School District of Baraboo

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is required by state statute (Wis. Stat. 115.385) to generate a school report card and district report card for every publicly funded school and district in the state. The report cards are intended to help schools and districts use performance data to celebrate successes and improve their efforts to prepare students for their futures. Click to view our most current report card. https://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/page/wisconsin-accountability-school-report-cards

We're ecstatic to announce the reopening of the BHS School Store! Thanks to the hard work of our Marketing classes, the Store is back in action after weeks of dedicated planning. Two Marketing classes played a pivotal role in this project, beginning with a student survey to curate the products you'd love to see in the Store and set prices accordingly. Our students also crafted marketing materials, generating immense excitement. Explore our revamped School Store, browse our fantastic product range, and meet our diligent student team. Currently open during 3rd block lunchtime, and during winter sports season, we'll also be open at home games with support from FBLA.

✨ October is National Principal Month, and we couldn't be prouder of our phenomenal principals in the School District of Baraboo. They're the heart and soul of our educational community, leading the way for our students with dedication and passion. Let's give a standing ovation to these incredible leaders: 👏 Jori Ruff, Principal at East Elementary School, Kid Stop Director, and Title 6 Coordinator! 👏 Abby Alt, Principal at Jack Young Middle School (JYMS)! 👏 John Blosenski, Al Behrman Elementary School Principal! 👏 Steve Considine, Baraboo High School Principal! 👏 Sarah Brings, Principal at Gordon L. Willson Elementary School (GLW)! 👏 Kathy Andreasen, Principal at North Freedom Elementary and West/BELC Schools! Your hard work, vision, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff don't go unnoticed. You're shaping the future, and we're privileged to have you in our educational family. 📚🍎 Thank you for your exceptional leadership!

Dear Thunderbird Community, We are thrilled to announce a significant development in our ongoing journey towards educational excellence. The 2023-2026 Strategic Plan for the School District of Baraboo is now accessible for review on our district's website (https://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/page/strategic-plan-framework) What to Expect in the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan: This comprehensive blueprint outlines our strategic focus areas, which encompass Learning & Academics, Finance & Operations, Safe & Healthy Schools, and Engagement & Communications. Each of these areas has been meticulously crafted to ensure the best possible educational experience for our students.

Mrs. Charles and Mrs. Gulden welcomed their new kindergarteners to GLW! Both kindergarten classes have been working to get to know each other and to strengthen social skills such as sharing and kindness through cooperative play. Both classrooms read the book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud and are working to be "bucket fillers" not "bucket dippers." They have also been learning about shapes and counting through Bridges Math Workplace stations. The first couple of weeks of school have been a great time for these new GLW students to get to know each other, learn how to treat others with kindness, and to get to know their new school.

One week ago today was the first day of school in the BSD and we have had a great first few days of school! Students and staff are excited to embark on a new school year, ready to embrace the spirit of curiosity and inclusivity. This year, we encourage each and every one of you to let your curiosity run wild. Ask questions, seek answers, and never stop learning. Whether you're a kindergartener discovering the alphabet or a senior preparing for graduation, the journey of curiosity knows no bounds.

Liz Crammond, Publishing on September 8, 2023 at 6:00 AM Thankful Thunderbird overload! Huge thank YOU to✏️ JYMS Parents in the Middle, MBE CPAs, UPS, St. Paul’s Lutheran, Community First Bank, Emanuel Church, St. Clare Hospital, and St. Clare Meadows Care Center 📚 for your generous school supply donations to the Baraboo School District. Together, we're making a big difference! #AlwaysOnwardBS

Today was an exciting day for BELC 4K students and families because it was the first day of 4K! The Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative, more commonly known as BELC, is a 4-year-old Kindergarten program offered by BSD in partnership with various community childcare providers: Children’s Day Center, Bear-A-Boo Daycare, and the Head Start/Renewal Unlimited Agency. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Did you know it's National Read a Book Day? 📚 Books can bring new worlds to life, challenge our thinking, and take us on exciting adventures. First-grade students in Mrs. Zuhlke's class at Al Behrman Elementary learn about the library today when they read a new book! 📖 What new books are you reading? Share with us in the comments below👇 #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Educators returned to work on August 29th and 30th for pre-session professional development. All staff gathered Tuesday morning at BHS to celebrate the start of the year and an overview of the 2023-26 Strategic Plan before heading to their buildings for additional professional development and completing final preparations for the year. Dr. Briggs discussed the importance of building community and a sense of belonging in his message to all staff. He said, “It is important to be curious and ask questions, and not be judgemental.” At the outset of a new school year for the Baraboo School District, these words hold special significance. They encourage students, educators, and the entire community to embrace a mindset of open-minded exploration and inquiry. Instead of hastily forming judgments or assumptions, the quote advocates for fostering curiosity, as well as a genuine desire to understand and learn from others. By embodying this philosophy, students can approach their studies with a thirst for knowledge, teachers can create inclusive and supportive classrooms, and the entire district can work together to create an environment where the pursuit of understanding takes precedence over snap judgments. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Those big yellow vehicles will be out in full force now that school is back in session. They are carrying precious cargo, so please be aware and take extra care! #AlwaysOnwardBSD #Tbirdtidbit

