Run out of vegetables for the salad? Menominee Indian High School might be able to help with that.

Need some fish for Fridays during Lent — or any other time of year? The school has those, too.

With the help of a brand new greenhouse built on the north side of the school, the students are in great shape to grow organic food for their community. The greenhouse, which cost over $231,000 to build the interior and exterior, has the potential to help grow fresh vegetables for the Menominee Indian School District lunch program and, in the future, grow things utilized for tribal ceremonies.

Prior to the greenhouse being built, the school had utilized a grow machine that allowed lettuce to be grown in the classroom, and there had been some smaller fish tanks provided by Trout Unlimited. Despite those items helping to grow food, MIHS science teacher Klint Hischke wanted to do more and was hoping that a “small” greenhouse could be built.

His dreams more than came true with the new facility, which has been in operation for almost six months and is expected to be utilized year-round. The greenhouse is fully automated, Hischke said, with controls that allow vents to be opened and closed depending on the temperature, along with shades that open and close depending on the amount of sunlight coming in.

“We were wanting to raise our own food to live off of,” Hischke said. “We always wanted to teach our kids how to produce those foods, and when we started talking about the opportunity of building a small greenhouse … it snowballed from there into a wonderful opportunity for us.”

There are several different methods of growing in the greenhouse. The fish are raised in the aquaponics area. Lettuce and other vegetables are grown through hydroponics, with no soil being utilized and plants just growing in water. Then there is an aeroponics area, where plants are in raised garden beds receive water through spraying. In all, there are six different methods utilized.

“Right now, in a given week we can harvest 90 heads of lettuce,” Hischke said. “The kids have the opportunity to see it go from seed to full harvest, the full cycle of the life of that plant in 50 days.”

For the fish, the school plans to harvest twice a year. The greenhouse is currently home to dozens of bluegill and tilapia.

Many area high schools run their greenhouses through their FFA program, which teaches a variety of agriculture disciplines. Although MIHS plans to eventually offer some agriculture courses, according to Hischke, the greenhouse is currently operated through the biology, forestry and other science classes.

For many students, this is their first time gardening, Hischke said.

“So many kids are interested in being involved with this next year and helping throughout the summer,” he said. “It’s more hands-on. They’re getting back to their roots, and some of this is what they could do at home.”

Hischke is pleased with the progress so far, but there are also some future endeavors the school hopes to pursue. Growing wild rice in the greenhouse is planned in the future, and Hischke also hopes to help the students grow tobacco to be used for tribal ceremonies.

“One thing we hope to do is grow trees to replenish our forests through our forestry class,” Hischke said.

The growing of food locally is expected to help combat diabetes on the reservation, according to Hischke, who is hoping to eventually offer food to the community.

“That’s our big project for next year — diabetic-friendly foods,” he said.

Rich Annamitta, who went on a tour of the greenhouse Thursday, has a grandson that attends the high school and is helping to raise the plants and fish within. He grows a garden at his own home and was pleased to see that the school had a facility that would allow his grandson to better appreciate how food is created.

Annamitta noted that he shows his grandson the “old school” way to grow things, but he likes that there’s a better way that could be offered at the school.

“I’m glad that this is finally being offered to the students in their generation,” Annamitta said. “This is opening up their education and way of life to understand technology in this day and age. I see this as a brilliant thing for the high school.”

Fay Annamitta, Rich’s wife, said that gardening is an important skill that everyone should have, noting that world events could make it more difficult for communities to receive food.

“What happens when the trade wars happen and you can’t go to Walmart?” she said. “You’d better know how to garden. When things collapse with the economy, you’d better know how to garden. That’s what our great-grandparents did.”

The Menominee Indian School District will once again offer a free summer food service program at the Keshena Primary School cafeteria.

The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, provides free, nutritious breakfasts and lunches to children during the summer, as well as those attending the district’s summer school program. Free meals will also be available to eligible children 18 years or younger, as well as those over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled and who also participate in a public or private nonprofit school program during the school year. Adults may eat if accompanying their children at a cost of $4 per meal.

