Students at were welcomed last week on the first day of school with a “clap in” as they walked through a tunnel of the buildings staff.
Love the energy the first week of school brings to our staff and school community! Above, Mrs. Shimon’s class spent their first day learning all about the Fifth Grade opportunities at EP Rock Elementary and how they get to be the role models of the school.
Houlton Elementary School has the tradition of ringing the school bell on the first day.
Staff at River Crest Elementary School line up to greet students as they arrive.
North Hudson friends are excited to see each other!
Principal Behnke and school counselor Mrs. Kreiser welcome students on their first day.
Are you looking for rewarding work? The Hudson School District has multiple full and part-time positions open. Whether you enjoy working directly with children or working behind the scenes – we have something for you! Click here to learn more about the the opportunities that are waiting for you!
Questions? Our Human Resources Department is here to help – 715.377.3706 or text RaiderProud to 833.222.1216
At the close of each school year, we take a moment to celebrate the contributions of our retirees and congratulate those who have achieved years of service milestones. The Hudson School District is proud to honor the impact these individuals have made throughout their careers. They have touched the lives of thousands of learners, young and old. Their collective service exemplifies the School District’s vision to empower all students to cultivate their talents, embrace their passions, and leverage their learning to impact the world around them.
Those honored on June 2, 2021 included:
Ernest Beachy (6 years); Lori Bieging (19 years); Diane Blihovde (24 years); Cynthia Brinsko (22 years); Cynthia Burak-Gresmer (16 years); Gwendolyn Conklin (20 years); Deborah Gangnon (15 years); Mary Gerzmehle (23 years); Dawn Grund (8 years); Laura Kiesler (24 years); Kris Larson (16 years); Christine Mattis (19 years); Cynthia Mitchell (35 years); Terri Ostertag (18 years); Brian Petermeier (27 years); Sandra Peterson (3 years); James Stejskal (23 years); Donna Stohlman (7 years); Julie Tangen (30 years); Natalie Thorson (24 years).
35 Years of Service
Cynthia Mitchell, Lois Zezza
30 Years of Service
John Dornfeld, Rachel Mueller, Julie Tangen
25 Years of Service
Heather Bohl, Timothy Chukel, Sheila Mullally, Celeste Nelson, Dolf Schmidt
20 Years of Service
John Aide, Susan Anderson, Rhonda Austin, Renee Bonse, Amy Briggs, Becky Brooks, Gwendolyn Conklin, Lori Finnegan, Jill Germain, Laurie Harmon, Phyllis Harper, Shelly Johannsen, Michele Johnson, Susan Johnson, Jay Kluz, Jason Lund, Ryan McCarthy, Erin Meier-Williamson, Cathy Schewe, Lisa Skoyen, Robert Smith, Jessica Stein, Leann Stein, Anita Stilwell
15 Years of Service
Kim Behnke, Kristine Bjerk, Charles Bublitz, Luke Chaffee, Tim Erickson, Lisa Faletti-Watkins, Karen Frye, Deborah Gangnon, Elizabeth Ganz, Crystal Geigle, Angela Goebel, Lisa Hayes, Adam Kaufman, Julie King-Hildreth, Blake Kotajarvi, Shane Magee, John McGinley, Vickie McLaughlin, Katie Murphy, Britt Peterson, Holly Quinn-Marrs, Angela Rehmus, Dan Weiland
10 Years of Service
Melissa Briese, Kalynn Brown, Cindy Clark, Lindi Everson, Jessica Flanagan, Nicole Gunderson, Megan Halvorson, Jody Kreibich, Greta Lewis, Christine Lila, Jessica Maalis, Lauren Mattson, Anthony Meincke, Julie Michaels, Aaron Moen, Steven Schoenecker, Nicholas Syman, Katie Vanasse
Congratulations to our own Sarah Flier who has been named one of five finalists for the 2021 National School Counselor of the Year award!
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) made the announcement this week. There are over 100,000 school counselors nation-wide. This is the first time in over ten years that a Wisconsin school counselor has been recognized for this distinguished honor.
The ASCA media release provides the following quotes about Sarah.
“Mrs. Flier shows all of her students that life should be a ride that you love, and you never want to get off of, so do all things that make you happy and let your light shine, “ said Adreanna Johnson, a former student. “I have known Mrs. Flier for almost 10 years, and I am proud to say that she has helped me grow into the person I am today.”
When an achievement gap was found on the state exam in English/Language Arts (ELA) for students who were economically disadvantaged, Flier collaborated with teachers, parents, and her School Counseling Advisory Committee to develop the school’s Literacy Toolbox program. The program collects donations to support a book club that provides a self-selected book each month to students in need. By choosing their own literature each month, students are able to build their own personal library and foster a lifelong love of reading. “Ms. Flier has an abundance of energy, natural ability, magnificent rapport with students and staff, and no end to creative ideas,” said Kimberly Osterhues.
