You searched for choice - School District of La Crosse https://www.lacrosseschools.org/ Dream. Believe. Achieve. Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:24:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Explorations in Art https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/explorations-in-art-2/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:18:07 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/explorations-in-art-2/ This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D […]

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This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D projects using paint, oil pastels, recycled materials, model magic, iPad, and many of our basic supplies. We will enhance our skills and techniques while we push ourselves to create art that speaks to us.

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Explorations in Art https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/explorations-in-art/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:18:07 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/explorations-in-art/ This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D […]

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This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D projects using paint, oil pastels, recycled materials, model magic, iPad, and many of our basic supplies. We will enhance our skills and techniques while we push ourselves to create art that speaks to us.

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Art Around the World https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/art-around-the-world/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:13:38 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/art-around-the-world/ This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D […]

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This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D projects using paint, oil pastels, recycled materials, model magic, iPad, and many of our basic supplies. We will enhance our skills and techniques while we push ourselves to create art that speaks to us.

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Art Around the World https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/art-around-the-world-2/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:13:38 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/summer-school-course/art-around-the-world-2/ This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D […]

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This course will concentrate on exploring different supplies and how they can be used to create art that is the student’s choice. We will experiment with both 2D and 3D projects using paint, oil pastels, recycled materials, model magic, iPad, and many of our basic supplies. We will enhance our skills and techniques while we push ourselves to create art that speaks to us.

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Changes coming to unify district’s Montessori program https://www.lacrosseschools.org/changes-coming-to-unify-districts-montessori-program/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 20:33:32 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/?p=22839 There are two changes coming next school year to better unify the School District of La Crosse's Montessori program.

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LA CROSSE, Wis., (March 7, 2023) – There are two changes coming soon to the School District of La Crosse’s Montessori program at the Elementary 2 (E2) and Coulee Montessori Adolescent Program (CMAP) levels that will begin in the fall of 2023. These changes will affect school options for students currently in grades 5 – 7. 

The district is pleased to announce that Elementary 2 (E2) will be extended to sixth grade starting in the fall of 2023. This means current Montessori fifth graders will have the option to continue in E2 for one more year. The standard Montessori model includes an Upper Elementary (E2) classroom for ages 9-12.  Returning sixth grade to the E2 classroom allows students to complete the full 3-year Upper Elementary cycle if they choose. Our E2 teachers are excited about this opportunity for students and have already started planning the sixth-grade curriculum for this fall. SET will be communicating with Logan Middle about sixth-grade participation in extracurricular activities and will send out more information on that at a later date.

The second change is that the Coulee Montessori School Effectiveness Team, along with Montessori staff and administration, have made the difficult decision to close the Coulee Montessori Adolescent Program (CMAP) housed at Lincoln Middle School at the end of the 2022-23 school year. This was approved at the most recent Board of Education on March 6. The following have been significant factors in this decision:

  1. Declining enrollment – The adolescent program’s enrollment has dropped by about 45% since 2018.
  2. Overall Staffing – CMAP enrollment numbers have in recent years floated at a difficult level: high enough to support one full-time teacher, but no longer high enough to support two. This means that Ms. Dodge has held sole responsibility for 3 grades’ curriculum across the cycles of the Montessori curriculum, which is a demanding assignment.
  3. Attrition between buildings – Fewer Montessori students are continuing from E2 to CMAP. This means fewer students in the school with Montessori background and experience.
  4. Staff Departure – Ms. Dodge has decided to pursue other adventures after 10 dedicated years at CMAP, and this school year will be her last. Hiring teachers is a challenge nationally and Coulee Montessori has the added challenge of attracting either a Montessori-trained teacher or a teacher who is financially willing to commit to the training. 

While no one is happy to see the closing of the adolescent program, it does allow the Montessori program to offer sixth grade as part of E2 where it is historically designed to be, and to consider what windows might be opened even as this door closes. Additionally, we would like to recognize that Ms. Dodge has been the longest-serving CMAP teacher and we are grateful for her work with decades worth of Montessori students. 

