It's #FinancialLiteracyMonth. Our partners from Educators Credit Union visited today for the semi-annual Reality Check Day with GHS students. Personal Finance Students were assigned a career, salary, and family status. Each then visited various stations to learn about budgeting and how individual purchases impact your personal 'bottom line'. Many thanks to the volunteers, staff, and team from Educators who provide this eye-opening experience to our students.
Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month
Community Connections celebrated Arab American Heritage Month on April 10 at Highland View. This was a fun, well-attended family-fun event. This year’s celebration included an Arabic Nations Gallery Walk, Dabke Dance performance, plus FREE food samples, and Henna art. Food items were available from the Fatty Patty and the Melt n Dip food trucks. Boutique items were available for sale. Everyone who attended received a ticket to enter into a free drawing of gift items from the vendors and local Arab-American owned businesses. It was a great celebration of community!
Community Connections Celebrates 2025 Black History Month
A great crowd of Greendale families participated in the Community Connections Black History Month celebration at College Park. The vibrant celebration featured captivating African drumming, dancing, and a Gospel Choir performance. Attendees enjoyed browsing at the vendor offerings, including coffee, clothing, and fitness products from area Black-owned businesses. It was a great evening of celebration.
Greendale Schools' Kindergarteners participated in a Royal Celebration to culminate their Kings and Queens Knowledge Units in CKLA. At each elementary school, students enjoyed a variety of activities with their peers, teachers and families. Our Queens, Kings, Princes, and Princesses came to school dressed in their Royal best for an event that showcased knowledge. The young 'royals' were treated to read alouds, snacks, dancing and special guest visits.
School Board Members Engage in Professional Development
Greendale School Board members and Dr. Amidzich engaged in Board professional development and team building last weekend with Dr. Lee Pritzl. With his guidance, members discussed ways they can work together to embrace each individual's strengths, understand differences in opinions, and maintain their collective integrity as a Board to build the Board's capacity for growth in setting policy and direction for the district. This experience reinvigorated members in their commitment to Cultivating Excellence in Every Student.
Community Member Generosity Supports Hauser Statue & Site Renovation
With the help of a very generous community member, the Hauser Statue and surrounding concrete work on the GMS grounds has been refurbished! In memory of his mother, Beverly (Werkowski) Russ, GHS Class of 1951, Mr. Joe Russ began working with the district in 2019 to repair and refurbish the 80-plus-year-old statue. The initial work was completed at that time.
Last spring, he approached Dr. Amidzich to complete the project, which included updating the concrete pad surrounding the statue as well as the sidewalk and stairs that approach the historic site. Mr. Russ made a presentation to the Board of Education this month, delivering a sizeable gift, and explaining the story of his mother's family history, and her interest in supporting the renovation of the statue. We are #grateful for this thoughtful and generous gift that recognizes Greendale's history and Mrs. Russ.
"Falling for Flavors" Celebrates the School Garden
Falling for Flavors was an amazing event! Thanks to our partners from the School Garden, Children's Garden and Greendale Health Department for hosting this fabulous showcase of the district garden. Guests were treated to amazing fare created by GHS Culinary and Pastry students, plus music by GHS orchestra students and a fabulous sunshiny evening!
The Community Connections 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month event was a great success. Our families and guests enjoyed a variety of events and activities to honor and celebrate this federal heritage month, including food, vendors selling boutique items, dance lessons and a traditional dance showcase, arts and crafts, and games.
Celebrating America 2024
The Greendale July 4 parade is a wonderful holiday tradition. Our Panther students, staff and Board of Education joined in the celebration. This video has some quick snapshots of a few of our groups who represented Greendale Schools at the festivities!
Congrats to GHS Class of 2024!
The Greendale High School Class of 2024 walked across the stage on Gavinski Field to collect their diplomas in the morning on Saturday, June 8, to the cheers of their families and friends. They heard inspiring comments from School Board President Kathleen Wied-Vincent, Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Amidzich, Staff Speaker Zachary Geiger, Principal Steve Lodes, as well as the three Valedictorians. Speakers were introduced by the Senior Class Officers. Senior Band Members played the National Anthem, which was also signed by Senior American Sign Language Students. A musical selection was played by Senior Concert Choir and Orchestra Members. Congrats and best wishes to the GHS Class of 2024! See many more photos here: https://tinyurl.com/y5ev75ds. To view a recording of the ceremony, see the Greendale School YouTube page here: https://tinyurl.com/ywb96vac. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride
Congratulations Summit Place Grads
Greendale's Summit Place held a celebration for participants completing the program in 2024! Friends and family attended to honor the young adults and each Summit Place graduate gave a brief presentation about themselves and their future plans. Congratulations to these young adults.
Greendale Schools celebrated the next generation of educators with a special ‘signing’ event.These Panther seniors, who are headed to college to study education next year, signed the 2024 Pledge to Prosper at the May 20 Board of Education Meeting. The Pledge to Prosper is a commitment between the district and our GHS grads to meet again for a job interview when they have received their bachelor's degree in education.
The Pledge to Prosper has been offered by Greendale Schools since 2019 as part of the district's commitment to support aspiring teachers.
Arab American Heritage Event Was a Huge Success!
The Community Connections Arab American Heritage Month event was a great success! Nearly 400 guests visited College Park on April 25, 2024, to celebrate. Vendors and performers shared their culture through food, clothing, jewelry, drumming, and dance. A fashion show, featuring traditional clothing of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, and Tunisia, was a spectacular showcase enjoyed by all. Check out these images from the festivities! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
GMS Celebrates First Class of NJHS With a Special Ceremony
Nearly 50 GMS students were celebrated for high achievement during the induction of the first-ever members of the GMS Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. The new NJHS members were recognized for their character, citizenship, scholarship, leadership and service-related activities, nearly all of which are community-created Attributes of a Greendale student. Congratulations, Panthers!
Ability Awareness & Acceptance Months are being observed in Greendale Schools. During March and April, our students are learning the ABCs of Ability Awareness & Acceptance through daily announcements and classroom lessons. During Spread the Word Inclusion week, GHS Buddy Club members shared this read aloud video with their peers during advisory. Check it out!
Community Connections Celebrates Black History Month
Community Connections Celebrates Black History Month
The Black History Month Community Connections event was a great celebration. Everyone enjoyed the performances by the Milwaukee Lutheran High School Gospel Choir, Milwaukee College Prep Lloyd Campus Step Team, and Your Move MKE Hip Hop Chess Club. Many thanks to the area Black-owned businesses who participated and to the community members who celebrated with us!
