CONCLUSION OF FORWARD 2025 AND PARENT PICKUP

Dear Glen Hills Families and Caregivers,

All students have just completed their Forward testing for the 2024–2025 school year. They showed incredible focus, perseverance, and resilience as they powered through multiple days of testing and extended time in their seats—huge kudos to them!

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you, our parents and caregivers. Your support at home—whether it was helping your child get a good night’s sleep, making sure they had a healthy breakfast, or offering encouragement—made a meaningful difference. Your partnership plays a key role in helping students feel confident and prepared.

We’re proud of our students and grateful for the community behind them!

As we move into the warmer months of the school year, we just a quick reminder on Parent Pickup Expectations. Parent Pickup is on the east side of the building. Main entry pickup is designated for scholars who need extra assistance/ time to get to their bus or car. Moving forward all students will exit on the east side of the building for Parent Pickup.

Also, handicap spaces are for cars who have handicap stickers or tags. Please do not park in the handicap spaces if you do not have the proper identifying tags.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a respectful and caring school community. Together, we can make dismissal a safe and positive experience for everyone.

In partnership with you,

Willie Williams Jr. and Leon Williams

Infinite Campus Notifications

Reminder: Please make sure you have Infinite Campus on your phone. Turn on notifications so that you are in the know about your child's attendance throughout the day.

Directions For Parent Portal Set Up For Infinite Campus

Link Here For The School Calendar

8th Grade

Written by: Mrs. Young (Science Teacher)

As our 8th-grade team tackles four areas of the Forward Exams before and after spring break, a select group of students who participated in the Madison Project - an alternative science fair project supported by the University of Wisconsin-Madison - had an exciting opportunity this week!

These scholars took a hands-on science class led by undergraduate students from a Chemical Engineering and Community course, where they worked side by side with college students to explore how batteries generate power. Through an engaging penny battery experiment, they discovered how chemical reactions create electrical energy - an eye-opening experience that deepened their understanding of real-world science.

Along with this hands-on learning, students got a sneak peek at campus life with a quick tour of UW-Madison. They enjoyed walking around the university, learning about engineering careers, and checking out cool features like the old 1956 car, the architecture, and the fabrication lab. And, of course, no visit to UW-Madison would be complete without ice cream from the campus dairy!

However, what stood out the most was how much students valued connecting with college students and each other. Many mentioned how meaningful it was to talk to undergraduates and professors, ask questions about college life, and experience learning outside the classroom. Others highlighted the simple joy of spending time with friends, whether on the bus ride or exploring campus together. It was a day full of curiosity, discovery, and fun, reminding us how powerful hands-on learning and social experiences can be!

Reminders:

No school April 18th and 21st

First Stage Field Trip on May 14th - TURN IN PERMISSION SLIPS ASAP!

7th Grade

Written by: Mrs. Birmingham (Science Teacher)

Math: In 7th grade, the scholars are continuing taking the Forward exam. Students are reminded to bring their chromebooks to class everyday this week.

Social Studies: In social studies, the 7th grade scholars will continue working on their Country’s Profile of a European country. This week, students will present their profile of their countries to their peers and will conduct a gallery walk style presentation and finish the Eurasia unit (with Russia). Next week, students will begin Unit 5: Middle East & Asia.

ELA: in 7th grade, the scholars begin reading The Assignment and they will continue learning about the Holocaust.

Science: In 7th grade, the scholars are finishing up their projects focused on different types of planting methods. Students can use different ways to showcase their knowledge such as pamphlets for their projects.

6th Grade

Written by: Mr. Buhrandt (ELA Teacher)

ELA: Last week students had the Forward exam in class. This week we’ve returned to working with STAMPED (For Kids) in preparation for our non-fiction unit which will close out this year. Students have been working on guided note-taking skills and diligent use of time in class; skills that they will need in 7th and 8th grade, as well as at Nicolet High School. Please make sure to check in with students via the Week at a Glance spreadsheet to see if they have homework for their classes!

Math: This week students are taking the Math portion of the Forward exam. Please make sure that students are getting a good night of rest and are bringing their chromebooks to school with a full charge. Last week students were looking at solving one step variable problems.

5th Grade

Written by: Mrs. Rias (Math Teacher)

Math: Last week we focused on graphing different data sets and analyzing them. This week we have been classifying polygons (with a focus on triangles and quadrilaterals). This week we also took the Forward Exam for Math

Reading/Writing: Last week students took the ELA portion of the Forward Exam. Students have been learning about the parts of a fantasy story. They have been listening to “The Thief of Always” as a class read aloud and have been independently reading their own fantasy book as well. They are working towards writing their own fantasy story in this unit.

Science: Students have been learning about Earth’s Major Systems (Hydrosphere, Geosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere) and how they interact with each other.

Abraham Lincoln

Winston Churchill

Venus and Serena Williams

4th Grade

Written by: Mrs. Cefalu (ELA Teacher)

Reading and Writing- Students did an awesome job presenting their biographical speeches. Last week, we introduced our new unit on poetry and figurative language. We are having fun reading, writing, and sharing our poetry!

Math- We are starting to work on division and multiplication of larger numbers using strategies based upon place value.

Social Studies- We will be looking at how Wisconsin became a state after the Fur Trade. We will also learn about our state government in preparation for our trip to Madison in June.