“This is a tremendously popular program, and we’re pleased to be able to offer it again this year,” said Robert Ferguson, the school district’s business and food service manager. “The program ensures area youngsters have the opportunity to eat nutritious meals, even when the regular school year is not in session.”

The free meal program will run Monday through Friday, June 17 through July 19, except July 4-5 when the cafeteria will be closed.

Breakfast will be served between 7:30-8:15 a.m., with lunch from 11 a.m. to noon.

All meals must be eaten on site, N530 State Highway 47-55, Keshena, and are provided to eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability.

Professor Lucy Fenzl has been named the American Indian College Fund Faculty Member of the Year at the College of Menominee Nation.

The honor was announced during the college’s commencement ceremonies Saturday at the Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena.

In making the award, Dr. Diana Morris, the college’s chief academic officer, credited Fenzl for setting high standards, challenging students to think beyond the box and providing effective instruction across a range of biological and physical science courses.

“To say that she is fully engaged in the life of the college is an understatement,” Morris said. “While teaching courses in biology, microbiology and anatomy and physiology, she serves on a number of important committees, coaches the college’s Science Bowl team for annual national American Indian Higher Education Consortium competitions and coordinates operations at our Green Bay/Oneida site.

“She has energized her students with the introduction of the Tiny Earth curriculum and its international network of faculty, scientists and students seeking antibiotic discoveries from soil research.”

A member of the CMN faculty for six years, Fenzl is completing doctoral studies in education leadership and writing her thesis on brain-based learning strategies.

A classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression seems like something right up Gresham’s alley as the musical “Footloose” opens Thursday at Gresham Community School.

A cast of 19 will bring to life a tale about a teen named Ren McCormack who is forced to relocate from the big city of Chicago to a small Western town with his mother after his parents get a divorce. Ren, who loves to dance, is shocked to learn that dancing is outlawed in his new home.

Cindy Easter, the musical’s director, said that the school is doing a shorter version, about 90 minutes, that’s designed for smaller schools. Most of the music and story is similar to what audiences saw in the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, but some of the scenes are shorter.

“They’re family appropriate,” Easter said of the shorter version of the show. “It’s also something that hasn’t been done around here, so that was my main thing.”

The shorter “Footloose” also allows for minimal sets, ideal for Gresham’s situation where the stage is in the gymnasium, and the backstage is non-existent.

“We don’t have to do a lot of crazy set changes,” Easter said.

There are plenty of subtle shifts in scenes, however, as the opening number goes from dancing in the streets to worshipping at church on Sunday.

What hasn’t been difficult is the ability for the student actors to embrace the material, since the movie was recreated in 2011, which makes it easy for the cast, ranging from grades seven through 12, to know the lingo and the style of dancing.

“The quintessential ‘Footloose’ song is still in there, and so is the dance that everybody’s familiar with,” Easter said. “Also, ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ where the girls talk to Ren about the fact that the town knows everything that’s going on because it’s a small town. It’s very apropos for where we are; the kids even said, ‘This is like Gresham.’”

Kennedy Hoffman, who plays Ariel Moore, said that she could easily relate to what the characters in “Footloose” were dealing with.

“It’s just very fun and exciting to show,” she said. “There was a lot more dancing than there was in previous years (when musicals were performed), which was a challenge, but it’s been really, really fun.”

Jake Hoffman, who plays Ren, also likes the dancing and “other fun stuff.”

“The dance moves, I was on it,” he said. “The singing, I had to do a little work.”

The College of Menominee Nation has graduated 45 area residents in 11 academic programs and two technical majors.

Ceremonies were held Saturday in the Menominee Casino Resort Convention Center, Keshena.

The class includes Stockbridge-Munsee member and Bowler resident Nikole Webster, who is the first graduate in the college’s Bachelor of Arts major in education. Jasmine Neosh, a natural resources major and enrolled Menominee who lives in Shawano, was chosen as student speaker.

The graduates are listed by study area, hometown and tribal affiliation for those who are American Indian. Academic honors are also indicated. They are:

Bachelor degrees

Education: Nikole Webster, Bowler, Stockbridge-Munsee.