In 2019, Willow River Elementary School set a goal for 65% of students meeting their ELA growth target on the MAP assessment. Flier disaggregated the data and found that third-grade students were the farthest from reaching this goal, with on 45% doing so. She focused school counseling classroom instruction on academic success while also facilitating a small group to further address study skills, growth mindset, test-taking strategies, and goal setting. In spring 2019, 76% of third-graders reached their target goal in ELA on the assessment.
“Each year, this School Counselor of the Year program shows us what the research tells us – that school counselors have a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, social/emotional development and plans for life after graduation,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “Through the dedication, contributions and excellence, these finalists have demonstrated their commitment to the values and mission of the school counseling profession.”
The School Counselor of the Year and finalists will be celebrated in a series of virtual events and will participate in briefings and webinars during National School Counseling Week, February 1 – 5, 2021.
Thank you Sarah for all you do each day for your students and the School District! We are Raider Proud!!
Congratulations to the Hudson School District for receiving the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education award. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to school districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
Awards are determined based on annual survey information. Survey questions are aligned with goals for equity and access to music education for all students, and also with national standards for music education. This survey seeks to support communities everywhere that are working to assure music education opportunities for all students. Criteria selection gauges funding, participation, opportunity, standards, community, facilities, and other factors that affect access to comprehensive music education.
Thank you to our Hudson School District music teachers and the many community partners who support music as an essential component of learning in the lives of children!
The Wisconsin School Counselors Association (WSCA) recently announced their Program of Promise Award Winners. Congratulations is extended to our elementary school counselors – Kelly Curtis, Chris Strop, Sarah Flier, and Aria Krieser!
This year, seven school counseling programs received the prestigious Program of Promise award from the Wisconsin Counselor Association (WSCA). Awards were presented to school counselors who met or exceeded the requirements in a submitted Wisconsin School Counselor Accountability Report (WSCPAR) in February 2020.
- EP Rock Elementary School (Kelly Curtis) implemented a multi-tiered support approach with staff and students and decreased behavior referrals for students of color by 38%, closing the gap between students of color and white students.
- At Hudson Prairie Elementary School (Aria Krieser), 57% of students met their MAP reading targets (who had not met the year prior) after participating in an academic success group facilitated by the school counselor.
- The North Hudson Elementary School (Chris Strop) counseling program reduced tardies by 36% for students with excessive attendance concerns.
- Willow River Elementary School (Sarah Flier) students gained a total of 11.65 hours of instructional time from counselor intervention due to a decrease in nurse visits.
The Program of Promise award is the highest recognition that a comprehensive school counseling program can receive from WSCA. This award is granted to a small number of Wisconsin schools each year. To be considered, the school counselor(s) must submit an accountability report fulfilling stringent data expectations set forth by the Wisconsin School Counselor Association. This peer reviewed report illustrates the impact that the school counseling program has had on the academic, social-emotional and career development of students in the school.
Special shout out to Sarah Flier who also received the WI School Counselor of the Year award.
The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health offers the following information as a guide for families on the topic of screen time (click here to read Supporting Child Well-being Through Healthy Use of Screen Time).
“In Wisconsin, adolescents who experience episodes of major depression have steadily increased. At the same time, there has been a growing body of evidence to suggest the amount of screen time usage may initiate or worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce social connectedness, and contribute to poor social and emotional wellness.”
Our Willow students voted on what they would like to grow in the classroom hydroponic garden. They started the year by growing basil for pesto. Next they planted a salsa kit which included heirloom cherry tomatoes and jalapenos peppers. The students spent three-four months noticing how the tomato plants grew more quickly than the peppers. Students were responsible for watering and adding nutrients to the garden. They were excited to see each flower turn into a tomato or pepper. After testing the ripeness of the tomatoes, students made salsa.
Given the choice to start new plants, students chose to try more tomatoes so they can put together tomatoes, basil and mozzarella for Italian crostini.
“Parenting the Love and Logic Way” provides parents with practical, easy to use techniques and tools to help children become responsible adults. When parents us “Love and Logic” techniques with children, they are better able to hand the challenges of today’s real world.
Class is being offered at Hudson Prairie Elementary School on Tuesdays, March 10 – April 14 (there is no class the week of spring break). The classes are scheduled from 5:45 – 7:45 PM
- To learn more and register click on the following link.
- Cost for this program is $40/person or $60/couple. The fee includes a “Love and Logic” parent handbook.
- Free child care is provided.
The class is facilitated by Aria Krieser, school counselor at Hudson Prairie Elementary School, and Chris Strop, school counselor at North Hudson Elementary School.