Last Wednesday all BSD educators gathered at BHS for professional development with the day's topic focused on school building safety. BSD partnered with the City of Baraboo Police Department and Sauk County Emergency Management for safety updates from first responders and worked in Building Emergency Response Teams before returning to buildings for any additional meetings with principals and time to organize for the start of the year. BSD would like to give a big thank YOU to BSD School Resource Officers Meyer and Sabol, the Baraboo Police Department, and Sauk County Emergency Management for leading the training! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Happy Labor Day! BSD is closed for the holiday. Students and staff will return tomorrow. To the dream weavers, the innovators, and the go-getters, we salute you on this Labor Day. Your fearlessness and willingness to embrace change lead us to greatness! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

📚✏️ Exciting times in the Baraboo School District! Our students, teachers, and learning community are off to an amazing start this school year. Here's to a year full of growth, learning, and success! 🖍🏫 #AlwaysOnwardBSD #BackToSchool

Dear Thunderbird Families, I am excited to welcome you all back as we gear up to begin the 2023-24 school year. I hope this letter finds you all well and excited to return to school. In just a few days the 2023-24 school year kicks off, and it holds a lot of promise to be an exceptional one. Much of that is because of YOU as families, staff, and community members. Thank you for your continued commitment and engagement as a community. You all are essential school community members. We will continue to focus this year on building our beloved community through our district-wide vision and mission. Our Vision: What we aspire to be: A leader in education through innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on the whole student. Our Mission: What we aspire to do: Engage, challenge, and inspire every student, every day, in every way. Students and staff will utilize the power of community across every learning environment. As educators, we understand the importance of belonging as a key driver in an ever-changing world. We want to make sure EVERY STUDENT, FAMILY, and STAFF member understands they are a part of our beloved learning community. We also want to make sure that this happens EVERY DAY, not just every once in a while. We are committed as the School District of Baraboo to ensure CommUNITY in EVERY WAY! Always Onward, Dr. Rainey L. Briggs Superintendent

The back-to-school open house nights in the BSD were a resounding success, igniting excitement and fostering family connectedness! These evenings offer a vibrant opportunity for students, parents, and staff to unite, sharing in anticipation of the upcoming academic journey. Information and interactive displays showcase innovative teaching methods and curriculum highlights, sparking curiosity. Teachers warmly greeted families, forming crucial connections, and establishing a collaborative atmosphere. These open house nights embody our district's commitment to engaging every student every day in every way while setting the stage for a year of mutual growth and achievement. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

BHS Link Leaders were working hard earlier this week getting ready for tomorrow's first day with 9th readers and new students to the building! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Did you see the great article in Tuesday's BNR about the amazing Lambers Bus Lines drivers? 22 dedicated drivers transport nearly 900 BSD students each day to and from school covering more than 300,000 miles a school year. You can be one of them! Contact Lamers Bus Lines today to learn more about becoming a bus driver for the 2023-24 school year. You will make a positive difference in the lives of BSD students every day in every way. Article Link: https://bit.ly/3OVdADf #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Discover excellence at Baraboo School District's Open House tonight! Join us for an evening of important information, building tours, and meet our dedicated educators. Elementary Schools & BELC 4K - 4:00-6:00 pm Jack Young Middle School - 4:30-6:30 pm Baraboo High School - 5:30-7:30 pm Elementary and Jack Young Middle School students are encouraged to bring their school supplies with them today. Baraboo High School students should bring supplies on their first day of school. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Homecoming is early compared to recent years and will take place the week of September 10, 2023. The week of school spirit and Thunderbird pride will include the following events: Sunday, September 10, 2023 Powder Buff Volleyball 5:00 - BHS Gym Powder Puff Football 6:30 - BHS Flambeau Field Friday, September 15 Homecoming Parade 3:30 - Downtown Baraboo Football game vs. LaCrosse Riverhawks 7:00 - BHS Flambeau Field Join us in the fun! Please also note the adjusted early release schedule for the week. 4K-12th grade students will attend a full day of instruction on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, and have an early release on Friday, September 15, 2023. 4K students do not have instruction on September 15, 2023. #T-BirdTidbit #AlwaysOnwardBSD