Public administration: Quinton Paul Schuyler, Oneida, Oneida Nation.

Business administration: Kristah Marie Warrington, Keshena, Menominee.

Early childhood/middle childhood education: Deidre A. Caldwell, Keshena, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa; Delores K. Castellanos, Bowler, Stockbridge-Munsee; and Taylor Marie DePerry, Shawano, Ojibwe-Red Cliff Lake Superior.

Associate degrees

Business administration: Georgiana M. Bell, Seymour, Oneida Nation; Angelina Ann Hindsley, Green Bay, Ho-Chunk, honors; Keshia L. Melotte, Green Bay, Oneida Nation; Gilbert Justin Mendez Jr., Keshena, Menominee; Desirae Ann Wilber, Keshena, Menominee; and Catherine Walter, Shawano, Menominee. Walter graduates with a double major in business administration and public administration.

Digital media: Leah Rae Gebert, Gresham.

Early childhood education: Brittany M. Awonohopay and Jenna Leigh Corn, both Keshena and Menominee.

Liberal studies/humanities: Kathleen Kay Waukau, Neopit, Menominee. Waukau graduates with a double major in humanities and liberal studies/social sciences.

Liberal studies/social sciences: David Duane BeVelaqua, Oconto; Kelly M. Boivin, Shawano, Menominee; Moneejon Chevalier, Neopit, Menominee; Kerry G. Cornelius, Oneida, Oneida Nation; Lee James Cornelius, Oneida, Oneida Nation, honors; Brandon Ray Dehne, Oconto Falls, high honors; Louisa Mehojah, Oneida, Oneida Nation; LaDonna M. Parker, De Pere, Oneida Nation; Tasheena Faith Peters, Oneida, Oneida Nation; Jodi Marie Skenandore, Oneida, Oneida Nation; Zachary John Skenandore, Green Bay, Oneida Nation; Jenna Marie Steeno, Oconto, Oneida Nation, honors; Skylyn Tekya Thundercloud, Oconto, Oneida Nation; Betsy Lynn Trudeau, Neopit, Potawatomi; April A. Tucker, Shawano, Menominee; and Kathleen Kay Waukau, Neopit, Menominee.

Natural resources: Cierra M. Dickenson, Keshena, Menominee; Citralina Monika Haruo, Green Bay, Oneida Tribe; Kaylee J. Houle, Shawano, Bad River Band, Chippewa; Cayman Michael Kunschke, Shawano; Kenny R. LaTender Sr., Keshena, Menominee; Adam Dwain LeMieux, Tigerton, Stockbridge-Munsee; and Jasmine Neosh, Shawano, Menominee, high honors.

Public administration: Virginia Rose McArthur, Ashwaubenon, Ho-Chunk; and Catherine Walter, Shawano, Menominee.

Technical diplomas

Business office technician: Kerri Kristen Krenzke, Green Bay, Oneida Nation; Brittney J. Pamonicutt, Keshena, Menominee; and Joslin L. Skenandore, Green Bay, Oneida Nation.

Welding: Anthony G. Kakwitch, Keshena, Menominee; Michael Seybert, Gresham; and Nodoske Young-Boyd, Gresham, Potawatomi.

Spring ceremonies bring the number of CMN alumni to 1,205 individuals.

The College of Menominee Nation is an accredited baccalaureate-level institution that opened in 1993. It is one of 38 accredited tribal colleges and universities in the United States. CMN, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Milwaukee are the only three Wisconsin institutions holding Congressional Land Grant status.

It went by so fast.

That was the sentiment of many of the student speakers at Marion High School’s graduation ceremony Friday, as 30 went from being seniors to graduates with the administering of a piece of paper — the coveted high school diploma.

Amiya Peterson, Marion High’s senior class president, noted graduation day was something that most in her class had looked forward to for four years, but not all.

“Last year’s senior class president wrote her speech about how the Class of 2018 were losers,” Peterson said. “Our class, the Class of 2019, we’re winners. Now, I know looking at some of us, you may think otherwise. I’m here to reassure you that we are, in fact, winners.”