Greendale Is Game Day Live! National Champs, Celebrated With March of Champions
The 2024 NHSCC Game Day LIVE! Champions from Greendale High School were celebrated with a March of Champions at the school yesterday morning. The March of Champions is a walkthrough of the school by the National Champion students led by the drumline. Nearly 70 GHS students, members of Greendale's Varsity Cheer Team and the Greendale Pep Band, collaborated to compete as the GHS Game Day LIVE! team. The team was named NATIONAL CHAMPIONS in their division at Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championships (NHSCC) in Orlando, Florida last weekend. Five teams from around the country qualified to compete at Nationals in the 2024 Game Day LIVE! category. Only in their second year in this category, GHS took down the reigning 4X National Champions. The Game Day LIVE! division combines the efforts of cheerleading and band. It focuses on crowd-leading ability, execution, energy and overall performance to excite the crowd in the stands in support of their school and athletes. We are very proud of our students, coaches, and directors for all of their hard work - being named National Champions is a well-deserved honor! (Photos by: Scott Baxter) #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
GHS Students Win First District Congressional App Challenge for Third Consecutive Year
Congratulations to Greendale High School students Cole Bucek, Ava Scheuer, Ari Scheuer, and Evie Skibicki, who have been selected as the winning team of the First District Congressional App Challenge with their original app “Playground Quest”. The award was announced and presented to the winners by Congressman Bryan Steil in a surprise ceremony at the school today. This is the THIRD consecutive year that the winners of the First Congressional District’s award was presented to students attending GHS. The students demonstrated their work to Congressman Steil and guests at the ceremony. (See the app description in this video: https://tinyurl.com/52jh3249.) The Congressional App Challenge inspires students to code, engages Members of Congress, and reaches every corner of America. Since 2013, the members of the U.S. House of Representatives have challenged students in their districts to create and submit original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge. Awesome work, Panthers! #PantherPride#LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
Canterbury Spanish Club Presents Dance Exhibition
Canterbury's Spanish Club presented a dance exhibition on for students and families. Check out the great performance of Merengue by our students. Spanish language instruction begins in Greendale Schools in K5.
Band Holds Community Preview Concert Before Heading to NYC
On the sunny, 50-degree Saturday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m., the 19-time State Champion Greendale Marching Band held a Community Preview Concert as a final tune-up before they head out to New York City to march in the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®! Greendale High School's Gavinski Stadium was PACKED with family and community members who came to cheer on the Band who will soon perform on the national stage. They showed off their marching skills by doing a couple laps on the stadium's running track, and then showcased the performance they will do on the star in front of Macy's for the New York spectators as well as TV audiences across the country. It is unknown at this time where Greendale will be in the parade lineup so be sure to tune in to watch the parade broadcast ON NBC (Channel 4) beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. We're so proud of this talented, hard-working group of 200+ students and wish them luck as they represent Greendale and Wisconsin and make memories to last a lifetime! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Students Make Thanksgiving Placemats for Local Seniors
To bring cheer and joy to seniors in our local community, Greendale Schools, working with Community Project for Seniors, asked students to make placemats that will accompany the seniors’ Thanksgiving meal. This was a fun, seasonal art project that showed students how rewarding it can be to give back to the community. Their generosity and kindness will surely be appreciated! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Cheer Team Welcomes Veterans Returning From Honor Flight
For the second year in a row, the Greendale Cheer Team got the honor of being a part of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. The Team welcomed back veterans from over the decades as they returned home from Washington D.C. to the Mitchell International Airport. The girls got the opportunity to talk with Veterans and their families afterwards as they learned more about the service that many of these veterans put forth for their country. Thank you Veterans! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
"Women in STEM" Leads Team to First Place Finish at Robotics Scrimmage
Congratulations to the GHS Robotics “Women in STEM” drive team who led team GRAFFITI to a first place finish at the late October robotics scrimmage in Muskego! This was the inaugural TWIST event (Together Women in STEM Thrive), bringing together 18 teams from Wisconsin and Illinois to compete with all-female drive teams. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Greendale's Marketing Students Shine at UW-Whitewater Competition!
With over 100 students from five area high schools participating at UW-Whitewater’s marketing competition in October, Greendale High School DECA members came out ON TOP! These DECA members competed in academic business competitions including a written marketing exam, a team hospitality role play, and role play competitions in sports and entertainment marketing and principles of marketing. With the role plays, students were given certain business scenarios and they had to present their ideas to a judge answering additional questions. Overall, Greendale DECA had 27 students competing at UW-Whitewater with 14 DECA members coming back with medals. A total of 19 medals were awarded to Greendale DECA members. Mr. Andy Muszytowski is the DECA Advisor and business and marketing teacher at Greendale High School. He is in his fourth year at Greendale and 36th year overall at the high school level. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride
GHS Marching Band State Champs for 18th Consecutive Year!
With their 2023 show "The Circle", the Greendale High School Marching Band are State Champions for the 18th consecutive year! Competing at the State competition at UW-Whitewater, they also brought home caption awards for Best Visual, Music, and Colorguard! Congratulations to the entire GHS Band family. Thank you to everyone who supported the band all season and at Whitewater, and congratulations to all bands from across Wisconsin for a fantastic day of performances. The GHS Marching Band is now busy with preparations for their upcoming performance in the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! See a Video of their performance at state using this url: https://tinyurl.com/dmtya2z8 #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride
Elementary Students Developing Kindness & Acceptance of Differences
October is Bullying Prevention Month. In Greendale's elementary schools, students and families are learning about ability awareness and acceptance while addressing bullying. Using the book, "Just Ask", by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, students are developing awareness and acceptance for all different abilities. All grade levels listened to our district-wide read-aloud, recorded and read by various GSD team members from throughout our district. Classroom teachers lead discussions and activities based on the book. Each student then created a flower that showcases what tools and strategies help them learn and grow every day. These flowers were brought together to create school-wide gardens!#LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
The Greendale Schools' families and staff turned out in big numbers (over 500 people were in attendance) for the district's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration October 5 in the evening at Highland View. The event showcased Hispanic-owned businesses and food trucks, art activities, dancing, games and lots of fun! The Community Connections event included a sensory-friendly space, presented by SEAT, to accommodate all learners needs. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
Students Learn About Post-Secondary Program with College Visit
Students from Summit Place and GHS visited UW-Whitewater's LIFE Program Open House. Students learned about the program through a visual presentation, connected/engaged with current LIFE Program participants and college mentors, and experienced what a four-year college looks and feels like! The day was full of information and inspiration as we begin preparing for our futures!
The School Garden Summer Social provided a great last night of summer celebration. Delicious treats were created by GHS culinary students and information on the garden and healthy lifestyles were provided by the garden team and Greendale Health Department. Garden tours and games, and live music by a GHS Orchestra ensemble rounded out the fabulous event! Many thanks to everyone who visited the garden.
College Park Gets National Award for Read At Home Program
We are proud to announce that College Park has received the 2023 National Promising Practices Award for their Read At Home Program. A BIG “Thank You” goes out to all the teachers, staff, students and families for making this possible! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Panther Spirit Is on Display at Homecoming Football Game
On Friday, September 15, 2023, Greendale High School Varsity Football Team took on South Milwaukee High School in Greendale's Homecoming football game. Choir students sang the National Anthem. There were performances by the GHS Cheer Team, Poms (and Guy Poms) and the Marching Band. The names of the members of the Homecoming Court were read. The Greendale students showed lots of spirit cheering on their team to a 40-31 victory over SMHS. (The dance was held on Saturday.) #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
GHS Inducts Its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022
In a joyful ceremony at Greendale High School on Friday, September 8, GHS inducted its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022 in front of administration, staff, coaches, family and friends! Members of the new class include former GHS athletes Callie Givens, Class of 2007; Sarah (Dorrington) Holland, Class of 2001; and Meghan (McGlocklin) Lodes, Class of 1993. The Greendale Village Club, Inc. was honored as a Friend of GHS Athletics. (Induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame class was originally postponed due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.) The inductees were also recognized at the Varsity Football Game that evening. The Athletic Hall of Fame display is now located inside the vestibule of the new GHS athletic entrance off the lower parking lot. Congratulations to the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride
Greendale Students Embraced Their Summer Learning
Summer learning for our K-8th grade students wrapped up July 21. Students embraced their learning this summer in core areas like Math and Literacy and also enjoyed enrichment classes, like Keyboarding & Coding, Legos & More, Cooking and Woodworking. Here middle school students are shown making granola bars in cooking class! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
GHS Students & Teachers Hike the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness
Greendale High School Teachers Ms. Hahm, Ms. Dawe-Crahen & Mr. Geiger took a small group of GHS students to the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a 5-day, 4-night hike and camping trip in late June after school was out for the summer. Their goal was to hike 7 to 10 miles per day, each carrying a 30-lb backpack. They camped in a new site each night. The students and teachers report they battled rain storms, swarms of insects and wet socks but also saw some amazing sights and learned a lot about themselves and nature. They made some great memories that will last a lifetime! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Graduation Ceremony Celebrates GHS Class of 2023!
