FROM THE DESK OF: Adam Kurth, Principal

Greetings AHS Families and School Community,

The past month has been unique, sometimes challenging, provided a lot of opportunity for conversations, and offered much to celebrate. As an educator and optimist, all engagements, both good and bad, provide opportunities.

This newsletter is a bit delayed due to several significant recent decisions pertaining to our schedule, AP courses, facilities study, statutory changes made at the state level, and steps taken to ensure our school continues to grow and improve.

Below you will find very important information on:

Updates in our communication structures during emergency situations
An updated student attendance procedure for families
ACT and State testing schedules and adjustments to our school calendar and daily schedule
An update on our facilities study and planning including design scenarios and cost impact with our next event being held TOMORROW, Feb. 29th at 6pm
PTO and ASF Events including events tonight and tomorrow night
Wisconsin State ACT 95 impacting class ranking and guaranteed college admission
Parent Teacher Conferences
Numerous celebrations and other relevant information for our school community

Please read the section immediately below titled PARENT COMMUNICATION UPDATES. This is very important information for our families and your awareness and efforts in using both of our new tools will helps us be a safer and more efficient school for our students and community.

Second semester brings many opportunities for our students and families including course selection for next year, another Blood Drive, spring sports and activities, events from our fine and performing arts students, Spring Break, Prom, Teacher Appreciation, and many others ultimately culminating in our Class of 2024 Graduation - now only three months away. All of these events and more will be detailed in upcoming Arrowhead Advisors so keep checking your inbox each month!

Lastly, for those planners in our audience, here is a link to the approved 2024-25 School Year Calendar.

Many thanks to our readers as we continue to work together toward the best AHS we can provide for our students and community.

Adam Kurth

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 28: PTO/REDGen Event Parent viewing of My Ascension (suicide awareness)February 29: AHS Facilities Study Community Presentation - South Campus Library (6:00-8:00 pm)March 5: Adjusted Schedule March 7: 4:30-7:30 Parent Teacher Conferences VIRTUAL - info belowMarch 12 - ACT for Juniors - adjusted schedule for all students below.March 14-16: Music Theater Nights! TICKETSMarch 20-21: PRE ACT for Freshman/SophomoresMarch 25 - 29: No School - Spring Break

Upcoming School Board Meetings
March 6: Policy Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board RoomMarch 13: Community Conversations 6:30 PM SC LibraryMarch 13: School Board Meeting 6:30 PM SC LibraryMarch 15: Finance Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board RoomMarch 20: Arrowhead Student Run Candidate Forum (more information to come)March 21: Curriculum Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board Room

Parent Communication

and Attendance Updates

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

1) Emergency Text Messaging System

We are instituting a new text communication tool for use during immediate or emergency situations. Once we can ensure that our text system is reaching our families with fidelity, we will begin to use this as our main form of communication during emergency situations or situations where immediate information is necessary. More information will be shared after the testing of our system next week.

Testing will occur Tuesday March 5, 2024 at approximately 4:00 pm.

You will receive a standard text message to your phone during this time in order to help identify families missed by this method of communication. If you do not receive a text message from School Messenger on Tuesday March 5, please text Y to 67587.

Any additional questions, email fa@arrowheadschools.org.

2) Changes to Attendance/Absence Procedures for Families

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
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

IMPORTANT UPDATES

Spring Parent Teacher Conferences

AHS PARENTS & GUARDIANS

AHS Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held VIRTUALLY and by appointment.

Thursday, March 7th from 4:30 - 7:30 pm

Arrowhead High School welcomes all families to our Spring 2024 Parent-Teacher Conferences. After positive feedback from families, we will again offer the virtual method of Spring conferencing for parent convenience and privacy. If you are not able to meet with all teachers or would like additional time, please connect with those teachers and we will be happy to accommodate. Please follow the directions below to sign up for a conference. Please be prepared with any questions so we can maximize the time together to support your student’s needs. A list of Google Meet links will be sent closer to the March 7th conference date.

How to sign up for a conference

In Family Access select Conferences (lower left of screen).
To the right of your student's name, select All Conferences. This will display a list of your child's classes that are available for a conference.
To schedule a conference for one class, click on Select a Time (under the Status column and left of the class name). Click on Select next to the desired time, review, and save the Time Slot message.
Repeat this process for each class.
You can select View Scheduled Times to confirm that the process was successful. You can print your conferences by selecting Print All Schedule Conferences for Guardians.