Current sixth and seventh students at CMAP will have the following school choices: 

Families, please feel free to connect with your teacher and/or check out each school’s website to learn more about your middle school options. The district will be sending out more detailed information about middle school options soon.

The Montessori board, staff, and administration remain committed to providing an outstanding Montessori education at Coulee Montessori. Please, reach out to your grade-level principal with any questions.

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Board approves updated middle school boundary https://www.lacrosseschools.org/board-approves-updated-middle-school-boundary/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 20:40:26 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/?p=22466 The district will establish the boundary line for Longfellow and Logan Middle Schools as the current high school boundary line, Ferry Street.

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LA CROSSE, Wis., (January 27, 2023) – The Board of Education for the School District of La Crosse voted last night to establish the boundary line for Longfellow and Logan Middle Schools as the current high school boundary line, Ferry Street.

The boundary line, along with the application of the current intradistrict transfer rule for high schools to the middle schools, the 45/55 Enrollment Management Plan, will help address school enrollment balance. The boundary line will align 6-12 grade student pathways and ensure the least amount of disruption to students throughout their K-12 educational experience.

Aligning the boundary line for the middle schools to the existing high school boundary line will create clear pathways for students in grades 6-12. This strategy will eliminate the disrupted relationships of students assigned to schools different from their friends at the high school grade levels, reduce the number of intradistrict transfer requests, and increase the transparency of school assignments for families.

Every student is guaranteed enrollment in their neighborhood (boundary) school, which is determined by the student’s home address. In addition to our neighborhood schools, the School District of La Crosse offers a variety of charter and choice school options that offer unique learning environments.

Families may use our intradistrict application to request a transfer to a different school within the district. Those interested in requesting a transfer to a different school must complete an intradistrict/charter school application between February 1 and April 30, for the following school year. All applications are considered. The completion of an application is not a guarantee of placement. Your application may be approved, denied, or placed on a waitlist. Applications received after April 30 will be considered on an individual basis and for unique circumstances only.

The updated middle school boundary line coincides with the Board’s recent decision to close Lincoln Middle School as of August 31, 2023.

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Jordan Dittmer 2014 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/academics/world-language/jordan-dittmer-2014/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 19:28:42 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/?page_id=752 The post Jordan Dittmer 2014 appeared first on School District of La Crosse.

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Testimonial

Jordan Dittmer

你好, Guten Tag, Bonjour, Hola! These are the greetings of the four languages offered at Logan High School. Logan’s diverse variety of world languages greatly enhanced my experience during high school. At Logan I took German, Chinese, and French. In addition, to being involved with languages in the classroom, I was also involved with foreign languages outside the classroom as the President of both the German and Chinese Club. Taking a foreign language is a great way to meet new friends and become well-versed in other cultures. In high school I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in an exchange program as well as hosting multiple foreign exchange students. My trip to China was one of the most eye-opening and interesting experiences of my life and I would recommend an exchange trip to anyone. Taking a trip outside of the country, immerses you in the language, allows you to experience a new culture first hand, and creates the opportunity to make lifelong friends. I am extremely grateful for the wonderful language programs that Logan had to offer me.

In college is it more difficult to take on multiple languages, but I would still encourage everyone to take at least one. For me, I chose to continue taking Chinese at UW-Whitewater and I am now on my way to minoring in the language. There are several similarities and differences from taking a foreign language in high school versus college. One aspect that will always be the same is the opportunity that world languages provide to meet new people. Going from high school to college, the task of making new friends can appear daunting, but foreign languages are a great way to tackle this challenge. Being involved in a Chinese class as well as Chinese Club, I have been exposed to many interesting people for all over the world. In my experience, one key difference from high school to college has been the decrease in class size. College language classes at my UW-Whitewater have been much smaller in size which has allowed for a lot of one-on-one attention. Getting extra help in learning a language has been essential in accelerating my knowledge of Chinese. Continuing to take a foreign language in college was a great choice and it has led to meeting many new people as well as been a part of many cool experiences.

