Next up for senior spotlights, we focus on Julia Mielke. Julia will be attending MATC for Health Sciences, with plans to become a Veterinary Technician. She is proud to have taken Psychology and Sociology while at JCHS to start earning college credits for her future. Julia was a part of many clubs throughout her high school years, such as Culture Club, Math club, Art club, and FFA. Her words of advice to future JCHS students are "Turn in all your homework assignments and don't procrastinate!”. Thanks, Julia and Congratulations!
HS Students of the Month
The second installment of our new Students of the Month feature focuses on two of our High school students who are consistently doing the right things, both inside and outside of the classroom. This month’s High School Students of the Month are Maryanna Hintz and Landen Heuter.
When nominating Maryanna, Mrs. Trimborn said “Personality, leadership, initiative!! She came in early to help with the Student Council "Crush" event, she's always smiling and she took the initiative to begin 2 online independent classes this semester that will help with her college studies!” Great job Minnie!
Mr. Morris said of Landen “Landen always enters class ready to begin, with a positive attitude, and is always willing to help clean and prep the classroom. Landen also has shown great work outside of my class with his work on Bluejay news with the new fan-favorite segment, "cooking with Landen". Congratulations Landen!
Senior Spotlight - Carter Hudzinski
Continuing with our senior spotlights, today we focus on Carter Hudzinski. Carter plans to get his CDL after graduation. He will never forget his time spent in the weight room during JC Power. Carter participated in football, basketball, and baseball during his years at JCHS. Carter's words of advice to future JCHS students are "Learn how to spend your time wisely, time management is one of the biggest things in life”. Thanks Carter and Congratulations!
February Students of the Month
Another new feature for our Middle and High school students, we would like to recognize those students who are consistently doing the right things, both inside and outside of the classroom. Each month we will recognize 2 Middle School students and 2 High School students as our “Students of the Month” as voted on by their teachers. This month’s Middle School Students of the Month are Lauren Nadboralski and Brayden Deubel.
When nominating Brayden, Mr. Staus said “Through his actions, Brayden takes responsibility for himself and displays positive character traits throughout each day. He is someone that others can look to as a positive role model and has strong relationships with others because he is thoughtful and considerate in how he interacts with others and conducts himself.” Great job Brayden!
Mrs. Parry said of Lauren “Lauren has been a constant role model and leader in her class full of 7th and 8th graders. She's taken charge of getting all of her work completed and has often been asked by peers for help. She's involved in several extra-curricular activities. Her bubbly personality and genuine kindness spreads and lights up a room whenever she walks in. ” Congratulations Lauren!
Senior Spotlight - Bella Herman
Our next senior to spotlight is Isabella Herman. Bella plans to attend Bryant & Stratton College to further both her academic and athletic careers. Bella is proud to have challenged herself throughout high school, taking many classes to help figure out what she wants to do in life as well as being NHS president and Student Council Vice President. She participated in Band, Softball, Volleyball, National Honor Society, Student Council, JC Hype Club, Mock Trial, Academic Bowl, Cross Country, Track, Wrestling Manager, and Math team. Bella's words of advice to future JCHS students are "Be kind, you won’t regret it!" Thanks Bella and Congratulations!
Student Spotlight - Dylan Gruss
Our first senior spotlight is Dylan Gruss. Dylan plans to attend UW-Platteville to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dylan is proud to have taken AP United States History, AP United States Government, and AP Calculus at Johnson Creek High School. He participated in Cross Country, Track, and Wrestling for 4 years as well as being a member of the Math team for 2 years. Dylan's words of advice to future JCHS students are "Do your homework, you'll feel better when it's done!" Thanks Dylan and Congratulations!
Officer Enger Virtually Visits 4th Grade
Last week, the 4th graders visited with Officer Enger from the Fort Atkinson Police Department as one of their virtual field trips. He taught and demonstrated some of the tools he uses while on the job. Students were able to tour the police station and the 911 call center. His favorite part of the job is helping people and being at school and teaching D.A.R.E. to the students. Thank you for sharing your career with us!