Conferences are set for 5 minutes to allow as many families as possible to connect with staff. If additional minutes are needed, please let the teacher know and they will reach out or schedule additional minutes for that night if possible.
To ensure that all of the necessary information is shared with you, please allow the teacher to provide information and insights to start and then ask your questions.
To reduce technical problems, please try to avoid scheduling conferences back-to-back.
Please arrive at your scheduled conference early if possible and wait in the waiting room for the teacher to admit you when he/she is ready.
Please be considerate of the time limit allotted to keep everyone on schedule.
If you need more than the time allotted, please make arrangements with the teacher to continue the discussion at a later date.

We look forward to “seeing” you the evening of March 7th!

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 courses below will be on the same schedule as all other classes in the block. This decision increases access to all classes including AP and elective courses, minimizes scheduling conflicts, allows students to fit more classes or a true study hall into their schedule, among other benefits. This structure continues to off our students 1,000-2,000 minutes more than what AP College Board recommends, setting our students up for success.

When counselors presented course selection information, 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 students need to add a class to their 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

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. Consider a study hall to support the rigorous coursework you hope to engage in next year. Also, consider adding a passion class that may not have fit in schedules prior to this adjustment.

Please connect with your counselor if you have any questions.

ACT Testing Information

Students will have an adjusted schedule on Tuesday, March 5 to allow for Juniors to complete the required registration for the ACT.

Here is the adjusted schedule for March 5.

Freshmen and Sophomores will be in an extended first hour for Academic and Career Exploration.

Early enrollment 8th graders who have first hour Geometry will meet at the usual time.

JUNIORS:

Juniors will be completing the required ACT test registration. Even if students have completed online ACT registration for a previous ACT test, this paper process is required for the State ACT test. This test registration is in preparation for the ACT test administered on March 12.

Juniors should report to testing rooms by 7:30.

Testing room assignments will be posted outside of the North Campus Counseling Office beginning Friday, February 28. The room where Juniors report to on March 5 is the same room they will report to for testing on March 12.
Students will need a photo ID and a pencil to complete the basic registration.
Students will be given directions for how to complete the demographic information in MyACT. These directions include a specific student code unique to each student for logging into MyACT. Students and parents should review the directions carefully and complete this portion of the registration at home by March 12. This portion of the registration includes determining which colleges they would like scores sent to for free. Students who have already completed a profile in MyACT should NOT create an additional profile, but can review the previously entered information for accuracy or changes.
Anyone who is absent on March 5 will need to make-up registration ahead of the March 12 administration of the test. Please reach out to Mrs. Kelly Matthias who will assist you with make up registration (matthias@arrowheadschools.org)
Students who are absent for the March 12 test administration of the ACT will make up the test on April 9. This date is determined by the state of Wisconsin.
Juniors should stop into the Counseling Office if they have any questions.

SENIORS : Report to the EAST GYM PROMPTLY at 7:45 for senior meeting and class picture.

IMPORTANT: STATE ASSESSMENT TEST DATES

Please make note of these dates in your calendars. As we get closer to dates of these changes, more details will be sent home and posted on the Arrowhead website.

The ACT for Juniors:

Tuesday, March 5 is ACT Registration. All Juniors MUST report to their assigned testing rooms at 7:25. Testing rooms will be posted later in February outside of the NC Counseling office. Freshman and Sophomores will report to their first hour which will be extended for ACE lessons.

Tuesday, March 12 is the ACT for all Juniors.

There is no school for Seniors on this day!

Freshmen and Sophomores are in classes. Any South Campus student with a class at North will report to the South Campus AP room during those class periods.

More details will be sent closer to the testing date.

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PRE ACT SECURE for Freshmen and Sophomores:

On March 20 and March 21 Arrowhead will administer Wisconsin required Pre ACT Secure. Pre ACT Secure is a summative assessment that measures what students have learned in the areas of: English, Reading, Math and Science.

March 20 (7:20-10:40) Freshmen and Sophomores with last names A-K will test.
March 21 (7:20-10:40) Freshmen and Sophomores with last names L-Z will test.
Students not testing will have a late start at 10:40 (SC) and 10:50 (NC)
March 20 and 21 will run a “B day” Schedule

More details will be sent closer to the testing dates.

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WISCONSIN FORWARD EXAM for Sophomores:

The Forward Exam is a State-mandated assessment that tests social studies knowledge, skills, and standards. Arrowhead will be administering the test to Sophomores in their Social Studies classes on April 9 and 10.

If you have any questions regarding these assessments, please contact

Sue Casetta, casetta@arrowheadschools.org or any of the following test coordinators:

ACT - Kelly Matthias matthias@arrowheadschools.org

Pre ACT Secure - Thomas Stuber stuber@arrowheadschools.org

FORWARD - Molly Sroka - sroka@arrowheadschools.or

ACT PREP Options and Resources

The ACT is one of the most important tests a college-bound student will take in high school. ALL JUNIORS will take the ACT at Arrowhead on March 12, 2024.

