From the Elementary Principal

by Elementary Principal Jill Schulz

Happy 2021 from Spencer Elementary School

It is hard to believe that the 2020-2021 school year is already half done! This has been a year full of many firsts and I am so proud of how well our students and staff are doing. Going to school during a pandemic could be a daunting experience, but our students and staff have worked so hard to make the best of this situation.

We would like to celebrate:

• Mrs. Ann Pankratz, one of our first-grade teachers, was named as a Central Wisconsin Teacher of Distinction. She was nominated by her students and selected by her peers. Congratulations, Mrs. Pankratz!! • The acknowledgement and celebration of our Student of the Month. So far this year the following students have been recognized: Savannah Wilke (October), Jacob Sandley (November), and Vander Krause (December). • The show must go on! Our elementary students, under the direction of Ms. Amanda Seefeldt, were able to continue the long-standing tradition of our holiday concert. Each classroom performed and these recordings can be found on our school’s web page on the Elementary page under the Quick Links. • The dedication of our parents and community members to continue to support our students as they learn both in school and virtually. Our students, staff, and parents have learned a whole new approach to education over the past nine months and we appreciate everyone’s commitment to the education of our students. In the elementary school, we are looking forward to Random Acts of Kindness Week. During the week of Feb. 8, our students and staff will be involved in activities to promote kindness both within our building and community. This is a favorite week in our elementary school, and we look forward to celebrating and spreading kindness and appreciation both within and outside of our school walls.

State Testing Information to keep in mind (please do not schedule vacations during this time and try to avoid appointments for students in these grades): ACT -- students in 11th grade – March 9 ACT Aspire -- students in 9th and 10th grade - April 12-16 Wisconsin Forward Exam -- students in 3rd-8th grade –April 19-23. 4th and 8th grade will also test between April 12-15.

Dates to remember: March 3 – Parent Teacher Conferences 1-8 p.m.

March 5 – No School, teacher in-service April 1-5 – Spring Break Think Warm Thoughts!

Mrs. Pankratz