2nd Quarter Honor Roll
The Johnson Creek School District announces its honor roll for the 2nd Quarter of the 2020-21 school year. Honor Roll is 3.00-3.49 and High Honor Roll is 3.5-4.00. Those students with (*) after their name indicates they achieved a 4.00 grade point average for this quarter.
HIGH HONOR ROLL
Seniors
Maiya Benner, Dalton Bredlow, Andrea Caminata*, Allison Erdmann, Natalie Grenz, Dylan Gruss*, Nevaeh Hehr, Isabella Herman, Julia Mielke, Yesenia Orona Amaya, Emma Reichert, Leonel Sabala, Alejandro Saldana, Jayden Solberg, Kaiyli Thompson, Samuel Toebe, Braden Walling, Abigail Windl, Anna Yezzi
Juniors
Haddie Altreuter, Jorge Avalos, Kaylin Bender, Levi Berres, Parker Berres, Hannah Budig, Samuel Buetow, Margaret Burke, Travis Christensen, Jacob Constable, Isabelle Doherty, Katelyn Draeger, Isaac Hartz, Melanie Hernandez, Alyssa Kunath, Alyssa Kwarciany, Ryan Moore*, Thomas Naatz, Sara Neary*, Adriell Patterson, Chantel Reiser, Ayden Schwartz, Denalyn Siewert*, Alexis Swanson, Dylan Thomas, Ashlee Walk, Whitney Wright
Sophomores
Elizabeth Arnold, Connor Baneck, Caleb Bigsby, Daniel Borkowski, Erin Brown, Michael Caminata, Olivia Carlson, Kylie Hehr, Ella Olszewski, Brooklyn Patterson, Ethan Richardt, Brittany Rue, Alyssa Sadowski, Sarah Seaborn, Madalyne Thorman, Madeline Toebe, Gabrielle Trujillo, Josey Whitehouse
Johnson Creek High School Earns College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Recognized for Closing the Gender Gap in AP Computer Science Principles
Johnson Creek High School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP Computer Science courses.
Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 1,119 achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science examinees meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population during the 2019-2020 school year. That’s nearly 37% more than the 818 schools recognized last year. In 2020, Johnson Creek was one of 831 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles.
“Johnson Creek’s students need the power to shape technology, not just cope with it,” says Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of global policy and external relations. “Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and tech leaders. Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young women to build the future they want.”
The first year of AP Computer Science Principles in 2016-17 attracted more students than any other AP course debut, and participation is on the rise. In 2020, more than 116,000 students took the AP CSP Exam—more than double the number of exam takers in the course’s first year, and a 21% increase over the previous year. In 2020, 39,570 women took the AP CSP exam, nearly three times the number who tested in 2017.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in May 2019. However, a code.org analysis of 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds women represent just 24% of the 5 million people in computing occupations.
That’s why new College Board research about AP CSP is so encouraging. According to the data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than 5 times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar female students who did not take CSP. The study also finds AP CSP students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA, and that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping-stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.
These findings make it all the more imperative that schools nationwide achieve gender parity in AP Computer Science classrooms. The 1,119 schools that receive this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award should serve as inspirations and models for all American high schools, where overall, female students remain under-represented in computer science classes, comprising just 34% of AP Computer Science Principles participants. So there is a long way to go to achieve equal gender representation in the field of computer science. Currently, less than half of the nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science, a clear opportunity to be addressed by strong partnerships between policymakers, the tech industry, and educators.
4th Grade Virtual Tour of Kitchen
Yesterday the 4th graders took a virtual tour of the kitchen in the MS/HS dome with Kassidy Wright. They learned that her job includes planning the nutritious meals, sending in reports, and cooking - which is her favorite part of her job. The best part of her job is seeing the smiling kids' faces when they try new food and like it! They also learned that her favorite foods are popsicles and ice cream! Thank you for all you do for our students!
