The Gresham Scholarship Fund (GSF) awards a limited number of community scholarships each year to qualifying members of the Gresham community.

To get the details and an application form go to www.cffoxvalley.org/scholarships and click the link “College and Non-Traditional.” Then look for “Gresham Community Scholarship.” The deadline for applications is June 30.

Arthur Ward, a 1986 graduate of Gresham High School, was awarded one of the community scholarships recently and carries a cumulative 3.735 grade point average at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he is a senior. Ward is studying for a Bachelor of Applied Studies in integrative leadership studies with two areas of emphasis, applied communications and environmental policies.

“I just can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate my scholarship and how much I endorse what the Gresham Scholarship Fund has been, and is, doing for the Gresham community,” Ward said. “It’s never too late to go back to school.”

Ward will be graduating within the year with high honors.

In addition to the community scholarships, GSF currently awards a $1,750 scholarship to all Gresham High School graduates who apply and have a “C” or better average. The scholarship can be applied to college or trade school.

You might know him as Bill Jartz, news anchor, or as the “Voice of Lambeau Field.” Folks around Clintonville might remember him as Bill Schmidt, salutatorian of the Class of 1976.

Regardless, the man now has another name: Alumnus Honoris 2018, the highest award that can be given to a Clintonville High School graduate.

Schmidt was given the honor at the 133rd annual commencement exercises May 26 at Clintonville High School. In his address to the Class of 2018, Schmidt told the graduates to “find something you love and put your heart into it — no matter what it is.”

Schmidt grew up on a small farm near the Clintonville airport. His father was employed at FWD as a machinist. He recalls his father always telling him to make a difference, help others and leave the world a better place than you found it.

When Schmidt was just 12 years old and in the seventh grade, his father died suddenly.

“I had to grow up in a hurry as I took on more responsibilities to help my mother and my sister, Vicki,” he recalled.

“A boy needs a dad in his life. I give credit to some of the neighbors for helping me and keeping me on the right path,” he said. Some of the positive direction in his life also came from being a member of the Woodland Badger 4-H Club, he said, where he earned a blue ribbon for showing his calf at the Waupaca County Fair.

He also became active in sports — basketball, at first, then football. While Schmidt said his dad had been more of a hunting and fishing kind of a guy, he was grateful for the influence of coaches like Jim Schwentner and Bruce Parkovich, who were positive male role models.

“They taught me to get involved and play the game, meet people and get involved in the community,” he said. “I didn’t know it at the time, but Coach Parkovich was trying to prepare me to maybe get a scholarship. School had not been a big challenge.”

Schmidt was recruited by several colleges, but he decided to attend Northwestern University on a football scholarship. He then graduated with a degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism. Earlier in his lifetime, he had considered being a lawyer, veterinarian or an auctioneer as he remembered Francis O’Connor, of Clintonville, whom he admired.

A couple of weeks after graduation, he landed his first job at television station WSAU (now WSAW) as sports anchor and reporter.

“I interviewed with Mark Zelich of Channel 7, and he remembered me when I made the Channel 7 All-State Football team in 1975. I remember my interview was awful, but I did land the job,” said Schmidt.

Later, in 1983, he started as a weekend sports anchor/reporter with WBAY in Green Bay. Since there already was a local reporter with the last name Schmidt, he had to come up with an alternative. He settled on Bill Jartz because it was his mother’s maiden name, and he thought it sounded good.

Except for the time when he worked as a stockbroker and industrial paper salesman from June 1990 to January 1993, he has spent his professional career at WBAY. Being in sales wasn’t in his comfort zone, he decided, and returned to doing what he loves — sports reporting. In 1998, he made a move to news anchor and has held the seat ever since.

In 2005, Schmidt was named the public address announcer for home games at Lambeau Field. His high school teammate and Clintonville native Andy Thompson works with him in the announcer’s booth, and he considers himself one of the luckiest guys alive.

Keeping his separate names in order is as easy as changing his clothes, he said. “When I get up in the morning, I put on my bibs and work around the place, and then I am Bill Schmidt. But when I get dressed up for my job, I am Bill Jartz.”

Married to wife Mary, whom he met on a blind date, the couple resides in Maribel. They have two dogs and are looking to get a third. When he isn’t on camera, in the Packers booth or volunteering, Schmidt enjoys hunting, fishing and doing physical fitness.

