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EP Rock Office Hours During School Closure
Congratulations to Program of Promise Award Winners
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.
#WeAreRaider Proud
Healthy Use of Screen Time
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.”
BizTown + Financial Literacy = Fun
Each year, Hudson Middle School sixth graders participate in “BizTown”, a learning lab simulation in St. Paul sponsored by Junior Achievement. Leading up to the lab simulation, students study economics and finance in their World Studies and Math classes. Students complete resumes, job applications, and participate in job interviews in their Language Arts classes. During their time in the lab, students work to operate a profitable business, manage their finances, gain an understanding of local government, and experience being an “adult” for the day.
This year’s “Mayor” Lily Welle, from the Raider White House had this to say about her BizTown experience, “This experience will be very hard to forget. During the day my job was to run the whole town, answer questions or concerns, and spot out who was being a good worker and citizen. As mayor in others’ eyes, it seems that all you do is walk around and talk to people, when that is not it. As mayor, you have many responsibilities like making sure all of the citizens get paid the right amount, do all of the bank loans, give speeches about what’s going on in the town, set up the voting station, encourage others to have fun and get their work done, and more. Being mayor of BizTown was an amazing opportunity, and the staff and volunteers were so nice and encouraging. I hope that someday I can have a role or job just like this.”
Creating Valentines for “Meals on Wheels”
Students at Hudson Prairie decorated bags with a Valentine theme for the United Way. The United Way of St. Croix Valley will be packing the bags with goodies for the meals on wheels program for senior citizens.
Congratulations To Our State Kick Champion Raidaires
It was a great season for the Hudson Raidaires. The Raidaires finished as the state D1 Kick Champions and the D1 Jazz Runner Up. The coaches summed up the season following the Jazz performance, “This season was full of twists and turns, injures and surprises… Our jazz routine to, “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” perfectly captured our emotions. These girls left their hearts out on the floor. Special thanks to ALL of our close friends and family who’ve ‘moved mountains’ for us throughout this season!! We appreciate you.” #WeAreRaiderProud
Middle School Student Council Volunteers at Feed My Starving Children
On January 21st, Hudson Middle School Student Council Students volunteered at Feed My Starving Children. They helped to pack 65 boxes of food, feeding 38 children for a year. #WeAreRaiderProud
River Crest Visits Camp St. Croix Pond
River Crest Elementary School 3rd graders made their monthly trek to Camp St. Croix to visit the pond. The visit is part of their phenology study; observing how nature changes during the seasons.
Willow Students Grow Salsa
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.
Luther Automotive Community Partner in Education
Representatives from Luther Automotive Group donated a 2015 Jeep Liberty to Hudson High School’s Technology Education department so students in automotive classes have a newer model vehicle to use for instruction.
Matthew Carlson, Service Specialist with Luther, spoke to students in Mr. Hovland’s class about Luther’s Tech Trac Student Sponsorship Program. Tech Trac is dedicated to supporting Technical College students with the passion and ambition to become an automotive technician. Students who qualify are provided financial support to complete a 2-year certificate or degree and paid, part-time work at a Luther dealership with a fast-track transition to full-time employment once the student has completed certification. Qualifying students are also eligible for a tool grant of up to $2,000. Learn more about Luther’s Tech Trac program at: https://www.lutherauto.com/techtrac.htm
Also present were Superintendent Nick Ouellette who spoke briefly about his tech ed background and the opportunities afforded students who are interested in the trades. Luther Chevrolet Hudson’s Service Manager, Steve Boyd (a Hudson High School alumni), spoke about the need for automotive technicians and if students wished to pursue a career in transportation, there will always be work.
Much thanks to Luther Automotive Group for their support as a community partner in education!
