Middle School Market

As part of 7th grade Social Studies classes, Mr. Gentilli and Mr. Swenson hosted the first of three Middle School Markets this winter. Students develop, create, market, and sell a product. After each market in the middle school's Literacy Lounge, students can reflect on their successes and areas for growth and make changes for the next market. This interactive project focuses on economic concepts that students are learning in class. Items sold today ranged from pizzas, to stickers, and smoothies. The timing for last-minute holiday shopping was ideal!

Winter Band Concert

On Tuesday, December 17, Belleville Middle and High Schools' Band students performed in their annual winter concert under the direction of Stephanie Meir. The middle school band of just over 70 students opened the night with four pieces. The Jazz Ensemble came onto the stage next with another three pieces including a "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and a vocal solo by Miles Fahey in "Silver Bells." The night concluded with four additional songs by the nearly 60 students in the Symphonic (High School) Band. These four songs featured nine different soloists.

Congratulations to Mrs. Meir and her students for filling the auditorium with holiday cheer!

Young Samaritans at Work!

Given the direction that the club has taken in the last two years, including fundraising with their pie auction at last Friday night's home basketball game, the Young Politicians' Club has changed its name to the Young Samaritans. Not surprisingly, 14 members of the newly re-named organization came into school on a Sunday, and under the direction of their adviser Mr. Hodgson, made 30 blankets to donate to the Dane and Green County Humane Societies for pet beds and kennels. Now that is the Wildcat Way in this season of giving back to your community!

DECA Camp Gray Leadership Conference

Over the weekend of December 13-15, five Belleville High School DECA students attended a leadership conference at Camp Gray near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Jenna Banfield, Ella Campbell, Ceci Grefsheim, Shylah Lietz, and Sage Mullen banded together with the Oregon DECA chapter to participate in many activities that challenged each other to think about what it means to be an effective leader. The activities included a shoe minefield, human battleship and blindfolded rope art. [Submitted by Mr. Farrar]

More Than Cookies and Sprinkles!

Today (12-13) students in Mrs. Gartley's Child and Family Studies course spent their class time at the Sugar River Senior Center (Belleville) for our annual cookie decorating activity. The high school students were all smiles stating how "fun" it was not only to decorate holiday cookies, but to "connect" with local seniors on a plethora of topics during this season of giving! [Submitted by Teresa Gartley]

Winter Choir Concert

On Thursday, December 12, audiences packed the newly renovated auditorium for the annual Winter Choir Concert. Parents, relatives, and the community watched as nearly sixty 7th and 8th grade students students performed three songs, including solos by Lincoln Bair and Ellie Doyle

After months of 7am practices, two dozen members of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble also performed three songs. The Women's (Treble) Choir put on a show with five more songs. Their renditions of "Changes" included six soloists. The night ended with four additional songs from the almost 100-strong high school choir. This included solos by Miles Fahey and Michelangelo Dohm on "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

Congratulations to Mrs. Krueger and her students for their performances that put the audience in the holiday spirit!

High School Students-of-the-Month

On Thursday, December 12, Belleville High School staff recognized Students-of-the-Month for November. Students were treated to a pizza lunch and received a personalized certificate from their nominating teachers. They also received movie passes through Marcus Theatres' Student Motivation Program. Teachers from each department noted that these students showed academic strength, hard work, and modeled proper behavior for their peers.

Congratulations to these Wildcats who are going strong into the winter months!

Michael Walker, Elise Mousseau, Miles Fahey, Sophia Grady, Madysen Herritz, and Samantha Behr

Not Pictured: Cody Koeppel

Science Olympiad at Boyceville

On Saturday, December 7, the Belleville Science Olympiad Team competed at 13th Annual Boyceville Invitational Tournament. Nearly 60 different schools competed in this competition- 32 at the high school level, with 19 at the middle school level. This included teams from four states. The Belleville Platinum Team placed 5th overall and 2nd in Division 2 behind host Boyceville. However, when compared only to other small schools, Belleville beat Boyceville!

Perhaps equally impressive was an older couple at Fazoli’s on the return trip commenting to Coach Smith how impressed they were with our students' behavior!

RESULTS

1st Place
Detector Building: James Gustafson and Carson Heller
Disease Detectives: Emma Anson and Risandi Bartle
Experimental Design: Emma Anson, Hansi Bartle, and Elise Medenwald
Machines (JV): Matt Loshaw and Cole Monroe
Protein Modeling: Roxana Grunenwald, Gina Salmela, and Mason Schwoegler
Robo Cross (1st overall for the entire tournament): Hansi Bartle and Logan Niesen
Solar Power: James Gustafson and Jack Nolden
Write It Do It (Trial Event): Hailey Butenhoff and Erin Przybyl