While no one can be certain as to what the future holds, I am certain that I would like Chinese to be a part of my future. My major is Accounting and so I intend on working with a firm that deals with Chinese businesses. I would like to work in an environment where I would able to use my knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. I hope to be able to make routine trips China to interact and form relationships with Chinese businessmen and women. Getting to use my Chinese will come with both challenges and rewards. I will no doubt be presented with difficult situations that will test my Chinese abilities. However, it is these challenges that will better and strengthen my knowledge of the language. I am a firm believer that the world is becoming a much more diverse place and the distances between countries is in a sense “shrinking”. As a result, the importance of being involved world languages will be critical in the future with any career path.

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World Language https://www.lacrosseschools.org/academics/world-language/ Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:24:37 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/?page_id=706 The post World Language appeared first on School District of La Crosse.

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Academics

World Language

Overview

The School District of La Crosse offers a highly-acclaimed world languages program that includes a comprehensive curriculum in the languages of Chinese, German, Hmon, and Spanish. The department’s skilled teaching staff have more than 200 years of combined classroom experience as well as a department-wide passion for preparing students for today’s workforce.

The program boasts an impressive exchange and travel program for both teachers and students that has sent more than 200 individuals to foreign countries to study in recent years. In addition, the department’s commitment to developing our students into global citizens has resulted in a multitude of international travel opportunities for our students to countries including Austria, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

Currently, the entry level of world language instruction begins in Grade 7, with instruction every other day. For this required phase of language exposure, students may select one of three languages: German, or Spanish. Although world language study is not required in Grade 8, students may continue to study the language they began in Grade 7. World language classes meet daily in 8th grade. The middle school sequence of instruction is equivalent to one year of high school study. Students who continue their middle school language study in high school have the opportunity to complete a five-year sequence upon graduation. Chinese is offered beginning at the high school level.

7th Grade
World Languages (required)
Unit: .5

Students select a language that they will study on alternate days in seventh grade. (They may continue on a daily basis in eighth grade). Students will learn basic conversational skills while exploring the cultures in which the language is spoken.

 

8th Grade
German (Elective)(Lincoln only)
Unit: 1.0

Spanish (Elective)
Unit: 1.0

World Languages 8 is an elective, a continuation of World Language 7. Students continue in the language they began in Grade 7. The outcome for all languages is that students will demonstrate increasing ability to understand and communicate in the language of their choice.

Chinese I

Chinese II

Chinese III

Chinese IV

German I

German II

German III

German IV

German V

Spanish I

Spanish II

Spanish III

Spanish IV

Spanish V

Contact Information

Cassie Tolvstad

World Language Content Coordinator
Grades K-12
(608) 789-3261

Geri Patschull

Administrative Assistant
(608) 789-6402

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns not addressed on our web page, please feel free to contact us using this form.

Global Education Achievement Certificate 

The Global Certificate is something the School District of La Crosse is offering to recognize students who have made the conscious decision to gain a more global perspective on life, through their studies and through other activities with a global focus.  This is recognized via a formal certificate that is noted on a student’s transcript.  The Dept. of Public Instruction, by universities in the UW system, will recognize it and, as the program grows, so will employers who value this perspective.

The Global Certificate is something the School District of La Crosse is offering to recognize students who have made the conscious decision to gain a more global perspective on life, through their studies and through other activities with a global focus.  This is recognized via a formal certificate that is noted on a student’s transcript.  The Dept. of Public Instruction, by universities in the UW system, will recognize it and, as the program grows, so will employers who value this perspective.

To earn the Global Certificate, students must take certain courses in school, complete optional activities in other courses, complete out-of-school activities (chosen from a list provided under the supervision of the Site Director), and complete community service activities.

