Feature Focus
“Future Focus” is a periodic update as to the progress our
school district is making concerning student achievement, curriculum,
facilities, and school-community relations. “Future Focus” is intended to
engage the community we serve in a dialogue to look for ways to improve.“Future
Focus” is also intended to be two-way communication. Input, dialogue, and decision-making
are essential in discovering ways to improve. However, I realize whether it is
reading this information on our website, or reading our weekly Parent Update
sent home each week with our students for parents, or reading my monthly column
published by the Waterford Post; these are all one-way communications. There are
other opportunities to share your ideas for example at the monthly school board
meetings (held the third Monday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. in our
school library), or by attending any number of activities and events held at
school.
We want your input! We need your ideas! Please share them so our school district can become an even better one for our young people. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Pienkos
Superintendent
262-662-3466, ext. 161
[email protected]
Student Achievement:
• September 26, 2008 – Faculty/Staff Afternoon In-Service focusing on Knowledge and Concepts Examinations. Besides information on these important assessments, teachers reviewed previous test results in preparation to the administration of the WKCE tests in November.
• November, 2008 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in April/May.
• September, 2008 – “Star Gazing” recognition program implemented. The focus of the program is to “catch students doing the right thing.” Students receive certificate to take home, as well as a copy posted in multi-purpose room.
• September, 2008 – Bulldog Awards program implemented at monthly school board meetings recognizing students, staff, and community members for going above and beyond expectations.
• November, 2008 – Waterford Kiwanis Club partners with Washington-Caldwell to present honor roll certificates to students in grades 6,7 & 8, as well as B.U.G. (Bringing Up Grades) and Terrific Kids Program to students in Kindergarten through grade 5.
• January, 2009 – Talented & Gifted Program established.
• February, 2009 – Washington-Caldwell joins Whitewater Talented & Gifted Network.
• March, 2009 – Washington-Caldwell granted permission to establish a National Junior Honor Society. Our chapter is one of only 63 middle schools in the state with a NJHS chapter out of a total of 336. There are nearly 7,000 NJHS chapters nationwide.
• April, 2009 – School Board establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2009-2010 school year.
• September, 2009 – Washington-Caldwell partners with Waterford Kiwanis Club to establish student recognition programs for students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 (Terrific Kids Program) and Grades 3-5 (Bringing Up Grades/B.U.G. Program).
• November, 2010 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in April/May.
• April, 2010 – School Board reviews 2009-2010 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2010-2011 school year.
• September, 2010 – Washington-Caldwell continues its partnership withWaterford Kiwanis Club in establishing a K-Kids Chapter. K-Kids is a leadership opportunity for students in Grades 1-5.
• March, 2011 – Ms. Kelli Vogt, Media Technology/Alternative Education specialist, recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by the Herb Kohl Foundation.
• April, 2011 – School Board reviews 2010-2011 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2011-2012 school year. Added to these goals is a technology initiative.
• August, 2011 – Ms. Jill Saltzmann, Special Education Teacher/Athletic Director, appointed by School Board as school’s first Dean of Students.
• November, 2011 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in April/May.
• Washington-Caldwell selected to present an informational session at the Wisconsin Association of School Boards annual convention to be held in Milwaukee January 8-20, 2012. Session entitled: “The Little School District That Could . . . and Does!” The focus of the session will be on how Washington-Caldwell builds student achievement through partnering with local service organizations and agencies.
• May, 2012 – Ms. Jill Saltzmann, Special Education Teacher/Athletic Director, promoted from Dean of Students to Part-Time Assistant Principal.
• May, 2012 – School Board reviews 2011-2012 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2012-2013 school year. Technology initiative evolves to Innovation Goal.
• September, 2012 – Washington-Caldwell continues its partnership with the Waterford Area Kiwanis Club combining our school’s Student Council with Kiwanis “Builders Club” program for students in Grades 6-8.
• November, 2012 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in February/March, 2013.
• January, 2013 – Two middle school students are invited and participate in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Honors Band.
• May, 2013 – School Board reviews 2012-2013 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2013-2014 school year.
