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Bulldogs of Character earns Community Service Award

The School District of New London was well represented at the annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held Thursday, April 9.

The Bulldogs of Character in the Community group and the Catalyst Academy were nominated for an award.

District Administrator Kathy Gwidt was pleased to share with school board members on Monday, April 13, that the Bulldogs of Character group was the recipient of the Community Service Award.

School counselors Corene Strohfeldt and Bill Stork accepted the award during the banquet on behalf of the group.

The Bulldogs of Character in the Community group was nominated because they have demonstrated excellence in one, or more of the following criteria: enhances way of life; enriches community image; has demonstrated a deep and sincere caring for the area; has initiated and/or executed a community enhancement project including follow-through; or provides a continued donation of time and talent to the chamber.

The Bulldogs of Character program gives students and adults the opportunity to learn and practice core values at school, home in the community, and workplace. All in effort to further individual growth and understanding of what it means to be a respectful and responsible citizen within our society.

Although the Catalyst Academy did not receive an award, the nomination was just as important to the district.

The academy was nominated for the Beautification Award. This award is presented to a chamber member demonstrating excellence in one, or more, of five categories.

The five categories are: creates an appealing environment for community members and tourists; enhances physical characteristic of property or ‘brand;’ has done an interior or exterior renovation of property; saw a need for a community enhancement, initiated and executed the change; or supports beautification projects through the donation of time and talents, and/or a financial contribution.

“It was certainly hard work for all of us connected to the Catalyst Academy, including Mr. Fuhs and his students,” Gwidt said. “They worked very hard on the exterior of the building.”

Gwidt further commented that the district is very proud of the recognition the community has provided through these nominations.

The board also welcomed DECA students who will be attending the DECA International Career Conference in Orlando, Florida on April 25-28.

DECA Advisor Missy Porath and assistant advisor Becky Marquardt introduced the qualifying students to board members. The students then had the opportunity to share their accomplishments and experiences they had this year in DECA.

DECA is in its 11th year and had over 105 students participating. This is the highest participation of students compared to previous years.

According to DECA student Ryne Goedderz, Porath highly encourages all of her business students to join DECA.

“It’s a fun group and we have fun in all the things we do,” Goedderz said. “It gives us the opportunity to succeed in other areas and we do a lot of great things in the community.”

Fourteen students attended the state DECA conference and 11 students will be travelled to nationals. The students who qualified for nationals are: Sam Porath, Maddie Schroeder, Grace Mroczynski, Emma Hoier, Evan Taber, Ryne Goedderz, Payton Mix, Macy Madsen, Cole Thomson, Micah Ives, and Brittany Zehner.

“To experience this opportunity is really life changing,” DECA student Hoier said. “To be able to see the business world and connect with professionals at this age is such a great opportunity. I’m really proud of our chapter this year.”

Policies Revised

School board members approved revisions of policies and procedures for high school graduation, student scholarships, and Wisconsin Academic Excellence Higher Education Scholarship Selection.

“Each of these policies reflects slight revisions as recommended by WASB and our administrative team,” said Terry Wetzel, Director of Teaching and Learning Services.

Administrators and board members first reviewed these revisions last month during a special meeting of the board of education. Wetzel highlighted the minimal revisions prior to board approval.

Graduation and student scholarship policies reflect minor wording changes to align with current state statues. The scholarship selection policy reflects a change in the manner in which the selection process of the scholarship is handled.

According to Wetzel, the rationale for this recommendation is that all students now take ACT test their junior year. The recommendation is that this policy change becomes effective with the class of 2017.

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