Greendale High School Class of 2023 walked across the stage on Gavinski Field to collect their diplomas on a beautiful Saturday, June 10, to the cheers of their families and friends. They heard comments from School Board President Kathleen Wied-Vincent, Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Amidzich, Staff Speaker Benjamin Hubing, Principal Steve Lodes, a selected member of the senior class, as well as the four Valedictorians. Speakers were introduced by the Senior Class Officers. Senior Band Members played the National Anthem, which was also signed by Senior American Sign Language Students. A musical selection was played by Senior Concert Choir and Orchestra members.
Congrats GHS Class of 2023! To see all the photos, use this url: https://tinyurl.com/yjfft7km. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride
Celebrating Future Educators With the Pledge to Prosper
Greendale Schools celebrated the next generation of educators with a special ‘signing’ event on during the Board of Education meeting on June 5. Two Greendale High School seniors, who will be pursuing a degree in Education following their graduation from high school this spring, signed the Greendale Schools 2023 Educators Rising “Pledge to Prosper” Commitment Form. This form is a pledge between the district and the students to meet and interview for a teaching position once the GHS grad has completed his/her Bachelor’s degree in Education. Two additional seniors were unable to attend the event, but will also sign the Pledge with the district.
During the month of April, our schools observed Autism Awareness Month. Students learned about what autism is and how all people with Autism Spectrum Disorder have differences just like people without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students engaged in activities to help them understand some of the distinctions like communication and sensory processing differences. Students practiced patience, understanding and empathy through these activities and learned how these differences in their peers can sometimes allow people to do extraordinary things!
Arab American Heritage Month Celebration Was an Amazing Event
The Community Connections celebration of Arab American Heritage Month was an amazing event. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the dancing, great food, beautiful henna art, Arabic calligraphy and lots of fun. The Greendale Health Department and Hayat Pharmacy offered blood pressure checks and wellness information. Many thanks to the Dabke dance group, volunteers from the Student Equity Team and our awesome vendors for participating.
District Administrators Present on Greendale's Leveling Up
Dr. Kim Amidzich, Superintendent, and Maggy Olson, Director of Equity and Instruction were presenters at the 2023 Carnegie Summit on Improvement in Education in April. Their presentation, “Leveling Up for Equitable Access to College Readiness,” was one of the breakout sessions offered during the event.
Our administrators also took part in sessions about improvement cycles in other schools and school systems. They were excited to share our district's story and to return to Greendale with new learning and connections!
In its tenth year, the Carnegie Summit on Improvement in Education aims to propel and support a future in which equity-focused continuous improvement occurs every day in thousands of educational settings.
Greendale Police Department Is a Great District Partner!
Our Greendale Police Department is a great district partner! In April, our School Resource Officers, Officers Hudson and Bohl, visited Canterbury to discuss the character theme "courage" and read to students. Officer Voit and K9 Officer Junior visited for a demonstration of our canine officer's field work. Thanks for all you do for our community, GPD! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
Congratulations to MLK Day Essay Winners!
These outstanding Greendale students were celebrated recently for their exemplary entries in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest at a special event hosted by PAGE, People Advocating for Greendale Equity. The students' entries were selected for awards which were presented at the group's Black History Month Celebration recently. Many thanks to this community group for supporting our students!
Dinner-and-a-Show Evening for Area Seniors Was a Hit!
On the evening of March 16, Greendale High School hosted a “dinner-and-a-show” evening for 264 community senior citizens (a new high attendance for this annual event). For one price, attendees got a full pasta dinner served by a crew of hard-working student and adult volunteers, and a ticket to attend a special showing of the GHS Spring Musical ‘Footloose’. The dinner and the show both received many compliments! Special thanks goes out to ALL the volunteers, especially GHS Varsity Cheer and Buddy Club. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
A Crowd of Families Honored Black History Month at Movie Night Event
Greendale Schools' Community Connections event to honor Black History Month was a packed evening of fun! The free movie night, held at College Park in February, featured a showing of the film, "The Princess and the Frog," a craft project, and an opportunity to purchase food, beverage and other items from area Black-owned businesses. Many thanks to the GHS Student Equity Team for its support of the event. It was a great celebration! #BlackHistoryMonth#LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
Cheer & Pep Band to Compete at Cheer Nationals in New Game Day LIVE Category
This year’s GHS Varsity Cheer Team has worked in direct collaboration with the GHS Pep Band, and together they have qualified for the ‘UCA Nationals - Game Day LIVE’ category at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida, February 10-12. The Cheer Team has also once again qualified with their traditional Stunt Routine as well. Coach Zamjahn has led the way in this new venture along with Band Director Tom Reifenberg. The Cheer Team and 40 Pep Band Members will perform a Cheer Game Day Routine that is performed to LIVE Pep Band music.
We wish these students well as they represent GHS, the Greendale community and Wisconsin at the UCA Championship! Greendale compete in Semi-Finals on Saturday, February 11. Game Day LIVE is at 7:39 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) and DII Large Varsity is at 9:29 p.m. Sign up for a month of Varsity TV to be able to watch the livestream of the competition. Go get 'em, Panthers! (Photo here is from the Game Day LIVE Send Off at GHS February 6.) #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Congrats Tina Zamjahn Wisconsin Cheer Coach of the Year 2023!
A huge crowd turned out in the GHS main gym February 6 for the Cheer and Band Nationals Send Off and to honor Greendale Varsity Cheer Coach Tina Zamjahn who has been named the Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches, Inc. (WACPC) 2023 Wisconsin Cheer Coach of the Year! Coach Zamjahn has been the Head Coach at Greendale High School for the past 40 Years. During her tenure at GHS the Varsity Cheer Team has Won 13 WACPC State Championships, qualified for Nationals 16 times and placed as one of the top teams in the nation multiple times.
Aside from parents of current cheerleaders and band members, there were many cheer alumni and former cheer parents in attendance at this special event, which saw performances by the elementary and middle school Junior Panther Cheer Teams and Varsity Cheer With Pep Band in their new Game Day LIVE performance. Congratulations, Tina, on this well-deserved honor! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Fifth Graders Take 9th in the Nation in Arcademics Challenge Math Skills Program
Competing against teams across America and the world, Greendale’s Highland View Fifth Graders took 9TH PLACE in the United States in the online Arcademics Challenge! At the beginning of February, students joined the challenge, an internet program that uses games to support the learning of fundamental math skills. Once a year, classes from around the nation (and the world) “compete” for points. Greendale students have been looking forward to this day and worked hard to prepare for battle! What a fun way to practice those important skills! The students were so determined to do well, that many continued to play online from home to keep the score up leading to their 9th place in the nation success! Congratulations on this awesome accomplishment!! #PantherPride#LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
SEAT Winter Event Brings Families Out for Fun!