He says he spends his spare time in the two large gardens where he grows potatoes, squash and berries. He plants food for the deer, and they have several fruit trees. Much of their harvest goes to the homeless or an area food pantry.

Giving back to the community is an important lesson instilled in Schmidt by his father, who encouraged him to lend a hand to those in need. To that end, Schmidt has spent countless hours volunteering his time to a variety of nonprofit organizations and helping with fundraisers, golf outings, auctions and capital campaigns.

“If my celebrity can help those less fortunate, then that is a good thing,” Schmidt said.

Sacred Heart Catholic School held its first end-of-the-year Beach Dance Party on May 30 in the school gymnasium, with nearly 200 guests in attendance.

Event organizer and admissions director Autumne Gee was hoping for 100 guests. So when nearly twice as many showed up, she was beyond ecstatic.

“Everyone was dancing, laughing, talking and really enjoying themselves,” Gee said. “I love to see our families so happy and engaged in the spirit of the event.”

The gymnasium was transformed to fit the beach theme. This event was free to all guests who were able to enjoy pizza, sloppy Joes, fresh fruit, slushies and other snacks. Guests also could participate in a costume contest, limbo, dance train, mini beach volleyball, swinging rope and surfing photo booth area.

Gee hopes to start a new tradition of a themed end-of-the-year party to bring all families and staff together to celebrate the success of the school year, join in fellowship, have fun and laugh together.

Pamela Anhalt, a chemistry teacher at Shawano Community High School, has been chosen by the Society of Science and the Public as one of 50 advocates from across the country to receive a $3,000 grant.

The society said its grant program chooses passionate educators and scientists to expand opportunities for underrepresented and low-income students to help them develop STEM projects that can be entered into science research competitions, which serve as an entryway to higher education and STEM careers.

Each advocate will mentor a cohort of at least three underrepresented students and help them navigate through science research competitions.

Victor Hall, a Society for Science and the Public member, said the mission of the Advocate program is to foster or even spark an interest in science among students.

“The Advocate program is committed to expanding the diversity of students involved with STEM,” Hall said. You see certain segments of students or schools that lack interest in STEM programs and careers, and our goal is to rectify that.”

Hall said Anhalt was chosen as an advocate because she has shown “commitment to working with all types of students, not just the few academic stars.”

“Her students have demonstrated true energy and excitement; she shows that any student has potential,” he said.

Anhalt dismissed the belief many students hold that they are not good at math or science.

“You just have to have the initiative to start a project,” Anhalt said. “The most fulfilling part of my job is to see the look on a student’s face when they realize ‘I can do it.’ This idea for a project is going to be something.’”

Anhalt began her career as a chemistry major and spent time working in the Johnson Controls laboratory in Milwaukee.

She started her path as an educator when she moved back to Shawano and started helping out with her children and their peers’ school science projects.

“The students told me ‘It’s like magic, Mrs. Anhalt,’” Anhalt said.

Anhalt’s experiences within the field helped qualify her as an advocate, Hall said.

“Her positive experiences both within the industry and within education helps her set a well-informed road map for students who are interested in STEM careers,” he said.

The advocate program is committed to showing students what science research competitions actually look like. The element of scientific research that students often miss is that research topics are community based, Hall said.

“When people think of science research competitions, they think either of the cliche baking soda volcano or of something extreme, such as trying to find a cure for cancer,” he said. The reality is that projects center around issues that are important to the community that young people live in, such as research devoted to nutrition or mental health.”

Anhalt said she has begun to see how resources provided by the advocate program have sparked a transformation in her students’ perspectives on scientific research.

“About a year ago, I asked my students ‘How do you use science in your life?’ and none of them had an answer,” Anhalt said. “Now, I see them thinking about how science can be applied to matters relevant to their lived experience. It is awesome to see a student carry out a project that begins as an idea and how they progress using the scientific method to bring that idea to life.”

Anhalt makes connections between what students are learning inside the classroom and the outside world. For example, students use their chemistry knowledge to create soap, which they then have begun to give to other teachers to show appreciation and have sold at sporting events.

Anhalt summarized her mission as an educator as someone who “gives the students an opportunity to say ‘I did this. I made a difference.’ It begins small, but it is amazing to watch their ideas grow.”

As part of GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ scholarship program, the cooperative recently selected 22 students to receive either a $2,000 or $1,000 award to assist with education costs. Since 2010, GreenStone has presented more than $175,000 in undergraduate college scholarships to students planning to make a positive impact on the agricultural industry.