Tech Ed (Allied Arts)

Written by: Mr. Savagian (Tech Ed Teacher)

Tech Ed:

8th Grade – Building Wooden Benches

Our 8th graders have been hard at work constructing wooden benches for both outdoor and indoor spaces. They’re learning how to safely and effectively use the miter saw to make precise cuts, and they’ve been introduced to the Kreg Jig for pocket screws – a technique that ensures strong, durable joints. We’re also diving into more advanced joinery techniques with the biscuit joiner, which is helping students create clean and stable connections between pieces of wood. It's been a great opportunity for students to practice precision, safety, and attention to detail.

7th Grade – Popsicle Stick Bridges and Bookshelves

7th-grade students are diving into engineering with their popsicle stick bridges. Each student is tasked with designing a bridge that can hold at least 50 pounds of weight! They're putting their creativity to work as they experiment with different types of trusses and shapes to build the strongest possible bridge. We can’t wait to see which designs can hold the most weight!

In addition to bridges, the 7th graders have started on their bookshelf projects as we begin the 3rd trimester. They’ll continue practicing their skills with the miter saw, and are learning how to make dado joints with the router table. These skills will allow them to create professional-looking, sturdy bookshelves that are sure to be a great addition to their homes.

Music

Written by: Mrs. Heal (Music Teacher)

Band- 8th Grade Band is working on a medley of tunes from the musical Wicked. As part of our preparation, we are holding a class Bake-Off on Wednesday to see who can come up with the most appealing, tasty and creative cake or cupcakes centered around the theme of the musical. Thanks to our celebrity judges Mrs. Kroeger and Mr. Allen for helping us with this!

General Music- Scholars were given the opportunity to vote for which topic they were most interested in learning more about. Below is what each Grade Level selected and will be learning about:

5th Grade- Movie/Film Music

6th Grade- History of Video Game Music

7th Grade- History of Video Game Music

8th Grade- Musical Theater

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 4th GRADE FAMILIES:

4th Grade students just wrapped up their 3rd music class and have started their 4th and final music class this school year. In a few short weeks, music staff will be asking the 4th grade musicians to select their top 2 choices for 5th grade music - Band, Choir, General Music or Orchestra. Please talk with your child to see where they feel they will be most successful and as a staff we will make recommendations based on their preferences and performance in class before the end of the school year. Reminder that all students at Glen Hills will be enrolled in the SAME music class from 5th-8th grade so be sure to take some time as you consider your options.

Reminder:

April 9 (Date Change) North Shore Vocal Arts Festival @ Nicolet HS
May 12 Spring Concert, Band 5-8 6:30 PM @ GHMS
May 13 Spring Concert, Orchestra 5-8 6:30 PM @ GHMS
May 14 Spring Concert, Choir 5-8 6:30 PM @ GHMS

Student Services Team (SST)

Written by: Mrs. Davis (District Social Worker)

Elementary & Middle School Spring Cleaning for Your Brain: Tips to Freshen Up Your Mind and Finish the School Year Strong!

Spring is the perfect time to give your brain a little refresh, just like you would clean up your room! Here are some simple ways to clear out mental clutter and get your brain in tip top shape for the rest of this school year.

1. Clear Your Schedule

Make a to-do list and prioritize what you need to get done. Instead of worrying about everything at once, focus on one thing at a time. This will help you stay organized and reduce stress!
Don’t forget to rest. It’s easy to get busy with schoolwork, but make sure you schedule time to chill out. Whether it’s hanging with friends, playing games, or just relaxing, taking a break is important.

2. Tidy Up Your Study Spot

A clean table or desk = a clear mind! Take a few minutes to organize your school supplies and books. When your study space is neat, it’s easier to focus on homework and projects without distractions.

3. Empty Out Mental Clutter

Write down any thoughts or worries you’re carrying around. Just like your room, your mind can get messy too. Once it’s on paper, it’ll be easier to focus on what matters.

Try deep breathing or a quick meditation. It only takes a few minutes, and it can help clear your mind and improve your concentration. There are many apps or YouTube videos that you can use to help you take a few minutes out of your day to tune in.

4. Mix Up Your Study Routine

If you always study the same way, try something new! Change your study spot or experiment with different techniques, like using flashcards or creating mind maps. A fresh approach can make studying feel less boring and help you remember things better.

Break your work into smaller parts. Instead of cramming everything in one go, divide tasks into chunks and take mini breaks. It’ll help you stay focused longer!

5. Get Moving

Your brain loves exercise! Even just a short walk or doing some stretches can help you feel more focused and ready to tackle schoolwork.
Stay active—whether it's sports, dancing, or just playing outside, moving your body gives your brain the energy it needs to stay sharp! Take a look at our Glen Hills spring sports schedule or the Nicolet Rec activities for this summer.

6. Eat Right & Stay Hydrated

Get the best fuel you can- your brain needs good food to work its best. Drink plenty of water and eat brain-boosting snacks like nuts, berries, or even some dark chocolate!
Avoid too much sugary food—sugar may give you a quick energy boost, but it can also lead to a crash later on.

7. Let Go of Negative Thoughts

It’s time to toss out those negative thoughts! Sometimes, your mind can get full of negative thoughts like, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good enough.” Remind yourself of the things you’re good at and the progress you’ve made. Replace those “I can’t” thoughts with “I can!” and watch how it helps you feel more confident and motivated.

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