| Points of Pride |
Recognizing our Positives!!
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| May 17, 2012 |
| Congratulations to AHS senior Mariah Pfundheller and Melody Christianson! In February, Mariah learned that she was one of 250 high school seniors selected as a Coca-Cola Scholar from over 85,000 applicants across the nation! In addition to receiving a $10,000 college scholarship, she was flown to Atlanta to enjoy a weekend of tours, service, banquets, dances and fun! Highlights of the trip included meeting Morgan Freeman, chatting over dinner with the film production crew who create Coke commercials, touring the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial - and making lasting friendships with great kids from all over the country. Each of the Coca-Cola scholars selected one teacher to honor as his or her distinguished educator. Mariah chose Melody Christianson, AHS English and speech teacher. Melody received a $100 Staples certificate and an award with the following inscription:
To Mrs Christianson,
For inspiring in me a desire to teach language arts; for sharing and instilling your passion for composition, literature, and speech; for giving characters life through discussion and analysis; for depicting teaching as a joyful adventure; for giving me the confidence to lead S.A.D.D. activities (including the dramatic Mock Car Crash), but mostly for the person you are--cheerful, reasonable, ambitious, generous, and warm-hearted: I nominate you as my Educator of Distinction.
Mariah Pfundheller |
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| May 11, 2012 |
| The AHS 2012 yearbook staff has been awarded the Josten's National Yearbook Program of Excellence Distinction! The award recognizes yearbook programs that strive to make sure all students are included and meet critical deadlines in the production of the book. Only 23 other high schools and middle schools in the entire state of Wisconsin were recognized for this distinction.
Congratulations to Jarica Steinke, Megan Kampa, Becca Lenz, Allison Sontag, Larissa Fox, Lisa Peck, Logan McDaniel, Gabe Corriea, and Advisor Joan Gard.
From Paul Peterson, Jostens Yearbook Representative:
This is the first year of the program, and it is designed to recognize the yearbook programs nationwide that strive to create a book that improves the 4-year experience for the students that they serve by making sure students feel included in the book and therefore feel a sense of belonging within their school community. In addition, the distinction requires the staff to work toward and hit critical deadlines in the production of their book to guarantee a book on time and within budget.
Without question, Joan and the staff achieved each of the benchmarks for this distinction. |
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| May 3, 2012 |
| Each year, the Eau Claire Chamber's Excellence in Education Banquet honors 60 graduating seniors from 10 area high schools on the first Wednesday in May. From the AHS class of 2012, our congratulations to Samantha Braswell, Nathan Kent, Sarah Lechner, Alex Norgren and Naomi Poquette, who were honored along with their chosen educators (Lori Weinmeister, Todd Lenz, Darryl Schaefer, Wendy Nelson and Richard Moses) at last night's Excellence in Education Banquet held at the Florian Gardens!
Nominated by Donna Walther, our congratulations also go to Pedersen volunteer, Sue Haigh, who received a Special Educator Award!
About the Banquet:
Sixty students from 10 area high schools are selected by their high school based primarily on academic achievement; however, school personnel are strongly encouraged to take into consideration other important demonstrated attributes of student achievement, such as ability to apply learning, leadership, outstanding character, personal goals, enthusiasm, community involvement, communication skills, self-motivation, class attendance, self-confidence and positive attitude. Participating high schools include Altoona, Augusta, Eau Claire Memorial, Eau Claire North, Eau Claire Regis, Eleva-Strum Central, Elk Mound, Fall Creek, Gilmanton and Mondovi.
What makes this banquet unique is that each honored student then chooses an educator who either aroused a special interest in a specific subject or in learning in general, demonstrated exceptional knowledge or teaching ability, served as a mentor, devoted extra time and attention, was very understanding and helpful, demonstrated a love of learning and of the teaching professional or for whatever reason, caused the student to do more than what might be considered possible. The educator is honored alongside the student at the banquet. You many view or print a list of all the 2012 honorees and educators.
The Excellence in Education Committee also honors a handful of ?special educators? who have contributed to the education process through direct student involvement, community involvement or partnership activities. Categories include Innovation in Teaching, Contributor to Education and Unsung Hero award.
This event is made possible because of the generous support of numerous community businesses, organizations and individuals. |
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| April 23, 2012 |
| The AHS Forensics team had one of its most successful years-ever at the State Competition held in Madison this past weekend! Each one of the 15 students participating brought home a medal! Gabe Fischer and Nick Ohren received bronze medals for their pieces. Maria Satnik, Phoebe Flesch, Kendra Melsness, Brittney Hegenbart and Nick LeMay each took home silver medals for their selections, and with a perfect score of 25, Kyle Growkowsky, Kendall Kartaly, Isaac Burk, Mariah Pfundheller, Tony Nichols, Luke Thill, Zach Druckrey and Weston Tobias each earned gold medals. Congratulations to the entire forensics team on a wonderful season!