We want our students to feel confident and prepared. Below is information to help students access resources for ACT Prep. Contact the North Campus Counseling office if you have questions.

FREE ACT PREP THROUGH XELLO - Methodize, all students have access!

ACT MATERIALS ONLINE: Free and additional materials for purchase:

Students have found the new and improved ACT PREP ONLINE to be very helpful. This is a six-month subscription to a dynamic, interactive test prep course from the makers of the ACT! Go to: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html

Personalized learning paths
Practice tests with real ACT test questions
Comprehensive content review
Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet

Free Guide from ACT: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Preparing-for-the-ACT.pdf
Free Study Guide, flashcard and sample test items: https://uniontestprep.com/act
http://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links
ACT Academy: FREE ONLINE https://academy.act.org

National Test Dates (please see http://www.act.org) for more information

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, in which AHS has held the belief that 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.

AHS FACILITIES STUDY

Long-Term Facilities Planning

LINK FROM COMMUNITY SESSION SLIDES

Nearly 130 Arrowhead High School community members met at the South Campus Library on January 29 and February 20 to learn more about our school’s long-range facilities planning process. A recent facilities assessment identified several key issues including: safety & security; undersized classrooms & specialty learning areas; inefficient two-building organization; aging capital infrastructure; and lack of natural light, collaboration areas and flexible furniture. AHS is facing an estimated $53 million over the next 10 years in capital maintenance alone. This does not include the cost of renovations or additions. More information can be found here [LINK TO FACILITIES PLANNING PAGE]. We invite all our stakeholders to our next community meetings, to be held on February 29 (repeat sessions) from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the South Campus Library.

Here is a link to our webpage with all the current referendum information: Informational Webpage

Substantial progress continues with the District’s long-range facilities study. On Wednesday, December 13, the School Board received updates on building conditions, utilization, capacity and how our facilities support teaching and learning. The facilities assessment can be viewed here.

Another important step was taken on Wednesday, January 10, when the Board received cost estimates related to maintaining the existing buildings. In total, Arrowhead High School has an estimated $53 million in capital maintenance needs over the next 10 years. It is important to understand the following about this estimate:

The estimated costs are not all immediate needs. The $53 million total represents anticipated capital maintenance needs over the next 10 years. Some capital infrastructure is at or past its expected life and should be repaired or replaced in the short-term. Other building systems are currently in good working order but should be considered for replacement in the medium-term (5 to 10 years from now).

The cost estimates represent only capital maintenance needs. Cost estimates assume a 1-for-1 replacement of various building systems. The estimates DO NOT account for building improvements through renovation or new construction. The facilities assessment identified a number of deficiencies: undersized theater, gym and pool; inefficient utilization of specialty spaces; lack of natural light; opportunities to improve safety and security, to name a few. The estimate does not include costs to remedy these and other facilities issues.

Clearly, the accumulated 10-year capital maintenance cost estimate is significant. It signifies notable needs in our building’s capital infrastructure.

In the coming weeks and months, the Board will consider these capital maintenance needs and renovation options to better align the District’s facilities with teaching and learning goals. Feedback from stakeholders, including staff, parents and community members, will help inform the Board’s decision making. Accordingly, we have organized three community information sessions.

On February 29 (South Library, 6 - 8 PM), information will be presented about the facilities options and costs currently under consideration. The February meetings are the same presentation, so while anyone is welcome to attend both, most would consider attending one of the sessions to be sufficient.

To learn more about our facilities, please visit the Facilities Planning page on the District website: https://www.arrowheadschools.org/LRFP/index.cfm

Questions can be sent to: facilities@arrowheadschools.org

Please join us for this important public information event:

Arrowhead High School District Facilities Study

Co-sponsored by the

Arrowhead Union High School District

and the Arrowhead High School PTO

This is an opportunity to learn and provide input on the potential options for the future of AHS facilities!

Who: All community members (7 feeder PTOs special invitation)

What: Review possible facility options for the future of AHS

When: February 29th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: South Campus Library

Why: Help provide input for the AHS Board of Education’s consideration of a path forward

ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Hello Arrowhead Community!

One of the primary roles of any school board is the development and adoption of school policy. Policy, and the related procedures, are of great importance as they establish expectations, address the safety needs of students, and ensure the smooth operation of the school. Ultimately, good policy promotes attainment of better educational outcomes.

