News & Events from Elmbrook Schools

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ELMBROOK
Board of Education Seeks Community Input for Superintendent Search
The Elmbrook Schools Board of Education is seeking input from the community as it develops criteria to use when searching for and selecting the school district’s next superintendent.

The Board has hired search firm Ray & Associates of Cedar Rapids, Iowa to conduct a national search. Ray & Associates will facilitate Superintendent Search Focus Groups on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in order to build a profile of the ideal Elmbrook Superintendent. Community members are invited to attend forums on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the following times/locations:

• 10:30 – 11:45 a.m., Elmbrook Schools Central Administrative Office Board Room, 13780 Hope St.

• 6:30 – 8 p.m., Brookfield East High School Cafeteria, 3305 North Lilly Rd.

Additionally, Ray & Associates has developed an online survey which asks stakeholders to select from a list of characteristics for a new superintendent. The survey will be open until midnight on Nov. 17. and can be accessed at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q3YCXDL.

Following the focus groups and survey, a profile will be created and Ray & Associates will begin the candidate recruiting and screening process. The Board of Education is expected to interview candidates and select Elmbrook’s next superintendent in February. Current Superintendent Dr. Matt Gibson has served the district for 17 years and announced in August his retirement effective June 30, 2012.

Brookfield East Grease Musical Production
Brookfield East will perform "Grease" at the Wilson Center in just a few weeks. Get your tickets now! Performances are Friday, Dec. 2 , 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at http://wilson-center.com or through the Wilson Center box office in person or by calling 262-781-9520. Box office hours are Monday-Friday 12-5, Saturdays 10-2, and 2 hours before any ticketed event.

FAIRVIEW SOUTH SCHOOL
Raffle Tickets For Sale - Great Prizes!
Thursday, Nov. 10
In conjunction with FVS Annual Craft Fair and Silent Auction we are having a raffle with 3 prize packages:

• Prize A: iPad2 Package - iPad2, 32 GB wifi, iPad2 cover, earbuds, $50 iTunes gift card

• Prize B: Disney Package - 4 One Day Hopper Passes to Disneyworld; $1000 Gift Card; Disney Goodies Basket

• Prize C: Great Wolf Getaway - 2 nights lodging at the Great Wolf Resort in the Dells, 4 tickets to Mt. Olympus and Top Secret, $100 Gift Card for restaurants

Tickets are on sale at Fairview South — 1 ticket for $5 or 5 tickets for $20
Advance ticket sales — call FVS 262-781-9464
Drawing: Friday, Dec. 2 at Craft Fair
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
You do not need to be present to win.
Snow Day Monday, Dec. 5

PILGRIM PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Pilgrim Park Staff Represented at National Conference
Congratulations to Pilgrim Park School Psychologist Chris Birr and Pilgrim Park Associate Principal Mark Peperkorn who represented our school at the National PBIS Leadership Forum last week in Rosemont, IL! PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, is a framework Pilgrim Park Middle School adopted several years ago to achieve our goal of creating a safe and respectful climate for our students, parents, and staff. Mr. Birr and Mr. Peperkorn's presentation highlighted the work of our school Bus Committee, which has resulted in a reduction of negative behaviors on the bus.

WISCONSIN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
New York Times Bestselling Author Visits WHMS
Wisconsin Hills Library hosted New York Times Bestselling Author and young adult fantasy writer Tamora Pierce on Monday, Nov. 7. Her presentation was attended by 180 students and she gave vivid descriptions of her journey to becoming one of the bestselling fantasy writers. Guided by student questions, she broached topics such as her experiences growing up in poverty, the importance of encouragement she was given by some of her teachers, and the passion she has for creating strong female characters. She shared how she was drawn to write fantasy after watching her mom's and sister's magical knitting needles turn a knot of yarn into a beautiful creation, and a glassblower's magical ability to turn a blob of goo into a gorgeous vase. Referencing Little Women by one of her favorite authors, Louisa May Alcott, she spoke about the unsurpassed strength of Beth, one of the main characters in the book. Her inspiring visit was sponsored by Boswell Books, 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milw. After the presentation, Pierce met with many students, answering questions and autographing books.

BROOKFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Veteran's Day Tribute
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Brookfield Elementary students sold flags for $1 in recognition or memory of friends, relatives, neighbors or unknown soldiers who are currently or have previously served our country.  Students raised more than $800 with all proceeds donated to the Badger Honor Flight Network to enable WWII veterans the opportunity to fly to Washington D.C. to view the memorials erected in their honor.

On Friday, Nov. 11th students paraded outside and placed their flag, labeled with the name of the veteran they were recognizing, in the grassy area in front of school. Several veterans who are relatives and/or friends of students and staff were posted outside receiving thanks and recognition and shaking student hands.  Third grade students sang "It's a Grand Old Flag" and orchestra students played "Taps" as a musical accompaniment to the ceremony.

BURLEIGH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Wild About Weather
Burleigh's second grade students attended a program presented by the Schilitz Audubon Nature Center called "Wild About Weather." The purpose of the program is to enhance awareness and understanding about weather and climate. The program is presented in a fun and exciting way, often calling upon student volunteers to assist with the learning process. Special emphasis is placed on staying safe in severe weather. Students will also discover the ways plants, animals and people adapt to the changing weather. Finally, the program will also discuss the water cycle, how clouds form and our major source of energy … the sun! What a fun way to conclude the 2nd grader's FOSS science unity on Air/Weather!

SWANSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Zero the Hero Visits Swanson
Swanson Kindergarteners celebrated day 50 of school with Zero the Hero. Zero the Hero visits Swanson every 10th day of school. During Zero's visits, the students and Zero enjoy counting together and exploring other math concepts. Day 50 was extra special as the students divided objects in half as they learned that 50 is half way to 100.

Animation Club
On Nov. 3rd, Swanson Elementary School's Animation Club, led by Art Teacher Esther Wu-McGuire and Special Ed. Assistant Camille Veltri, took a field trip to visit the Animation Studio at UWM's Kenilworth building. We were able to visit a Claymation class taught by professor Tim Decker, and we saw how models are built and how sets are made! We are now ready to make our own animations with the help of UWM student Tommy Simms! Get ready ... lights, camera, action!