• September, 2013 – Ms. Jill Saltzmann, Special Education Teacher/Athletic Director promoted from Assistant Principal (50%) to Principal (50%).
• September, 2013 – Washington-Caldwell continues partnership with Waterford Area Kiwanis Club.
• November, 2013 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in March/April, 2014. Special emphasis placed on teacher, staff, and student focus on the importance of standardized testing.
• May, 2014 – School Board reviews 2013-2014 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2014-2015 school year.
Curriculum:
• September – May – Ongoing articulation meetings with Waterford Area Schools.
• September, 2008 – School board requests a curriculum inventory to take place.
• October, 2008 – Teachers surveyed regarding curriculums being taught.
• November, 2008 – Teachers meet at afternoon in-service to review progress being made.
• February, 2009 – Team of teachers meet with CESA 2 curriculum consultant to discuss curriculum process.
• February, 2009 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• September, 2009 – Teachers begin curriculum review.
• New report card format established incorporating traditional grades with state standards.
• February, 2010 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• September, 2010 – Teachers continue curriculum review with expected completion June, 2011.
• January, 2011 – Teachers begin process of establishing a consistent writing process across the curriculum.
• February, 2011 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• August, 2011 – Written and revised K-12 curriculums are published and posted on website. This two-year process met one of the school-wide goals established by the School Board.
• September, 2011 – 6 Traits Writing model adopted by teaching staff to provide consistency in student writing.
• January, 2012 – School Board approves 1:1 technology initiative placing iPods in the hands of all middle school students, Grades 6-8, for the start of the 2012-2013 school year.
• February, 2012 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• May, 2012 – Teachers begin work on Common Core Standards.
• Summer, 2012 – Teachers are inserviced regarding new iPads.
• 2012-2013 – iPads provided to all students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 to enhance their learning opportunities.
• Fall, 2012 – Team of teachers attend Technology conference in Wisconsin Dells to enhance technology instruction.
• Winter, 2013 – Team of teachers attend Technology Conference in Lincolnshire, IL to share and learn cutting-edge curriculum ideas related to 1:1 initiatives.
• Summer, 2013 – Teachers attended a Technology Conference at U.W.-Whitewater
• Summer, 2013 – Teachers attended a school-sponsored inservice focusing on Common Core Math facilitated by Kevin Anderson from CESA 2.
• Fall, 2013 – As part of a pilot program, Washington – Caldwell school staff receive instruction in the new Educator Effectiveness evaluation model to be implemented starting in the 2014-2015 school year.
• Summer, 2014 – Principal Jill Saltzman and Superintendent Mark Pienkos receive training in the Educator Effectiveness evaluation program. Both successfully complete a forty hour course and the Educator Effectiveness assessment allowing them to be teacher evaluators.
• Fall, 2014 – Teachers write their Student Learning Objectives and begin the process of evaluation through the Educator Effectiveness evaluation program.
Facilities:
• September 2, 2008 – First Day of the 2008-09 school year. Dr. Pienkos’ first day at Washington-Caldwell.
• Mid-September, 2008 – Pienkos becomes familiar with Highway 164 road project and its impact on school safety, as well as distractions to educational program.
• October, 2008 – Letter sent to the Department of Transportation requesting speed study on 164, as well as reduction of speed in front of school (request denied).
• November, 2008 – Traci Gengler, D.O.T. Highway 164 Project Manager, appears at School Board Meeting to explain road project and impact on our school.
• November, 2008 – Pienkos requests permission from school board to investigate ways to alleviate safety concerns, eliminate traffic distractions, (noise), ADA issues, and inefficient boilers. Architect Bill Henry from Kehoe-Henry & Associates (Elkhorn) was asked to provide facility concepts.
• January, 2009 – School Board discusses possible monetary settlement offered by D.O.T. School district legal counsel requested to negotiate with D.O.T.
• February, 2009 – Architect Henry presents initial building concepts to those present at the monthly committee meetings. These were preliminary ideas that the School Board will discuss at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 16. Community input is welcomed.
• March, 2009 - After discussions with the D.O.T., Highway 164 will jog slightly to the west of school avoiding the need for any building alterations.