“These awardees are examples of the type of individuals who may someday lead the agricultural industry,” said Dave Armstrong, GreenStone’s president and CEO. “GreenStone is committed to supporting young professionals in agriculture by assisting them in furthering their education.”

The 2018 scholarship awardees include Rachael Valeria, of Pulaski, and Colin Wussow, of Cecil.

To be eligible, applicants must reside within GreenStone’s territory, including Michigan and northeast Wisconsin, be a full-time high school graduating senior, have at least a 3.0 grade-point average and plan to study an agriculture-related field. In addition, selected students demonstrate participation and leadership in school, community and agricultural activities.

Five retiring employees and 55 additional Pulaski School District employees celebrating service anniversary milestones were honored at the district’s staff recognition banquet, which was held June 3 at Safari Steak House.

“You hear me say over and over again that it is the people that make the Pulaski Community School District so wonderful,” Superintendent Bec Kurzynske said, in congratulating the honorees.

“We’ve seen firsthand what a difference having dedicated and experienced people makes to our students,” said Michael Voelker, president of the Pulaski School Board.

Experience is important to every organization, and it is particularly important to a school district, he added.

Voelker noted that close to 75 percent of staff has been employed five years or longer, and half have been in Pulaski for 10 years or longer.

“Pulaski is just one of many school districts in the area,” Voelker said. “We know you could work anywhere, and you choose to work for our district and you choose to stay here. You believe in our schools. You care for our kids, and you work together to make this a great place to work.”

This year’s retirees include Bob Coenen, Pulaski High School business education teacher; Lee Ericson, electrician with the facilities department; Alan Wood, fleet coordinator for transportation; Roger Connolly, bus driver; and Glen Kellerman, custodian at Lannoye Elementary.

Those receiving service anniversary recognition were:

35 years: Dave Bentz, Pulaski High School math teacher

30 years: Karen Baranczyk, bus driver; Jamie Hubbard, middle school physical education teacher; Sue Moore, third-grade teacher at Sunnyside Elementary; and Kim Krenz-Wozniak, psychologist

25 years: Deb Rodgers, paraprofessional at Glenbrook Elementary; Joanne Kurowski, computer technician; Rhonda Matuszak, bus driver; and Ellen Melberg, fourth-grade teacher at Glenbrook.

20 years: Randee Lemerond, middle school paraprofessional; Laurie Fischer, high school administrative assistant; Wanda Peters, high school cook; Staci Karcz, third-grade teacher at Glenbrook; Mike Nickerson, high school social studies teacher; Tricia Fullerton, second-grade/LST teacher at Sunnyside; Susan McMahon, first-grade teacher at Lannoye; Terry Manning, high school English teacher; Kathy Belaire, high school paraprofessional; Cheryl Stutzman, accounts payable, district office; Sarah Pautz, kindergarten teacher at Sunnyside; Carrie Wiese, second-grade teacher at Glenbrook; Greg Derricks, maintenance; Mary Neshek, Glenbrook paraprofessional; and Tina Caelwarts, information technology coordinator.

15 years: Sandy Schmidt, seventh-grade teacher; Ted Sarosiek, eighth-grade teacher; Jodie Walker, fourth-grade teacher at Sunnyside; Traci Mittag, middle school Spanish teacher; Megan Mills-Koehler, LST/dean of students at Sunnyside; Trisha Baker Nguyen, fifth-grade teacher at Lannoye; Amanda McAllister, second-grade teacher at Glenbrook; Sandy Boring, administrative assistant, Technology; Sue Sikorski, Glenbrook cook; Mona Kornaus, bus driver; and Linda Schroll, Glenbrook cook.

10 years: Zong Soung, Sunnyside custodian; Lisa Berzowski, reading teacher at Fairview Elementary; Jeff Gosse, high school chemistry teacher; Kare Goodness, high school physical education teacher; Erin Noble, sixth-grade teacher; Sheila Skalecki, fourth-grade teacher at Glenbrook; Brea Murch, speech and language teacher at Lannoye and Fairview; Jean McWey, middle and high school speech and language; Luke Martinson, high school math teacher; Marc Klawiter, Sunnyside principal; Melanie Christiansen, paraprofessional at Sunnyside and Lannoye; Shelly Wellner, district accountant; Teresa Wargo, middle school paraprofessional; Patty Linsmeyer, administrative assistant for transportation; Michelle Nick, fourth-grade teacher at Hillcrest Elementary; Renee Yurek, bus driver; Laura Hickson, paraprofessional at Lannoye; and Julie Woodworth, middle school cook.

