FROM THE DESK OF: Adam Kurth, Principal

Greetings AHS Families and School Community,

It is MAY. This is a hectic, important, and incredible month for our school community. Please consider reading all of the updates below as we do our best to inform our community on all that is occurring as we head toward summer.

Next week, a survey will arrive in your mailbox with information regarding the current status and needs of our facilities, as well as questions to garner direction from our constituents on how we should move forward as a district. The survey is an incredibly important measure for our work as we identify the future of our facilities and our priorities as one of the top schools in the state.

Please consider attending one of our upcoming informational sessions hosted on May 2nd and May 9th. Pizza and pop will be provide by a private donation as we invite the community to learn about the status, options, and impact of our facilities efforts moving forward.

Senior families!!!! Graduation is ONE MONTH AWAY. We're excited to celebrate another incredible group of AHS seniors. The ceremony will be held on June 1st, at 7:30pm (weather dependent) on Taraska Field. There are no tickets as we have plenty of seating for all guests. Additional graduation information is listed below.

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Our PTO is asking for help in supporting an effort to recognize the work of our great staff. Please consider supporting- https://www.arrowheadpto.com/

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and have a great May.

Adam Kurth

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 2 & 9: Pizza, Pop and Tours of AHS ~ South campus cafeteria 6:00 pmMay 22: Veterans Spaghetti Dinner (see below for details) May 24 & 27: No School ~ Memorial DayMay 30 - June 2: Please visit The Wall That Heals (details below)May 31: Senior PartyJune 1: GRADUATION!June 10 - July 18: Summer School

Upcoming School Board Meetings
May 1 : Policy Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board RoomMay 7 : Curriculum Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board RoomMay 8: School Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, SC Library

AHS FACILITIES STUDY

AHS School Community,

Next week, you will likely receive our facilities and operational planning survey from a company called School Perceptions. Please take time to complete this survey. Your feedback will help guide the future of AHS for decades to come.

The School Perceptions survey is being used to collect feedback on our facilities and operation planning work. Your response will help guide next steps as the school board considers potential facilities and / or operational referenda for November 2024. We have spent many months identifying our facilities and operational needs:

Improving safety and security
Eliminating inefficient, duplicate space
Repairing or replacing major building systems
Expanding undersized academic, arts, and athletic spaces
Modernizing classrooms

We’re seeking your input on the options we’ve developed to address these needs. In the chart below, we describe the primary differences between the options under consideration. We have also included the estimated cost and tax impact associated with each option.

One primary feature differentiating these options is the organization of our campus. Should we maintain our existing two-building system? Alternatively, should we consolidate to a single-building high school, either by renovating & expanding an existing building or by constructing a new school?

SEE THE CHART BELOW

IMPORTANT: The survey treated the pool and auditorium as separate projects. The “Building Options” section of the survey does not include the cost of building a new pool or auditorium. The pool and auditorium projects are addressed in a separate section of the survey.

Want to learn more? Please see our website for more information about our facilities and operational planning: https://www.arrowheadschools.org/LRFP/index.cfm. We also invite you to attend upcoming “Pizza and Pop” informational sessions on May 2nd or May 9th. Both sessions will begin at 6:00 pm at the South Campus Cafeteria.

Thank you for your time and response. We look forward to sharing the survey results with you.

The slides below are a part of a community presentation that has been shared through our Arrowhead Administrative Team. These slides provide insights and information to help our readers stay informed as they complete the upcoming survey.

AHS Facilities - Status, Options, Impact

To learn more about our facilities, please visit the

Facilities Planning page on the District website:

AHS Facilities Webpage

Questions can be sent to: facilities@arrowheadschools.org

IMPORTANT UPDATES

The Wall That Heals

May 30 – June 2, 2024

My name is Lynn Minturn, President of the Hartland Chamber of Commerce. The Hartland Chamber of Commerce has been working on a very unique event for the area for several months now. We are excited to announce that Hartland WI will be a host site for The Wall That Heals, May 30 – June 2, 2024 in Nixon Park. As one of 32 host sites chosen this year from across the country, Hartland is the only stop in the state of Wisconsin for 2024.

