The Great Stories Club, made possible through a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), aims to empower libraries and schools to engage young adults with accessible, thought-provoking literature.

Through the joint efforts of teen librarian Linda Jerome from the La Crosse Public Library and Christina Scoville, a teacher at Logan High School, the club has been awarded two themes. These themes, “Finding Your Voice: Speaking Truth to Power” and “Deeper than Our Skins: The Present Is a Conversation with the Past,” guide students through eight carefully selected books.

“Engaging with literature that explores big questions about the world around them and their place in it is vital for our students’ growth and understanding,” said Logan High School Teacher Christina Scoville. “Through the Great Stories Club, we have the remarkable chance to ignite hope within our kids, empowering them to discover their voices and shape their futures.”

Selected as one of only 58 libraries nationwide, the La Crosse Public Library will work closely with Logan High School’s LaCrossroads program to engage students in thought-provoking discussions on themes of race, equity, identity, and history. Through curated selections such as “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo and “American Street” by Ibi Zoboi, students will explore their voices and perspectives while delving into important societal issues.

The April session focused on “The Shadow Hero” by Gene Luen Yang. Following a discussion of the book, students participated in an interactive activity where they created masks representing aspects of their identity and heroism. The students also had the unique opportunity to engage with the author via Zoom in the afternoon.

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Amery has been assembling these care bags filled with necessities such as socks, wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, water flavoring, granola bars, and even Kwik Trip gift cards. The items meet immediate needs but also provide a sense of dignity and hope to those receiving them.

“It all started when my family and I made these care bags on my eighth birthday. We didn’t have that many of them, but we wanted to do something nice,” said Amery. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when we handed them out made me realize how important it is to help others. So, Care Bag-Ease is like a way to keep spreading that happiness and reminding everyone, even kids like me, that we can do good things too.”

Her desire to expand the impact of her project led her to the upcoming La Crosse SOUP event, where she will present her idea for further support and funding.

La Crosse SOUP, known for its collaborative and community-driven approach, provides a platform for individuals like Amery to pitch creative projects aimed at enhancing the city. Attendees of the event, scheduled for Thursday, April 25, at The Main – An Event Space in downtown La Crosse, will have the opportunity to enjoy soup, bread, and a vote for just a $5 suggested donation. By the end of the night, the audience’s votes determine the recipient of the raised funds to execute their project.

Amery’s enthusiasm and dedication to Care Bag-Ease highlight the potential for individuals of all ages to make a difference in their communities. “Everyone could do this and this could be the start,” Amery added, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing social issues.

If successful in her pitch at La Crosse SOUP, Amery plans to utilize the funds to expand Care Bag-Ease, to assemble an additional 100 care bags. Her vision extends beyond immediate assistance, aiming to inspire others to initiate similar projects and create a ripple effect of kindness and support.

Amery’s story serves as a reminder that small acts of compassion can lead to significant impact, and with community support, initiatives like Care Bag-Ease have the potential to bring about positive change in La Crosse and beyond. Join us at La Crosse SOUP to show your support for Amery and other aspiring changemakers as they work towards a brighter future for our city.

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Created by Physical Education Teacher Emily Siegmeier and made possible through a generous $5,160 Gold Star Grant from the La Crosse Public Education Foundation, this transformative project addresses the 41% of Northside students who currently do not know how to ride a bike.

Siegmeier’s vision is clear: to provide every student with the opportunity to learn the essential life skills of bike riding in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. With the acquisition of 20 Strider Balance Bikes and helmets, courtesy of the grant, students will develop balance, coordination, and confidence essential for transitioning to pedal bikes.

“Learning to ride a bike opens up a world of possibilities for our students,” says Siegmeier. “It’s about more than just physical activity; it’s about independence, transportation, and pure enjoyment.”

The Learn To Ride unit is integrated into PE classes, offering K-2 students a structured curriculum focusing on mastering biking skills and road etiquette. The Strider Balance Bikes will provide a durable and long-lasting resource for generations of Northside students.

Partnering with Smith’s Bike Shop for assembly and maintenance, the school ensures seamless execution and the longevity of the program, further enhancing the learning experience for students.