• Summer, 2009 – New gym floor installed. The old tile floor was in disrepair and in some places unsafe. The new synthetic floor was chosen after several on-site visits to various schools, including Waterford Graded. Besides the new floor, the gym was painted, ceiling cleaned, and bleacher work completed.
• Late fall, 2009 – Minor roof repair done due to water leakage.
• Summer, 2010 – Two classrooms at the west end of the school were freshly painted.
• 2010 Annual Meeting – $25,000 Sinking Fund established by the School District. Electors present heard a report and recommendation by Superintendent Pienkos as to the need to begin building a fund to deal with necessary future building repairs. The plan is to continue to request electors at future Annual Meetings of the School District to designate funds towards this Sinking Fund.
• Investigating the possibility of replacing one of two school boilers due to constant repair, parts replacement, and energy inefficiencies.
• Summer, 2011 – Girls & Boys bathrooms renovated near 2ndExterior painting of old one-room Washington School competed. Exterior painting of doors completed. New double-pane, energy efficient exterior windows installed in Kindergarten hallway. New interior windows installed in reading room. Following state and federal guidelines, water fountain re-installed in multi-purpose room (cafeteria).
• 2011 Annual Meeting – $25,000 added to existing Sinking Fund.
• September, 2011 – Investigation begins to determine costs/timeline associated with parking lot and playground resurfacing.
• September, 2011 – culvert repair in parking lot completed.
• February, 2012 – School Board approves the establishment of “Request for Proposals” regarding boiler replacement, possibly to be done in the summer of 2012. The purpose of this project is to replace an outdated boiler with a much more fuel efficient one.
• Summer, 2012 – New more energy-efficient boiler installed.
• Middle school classrooms painted and carpeted.
• Computer lab, now called “Innovation Center”, is redesigned. New carpeting is installed, as well as room painted. Computers are placed on the perimeter of the room for additional learning opportunities.
• School is re-keyed for safety considerations.
• August, 2012 – School Board decides to utilize “Focus on Energy” rebates to retrofit lighting throughout the school. Also, the multi-purpose room will have a drop ceiling installed, as well as painted. All of these projects will save precious energy dollars. Projected energy savings over the next four years will pay for the cost of the project.
• September, 2013 – $28,000 added to existing Sinking Fund.
• September, 2013 – Utility work preceding Highway 164 Road Project begins.
• February, 2013 – Preliminary discussions on repaving/resurfacing parking lot and playground areas.
• Spring, 2013 – Highway 164 Road Project set to begin.
• Summer, 2013 – Re-carpeting of the main hallway, one classroom and the main office took place. Tile was installed in the staff workroom, as well two entrance foyers. Some minor asbestos abatement took place for the safety of everyone in school. Also, several classrooms were painted. The bathrooms on the west side of the school were renovated. Finally, cement work took place by an entrance to be used by students as we will be instituting new dismissal procedures in the fall to promote safety for our students.
• Summer, 2014 – Preparing for major resurfacing of parking lot and playground areas. Monies to pay for these projects have been accumulated through a Capital Expansion Fund.
• Fall, 2014 – Summer projects completed including asphalt re-surfacing of our parking lots and playgrounds; new woodchips placed on our K-5 playground area; painting of hallways; installation of touch-free paper dispensers in boys and girls bathrooms; and stripping and waxing of tiled hallways, stage, and science classroom.
• October, 2014 – new electronic outdoor sign installed. This sign replaces the manual sign installed in 1999 that was in need of major repairs.
School-Community Relations:
• October, 2008-Present – Informational columns written by Dr. Mark Pienkos,Superintendent/Principal, begin being published periodically in the Waterford Post.
• October, 2008-Present – Waterford Post notified on a regular basis regarding the various school activities happening at school along with accompanying story/caption and photos.
• November, 2008 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• February, 2011 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• September, 2010 – The first issue of The Report, a Washington-Caldwell School District newsletter, is mailed to all district residents.