4th Grade Virtually Meets Author
Today, the 4th grade class had an amazing opportunity to virtually meet the real-life 'Wonder,' Nathaniel Newman. Nathaniel was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, which is a craniofacial abnormality. Mrs. Toebe read the book Normal to her reading class which inspired her to reach out to the Newman family. After hearing their incredible story, students learned to celebrate their differences and to accept all people. Thank you to Nathaniel for teaching us to celebrate our own 'Normal.'
Students Receive CPR Certification
Students in Mr. Ramsier's Medical Occupations class spent this morning getting CPR certified.
Hour of Code
Computers are everywhere, changing every industry on the planet, but fewer than half of all schools teach computer science. Young women and students from marginalized racial and ethnic groups are severely underrepresented in computer science classes, and in the tech industry. Good news is, we’re on our way to change this.
With the Hour of Code, computer science has been on homepages of Google, MSN, Yahoo!, and Disney. Over 100 partners have joined together to support this movement. Every Apple Store in the world has hosted an Hour of Code. Even President Obama wrote his first line of code as part of the campaign.
That’s why students at Johnson Creek Elementary joined in on the largest learning events in history: The Hour of Code, during Computer Science Education Week.
The Hour of Code, organized by the nonprofit Code.org and over 100 others, is a global movement that believes the students of today are ready to learn critical skills for 21st-century success.
4th Grade Virtual Lesson on Hanukkah
Mrs. Toebe's reading class welcomed Mrs. O'Neil into her classroom. Students were studying the poem, Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah and conducted short research projects from elements of the song. Mrs. O'Neil taught the students more about the background of Hanukkah and how she celebrates it. Her presentation also included her reading from the book, Way Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah in Chelm.
4th Grade Virtual Field Trip
This week, Katie Nadboralski, CPA Tax Manager with CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP visited with the 4th grade class virtually. She shared her story of how she became a CPA and all of her responsibilities at the firm. Students were impressed with the long hours she works along with the volunteer opportunities that she gives back to the community.
4th Grade Virtually Tours Johnson Creek Library
4th Graders took a virtual tour of the Johnson Creek Public Library with the librarian Abby Armour. She shared with us how she became a librarian and answered many questions regarding reading her favorite books and what the library has to offer. In the virtual tour, we even got a sneak peek at the 'secret room!'
Thank you Ms. Armour for taking time out of your busy day to share your occupation with us.
We still have a couple weeks open for virtual field trips. If you would like to share your career, please contact one of the 4th grade teachers.
4th Grade Community Service
This week, the 4th grade class decorated bags to celebrate the season with the community. Since our community service projects are limited this year, students were excited to bring joy to the families. The bags will be handed out at the local Johnson Creek Food Pantry.
4th Grade Virtual Field Trip - Harley Davidson
The 4th Grade invited Natasha Steenbergen into their classrooms for a virtual field trip. Mrs. Steenbergen discussed the education she needed to become the Senior Sales & Operator Planning Analyst - Motorcycle for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. She went into detail of her daily tasks and the many opportunities the company has given her. Since the pandemic, she has been able to continue her job at home remotely. Thank you for sharing your career with us!
Veteran's Day Video
The elementary students created a video to honor all who have served, and are currently serving our country. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. We are grateful for you today and every day. Happy Veterans Day!
In honor of the presidential election, students in 4k held a "Presidential Pet Election". Students learned about the voting process by voting on what pet they thought would be the best pet for the president - cat or dog. The students had to register to vote, mark their ballots, and place them in the ballot dropbox. When all the votes were in, they counted the votes.
Booktastic Book Club
Booktastic Book Club
This year at J.C. Elementary, we will be sponsoring the Booktastic Book Club. Each student will receive one FREE book from the school sometime during the 20-21 school year
Reading Is A Passport To Countless Adventures
Please Enjoy Your New Book. Our goal is to encourage and engage students to become lifelong readers.