Stressing the importance of offering nutritious meals to children during the summer months, Bowler School District has announced the sponsorship of its Summer Food Service Program.

The SFSP, which is funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, provides nutritious meals to children during the summer, when free and reduced prices are typically unavailable.

Free meals will be made available to children 18 years of age and under. Persons over 18 years of age who are determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who also participate in a public or private nonprofit school program during the regular school year may receive free meals as well.

Lunches will be served from Mondays through Thursdays from June 18 through July 19 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria at Bowler School, 500 S. Almon St., Bowler. Meals are provided to eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

“This program fills a void when school lunches are not available,” said Wade Turner, summer school principal. “Helping parents meet the nutritional needs of their children is the strength of this program.”

June 18 marked the first day of the summer school programs offered at Hillcrest Primary School, Shawano Community Middle School and Shawano Community High School.

Summer school supplies “experiences for kids that they would not have during the normal school year,” said Chad Collier, the summer school principal at Hillcrest.

Hillcrest provides courses for students from 4-K to second grade. These programs help the younger students familiarize themselves with the daily routines of school as well as help them make friends, Collier said.

Continuing improvement on academic skills is imperative to avoiding the “summer slide,” Collier said.

“Kids who do not continue to practice math or reading can lose up to six months of what they learned during the school year and then must spend up until October relearning and catching up. It is important for students to continue to develop their academic skills,” Collier said.

As well as being academically focused, the summer school programs offer classes that develop skills that are not offered during the typical school year. These range from cooking classes to origami and dancersize. Classes aim to keep kids active, get them outdoors and help them grow both socially and emotionally, said Kim Lodewegen, Boys & Girls Club of Shawano instructor.

These programs provide a “fun approach that allow the children to explore different hobbies. The kids are learning without even realizing it,” Collier said.

For example, Hillcrest students are exposed to the basics of music during a hands-on music exploration class. Students spent one class experimenting with different instruments, such as the maracas and the xylophone, to imitate the sound of rain.

“They all make different noises. It is amazing,” said Ember Prellwitz, Hillcrest student.

The summer school classes are offered to all children within the Shawano School District for free. This includes both breakfast and lunch and transportation for field trips. All children 18 years of age and younger are eligible.

Transitional classes, such as Camp 6th Grade or Freshman Academy, are available for students about to enter the middle or high school. These programs familiarize students with things such as finding lockers, learning schedules and checking grades.

“Summer school provides a great outlet for students, especially those going through a hard time. It helps them build relationships and recognize familiar faces before transitioning to a new school,” said Kyle Vanderhyden, middle school counselor.

After summer school, the Boys & Girls Club offers programming for children until 5 p.m. at the middle school. This provides an inexpensive alternative for childcare that is very helpful for working parents, Lodewegen said.

The summer school, along with the Boys & Girls Club, provides a “good atmosphere with positive role models. I wish there would have been something like this when I was in school,” Lodewegen said.

Shawano Community High School offers credit recovery courses to allow students to earn up to two credits. Students replace credits they did not receive during the school year in order to aim for their 24-credit diploma.

The program consists of about 100 students. Summer school helps keep students on track for graduation, said Jessie Hanssen, the district’s at-risk coordinator.

“The credit recovery courses provide a smaller setting with less kids. The work is individual, self-paced and flexible to the students’ needs,” Hanssen said.

The summer school programs are led by current or retired teachers and high school students. Summer school programs run through July 20.

“The summer school programs provide an option to keep children occupied that is both enriching and fun,” said Matt Peters, summer school principal at the middle school.

Thanks to mentoring from family and friends, Shawano teen Tyler Wegner was able to represent Wisconsin on the national stage at the SkillsUSA national championship in Kentucky last month.

Hosted by a Virginia-based 501(c)(3) organization focused on serving high school, college and middle school students interested in trade occupations, SkillsUSA’s national competition includes challenges for those interested in collision repair and even additive manufacturing. For Wegner, though the experience of competing against 40 other students was challenging, it was similar to smaller events he’d been to.

“I’ve been to other competitions before,” he said. “This was my first national competition I’d been to. There were way more people from a variety of different states, and just being there was an experience. Some of the stuff I wasn’t really familiar with … but I just did my best. I’m not a master technician, so I’m not 100 percent on everything.”