I’ve attached a letter consolidating some of the information below and to share with your local schools/teachers. Please note the information about group tours that are available to your schools as well.

The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. - the only wall actually owned by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This traveling exhibit, including a Mobile Education Center, enables veterans and their families to experience the memorial's comfort and peace within their own communities, fostering the healing process for many who have struggled to confront their memories. The Mobile Education Center includes a map of Vietnam, a timeline of the war and artifacts left at The Wall in Washington D.C. In addition, a display of Hometown Heroes and the In Memory Honor Roll will be showing.

There are 58,281 names on The Wall That Heals. There are 67 names from Waukesha County including 3 from Hartland. I encourage you to take some time to click on their names and learn more about our local Waukesha County heroes, some of who are from your very own community.

The Wall That Heals will be escorted into Hartland on Tuesday, May 28th, leaving from Mukwonago. Assembly of the display begins on Wednesday, May 29th and will then be open 24 hours a day for viewing until it closes at 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 2, 2024. An opening ceremony takes place on Thursday, May 30 at 9:00 am, featuring keynote speakers, retired Lt. General Dan Karbler, and retired Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink, both local veterans. This event is free and open to all.

How can you help?

Spread the word.
- Print the attached flyer to hang in your organization or share with others - updated versions/sizes are continually available on the landing page of our website.
- Use the attached letter to send to your schools.
- Include information in your school newsletters, social media, website…
Have schools register for a group tour. Did you know that at least 40% of the people living today were not even born when The Wall in Washington was dedicated in 1982? This event coming to Hartland is a magnificent opportunity for new generations to be educated.
Volunteer. The display needs to be assembled and disassembled, and Ambassadors are needed to help answer questions at the display, find veteran names on the display and assist with name rubbings.
Motorcycle escort. Join dozens of riders as they escort The Wall That Heals trailer into Hartland. A map will be available on the website once approved.
Honor the escort. Be in position along the route in tribute to our heroes as The Wall That Heals trailer passes by. A map will be available on the website once approved.
Share the event. Use your Facebook page to share/add The Wall That Heals event from our Facebook page and/or share The Wall That Heals webpage link where appropriate.
Visit The Wall That Heals. Take time to educate yourself more about the Vietnam War and our veterans who fought for our freedom by visiting The Wall That Heals, May 30 – June 2, 2024. Group tours are available as well as the opportunity to come and go on your own.

In light of the unfortunate cancellation of the Waukesha Memorial Day Parade, this is a wonderful opportunity for all of Lake Country and Waukesha County to honor our veterans. Detailed information is continually updated on the Hartland Chamber of Commerce website. It is our sincere honor for our community to be chosen as a host site for The Wall That Heals. This visit allows us to share in the memorial’s profound legacy and honor those who served. We hope you can visit but we also hope you will help spread the word!

I can be reached at 262-367-7059 with questions. Thank you for your support.

PARENT GROUPS

Arrowhead Scholarship Fund (ASF) and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

AHS PTO

Teacher Appreciation Week

We would love to purchase some special gifts for all of our great teachers, but we can't do it with your support!

https://www.arrowheadpto.com/fundraisers

Please use the Paypal link to pay with a credit card. Even if you don't have a Paypal account, you can use that link to help.

Thank you!

GRAD GRAMS!!!

For the first time ever, AHS graduates will be able to receive Grad Grams when they graduate! Only $1 each!

Grad Grams are from anyone in a graduate's life who wants to leave them with a special message as they complete their time at AHS. These messages can be completed digitally where they'll be printed out for each graduate. Or, beginning in April, Grad Grams can be purchased and filled out by hand at the high school offices. The Grad Grams will be picked up when graduates pick up their diplomas.

Please consider sending our graduates messages of congratulations. Purchase them for their classmates so that they can leave a special message. Purchase for grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, etc. so that family can share a message of congratulations. Share with neighbors, coaches, and anyone else who has had an impact on these graduates.

Help ALL of our graduates take with them a special message this year!