Fifth through eighth grade students in Mr. Petersen's Engineering class this term just presented their Maker Faire projects this week. Students work through the Engineering Design Process on projects of their choosing and then share it with their classmates. Working in teams of up to four students, or by themselves, they align their projects with themes including science related topics and even food or seasonal celebrations. Students develop their problem solving skills and typically need to learn new ones to get the job done. Check out this video on Mr. Petersen's channel to see all of the cool things they made! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Ylb4dAdbU
Please bring in your clean new or used reusable water bottles. They will be sanitized and redistributed. Drop off in the Flex Learning Center. Collection dates are March 1st-5th.
Saturday, March 6
4:00-7:00pm - Johnson Creek FFA Drive Through Hog Roast Dinner at the Johnson Creek High School. Tickets: $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Dinner includes pork sandwich, baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw, drink and dessert. Please contact FFA adviser Kelsey Sambs sambsk@johnsoncreekschools.org or an FFA member to purchase a ticket in advance.
Monday, March 15
3:05-4:30 - Art Club meeting in the Art Room
Friday, March 26
End of 3rd Qtr and last day before Spring Break
March 29-April 2
NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
Monday, April 5
Classes resume
Middle School Announcements
FFA Week is February 22-26
March 1-5
Water Bottle Drive
Please bring in your clean new or used reusable water bottles. They will be sanitized and redistributed. Drop off in the Flex Learning Center. Collection dates are March 1st-5th.
Saturday, March 6
4:00-7:00pm - Johnson Creek FFA Drive Through Hog Roast Dinner at the Johnson Creek High School. Tickets: $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Dinner includes pork sandwich, baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw, drink and dessert. Please contact FFA adviser Kelsey Sambs sambsk@johnsoncreekschools.org or an FFA member to purchase a ticket in advance.
Friday, March 26
End of 3rd Qtr and last day before Spring Break
March 29-April 2
NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
Monday, April 5
Classes resume
Meet Mr. Larson
Meet Mr. Larson, your new choir teacher! He graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Music Education just last year and is so excited to work with the musical students of Johnson Creek. He is from Green Bay, WI, and actually lived two blocks from Lambeau Field! Mr. Larson loves to sing, play piano, run outside, and read in his free time. He knows American Sign Language, a bit of German, and knows just a few too many random animal facts. He's so excited for the school year to start!
Meet Mrs. LaPointe
Meet our new library aid, Erin LaPointe. Mrs. LaPointe graduated in 2001 from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a focus on English. She went on to teach in Monroe, MI, for 16 years in various capacities such as preschool, kindergarten, third and fourth grade, art, music, choir, cheerleading and volleyball. Mrs. LaPointe returned to Wisconsin to be closer to her family in 2018. She is married with four cats and enjoys doing crafts, reading, and wandering through cemeteries to find interesting stones.
Welcome Ms. Cochrane
Meet Krista Cochrane, a new Middle School Math teacher!
Krista graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2016, majoring in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math. This will be her fifth year teaching, previously teaching sixth grade math for three years, and fifth grade for one year.
In her spare time, Krista enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing frisbee golf with her husband, swimming with her nieces at the YMCA, and snuggling with her bunnies.
Welcome Mrs. Crawford
Meet Mrs. Megan Crawford, the new 2nd grade teacher with a literacy focus!
Mrs. Crawford recently completed her graduate elementary education license program through Concordia and is extremely excited to begin her teaching career at Johnson Creek Elementary. She grew up in Mukwonago, WI and just got married to her high school sweetheart JJ, on August 14. Mrs. Crawford loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, watching Wisconsin sports, and listening to Taylor Swift. Fun fact, she was a competitive swimmer from ages 5 to 21 and continued her love for the sport coaching at a high school in Madison, WI. She couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Johnson Creek family! Welcome, Mrs. Crawford!
Meet Dr. O'Connor
Meet Kathleen O'Connor, the new Spanish Teacher. Dr. O'Connor grew up in Madison and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Spanish and English. She went on to earn 2 Masters degrees and a Ph.D. in Spanish from Yale University and has been an educator for 30 years. Dr. O'Connor worked previously at universities and, more recently, at an environmentally-focused independent school in Northern Wisconsin. She enjoys learning languages and traveling and has been fortunate to interact with many wonderful people, cultures, and places all over the world.