The School Board and Administration recently decided to transition from our current book of policies to the policy system offered by Neola. Neola offers policy language that is state-specific, concise and highly customizable. Neola bylaws and policies are updated twice a year and will enable our Board to keep abreast of the ever changing education-law landscape.

In conjunction with the adoption of the Neola policy system, the Board has approved the adoption of BoardDocs, an efficient and transparent system for school board management. When this system is fully implemented, our school community will have a more “user-friendly” experience in those areas of school governance on our AHS website.

It is important to understand what the “transition” in policy looks like. It requires review of every proposed Neola policy and the application of contextual framing of every current AHS policy. This process, undertaken by the Board and Administration, will take many months and is a heavy lift. Our goal is clear, concise, and good policy resulting in a net positive impact on educational success.

On a final note, we strongly encourage the active involvement of the whole Arrowhead community in our school’s Long-Range Facilities Planning. Your engagement in this process is vital! Please come (and bring friends and neighbors with you!) to the upcoming Community Information Session being offered at South Library from 6-8PM on February 29. We hope to see you there!

Kim Schubert

School Board President

PARENT Groups

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

AHS PTO

February 28: The AHS PTO is hosting a special event, co-sponsored by REDgen (Resilience through EDucation for a new Generation) with a video presentation of My Ascension in the North Campus Theater. Click on this link for additional information.

Facilities Study

February 29: Co-hosting the AHS Facilities Study Community Presentation in the South Campus Library from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Please consider attending to learn and offer input on the future of AHS facilities.

Dine Out and Suit Up!

Please consider dining at Bubbas next Wednesday! A portion of all sales goes to support the PTO's efforts!

Prom is just around the corner. Best Tuxedo in Hartland is donating $10 for every AHS rental!

Coming Soon!

An exciting new endeavor from our AHS PTO!

Class of 2024 Grad Grams!!!!!

This year, the AHS PTO will be selling AHS Grad Grams! This incredible venture provides families, friends, and our community an opportunity to send our graduates special messages on their last day as a student at Arrowhead High School! The impact of these simple messages is immeasurable and long lasting! Grad Grams will be on sale in the main offices, at special events, online, and other area locations. More info to come!

AGENDAS & Past Meeting MINUTES are Linked here:

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

Arrowhead Scholarship Foundation (ASF)

Auction Dinner

Please join us in the 25th Annual Dinner Auction!

Who: Any and all are invited!
What: Live entertainment, dinner, auction, and fun social event
When: Saturday, April 13th from 6:00pm-11:00pm
Where: Smoke on the Water on Okauchee Lake
Why: To help raise funds for ASF scholarships

Tickets can be purchased HERE

Students of the Month

December & January!

This is a new recognition highlighting outstanding students who have captured the gratitude and appreciation of both teachers and administrators. Our hope is to 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!

PARENT INFORMATION

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.

Please complete the questions in this Google Form so we can be in touch moving forward. You can also use this email: ahs24seniors@gmail.com for questions or needs.

THANK YOU in advance for your help!

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

CELEBRATIONS!

AHS DECA Success!

ARROWHEAD DECA CONTINUES ITS SUCCESS AT DISTRICT COMPETITION

AHS Earns 54 Awards – 28 Qualify for State Conference

Over 600 high school marketing students from all over southeastern Wisconsin came together on January 6th to compete in the WI DECA (an association of Marketing students) District Career Development Conference held at Kettle Moraine High School in Wales, Wisconsin. Students applied everything they have learned through their business and marketing classes and training sessions in role plays and comprehensive exams.

Please use this link to view the Press Release.

Congratulations to our DECA students!

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In addition, Arrowhead DECA was named CHAPTER OF THE MONTH for January! This recognition was given for their Community Service, Leadership Development, Career Exploration, Social Media Marketing, and overall DECA (marketing and business) initiatives.

Arrowhead DECA Recognized for Outstanding School-based Enterprise

The HawksNest, the school-based enterprise at Arrowhead High School, was among national school-based enterprises achieving gold-level certification for the 2023-2024 school year and will be recognized during DECA’s International Career Development Conference this April 27-30, 2024, in Anaheim, California. Please see the linked press release for more details.

Technology Education Program of the Year!

Each year the Wisconsin Technology Education Association honors education and industry professionals who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to Technology Education. The award recognizes a "high school that delivers an outstanding program which provides students with rigorous training and skill development in the areas and concepts of technology and engineering."

We are pleased to announce that the Arrowhead Technology and Engineering departments has been selected to receive the WTEA High School Program of the Year Award. Arrowhead Technology and Engineering teachers will be honored at the WTEA annual conference dinner on March 6.

