Ithaca School District

What an exciting first week of YOUniversity! We hope your students have come home sharing all they learned and experienced this week, and are looking forward to our final week of summer school starting Monday! SLIME was the word of the day! Students created all different colors and textures of slime, and shared them with friends. Some also made adorable t-shirts, took a nature walk then examined nature pieces they found, made some yummy cupcakes and apple crisp, got further on their K'nex roller coaster, went fishing, and built some very impressive forts to read in! Some classes will be switching up for next week, so keep checking in and follow the excitement of week 2!

School is closing for a year when the 3rd-5th graders go to Kaul Park for their End-of-Year Picnic and Fun Day. Mrs. Kathleen Schoen began this tradition eight years ago when she became the Ithaca Elementary Principal. Having roots in the Bear Valley community, it is a joy for her to share her "valley" with her students. Families supplied potluck items, and many parents and family members joined their children for a fun, relaxing day in the park. Kickball, playground climbing, football, chalk drawing, eating, visiting -- such a fun day. Special thanks to John Wunnicke who has been the president of Kaul Park for many years. Years ago, John graciously offered the park as a place to bring the kids. Jeremy Neefe, current President, was on hand grilling brats and hot dogs. So many wonderful volunteers have put in time and effort to make the park the great place it is today. Family friendly and well cared for. Thank you!!

There will be a fan bus leaving Ithaca at 7am tomorrow to take spectators to the Ithaca girls state softball game. Departure will be from the community gym. If you plan on riding the fan bus please call the school at 608.585.2311 and let us know. Thank you.

There will be a fan bus leaving to go to the sectional championship softball game tomorrow at Blair-Taylor. The bus will leave Ithaca at 2pm. Please call the school if you plan to ride. If there aren’t enough people signed up we will let you know at noon if the bus is going or not.

5th graders ended their math unit of Coordinate Plane with a Battleship Tournament! Alex was the Champion, so he took home the “spoils” of chocolate coins and Hubba Bubba Gum!

Here is a message from Zac Thome, Ithaca Athletic Director, concerning Ithaca's upcoming softball and baseball playoff games. Due to the forecast on Tuesday we are moving the dates to the upcoming playoff games. The WIAA Sectional Softball game vs Brookwood Tuesday has been moved up to tomorrow, Monday June 2 at 5pm. The WIAA regional baseball game vs Highland Tuesday has been moved up to tomorrow Monday June 2 at 5pm.

Every year, students in the Junior class are nominated to represent Ithaca High School as a Badger Girl and Badger Boy. This program is funded by the local American Legion Post and American Legion Auxiliary Unit. To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled in the Junior class, have an interest in government and citizenship, have qualities of leadership, good character, honor roll student, and participate in extra-curricular activities. Badger Girl and Badger Boys learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. This program also educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. The week-long summer program will be held at UW-Oshkosh for Badger Girls and at UW-Eau Claire for Badger Boys. Ithaca High School Badger Girls delegates are Allison Plonka, Izabela Ortiz, and Abigail Plonka. Ithaca High School Badger Boys delegates are: Hewsten Garcia-Boland and Keegan Jones.

🥳State Bound! Congratulations to Ithaca High School Junior, Clayton Lee! 🥳 Clayton qualified for the WIAA DIII State Track meet by placing 1st in the 1600m run and breaking his own school record with a time of 4:32.34 and in the 3200m run by placing 2nd, breaking his own school record with a time of 10:10.26. The boys 4X800m relay of Braysen Garcia-Boland, Jon Hash, Deakin McDonough, and Sam Jones set a season's best time placing 8th, and Sam Jones placed 10th in the 800m run. 🌟GET YOUR SHIRT! 🌟Place your order for a t-shirt celebrating Clayton's qualifying runs by Sunday, June 1st at 11:59pm. There are no late orders accepted so that delivery may occur before the meet. https://ithaca-westonhsstatetrack25.itemorder.com/shop/product/49942123/

Congratulations to our awesome students!