That point was brought home when one of the grads, Vincent Tolan, received the Jeff Nell Memorial Award, which is given to a graduate whose grade-point average has increased the most during four years of high school. Tolan’s jumped a full point, according to Dan Breitrick, the school’s principal.

The senior year has been a moment of lasts for salutatorian Kendra Barrow. The next year will feel much different, she said.

“I know that we’re all excited about the future, but remember what you leave behind,” Barrow said. “Not too long ago, it was the last Friday night football game, and the next time we return to the stands, we’ll be watching the big game from a different perspective. You won’t be sitting in the student section cheering for the team with your best friends one last time. You won’t be able to dress up for homecoming. You won’t be part of a team or as close with your friends.”

Some of the graduates might not have taken the time to notice that some of those moments were their last, Barrow said.

“Just today, you walked through the high school hallway for the last time as a student and emptied your locker, which you likely shared with your best friend, and you finished your last test with the teacher you might have slightly disliked,” Barrow said. “You also returned your books and said goodbye.”

While many of the graduates have been together since kindergarten, that was not the case for valedictorian Bridget Bazile, who moved into the Marion School District during her freshman year.

“It was honestly quite terrifying,” Bazile said of her first day at the high school. “I had to deal with a new school, new teachers and most importantly, my classmates. If you think it’s easy learning 31 names and shared history, plus the teachers and the community, it’s not.”

Bazile said she appreciated how the school welcomed her and made her feel like a part of the family. She noted that even though she didn’t spend her early grades with her Marion friends, she found out about most of their antics soon enough.

“These memories are important because, in the end, they’re part of our shared history and a huge portion of who we are,” Bazile said.

One thing that has defined the Class of 2019 is its competitiveness, according to Bazile. She said she hopes her fellow graduates will continue to use that competitiveness to succeed in life.

“You don’t get nicknamed the most troublesome class by being perfect angels,” Bazile said.

Commencement speaker Mark Moran told the graduates that the time to dwell on past mistakes is over, and it’s time for them to focus on “future successes.”

“Think about how you have prepared for this point in your lives and those who have supported you along the way,” Moran said. “Perhaps getting up the nerve to participate in forensics, school play, the band, choir or even athletics. Think about what that has meant to you and the person you are becoming.”

Students are preparing to move out on their own, getting their own vehicles in some cases and getting jobs to make a living if they are not continuing to higher education, according to Moran. Through that time, the students have had support from parents, coaches, community members and teachers, he said.

Moran wished the graduates farewell, telling them to “have a good day — and try to behave yourselves.”

Most of the 11 members of Bowler High School’s graduating class are ready to get out into the world and experience life, but one of those members flipped the script 48 years ago and did things a little differently.

Daryl Waukau was a senior in Bowler in 1971 when he joined the United States Army, a time when America was still fighting in Vietnam. After 20 years of service and living more life in the private sector, Waukau returned to his old stomping grounds Friday to accept his high school diploma.

Bowler’s Class of 2019 might be low in numbers, according to district Superintendent Randy Riefsland, but they are big in personality.

“One of our graduates, after taking a rather lengthy hiatus at Bowler, has come back to us to accept his diploma tonight,” Riefsland said.

Waukau admitted to being a little nervous as he took the stage to speak, but he said he was glad to be back at Bowler High School.

“For all the young people graduating, tonight I want to say that the greatest education of my life is experience,” Waukau said. “All of the mistakes we make in life teaches of us something — what not to repeat or to ask ourselves, ‘What did I learn from this?’”

Waukau told the graduates that the education they’ve received for over a decade has laid the foundation for continued learning later in life.

“It is the basis for higher education,” Waukau said. “Use these skills to the best of your ability. Don’t take any of it for granted. Trust yourself; have faith in yourself. Don’t let setbacks deter you.”

As for receiving his diploma 48 years later, he said that “it’s an honor” to have the school invite him back to receive it.

Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal President Shannon Holsey, the main commencement speaker, was a familiar face at Bowler High’s hallowed halls, having graduated from the school herself in 1988. Holsey encouraged the graduates to constantly learn, and not expect their whole education to come from a textbook.

“I’m actually almost embarrassed at the life of enrichment that my education has afforded me,” Holsey said. “The education I’ve received has given me the confidence and the life that I’ve always hoped for. I’ve found the best education I’ve received didn’t necessarily come from a classroom or a university. It actually came through valuable lessons I’ve learned from my parents, my grandparents, my family, and among those is hard work, humility, good stewardship and generosity.”

Holsey added that, even though the graduates are moving on to other things in other places, they will always be a part of the Bowler community.

Valedictorian Noah Bestul was quick to note the small graduating class this year in his commencement address.

“We can say, without a doubt, that we graduated in the top 10 of our class,” Bestul said. “We’ll just have to leave out the part that there was only 10 of us (in the class for the last four years).”

Bestul noted that he was expected in his family to follow in the footsteps of his two older brothers and become a member of the military, but now he is planning to become an agriculture teacher.

Bestul also carved out a portion of his address to talk about the Arrive Alive day-long program held recently at Tigerton High School and the importance of avoiding distractions while driving, especially texting. He said the experience helped him to focus on the upcoming graduation.

“Having my life flash before my eyes, I had some great memories and some that were not so great,” Bestul said. “I’ve learned so much inside the classroom and outside the classroom.”

Salutatorian Jada Waters told the audience that when Charles Dickens wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” he had high school life in mind.

“Each of us have faced challenges in the last four years that have helped us to grow as people,” Waters said. “Our high school experience has brought this small group of people together in a way that only we can understand.”

An elementary school physical education teacher in the Pulaski Community School District is the winner of the Wisconsin Health and Physical Education’s Elementary PE Teacher of the Year award.

Chris Wendorf, who teaches physical education at Sunnyside Elementary School, has been a teacher for 26 years — the last 22 of which have been with the Pulaski district. Wendorf said he’s honored and humbled to receive the award which goes to a recipient who conducts a quality physical education program, serves as a positive role model, participates in professional development and provides professional leadership.

“Many of the teachers that have been honored in previous years are people I have admired and tried to model my program after. My elementary school physical education teacher is one who was honored many years ago, and to think that I am now joining that special group is pretty amazing,” Wendorf said. “I have always taken great pride in providing my students with extraordinary experiences, and to be recognized for my efforts is very satisfying.”

Wendorf’s parents were also teachers. His father, Greg, was a 35-year teacher and administrator, and his mother, Carol, taught physical education for 37 years. Wendorf earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from UW-Stevens Point. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Lesley University in Massachusetts. Wendorf lives in Ashwaubenon with his wife, Barb, his son, Ben, and daughter, Anna.

“Chris does an amazing job both instructionally and as a role model both in and out of the classroom,” said Marc Klawiter, Sunnyside principal. “He is a positive individual whose passion for teaching is demonstrated every day.”

Wendorf will receive the award during an October convention in Wisconsin Dells. He has the chance to apply for the Midwest Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School gymnasium was filled with family members and friends supporting the Class of 2019 at commencement Saturday night.

Superintendent Garret Rogowski congratulated the 66-member class and assured them that during the past four years, they have established a foundation for a successful future.

“Whatever you choose to do, do what makes you happy,” Rogowski said. “Stay grounded, humble and thankful for the gifts you’ve been blessed with.”

Guest speaker Justin Szews, a 1994 WBHS graduate, acknowledged that he was not fond of academics in his younger years — a curious beginning for someone who later would be selected as the 2017 Wisconsin assistant principal of the year and then chosen as one of three assistant principals for national honors in 2018. He is now working toward getting his superintendent license.

“Use the tools given to you to help navigate your journey of life,” Szews told the graduates.

He acknowledged the many tools he learned from his teachers at WBHS. Hating math, he learned enough to test out of college-level math. Learning to cook and sew came in handy the minute he started college. Science class that included field work taught him that learning can be taught outside the classroom.

