Gordon L. Willson Elementary -

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

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

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. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Nothing that's worth Anything is easy." - Barack Obama #AlwaysOnwardBSD #MotivatioanlMonday

Are you looking to build a new home in Baraboo? The BHS Building Trades Class would love to help you build a place to call home! Unfortunately, their project did not work out this year and the class is in need of a project for School Year 2023-24. Please contact Mr. Mark Weiss, Tech Ed Teacher, at mweiss@barabooschools.net or (608) 355-3940 Ext. 2227. Just look at the amazing craftsmanship and talent of our Building Trades students and staff! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

To help reduce the anxiety that can often be experienced with attending the first day of school, the first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year will be different for 6th-12th-grade students than in past years. Baraboo High School • 9th-grade students and new 10th-12th-grade students to BHS report Friday, September 1, 2023. More information will be sent by Baraboo High School. • Returning 10th-12th grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. Jack Young Middle School • 6th-grade students and new 7th and 8th-grade students to JYMS report Friday, September 1, 2023. Further details will be shared by Jack Young Middle School. • Returning 7th and 8th-grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. #AlwaysOnwardBSD All Elementary Buildings All kindergarten-5th grade students report Friday, September 1, 2023, for their first day of school. Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative 4K and Early Childhood Program All 4K and Early Childhood students report on Thursday, September 7, 2023, for their first day of school.

This week BSD welcomed new educators to Baraboo and held a new educator orientation, often called Camp Thunderbird. The schedule for the week was packed with a variety of activities and training. Some of the highlights included a welcome breakfast and a tour of our district and the greater Baraboo community to see all that it has to offer. BSD is committed to supporting our new educators and building a culture of belonging which is why five days are dedicated to team building, training, and learning as the District focuses work on building the Beloved Community. The support new educators receive will be ongoing, embedded in daily practice, based on best practices, and will provide them with ample opportunities for experimentation and reflection. Read more stories like this one in today's Thunderbird Thursday! Link: https://conta.cc/3P6SC5H #AlwaysOnward