The young students completed the PE unit by learning to navigate an obstacle course and pump track in the gym, showcasing their newfound biking skills.

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The proposed $53,500,000 referendum involves building a new school at the Hogan Administrative Center site to merge Emerson and Spence Elementary Schools and removing the current Hogan building. It also includes expanding State Road Elementary School with eight classrooms and a gymnasium to consolidate State Road and Hintgen Elementary Schools. The proposal aims to enhance educational resources and right-size the district, balancing the budget. The cost to taxpayers is estimated at $40 per $100,000 of assessed property value. The Board will hold another vote on the official legal resolution at its next meeting on April 15, with the Board’s intentions remaining consistent.

The consolidation of elementary schools into a new building and addition offers a transformative opportunity to elevate educational outcomes, foster a sense of community and belonging, and inspire a shared vision for the future of learning. By focusing on the positive impacts on students, families, staff, and the broader community, the district can create a dynamic educational environment that prepares students to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Consolidation provides an opportunity to create a unified school culture and identity. By fostering a sense of belonging and pride in these new school communities, students, families, and staff can forge stronger bonds and work together to create a positive and inclusive environment. The referendum also represents a forward-thinking approach to education that prioritizes long-term sustainability and growth.

The Board will hold collaborative discussions with the community to benefit students, staff, and enhance the well-being of neighborhoods and the broader La Crosse community. Details on community engagement will be announced soon.

For more detailed information about the district’s strategic planning process, please visit www.lacrosseschools.org.

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“LPEF is honored to support the excellent educators in the School District of La Crosse as they demonstrate innovative dedication to engaging their students in learning,” said President of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation Board of Directors, Heidi Odegaard. “We’re grateful for the community support that makes these projects possible and helps to give La Crosse public school students access to enhanced educational experiences at every grade level in our district.” 

Gold Star Grants are selected for funding based on creativity, the ability to engage students, and the total impact or reach of the project throughout the district. Included below is a summary of the 20 grants, including three awarded to learning partner organizations: 

• $5000 – Funds the purchase of a hydroponics tower, seeds, and other supplies for the Agriculture department at both Central and Logan High School. The hydroponics tower will help to teach students year-round about growing plants and the benefits. Recipient: Brooks Lueck. 

• $5000 – Provides funding to bring artist Julia Crozier to Summit Elementary to paint a mural (with students’ help) on the new outdoor classroom, which will be built with funding by Solar on La Crosse Schools (SOLS). Recipients: Oscar Uribe and Johnnyray Wildt. This grant is underwritten in part by the Rachel Gundersen Endowment for the Arts & Humanities and Dr. Gunnar and Mary Baldwin Gundersen Memorial Fund of La Crosse Community Foundation. 

• $5000 – Provides funding to bring award-winning author and poet Candice Iloh to speak to all La Crosse high school students and staff during a two-day author visit in Spring 2025. Iloh writes coming-of-age novels and poetry that “captures the nuance of young Black life.” Recipients: Kristi Moulton, Abby Von Arx, and Linda Jerome. This grant is underwritten in part by the Heather & Stephen Ross and Maureen & Robert Freedland LPEF Fund for Diversity Education of the La Crosse Community Foundation. 

• $4800 – Establishes a summer enrichment course that will culminate in the publication of a magazine produced entirely by students. Students gain the experience of publishing from start to finish and the broader community will benefit from hearing the voices of young people in our area. Recipient: Lissa Carlson. This grant is underwritten in part by the Randy and Lynn Nelson Fund. 

• $4795 – Funds the purchase of a trailer for 10-12 canoes at Summit Environmental School to take students canoeing in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge in front of the school. Recipients: Oscar Uribe and Nick O’Keefe. 

• $4510 – Contributes to enhancing or expanding pollinator patches at North Woods, Hamilton, and Hintgen elementary school garden sites. The project will engage students with hands-on seed-to-table nutrition and environmental stewardship education. Recipients: Bonnie Martin and Kari Bersagel Braley of GROW La Crosse. 