Our students, families and staff had a great time at the Special Education Advisory Team (SEAT)'s Family Day event on January 28. Participants enjoyed a variety of stations, showing off their creativity, musicality, and physical fitness! Families were able to check out local resources and get to know each other in a fun and relaxed school-based setting.
SEAT was created to bring together families and the school district. This team plays a critical role in helping to shape the overall culture and programming for special education and related services. SEAT meets quarterly throughout the school year. The next SEAT event will be a caregiver information presentation on Thursday, April 20, 2023, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. More details are coming soon.
Exciting 2023 Cardboard Boat Regatta a Big Success!
Greendale High School Physics students competed in the 2023 Cardboard Boat Regatta on Thursday, January 12. This fun competition featured sixty-two teams that built cardboard watercraft secured only with packaging tape and raced them in the GHS swimming pool. By the end of the evening, thirty-nine of these boats sprang leaks, capsized, or sunk. Congratulations go to team GHS Beagle (J. Bauer, N. Hajdarevic, L. Spata, L. Trentadue) for taking 4th place, team Yellow Submarines (G. Adamavich, J. Battikha, G. Danford, E. Xiong) for taking 3rd place, team Speedy Sirens (P. Henning, J. Hying, E. Joo, C. Sibila) for taking 2nd place, and team Feeling Nauti (shown here) (T. Filetti, N. Huffman, A. Scheuer, B. Wimmer) for winning the competition. A special thanks is extended to the custodial staff and volunteers who helped make the event a success. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence
For Second Year in a Row GHS Students Win First District Congressional App Challenge
Congratulations to Greendale High School students Evie Skibicki, Cole Bucek, and Riess Steinman for being selected as the winning team of the 2022 First District Congressional App Challenge! In a presentation ceremony on Friday, December 9, they were able to share their winning app, Brain Food: Nutri Quiz with the sponsoring Congressman Bryan Steil. This is the second year in a row that the First District Congressional App Challenge winners were from GHSl! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
District Schools Donate Candy and Cookies for Our Military Members
Schools throughout our district collected candy and baked cookies to bring some cheer to our troops and will be distributed to active military. Two full carts of boxed candy and baked cookies were donated and two vehicles were needed to transport them for sorting and shipping in early December. Thanks to everyone who baked and donated! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride
Greendale Essay Winners Presented at VFW Ceremony
Congratulations to the Greendale students who are winners of the VFW's Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests. This year there were 435 Patriots Pen essay submissions! There was a first, second and third place winner and several honorable mentions. The Patriots Pen essay contest encourages young minds in grades 6 - 8 to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme. The 2022 theme is "My Pledge to Our Veterans" and the national winner will receive a $5,000 award. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. This year's theme is "Why is the Veteran Important? and the national 1st place winner earns a $35,000 scholarship! A packed gathering on November 28 was able to hear both 1st place winners' essays which were incredibly thoughtful, well-written, and patriotic. All of the winning essays will move on to District voting. Good luck, everyone! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Students Accept Generous Donation of Warm Winter Wear for Those in Need
Greendale Schools students are the grateful recipients of a generous donation of warm winter coats from the Greendale Education Foundation (GEF), the Whitnall Park Rotary Club, and Operation Warm! Recently student representatives met with individuals from Operation Warm to receive the clothing items that will be shared with students who need them this winter. Thank you so much to these organizations who support kids. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence
8th Grade Service-Learning Supports School Forest
Eighth Grade Team Discovery completed a cross-curricular service project recently. Working in both Social Studies and Science classes, students learned about the short and long term use and management of local resources in the Greendale School Forest.
Through this project, students “adopted” different sections of School Forest. They helped identify facts about different plants that help to make up the local ecosystem, picked up trash, pulled invasive species, lined trails, and placed mulch. They also helped to provide more information about the Greendale School Forest for visitors.
In different sections of the forest, small signs with QR Codes are posted. These codes are linked to facts that students researched about the plant life growing in that area, including its benefits or harm to the ecosystem (including people). Forest visitors are encouraged to scan the signs along the trails to understand what students have accomplished.
Students showed an impressive amount of their Attributes of a Greendale student, with the collaboration, critical thinking, leadership, and enthusiasm each brought to the different parts of this service-learning project.
Sources of Strength Teams to Support Well-Being of All Community Members
Some GHS and GMS students and staff participated in Sources of Strength training in mid fall. Through a morning of fun, relationship-building and information about Sources of Strength, this group learned about the power of hope, health, and strength in supporting the well-being of all members of our community. These teams are now ready to create campaigns that support this message all school year long. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
Sources of Strength Teams to Support All Community Members
Elementary & GMS Students Visit for Marching Band Show
Elementary and middle school students visited Gavinski Stadium on a gorgeous Thursday afternoon for a live performance by the Greendale Marching Band’s 2022 field show, "Writing on the Wall". To close the show, the band performed a rousing rendition of the Greendale Fight Song! What a beautiful day for this annual special event.
Reading Buddy Volunteers Are Back Working With First Graders
In the early fall, Greendale first grade students welcomed our Reading Buddies back! The Reading Buddies program is an extraordinary way for Greendale community members to work with our first grade readers. During their buddy time, students and their volunteer buddies read, discuss, and write about what they have read together. Each student keeps a journal of their reading and shares their ideas and new learning with their families each week. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence
Fun, Well-Attended Movie Night Celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month!
¡Maravilloso! ¡Qué noche tan divertida! The Greendale Schools community turned out in a BIG way Thursday, October 6, for a fun movie night in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! The event (attended by around 300 people!) included a free special showing of the movie "Coco!" Also, there were art activities and tasty treats. Two food trucks were on site at Canterbury for those that wanted to pick up dinner at the 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. event and a variety of Hispanic-owned vendors were selling food, clothing, jewelry and other items. Thank you so much to these vendors for helping make this event extra special! Look forward to more of these events in the coming months! Watch district communication channels for more details. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Community Turns Out for Sensory-Friendly Family Night
Thursday, October 6, in the evening, the Special Education Advisory Team (SEAT) hosted a well-attended Sensory-Friendly Family Night for all students and families in our community. This special event, which had around 75 people attending, ran from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Greendale Middle School. It featured activities for all learners and learning styles, including a Creativity Station, Quiet Station, Music Station, and Movement Station. Look forward to more of these events in the coming months! Watch district communication channels for more details. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Dr. Amidzich welcomed a group of GHS Alumni for tours of the high school building on the Saturday of Homecoming Weekend. Our guests visited the auditorium, library, school store, music commons, gymnasiums, and Robotics Lab. Everyone enjoyed reminiscing about their days at GHS and having their questions about teachers and classroom memories answered. If you have a group or alumni reunion class interested in touring a Greendale school, please contact the district office to set up a visit.
District Holds 2022 Annual Meeting & Budget Hearing
At the Budget Hearing, Jonathan Mitchell, Director of Business Services, presented the 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget Report and provided a detailed description of district finances to the community. Additionally, Mr. Mitchell presented information on the 2022 Greendale Schools Tax Levy. The levy was brought forward for adoption by Greendale residents in attendance during the annual meeting portion of the evening.
