Wisconsin Education NewsMay 12, 2025A daily update of education news and events that are taking place around Wisconsin. Oconto school district joins others across US warning of dangerous TikTok Chromebook trend Oconto Unified School District has joined school districts throughout the country warning students against attempting a dangerous TikTok trend that could cause serious injury and damage to school property. The School District of Rhinelander on May 5 issued a press release with regard to an update on the Hodag Dome repairs. On March 30, the dome sustained damage and partially deflated from severe weather. It was subsequently deflated in its entirety and the community was forced to wait until snow melted for the company who constructed it, Arizon, to begin repairs. Neenah schools warn of students trying to short-circuit Chromebooks NEENAH, Wis. (WBAY) - A warning about another dangerous and costly TikTok trend. This stern warning is from Neenah school officials, but it’s a trend that’s happening across the country. It involves students inserting paper clips, push pins, mechanical pencil lead, or metallic gum wrappers into the Chromebook USB ports. How will AmeriCorps cuts affect Wisconsin students? Some see cuts, shutdowns ahead On April 29, Wisconsin joined a multistate lawsuit alleging the AmeriCorps cuts will “inflict immediate and irreparable harms” to people nationwide. With many of those cuts made to programs interwoven with the education system in Wisconsin, and the state budget for next year not yet set, it's not clear what the future holds for these programs. Wausau community bids a final farewell to Grant Elementary School WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - On Thursday, staff, alumni, and community members gathered at the Wausau School District’s Grant Elementary School to say one final goodbye to the school before its doors close for good at the end of this school year. After 115 years of educating Wausau students, Grant Elementary School is closing as part of the Wausau School District’s Elementary School consolidation plan. Waterford Union investigating alleged racist comments at high school track meet Waterford Union High School District superintendent Luke Francois says the district is aware of and investigating concerns raised of what it called "inappropriate comments directed at (Milwaukee) Rufus King students" during a track meet held at Waterford Union High School on May 7. SASD Seeking Help in Reforestation Efforts The Sheboygan Area School District is doing its part to plant more trees along with other local organizations. Restoration of Our Trees-Sheboygan (ROOTS) and the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) have partnered with the SASD to plant 95 trees at schools in the district on Saturday (May 10th). School board OKs office renovation for onsite clinic The Verona Area School District’s (VASD) Central Office is going to look less like an administrative building – and more like a medical clinic – come fall. During a Monday, May 5 meeting, Board of Education members approved a plan to renovate the lower level of the central office building into an SSM Health clinic for employees and their families. Madison program strengthens community bonds with service dogs during crises MADISON (WKOW) -- A local program in Madison is helping to foster a remarkable bond between humans and service dogs. Custom Canines launched a new Crisis Assistance and Response Enhancement (CARE) team to improve how the community responds to emergencies. The program was made possible by funding from Dean Health Plan by Medica. State special education funding in the spotlight with federal support in flux Wisconsin’s special education reimbursement rate has been a concern for public school advocates for many years, but with districts’ reliance on school referendum requests increasing and federal support in doubt, the state’s reimbursement rate is quickly becoming one of the top issues this budget cycle. MASD warns of TikTok challenge involving Chromebooks MUKWONAGO — The Mukwonago Area School District sent a message to parents about a dangerous TikTok trend impacting schools locally and nationally. There is a trend where students are sticking paper clips, pencil graphite, or other items into the USB ports of school-issued Chromebooks in an attempt to cause an electrical short within the device. This can potentially destroy the device or even start a fire, according to Kelly Kovnesky, MASD I.T. director. Oconomowoc Area School District’s Maroo named School Facilities Manager of the Year OCONOMOWOC — Greg Maroo, director of Buildings and Grounds for the Oconomowoc Area School District, has been selected as the 2025 Facility Manager of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials. The award was created to recognize the outstanding contributions of recipients to their local school districts, community and to the school facilities management profession. What to know about MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius' cuts to central office Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius has announced cuts to the district’s academic office – one of her first major moves since becoming superintendent in March. Here's what we know about Cassellius' plan. School district renews staff