2nd Place
Code Busters: Gianna Diaz, Jacob Kean, Jack Nolden
Designer Genes: Roxana Grunenwald and Elise Medenwald
Dynamic Planet: Emma Anson and Zach Thole
Forensics: Risandi Bartle and Roxana Grunenwald
Fossils: Emma Anson and Gianna Diaz
Geologic Mapping: Mason Schwoegler and Zach Thole
Horticulture: Katie Bowers and Zach Thole
Machines: Carson Heller and Jack Nolden
Mystery Design: Hansi Bartle and Mason Schwoegler
Ornithology: Gianna Diaz and Jacob Kean

3rd Place
Astronomy (JV): Tyler Beyer and Christian Hakala
Chemistry Lab: Gianna Diaz and Jack Nolden
Gravity Vehicle: Carson Heller and Logan Niesen
Horticulture (JV): Matt Loshaw and Cole Monroe
Ping Pong Parachute: Logan Niesen and Gina Salmela
Sounds of Music (JV): Andy Lloyd and Cole Monroe

4th Place
Astronomy: Roxana Grunenwald and Jacob Kean
Circuit Lab: James Gustafson and Zachary Thole
Detector Building (JV): Tyler Beyer and Matt Loshaw
Geocaching: Jack Nolden and Zach Thole
Ornithology (JV): Tony Diaz and Jeremy Matteson
Sounds of Music: Jacob Kean and Mason Schwoegler
Water Quality: Katie Bowers and Zachary Thole

5th Place
Code Busters (JV): Skyler Beyer, Jeremy Matteson, and Jordyn Roberts
Dynamic Planet (JV): Hailey Butenhoff and Miles Fahey
Water Quality (JV): Tony Diaz and Jordyn Roberts

6th Place
Boomilever: Hansi Bartle and Logan Niesen
Geocaching (JV): Tony Diaz and Josh Kean
Horticulture (JV): Josh Kean and Jordan Wilder

Middle School Students-of-the-Month

On Friday, December 6, Belleville Middle School staff recognized Students-of-the-Month for November. Mrs. Schmitz hosted a breakfast for this month's students. They also received a certificate, Catty Shack buck to the school store, and the chance to put their handprints up in the Literacy Lounge.

Congratulations to these Wildcats who are entering the holiday season in the right spirit!

Front Row (L-R): Ben Remy, Jack Erickson, Ryker Swenson, and Brennan Keyes
Back Row: (L-R): Brianna Behr, Stacey Vega, Evan Berna, and Dylan Hilgendorf

Middle School Geography Bee

On Monday, November 25, Belleville Middle School students took part in the annual Geography Bee. Nineteen students qualified through preliminary testing and began this morning on stage. Students are tested on categories such as state nicknames, "Weird but True," and cities of the world. After 15 rounds of questions, Ben Remy emerged as the champion. Aiden Campbell was our runner-up for 2019. Ben will complete an online test before March 2nd in an attempt to move onto the next round of the competition as the Belleville representative.

Thank you to Mrs. Killerlain, the Middle School Advanced Learner Coordinator, for organizing today's competition. Congratulations to all of our participants!

FutureQuest

Belleville Middle School 7th grade students traveled to the Alliant Energy Center today (November 21) to participate in the 3rd Annual FutureQuest- an event put on by the Dane County School Consortium in which 5,300 Dane County middle school students take part. Students had the opportunity to learn about 16 different career pathways, represented by over 65 business and organizations. Students were able talk to employers and engage in interactive simulations.

Thank you Mr. Webber for preparing the students in advance for this field trip through their morning P.R.I.D.E. rotations and the use of new Xello software.

Belleville Science Olympiad Invitational

On Saturday, November 16, Belleville Science Olympiad participated in its first invitational of the year- its own home meet. Belleville placed 2nd out of 28 teams in Division 2 (and 5th overall). Boyceville came out on top in that division, while Marquette University High School was victorious in Division 1.

For BHS, 20 different students medaled in 16 different events. The middle school did not field a full team but still came away with medals in 9 events for 10 different students.   

In 2017, 30 teams participated in the Belleville Invitational. Last year, that number reached 40 teams before expanding to 60 teams this year. This could expand to a maximum of 72 teams for next year's invitational!