During the annual meeting, the Board heard Dr. Amidzich's Superintendent's Report on our schools. The Board also reviewed the minutes from last year's annual meeting, heard the 2022 Treasurer's Report, and presented two additional items for voice vote by the Greendale electorate present at the meeting: Board Members salaries and reimbursement for allowable travel expenses for Board Members on District Business.
Kindergarteners and Families Welcomed at Orientation
Our elementary schools welcomed kindergarteners and their families to orientation yesterday. Our young learners visited the K5 classrooms at their schools and took part in activities with their peers and our teachers and staff. Caring adults heard presentations from their school principals. It was great to see you!
Congratulations to our 2022 Employee of Merit awardees!
The Greendale Schools’ Employee of Merit Award program is to recognize employees or groups of employees who have provided meritorious service: those who have done something special during the year which could include innovative ideas or teaching procedures, contributions to the improvement of operations and practices of the district, implementation of an innovative idea or program.
We are grateful for your work on behalf of the students of Greendale Schools! More information on the program is available on the Employee of Merit webpage.
2022 Employee of Merit winners: (L-R) Rajwa Abukhamireh, Whitney Dawe-Crahen, Zorka Novakovich, Colleen Korpal, Bob Martinezdelacotera, Jessica Holschbach, Jamie Neubauer, Anna Dombrowski.
Students Are Engaged in Greendale's Summer School Classes
Greendale's Summer School students are enjoying a robust lineup of classes that help build core skills and also fun enrichment classes. Right before the July 4th weekend, students in the Foods class made red, white and blue drinks made of three liquids with different densities that form the patriotic layers. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence
Congratulations to the GHS Class of 2022!
On Saturday, June 11, Greendale High School’s Class of 2022 were all together for the last time during their Graduation Ceremony at Gavinski Stadium. The stands were packed with parents, family and friends as the seniors processed into their seats on the field and were welcomed by School Board President Kathleen Wied-Vincent. Senior Band members played the National Anthem while senior American Sign Language Students signed along. Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Amidzich shared a message with the students, followed by remarks from the staff commencement speaker Julie Hahm. Next everyone heard from the senior class student speaker and the senior Choir and Orchestra students performed a song. The five Valedictorians each shared a message and then the final speech came from Principal Steve Lodes. Students walked across the stage to get their diplomas as their names were called. Their tassels were turned and caps tossed into the air in celebration before these newest GHS graduates processed out of the stadium and into the next exciting chapter of their lives. Congratulations and best wishes to the GHS Class of 2022! (To view many more photos, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/4ekwxtve.)
Farewell Assembly Sends Our 8th Graders on to High School
On the evening of June 9, Greendale Middle School celebrated the 8th Grade Farewell Assembly at Greendale High School's Gavinski Stadium. After the students processed in, the 8th grade Band members played the National Anthem, followed by a message to the students from Principal John Weiss. Two student representatives spoke and then the 8th grade Orchestra performed. The crowd of parents, family members and friends then heard a song sung by the 8th grade Choir members. Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Amidzich spoke to the students and then each student's name was called and they received their 8th grade diplomas. Congrats to the future class of 2026! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherPride
Career Exploration Students Participate in "Final" Interview
For the final exam, Greendale High School students in Career Exploration class participated in a Mock Interview. This is a perfect culminating assignment for the students as they develop and use their Resume, Cover Letter, Email Etiquette and Interviewing skills. Numerous staff members graciously agreed to be the interviewers. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherStrong
District Celebrates Its 'Educators Rising'!
Greendale Schools held its annual Educators Rising Pledge To Prosper event recently. Graduating Greendale High School seniors, who are headed to college to study education, and Greendale Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kim Amidzich, signed a commitment that invites the GHS Grads to meet again for an interview when these students have finished their teaching degrees! Five members of the GHS Class of 2022 are headed to college this fall to begin their studies of education. The district looks forward to welcoming them back in 2026.
Greendale Heading Back to NYC to Perform in the 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023
We’re headed BACK to NYC for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Congratulations to the Greendale High School Marching Band on its selection as one of 10 bands in the nation to perform in the 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 23, 2023. The surprise announcement was shared at school Thursday in an assembly featuring Wesley Whatley, creative director of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and head of the Parade’s Band selection committee! Many thanks to the Macy’s team for the generous donation as we get started with trip fundraising. Stay tuned for more information on additional fundraising efforts and trip details. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong #PantherPride
Two Greendale Educators Named Kohl Foundation Teacher Fellows
Dr. Amidzich, Bridget Brown, Julie Hahm & Joe Crapitto.
Two Greendale Schools’ teachers have been recognized by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. Greendale Middle School Teacher Bridget Brown and Greendale High School Teacher Julie Hahm have been named 2022 Teacher Fellows by the foundation. The Kohl Teacher Fellowship program recognizes and supports teaching excellence and innovation in the State of Wisconsin. Annually, the Foundation awards 100 Wisconsin educators with this honor. Awardees are chosen for their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students and ability to motivate others, and for their leadership and service within and outside the classroom.
Read more about Ms. Brown and Ms. Hahm and how they are #CultivatingExcellence with students in this news release.
GHS Robotics Team GRAFFITI Earns Third Highest Award at World Championship Competition
Congratulations to Greendale High School Robotics Team GRAFFITI on earning the Rookie All-Star Award at the FIRST Championships in Houston in late April. This award is the third highest given at FIRST’s World Robotics Championship and recognized GRAFFITI for its outstanding teamwork, commitment to the FIRST Robotics mission, and excellence in completing the robotics challenges. GHS Robotics was one of 450 teams that participated this year. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Student Art Work Celebrated With Display at Greendale Public Library
Celebrate Youth Art Month! Since September students in the K-12 Greendale Public Schools have created a variety of artwork currently on display at the Greendale Public Library through the end of April. This celebration of the creative energy of our students is on display through the month of April during normal library hours. Works represent all grades from Kindergarten through high school and are in a mixed displayed throughout the library. Patrons are encouraged to stroll through the exhibit while appreciating the energy and talents of each grade level. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
GHS Band Represents Yale University at NCAA Tournament
The Greendale High School Band had the honor of representing Yale University on March 18 as they battled Purdue in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Fiserv Forum. It was an absolute blast!! #PantherPride #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #GoBulldogs #GreenYale
Community Seniors Enjoy Dinner and Musical and Donate $611 to Charity
On Thursday, March 10, Greendale High School continued its annual Senior Night at the Theater “dinner-and-a-show” evening for nearly 250 community senior citizens. For one price, attendees got a full pasta dinner served by a crew of hard-working student and adult volunteers, and a ticket to attend a special showing of the GHS Spring Musical "Oliver!". The dinner and the show both received many compliments! Attendees at this performance also generously donated $611 in a free-will offering towards a total (over 5-show run) of $2,331 for Sojourner Family Peace Center! Thanks to all who attended and donated. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherStrong#PantherPride
GHS Spring Musical a Huge Success & Raises Over $2000 for Charity
Congratulations to Greendale High School's Theater which ended its five-show, two-weekend run of the spring musical "Oliver!" on March 12 to rave reviews! The performances garnered packed auditoriums and standing ovations for this talented crew of 60 performers (including 10 from GMS), the 25-person stage crew and many more orchestra pit musicians. During the performances, the attendees raised a total of $2,331 in a free-will offering to help Sojourner Family Peace Center. Thanks to all who generously donated and also thanks to those who supported the talent, hard work and long hours put into making this 2022 spring musical a huge success! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherStrong#PantherPride