The son of Wegner’s Quality Auto Body owner Todd Wegner, 17-year-old Tyler got his start in repair work as a young man hanging around the family business. At first, he took out trash and cleaned cars, but has now worked his way up to detailing, washing and even has the respect of past employees.

“Ever since I was little I was just hanging around the shop,” Tyler Wegner said. “I just worked my way up as I got older. Before my most recent competition, Sam Busch (Precision PDR and Car Care LLC owner) came and helped me out. He’s a friend of my dads and worked here a few years back.”

Though Wegner’s future is not known at this time, father Todd Wegner believe competitions like the ones held by SkillsUSA (Tyler has previously won state competitions, as well) are good for the country and show his son has a high level of talent.

“I’m a very proud dad,” he said. “The national competition opened my eyes how much more is out there for the young people of tomorrow. For years our education system has had a tunnel vision where every student thinks they have to get a bachelor’s degree; that’s totally wrong today. As for Tyler, he has the potential to go in so many different directions more than what I had. Opportunities for him are really endless.”

FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative announced that Collin Wussow, of Cecil, is a 2018 FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative scholarship recipient. The cooperative recently awarded over $12,500 in scholarships to 16 high school and collegiate students pursuing post-secondary education.

Over the past six years, FarmFirst has awarded nearly $130,000 to more than 140 students seeking a post-secondary degree. This program is one of many ways FarmFirst shows its dedication to youth and the multiple opportunities offered to them.

“This scholarship program is one of many ways FarmFirst gives back to our members and their families,” said Jeff Lyon, general manager of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. “Here at FarmFirst, we strongly believe in supporting future generations of agriculturalists. Through education, our next generation will bring new ideas and technology to the industry to ensure continued growth and development.”

Wussow is the son of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative members Ron and Nicolle Wussow. He will be a freshman at University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the fall pursuing a degree in agricultural business.

Being involved is nothing new for Wussow. He served 12 years in the Bonduel 4-H where he held multiple officer positions such as activities director, secretary, vice president and president. Wussow also served as a 4-H camp counselor.

During his time in high school, Wussow was heavily involved with his FFA chapter where he served as his chapter’s vice president, along with multiple chairperson positions. Wussow was also heavily involved in dairy judging FFA and 4-H. Throughout his time dairy judging, Wussow has taken second place at the Wisconsin State FFA Convention and was on the national winning team for 4-H.

Outside of his agricultural endeavors, Wussow is also involved in multiple sports such as varsity football, varsity wrestling, track, and field, and has even served as a youth sports coach.

“Collin sacrifices and dedicates himself to his family, farm, school, and community,” said Rhonda Uelmen, Bonduel 4-H co-leader. “Leadership and community service are two strong areas for Collin. He continues to be a role model for children and adults alike. I have known Collin for six years and have witnessed his dedication to developing his family’s farm and his community.”

Scholarship recipients were selected based on leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, essay responses and their future plans and career goals. All members of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative and their children attending four-year universities, two-year technical programs or short courses and high school seniors planning for postsecondary education were eligible to apply for the scholarships.

FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative was established in 2013 and is based in Madison. Dedicated to its members, the cooperative represents farms in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana through policy bargaining, dairy marketing services, laboratory testing opportunities and industry promotion.

Families with early childhood-aged children are invited to an open house at Sacred Heart Catholic School, 124 E. Center St., Shawano, on Aug. 16. The event, designed for parents whose children are entering preschool or 4-K, will run from 5-6 p.m. Newly registered, prospective and returning families are invited.

The school will open the preschool and 4-K classrooms for tours. Preschool teacher Stacey Dickmann and 4-K teacher Michelle Powers will be on hand to answer questions. Families can also obtain information on enrollment, tuition assistance and scholarships; a raffle for $100 in tuition credits will be offered. Early childhood students who attend the open house will receive a goody bag.

Complete information is available in the Sacred Heart Catholic School office, in the Sacred Heart Parish’s gathering space and on the school’s Facebook page. To RSVP for the open house or enroll a student in any of the school’s classrooms, preschool through eighth grade, call 715-526-5328. Autumne Gee, school admissions director, can be reached at agee@sacredheartshawano.org.

With the beginning of August comes the return of back-to-school sales. While it’s a great time to stock up on the items that students will need to return to the classrooms and dorm rooms, shoppers need to be savvy to ensure they are getting the right items at the right prices.

