You are here

State Superintendent Goes Back to School Across Wisconsin

Friday, September 13, 2024

Green Bay
Thank you to Green Bay Schools and the staff at Doty Elementary for welcoming me and Office of Literacy Director Dr. Barb Novak for a visit! We learned about the schools’ proposed facility improvements as part of the November 5th referendum focused on school consolidations, in addition to chatting with kindergarten and second grade classes.

Dr. Barb Novak, Director of the Wisconsin office of literacy, brings reading excitement to a small girl in her classroom as they look at a book together.
Dr. Barb Novak brings excitement and pizzaz to students learning to write their letters. Image: DPI.
Dr. Jill Underly pays close attention as a young boy works on his writing.
A bonus - I got to brush up on my penmanship. Image: DPI.

Fennimore

Dr. Underly sits at a table with staff and students discussing their new Career and Technical Education opportunities.

Between the high school and the elementary school, we got to see Fennimore Community Schools' Career and Technical Education upgrades, English Learner Programming, improvements to how occupational and physical therapy works with students, and the 5th-grader produced show - Eagle TV. Image: DPI.

Having a variety of programs and areas of study for students is a worthwhile investment and Fennimore is doing a great job supporting and engaging with their students.

Dr. Jill Underly and DPI's Sara Kneuve pose for a photo withFennimore Elementary Principal Carmen Burkum and Fennimore Supt. Jane Wonderling
Thank you to Fennimore Elementary Principal Carmen Burkum and Fennimore Superintendent Jane Wonderling for hosting DPI's Sara Kneuve and I!

Southwest Tech

Dr. Underly and Sara Kneuve pose with students and staff in one of their medical education rooms which is outfitted like a real hospital emergency room.
DPI Policy Initiative Advisor Sara Knueve and I swung by Southwest Tech in Fennimore to check out their surgical tech program! Image: DPI.

It's exciting to see the kinds of post-secondary opportunities that are available to students after high school in action. Thank you to Program Director Rachel Hubler and SW Tech President, Dr. Jason Wood for having us!

Milwaukee
Who else cheered on the first day of school?!

Dr. Underly participates in a greeting line outside South Division High School in Milwaukee. She is surrounded by students and staff celebrating the first day of school.
Ringing in the first day at South Division High School in Milwaukee Public Schools was a blast. Thank you to everyone who came to support kids, educators, and administrators heading back to class. Image: DPI.

Here’s to a new school year filled with support, safety, fun, and learning. I can’t wait to celebrate your successes all year long!

Verona

Dr. Underly poses with Verona high school students under a mylar balloon archway in the district's colors of red, black, and silver.
Dr. Underly poses with Verona High School Students. It's hard not to get into the Verona Wildcat spirit under this balloon arch! Image: DPI.

From the beautiful school itself to the various CTE programs, expansive library, the greenhouse, and more these students are truly set up for success. They expressed excitement for a new school year and told us they need our continued support and investment to help them grow. I’m struck by how open and honest kids are about their needs and it’s up to us to ensure those needs are met.

Dr. Underly poses with Verona school district superintendent and Kabby Hong, 2022 Teacher of the Year.
Thank you to the all of the students and staff for welcoming us, including 2022 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, Kabby Hong! Image: DPI.

Eau Claire

Dr. Jill Underly poses with students and staff in an elementary school classroom. The classroom is colorful and busy, filled with plants and light.
What a treat to see such thoughtful and engaged students from Lakeshore Elementary School in the Eau Claire Area School District. Image: DPI.

 

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly takes notes as she listens to a student talking about his gardening tips
Thanks for letting me jot some notes down for my own garden! Image: DPI.

Wishing everyone a great school year. So happy I could join you in so many places to kick things off. Remember: Wisconsin Public Schools belong to you, and YOU BELONG IN WISCONSIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.