insurance benefits May 8, 2025 16 mins ago The Amery School District will be saving some money when they renew health insurance for the staff. Renewals are projected to be about 4% lower than what was budgeted last year as part of a two year agreement, saving up to $200,000 for the district. Southern Door Talks District Finances at Community Roundtable A few months after the Southern Door County School District’s decision not to seek a referendum in the April 2025 special election due to a lack of community support, district administrators are hard at work increasing budget transparency. On Tuesday, April 29, over 60 Southern Door staff, students, families and community members came together in the Eagle Gym to learn more about the school funding process and talk about possible paths forward for the district. Teachers working in the Milwaukee school district’s central office will be moved into classrooms next school year to help address academic outcomes in the struggling district. Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius announced the changes Wednesday in a letter to staff. In total, 181 job changes will be made under Cassellius’ plan. Adopt a grandma: High school seniors stepping up to help Oconomowoc seniors with tech problems OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — When older people have problems with their phones or computers, they often rely on their children or grandchildren for help. But for seniors without family nearby, getting tech assistance can be challenging. A program at Oconomowoc High School is addressing this need by connecting students with residents at Shorehaven Senior Living. An Onalaska school hopes to bridge the bike-riding gap between students ONALASKA, Wis. (WXOW) – Learning to ride a bike is not a privilege everyone has, but one grant from the Onalaska Education Foundation hopes to change that. "Not all kids have a bike," said Allyson Borst, a kindergarten teacher at Irving Pertzsch Elementary. "Being able to give them that opportunity at school and help them be successful bike riders because that's a life-long skill that they'll be able to take into adulthood." GOP Legislators Push Mandated School Access for Military Recruiters Republican lawmakers are seeking to give military recruiters and youth organizations a boost from the state when it comes to reaching students in public schools, saying that some school districts aren’t giving the organizations equal access. MADISON — As the Wisconsin State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance begins executive sessions on the 2025-27 Biennial Budget today, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly is once again calling on lawmakers to make a meaningful investment in Wisconsin’s public schools. Tony Evers rips 'do-nothing Legislature' after Republicans strip hundreds of budget items MADISON – Republicans on the powerful finance committee voted to eliminate hundreds of items from the state budget, prompting Gov. Tony Evers to blast the "do-nothing Legislature" as ignoring Wisconsinites. Evers expressed frustration with Republicans in a statement in which he said the majority party isn't listening to the public. MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released a statement blasting Republican lawmakers, including members of the state budget committee, who today are poised to gut Gov. Evers’ proposed two-year state budget—the most pro-kid budget in state history—during 2025 the Year of the Kid. Republican lawmakers later today are set to vote to strip more than 600 proposals from Gov. Evers’ pro-kid budget. Traffic safety study proposed for Waunakee High School campus The idea of a traffic and safety study of the Waunakee High School campus is being considered, as the school district weighs what to do with its current middle school. First, though, a decision is looming on whether to shuttle high school students between the two buildings for classes starting Sept. 1, 2026. Appleton food truck rally supports inclusive arts program APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Appleton Area School District raised money for its arts program with a food truck rally on Friday night. Several local food trucks were parked at the Janet Berry Elementary School playground. The event also featured an obstacle course, petting zoo, face painting, and a bake sale. Neillsville District Administrator Discusses Items from April/May Board Meetings The Neillsville School Board recently held their monthly meeting for April, as well as a re-organizational meeting after the April election. I spoke with Neillsville District Administrator John Gaier and he discussed items from the April 21st monthly meeting and the re-organizational meeting, which was held May 5th, after being rescheduled from April 28th due to some severe weather. MISD eyes cultural immersion middle school Menominee Indian School District is planning to develop a charter school for middle school students, using Menominee culture and language as a foundation for learning. The district currently has a charter school in place for elementary age children, Kaehkenawapahtaeq, which was started three years ago. Officials hope to have the new school in place by 2028, when Kaehkenawapahtaeq’s founding kindergarten class would be transitioning from fifth grade