There were 4,937 students from 373 school districts participating in the two-day event, along with 559 judges and 468 coaches. |
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| April 19, 2012 |
| More than 80,000 high school students across the nation - and all Altoona High School Personal Finance students took the National Financial Capability Challenge in early April. Across the nation the average student score was 69 percent. Twenty-two AHS students ranked in the top 20 percent! The following will receive a certificate: Kali Belonga, Richard Blaschko, Corey Devine, Zach Ebben, Destiny Erickson, Gabriel Fischer, Gunnar Forcier, Jacob Helland, Elizabeth Jibben, Sara Kirk, Nikolas LaValley, Nicholas LeMay, Gregory Mickelson, Lane Mills, Nicholas Ohren, Jared Phillips, Mallory Phillips, Sam Schaaef, Brittany Spies, Weston Tobias, Austin Wardean, Kate Zander. Nick LeMay, Weston Tobias and Richard Blaschko will receive a second certificate because they scored at the top of Altoona High School challenge-takers. In addition, Nick LeMay earned a perfect score of 40 out of 40 on the test! All these students qualify to be in a drawing for a scholarship or other awards.
About the Challenge:
The National Financial Capability Challenge is an awards program designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high school aged youth across the United States. It incentives educators to teach the basics of personal finance to their students by rewarding students, educators, schools, and states for their participation and their successes. Educators and top-scoring students receive award certificates, and schools and states with the highest participation rates earn special distinction. |
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| April 13, 2012 |
| Three students from Altoona High school were selected as one of two winners in their grade level in poetry for the 2011 Young Adults' Writing Contest. The contest was sponsored by the Theta Zeta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Congratulation to:
Paige Mann, Freshman (Poem: "True Colors");
Houa Her, Sophomore (Poem: "What friend you are");
Kendall Kartaly, Sophomore (Poem: "The Other World").
All winners of the Young Adults' Writing Contest are invited to read their winning submissions at the annual English Festival, Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 6:15 P.M., in the Tamarack Room at the UW-Eau Claire.
Read their poetry on Facebook!
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| April 2, 2012 |
| Congratulations to the following 8th grade students who participated in the Regional National History Day (NHD) Competition at UW-Eau Claire last Thursday: Jasmine Her;
Audrina Husom;
Heather Johnson;
Jenna Gregoire;
Alex Hoffmeister;
Casey Meyer;
Isaac Nichols;
Brendan Grey. Under the direction of Jack Blackburn, the students researched and prepared for NHD for the past eights weeks!
Brendan and Isaac qualified to compete in the state competition on May 5 in Madison. Their documentary titled " Josef Mengele; A Good Example of a Bad Example," was one of the top three at regionals. If you see them, wish them the best as they venture to Madison!
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| April 2, 2012 |
| Congratulations to Pedersen third graders who placed in the 2012 Wisconsin Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest! The students were selected from 624 entries from students in 47 schools:
Ashligne Paulson, 1st Place;
Natia Batz, 2nd Place;
Madelyn Hoepner, 2nd Place;
Brandon Scheidler, 3rd Place;
Olivia Midthun, Honorable Mention;
Morgan Dekan, Honorable Mention;
Nicholas Engen, Honorable Mention;
Connor Camlek, Honorable Mention;
Averie Varsho, Honorable Mention.
In addition fifth grade student Anna Haigh participated in the contest during her elementary tutoring time, and she received a 1st place award in her age group!
On another note, our school district has been asked to be a host site for the traveling display from October 12 to November 16.
About the Contest:
The 2012 Wisconsin contest drew 624 entries from students in 47 schools. Entries were from seven-year-olds in first grade, up to high school students whose work is of professional quality. The artwork is judged in four age classes and the best of show is selected from each class's first place entries. "There were so many amazingly detailed entries from all age groups this year. But what is perhaps more inspiring is the fact that 624 Wisconsin students have learned important lessons about the need to conserve wetland habitat through participating in the Junior Duck Stamp Program," said Daniel Peterson, Wisconsin Federal Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator.
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| March 2, 2012 |
| Fifth grade students, Linnea McClintock and Anna Haigh, have teamed up to write, cast and direct an all-female musical that hits the Grand Little Theatre stage Saturday afternoon. In fact, the entire 11-member crew comprises Altoona Middle School fifth-graders!
