By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
Delavan-Darien High School student council President Lizzie Sirkman updated the School Board at the Sept. 10 meeting about efforts being made at the high school to ramp up homecoming this year. Homecoming will be the week of Oct. 1 to 5.
Sirkman said more student participation is the goal. Principal Jim Karedes said at a community meeting that took place before the school board meeting a group of D-DHS alumni that now teach at the high school have taken over the planning in an effort to restore the week to its former glory. Last year’s parade, for example, had only a handful of floats. This year, 15 to 20 floats are scheduled to be in the parade including an entry by the School Board.
David Henriott, president of Delavan Youth Football, said that organization is planning a pig roast tailgate before the homecoming football game Oct. 5 that will be free to people who attend. He said the youth football program is providing a pig that will feed 200 people, first-come first-served. Other community service organizations including youth soccer, basketball and wrestling, Delavan-Darien Arts Boosters, Thrivent Financial and the Delavan Lion’s Club are also sponsoring the event.
Staff recognized
D-DHS band teacher Nick Stark won the 2018 Award for Excellence in Music Education, an award presented by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Kathryn Schwarzmann, director of education for the orchestra, said the award is given each year to a music teacher who exemplifies excellence in service to students and the advocacy of music education.
Stark thanked the orchestra and Karedes for nominating him. He said it was a privilege to be part of the district and not only teach, but also make a difference with kids who need it so much.
Lisa McKay, district social worker, was also recognized by the Wisconsin Council of Administration for Special Services for her outstanding contributions in meeting the needs of the students in the district.
Referendum discussed
The board discussed the contents of a post card that will be mailed to district residents regarding the Nov. 6 $2.8 million non-recurring referendum.
Interim Superintendent Jill Sorbie said a community member with experience in the field has been helping to design the card for free. The board suggested some small tweaks for the post card and content on the district’s website regarding the referendum. Ron Deschner suggested also making personal visits to local businesses. Monica Los suggested distributing a Spanish version to local businesses that serve the Latino community.
Sorbie reported that class sizes are up throughout the district and alleviating that is the main focus of the referendum. Sorbie said district enrollment is at 1,962 not including early childhood, down 75 students from last year.