Event Features Renowned Speaker & 8th Graders Health & Wellness Topic Presentations
Thursday, March 3, a good crowd turned out at GMS for Greendale Schools third annual free community wellness event from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. “Family Experiences for Wellness” included an opportunity to view student projects on health and wellness prepared by our 8th Graders enrolled in Healthy Choices. The event began in the GMS Bergner Gym at 6:00 p.m. with a presentation by Dr. Philip Chard, a practicing psychotherapist, award-winning columnist with Shepherd Express, national speaker and author of the "Healing Earth" and "Absolutely Out of My Mind". Dr. Chard presented information on anxiety and how parents can support their students in anxious times by utilizing easy to practice tools and tactics. His presentation focused on anxiety-minimizing techniques the whole family can use. From 6:45 until 7:30 p.m., the community was invited to view the student-created projects on mental health topics and learn about local wellness resources and opportunities in the MPR. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Black History Month Cafe Helps Students "Sample" Books by Black Authors
Classes at all three Greendale elementary schools were invited to a special Black History Month Book Cafe at the end of February that was set up in the art room. In the cafe students heard and talked about the meaning of Black History Month and they were served different books by Black authors to "taste" and discuss. While reading, the students enjoyed the calming music of Miles Davis and afterwards were able to write down their reflections on the experience, which were displayed in the library. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale#CultivatingExcellence#PantherStrong
GHS & GMS Buddy Clubs Help Support Greendale's Special Olympians
The week of February 14, the Buddy Club at Greendale Middle School held a Penny War and all of the proceeds are going to the Polar Plunge at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Saturday, February 26, to benefit the Special Olympics. They are donating to the team “Ana's Bunch” who will be plunging in honor of Ana and the other Greendale Special Olympians. Several GMS alumni are now Olympians and 2 former students are members of the plunging team! The team's namesake, Ana is an Olympian with Down Syndrome and a student at GHS. Members of the GMS Buddy Club collected donations at lunch. There were containers marked with each grade level. (The winning grade will have a future “hat day” as a reward.) GHS Buddy Club has two members that will be taking the Polar Plunge into the chilly water. They are selling locker decorations for $1.00. GHS students can buy a locker dec from Mrs. Geiger in the GHS Athletics/Activities office. If you are interested in supporting Ana's Bunch, make an on-line donation using this link: https://tinyurl.com/yumufc69. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong #PantherPrid
Fifth Graders Earn 6th Place National Trophy for Math Skills
The 5th graders at Highland View took a 6th place national trophy in February competing in the Multiplication Grand Prix hosted by Arcademics, an educational website! All three classrooms got together to play against each other as well as students from around the country. They loved competing in these fast-paced challenges, but were even more excited when the leader board announced that they had taken 6th place in the nation answering 116,501 questions at a 92% rate of accuracy! The prize? Arcademics is sending them pizza!! The hidden prize, of course, was that they honed their math skills along the way!! They are already asking when the next competition will be! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Greendale Staff Celebrate MLK Day With A Day Of Service
The Greendale Schools administrative team presented the district's stories on staffing and continuous improvement to board members and school administrators from around the state at the 2022 Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) convention. The annual convention is attended by teams from around the Wisconsin. It is held annually at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.
Elementary Students Enjoying Creative Art Projects This Winter
Greendale's 2nd-5th graders decorated almost 100 styrofoam snowflakes in Art class that now hang at Southridge Mall! Other winter art projects: snow covered villages using sparkling white paint, warm colored foxes painted with watercolors, cozy yarn weavings & Starry Night inspired snow scenes. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Our Elementary Students Have Some Fun Outside
Greendale Elementary School students took advantage of the mild winter weather the week of January 10 and enjoyed some fun snow. Check out their smiles! #PantherStrong
Two GHS Students Win App Challenge and Have Awards Presented by Congressman Bryan Steil
Congratulations to Charlie Smitsdorff and Tyler Balota, two Greendale High School students, who have been selected as the winning team of the First District Congressional App Challenge, which inspires students to code! The award was presented to the winners by Congressman Bryan Steil in a surprise ceremony at the school on December 20. Smitsdorff and Balota’s "Robauto" app was selected by the judges as the Wisconsin First Congressional District winner. The students demonstrated their work to Congressman Steil and guests at the ceremony. Each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Orchestra Mentoring Connects Students/Spreads Joy
Orchestra mentoring 2021 is in the books! 4th and 5th grade students learned from and got to know a GMS or GHS orchestra buddy. Orchestra is about more than music-- it's about friendships too! This awesome program connects our younger musicians with our more experienced ones to make musical connections and share joy! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherPride #PantherStrong
Girls on the Run Program Brings Host of Benefits
Sunday, November 13, the Girls on the Run (GOTR) teams from Greendale Middle School and our elementaries completed their ending event 5K at American Family Field. GOTR is a non-profit organization for girls ages 3-9th grade. The program focuses on helping young girls learn self-confidence, recognize positive relationships, help them grow mentally and physically through their girl wheel and guide them with a focus on pushing their comfort zone to do something they haven't done before. GOTR is an awesome program where lifelong lessons are learned and real friendships are created! We are strong, we are powerful, we are GIRLS! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Fun Book Character Spirit Day Celebrates Reading!
Our elementary students and staff members enjoyed their Book Character Dress Up spirit day! Everyone had fun sharing who they were dressed as and details about their favorite book. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Storywalk Helps Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
We're Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November! Our Greendale Schools Library staff have set up a storywalk in the wooded/playground areas near the schools. Classes have been enjoying a stroll outside in the fresh air along with hearing a fun story written (and sometimes also illustrated) by a member of a Native American Tribe. Please stop by with your families and friends to share in a storywalk! #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
GHS Students Participate In Career Panel Discussions
More than 100 junior and senior Greendale High School students attended a career panel at the school on November 1. The first of five sessions planned for this month, the event featured four representatives from healthcare-related fields who discussed their education and work experiences. The group gave our Panthers tips on the best way to prepare for this career path while still in high school. After the discussion, students had an opportunity to meet the presenters and ask specific questions.
Many thanks to Mr. Aaron Golambiewski, Pharmacist, Walgreens; Ms. Aharon Goodwin, Nurse Practitioner of Urology at Advocate Aurora; Ms. Kimberly Quetschke, Recruiter for Wisconsin, Advocate Aurora; and Mr. Chris Mackenzie, ATC, Greendale High School's Athletic Trainer.
Additional panels set for this month will feature presenters in these career fields: Human Services (Police/Fire/EMS/Social Work/Education), Trades and Manufacturing, Business Marketing and Finance, and Arts, Video and Communications. All GHS juniors and seniors will participate in at least one of the career pathways discussions.
Students in Greendale's Elementary Schools celebrated Hispanic/Latino Heritage month in multiple ways. Our Art, World Language, and Physical Education classes engaged in the learning. Art styles of Latino cultures were studied and created. Students explored the significance of soccer as a sport in the countries during PE time, and World Language shared stories of multiple Spanish-speaking countries. Some fifth graders also chose to research and share their learning on Hispanic artists. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Garden Celebrates 10th Anniversary
On Saturday, September 25, The Greendale Community Garden, located behind Greendale High School, celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a celebration from 10 a.m. to noon. The student who first proposed the idea of the garden was there to share a few remarks about how the garden has grown since its inception. There were light refreshments made from the garden harvest, crafts for kids, a silent auction, and tours of the garden and composting system.