The musical, "A Gift Of Friendship," is based on typical youthful experiences of girls, and about "the greatest gift, friendship," Anna said.
Link to the Leader-Telegram story on Facebook!
Pack the House:
Curtains open at the Grand Little Theatre, 102 W Grand Avenue in Eau Claire at 2 PM tomorrow, March 2. Admission is $2.00. |
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| March 1, 2012 |
| Six Destination ImagiNation (DI) teams competed at regionals on February 25 in Prescott. Congratulations to all, and, in particular, to the two elementary and two high school teams that are advancing to state competition on April 14 in Stevens Point! The two middle school teams were eliminated in a large and tough field of competitors.
The eliminated middle school teams were:
DI team advised by Angi Goodwin: Jenna Berry, Kennedy Jafferi, Olivia Lang, Connor Schlenz, Noah Witte, and Carter Goodwin; and the DI team advised by Katrina Klatt: Emily Studinski, Emma Hoff, Lexi Klatt, Kennedy Marlaire, Emilie Powell, Anna Wislinsky, and Brooklyn Arbs.
Moving on to state competition are the elementary DI team advised by Tammy VanBlarcom and Melissa Martin: Ryan Chmelik, Sarah Kuenkel, Abigail Martin, Leah Olsen, Shawn VanBlarcom, Nick Campbell, Tim Campbell; and the DI team advised by Amy and Scott Thiede: Keelyn Marlaire, Andy Hoff, Morgan Parks, Riley Parks, Kira Thiede, Trevor Kempen, and Connor Camlek.
The high school DI teams that will be advancing are both advised by Kathy Kent: Team 1 consists of Graeson Colbert, Evan Peterson, Dustin Schleuz, Alex Begalske, Matt Campbell, Tristan Henning and Team 2: Hannah Johnson, Jason Kent, Matt Lehnen, Caleb Thill, Ben Wislinsky and Alex Kurth.
Congratulations to all and good luck at State! |
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| December 20, 2011 |
| More Holiday Memories!! Congratulations to Ethan Stewart and Logan Erickson! Both fourth-grade students also had their holiday memories published in the December 18 Leader Telegram.
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| December 19, 2011 |
| Two Pedersen students were chosen as winners of this year's Leader Telegram Holiday Memories contest.
Congratulations to fourth-grader Emily Boeck, the first-place winner in the fourth- and fifth-grade category and second-grader Kaden Kaio who placed first in the first-, second- and third-grade category! Their "Holiday Memories" were published in the December 18 Leader-Telegram Lifestyle section.
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| December 12, 2011 |
| Thank you Altoona High School Boys Basketball for your efforts raising money for the St. Francis Food Pantry! Last week, the team ran a coin drive and donated nearly $500 to the pantry. In addition, Mr. Lenz' high school classes raised $185, which was also donated to St. Francis! |
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| November 18, 2011 |
| Last spring 8th grade students embarked on a writing project focused on stories featuring their grandmothers. The project turned out a book entitled When "A Child Is Born, So Is A Hero" (165 pages, about 100 stories). Five of the stories were selected for the 2011/12 (8th edition) Poetica Grandma-tica, a book of, about, and by grandmothers of the Chippewa Valley! Congratulations to AHS freshmen Hannah Johnson, Katelyn Niesen, Whitney Hays, Sklar Witte, and Seiera Milbee, the authors of the five stories! The students, along with teachers Teri Cihasky and Shalyn Gagnon, and STEP worker Jack Blackburn, were recognized at the Author's Tea held on Tuesday! Poetica Grandma-tica is on sale at The Heyde Center for the Arts. |
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| October 12, 2011 |
| Anna Haigh, grade 5, the first place winner of the 2011 Division 3 (grades 4-5) WASB Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book contest was the honored guest at last night's Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Region 4 Fall Meeting! Along with her parents, Anna shared the evening with Pedersen teachers Donna Walther and Sandy Irwin, school board members, and Superintendent Fahrman. Anna received a savings bond and certificate, and her book, "The Day My Parents Shipped Me Off to Camp Miserable" was on display.
Photos have been uploaded to the district's facebook page.
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| October 6, 2011 |
| Published since 1998, "Promising Partnership Practices" features 108 practices nationwide - and one of them is ours! "Community Communication," by Juanita Peck, Partnership VISTA is included in the 2011 publication!
About "Promising Partnership Practices":
The National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) features activities of schools, districts, states, and organizations in annual books of Promising Partnership Practices. The collections, since 1998, include over 600 hundred good ideas from members of NNPS to improve family and community involvement linked to school improvement and student success.