“Back-to-school sales mean discounts and special promotions on a wide range of products, both for home and for the classroom,” said Michelle Reinen of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “Whether you are shopping for sale items online or in store, keep an eye out for fine print and point-of-sale notices to ensure that the products you are adding to your cart meet the promotional requirements.”

The department suggests keeping these shopping tips in mind during this busy season:

Review the advertisements for restrictions on quantities, sale hours, returns and rain checks. Check store policies on price matching to consolidate your purchases.
Sales typically apply to particular products and model numbers, so make sure to review the information on an item’s packaging in order to avoid surprises at checkout.
Write down prices and information about special sales while you shop to have a better sense of the final total before you check out. Most pricing errors occur on sale items.
If there is a pricing error at the register, Wisconsin law requires that a store refund any overcharge. Work with customer service to receive a refund while you are in the store. Double check your receipt before you leave to ensure that the totals are correct.
When you are finished shopping, save your receipts and submit any rebates immediately.

Another consideration for back-to-school shopping: Wisconsin will hold a sales tax holiday from Wednesday through Sunday. During this temporary exemption period, some purchases will not be taxed, including certain clothing items, computer purchases and supplies. For the terms of the tax exemption, visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website.

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Shawano Community High School Spanish students and chaperones, high school Spanish teacher Kelly Lightner and athletic director Charmaine Schreiber had the opportunity to travel to Panamá for a week in June.

The goal of the trip was for students to experience the culture of Panamá and to enhance their speaking of the Spanish language.

While in Panamá, students stayed with Panamanian host families. The students said that the host family experience was one of their favorite parts of the trip. Students visited Miraflores, where they learned about the history and construction of the Panama Canal and saw big ships travel through the Panama Canal lock.

Another Panama canal experience was a jungle tour. They traveled in the canal by fast boats and stopped at little inlets where they could feed monkeys that came onto the boat. Later on that day, they kayaked through the jungle to an awesome waterfall where they could swim.

Another cultural experience was a long ride on handmade canoes on Lake Alajuela through a rainforest, which lead to the Emberá Indian village. Native dances, food, crafts and another beautiful waterfall were experienced at Emberá.

Students visited a local school and had the opportunity to interact with elementary-aged students. Shawano students presented a donation of school and cleaning supplies to the principal of the school.

Students also visited Casco Viejo, a World Heritage historic part of Panama City. They were able to bargain for souvenirs while viewing small, narrow cobblestone streets and buildings of many colors.

Gresham Community School announced its policy recently for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program or milk for split-session students served under the Special Milk Program.

Each school office and the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a notice to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced price meals or free milk, households must fill out the application and return it to the school, unless notified at the start of the school year that children are eligible through direct certification. Additional copies are available at the office in each school.

The information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by agency or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

For the school officials to determine eligibility for free or reduced price meals or free milk of households not receiving FoodShare, FDPIR or W-2 cash benefits, the household must provide the following information requested on the application: names of all household members, total number of household members, and the adult signing the application form must also list the last four digits of his or her Social Security Number or mark the box to the right of “Check if no SSN.” Also, the income received by each household member must be provided by amount and source (wages, welfare, child support, etc.).

Nick Curran, director of finance and operations, will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official can make a formal appeal, either orally or in writing to: Alphia Creapeau, school board president, 501 Schabow St., Gresham, WI 54128.

The St. Paul Lutheran School, Bonduel, has announced its policy for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, or milk for split-session students served under the Special Milk Program. Each school office and the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. Children in families whose annual income is at or below the designated levels are eligible for free and reduced price meals and/or free milk.

Application forms are being sent home with a notice to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced price meals or free milk, households must fill out the applications and return them to the school (unless notified at the start of the school year that children are eligible through direct certification). Additional copies are available at the office in each school. The information provided on the application will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal and free milk policy, all applications will be evaluated and ruled eligible or ineligible. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling, he or she may discuss the decision informally or request a formal appeal, orally or in writing, by contacting: Rev. Timothy Shoup, 240 E. Green Bay St., Bonduel, 715-758-8559.

The Shawano High School Class of 1958 celebrated its 60th class reunion Aug. 11 and 12.

The festivities began Friday at The Bamboo Bar with a wonderful breeze coming off Shawano Lake. On Saturday, the group of 59 classmates, spouses and guests enjoyed a family-style meal at the Shawano Golf Club. One of the organizer’s granddaughters made a special cake for the occasion.