For a list of 2024 Graduates, please click HERE

AGENDAS & Past Meeting MINUTES are Linked here:

https://drive.google.com/.../1WWBcH82xZ5LOc94XCyZ5YLiikyw...

ASF

ASF would like to thank all who donated and attended the spring event at Smoke on the Water!

We're looking forward to our ASF Awards Night on

Sunday, May 19th at 3:00pm.

North Campus Theater

APRIL STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

This recognition highlights outstanding students who have captured the gratitude or appreciation of both teachers and administrators. We celebrate the exceptional qualities and achievements of students who display dedication, leadership, academic excellence, and high quality character within our school. Congratulations to these incredible students who represent the true quality of our AHS student body!

Because of the timing in meeting with our students,

we missed celebrating the

February Students of the Month!!!

Congrats to these incredible students!

ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Greetings to our Arrowhead Community!

Please see the letter below that we hope serves as a foundation to our purpose for the upcoming survey, and also offers an invitation to the two upcoming community informational events - Pizza, Pop, & Tours.

We hope our community can be involved and engaged as we determine the path forward for our AHS school facilities.

Thank you,

The AHS Board of Education

AUHS LRFP Letter-FlyerApril.pdf

GRADUATION INFORMATION

We're so excited to celebrate the graduating class of 2024!!

Your all-inclusive information for

Graduation 2024

is linked

HERE

Some of the basics.

Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm.

Commencement will be held outdoors in the football stadium. The stage faces the home bleachers with the students seated facing east.
Gates will open at 6:00pm. No early access is permitted.
Students will enter in alphabetical order and be seated by last name A-K on the left side of the stage and L-Z on the right side.
Please see this linked information which will be shared with students during a lunch meeting on May 8th. This helps families know what is expected of our graduates.
There are no tickets for guests of the graduates and no limit to the number of guests per graduate. Seating for our families is available in the home bleachers. Additional seating is available for elderly and handicap attendees on the football field near the graduates, on the outer edge of the track against the bleacher base, and in the front rows of the bleachers which are accessible through ramps behind the stadium that lead to the reserved seats. Staff will be in the area to assist as needed.
For those who can’t make it to the ceremony, it will be live streamed using this link. For families with mobility or weather concerns, we will present the live stream in our AHS North Campus Theater.
Empire Photography will be on site taking pictures and will contact families with information on how to access the photos.
Graduates arrive at 6:00pm and should plan to be in their assigned classrooms at Arrowhead North Campus no later than 6:30 p.m.
Linked here will be the room assignments for the graduates. We will send this out again at a later date with the updated link.
Because of the size of our graduating class, our ceremony must be held outside to accommodate all families. The ceremony is scheduled on Saturday night to allow for inclement weather and may cause us to move the start of graduation to an earlier or later time on Saturday, or postpone until Sunday, June 2nd starting at 1:30 p.m. If held on Sunday, graduates should plan to arrive at Arrowhead no later than 12:30 p.m.
If weather is threatening, please monitor emails for a Skylert message on Saturday.

2024 SENIOR PARTY HELP

Before you get to proudly watch your senior cross the stage to receive an AHS diploma, your senior will be enjoying a final party with peers the night before. With that, WHY NOT HELP GET THE PARTY STARTED! We are asking you to let us know if you would be interested in helping. If you would like to volunteer or donate prizes, email the Senior Party Coordinators ahs24seniors@gmail.com

THANK YOU in advance for your help!

For more information, or to purchase tickets or donate, please click on the following link-

https://www.arrowheadschools.org/activities/parents/senior-party/

GRADUATION YARD SIGN INFORMATION

We offered yard signs for the graduating class in the past due to COVID but we are no longer offering yard signs through AHS. We do, however, have the name of the person who has done them in the past and he has kindly offered to do it again if a parent is interested.

You can contact Michael Waterfield of HYS Marketing Products at michael@hysmp.com You must order through him and all questions should go to him. He also can make ones for their college.

PARENT INFORMATION

SUMMER ACT PREP

Arrowhead High School will be host to ACT Prep workshops this summer. Any student can sign up, but it is intended for class of 2026 (Juniors next year). Please see flyer for more information.