To order: http://www.csos.jhu.edu/p2000/ppp/index.htm
About NNPS:
Educators, researchers, parents, students, and community members are working together in the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) at Johns Hopkins University to develop and maintain effective partnership programs. Schools, districts, state departments of education, education-oriented organizations, and university partners are invited to join NNPS for technical assistance in using research-based approaches to improve policies and practices of school, family, and community partnerships. |
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| September 12, 2011 |
| We are working smarter, not harder - and the elementary
school shares this example: This school year, Pedersen will save approximately 54,000 pieces of paper and 108,000 copies on their monthly newsletter alone! With the exception of 54 elementary families without email, they plan to send most notes and newsletters by email, saving even more time and resources! Way to go!
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| September 9, 2011 |
| Katie Carey, AHS junior and cancer survivor will speak at a ceremony today in Marshfield awarding a $100,000 grant to Marshfield Clinic from Hyundai's Hope on Wheels program to fight childhood cancer!
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| September 7, 2011 |
| In the spirit of our inservice with Jamie Vollmer, Bob Baldwin is delivering on one of the four "S"s - Share! This past Saturday the Altoona High School Band and Color Guard students marched at the Minnesota State Fair, which they have done annually since 1992 on Labor Day weekend. The Mighty Marching Rails represented our school and community with great pride and enthusiasm, and they looked and sounded great doing it!
Three photos have been shared on the district's facebook page!
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| August 29, 2011 |
| Congratulations to Anna Haigh, grade 5, the first place winner of the 2011 Division 3 (grades 4-5) WASB Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book contest! Anna's work was judged one of the best from among 387 entries.
Anna will receive a savings bond and certificate at the WASB Fall Regional Meeting on October 11. In addition, Anna's book, The Day My Parents Shipped Me Off to Camp Miserable, will be on display at the Fall Regional meetings around the state!
Nine fourth grade students participated in the 2011 contest. Our thanks to fourth grade teacher, Sandy Irwin; art teacher, Donna Walther, and volunteers including Anna's mom Sue Haigh for working with the students! |
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| June 6, 2011 |
| Congratulations to Altoona High School teacher Jessica Desautel, JA Teacher of the Year!
Jessica was the only "teacher of the year" selected by Junior Achievement Northwest District, which serves 18,000 students in 900 classrooms in Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Monroe, Pepin, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, and Washburn counties!
Jessica will receive her award at the June 22 Eau Claire Express game. |
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| June 6, 2011 |
| PBIS schools across Wisconsin have created a more positive environment for students and staff. Just 22 Wisconsin schools have been selected as Wisconsin PBIS Network Schools of Merit for the 2010/11 school year - and our own Pedersen Elementary and Altoona Middle schools are among them! Congratulations!
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| April 20, 2011 |
| Pedersen Elementary students participated once again
in the 2011 Wisconsin Junior Duck Stamp Contest. There were 833 entries from 49 Wisconsin schools competing. In their age group, a total of nine students from around the state will get their artwork published in the annual calendar. Out of the nine, our students received four of the awards, and an additional four honorable mentions!
Congratulations to 1st Place Winners: Kendrah Beranek and Trevor Kempen;
3rd Place Winners: Cade Richard and Gavin Strohkirch; and
Honorable Mentions: Evan Burgess, Chase Passon, Jessica Alfaro and Emma Seipel.
Click on the link to view the artwork.
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| April 13, 2011 |
| Altoona High School Personal Finance students took
the National Financial Challenge in early April. With more than 84,000 high school students participating, the average student score was 69 percent. Thirteen (13) Altoona students ranked in the top 20 percent: Naomi Poquette, Joe Sletner, Mitch Johnson, Justin Robinson, Tori Dexter, Sam Zimmerman, Luke Thill, Hollie Sell, David Scheppke, Paige Petska, Kendra Melsness, Zack Klatt and Jordan Behounek. In addition, three of the students Tori, Mitch and Justin, earned 39 out of 40 points to qualify them for possible scholarships. Congratulations to Mrs. Ostrander, Mrs. Gard, and our Personal Finance students! About the National Financial Capability Challenge:
http://www.challenge.treas.gov/about.aspx
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| April 6, 2011 |
| As part of their 3rd quarter NHD class, 33 middle school students participated at the National History Day competition on March 31. All of the students competing did an outstanding job - and five teams are moving on to state level competition on May 7 in Madison:
Skylar Witte - performance; Caleb Thill and Zach White - performance; Dalton Ystebo and Matt Berry - website; Jason Kent and Connor Olson - documentary; and Graeson Colbert - historical paper. Alternates are: Mariah Lima - performance, and Cole Kampa and Hank Stuttgen - website.