🥳🎉Congratulations to Ms. Peg Durkin for being rewarded the Ken Solis Ithaca Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025!🎉🥳 Ithaca Superintendent Greg Herbst said of Ms. Durkin "It is my belief that Peg Durkin is the embodiment of Ithaca—hardworking, kind to her core, loyal to her roots, and I don't think she would turn a kid away, even if she were on fire and the kid was holding a can of gasoline. Notwithstanding her distinguishing characteristics, what impresses me most about Peg Durkin is her capacity to build favorable and constructive relationships. Daily, I observe students and adults alike seeking her assistance, soliciting her counsel, engaging in repartee, and simply enjoying her company. Her influence extends beyond the classroom; it permeates throughout the school and the community she loves." Mr. Herbst went on t say, "While paying homage to the pillars of Ithaca Schools, she has become one ... a pillar to which others reach for unwavering support." Dr. Ken Solis graduated from Ithaca in 1976. He graduated with a master’s degree in bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2007 and from UW Madison and is an emergency medicine physician. In the 1980s, he was nicknamed "Dr. Jump" when he created a fitness program using jump ropes called “Ropics” which was designed to make rope jumping both easy to learn and to make it less likely to cause shin splints. Beginning in 2002, Dr. Solis encouraged the Ithaca School District to recognize an outstanding teacher with this award named in his honor. But not just any teacher - one that is a leader and great at their job; someone that goes the extra mile. Dr. Ken Solis says, “Education is crucial for better understanding and improving our world, making life more meaningful, and improving the futures of our children. While a sound education is dependent on the community, educational board, and school administration, it is the teachers who are ultimately at the student’s side. Their commitment to teaching important facts, promoting creativity, and encouraging critical thinking should never be taken for granted. This award echoes my unspoken, but sincerely felt, thanks to my teachers as well as those who have succeeded them as the worthy recipient today.”

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow IT'S THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! Announcements: Friday May 30, 2025 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - Quesadilla; Vegetable, Fruit, and Milk High School Track releases at 11:50 today. From Ms. Schoen: 8-11th grade students: Summer School staff are looking for volunteers to assist in the fun classes. Please see Ms. Schoen today to get in on the fun. Verification of volunteer hours will be available at the end of summer school. From Ms Durkin: 1st and 2nd semester art students please pick up your artwork before you leave the school today. From Mr. Herbst: We will continue to announce birthdays at the beginning of the school day; however, they will no longer be listed on the announcements that are sent to the general public. From Mr. Herbst: Parents/guardians are informed of field trips via permission slips. Unlike an athletic event or music concert, field trips are not open invitations for the general public to attend. Therefore, as a safety precaution, field trips will no longer be listed on the calendar on the District's website.

📝 CESA 3 will be hosting a multitude of substitute training session over the next few months. These workshops will meet the licensure requirement for a certified training for substitute teachers in Wisconsin. License applicants must have a minimum of an associate's degree and the training to be eligible for a Short-Term WI Substitute teacher License. If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher, you may register below: https://www.cesa3.org/upcoming-events/

2024-2025 ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS ARRIVED TODAY!!! Yearbooks can be picked up in Mrs. Burnley's room during lunch and after school today, before and after school on Friday, and between classes on Friday. In order to pick up your yearbook, it needs to be paid in full and you have to sign a form verifying that you received your yearbook. You cannot pick up a yearbook for someone else. Please remember that the supplement for this year's spring activities will be printed next school year. If you are graduating this year, consider contacting Mrs. Burnley after Thanksgiving to see when the spring supplement will be available. If you ordered a 2023-2024 yearbook, you can pick up the supplement at the same times listed above. There are SEVEN 2024-2025 Ithaca High School Yearbooks available for sale for $50. Contact Mrs. Burnley if you are interested in purchasing one. Thank you to the Ithaca High School Yearbook Staff for producing a wonderful yearbook!