Badger Precollege Classes

Think like a Badger. Badger Precollege offers in-person and online programs in humanities, music, business, psychology, government, STEM, college prep and more — all designed to help students in grades 1–12 find their passion, meet new friends and explore their future. Use this link to find the class, program or workshop that match your interests.

CELEBRATIONS!

Congratulations to Ella Barrie, a senior graphic design student, whose Arrowhead Dockhounds T-Shirt design was voted and will be printed on T-Shirts. She will be tossing the t-shirt at the Arrowhead/Dockhounds game on Monday, May 20.

If you would like to order a t-shirt for this special event, please click here to purchase a shirt from the BSN Webstore before midnight, Thursday, May 2: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/oZzTkmoqTg.

This is the ONLY OPPORTUNITY to order this unique and special design for a very low price! T-Shirts will be available for pick up starting Friday, May 17 at the North Greeter. If you order a T-shirt, you will be responsible for picking it up from the North Greeter. Along with Ella throwing out her shirts during the game, Arrowhead's very own Pep Band under the direction of Mr. Meisel will be in attendance playing music to pump the crowd up before the game and presenting the National Anthem to get the game started.

If you would like to order a ticket to the Dockhounds Game that benefits AHS on Monday, May 20, please click here to learn more and to order tickets.

Congratulations to AHS Junior Ray (Rachel) Wolf, National German Exam Scholarship Winner!

Each year, the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) sponsors the National German Exam (NGE). Students who score in the 90th percentile and higher are eligible to apply for the National German Exam Scholarship. Eligible applicants then complete an interview with the Wisconsin AATG leaders and a STAMP proficiency test. This year, the Wisconsin AATG was allowed to nominate five students from Wisconsin. I am pleased to announce that Ray (Rachel) Wolf was nominated by the Wisconsin AATG and has been selected as a scholarship winner at the national level. Ray is one of approximately 37 students in the US to receive this scholarship.

As a National German Exam Scholarship winner, Ray will be traveling to Germany this summer for three weeks.

Ray will stay with a German family, attend classes at a high school and travel around Germany with other scholarship winners. Costs of flights, food, and lodging are all included in the scholarship grant. You can find more information on the scholarship here.

Congratulations to Sean Millikin, George Fredman, and Ray (Rachel) Wolf, DSSV Essay Contest Winners!

Sean Millikin, George Fredman and Ray Wolf will receive cash awards for outstanding achievement on the National German Exam and the Wisconsin DSSV (German Language and School Society) essay writing contest. This year’s essay topic was “A Dream Trip." These students will all be recognized at a ceremony at Marquette University High School on May 5th.

We are excited to announce the Arrowhead HS representatives in the

WSMA State Honors Music Ensembles

This year, for the 2024 WSMA High School State Honors Music Project, almost 1,500 auditions were registered across the state for 429 positions in five ensembles.

Evelyn Brandel (trumpet) - Band

Alexandra Brunner (voice) - Treble Choir

Marina Marris (voice) - Treble Choir

Tessa Olderman (clarinet) - Orchestra

Lilly Talbot (flute) - Band

Ella Yearling (voice) - Treble Choir

BRAVO to these fine student-musicians for their dedication, musicianship, and preparation!

Scholastic Art Show 2024

Please see the link above to view AHS students in the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens!

The Arrowhead Wind Ensemble will be performing at the 2024 Washington DC International Music Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presented by World Projects on Monday, April 15, 2024. Other ensembles on the program include Lexington High School Wind Ensemble (Lexington, MA) and the Concordia University Ann Arbor Orchestra & Choir.

Additionally, the AHS Wind Ensemble and Lexington Wind Ensemble will be performing the world premiere of composer Justin Castinghino's work From Either Side of the Table featuring two Wind Ensembles performing at the same time.

We are so excited for our students to experience this musical opportunity! It has been a massive undertaking and the students have been preparing for months. If you see them, please wish them well.

Thank you for your continued support of these incredible student-musicians at Arrowhead.