This beautiful garden provides fresh produce for school lunches and the schools’ lunch program compost goes back to the garden. The garden bounty is also shared with seniors in the community and some is sold to local restaurants. Students use this expansive, inspirational space as a classroom for a variety of subject areas and is a great resource for the community.
For more information as well as how to volunteer or support the garden, check out their website: https://tinyurl.com/u64b2a47. You can also stop by the Garden’s booth at Greendale’s Open Market on October 2. https://www.greendaleschools.org/community/events.cfm. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Elementaries Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Guest Readers
Monday, September 20, was the first day of National Hispanic Month guest readers at the elementary libraries. We had three readers who read to six classes. This week, in total, 39 classes will experience a guest reader. #LearnGrowEngageGreendale #CultivatingExcellence #PantherStrong
Students from the GHS Graffiti Robotics team hosted a weeklong robotics camp providing small teams of 2nd-4th graders with a hands-on STEM skills and creative problem solving experience this summer. Kids built and programmed a LEGO WeDo robot (or LEGO EV3 for advanced students), solved real-world problems, and built lego models to demonstrate their solutions, all while having lots of FUN! Camp was held at Canterbury and led by Greendale High School Robotics Team members and coaches.
Greendale Schools staff met on August 24 for opening day, their first day of the 2021-2022 school year! Staff joined at breakfast, participated in the benefits and wellness fair, heard Dr. Amidzich and Maggy Olson share information about the new strategic plan and goals, celebrated the 2021 Employees of Merit, and were introduced by video to our new teachers and staff members. After lunch, each school team met to dig into data and make plans for the coming year. It was a great day to start the school year.
Greendale Schools Celebrates America With the Community
Greendale Schools was happy to come together with the community to celebrate America and freedom by marching in the 2021 Greendale Fourth of July parade! The Greendale Panther Mascot, our superintendent and several school board members marched today. The Greendale High School Poms, Marching Band and Cheer Team marched and performed. Go America! Go Panthers! #PantherPride
Summer School Is in Session!
Summer School in Greendale is underway! Students have opportunities for enrichment as well as honing skills in math and literacy. #WeAreInspiringMinds
College Park Recognized With Award for Character Education Programs
May 27, College Park was recognized for their continued work in character education with a 2021 Wisconsin Schools of Character Promising Practices Award. They were chosen for their practice, "We Are Stronger Together," to serve as a model for other schools in the state! Their programs will be considered a "best practice" for others to review as they develop their character education initiatives and will be listed on the wicharacter.org website. An overview of their work can be found here. Thanks to Kate Searing, Stephanie Uden and Jaime Dugan for their continued work in creating a stronger sense of community at College Park, and also to their PTO for their commitment to keeping connections strong for all students during this challenging year. Congratulations College Park! #WeAreInspiringMinds #PantherPride
Greendale students from Canterbury and Greendale Middle School planted trees recently in recognition of Arbor Day and to honor the district's commitment to plant two new trees to replace every one tree that was removed during construction in 2019 and 2020. Trees were planted at all five of Greendale's schools this spring.
Students Sign Pledge to Prosper
GHS Seniors Joseph and Phoebe, members of the school's chapter of Educators Rising, participated in the May 13 Pledge to Prosper event. Both of these graduating Panthers are headed to college to study education next year. By signing the Pledge, the district and these aspiring teachers have promised to meet again for a job interview when each has earned their teaching degree. Congratulations!
Youngest Learners Become Youngest Graduates!
Greendale's youngest students became our youngest graduates on Thursday, May 13, as the Bloom 'N Grow preschool held its end-of-the-year graduation ceremony at College Park across from College Park school. (They even got a special Greendale Police escort as they crossed College Ave. to get to the park.) These little learners were excited to play at the park with their friends, teachers, siblings and parents. Then those moving on to the next chapter in their educational journey, received a graduation certificate and some bubbles. Congratulations to the 2021 Bloom 'N Grow Grads!
Students Learn About Benefits of Orchestra Program
On May 11, district Orchestra directors held an Orchestra Information Meeting in the Orchestra room at Greendale High School (and also virtually) so students could learn about the program and how to get involved. Parents and students heard about the benefits of learning a string instrument and were able to hear and see the music the different instruments make. Current GHS orchestra students demonstrated. Families also got details on how to rent an instrument. Summer Orchestra is open to all incoming 4th-8th grade students and is a great way to get started/build skills. #WeAreInspiringMinds
Greendale Students Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and students in Greendale Schools are enriching their understanding of the cultures of their peers by learning from each other and special guest speakers. Recently, College Park students learned about Thailand and its customs and cultures from Ms. Yang and Mr. Bob shared about his family background from the Philippines. Thanks so much to everyone for helping our students grow. #WeAreInspiringMinds
School Grounds Get New Trees to Celebrate Arbor Day
Greendale Schools celebrated Arbor Day 2021 on Thursday, 4/29, since students were not in school on the official Arbor Day, which is today, 4/30. Current GHS seniors donned gloves and planted [30] trees of various cultivars in the grassy area between the back of GHS and the School Garden. There was also a new pollinator garden that was created, just to the east of the School Garden. There, students and staff planted [40] shrubs and perennials as an additional pollinator garden. These spaces will enhance the campus, welcome students and staff as they enter the building and provide shade to the building, for carbon footprint reduction. The Greendale Schools Sustainability Team will continue planting trees this spring at all the Greendale Schools to fulfill the promise made to plant two trees for every one that was removed during the school renovations. #WeAreInspiringMinds
Girl Scout Troop 8035 and Robotics Team ALIEN Help Local Seniors
Last fall, when they heard COVID-19 was preventing Greendale Middle School's "Clean and Green" service-learning event from happening, GMS and GHS Girl Scout Troop 8035 and Robotics team ALIEN stepped up to get it done. Sunday, April 18, they did it again for Spring! They spent all day Sunday raking, cleaning up sticks and litter, turning over gardens, patching lawns, and even rebuilding fences at the homes of five Greendale senior citizens. The people they helped were incredibly grateful and the Scouts and Robotics team had a great time helping. It was a beautiful day to do a beautiful thing! #WeAreInspiringMinds
GSD 2021 Polar Plunge Reaches Its Goal!
The 2021 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin took on a new look this year to account for COVID-19 safety precautions. This year’s event was held at the Rock Snowpark in Franklin on February 28 instead of the usual plunge into an icy pool at the Zoo. Participants took their plunge just down a sledding hill! Participants did some tubing, took part in a cardboard box sled race or made a frosty snow angel. The district Team met the goal of raising $2,000. Since College Park Principal Kerry Owens met her personal goal of $500, she came through with her promise to work outside in the courtyard at the school. Also see the GSD Team page for more on how they participated this year. https://www.classy.org/team/340653 #PantherPride
Assembly Provides Strategies for Creating a Safe & Welcoming School Environment
On Wednesday, February 24, Greendale students in grades 6 through 12 participated in a virtual assembly entitled “Participating in a Multicultural Democracy.” Presented by Reggie Jackson, the presentation extended student learning from the social studies curriculum and reinforced strategies students could use to create a safe and welcoming environment to all students in our schools. The program was a mix of lecture, video, and the use of Menti to record student response data when Mr. Jackson asked engaging questions.