He recalled being “bored out of his gourd” in typing class but found it very useful in college when a new thing called email was created.

Szews encouraged the students to stay connected with family and friends as “they will be there for you when life gets rough.”

In addition to Szews, valedictorian Chloe King and salutatorian Jack Stewart delivered addresses.

The WBHS band and concert choir performed at the ceremony. Principal Jill Sharp, teachers Dan Krolow and Melissa Gauderman along with Rosholt teacher Julie Krolow performed a musical selection as well.

A business education teacher at Shawano Community High School has been named teacher of the year by Junior Achievement in the Wolf River area. Katie Beres was presented the honor during a professional development day June 6.

The presentation was arranged by Shawano Community High School Principal Scott Zwirschitz and Shawano School District Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Kelley Strike, who also sits on the JA board. Fellow JA board member Dennis Heling and Sandy Ebbinger, Junior Achievement area director, presented the award to Beres.

Junior Achievement volunteers nominated Beres because she is “great to work with on several levels. Not only has she truly supported us as we teach … she also promotes financial literacy and work readiness in her own classes and as the adviser of FBLA.” Volunteers said Beres understands the importance of their mission and commented on her kind heart and dedication to the school, her students and their education.

Beres is the Business Challenge team sponsor and actively promotes students’ participation in this annual JA business competition for scholarships and prizes. She also volunteers and works to recruit student volunteers for the annual Taste of Shawano for Junior Achievement.

Beres was chosen by a panel of judges to receive the award. Her name will be engraved on a traveling plaque.

The Wittenberg-Birnamwood School Board is working with its contractors to cut costs after learning last month that estimates for the second phase of the construction projects approved by voters in November are about $1.5 million over budget.

Matt MacGregor, senior project manager from Hoffman Planning Design & Construction, delivered the bad news to the board May 23.

Despite the higher than anticipated costs, the board said it remains committed to staying within the $13.1 million approved by voters in the November referendum.

“I’m confident we will present a project that will stay within the promised referendum amount,” district Superintendent Garrett Rogowski said.

Rogowski said, for example, he is confident that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the high school, estimated to cost $750,000, can be trimmed significantly.

“An original estimate for the HVAC system included a chiller capable of handling up to 900 people in the building,” he said. “Rarely do we have more than 400 people in the building at any given time, so modifying that will reduce some of the electrical needs.”

Rogowski said the district would not cut the greenhouse, estimated to cost $92,000, planned for the new agriculture building, saying it is an integral part of the agriculture curriculum.

Some areas that could be pared down include the construction trades addition, estimated to cost $66,500, or the $112,000 estimated for galvanized piping maintenance.

The board also could reduce the furniture, fixtures and equipment budget of $118,000 by reusing more of the existing furniture and equipment.

The district also could reduce or eliminate the breakout room in the library, estimated to cost $21,500, or make changes to the technical education toilet area, estimated at $46,500. According to Rogowski, they would be the most likely options if the district can’t make significant cuts to the HVAC expense.

“Now that we’re clear on the work that needs to be done, Hoffman has design experts to decide which design would work best for the school,” Rogowski said.

The board is expected to discuss the project again when it meets at 7 p.m. Monday in the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School library and plans to send out bid package No. 2 by mid-July.

In March, the board tweaked plans for the new 7,800-square-foot agriculture building next to the high school by eliminating storage space. In April, it approved construction plans for the first phase of the referendum work, which came in about $50,000 over budget and include new entrances at each of the district’s three schools.

Future phases of the referendum projects include a two-story addition to Wittenberg Elementary-Middle School and two new classrooms at Birnamwood Elementary-Middle School, as well as additional improvements at the high school for the family and consumer science room, technical education area, wood shop, metal shop and small-engine shop.

Beginning in fall, students at Wausau’s Northcentral Technical College can select from six new degree programs created in response to growing job markets and the needs of current and prospective students.

“It’s important that we provide educational opportunities that are meaningful and relevant in a changing economy,” said Lori Weyers, NTC president. “The curriculum for each of the new degree programs has been created to meet learner, business and market needs.”