GE Healthcare Campus Nuclear Science Tour

Thank you to Mrs. Coraggio for taking students on a tour of the GE Healthcare Campus with Jorge Uribe, Ph.D. (lead engineer CT, MRI, PET). He contacted the school after our Spanish Career Fair (March 1) to invite students who expressed specific interest in related fields for this unique opportunity.

Students were engaged and enjoyed the career exploration! Comments following to tour included:

''I now believe that I want to study nuclear science.''

''It was so interesting to hear the connections to all the science classes I've taken.''

''My favorite part was being able to connect vocabulary and concepts that I have already learned to their actual applications.''

''You've inspired me to keep going with my career choice, which is engineering, after seeing what you do to help people.''

''Maybe one day I could work at GE.''

AHS ART AND POETRY STUDENT COLLABORATION CELEBRATION

In the Spring semester of 2023, our students in Advanced 2D and AP Studio Art made artwork to go along with Sijo poem winners (many come from Liz Jorgenson's creative writing class). This April, 2024, the artwork along with the Sijo poem will be on display at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago and we will be receiving an honorarium of $300 from the Sejong Cultural Society for our work with them.

From Sejong Cultural Society: Your students' works have been individually printed and framed, ready for display on the library shelves throughout April 2024, in celebration of Poetry Month. As there are 12 available slots for display, we plan to feature eleven works during the initial two weeks and the remaining ten for the remainder of the month. Additionally, we are arranging a multimedia presentation – a slideshow that will be displayed on a large monitor facing the street, allowing passersby to appreciate the artworks.

The slideshow of the work sent to us by the Sejong Cultural Society is below along with photos depicting how the work will be displayed in the library.

SIJO ARTWORK 2023-Arrowhead High-slide show.ppsx

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

The AHS community mourns the loss of

Don Mullett.

Don was an incredible supporter of Arrowhead High School. His philanthropy and generosity have tremendously impacted the identity, success, and opportunities for kids at Arrowhead High School.

DON MULLETT

"It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Donald Mullett,” Bryan Mullett said in a statement. “As his employees and colleagues will attest, he led Bradley with vision, strength and compassion. He transformed our company into a global industry leader in terms of manufacturing, innovation and quality. At the same time, he fostered a genuine family culture within Bradley that positively impacted many employees, colleagues and customers. He inspired me to be a better leader every day,” he added.

Donald Mullett was involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors in his lifetime. In 1998, he commissioned the Hartland-based Howard G. Mullett Ice Center and donated it to the Arrowhead School District. In 2014, Mullett was key to establishing the NCAA Division 1 hockey program at ASU.

Don also provided manufacturing equipment to area high schools to support trades education, and established an on-site learning center for GPS Education Partners at Bradley’s Menomonee Falls location more than 10 years ago.

On Monday, April 8th, Don passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, and three sons, Erik, Bryan and Christopher along with their families.

“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his legacy,” Bryan Mullett said. “His influence on the industry, commitment to family and philanthropic efforts will continue to inspire generations to come.”

"To honor Don's passing, the HGM Ice board of directors has decided to name his most recent donation of our new Olympia Ice Resurfacer: The Donze," Mullett Ice Center's General Manager, Craig Petersen said. "His generous donations from the building's inception and continued support of this facility will be a lasting legacy.

https://www.legacy.com/.../name/donald-mullett-obituary...

Courtney Keller

The Arrowhead High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is proud to announce the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees.

This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction will be held at Chenequa Country Club on Saturday, April 27 starting from 3:00 PM-5:30 PM.

Being honored this year with their athletic induction are Arrowhead’s top two girls swimmers who- still hold the WIAA records as the most state awarded and 2nd most state awarded swimmers from the Class of 2006 Andrea Boritzke and Maggie Zblewski. From the Class of 1975 Tom Robertson, Arrowhead’s highest career baseball pitcher will be inducted. Highly decorated athletes Stacy Hoyt, Class of 1994 girls soccer, Class of 2003 David Merkow, boys golf and Matt Snyder, Class of 1995 football and track athlete will all be inducted.

Craig Haase, Dave Conway, and Jim LaVoi Bergman will be inducted as coaches and rounding out our inductees is Dave Lodes, former Arrowhead Superintendent in our Special Category.