• September, 2010 – District Safety Committee established: Town of Waterford Police Chief, Tom Ditscheit; Tichigan Fire Department Chief, Todd Bluhm; Dousmann Transport Company representatives, Rob Nelson & Laurie Moser; Waterford High School Principal, Eric Blake; Rachelle Bartels (school social worker), Kay Borgwardt (assistant business manager), Mandy Fiehweg (teacher’s aide), Jill Saltzmann (teacher), Fred Vergenz (custodian), Charmaine Wegner (teacher), Katie Witzeling (school counselor). Committee to meet 3-4 times to discuss school safety, procedures, and safety drills (fire, tornado, and lock-down).
• November, 2010 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• January, 2011 – The second issue of The Report school district newsletter is mailed to all district residents.
• February, 2011 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• November, 2011 – Parent pamphlets created for distribution at fall Parent-Teacher Conferences to be held in November. The pamphlet explains to parents how to effectively utilize and maximize Parent-Teacher Conferences.
• November, 2011 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• January, 2012 – Promotional poster is developed to alert parents regarding the many advantages to send their children to Washington-Caldwell. This coincides with the Open Enrollment window in Wisconsin (February 6-April 30, 2012).
• January, 2012 – Promotional pamphlet highlighting comments of past graduates of Washington-Caldwell is produced. This coincides with the Open Enrollment window in Wisconsin (February 6-April 30, 2012).
• February, 2012 – The third issue of The Report school district newsletter is mailed to all district residents.
• February, 2012 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• May 16, 2012 – Over 175 people are served during the annual “Senior Brunch” provided to area residents.
• October, 2012 – Communications to parents regarding the soon to to be released Wisconsin School Report Card.
• October, 2012 – School Report Card, released by the Department of Public Instruction, is posted on our school website.
• February, 2013 – Informational column written by Dr. Mark Pienkos published in Waterford Post.
• February, 2013 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• September, 2013 – School Report Cards for Wisconsin released. Washington-Caldwell received a score of 72 or “Meets Expectations.”
• October, 2013 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• February, 2014 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• September, 2014 – School Report Cards for Wisconsin released. Washington-Caldwell received a score of 77.9 or “Exceeds Expectations.”
• October, 2014 – Washington – Caldwell is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a Title I “High Progress School.” Ms. Kelli Vogt and Mark Pienkos attended a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Madison.
• October, 2014 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
We want your input! We need your ideas! Please share them so our school district can become an even better one for our young people. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Pienkos
Superintendent
262-662-3466, ext. 161
[email protected]
Student Achievement:
• September 26, 2008 – Faculty/Staff Afternoon In-Service focusing on Knowledge and Concepts Examinations. Besides information on these important assessments, teachers reviewed previous test results in preparation to the administration of the WKCE tests in November.
• November, 2008 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in April/May.
• September, 2008 – “Star Gazing” recognition program implemented. The focus of the program is to “catch students doing the right thing.” Students receive certificate to take home, as well as a copy posted in multi-purpose room.
• September, 2008 – Bulldog Awards program implemented at monthly school board meetings recognizing students, staff, and community members for going above and beyond expectations.
• November, 2008 – Waterford Kiwanis Club partners with Washington-Caldwell to present honor roll certificates to students in grades 6,7 & 8, as well as B.U.G. (Bringing Up Grades) and Terrific Kids Program to students in Kindergarten through grade 5.
• January, 2009 – Talented & Gifted Program established.
• February, 2009 – Washington-Caldwell joins Whitewater Talented & Gifted Network.
• March, 2009 – Washington-Caldwell granted permission to establish a National Junior Honor Society. Our chapter is one of only 63 middle schools in the state with a NJHS chapter out of a total of 336. There are nearly 7,000 NJHS chapters nationwide.
• April, 2009 – School Board establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2009-2010 school year.
• September, 2009 – Washington-Caldwell partners with Waterford Kiwanis Club to establish student recognition programs for students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 (Terrific Kids Program) and Grades 3-5 (Bringing Up Grades/B.U.G. Program).
• November, 2010 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in April/May.
• April, 2010 – School Board reviews 2009-2010 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2010-2011 school year.