to sixth. MPSD Reaches Milestone in Rising Phoenix Program The Manitowoc Public School District has reached a milestone with a program through UW-Green Bay. Superintendent Lee Thennes said on the WCUB Breakfast Club that 100 students have enrolled in the Rising Phoenix program, which helps students finish high school well getting them a head start in college. State budget listening sessions attract hundreds; here are the top three issues the public raised The Joint Finance Committee has wrapped up its budget listening sessions around the state, and lawmakers will soon begin writing their own two-year budget for 2025-27, likely after throwing out Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ budget recommendations. The public hearings — held in Hayward, West Allis, Wausau and Kaukauna — were attended by hundreds of residents who voiced their budget concerns and requests to the Republican-controlled committee. Project GRILL helps Fond du Lac County students learn valuable skills, prep for the future FOND DU LAC (WLUK) -- A program that bridges education and hands-on manufacturing is helping high school students get ready for their future. Project GRILL was launched in 2008 by Envision Greater Fond du Lac. The program is now in its 17th year of partnering local schools and businesses for a unique project-based learning experience. MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Montessori School reached a $290,000 settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) due to claims of discrimination against children with disabilities. According to the DOJ, since at least 2018, the school has expelled and refused to admit disabled children on the basis of their disability; repeatedly sent disabled students to the office or home early because of “manifestations of their disabilities”; sat disabled students separately from other students; and “failed to make reasonable modifications for disabled children.” Farm To School Council Accepting Nominations The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting nominations for the Farm to School Advisory Council until 11:59 pm on May 15. Check out: Milwaukee-area school districts sound alarm as dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge' spreads MILWAUKEE — School leaders across southeastern Wisconsin are warning parents about a national TikTok trend that poses serious risks to safety and school property. The trend, known online as the “Chromebook Challenge,” involves students inserting small metal objects like paper clips, pencil leads, or pushpins into Chromebook charging ports or internal components. Wisconsin Dells School District offers hands-on learning through on-campus farm WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WMTV) -The Wisconsin Dells School District offers a unique hands-on learning experience through its on-campus farm. Students learn about agriculture and help to upkeep the needs of the farm. The district hosted AG Day on its farm for third and fifth graders. MONROE — On May 7, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and the School District of Monroe held an open house celebrating another successful year for the Home Construction Cooperative program. This program provides skills training in residential construction for the Monroe High School skilled trades LAUNCH students and provides solutions for long-standing housing shortages in the county. Red Raiders Robotics team took part in Rockets for Schools Red Raiders Robotics took part in the Rockets for Schools rocket launch and program held at Blue Harbor Resort Conference Center Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. Conservation education for local school students continues at Honey Creek Park MONROE — Six classes of eager fifth grade students from Juda and Monroe’s Northside, Abe Lincoln, and St. Victor’s Schools participated in the Green County Land and Water Conservation’s biannual Youth Conservation Day. The event was held at Honey Creek Park on Monroe’s west side on Wednesday, May 7. Classes rotated through stations set up around the park. Horicon Bank Given Child Advocacy Award (Horicon) Horicon Bank was recently recognized for their dedication to child advocacy. The business received the WASDA Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award following a nomination from Horicon School District Superintendent Rich Appel. Oshkosh West High School commemorates Tom Lynch with dedication of school theater OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Tom Lynch, a cherished educator and drama coach, was honored on Saturday in a heartfelt dedication ceremony, naming the Oshkosh West High School theater after him. It was a celebration of the lasting impact Lynch had on the Oshkosh Area School District and community. Drying clay, fabric dye and DIY graduation awards reminiscent of Oscars trophies. Those elements — and other, similar components — all contribute to Starr Elementary art instructor Laura Rahn's classroom. This year, that culminated in her winning Artsonia's 2025 Art Education Leadership Award. With the award, Artsonia, a collection of student art as published by teachers, looks to recognize visionaries in the art education community as portrayed through their online school galleries.
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