This event is open to the public but tickets must be purchased by April 15th. We would love for you to join us. There are no walk-ins. Information on tickets and sponsorship are attached or you can call Ryan Mangan or Jill Bradley at Arrowhead High School at 262-369-3612 Ext 4203 or 4213.

2024 Hall of Fame Flyer -Reply Card.pdf

Plaque sponsor request form.pdf

Activities Office Contact Information

We're excited to welcome our student-athletes back for the 23-24 school year!

Activities Director: Ryan Mangan 262-369-3612 Ext 4203 mangan@arrowheadschools.org

AD Assistant: Patrick Cottrell 8:00am-4:30pm 262-369-3612 Ext 4202 cottrell@arrowheadschools.org

Activities Asst. Jill Bradley 7:00am-10:45am 262-369-3612 Ext 4213 bradley@arrowheadschools.org

Activities Asst. Tina Groff 10:45am-4:00pm 262-369-3612 Ext 4213 groff@arrowheadschools.org

Fax: 262-367-1870

School Year Hours: 7:00am-4:30pm

Linked HERE is information on all of our AHS Fall Sports and click HERE for information on all of our Clubs and HERE for our Fine Arts Programs!

ADDITIONAL OR REPEATED PARENT INFORMATION AND UPDATES

Wisconsin State ACT 95

The state of Wisconsin recently passed ACT 95 which impacts Arrowhead High School in two different ways.

1) The ACT requires all public high schools to rank students by their GPA during their junior and senior years.

2) Students placing in the top 5% of their class receive guaranteed admission to UW Madison.

Students placing in the top 10% of their class receive guaranteed admission to all other schools in the UW system.

The stated intent from state lawmakers is an effort to keep students in Wisconsin and grow our own workforce.

Arrowhead has traditionally not ranked students. There are various arguments on both sides of this decision of which AHS success looks different for every student. As we process the new expectations of our high school, we know there will be other systemic and philosophical changes that need to occur with our school to ensure all students have a fair and level access to this opportunity. Such items as a 12-point grading scale (AHS currently uses a 4 point - A/B/C/D) and weighted grades will be under consideration to ensure our student can continue to stretch their learning and follow their interests without being penalized in this new opportunity.

More information to come as we garner a better understanding of the overall impact of this new statute.

ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP) 2024-2025

COURSE SCHEDULING UPDATE

In the development of the school schedule for the 24-25 school year, it has been decided that the following courses (below) will be on the same schedule as all other classes in the block. When counselors presented course selection information to you, it was based on information available at the time. However, it has now been determined that the AP classes listed below will meet in the 85 minute alternate day format. This may mean that you may need to add a class to your schedule.

85 minute every other day

AP Euro

AP US History

AP Literature

AP Language and Composition

AP Calc AB

AP Calc BC

AP Chemistry

AP Biology

Knowing this schedule change, if you wish to make adjustments (adding or dropping a class) please do so by the deadline below. Linked here are the directions for Skyward course changes.

Please also note that all other AP classes not listed here were already scheduled to be on the 85 minute alternate day block (with the exception of AP Physics C which will have an 85 minute alternate day block first semester and daily block second semester).

Students should reflect and consider carefully what is added to their schedule as a result of this decision. We know that students want to explore and be able to enroll in a wide range of subjects and learning experiences. In regard to adding AP classes, please consider the potential workload and what else you may be involved in at school/outside of school. For some students, multiple AP classes (3,4,or 5) is manageable, while for others it can be overwhelming. Talk with your counselor and teachers who may offer insights into what you are considering.

Please connect with your counselor if you have any questions.

New Bell Schedule for 2024-25 School Year

For the past several years, Arrowhead has been exploring schedule change options that optimize student opportunities and provide systemic academic support for all students. After two publicly held Board workshops and several committee meetings of discussion, the Arrowhead School Board approved a new schedule for 2024-25 at the November 8, 2023 School Board meeting.