• September, 2010 – Washington-Caldwell continues its partnership withWaterford Kiwanis Club in establishing a K-Kids Chapter. K-Kids is a leadership opportunity for students in Grades 1-5.
• March, 2011 – Ms. Kelli Vogt, Media Technology/Alternative Education specialist, recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by the Herb Kohl Foundation.
• April, 2011 – School Board reviews 2010-2011 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2011-2012 school year. Added to these goals is a technology initiative.
• August, 2011 – Ms. Jill Saltzmann, Special Education Teacher/Athletic Director, appointed by School Board as school’s first Dean of Students.
• November, 2011 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in April/May.
• Washington-Caldwell selected to present an informational session at the Wisconsin Association of School Boards annual convention to be held in Milwaukee January 8-20, 2012. Session entitled: “The Little School District That Could . . . and Does!” The focus of the session will be on how Washington-Caldwell builds student achievement through partnering with local service organizations and agencies.
• May, 2012 – Ms. Jill Saltzmann, Special Education Teacher/Athletic Director, promoted from Dean of Students to Part-Time Assistant Principal.
• May, 2012 – School Board reviews 2011-2012 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2012-2013 school year. Technology initiative evolves to Innovation Goal.
• September, 2012 – Washington-Caldwell continues its partnership with the Waterford Area Kiwanis Club combining our school’s Student Council with Kiwanis “Builders Club” program for students in Grades 6-8.
• November, 2012 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in February/March, 2013.
• January, 2013 – Two middle school students are invited and participate in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Honors Band.
• May, 2013 – School Board reviews 2012-2013 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2013-2014 school year.
• September, 2013 – Ms. Jill Saltzmann, Special Education Teacher/Athletic Director promoted from Assistant Principal (50%) to Principal (50%).
• September, 2013 – Washington-Caldwell continues partnership with Waterford Area Kiwanis Club.
• November, 2013 – WKCE tests administered. Results expected in March/April, 2014. Special emphasis placed on teacher, staff, and student focus on the importance of standardized testing.
• May, 2014 – School Board reviews 2013-2014 goals and establishes “School-Wide Goals” for 2014-2015 school year.
Curriculum:
• September – May – Ongoing articulation meetings with Waterford Area Schools.
• September, 2008 – School board requests a curriculum inventory to take place.
• October, 2008 – Teachers surveyed regarding curriculums being taught.
• November, 2008 – Teachers meet at afternoon in-service to review progress being made.
• February, 2009 – Team of teachers meet with CESA 2 curriculum consultant to discuss curriculum process.
• February, 2009 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• September, 2009 – Teachers begin curriculum review.
• New report card format established incorporating traditional grades with state standards.
• February, 2010 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• September, 2010 – Teachers continue curriculum review with expected completion June, 2011.
• January, 2011 – Teachers begin process of establishing a consistent writing process across the curriculum.
• February, 2011 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• August, 2011 – Written and revised K-12 curriculums are published and posted on website. This two-year process met one of the school-wide goals established by the School Board.
• September, 2011 – 6 Traits Writing model adopted by teaching staff to provide consistency in student writing.
• January, 2012 – School Board approves 1:1 technology initiative placing iPods in the hands of all middle school students, Grades 6-8, for the start of the 2012-2013 school year.
• February, 2012 – Teachers attend Waterford Area inservice day.
• May, 2012 – Teachers begin work on Common Core Standards.
• Summer, 2012 – Teachers are inserviced regarding new iPads.
• 2012-2013 – iPads provided to all students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 to enhance their learning opportunities.
• Fall, 2012 – Team of teachers attend Technology conference in Wisconsin Dells to enhance technology instruction.
• Winter, 2013 – Team of teachers attend Technology Conference in Lincolnshire, IL to share and learn cutting-edge curriculum ideas related to 1:1 initiatives.
• Summer, 2013 – Teachers attended a Technology Conference at U.W.-Whitewater
• Summer, 2013 – Teachers attended a school-sponsored inservice focusing on Common Core Math facilitated by Kevin Anderson from CESA 2.
