Like everything else, the pandemic made us change how we honored our Friends of Education during American Education Week. Instead of our traditional breakfast, we did a Facebook Live with Dr. Hilts. If you'd like to watch the presentation, it is available in two places.
Facebook: https://fb.watch/1OjtgMlno_/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/B3uvNpxhjpY
2020 Award Winners
Friend of Education Award
Rick Cveykus
Reyne Hauer
Special Service Award
3M
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
State College of Beauty Culture
Trig's
WAOW-TV 9
Wisconsin Woodchucks
Yach's Body and Custom, Inc.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
Congratulations to all the winners!
rhagedor

If you left a comment on last school year’s volunteer survey, be watching this spot and upcoming school newsletters. I will be commenting and/or answering some comments that might be of interest to all.
As always…any volunteer questions can be directed to me, Roxane Hagedorn. I’m happy to help!
Some comments regarding the online volunteer login…
- The site that I generally find is the one to sign up as a volunteer, which isn't the one I need to find the opportunities available.
- Logging in and finding where to go on the computer is a pain. Wish there was an easier way of doing it.
- Easier link to the actual volunteer website that shows opportunities if you are an already signed up/approved volunteer. The “For Volunteers” page on the District site has no link if you are ALREADY a volunteer and want to know what opportunities are available.
Answer!
If you have an existing account, there are a number of ways to get to the volunteer log in page. The easiest way is to bookmark myimpactpage.com
You can also find the log in page by going to wausauschools.org, looking under Departments and selecting the O.N.E. Volunteer Program and then going to the For Volunteers page. There has always been an existing user log in link. We placed a big purple arrow next to it so you can see it better.
rhagedor
The annual Friends of Education Breakfast and Awards presentation was held on November 18, 2019 at Riverview Elementary School. This year we honored 12 Friends of Education Award winners and three Special Service Award winners.
Friends of Education Award Winners
Amy Dykstra

For nine years of dedicated service to Hawthorn Hills Elementary School, as an officer for the PTO, planning, coordinating, staffing and managing the book fair and raising thousands of dollars to enhance the learning environment.
Dr. Jeff Fritz

For advocacy and volunteerism at Enrich, Excel, Achieve Learning Academy, creating a mentor and tutor program with area medical students, encouraging science research projects, and serving on the Academy’s Governance Board.
Luke Johannes (accepted on behalf of by Jeb Steckbauer)

For going above and beyond with culinary students from Wausau West High School, sharing his perfected cake decorating techniques and showing the time and practice it takes to reach perfection.
Jason and Peggy Kniess

For countless volunteer hours fundraising and running concessions for Wausau West High School athletics, making possible the first-class activities parents and student-athletes have come to expect.
Jeannine Krause

For 10 years of sustained commitment to Wausau Area Montessori Charter School kindergarten and 1st grade students, volunteering with kindness, respect, and patience while in the classroom and listening to children read.
Jennifer Plisch

For her instrumental part helping the Wausau West High School Mock Trial Team students learn about the importance of public speaking, critical thinking, and the art of forming persuasive and cohesive arguments.
Tom Radenz

For encouraging and recognizing students’ reading efforts at Maine Elementary School, cooking and serving an end of year breakfast as well as providing (along with employer REI Engineering) boots, hats and mittens for students in need.
Sarah Ruffi

For her instrumental part helping the Wausau West High School Mock Trial Team students learn about the importance of public speaking, critical thinking, and the art of forming persuasive and cohesive arguments.
Alyssa Schneeberger (accepted on behalf of by Melissa Murphy)

For five years of weekly volunteering at South Mountain Elementary School, especially her efforts maintaining the Cougar Cash school store, keeping it exciting, and motivating students to increase their positive behaviors.
Melissa Stockwell

For 11 years of coordinating the “Grandfriends” program at John Marshall Elementary School, showing compassion for both the elderly and young, and fostering lasting intergenerational relationships.
Brian Wachsmuth

For being an outstanding advocate and volunteer at Enrich, Excel, Achieve Learning Academy, serving on the Governance Board, and volunteering to help and chaperone numerous school activities, including a five-day bus trip to Washington D.C.
Special Service Award Winners
Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative

For teaching John Marshall students the importance of electricity safety.
Highland Community Church

For continued support of Lincoln Elementary families and students.
The Neighbor's Place

For continued support of Growing Great Minds (G2M) and teaching out of school enrichment classes.
Congratulations to all of our winners! They are all very deserving and we thank them for all they do for the Wausau School District.
rhagedor
With the mounds of snow outside, it's hard to believe that we are only a month away from National Volunteer Week!
This year's National Volunteer Week is April 7 through April 13, 2019. Once again, we would like to offer a special thank you to our volunteers with a special Planetarium Show!
We will once again offer two shows. The show this year is "Dawn of the Space Age" which relives the excitement of space exploration. From the first artificial satellite launch to lunar landings to private space flights, be immersed with this reconstruction of man's first steps into space. Who were these men and women in these death-defying endeavors? Witness their drive, passion and perseverance to explore.

