Hudson Named 2020 Best Communities for Music Education

Best Communities for Music Education poster

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!

 

4th Grade Participate in Kindness Retreat

Students in a conga line.

Hudson Prairie 4th grade students and staff participated in a day long Kindness Retreat. This event was put on by the Youth Frontiers organization with the goal to give students tools to develop empathy, promote kindness and prevent bullying. Students participated in small and large group discussions, role playing and other team building activities.

Thank you to the many teachers and parent volunteers who helped to facilitate the groups throughout the day.

The Youth Frontiers organization works to empower kids to be “everyday heroes” by using kindness to include others, to be respectful and to make the school a better place.

Students talking in a group.

Students talking in a group.

Students talking in a group.

Students talking in a group.

Students talking in a group.

Students in a large group.

Congratulations to Program of Promise Award Winners

Four of the elementary counselors pose with the program of promise award.

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

Multiple images of children using different screen time devices.

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.”

 

Love and Logic Parenting Class

Two adults walking with a child in between them.

“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

The class is facilitated by Aria Krieser, school counselor at Hudson Prairie Elementary School, and Chris Strop, school counselor at North Hudson Elementary School.

Middle School Hosts 4th Grade Book Buddies

Three students gathered around a desk working on their snowflake project.

Hudson Middle School 6th graders from Raider Blue have begun hosting 4th graders from Hudson Prairie Elementary for monthly community building. Time together is focused on practicing character traits or themes using books/video clips, chanting quotes, and creating projects. Not only are 4th grade students able to enjoy activities with a partner from the Middle School, they are also becoming more aware of the building and teachers they will experience when they transition to 6th grade. Our 6th grade students also gain important leadership skills.

The recent group read the book, “Snowflake Bentley,” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. The story highlights how each snowflake is unique. Activities and discussions centered around ideas like:

  • “Every avalanche starts with just one snowflake.
  • “Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” ~ Vesta M. Kelly

Hudson Prairie Needs You!

Colored pencils lined up with the caption - Be A Part of the Hudson Prairie Team

Have you ever considered being part of the Hudson Prairie Team as an educational assistant, noon duty supervisor, crossing guard, or substitute teacher?

If so, we would like to invite you to an informational session on Monday, January 13th, from 6-7 PM in the Hudson Prairie Media Center.

We will be explain the steps that will need to be taken for employment with the Hudson School District as well as descriptions of the different job positions or any training necessary. This is a great opportunity to get to inquire about ways to become more involved from subbing to volunteering etc.

We are really looking forward to meeting. Following this meeting please feel free to stay for our bi-monthly PTO meeting to learn more about what our Parent Group has to offer.

RSVP at: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeyywB9ZrQLQuiwsO…/viewform

4K Registration and Kindergarten Information

District-wide 4K registration poster with books apple and blocks

The Hudson School District is holding its District-wide 4K Registration and Kindergarten Information night for the 2020-2021 school year.

  • Tuesday, January 21, 2020
  • 4:30 – 6:30 PM
  • Hudson Prairie Elementary School, 1400 Carmichael Road

What do I need to complete my child’s registration?

  • Proof of residency and a copy of current immunizations
  • District registration and partner site registration are both required for 4K.

This evening is optional for incoming Kindergarten families. There will be staff available to answer questions. If your child has not been part of a Hudson 4K program, Kindergarten registration begins online by clicking here. 

If you have questions, you may contact one of the following elementary schools or the Hudson Community 4K Program:

  • EP Rock Elementary School: 715.377.3840
  • Houlton Elementary School: 715.377.3850
  • Hudson Prairie Elementary School: 715.377.3860
  • North Hudson Elementary School: 715.377.3870
  • River Crest Elementary School: 715.377.3890
  • Willow River Elementary School: 715.377.3880
  • Hudson Community 4K Program: 715.377.3850; ext. 2321