SUMMER WRESTLING CAMP! 🤼‍♀️🤼 Get ready to train, compete, and improve your skills at our Summer Wrestling Camp! Designed for athletes of all levels, this camp focuses on technique, strength, conditioning, and live wrestling. Led by experienced coach, Terry Manning, it's the perfect opportunity to enhance your performance, build confidence, and have fun on the mat. 🗓️Save the date! More information to come soon. Check out the Ithaca-Weston Wrestling Facebook page to stay up-to-date and follow the wrestling program.

Each semester, students in the Careers class focus on building essential job readiness skills. They create professional résumés and cover letters, complete job applications, and practice interview techniques. For their final exam, members of the local community are invited to participate in the final exam by conducting mock interviews with the students—providing them with valuable, real-world practice and feedback.

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Thursday May 29, 2025 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today - Hamburger; Vegetable, Fruit, and Milk Attention Middle School Student Council: Today, Thursday 5/29/25, there will be a brief but important meeting at 12:00, grab your lunch and meet in room 104. ALL must attend! See you at noon. Mrs. Ramsden From Ms. Schoen: 8-11th grade students: Summer School staff are looking for volunteers to assist in the fun classes. Please see Ms. Schoen today to get in on the fun. Verification of volunteer hours will be available at the end of summer school. From Ms Durkin: 1st and 2nd semester art students please pick up your artwork by the end of the week before I recycle them. Thank you! From Mr. Hess: Here is the procedure for your students to return checked out technology devices. Each piece of technology will be returned to the LMC for check-in. Students MUST bring their CHECKOUT SHEET with them. No sheet, no acceptance of technology. The only people that will be checking devices and signing sheets will be Mr. Feryance and Mr. Hess. If a student is missing any piece of the trifecta of technology (Chromebook, Charger, Bag) they still need to turn in the articles they do have and get their check-out sheet signed by our department. We will make a notation on the sheet and begin billing families for missing components later in June. If a student does NOT get their sheet signed, we can only assume they did NOT turn in a device kit and they / their family will be billed accordingly starting in June for the full kit amount. Also, if, after later examination, it is determined they are holding a piece of technology that was not checked out to them, that piece will be returned to the original recipient's account and they will be charged for the missing component. Please reach out to Mr. Feryance or Mr. Hess with any questions. From Sources of Strength: Sources of Strength would like to end the year strong with a mental health campaign. We invite middle and high school students to identify how you are or could become stronger and more resilient in the area of mental health, for yourself and to encourage and support others. Add your ideas to the wheel in the Commons! From Ms. Bevan: Class of 2025: Please check your email and complete your Post Graduation Survey as soon as possible. This should be done before participating in Graduation Practice on Friday, May 30th. Thank you! From Mr. Herbst: We will continue to announce birthdays at the beginning of the school day; however, they will no longer be listed on the announcements that are sent to the general public. From Mr. Herbst: Parents/guardians are informed of field trips via permission slips. Unlike an athletic event or music concert, field trips are not open invitations for the general public to attend. Therefore, as a safety precaution, field trips will no longer be listed on the calendar on the District's website.

8th grade boys; James Layton, Garrett Barlow, Brayden Burns, Braxton Fowell, and Wesley Brown (not pictured) made a bench to replace Mrs. Boland's broken bench in her classroom in Mr. Nee's shop class. Students enjoy the alternate seating arrangements and were excited to have the new one to sit on in class. Mrs. Boland loves her new bench and appreciates the work the young men put into the project.

Congratulations to all the Ithaca/Weston Track & Field athletes who competed last night at the Kickapoo Regional meet! The night saw many, many personal bests and highlights. Moving on to the Bangor Sectional this Friday are: Clayton Lee who placed 1st in the 1600m and 3200m runs; Sam Jones who placed 3rd in the 800m run; and the boys 4X800m relay team of Braysen Garcia-Boland, Jon Hash, Deakin McDonough, and Sam Jones placed 3rd, with alternates Conner Montes and Clayton Lee. Good luck on Friday! A special recognition goes to the Ithaca Seniors who closed out their careers last night as track athletes. Since neither Ithaca nor Weston have a track, our seniors miss the opportunity to be recognized on their home turf. This year's seniors are Bailey Wanless, Tristen Peterson, Maggie Kershner, Holly King, and Balthasar Kaiser. Congratulations to them on all their successes and best of luck in all the successes yet ahead of them!