Immediately after the assembly, students were asked to complete a reflection form, which counted for the attendance for the day and will be used to help with follow-up discussions that will take place in their social studies classes. #WeAreInspiringMinds #PantherStrong
Greendale Grads Work In Service to The Community
These outstanding Greendale Schools’ graduates are working together to do great things for our community! Superintendent Kim Amidzich, Public Health Nurse Ashley Haas and National Guard Member Tom Ashley pictured at the February 10 Greendale Health Department's COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.
District Launches Black History Month Learning with Community Circles
Everyone is welcome and included in Greendale Schools! Our schools launched the district’s celebration of Black History Month with Black Lives Matter week activities to honor the work that is needed to ensure that black lives are valued in our school community. We celebrate the Black lives that make up our culture from the past and present as we continue our work in making Greendale an inclusive community. The Greendale High School Student Equity Team and Maggy Olson, Director of Equity & Instruction, worked together to develop lessons and prompts that highlight the first principle of Black Lives Matter Week: Restorative Justice. In Greendale classrooms students had opportunities to participate in restorative circles using the following principles: Empathy building, Loving engagement, Diversity, Globalism with a reflection of the week.
Although Greendale Schools celebrates black history every day through our social studies curriculum, this month, our students will celebrate and pay extra attention to the history of African Americans, highlighting people who influenced our country and the events that shape our world today.
The fourth graders at Canterbury are creating a food truck as a culminating activity to their Economics unit. Students learned about food trucks and developed a business name, logo, and menu. They will be creating a model of their food truck. Thanks to Rich Busalacchi and Milk Can Hamburgers for bringing their food truck to Canterbury! The students asked great questions about running a food truck and even got a chance to sample their frozen custard. The Milk Can Diner will be opening in downtown Greendale in April 2021.
Greendale Schools Celebrates MLK Day
Greendale Schools staff celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday with a morning professional development program and a Day of Service. The morning program celebrated the district's work to create a more equitable, inclusive and anti-racist school community. District staff participated in a variety of service projects during the months of December and January to honor Dr. King's legacy by serving others and their communities. Take a peek at the slideshow videos shared on the district's YouTube channel to learn more about the projects they completed.
Students Skype a Scientist!
Recently, our 7th grade scientists met Dr. Madeline Colley through the Skype a Scientist Program. Dr. Colley is a chemist who focuses on using mass spectrometry to explain disease states in Alzheimer's disease. In addition to an engaging presentation, she discussed her experience as a first generation college student and her role as the first person in her family to study science. Her real-time demonstration of using lasers to conduct her research was impressive! Students shared Jambourd thank you notes with her following the presentation.
As they returned to learning after winter break, Mrs. Haertle's class asked to have a Business Professional Day. While their excitement level for this 'dress-up day' was a bit lower than on Pajama Day before the break, students thought it would be fun to have a dress up day to start off the New Year!
Our elementary students shared a Greendale/School Spirit Day before the Winter Break! You can see they proudly wear their Green! #PantherStrong #PantherPride
Learning is Going Well for Students in Childcare
Learning is going well for our digital learners enrolled in childcare. The students have fallen into their routines and have created comfortable learning spaces for their learning. Thanks to the Greendale Park and Recreation staff, and our paraprofessionals, for supporting these students each day. #WeAreInspiringMinds #PantherStrong
Staff and Students Share Treats and Thanks With Troops
Greendale School District staff baked cookies to be shared with our military personnel and their families this holiday season. The cookies were sent in along with cards of appreciation from College Park students. Greendale High School Buddy Club members and families also contributed over 100 cards of thanks. We support our troops and thank them for their service! #WeAreInspiringMinds #PantherStrong #PantherPride
Eighth Grade Historians Research Equality in the 1850's
In late November, 8th grade student historians at Greendale Middle School were engaged in a Seeds of History project. Working independently and collaboratively using Google Meet, they researched who wanted a revolution for equality in the 1850's and identified the obstacles and opportunities that stood between them and equality. The students used inquiry (they examined what life was like in the antebellum era), investigation (asked research questions and used primary and secondary sources), collaboration (compared their answers with team members), interrogated the Constitution and Bill of Rights etc. to see if their historical person had access to democracy, and finally, interpreted what it means to need a revolution, or complete change, in order to achieve the American Dream. They thought critically and creatively to complete their presentations. #WeAreInspiringMinds #PantherStrong
College Park Students Learn About Rosa Parks' Bravery
Today (12/1/2020) is the 65th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. College Park students learned about the bravery of Rosa Parks and how her actions ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Watch this video and learn more about Rosa Parks on the web.
Click on the photo to watch a video of the announcement to students.
Greendale's Digital Learners Are Working Hard
Greendale's digital learners are working very hard! Here is a shot of some 4th graders (from Canterbury and College Park) from Mrs. Hartmann. They were also showing off their red, white and blue on the Friday, September 11th spirit day celebrating our heroes, community and country. #WeAreInspiringMinds#PantherStrong
Welcome Back, In-person Learners
Elementary schools welcomed in-person learners back to school on Thursday, September 3. In keeping with district ReOpening schools practices, students wore face coverings entering the building and during the school day except when eating or engaging in physical activity outside. It was a great first in-person day! Click on the photo to watch a slideshow of drop off at our schools.
Trisha Kilpin Named 2021 Teacher of the Year
Greendale Schools' School Social Worker Trisha Kilpin was named a 2021 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year during a surprise video event with State Superintendent, Carolyn Stanford-Taylor on August 27. This honor recognizes the leadership that Trish has shown in focusing on research-based tools to proactively support students in feeling connected and a sense of belonging at school. She demonstrates her values of making sure students are seen and heard at school and come to know their voice matters.
As Wisconsin's Teacher of the Year, Trish will contribute to representing education at the state and national level throughout the year and continue to advance her important work focusing on community circles, restorative practices, Sources of Strength and other trauma sensitive, research-based practices.
Congratulations, Trisha!
Digital Learners at GMS Discover The History They Are Living
Greendale Middle School's social studies teachers worked together during the district's digital learning period this spring to create a Project-Based Learning experience for students. Their purpose was to help kids process their experiences during the pandemic by helping them to realize that they are living history. Each was given this information and assigned the prompt:
IMAGINE...
It is the year 2120. Your great, great grandchildren are digging and playing in the yard that used to be your home. They hit something hard. With a burst of energy, they continue digging until they uncover a case that has your name engraved on the outside. They hurry inside panting with excitement. With their mom’s help, they open the case and discover a treasure from the spring of 2020, one hundred years ago, from you, their great, great, grandparent.
What artifacts tell your story?
Students kept a journal of their experiences over the weeks school was closed due to the pandemic. Each ended the project by selecting an artifact as evidence of their experiences. From the collected artifacts, the teachers created a TIME Magazine about the Pandemic of 2020 for each level/teacher in the middle school.
Over 70 adult and youth community members gathered at Greendale High School over two days to review plans on how to make Greendale a more welcoming community. At GREENDALE WELCOMES DIVERSITY, the Greendale Coalition on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion presented its draft action on Friday to collect feedback from participants and then presented the final plan on Monday, after reworking the plan to include the comments and suggestions from the community members present. Read the action plan. To volunteer for Coalition on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on a work team, contact the district office.