• $3760 – Provides funding to purchase an electric guitar and bass guitar package for use in Logan High School’s new Modern Music Ensemble – Rock Band course. The goal of this class is to provide a performing music course for students that love music, but never fit neatly into the typical performing courses. Recipients: Brian Renkas and Zach Mayer. 

• $3000 – Provides funding for 14 teachers to attend a 2-day training for Bal-A-Vis-X hosted by the school district. These teachers would be eligible to pursue the process to become a Bal-A-Vis-A school trainer for the district. Bal-A-Vis-X stands for Balance, Auditory, Vision, Exercises. Teachers who are using Bal-A-Vis-X are noticing improved attention, self control, and engagement in their classrooms. Recipient: Barbara Oettel. This grant is underwritten in part by the Richard Swantz Fund. 

• $2878 – Funds the purchase of outdoor gear for Longfellow Middle School’s Outdoor Adventure Club to hold a summer “Backpacking 101” course. This course will teach students basic skills and knowledge necessary to safely participate in overnight adventures in the outdoors. Recipients: Clinton Grabhorn and Lila Planavsky. This grant is underwritten in part by the Tyser Power of Nature Fund. 

• $2700 – Funds the purchase of personal books for K-2 students at Northside and Hamilton Elementary participating in the collaborative UW-La Crosse and Boys and Girls Club Reading Buddies collaborative after-school program. Recipients: Caryn Peterson (UWL), Teigen Meiners (Boys & Girls Club), and Denise Rueter (UWL). 

• $2443 – Establishes an adapted book library within the Hintgen Elementary school library, providing tailored reading materials to meet the diverse needs of students. The adapted library can enhance the educational experiences of students, promote literacy development, and foster a more inclusive learning environment. Recipients: Emily Juneau, Jill Utz Lebakken, and Hannah Gaska. 

• $2386 – Funds the purchase of a floor loom and two tapestry looms for Logan High School’s new Fiber Arts Exploration course, which will provide students with hands-on experience in weaving traditions from diverse cultures. Recipients: Allecia Kruser. 

• $1300 – Funds the purchase of styluses for art students at Logan and Central High Schools for use with their iPads. Recipients: Bethany Nugent and Allecia Kruser. 

• $1200 – Provides funding for all Hamilton Elementary students to visit Hixon Forest 2 times during the school year. These field trips will help expand the students’ view of the community, increase vocabulary in relation to the surrounding nature, and show students how nature can help them feel better physically and mentally. Recipient: Jenn Speckeen. This grant is underwritten in part by the Duane and Carol Taebel Fund of La Crosse Community Foundation. 

• $1000 – Provides funding to purchase materials needed for a new Outdoor Literature class at Logan High School. The goal of this class is to improve students’ relationship with reading while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and immersion. Recipient: Logan Fulton. 

• $1000 – Provides funding for students in the Sports & Entertainment Marketing classes at Central and Logan High schools to attend a field trip to Milwaukee where they will tour Fiserv Forum, attend a Brewers Game, and possibly tour the Business School at UW-Milwaukee. Recipients: Joanna Carman and Jamee Houchins. This grant is underwritten in part by the Judy and Randy Eddy Sr. Fund. 

• $925 – Funds the purchase of vertical rolling whiteboards that will allow Logan Middle teachers to create thinking spaces for students to stand and collaboratively problem-solve and work together during designated times in their classes. Recipients: Megan Burke, Ashley Burke, and Karla Lawrence. This grant is underwritten in part by the Judy and Dave Bouffleur Fund of La Crosse Community Foundation. 

• $866 – Provides funding for La Crosse Promise to take juniors and seniors on a field trip to tour UW-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota. Recipient: Aaron Czappa of La Crosse Promise. 

• $688 – Funds the purchase of high-visibility vests, raincoats, umbrellas, gloves, and hats for 4th and 5th grade Safety Patrol students at Spence Elementary. The Safety Patrol job allows students to build their leadership skills. Recipient: Jocelyn Buxton. 

• $363 – Provides funding to purchase sustainable materials needed for students in the Central High School Special Education Program to learn how to make, package, and distribute basic food products. These practices create learning opportunities to foster independence within their home and to master job skills. Recipient: Stephanie Mick. This grant is underwritten in part by the Tom and Judy Sleik Family Fund of La Crosse Community Foundation. 

