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

Get Outside and Play!

Two boys in the snow by the edge of the school forest.

Here’s something really simple that families can do to improve their children’s chance of future health and success: make sure they spend plenty of time playing outside!  In the Hudson Elementary Schools, our students have daily recess built into their days, to provide opportunities to develop important life skills.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are several benefits found in being outdoors:

1.  Exercise. While children can be active indoors, playing outside with a ball, bike or sled encourages kids to get exercise and fresh air!

2.  Creativity and Problem Solving. The unstructured feel of playing outside encourages creativity, with children making up their own games, figuring things out, and finding things to keep themselves busy.

3.  Socialization. While structured settings, such as school or sports teams, have benefits, children need to learn how to work and play together on their own. Playing outside with friends provides plenty of opportunities for interaction.

Whether it’s sunny or snowy, there are lots of things for children to do outside.  Find time for your kids to play in the snow – make a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding.  There are many adventures waiting for you when you just get outside and play!!

A group of boys playing in the snow. A group of children in their snow gear by the swing set. Two students on swings. A group of children sliding down the hill. A group of students building snowballs. A group of students building snowballs.

Hudson Schools Exceed or Significantly Exceed Expectations

State of Wisconsin with the number 83.9 Significantly Exceeds Expectations

The Hudson School District is excited to report that the School District is ranked in the top 8% of Wisconsin school districts according to the recently released Wisconsin School Report Cards. All of the Hudson Schools scored an Exceeds or Significantly Exceeds Expectations on their report cards. The School District is particularly proud of progress made on closing learning gaps and making academic progress for all children.

Individual 2018-2019 School Report Cards can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Click on the following link to learn more about Wisconsin School Report Cards: https://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards

How to Sign Up for Parent-Teacher Conferences

Image of pencils and paper with the words, "Parent Teacher Conferences Don't Forget to Sign Up"
  • Log into Skyward by clicking here or on the Skyward icon in the top left corner of the website. If you do not know your login information, please call the Hudson Prairie Elementary Office and speak with Amy or Linda (715.377.3860). After one parent has selected a conference time, a second parent in the same family may login and join the same conference time, but cannot create a new time.
  • Choose your child and then click on Teacher Conferences in the blue menu list on the left-hand side.

Description of the Skyward page.

  • To schedule a conference, click the All Conferences button after your child’s name.

Skyward instructions image

  • Click on Select a Time.

Skyward conference instructions.

  • Find the slot you would like to schedule, and click Select.

  • In the Select Time Slot window, make sure the date and time are correct for the slot you want to add, then click Save Selection.

  • The All Conferences Status will indicate Scheduled.

  • To remove or change a conference, click All Conferences and View Selected Times in the Scheduled Conference Times section.
  • Select Unschedule.

  • In the Deselect Time Slot window, make sure the date and time are correct for the slot you want to remove, and click save.

Raider Spirit Across the District

High school football players and Pep Band at elementary playground

Raider homecoming spirit spread across the district today, as the Spirit Bus along with the football team, marching band and the Raidaires visited our elementary schools; promoting Raider Pride, sportsmanship and having some homecoming fun. Go Raiders!

Elementary students meeting football team and pep band members.Elementary students meet high school football team and pep band members.Elementary students meet high school football team, pep band and cheerleader squad members.Elementary students meet high school football team, marching band and cheerleading squad members.Elementary students meet high school football team, marching band and cheerleading squad members.High school football team, marching band and cheerleading squad at playground pepfest. Elementary students meet high school football team players.Elementary students celebrate homecoming with high school cheerleaders in a gym.  Elementary students meeting football players and high-fiving in a gym.Elementary students high-fiving high school football players and cheerleaders.Elementary student standing with arm around high school football player.Students sitting on gym floor for homecoming spirit rally.

 

Calling All Creative Kids!

Destination Imagination Maker Day Announcement with watch gears in the background

It’s that time of the year to get signed up for Destination Imagination!

We are hosting a DI Maker Day so you can find out what DI is all about. on

Drop in any time, stay for the fun. We will provide:

  • A room full of crazy, creative things for you to create with!
  • All the information you need to join a DI team or start your own team (between 2 and 7 kids, any grade, K through 12)
  • Copies of the New Challenges!

Questions? Contact: Liz Malanaphy at malanaea@hudsonraiders.org or Anita Stilwell at stilwea@hudsonraiders.org 

Annual Meeting Highlights

Dr. Ouellette and Board members seated on the stage for Annual Meeting.

Monday’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Education opened with Dr. Ouellette presenting highlights of the District’s achievements and the Board’s focus areas. Click here to view Dr. Ouellette’s presentation.

Presentations were also provided by Board Treasurer Heather Logelin and Tim Erickson, Chief Financial and Operations Officer. Together, they covered the 2019-2020 proposed budget and levy, budget challenges and assumptions, and the impact on property taxes.

Budget Challenges:

  • Address reduced state funding levels.
  • Address instructional needs for all learners including: staff professional development, curriculum adoption, resource materials, and services to meet student needs.
  • Maintain student to teacher ratios within class size guidelines.
  • Sustainable funding for long-term maintenance and capital improvement plan for all facilities.

Budget Assumptions:

  • State equalization aid is projected to be $836,000 less or 3.8% lower than last year and per pupil categorical aid has been increased by $88 per student under the first year of the biennial state budget or a $496,000 increase over last year.
  • The estimated mill rate of $10.35 is down 1.54% from last year’s $10.51. Overall property valuation is estimated to increase 10.09% compared to 3.7% last year. The state average is 6.0%
  • Total under levy stands at approximately $3,300,000, which is direct tax relief for property owners in the Hudson School District.
  • Salaries and benefits are budgeted to increase $1,830,000 or 4.0% over last and include new staffing, staffing reductions, Teacher Salary Structure, Support Staff Compensation System, Hudson Lead Salary Structure, and Board approved increase of 2.5%

Below is the Annual Meeting Booklet