At the reunion, classmates reminisced about the Shawano High School band, which had 23 of its 66 members from the Class of 1958. At the Wisconsin State Music Meet, the class was represented by Ferial Deer, Nancy Kroenke, Fred Lang, Ginny Gross, Leola Vigue and Viola Vigue. The band director was Mr. Brockman.

Of the 191 graduates, 125 are still going strong. The reunion saw 35 classmates attend, many from the Shawano area or throughout Wisconsin. The three who came the farthest were Paul Timm, of Iowa, Dick Dittmann, of Minnesota, and Franklin Hornburg, Arizona.

The reunion committee of John Ainsworth, Marie Merrill, Tom Spohn, Don Wege and Betty Zeman had been planning the event since February. The class will have its 62nd class reunion in 2020.

NEW Media chatted with Bill Hass, who was recently hired by the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District to fill the Birnamwood Elementary/Middle School principal position. He replaces Guy Steckbauer, who held that job for 17 years before accepting an elementary principal position in the Tomahawk School District.

Q: What is your work/educational background?

A: I have a teaching degree for physical education, history and driver’s education. I have a master’s in education and a principal licensure. I have taught in all three of my areas of my degree, coached football, basketball, baseball and golf. I have been an athletic director, JPTA (Job Training Partnership Act) coordinator, summer school disciplinarian and high school principal.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I was born in Antigo while my parents had a farm north of Aniwa. I graduated from Bowler High School. I currently live in Shawano with my wife, Mary. We have five children and four grandchildren. Dustin is a head football coach at Carthage College and is married (Jen) with three children (Tyler, Tessa and Caleb). Zachary is an associate professor at Purdue University and is married (Shaila) with one child (Grace). Emily is a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Webster Stanley in Oshkosh and is married (Matt). Molly works at Plum Media in Milwaukee. Hannah started her first year at the University of Minnesota.

Q: What’s your basic philosophy for learning and child care and parental involvement?

A: Every child can learn. It is our task to find where their interests are and their best way to learn. Then help them enjoy their education so they can be successful at their passion.

Q: Is the student/teacher population one you’ve worked with in the past or is it bigger/smaller?

A: I have been at schools that were smaller and much larger. For the most part, our student-to-teacher ratio in Wittenberg-Birnamwood is very good.

Q: What kinds of adjustments will you be facing in Birnamwood?

A: I don’t know if any adjustments are necessary. This year we will learn what works well and what might need some tweaking. Then as a staff, we will look at making the school an enjoyable place to be for our students and staff. The more people enjoy their environment, the more success that will come out of that experience.

Q: Have you had any experience with school districts like ours facing referendum issues?

A: Shawano and Thorp both passed referendums while I was at each school.

Q: Do you have an opinion about the WBSD referendum questions which will be on the Nov. 6 ballot?

A: If the referendum passes, it will provide more opportunities for our students. The more doors we open for our students, the brighter their future will be as they strive to meet their goals. This will help our students have an experience driven by their passion while they are in school, and the referendum will help us in achieving that goal districtwide.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share?

A: I have noticed very dedicated staff in the Wittenberg-Birnamwood school system. I am very proud to be a part of this school district.

Following the theme “Give What You Can, Take What You Need,” the Bonduel Elementary School will host its fourth annual Free Clothing Swap on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bonduel Elementary Cafeteria.

Families are asked to donate used or outgrown clothing to the event. Donations are voluntary, but all donated items must be in good condition and sorted by size. Items that are free of rips, holes and stains can be dropped off in the Bonduel Elementary School office from Oct. 1-12.

Donations are sought of shirts, pants and jeans, skirts and dresses, leggings, sweats, winter jackets, snowpants, winter boots, sneakers, gym shoes and specialty sports shoes — such as wrestling shoes, basketball shoes, sports cleats, etc. Items that will not be accepted include any non-clothing items, swimsuits, hair accessories, ripped or stained clothing, socks and/or underwear, unless brand new and still in original packaging.

In addition to donations, volunteers are being sought to help with the event. For information, email Kris Wondra at wondrkri@bonduel.k12.wi.us.

Nominations are being accepted for 2019 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards. Awards are $6,000, with an additional $6,000 grant going to the school of each selected teacher and principal.

Nominations of Wisconsin teachers and principals for grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade can be submitted online at www.kohleducation.org. Deadline is Oct. 8.

Established in 1990, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation awards 100 fellowship and 16 leadership awards annually from among applicants throughout the state.

