Last Day of Winter in Medford Schools

On this last day of winter in Wisconsin the cold and snow can have a long hard impact on us personally and professionally especially when you are involved in education. With the official start of Spring tomorrow I took a look back to see if we made it through this school year so far okay and look ahead to the optimism of Spring.

August
Friends of Literacy Awards were handed out to those who promote literacy. Recognizing special education and other staff who have taught 30 years and others at the 5-10-15-20-25 years.

September
New school year with new staff coming in to work with our veteran teachers. New positions of school social worker, online SLP, and ELL teacher starting for the first time. Learning new College and Career Ready IEP Forms. The start of our Books on the Bus program for our special needs busses. Suicide Prevention QPR training for Suicide Awareness Month.

October
Our annual Child Development Day, Amazing Race to Employment where 126 businesses were visited, Ms Amber and Ms Sheryl recognized as the Collaborative Team of the Year at the WECA conference, our series of Town Hall meetings on Meth Prevention, the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Book Night, the Lions Club Donation for the Eye Gaze Technology, Heroes to Hire Initiative through the Medford Chamber where HH was given an honorary badge by Chief Carey. Luanne telling me she was retiring, The Jeanne's Way Trail dedication with her family, and Big Red Bowling Extravaganza was held.

November
Our annual Words With Friends Tournament, Wilson Language featuring our story on our Wilson Little Free Library at MAES, Former Chief Coyer and his deputies Jaeden and Jacoby Reading to the students, the initial steps beginning of an Inclusive Playground in Medford, and the first Thanksgiving Luncheon by Mrs Q and her crew.

December
The Green Bay Packers Foundation Grant for our Packer Backer Backpack Program for Adapted PE students, Polar Express Book and Movie Event, Kiwanis iPad Donation, Rotary Service Above Self, and the annual trip for Santa and Mrs Claus to Medford.

January
Brought in the Special Needs Eye Care Open House at Healthview Eye Care, Mr Jack being administrator of the day, our Cares for Children Program, and READ Initiative.

February
The Take Your Legislator to Work Day, remembrance of Mikey, and Harry Potter Day.

March
Gave us our CARES Model presentation on school based mental health counseling to Aspirus Community Benefits, CATT team recognized with Outstanding Service Award, Shelly Elkin as Audiologist of the Year, Timer given as a gift by Jack, Captain America, Dr Suess Day, Transition Day for SOAR and MASH sped students, and informed our Employment First Initiative will be getting a Community Project Award by Medford Chamber In June.

While a lot has been accomplished and this written was just some. There is more to come with Adapted PE students photo op with the Packers in April, our first Taylor County Resource Night for Special Needs Families on May 9th, Week of the Young Child, Autism Awareness Activities in April, March Against Meth, new Head Start collaboration, continuing discussion on realigning our School Psychological Services Model, and the official retirement of the wonderful Luanne yet this year.

None of this would happen without our Village That It Takes to Raise a Child With a Disability, our special education staff giving their 150 percent on a personal and professional level, our supportive school environment, and our students and families worth advocating for each and every time.

So to everyone thank you for everything this winter and school year. May your Spring and soon to be Summer be enjoyable and continue to make differences in the lives of our students.