Although some of the details of the certificate are still under consideration, at this point, we can provide the following information. (8 credits, 4 of which would be in World Language)

  1. Students must complete 4 years of study in the same foreign language.
  2. Students must complete classes of a global nature in other areas. The list we sent to the DPI for approval includes things such as World Humanities, Geography, etc.  Other courses may be added to the application list as they become available.  The requirement is that the student completes 4 credits in these other areas as well.
  3. Students may complete “global options” in many, many other courses, at the discretion of the course instructor, e.g. reading a novel by a Russian author in an English class instead of the novel by Mark Twain that everyone else is reading. These options would go toward fulfilling the cultural literacy requirement.
  4. Students may attend other events in the school or community that are global in nature, e.g. a lecture on the effects of globalization on Central American countries. These options would go toward fulfilling the cultural literacy requirement, and/or the co-curricular requirement.
  5. Students must complete community service hours.

Students wishing to complete the certificate will work with the Global Education Coordinators at Logan (Rhonda McGowan) and Central (John Havlicek) to make sure they are registered for the appropriate coursework, to verify that they are completing the requirements, to become informed of upcoming events, to develop their own projects, and eventually complete the certificate.  The students will also work with instructors in other courses regarding the “Global Options” in those courses. 

Students wishing to include activities of their own choosing should always consult with the building Coordinator prior to participation, to ensure that the activity does qualify for the Global Certificate.  Some courses and activities already completed may be counted retroactively toward the completion of this certificate.

A. The coursework identified in the District of La Crosse. (8 credits)

  • World Humanities
  • World History
  • World Geography I and II
  • Global Partners
  • Global issues
  • Second World Language (I year)
  • 4 credits in World Language
  • P. Euro
  • P. Environmental Science
  • International Business 

B. Cultural Literacy (8 works of international/cultural media)

The student will complete independent reviews and reflections which must include 4 books. These will require prior approval at the District Level. The other 4 pieces could include but are not limited to:

  • Films
  • Music
  • Art
  • Media

C. Co-Curricular and School Sponsored Activities (4 activities)

  • Lectures on international topics or speakers in the community.
  • Travel abroad programs/exchange programs
  • Language or International focused clubs
  • International Programs offered by local Universities
  • Language Immersion camps, programs
  • Organizing and running internationally themed events, fairs
  • Internationally themed competitions

D. Community Service (20 hours global/cross-cultural public service project)

The student will present the project proposal for approval and write a summary report upon completion. May include but is not limited to these areas below.

  • Raising awareness about a Global issue
  • Fundraising for an international nonprofit service agency organization.
  • Projects with returned Peace Corps volunteers
  • Rotary
  • Tutoring, volunteering with a cultural group in the community

Testimonials

Little did I imagine when I walked into Chinese class my sophomore year of high school that only three years later I would be standing inside an airport in Changsha, Hunan, China, saying an emotional goodbye to some of the greatest people I had ever met. But that’s exactly what happened.

Sophie Olson

It is said that while learning another language not only does one gain a valuable skill but also gains access to a new world of ideas and opportunities. At Central High School I was introduced to Chinese language and culture, where every class period felt like reading further into an adventure novel. Every verb studied, sentence constructed and social custom introduced was a turn of the page. The small class sizes, reasonable pace and the teachers being equally dedicated to the language and student’s success was invaluable experience which left me with a deep impression. Besides, the excellent resources and teachers at Central High School, the most valuable thing I gained was an introduction the Chinese language world.

Jeb Sumeracki

By studying foreign languages, I have been granted access to worlds upon worlds of different perspectives and insights on what it means to be in this world, not to mention all of the film, poetry, literature, and music. I have met so many people, heard so many musics, and read so many books from so many corners of the globe that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Knowing multiple languages –particularly Spanish in my case– has also already proven to earn my jobs and make money that I couldn’t have earned otherwise. The list goes on and on. Simply put, languages have deeply enriched the lens through which I see the world and have left, and continue to leave, profound marks on my mind, psyche, and heart.

