In Our Schools: Dec. 23

Brookfield Central

The drama department would like to acknowledge those in the community who have contributed to the continued growth of the black-box theater. The list is long, and gratitude goes to all who have contributed their energy, abilities and treasures. Special thanks to: Applause, Applause member Dan Pronley, Phil Olson, the Class of 1961, Michael Johnson and Northwestern Mutual.

Brookfield East

On Jan. 12, the band program will present Folk Songs from Around the World, featuring Masterworks for wind band based on folk songs from England, Korea, Louisiana and early 19th century America. The evening will serve as a send-off concert as the Spartan Band heads for New Orleans on Jan. 19 to perform at the National World War II Museum and participate in a clinic at Tulane University. The free concert will be held at the Wilson Center at 7 p.m.

Brookfield Elementary

The second-grade students have been learning about urban, suburban and rural communities. The students also are learning mapping skills and directions. To enhance the study of communities, the students built a mini-community. Each student built a house at school and a service building at home. The students picked a building that is common in most communities, such as a post office, bank, church, school, restaurant, etc. The community built by students and families is displayed in the second-grade breakout area.

Dixon Elementary

The Student Council ran a fundraiser to collect Scentsy Buddy Stuffed Animals for Children's Hospital. The school collected 25 Buddies to donate. The Student Council members wrapped the animals, created cards to go with each gift and personally delivered the packages to the hospital. All proceeds went directly to this project.

Hillside Elementary

The third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students helped break the Guinness Book of World Records record for having the most children reading together with an adult. A total of 4,528 students from many schools read aloud for nearly 33 minutes at the U.S. Cellular Arena on Dec. 20. They were assisted in this feat by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Green Bay Packer Ryan Grant, Milwaukee Brewer Craig Counsell and Michelle Counsell, and president and publisher of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Betsy Brenner.

St. Dominic

Kathy Thomas's first-grade students got to read with a special guest recently. Thomas' daughter, Katelyn, and her dog, Tucker, are a certified therapy team. They are part of the Read to Rover program, a national program that uses trained therapy dogs (and their trained owner) to listen to children read. It provides a safe, non-threatening environment for children to read without the stress of being "corrected" by a well-intentioned human.

St. John Vianney

A kindergarten open house will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6 and from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9. Meet Principal Pam Pyzyk, speak with the 4- and 5-year-old kindergarten teachers and tour the school. Reserve your spot by calling (262) 796-3942 or sending an email to janellep@stjohnv.org; walk-ins are welcome. Childcare will be provided.

Swanson Elementary

The third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students helped break the Guinness Book of World Records record for having the most children reading together with an adult. A total of 4,528 students from many schools read aloud for nearly 33 minutes at the U.S. Cellular Arena on Dec. 20. They were assisted in this feat by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Green Bay Packer Ryan Grant, Milwaukee Brewer Craig Counsell and Michelle Counsell, and president and publisher of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Betsy Brenner.

Tonawanda Elementary

The school will begin two community service drives in January. A book drive will benefit both the Tonawanda library and the Elm Grove Library (via the Friends of Elm Grove Library used book sale) and a penny drive will benefit the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

Wisconsin Hills Middle School

Wisconsin Hills National Junior Honor Society students partnered with the Waukesha Food Pantry by hosting a food drive from Dec. 5 through Dec. 15. The school was encouraged to work together to make a difference in the community in a simple, yet important way. After the conclusion of the drive, NJHS students took a trip to the Waukesha Food Pantry to present them with 250 pounds of food items.

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