The La Crosse Public Education Foundation strives to enhance learning opportunities for students in the School District of La Crosse while promoting community support and understanding of public education. Founded in 1988 by forward-looking residents passionate about public education, the Foundation invests in innovation for fresh, creative programs and curricula unable to be funded through the district’s already tight budget. 

Through LPEF, community members and organizations efficiently and effectively put support for public education into action. LPEF awards more than $90,000 in grants annually to dozens of school projects ranging from bringing artists and authors to the district, to providing study trips to Chicago and Minneapolis. More than $1.2 million in grant funding has been awarded since LPEF’s founding. 

For more information contact LPEF at 608.787.0226 or email Nell Saunders-Scott at: Nell@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org.

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“We wanted to connect students to nature and introduce them to responsible harvesting practices, emphasizing our partnership with the natural world,” said Teacher Nathan Niehausen.

The project started with students diving into the pages of author Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book ‘Braiding Sweetgrass,’ which inspired conversations about the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment. Outdoors, students identified maples, studied branching patterns, and explored the intricate systems of tree biology. Despite the project taking place about a month earlier than in previous years, the students were keen participants, each finding a tree suitable for sap extraction.

The collaboration with La Crosse County and the US Army Corps of Engineers granted students access to Goose Island County Park’s maple branches, further enriching their outdoor educational experience. The project aligns with the district’s commitment to experiential learning, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

“I hope our students take away that trees, plants, they are not just stagnant things,” said Niehausen. “They are responding, communicating, and having responses to stimuli. If they’re offering us things, we can benefit, but we also have to offer some things back.”

The sap harvesting project demonstrates the School District’s dedication to providing a unique educational experience beyond traditional classroom boundaries. It encourages students to not only absorb scientific knowledge but also to witness the interconnectedness of environmental systems.

The 40:1 ratio means the class is expecting around two and a half gallons of syrup. As a result, the eighth graders are gearing up for a unique celebration—a pancake and syrup taste test, offering a delicious way to savor the success of these young environmental stewards.

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This visionary strategy will provide great benefits to our children, families, staff, and the community, as well as create fiscal stability through lower operational and maintenance costs. With the passage of a November referendum, the consolidation will create a school where over 80% of students reside within one mile, promoting walkability, accessibility, and maintaining a strong connection to neighborhoods. The Hogan site also ensures a positive investment of resources into our students and staff, without disrupting the active learning of students during construction.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Board will engage the community in collaborative discussions to benefit students and staff but also enhance the well-being of neighborhoods and the broader community. Recognizing the need for a cohesive approach, the Board aims to bring students, staff, and the cultural essence of the affected buildings together, creating a supportive community around the new school for the best possible educational environment. Before the referendum reaches voters, the Board will pass a resolution specifying the details of the ballot, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Reflecting on the success of the Northside Elementary School project, the Board is enthusiastic about the opportunity to create optimal learning environments, provide the best opportunities for children, and ensure a sustainable future for the district.

Expressing gratitude for years of passionate community feedback the Board encourages continued community engagement to shape a positive future that prioritizes what is best for our kids.

For more detailed information about the district’s strategic planning process, please visit www.lacrosseschools.org.

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The School District assessed proposals based on redevelopment compatibility, contribution to the tax base, price, and overall proposal completeness. Key factors included the proposer’s successful history in redevelopment projects, alignment with community priorities, and preservation of historic architectural elements.

“We are excited to transition the property to a developer who is able to meet our community’s interests and needs through the development of affordable housing in a way that thoughtfully preserves the character of a historic building in the neighborhood,” said Superintendent of School Dr. Aaron Engel. “This project holds immense benefits not only for the neighborhood itself but also for the school district and the broader La Crosse community. It signifies a positive step towards meeting the housing needs of our residents and contributing to the overall well-being and vitality of our community.”

Community engagement events collected input from over 100 participants who prioritized housing, community spaces, businesses, daycare, mobility options, urban agriculture, single-family housing, historic preservation, and better access to quality foods.

