic standards in the classroom while competing in varsity golf. In fact, the average cumulative GPA of this year’s honorees is an exceptional 3.720.

The GCAW was formed by high school golf coaches in 1986 to help build Wisconsin’s reputation for developing quality junior players by promoting golf in our schools and communities. Besides honoring both boys and girls who succeed as student athletes, the association also selects an annual All-State team for boys and girls based on their playing ability.

Congratulations, Alex, Landon and Joey on your success on the course and in the classroom!

(*EDITOR’S NOTE: The news of Alex and Joey receiving the award came after we received word and posted  on this blog that Landon had received the award.)

DDHS Fitness Center has summer hours for students, public

According to recent data from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., students who worked out regularly at the campus gym were more likely to earn higher grades than their peers who didn’t.

Good thing the DDHS Fitness Center will be open this summer for students and community members.

The NEW summer hours are Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Summer membership rates are $30 for community members, $20 for enrolled college students, and free for Delavan-Darien High School students.

For more information about obtaining a summer community membership, please contact DDHS physical education teacher Steve Tenhagen at 728-2642 ext. 4445 or via email at: stenhagen@ddschools.org.

(*Please note summertime changes to open dates/times for the facilities.)