Our current 10-period day, created in the 1970s, has evolved over the years to include 40 minute, 60 minute, A/B Block (every other day) and everyday block classes. The schedule no longer fits the learning needs of all students to increase growth and achievement for all. The Board and Administration, based on extensive reviews of high-performing area districts, believe we can serve students better in a A/B block schedule with a resource period.

Parent and student survey responses (2022) provided valuable information, and also identified some key misconceptions and misunderstandings about the A/B Block model. The information below should clarify what the new schedule will look like.

Resource Period

Resource period will provide students access to teachers for support, enrichment, and connection on a daily basis. For students who do not need to see a teacher on any given day, the resource period can serve as a study hall. The resource period will be required attendance, unless stated by administration that certain grade levels are excused.
When a student is absent, the daily resource period will support students who missed class. Missing one day in a block schedule also means students do not miss any class time for half of their classes, as opposed to missing EVERY class under the current model. Further, the Canvas Learning Management System assists students with knowing what was taught in addition to providing access to resources/materials.

A/B Block Structure

A/B block provides students with the opportunity to take up to four classes a day on A days and up to four classes a day on B days (8 classes each semester).
We believe it is in our students’ best interests to take a study hall each semester, however students may still enroll in 8 classes per semester.
Students who wish to participate in FSO (Flexible Schedule Option) may still do so. The schedule for FSO will likely be every other day.
Students will have academic core classes (English, Math, Social Studies, Science) all year.
ALL AP courses will continue to have instructional minutes that exceed the College Board recommended minutes for instruction.
Some elective classes/required classes that are currently one semester will remain so while year long classes will remain year long.

Learning in the Block

85 minute classes will be divided into “chunks” of time, improving upon already well-designed lessons by our teachers. Block lessons provide ample time for review of previous lessons, guided practice, deeper “dives” into content, group work, active “hands on” learning, independent support and intervention.
The block of time supports building strong literacy skills, which is a focus of our continuous improvement plan.
Teachers will not be lecturing for 85 minutes. The A/B block supports deeper learning as opposed to mere coverage of topics.
The data from throughout the state of Wisconsin, as we have analyzed school achievement and schedules, shows several of the school districts that outperform AHS currently have a form of block schedule with a resource period.
The A/B block schedule does NOT mean less opportunities for students. We can maintain course options and many students will be able to take more classes because there will be less course conflicts in scheduling. Students can continue to take 7, 7.5 or 8 classes a semester.

For more detailed information regarding the schedule, please review the FAQ.

Additionally, we will hold an informational meeting about the schedule on December 13, 2023 from 5-6:30 in the South Campus Library.

As partners in education, we have the same goals for our students – we want them to achieve at the highest levels possible and be ready for the next stages of their lives. We want students to learn in a supportive environment and embrace all the opportunities high school offers. We can accomplish this shared vision in the new block schedule. The Arrowhead Administration and School Board appreciate your support in making this exciting change.

Please look for additional details and opportunities to learn more in the coming months.

Sincerely,

AHS Administration

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY FUND IS RUNNING OUT

DISCOUNT INTERNET SERVICES EXPECTED TO END IN APRIL OR MAY

Please read this article for information and details regarding family discounts on internet and devices.

VAPING

In our last issue, we provided the following article for parents. Since that time, we also hosted a presentation on vaping at Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 9th. We would like to provide those slides for you. Please use this presentation to have a conversation with your child(ren) about vaping BUT be cautious in sharing it in it's entirely as you don't want to help your child(ren) find hiding spots (slide 24) or get other ideas on how to keep this behavior a secret.

NOTE: Since the presentation and our last issue of the Arrowhead Advisor, we have come across students now using Zyn. This product comes in a round container much like that of mints but inside are individual pouches of nicotine that students can place between their cheek and gum. This will not set off our bathroom sensors yet students are still using and possessing nicotine while on school grounds.

Arrowhead High School

Non-Arrowhead High School Sponsored Event or Activity Absence Exception Request

Linked here you will find the application forms to be completed by you and your child relating to a request to exempt absences when participating in non-Arrowhead High School sponsored events or activities. Due to the fact that many of these events/activities take place outside of Hartland as well as outside of Wisconsin, we have found that students who participate in these tend to miss a larger number of days than students who are participating in an event/activity sponsored by AHS. Please note that the school only has the authority to excuse these absences should it be identified as a gifted or talented opportunity. However, this information does help as our administration works through absences with our families.

