We have had a phenomenal start to the 2022-23 school year. One of my main objectives as superintendent is to improve instruction for improved student performance and outcomes. I am happy to report that we are making great progress! Our strategic priorities are focused on ensuring that each of our students receives an education that prepares them for success. Please take a moment and see what is happening around the District in the Fall Education Connection. In it you will find: 

• Referendum Project Updates 
• Boston School Forest Takes Learning Outside of the Classroom 
• Using Culture to Promote Literacy: Hmong Jumpstart Program
• School Board Appreciation
• Hands On Math: Geometry in Construction
• Focus on Safety
• Thank you Class of 1972

We are systematically implementing a meaningful and rigorous curriculum utilizing proven instructional strategies. We are also monitoring our success with instruction and observing its impact on our local student performance.

Our efforts are paying off - we are seeing positive results in terms of both instruction and student performance. We know that sound instructional practices are what have the most significant impact on the academic outcomes of students, and we are committed to providing the best education possible for our community.

Thank you for your support as we continue working hard to improve instruction and student performance. I am confident that, with your help, we will achieve our goals!

Sincerely,

Cory Hirsbrunner, Ed.D.

Superintendent

National FFA Convention attendee Clare Viau wins National award from the National FFA Organization.  Clare took first place in the division 5 “Plant systems” category this was Clare’s fourth year as a national finalist in the agriscience fair project in plant systems. 

The purpose of the research was to understand how the growth and edible mass of kale, green bean, and radishes will compare when grown in soil representing a plant growth environment on a space station. Three different species were tested in two different soil types. The soils were Greens Grade Calcined Clay and traditional potting soil. All six plants were grown in the same lighting and temperature conditions. The results of the study showed that the radish plant grown in calcined clay produced the greatest amount of edible mass. Both radish plants had a relatively high percentage of the plant that was edible. The kale plant grown in calcined clay had a very high edible percentage of the plant at 90.9%. The green bean plants had low edible percentages and low values of total edible mass. 

Based on the information gathered in this experiment, both kale and radish plants have potential to be grown in space for their nutritional value and yield per plant. Green bean growth could be modified to make it more efficient. Advancements in space food growth improves farming and food production on Earth as well. Vertical farming benefits consumers and the climate. Studying unique soils, like calcined clay, benefits regions on Earth with infertile land by discovering new horticultural methods. Overall, the information gained from this experiment benefits space exploration, the ever-innovating agriculture industry, and individual citizens of Earth.

Clare starts with an experiment and collects data over a period of time.  A report is then written and submitted to the Wisconsin State FFA where she was judged on the report and went through an interview process.  State winners are announced during the State convention held in Madison every June.  After the state convention the winners receive their scores along with comments from those comments corrections can be made to the report and virtual interviews are then held.  The national FFA organization then announces the top 10 national finalists and each finalist designs a display for their project to be on display during the National Convention.