A daytime performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream brought laughter and magic to the American Players Theatre (APT), last Thursday. The performance was played outdoors in the theater’s natural setting, the classic Shakespeare play delighted audiences with its mix of love, confusion, and a perfect humouristic note. 

Our trip to the theatre began in the morning, with an hour and thirty minutes ahead of us. After an hour on the road, we made a quick stop at KickTrip and arrived at the American Player Theatre near 10PM. 

The play we were about to see was called A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by Shackspear, and directed by David Daniel, “where he serves as a Core Company member and APT's Education Director”. 

In Athens, a big wedding is being planned between Duke Theseus and Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. But not all love is going well : Egeus is “having trouble with his daughter Hermia, being in love with the ‘wrong man’ – Lysander,” since Hermia is supposed to marry Demetrius. Hermia and Lysander run away to the forest.

At the same time, a group led by carpenter Quince is preparing a play for the wedding called “a dramatization of the classical story, Pyramus and Thisbe.”

In the forest, fairy King Oberon and Queen Titania argue over a young orphan boy. Titania won’t give him up, saying his mother was one of her followers. Angry, Oberon tells his helpers Snug and Puck to find a magic flower that makes people fall in love with the first thing they see. But things don’t go as planned…

Classes from all Wisconsin came to the play, high school but middle school too ! Everybody enjoyed it, and it was really interesting and surprisingly good for such an old play ! 

At the end of the play, everyone clapped loudly, showing how much they enjoyed the performance. The outdoor stage made the forest scenes feel even more real and magical.

It was, personally, my first time seeing a Shakespeare play live. This trip to APT was a great way to experience a classic story in a new way. Even after 500 years, Shakespeare can still make people laugh.

Hi everyone!

If we haven’t met yet, my name is Gabin. I’m a foreign exchange student from France! I come from a beautiful medieval village called Montcuq, located in the Occitanie region in the southwest of France. I live in the countryside, surrounded by fields and forests, it’s a peaceful and picturesque place.

For high school, I used to commute to the nearby “big city” of Cahors. Every Monday morning, I took the bus, stayed at the school during the week, and returned home on Fridays. It was an unforgettable experience where I made amazing friends and created lasting memories. I graduated last year, so this exchange year is like a bonus adventure for me!

Now, you might be wondering, “Why did I choose to come to this high school?” Well, the truth is, I didn’t exactly choose it! I had to write a short profile about myself and submit some photos on a website. From there, a host family selected me, and that’s how I ended up here.

So far, I’m really enjoying my time here. Most of you have been incredibly kind and curious, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my culture with you. Of course, there are still things I need to get used to, especially the food, which is... let’s say, quite unique! 

The school system here is also completely different from what I’m used to in France. Back home, our school days run from 8 AM to 6 PM, with a one- or two-hour lunch break. Academics are generally more demanding, especially in subjects like math, and we have a final national exam at the end of senior year. Our results from both junior and senior years count toward our final grade, so yes, it’s a lot of pressure!

That’s why I’m really enjoying this experience abroad. I get to relax a little, focus less on heavy academics, and most importantly, connect with so many more people. It’s been such a rewarding and eye-opening journey so far.

SOUTH WAYNE, WI — The newest face in the Black Hawk School District is quickly becoming a favorite among students and faculty alike. Mr. Sniff, a recent graduate from UW-Platteville, has joined the staff as a K-12 teacher..

For Sniff, the decision to teach at Black Hawk was an easy one, citing his ties to the community and the location. "I don't live far, and I don't have to pay rent," he explained with a laugh. "I have also been a part of the community for a long time."

His transition from student to teacher hasn't been without its challenges, especially since he initially didn't intend to teach K-12. "It's been alright so far," he said, "the faculty are great, I wish I had my own room, but it is what it is. I never expected to teach K-12, so it's a learning experience for everyone."

The music education graduate from UW-Platteville shared some of his personal interests. A fan of the card game Magic: The Gathering, he also enjoys the outdoors. "I have also started walking my dogs with my brother, and that has been really nice and calming, too," he shared. The canine companions, 10-year-old Jimmy and a puppy named Lila, keep him company.

Sniff is also a dedicated fan of theater, with a particular love for musicals and plays. "I love musicals and plays because I like acting, but I'm not very good at dancing," he said. His connection to the stage started in high school when he played the tuba in the band. "I especially love story-filled music," he added.

Among his favorites, he mentioned The Heathers and Star Kids, but his all-time favorite is one he's been in himself: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He also has a soft spot for "the guy who doesn't like musicals" within the theater world, appreciating characters who offer a different viewpoint.

Sniff's warm personality and creative interests are sure to be a welcomed addition to the Black Hawk school and community.

Phones have become a common part of life, and their presence in schools has both positive and negative effects. Many students bring phones to school every day, and this can impact their learning in different ways. On one hand, phones can be useful learning tools. 

They give students quick access to information, online dictionaries, and educational apps. Phones can also help with organization, since students use them for calendars, reminders, and taking notes. Teachers sometimes use phones in class for research projects or interactive activities.

On the other hand, phones can be very distracting. Students may text during lessons, browse social media, or play games instead of paying attention. This can lower focus and cause grades to drop. Phones may also lead to cheating during tests or assignments. Another issue is cyberbullying, which can continue during school hours if students are always connected. Some schools have responded by creating strict phone rules or even banning them entirely. Others allow phones but only for educational purposes.

In the end, phones are powerful tools, but they must be used responsibly. Schools need to find a balance between using technology for learning and preventing distractions. When used wisely, phones can support education, but when misused, they can harm it.

AI is becoming a big part of our lives, and now it’s even starting to show up in schools. From helping students study to making teachers’ jobs easier, AI is changing the way we learn. Some people think it’s a great thing, while others are a little worried about it. Either way, it’s definitely something we need to talk about.

AI Helping Students

One of the coolest things about AI is how it can help students learn in a way that works best for them. For example, some apps can figure out what you’re good at and what you need help with. Then, they give you practice problems or videos that are made just for you. This is called personalized learning, and it can make school a lot less stressful.

Some students also use AI chatbots or tutoring apps when they’re stuck on homework. These tools can explain things in a different way or walk you through a problem step by step. It’s kind of like having a tutor that’s always available, even late at night.

Making Things Easier for Teachers

AI isn’t just helping students — it’s also helping teachers. Some teachers use AI to grade tests or keep track of student progress. This saves them a lot of time, so they can focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

AI can also help teachers figure out which students might be struggling. If the AI sees that a student’s grades are dropping or they’re missing a lot of homework, it can send a warning to the teacher. This way, the teacher can talk to the student before things get worse.