The Wautoma Area School Board received an update on the A+ After School Program during a presentation by Kendra Knutson, A+ After School Program Coordinator, during the regular board meeting on Oct. 10.
The 2021-22 data showed an increase in enrollment, with 214 students parti-cipating (an increase of 36 students from last school year) and 134 students participating each day on average (an increase of nine students daily). Currently there are 176 kids enrolled and 144 daily participants, with 46 students on the wait list. Knutson hopes to be able to hire additional enrichment leaders to allow more students to be a part of the program.
Knutson also highlighted organizations that helped make the program more engaging for the students. There were 26 organizations that partnered with the A+ program last year.
The A+ After School Program had 25 volunteers last year, which was up from 18 the previous year. A total of 461 volunteer hours were recorded in 2021-22, an increase of 197 hours from the year before.
The board accepted the nomination of Robert Barbarich to the Wall of Staff Recognition. “He has put in a lot years of service for the kids, and he made a great impact on the students while I worked at the high school,” stated Tom Butt, “He always brought humor, and always brought life to the learning environment.” Barbarich is also the longtime coach of the Wautoma/Wild Rose Cross Country Team. A committee will be brought together and fundraising from the group that nominated will prepare for the plaque presentation during the winter athletic season.
The board reviewed Category B and C field trips for the upcoming school year. They approved Category B, overnight field trips University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on the Water Wrestling Tournament, FBLA State Leadership Conference, FCCLA State Competition, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wautoma High School Varsity Softball, Rhinelander Dome, and American Players Theatre, Spring Green; and Category C, out of state field trips Argonne National Laboratory Field Trip, 1st Consideration, and FCCLA National Leadership Conference, 1st Consideration.
The board also approved the employment of Leah Jackowski, Riverview Steering Team Grade 1 Representative, Alana Wil-liams, Riverview Steering Team Paraprofessional Representative, A+ After School Program Staff, and Logan Johnson, Basketball, Boys Grade 8 Assistant Coach; New/Revised Board Policies, Volume 31 #2, 2nd Consideration; and Mid-October 2022-early October 2023 fundraisers.