Congratulations to all!
Five Destination ImagiNation (DI) teams competed at regionals on April 2. For the first time ever, all teams have advanced to state competition on April 16 in Stevens Point!
DI team advised by Tammy VanBlarcom and Melissa Martin: Abigail Martin, Ryan Chmelik, Trevor Kempen, Sarah Kuenkel, Carson Hicks and Shawn VanBlarcom.
DI team advised by Scott and Melissa Eslinger: Emily Eslinger, Emilie Powell, Jenna Berry, Emma Hoff, Anna Wislinsky, Alexis Klatt and Kennedy Marlaire.
DI team advised by Angi Goodwin: Carter Goodwin, Calvin Goodwin, Isaac Colbert, Connor Schlenz, Jacob Hotvedt, Noah Druckery and Evan Peterson.
DI team advised by Zack Fugate: Graeson Colbert, Alex Begalske, Zach White, Alex Kurth, Ben Wislinsky and Matt Campbell.
DI team advised by Kathy Kent: Jason Kent, Kendall Kartaly, Julie Nelson, Hannah Johnson, Maria Auger, Caleb Thill and Matt Lehnen.
In addition, Graeson Colbert, Zach White, Alex Begalske, Alex Kurth, Matt Campbell, and Ben Wislinsky received the DI Spirit Award for their awesome teamwork and for achieving the highest score in the Instant Challenge category of the day!
Great job everyone! |
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| April 4, 2011 |
| Altoona Middle School teacher, Terri Hanson, has been selected as a 2011 Kohl Fellowship recipient! Terri will receive a $1,000 grant and be recognized at a regional luncheon on April 10. Fellowship recipients are chosen for their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, their ability to motivate others, and their leadership and service within and outside the classroom. Kohl awards are given to 100 teachers and their schools as well as 181 graduating high school students. Congratulations Terri! |
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| April 1, 2011 |
| Congratulations to fifth graders Jenna Boeck and Ellie Nodland for winning the Hallie Youth Optimist Club Essay Contest! They have helped the less fortunate and donated money to the Salvation Army and cancer research organizations, making our community a better place. Jenna and Ellie were honored Thursday morning at a breakfast held by the Optimist Club; they each received a certificate and $100 savings bond. Congratulations to Jenna and Ellie for giving so much back to people in our community! |
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| March 30, 2011 |
| Congratulations to Ryan Wundrow, kindergarten teacher and head coach for the State Champion Lady Rails basketball team. Ryan was named the 2010/11 Associated Press - Coach of the Year on Tuesday night! |
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| March 7, 2011 |
| The Altoona Youth Hockey Bantam team took the state title on March 6! Altoona students on the team are:
High School: Zach Fischer, Keegan Gutsch, Cody Schuch and Middle School: Brett Arbs, Bailey Decker, Evan Dexter, Alex Hermanson, Tanner Johnson, Cole Kampa, Kadin Machusak, Gabe Martin, Trent Peterson, Matt Vaughan. Congratulations Bantam team!
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| February 7, 2011 |
| Congratulations to 8th grade students, Connor Olson, Cole Kampa, Jason Kent and Graeson Colbert who qualified for State at the MATHCOUNTS Northwest Wisconsin competition on February 3! In the final round, Connor Olson finished 8th out of 156 competitors from 14 schools. Mrs. Hart and Mr. Schilling are extremely proud of all of the 12 students who made up the Altoona Middle School MATHCOUNTS Team. |
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| December 16, 2010 |
| Maria Auger, an 8th grade student at AMS was awarded the Young Citizenship Award by the Noon Exchange Club! Maria was one of five students in the area who received this award at a luncheon on December 8. The award is given to students who show good citizenship both in school and in the community. |
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| November 10, 2010 |
| Congratulations to Jay Johnson, high school head baseball coach, who has been unanimously chosen as the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) District 3 Coach of the Year! Jay will be receiving an award at the WBCA Clinic in Madison in February. |
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| October 21, 2010 |
| The WIAA recently passed on this positive report they received from an official: On Friday October 1, 2010 our football crew had the pleasure of officiating the game between Altoona High School and Neillsville.
We were very pleased with the positive attitudes of the players from both schools. During the contest we observed players from both teams helping each other up after tackles. The positive attitude exhibited by the players was refreshing to see. We had a running clock for most of the second half but this did not change the enthusiasm of the players. This contest saw very few major penalties and this can be attributed to the positive mental attitude of the players.
This contest exemplified what Friday night High School football should be. We would like to commend the players from both schools for the outstanding sportsmanship exhibited in this contest. --Thomas A. Ordens
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