Commonwealth Development Corporation of America and the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development envision a redevelopment of the Lincoln property that addresses the urgent need for safe and affordable housing while serving the diverse needs of mixed-income individuals and families. Their commitment to community-focused and sustainable projects aims to preserve the historic nature of the Lincoln Middle School building.

The property was sold for $2.2 million, and the sale is expected to close on June 30, 2025, pending application approval and a financing award from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). The proposed development timeline depends on acquiring a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit award from WHEDA, with construction anticipated to start in early 2026 and completion in the fall of 2026.

In addition to pursuing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, the development team plans to secure Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, guaranteeing the preservation of the Lincoln property’s historic integrity and offering the possibility of restoring certain areas to their original state.

Commonwealth Development Corporation of America and the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development are committed to ongoing collaboration with the community. Upcoming meetings will be held to ensure that the perspectives of all community members are taken into consideration throughout the development process.

“Collaborating with the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development, Commonwealth expresses our appreciation for the proactive initiative taken by the School District of La Crosse,” said Commonwealth Development Corporation of America Vice President of Development Tyler Sheeran. “Our goal is to ensure that upon completion, the proposed redevelopment of the historic Lincoln Middle School building is a source of pride for everyone involved, contributing positively to the entire community.”

The School District of La Crosse looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this redevelopment on the neighborhood and the city of La Crosse. The collaboration between the School District, CDC, and the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development reflects a shared commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities.

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The Hoops for Hope initiative was a semester-long project undertaken by the Advanced Marketing class, tasked with creating an event to engage the school and community. The students took charge of planning and marketing, showcasing their skills in a real-world setting. The chosen cause for the fundraiser was the American Cancer Society, reflecting the students’ commitment to supporting those affected by cancer.

The event featured a bags tournament, carnival games, prizes, drawing baskets, a miracle minute, and halftime competitions. Approximately 25 marketing students dedicated two months to planning and executing the event, raising nearly $850 for the American Cancer Society.

“My goal was for students to get hands-on experience and learn new skills,” said Business and Marketing Teacher Joanna Carman. “Hosting an event like this is a challenging task and it showed our students the importance of teamwork and motivation.”

The Hoops for Hope event aimed to foster unity within the school, bringing together students, staff, and community members for a fun-filled evening that also served as a fundraiser for a good cause.

“As a class, we wanted to do something impactful for our community as part of our final grade,” said Central High School senior Zack George. “That’s when we brainstormed and decided on the Hoops for Hope Tailgate. We took the time to figure out which charity we wanted to support, and after some thoughtful planning on the when, where, and how, we settled on rallying behind the American Cancer Society. So many of our friends and families have faced cancer, so it felt like the right cause for us.”

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Guided by school board policy, our district is dedicated to ensuring facilities that foster a learning environment that is physically, socially, and emotionally safe, welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and conducive to effective learning. Additionally, administrative policy outlines our commitment to facilities that support innovative teaching practices, cater to diverse learning needs, promote collaboration with community resources, and are financially prudent and sustainable. For those interested in detailed information regarding district facilities, the district website has a wealth of information publicly available on the Facility Advisory Committee webpage.

During the recent Board of Education meeting, the Board discussed a calendar for strategic planning, outlining a work plan for the next four Board of Education meetings. The Board reserves the right to move more quickly or slower than the anticipated timeline but aims to make a decision on facility planning by no later than February 19, 2024.

We express our gratitude to our dedicated families, staff, and community members for their continued support and involvement in shaping the future of the School District of La Crosse. Together, we are building a foundation for success and excellence in education for generations to come.

Board Work Plan:

January 8 – Explore

1. Review context for the situation
2. Establish board goals
3. Review administration’s Long-Range Facility Plan
4. Consider facility options
5. Identify requests for information

January 22 – Evaluate

1. Discuss options
2. Eliminate options that are deemed unacceptable
3. Analyze remaining options with respect to board goals
4. Identify requests for information

February 5 – Evaluate

1. Compare and adjust final options
2. Identify requests for information

February 19 – Refine

1. Vote on the final option

March 4 – District administration presents balanced budget strategy

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