Henry Meger

Being able to learn about someone else’s life, whether that person lives a few hours away or on the other side of the planet, is a humbling experience that is vital to grasping an understanding of our planet and humanity as a whole. Studying languages and different cultures has opened up many opportunities for me to grow as a person as well as learn how to be a more influential and educated global citizen.

Kendall Fowler

Taking a foreign language is a great way to meet new friends and become well-versed in other cultures. In high school I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in an exchange program as well as hosting multiple foreign exchange students. My trip to China was one of the most eye-opening and interesting experiences of my life and I would recommend an exchange trip to anyone. Taking a trip outside of the country, immerses you in the language, allows you to experience a new culture first hand, and creates the opportunity to make lifelong friends.

Jordan Dittmer

Video Testimonials

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Fine Arts https://www.lacrosseschools.org/academics/fine-arts/ Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:59:29 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/?page_id=654 The post Fine Arts appeared first on School District of La Crosse.

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Academics

Fine Arts

Overview

The Fine Arts program in the School District of La Crosse has a long-standing tradition of excellence that is highly prized by our students, the community, our School Board, and administration.  This excellence has been achieved in part because our community values the arts and our School Board and administration, believing that the Arts are important to every child, continues to provide the resources necessary to support a quality Arts Education program. In spite of budgetary challenges, the district remains committed to a Fine Arts program featuring a rich menu of courses and co-curricular experiences. While appropriate funding is a fundamental requirement, excellence can only be achieved in the classroom by quality instruction on the part of our teaching staff and excellent learning on the part of our students.  A commitment to teaching the whole child begins with the Arts.

 

Mission Statements

Visual Arts

The art program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to work toward reaching their full potential by engaging them in experiences that will impact knowledge, develop skills, and stimulate lifelong visual and other sensory awareness and appreciation.

Music

The music program will provide all students with a variety of musical experiences to develop music literacy, promote aesthetic growth and establish a basis for a lifelong appreciation of music.

Theatre

The theatre program will engage the school community in dynamic learning to better understand humanity, perceive the world more clearly, communicate expressively and respond intelligently to the ever-changing experience of daily life.

 

Fine Arts Philosophy

 

We believe education in the arts is for all students at all ages.
We believe the arts define our culture.
We believe the arts communicate and express.
We believe learning occurs in the arts.
We believe the arts can be integrated into all subject areas.

 

We believe effective arts education needs to:

~ Have necessary equipment, supplies, and facilities to accommodate diverse activities, media, and numbers of students.
~ Be available to and appropriate for all students; not just those with special needs or talents.
~ Be based on a sequential curriculum.
~ Relate to real-life experiences.
~ Provide individualized instruction as well as group experiences.
~ Have students actively participating and creating not just passively receiving.
~ Accommodate the diverse learning styles of students, by using the widest possible range of artistic and scholarly activities.
~ Be shared with the public.
~ Provide opportunities and prepare students to perform and exhibit their work.

Contact Information

Debbie Korn

Administrative Assistant
(608) 789-7668

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns not addressed on our web page, please feel free to contact us using this form.

Programs

General Music

Students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade receive 90 minutes of music in each six day cycle. Kindergarten through second graders come every other day for 30 minutes while the third through fifth graders come for 45 minutes every three days.

Through music, students will have a myriad of experiences from singing and moving to music, to playing instruments, reading, writing and composing music, to relating the fine arts to other curricular areas, community, and history. In middle schools, students receive a semester of instruction in 6th grade, and may elect to take additional general music courses in 7th grade and 8th grade.

High school offerings include Music Theory, Soundscapes, Media Fusion, and Student Classroom Assistant. Please see the High School Course Guide for more descriptions.

Music Lab is an alternative to participating in a performance based group in 7th and 8th grade. These students experience music through studying keyboards, guitars, music history, composition, musical computer programs and African drumming without performing for a large audience.