Applications are being accepted for new programs in Automation Systems Technology, Cosmetology, Foundations of Teacher Education, Gas Utility Construction & Service, IT Cybersecurity Specialist and Sports & Recreation Management. Foundations of Teacher Education, IT Cybersecurity Specialist and Sports & Recreation Management are offered 100% online through NTC’s flexible Virtual College.

“Each new program is a direct result of feedback from our businesses and community partners,” said Weyers. “Students can expect to be in high demand for high-paying careers upon graduation.”

For information or an application, visit www.ntc.edu or contact the admissions office at 715-675-3331, ext. 5861.

Bonduel Elementary School’s early childhood education program will be offering 3-year-old preschool instruction for the 2019-20 school year. Because a limited number of students are allowed, registration is first-come, first-served.

Children must be 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2019, or they may enroll in the program later in the school year once the child turns 3. Cost will be prorated for the date of enrollment. Children must be potty trained prior to attending.

The 3K classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-11 a.m. The yearly cost is $500 and must be paid in advance. Full-year payment of $500 is due Sept. 1, or $250 per semester is due Sept. 1 and Jan. 15, 2020. Classes will run on the same calendar as the Bonduel district.

This class is designed for 3-year-old children who may have not had any previous school experience and will offer instruction for school readiness, play-based learning and a lot of fun. The classroom is located inside Bonduel Elementary School.

The 4K classes will be held five days a week for both morning and afternoon sessions. Parents should contact the Bonduel Elementary School office to register and to indicate their preference for a session.

For enrollment information or to schedule a school tour, call the Bonduel Elementary School office at 715-758-4850, ext. 820, or visit www.bonduel.k12.wi.us.

The students of Bonduel middle and high schools have been working on their outrageous accents for a production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot.”

Performances are 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $5 for students and $7 for adults. Doors to Sousa Hall at Bonduel High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel, open one half hour prior to performance.

The Theatrical Rights Worldwide show is based on familiar work, with script and lyrics written by Eric Idle, who is one of the famous Monty Python stars. “Spamalot” takes place during King Arthur’s reign of the “Britons” and the knights of the round table.

Students have learned about the British humor staple that started with the first made for TV episodes on the BBC in 1969, becoming one of the iconic influences of 1970s pop culture. Many students were surprised with help at home.

“For some, this musical is connecting the generations,” said Jennifer Rozga, musical director. “Parents, particularly fathers, are sharing their knowledge of Monty Python, and hidden line-memorizing talents.”

The Gresham School District 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. The school 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.

To obtain free or reduced price meals or free milk for children in a household where one or more household members receive FoodShare, FDPIR, or Wisconsin Works cash benefits, list the FoodShare, FDPIR or W-2 case number, program name, list the names of all school children, sign the application, and return it to the school office.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal and free milk policy Nick Curran, director of finance and operations will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he/she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. If the parent/guardian wishes to make a formal appeal, he/she may make a request either orally or in writing to Alphia Creapeau, school board president, 501 Schabow St., Gresham, WI 54128.

The information provided by the household on the application is confidential. Public Law 103-448 limits the release of student free and reduced price school meal eligibility status to persons directly connected with the administration and enforcement of federal or state educational programs.

A volunteer host family in the Shawano area is being sought to house and guide a 16-year-old exchange student from Spain for the upcoming school year.

Arriving in August, the student will attend Shawano Community High School and has her own medical insurance and spending money. She is ready to become a participating member of her American host family — pitching in on everything from household chores to family discussions. Families with or without children in the home are encouraged to volunteer their hospitality.

The sponsoring organization is STS Foundation, a nonprofit, public benefit cultural exchange program, with a goal of bringing our world neighbors closer together through cultural exchange. The program is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, and each year places students from Europe, Asia and South America with American host families for a cultural academic exchange stay.

For information on hosting the student from Spain or a student from Scandinavia, Germany or Italy, contact local coordinator Ashley Holewinski at 920-412-1772 or visit the STSF website at www.stsfoundation.org