At home in Wisconsin, Dr. O'Connor is always looking forward to spending time with family and friends, her next outdoor adventure, and learning new things. Pictured is Dr. O'Connor At Pablo Neruda's House in Santiago, Chile. Dr. O'Connor is on the right, her niece Reilly on the left.
Welcome Mrs. Parry
Meet Jessica Parry, the new MS Historical Literacy Teacher! Mrs. Parry graduated from UW-Whitewater in 2013 with a degree in English Education and a minor in mathematics. This will be Mrs. Parry's 7th year as an educator. Mrs. Parry and her British husband enjoy travelling to visit his parents in England or their go to vacation spot, Florida -- where they got married.
Mrs. Parry is a huge Harry Potter fan and almost got to meet J.K. Rowling while vacationing in Florida three years ago. In her spare time, Mrs. Parry enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, but most importantly, she likes snuggling on the couch with her dog, Millie, while binge watching her favorite T.V. shows.
Meet Ms. Sarnow
Meet Ms. Amy Sarnow, your new school counselor. Ms. Sarnow graduated from UW-Eau Claire and studied Spanish and social work. Later she went to Edgewood College to get her teaching certificate. She taught first grade through eighth grade Spanish at Blessed Sacrament many years ago, then taught Spanish at Oregon High School for a year. For her most recent job, she was a Spanish teacher at DeForest Area High School for 16 years. Over the past few years Ms. Sarnow attended Lakeland College for her Master’s in Counseling.
Ms. Sarnow lives in Sun Prairie, but plans to get to know Johnson Creek better. Some of her hobbies are travel, hiking, volleyball, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Welcome, Ms. Sarnow!
Welcome Ms. Salzsieder
Meet Selia Salzsieder, the new Elementary and Middle School Art teacher who will be teaching kindergarten through sixth grade.
Ms. Salzsieder graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Studio Art and Gender & Women's Studies in 2017 and received her Art Education degree this past spring. She has been a teaching artist, Early Childhood educator, and artist in Madison for the past seven years. Ms. Salzsieder's artwork has been exhibited and sold in a variety of places in the Madison area. She has also been involved with a variety of community organizations that aim to make the arts accessible to everyone.
In her spare time, she enjoys creating new artwork, traveling, watching films, and cooking.
Welcome, Ms. Salzsieder!
Meet Ms. McWilliams
Meet Katelyn McWilliams, the new first grade math focus teacher.
Ms. McWilliams graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from UW-Whitewater in 2019. This is her first year of teaching and is excited to continue her teaching career at Johnson Creek Elementary School. Last year she was a student teacher in the first semester and a long-term substitute teacher in the second semester at JCE.
She is a native to the area and currently lives in Oconomowoc. She enjoys painting, hiking, and playing board games with friends and family in her free time. She is a cat-lover although she recently welcomed a puppy named Beau, to the family this year.
Welcome, Ms. McWilliams!
Meet Mr. Burke
Meet John Burke, the new AP English, English 4, and English 3 teacher. Mr. Burke will also help out as the co-head Wrestling coach and co-advisor for NHS.
Mr. Burke graduated from St. John’ University with an English Major and Secondary Education Minor, then earned a Master of Arts from Marquette University in British and American Literature, and earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University.
Mr. Burke has been in education for 29 years, earning the Kohl Fellowship for teaching and national coach of the year awards three times. Mr. Burke is married to Mary Burke and has four Daughters, Maureen, Maggie, Maria, and Molly.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time playing soccer with his kids and going on long walks with his wife.
Welcome, Mr. Burke!
Welcome Ms. Oiler
Meet Ashley Oiler, our new Kindergarten teacher. Ms. Oiler graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater this past December with an Early Childhood and Special Education Degree. Ms. Oiler grew up and still resides in Watertown, WI. She has two siblings and recently got a golden-doodle puppy.
Some of Ms. Oiler's hobbies are both playing and watching sports, boating, spending time with family and friends, going up north, and baking.