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Wednesday May 28, 2025 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - Mini Corn Dogs; Vegetable, Fruit, and Milk From Coach Lorenz: Congratulations to all the Ithaca/Weston Track & Field athletes who competed last night at the Kickapoo Regional meet! The night saw many, many personal bests and highlights. Moving on to the Bangor Sectional this Friday are: Clayton Lee who placed 1st in the 1600m and 3200m runs, Sam Jones who placed 3rd in the 800m run, and the 4X800m relay team of Braysen Garcia-Boland, Jon Hash, Deakin McDonough, and Sam Jones placed 3rd. Good luck on Friday! From Ms. Schoen: 8-11th grade students: Summer School staff are looking for volunteers to assist in the fun classes. Please see Ms. Schoen today to get in on the fun. Verification of volunteer hours will be available at the end of summer school. From Ms Durkin: 1st and 2nd semester art students please pick up your artwork by the end of the week before I recycle them. Thank you! From FFA: This is the last week of plants in the greenhouse!! We are ready to wrap up flower season and the sale is on! $20 and $15 if you take 2 or more for all remaining flower pots. The Ithaca FFA greenhouse still has a beautiful selection of hanging pots, deck pots and bedding plants. You can stop by any day during school until 3:30. Thank you for supporting our chapter! From Ms. Sprecher: Our toddler chicks are ready for their new homes. There are 6 females for $5 each and males are free! Message or call Ms. Sprecher for details. From Mr. Hess: Here is the procedure for your students to return checked out technology devices. Each piece of technology will be returned to the LMC for check-in. Students MUST bring their CHECKOUT SHEET with them. No sheet, no acceptance of technology. The only people that will be checking devices and signing sheets will be Mr. Feryance and Mr. Hess. If a student is missing any piece of the trifecta of technology (Chromebook, Charger, Bag) they still need to turn in the articles they do have and get their check-out sheet signed by our department. We will make a notation on the sheet and begin billing families for missing components later in June. If a student does NOT get their sheet signed, we can only assume they did NOT turn in a device kit and they / their family will be billed accordingly starting in June for the full kit amount. Also, if, after later examination, it is determined they are holding a piece of technology that was not checked out to them, that piece will be returned to the original recipient's account and they will be charged for the missing component. Please reach out to Mr. Feryance or Mr. Hess with any questions. From Sources of Strength: Sources of Strength would like to end the year strong with a mental health campaign. We invite middle and high school students to identify how you are or could become stronger and more resilient in the area of mental health, for yourself and to encourage and support others. Add your ideas to the wheel in the Commons! From Ms. Bevan: Class of 2025: Please check your email and complete your Post Graduation Survey as soon as possible. This should be done before participating in Graduation Practice on Friday, May 30th. Thank you! From Mr. Herbst: We will continue to announce birthdays at the beginning of the school day; however, they will no longer be listed on the announcements that are sent to the general public. From Mr. Herbst: Parents/guardians are informed of field trips via permission slips. Unlike an athletic event or music concert, field trips are not open invitations for the general public to attend. Therefore, as a safety precaution, field trips will no longer be listed on the calendar on the District's website.

Early release this Friday (May 30th). The final day of the school year, May 30th, will now be an EARLY RELEASE! Middle and High School will release for the day at 12:34 PM. Elementary release starts at 12:25p Salida anticipada el viernes 30 de mayo. ¡El último día del año escolar, el 30 de mayo, será SALIDA ANTICIPADA! La salida de los alumnos de secundaria y preparatoria será a las 12:34 p. m.