• Fall, 2013 – As part of a pilot program, Washington – Caldwell school staff receive instruction in the new Educator Effectiveness evaluation model to be implemented starting in the 2014-2015 school year.
• Summer, 2014 – Principal Jill Saltzman and Superintendent Mark Pienkos receive training in the Educator Effectiveness evaluation program. Both successfully complete a forty hour course and the Educator Effectiveness assessment allowing them to be teacher evaluators.
• Fall, 2014 – Teachers write their Student Learning Objectives and begin the process of evaluation through the Educator Effectiveness evaluation program.
Facilities:
• September 2, 2008 – First Day of the 2008-09 school year. Dr. Pienkos’ first day at Washington-Caldwell.
• Mid-September, 2008 – Pienkos becomes familiar with Highway 164 road project and its impact on school safety, as well as distractions to educational program.
• October, 2008 – Letter sent to the Department of Transportation requesting speed study on 164, as well as reduction of speed in front of school (request denied).
• November, 2008 – Traci Gengler, D.O.T. Highway 164 Project Manager, appears at School Board Meeting to explain road project and impact on our school.
• November, 2008 – Pienkos requests permission from school board to investigate ways to alleviate safety concerns, eliminate traffic distractions, (noise), ADA issues, and inefficient boilers. Architect Bill Henry from Kehoe-Henry & Associates (Elkhorn) was asked to provide facility concepts.
• January, 2009 – School Board discusses possible monetary settlement offered by D.O.T. School district legal counsel requested to negotiate with D.O.T.
• February, 2009 – Architect Henry presents initial building concepts to those present at the monthly committee meetings. These were preliminary ideas that the School Board will discuss at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 16. Community input is welcomed.
• March, 2009 - After discussions with the D.O.T., Highway 164 will jog slightly to the west of school avoiding the need for any building alterations.
• Summer, 2009 – New gym floor installed. The old tile floor was in disrepair and in some places unsafe. The new synthetic floor was chosen after several on-site visits to various schools, including Waterford Graded. Besides the new floor, the gym was painted, ceiling cleaned, and bleacher work completed.
• Late fall, 2009 – Minor roof repair done due to water leakage.
• Summer, 2010 – Two classrooms at the west end of the school were freshly painted.
• 2010 Annual Meeting – $25,000 Sinking Fund established by the School District. Electors present heard a report and recommendation by Superintendent Pienkos as to the need to begin building a fund to deal with necessary future building repairs. The plan is to continue to request electors at future Annual Meetings of the School District to designate funds towards this Sinking Fund.
• Investigating the possibility of replacing one of two school boilers due to constant repair, parts replacement, and energy inefficiencies.
• Summer, 2011 – Girls & Boys bathrooms renovated near 2ndExterior painting of old one-room Washington School competed. Exterior painting of doors completed. New double-pane, energy efficient exterior windows installed in Kindergarten hallway. New interior windows installed in reading room. Following state and federal guidelines, water fountain re-installed in multi-purpose room (cafeteria).
• 2011 Annual Meeting – $25,000 added to existing Sinking Fund.
• September, 2011 – Investigation begins to determine costs/timeline associated with parking lot and playground resurfacing.
• September, 2011 – culvert repair in parking lot completed.
• February, 2012 – School Board approves the establishment of “Request for Proposals” regarding boiler replacement, possibly to be done in the summer of 2012. The purpose of this project is to replace an outdated boiler with a much more fuel efficient one.
• Summer, 2012 – New more energy-efficient boiler installed.
• Middle school classrooms painted and carpeted.
• Computer lab, now called “Innovation Center”, is redesigned. New carpeting is installed, as well as room painted. Computers are placed on the perimeter of the room for additional learning opportunities.
• School is re-keyed for safety considerations.
• August, 2012 – School Board decides to utilize “Focus on Energy” rebates to retrofit lighting throughout the school. Also, the multi-purpose room will have a drop ceiling installed, as well as painted. All of these projects will save precious energy dollars. Projected energy savings over the next four years will pay for the cost of the project.
• September, 2013 – $28,000 added to existing Sinking Fund.