Teachers or principals must be nominated by a parent, student, other teacher, community member or school administrator. To be eligible, Wisconsin teachers and principals must plan to continue in their current capacity for at least one year.

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship rewards teachers who have demonstrated superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, have motivated others and have provided meritorious service both in and outside the classroom. The leadership awards recognize and support principals who demonstrate administrative leadership and positively influence school culture.

Selection of recipients will be made by a panel of members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, cooperative educational service agencies, Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools, several education-related associations and community representatives. Since the program was established, the Herb Kohl Foundation has awarded 2,964 grants to teachers and principals as well as 2,964 school grants totaling $9.2 million.

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship and Leadership programs are co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools and the state’s 12 cooperative educational service agencies.

October events of the College of Menominee Nation CMN) will range from a formal installation ceremony for CMN’s new president to a day of behind-the-scenes tours to show all that goes on at the college’s Keshena campus.

The public is invited to attend both events, as well as the CMN Board of Trustees annual meeting, which is planned in conjunction with the celebrations.

College trustees will conduct a formal ceremony of investiture for President Dr. Paul Trebian in the Five Clans Ballroom of the Menominee Casino Resort Convention Center at 10 a.m. Oct. 12, N277 State Highway 47-55, Keshena. Veterans of the Menominee Nation Color Guard will lead the procession of CMN faculty, delegates from other academic institutions, representatives of Wisconsin tribes and special guests.

Guest speaker for the investiture will Carrie Billy, president and chief executive officer of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). She is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. CMN’s board chairwoman, Virginia Nuske, other trustees, and tribal, student and alumni leaders will join her in welcoming Trebian. The board will also present a newly created symbol of office to be worn thereafter by Trebian and successors on official occasions of the college.

Pre-ceremony music and video presentations begin at 9:30 a.m. in the ballroom. The procession enters the hall at 10 a.m. A reception follows immediately after the program.

An all-college open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 13, is in celebration of CMN’s 25th anniversary. Faculty, staff, students and alumni will be on hand to welcome visitors to the Keshena campus at N172 State Highway 47-55.

A harvest-theme farm market, music throughout the day, and food truck options will be provided along with a campus-wide showcase of the academic, cultural and service activities of the college.

Featured events are designed for all interests. Science, arts, nature, and technology demonstrations are planned along with exhibits and information offered by faculty and staff of CMN’s many academic and outreach programs.

College and pre-college students will be available to describe campus clubs and internships, and the variety of youth programs available at the college, ranging from 4-H to the Sustainability Leadership Cohort. Native arts, culture and food demonstrations will include corn husk doll and hominy making. Visitors to the Keshena campus can check out CMN’s Green Bay location via a virtual tour.

Outdoor walking tours include community and research garden areas, nature trails and the Woodhenge learning site on the campus. Inside, historic Native photography and original art are on permanent display in several buildings. Research exhibits, laboratories and educational technology will also be featured. Facilities with special activities include the S. Verna Fowler Academic Library, Cultural Learning and Community Technology centers, technical-trades workshops and Sustainable Development Institute grounds.

Visitors may also visit with staff and learn about services of CMN on-campus affiliates including Menominee Vocational Rehabilitation Center, Menominee Job Center, TechHire, and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

The open house is co-sponsored by the college and the Menominee Tribe.

The annual corporate meeting of the board of trustees begins at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 13 in Room 226 of Shirley Daly Hall on the Keshena campus, prior to the open house.

Along with Nuske, board members are Shannon Chapman, Lori Corn, Michael Delabreu, Gary Frechette, Sarah Harkey and Jesse Waukau. Boards drawn from the Menominee Tribe have overseen the college since its inception.

Planning for the college began in September 1992 with the Menominee Tribal Legislature’s hiring of its founding president, Dr. Verna Fowler. The official opening came on Jan. 19, 1993, when CMN began offering general education classes on the Menominee Reservation to 42 students. Over the intervening years, nearly 7,000 individuals have enrolled in and successfully completed one or more courses at the college, and 1,168 have attained academic degrees or technical diplomas.

Today, CMN is an accredited, baccalaureate-level institution that has open enrollment for Native and non-Native students. Among all alumni, 41 percent are enrolled members or descendants of the Menominee Tribe. Another 28 percent of all alumni are members or descendants of other American Indian tribes; the remaining 31 percent represent many races and ethnic groups.

Additional information on the college, its offerings, and the coming public events may be seen at www.menominee.edu as plans are finalized.