The Arrowhead Union High School Technology and Engineering Department is dedicated to aligning its curriculum and educational practices with specific industry standards, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world applications. We are committed to incorporating and surpassing standards set by industry organizations, including the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), DPI Standards for Technology Education, the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA), and the nationally recognized engineering program Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Notably, students enrolled in PLTW courses can earn dual credits through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (CCIHS).

Moreover, Arrowhead's Technology and Engineering Department allows juniors and seniors to earn transcripted credits at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) for Advanced Autos and Metal Fabrication I.

Additionally, juniors and seniors can participate in an industry internship or Youth Apprenticeship, offering a valuable opportunity for students serious about their plans to gain work experience in a professional environment. By integrating these recognized industry benchmarks into our teaching methodologies, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet or exceed the expectations of employers and professionals in fields ranging from manufacturing and engineering to technology development. This emphasis on industry standards enhances the quality of education provided and positions our students for success in careers that demand a high level of proficiency and relevance in today's competitive job market.

Congratulations to AHS Junior Emery Cummins-Brown

as the

Bertie Green Travel Award Winner!

Each year student travel awards are granted to approximately 20 high school juniors across the country who are members of Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society). In 2024, the SHH awarded these students an 8-day trip to Panama! We are happy to announce that Emery Cummins-Brown was selected and will get to travel to Panama this summer!

The trip will be July 15-22, 2024. The application process included an essay in Spanish, two letters of recommendation, and a video interview in Spanish, among other application materials.

Here is the sample itinerary of the trip and a description of her award, for those interested to know more.

TRAVEL AWARD DESCRIPTION:

Each Bertie Green Travel Award includes the following:

Guided excursions in Panama
Lodging
Three meals per day while in Panama
Travel insurance during the trip
A$400 travel allowance for round-trip transportation from student’s home to Miami International (MIA) airport
Round trip flights from Miami airport to Panama
Ground transportation in Panama

We are so happy for Emery and we are certain she will represent Arrowhead well on her trip to Panama!

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

Congratulations to Coach

Craig Haase

for being inducted into the

2024 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Hall of Fame!

AHS ATHLETICS UPDATE

Wrestling - The team is wrestling very well and recently qualified for team state which will be held in Madison On March 1st and 2nd! The team also qualified 7 boys and 1 girl to the individual state tournament!

Gymnastics - Arrowhead recently placed 3rd at the Classic 8 Conference meet. The young team is having fun and doing great.

Boys Basketball - 21-2 overall, 14-1 in conference. This team has great leadership from its upperclassmen but also young talent that will be exciting for years to come. The team is embracing opportunities, learning to play great basketball together and working hard to make it a great season! They have one more game until the WIAA post season starts. We are ranked #2 in our sectional bracket and will play #15 ranked Oshkosh West on Friday March 1st at Arrowhead.

Girls Basketball - 21-3 overall, 14-0 in conference. The team has strong leadership from the upperclassmen, but is also young and talented! It's fun to see them come together to play great basketball! They are the #2 seed in our state sectional bracket.

Boys Swimming - This season has been full of many great swims. Every meet produces many personal best times and seasonal bests. The team's success is a result of some great senior leadership as well as some young talent having breakout swims. Arrowhead completed their season Saturday by finishing one point behind the 2nd place team at the WIAA State Meet. Great Season boys!

Alpine Ski - The girls team is State Champs! The boys team is State Runner Up! All teams won conference (Boys and Girls, Varsity and JV) and were glad the snow stuck around long enough to compete at their state championship last weekend in Mt LaCrosse. Congratulations to all teams on a great season!

Boys Ice Hockey - The team ended their season with an 19-8 overall record. The team recently fell to Brookfield in their state playoff sectional game but played strong until the end.

Girls Ice Hockey - The team ended their season with a 14-12 overall record. They had a fun season but recently fell to USM in their state playoff sectional game.

Dance Team - competed at State and had a fun season. They are looking forward to meeting more dancers and will host tryouts for the 2024-2025 season on Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20.

Cheer Team completed their competitive season and will also hold tryouts for next school year in May.

Our spring sports are right around the corner. Registration for each sport can be completed now on through the google doc on each particular sports home page on the Arrowhead website. Please find more information under each activities / sports /clubs home page.

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 Repeat

Parent Information and Updates

New Bell Schedule for the 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.

8th Grade Registration

If you missed 8th Grade Registration, below is the letter that was sent to parents of incoming Freshman. In addition, there are three links for additional information.

Linked here is the webcast our counselors use to meet with students and families for registrations.

Linked here is the powerpoint from the admin/counselor session at registration.

Yet another link: the presentation with department specific information.

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!)