• September, 2013 – Utility work preceding Highway 164 Road Project begins.
• February, 2013 – Preliminary discussions on repaving/resurfacing parking lot and playground areas.
• Spring, 2013 – Highway 164 Road Project set to begin.
• Summer, 2013 – Re-carpeting of the main hallway, one classroom and the main office took place. Tile was installed in the staff workroom, as well two entrance foyers. Some minor asbestos abatement took place for the safety of everyone in school. Also, several classrooms were painted. The bathrooms on the west side of the school were renovated. Finally, cement work took place by an entrance to be used by students as we will be instituting new dismissal procedures in the fall to promote safety for our students.
• Summer, 2014 – Preparing for major resurfacing of parking lot and playground areas. Monies to pay for these projects have been accumulated through a Capital Expansion Fund.
• Fall, 2014 – Summer projects completed including asphalt re-surfacing of our parking lots and playgrounds; new woodchips placed on our K-5 playground area; painting of hallways; installation of touch-free paper dispensers in boys and girls bathrooms; and stripping and waxing of tiled hallways, stage, and science classroom.
• October, 2014 – new electronic outdoor sign installed. This sign replaces the manual sign installed in 1999 that was in need of major repairs.
School-Community Relations:
• October, 2008-Present – Informational columns written by Dr. Mark Pienkos,Superintendent/Principal, begin being published periodically in the Waterford Post.
• October, 2008-Present – Waterford Post notified on a regular basis regarding the various school activities happening at school along with accompanying story/caption and photos.
• November, 2008 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• February, 2011 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• September, 2010 – The first issue of The Report, a Washington-Caldwell School District newsletter, is mailed to all district residents.
• September, 2010 – District Safety Committee established: Town of Waterford Police Chief, Tom Ditscheit; Tichigan Fire Department Chief, Todd Bluhm; Dousmann Transport Company representatives, Rob Nelson & Laurie Moser; Waterford High School Principal, Eric Blake; Rachelle Bartels (school social worker), Kay Borgwardt (assistant business manager), Mandy Fiehweg (teacher’s aide), Jill Saltzmann (teacher), Fred Vergenz (custodian), Charmaine Wegner (teacher), Katie Witzeling (school counselor). Committee to meet 3-4 times to discuss school safety, procedures, and safety drills (fire, tornado, and lock-down).
• November, 2010 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• January, 2011 – The second issue of The Report school district newsletter is mailed to all district residents.
• February, 2011 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• November, 2011 – Parent pamphlets created for distribution at fall Parent-Teacher Conferences to be held in November. The pamphlet explains to parents how to effectively utilize and maximize Parent-Teacher Conferences.
• November, 2011 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• January, 2012 – Promotional poster is developed to alert parents regarding the many advantages to send their children to Washington-Caldwell. This coincides with the Open Enrollment window in Wisconsin (February 6-April 30, 2012).
• January, 2012 – Promotional pamphlet highlighting comments of past graduates of Washington-Caldwell is produced. This coincides with the Open Enrollment window in Wisconsin (February 6-April 30, 2012).
• February, 2012 – The third issue of The Report school district newsletter is mailed to all district residents.
• February, 2012 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• May 16, 2012 – Over 175 people are served during the annual “Senior Brunch” provided to area residents.
• October, 2012 – Communications to parents regarding the soon to to be released Wisconsin School Report Card.
• October, 2012 – School Report Card, released by the Department of Public Instruction, is posted on our school website.
• February, 2013 – Informational column written by Dr. Mark Pienkos published in Waterford Post.
• February, 2013 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• September, 2013 – School Report Cards for Wisconsin released. Washington-Caldwell received a score of 72 or “Meets Expectations.”
• October, 2013 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• February, 2014 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.
• September, 2014 – School Report Cards for Wisconsin released. Washington-Caldwell received a score of 77.9 or “Exceeds Expectations.”
• October, 2014 – Washington – Caldwell is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a Title I “High Progress School.” Ms. Kelli Vogt and Mark Pienkos attended a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Madison.
• October, 2014 – Parent-Teacher Conferences held.