Wild Rose Board advances Forest Committee and highlights new programs

The Wild Rose School Board gathered on Sept. 10 in the boardroom to discuss key initiatives and decisions affecting the district.
The board continued discussions on the formation of the new School Forest Committee, which will be meeting at the end of September. They examined the direction of their attention, why the committee was formed, what their goals would be, and the review of school policy that may reflect on this new committee. Currently, about a dozen members are involved, with a few yet to commit. The Board is looking for 3-4 meetings this year, and maybe bi-yearly meetings in the future.
There was testimony that the first days of school were successful. The staff has done a great job creating a welcoming environment for our students, families, and new staff. Some support staff hires include Robert Stoneman as Custodian and three instructional assistants: Brianne Rilling, Sammy Fox, and Cherie Lorenz.
Holden Smith, a teacher’s aide, also reached out to the Board seeking a position as a volunteer football coach. He was unanimously approved.
There is now an ongoing relationship between Wild Rose School District and Fox Valley Technical College about sharing classes, with the ultimate goal of having students earning more college credit. Noble Clinics is continuing to work in the district to ensure youth wellness. CWCare (Central Wisconsin Care) has been formed to streamline committees and schedules for several school districts in Central Wisconsin, including Wild Rose School District.

The District has submitted its required wireless communication device policy through the 2026-2027 Wisconsin Digital Learning Survey of the Wisconsin Associaton of School Boards (WASB). This fall, WASB’s regional meetings will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and will provide an important opportunity to hear directly from school leaders and develop the priorities that will guide our advocacy for the 2027-2029 legislative session. Several board members plan to attend.
Volleyball is in full swing at the high school and middle school levels. Wild Rose High School has an international student from Germany. The Cross-Country team is finding success early on. The Fall Musical tryouts were held during the first week of school, and the Musical is scheduled for Nov. 12-14. Mission Backpack, where a student can bring home food for the weekend, provided by a Saxeville church, will be getting under way soon.
Evergreen Campground has donated two pallets full of school supplies. Redgranite Correctional donated; a couple of independent clubs donated backpacks. Red, White, and Blue Day was celebrated, a pep rally was performed, school pictures were taken, and a tornado drill was conducted. School sports have had great success.
Homecoming week begins Sept. 28, with the Homecoming parade starting at 1 p.m. so that more students can participate, followed by the game on Oct. 2. The Homecoming Dance, hosted by the Student Senate, will be on Oct. 3, starting at 8 p.m. The general theme is “Summer Bash.”
The board took time to reflect on last year’s school shooting drill, the challenges that came up, and resolutions to those challenges. There may be some part-time police at the school until Wild Rose hires a new Police Chief. FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, will be available on Oct. 1. The next Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8.