Parents may excuse their students who miss school for a non-Arrowhead Sponsored Event as long as they are within the 10 days of absence allotted by the State of Wisconsin. Once the 10 days are met, students are marked as unexcused. An exemption in the missed day(s) can be granted if the student qualifies based on the application form linked above and team decision. An exemption means the absence does not count towards those 10 days.

Please click on the link above and review the information provided.

PARENT COMMUNICATION UPDATES

We are excited to announce two new communication features we want to share with our AHS families:

Emergency Text Messaging System -

REMINDER - if you did not receive our emergency text message last month, please use your phone and text "yes" to the number 67587.
- If you have another child in one of our feeder districts, you may receive a message that you are already enrolled.

Changes to Attendance/Absence Procedures for Parents -

In an effort to create an easier and more efficient process for families to enter absences, AHS will be transitioning to using the Parent Access to Skyward for submitting student attendance. This feature will become available on March 6th! We will still be accepting phone messages this year during the learning and transitioning phase in hopes that next year the Skyward App becomes the main method of absence notification.

Skyward App Absence Reporting How To-

Log in
Select Main Menu
Select Attendance
Select Add Absence Request
The following will automatically be entered
1. Student Name
2. School
3. Current Date
The date can be changed to enter a future absence
If absence is not all day, click green switch to enter time period of absence
1. It is critical that you enter the time in and out, if not all day, so we have an accurate picture of the time your student will be gone (for example, part of a class period or only part of a day).
Select Reason (drop down box)
1. If you select “other” please enter comments on the reason
Comments (optional unless you selected “other” for the absence reason)
If you want siblings to be absent on the same time and day, click the green yes by that child’s name

Absence Requests from Guardians within Skyward Mobile App VIDEO

From your AHS Counseling Department

The New FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) is out!

Based on the feedback we received from families we have decided to share information about the new FAFSA virtually. Please see below for opportunities to learn more.

If you would like to attend a free webinar on paying for college presented by College Board, you can click this link.

If you are seeking individual in-person assistance with the FAFSA, please check out this flyer to learn more about College Goal Wisconsin 2024 events near you.

Here is an article to check out regarding some of the changes you can expect.

Finally, if you still have questions please check out this video: 2024-25 FAQs

As always, please reach out to your child's counselor if you have further questions. Wishing everyone a happy new year!

North Campus Counseling Team

AHS FUNDRAISING

AHS Programs Financial Support

School funding is always a challenging world to navigate. Each year, schools see a set of opportunities with costs associated with them that are unable to be funded by the current state funding and the AHS budget. We often have families with the means to support such opportunities who have expressed that there isn't an avenue to be made aware or to donate directly to a need. Each newsletter, we will list opportunities for our community to consider supporting. There is never an expectation, only an appreciation for considering.

Current Considerations

The Warhawk Rise Program - We are still looking for a committed benefactor who would like to support this great event! A new program we are developing at AHS that will recognize any student who has improved their grade point average by 1.0 or better from one semester to the next. (EX: from a 2.5 Fall semester to a 3.5 Spring semester) This is a significant achievement by students who put in great efforts toward success that may not always receive the recognition they deserve. The annual cost of this program runs about $4,000 each year and includes a semi-formal celebration brunch with their families invited and and gift bags recognizing their efforts. Please contact Principal Adam Kurth at kurth@arrowheadschools.com or North Counselor, Kelly Matthias at matthias@arrowheadschools.org to support.

Arrowhead Scholarship Fund - This amazing program provides an incredible amount of scholarships each year thanks to the generosity of our community. Families and companies have the ability to provide direction as to how their scholarship would be decided and awarded. Please see the ASF Donor Webpage for more information!

AHS Tennis Courts Fundraiser Please consider supporting our tennis efforts to update and upgrade our AHS tennis courts!

AHS Pool Fundraiser - (Coming Soon!)