HIGH SCHOOL MEDALISTS

1st Place 

Code Busters: Gianna Diaz, Jacob Kean, and Jack Nolden

Designer Genes: Roxana Grunenwald and Zach Thole

Detector Building: James Gustafson and Carson Heller

Experimental Design: Emma Anson, Hansi Bartle, and Roxana Grunenwald

Horticulture: Matt Loshaw and Cole Monroe

Machines: Carson Heller and Jack Nolden

Mystery Design: Risandi Bartle and Jordyn Roberts

2nd Place

Geocaching: Jack Nolden and Zach Thole

Gravity Vehicle: Carson Heller and Logan Niesen

Horticulture: Katie Bowers and Zach Thole

Machines: Matt Loshaw and Cole Monroe

Mystery Design: Hansi Bartle and Mason Schwoegler

Water Quality: Katie Bowers and Zach Thole

Wright Stuff: Hansi Bartle and Logan Niesen

3rd Place

Forensics: Roxana Grunenwald and Emma Veeneman

Geocaching: Hailey Butenhoff and Michael Walker

Geologic Mapping: Mason Schwoegler and Zach Thole

Robo Cross: Hansi Bartle and Logan Niesen

Solar Power: James Gustafson and Jack Nolden

4th Place

Boomilever: Hansi Bartle and Logan Niesen

Mystery Design: Dray Kieler and Tyler Stampfl

MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDALISTS

*Can include freshmen

1st Place

Heredity: Liam Daugherty and Isaac Erb  

Water Quality: Aidan Cook and Veronica Glamm

2nd Place

Circuit Lab: Isaac Erb and Isaac Russow

Food Science: Ethan Rolfe and Isaac Russow

Geocaching: Ben Johnson and Reid Nolden

3rd Place

Dynamic Planet: Ben Johnson and Reid Nolden 

Meteorology: Lexi Radl and Ethan Rolfe

Ornithology: Aidan Cook and Lexi Radl

Solar Power: Liam Daugherty and Josh Kean

Senior Class Photo

Due to conflicts and a series of terrible weather days, the Class of 2020 finally took their senior class photo on Thursday, November 14, ahead of a deadline for the yearbook. While cold and snowy, we had a good time walking to the old Elementary School and clowning around on the playground!

Outstanding School Report Card Scores

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released its school report card scores on Tuesday, November 12. Both Belleville Middle and High Schools' scores increased from last year, and both schools achieved their highest scores since the system was implemented for the 2011-12 school year. 

For the first time in school history, Belleville High School received an overall score (85.3) that "significantly exceeds expectations." This score is second highest for high schools in Dane County, behind only Middleton at 86.6. It places Belleville High School as one of the top-rated public high schools in the state. BHS scored 15 percentage points higher than the state average in:

• Student achievement.
• School growth.
• Closing gaps.

Belleville Middle School's score of 80.4 places it once again in the "exceeds expectations" category. This ranks it 3rd in Dane County, behind only Waunakee and James Wright Middle School in Madison.

In addition, both Belleville Middle and High Schools topped the Capitol Conference!

Thank you to our staff, and congratulations to our students for all of their effort and hard work!

Link to the entire Wisconsin State Journal article

2019 National Honor Society Inductees

On Monday, November 11, the Belleville Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 18 new members in a 7pm ceremony in the auditorium. Belleville alumnus and Monona Grove Superintendent Dan Olson served as the keynote speaker to address the inductees. Students had to meet specific requirements for each National Honor Society pillar:

• Scholarship - a cumulative grade point average of 3.67 or higher
• Service - on pace for a Wildcat Service Cord (averaging 35 volunteer hours per year)
• Leadership - 3 positions or roles from a selected list
• Character - a 90% (or higher) rating on a 9-trait survey of current and former high school teachers  

With our school report card about to be released, you will soon see that Belleville High School's NHS members truly are the "the best of the best!"

Congratulations to:

Emma Anson, Jenna Banfield, Kaitlynn Bowers, Hailey Butenhoff, Aysia Ceesay, Royce Clark, Cecelia Grefsheim, Roxana Grunenwald, Bryson Jelle, Regyn Jelle, Erin Kittleson, Kirsten Krantz, Josie Latorre, Elise Medenwald, Jack Nolden, Erin Przybyl, Jasmyne Roberts, and Maddy Weber!

Fall Theater Festival

On Friday, November 8, directors Emma and Michael Vogel presented a night of one-act plays, songs, monologues, and improvisation comedy, otherwise known as the Belleville High School Fall Theater Festival. Between the festival lineup and crew, more than 25 BHS students were involved in this production.

If you missed tonight's performances, we hope to see you here on Saturday night in the newly renovated auditorium at 7:30pm for the second showing of this year's Fall Theater Festival. Tickets can be purchased at the door. They are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

Students-of-the-Month for October

On Friday, November 8, both Belleville Middle and High Schools recognized their Students-of-the-Month for October. Mrs. Schmitz started the morning with a breakfast for the middle school students. These students also received Catty Shack bucks and the opportunity to put their handprints up in the new Literacy Lounge. During the lunch period, Mr. Perry invited high school students to a pizza lunch. BHS students also received a personalized certificate from their nominating teachers and movie passes from Marcus Theaters' Student Motivation Program. Congratulations to these exemplary Wildcats!

Front Row (L-R); Brian Baxter, Aiden Campbell, Aiden Hatleberg
Back Row (L-R): Lillian Palmer, Ava Benash, Madalyn Desmet, Kaitlynn Henry, Olivia Wenger, Zella Palmer
Missing: Savannah Meland

L-R: Christopher Dohm, Samantha Behr, Vanessa Sarbacker, Xander Cribben, Ashley Hansen, Alexis Lamboley, Destiny Sanabria, Tyler Beyer, and Tyler Fahey