Choir

Students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to participate in choir. Middle-level students (grades 6-8) meet regularly for rehearsal (time varies for grade level). High School students meet daily for large group rehearsals.

Choir students also have the opportunity to participate in summer lessons. These lessons are once a week for 6 weeks over the summer and are free to any La Crosse School District student in grades 6-12.

Drama

Students in our Middle Schools have the opportunity to be part of school productions that are offered outside of the school day.

High School students can elect to take acting and directing as well as participate in co-curricular productions. Please see the High School Course Guide for more description.

    Band

    Students have the opportunity to participate in the band program in grades 6-12. Middle level students (grades 6-8) meet regularly for rehearsals and for lessons. High School students meet daily for large group rehearsals and once per cycle for a lesson.

    Band students also have the opportunity to participate in summer lessons. These lessons are once a week for 6 weeks over the summer and are free to any La Crosse School District student in grades 6-12.

      Orchestra

      Students have the opportunity to participate in the orchestra program in grades 4-12.

      Elementary level students meet for small group lessons and large group rehearsals.

      Middle level students (grades 6-8) meet regularly for rehearsals and for lessons.

      High School students meet daily for large group rehearsals and once per cycle for a lesson.
      Orchestra students also have the opportunity to participate in summer lessons. These lessons are once a week for 6 weeks over the summer and are free to any La Crosse School District student in grades 4-12.

      Visual Arts

      Students in grades K through 5th grade receive 90 minutes of art each six day cycle.

      In Middle Schools, students receive a semester of art in 6th and 7th grade and may elect to take 2D or 3D art in 8th grade.

      In High School students have a variety of choices in art including drawing, sculpture, photography, techno-art, art seminar, AP art studio, and student classroom assistant. Please see the High School Course guide for more description.

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      Students take a stand during National School Breakfast Week https://www.lacrosseschools.org/students-take-a-stand-during-national-school-breakfast-week/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:57:48 +0000 https://www.lacrosseschools.org/?post_type=sidebar_news&p=20259 Students at Southern Bluffs Elementary School will observe the week in a unique way. The kids have started a letter-writing campaign to legislators to ask that the no cost to families meal program continue.

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      “”LA CROSSE, Wis., (March 11, 2022) – Busy weekday mornings can make it a challenge for families to find time for a healthy breakfast. However, School District of La Crosse data shows that more students are starting their day with a nutritious breakfast in school cafeterias. This school year alone, from September to January, district nutrition services staff have served over 300,000 school breakfasts to students. To encourage more families to access the healthy choices available for breakfast, schools around the district will recognize National School Breakfast Week during March 7-11, 2022.

      Students at Southern Bluffs Elementary School will observe the week in a unique way. As a result of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began reimbursing schools for free meals to all students regardless of their family’s income. This program is set to expire at the end of this school year, so students in Marcia Gardner’s fourth-grade social studies class are trying to change that. The kids have started a letter-writing campaign to legislators to ask that the no cost to families meal program continue.

      “I would like for the students to know that even at 9 and 10 years old they have a voice,” said Southern Bluffs teacher Marcia Gardner. “I want them to understand that everyone has a right to their opinion and can respectfully share that opinion. We want our students to be active citizens in our community and the skills they learn this week will give them a solid start toward that goal.”

      Part of Wisconsin’s fourth-grade curriculum includes writing an opinion piece where students need to introduce a topic, state their opinion, and create an organized set of information and reasons that support their opinion. The fourth-grade project will teach students about letter writing, opinion writing, gathering facts supporting opinions while helping the breakfast program which they participate in daily at school.

      “We’re writing letters to our representatives to try and keep breakfast free at school,” said fourth-grader Clara Frandsen. “Some kids wouldn’t have anything to eat if they can’t eat at school because they don’t have enough money. Everyone’s a human being and even though we’re just kids we should be able to help.”

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