rhagedor
The Wausau School District kicked off American Education Week with its annual Friends of Education Awards Breakfast. Awards were presented by Superintendent, Dr. Keith Hilts. To view the program, click here.
*--Denotes Winner
Friends of Education Award Winners

Larissa Zompolas, Beck Acker* , Dr. Keith Hilts
For positively influencing students, supporting their reading, creating positive relationships, and providing tremendous support to the kindergarten classroom at Grant Elementary School.

Amanda Patterson, Dr. Keith Hilts (Missing Rob & Kay Augustine*)
For volunteerism across all areas at John Marshall Elementary School, especially with kindergarten students, including croqueting each kindergartner an individualized hat.

Andy Grimm, Officer Koua Thao*, Nathan Cihlar, Dr. Keith Hilts (Missing Deputy Chief Matt Barnes* and Officer Nick Stetzer*)
For strengthening relationships between adults and youth by taking part in the middle school summer learning course “Wilderness Connections”, a two-day, three-night canoeing and camping trip, and for securing financial assistance for the program.

Tim Kostroski, Sarah D'Aquisto* , Cindy Swope, Curt Richardt
For her frequent visits to Wausau West High School, sharing with students her expertise and information on drugs, alcohol and human trafficking in the Wausau community.

Carl Hert, Dr. Keith Hilts (Missing Sara Gast* )
For her active role in the Wausau West High School Business and Marketing Department, serving as a guest speaker, a judge at the DECA District Competition, and giving advice on how to strengthen and enhance curriculum.

Meaghan Lauer, Dave Hartman * , Dr. Keith Hilts
For five years of service to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School’s Blessings in a Backpack program, packing food bags weekly for students, and securing funding through his men’s group, Men in Action-St. Mark’s Church.

Molly Hoffmann ( Accepted posthumously for Arden Hoffmann*), Dr. Keith Hilts
For many years of continued post-retirement service to the Wausau School District, serving on the Friends of Education Committee, traveling with the French-American Youth Exchange program, serving as a source of information for the District employee orientation, and providing guidance to the District Public Relations Department.

Cindy Heiting, Marcia Innis* , Dr. Keith Hilts
For seven years as a Hawthorn Hills Elementary School “lunch buddy”, having lunch and spending time with students who need some extra special attention, and serving as a positive role model and special friend.

Carla Gerstenberger, Michelle Lipke* , Dr. Keith Hilts
For speaking to Wausau West High School Medical Terminology students about being a Physician’s Assistant and discussing the medical terms she uses every day in her profession.

Patricia Zemke, Dr. David Mathias* , Dr. Keith Hilts
For continuing to come into the 6th grade health classes at John Muir Middle School during the human development unit, answering questions and developing relationships with the students outside of the usual doctor’s office setting.

Patrick Galligan, Mike & Kallie Sheehan*, Dr. Keith Hilts
For over a decade of volunteerism to Wausau West High School sports and activities, filling in during “emergency” volunteer shortages, and helping in countless other ways.
Special Service Awards
(Presented to groups/businesses for continued outstanding service to our students and schools.)

Patricia Zemke, Brian Gumness/B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation* , Dr. Keith Hilts

Amber Haluska, Sarah Falk, Dr. Keith Hilts (Missing Blonde and Beyond*)

Jason Sinz, Dr. Keith Hilts (Missing Brian Taylor/Brian Taylor Photography*)

Patricia Zemke, Dr. Keith Hilts (Missing Lamar Advertising*)
Encore Award
Presented to retired Wausau School District employees who have retired and returned to our schools to provide outstanding volunteer service.

Halle Veenstra, Tari Howard* , Dr. Keith Hilts
rhagedor
Welcome back!
We’re excited to begin a new school year and see all our wonderful volunteers. Just a few things to keep in mind.
- Patience. It takes awhile to get opportunities posted for sign up. Please give us a month or so. And remember, some opportunities, especially field trips, are posted throughout the year. You’ll need to log into your account at myvolunteerpage.com. If you’re receiving this email, you have an account. If you can’t remember your login information, contact me. Email is preferred since I’m only part-time.
- Handbook. A few comments/questions on the volunteer survey are specifically addressed in the volunteer handbook. When you signed up to volunteer, you agreed you read the handbook. If you have questions, check there first. It’s a short, easy read and I’ve attached a copy to this email. It can also be found anytime on the volunteer’s web page on the Wausau School District website, www.wausauschools.org.
- Social Media. We’re trying to be more visible and helpful on Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook search for ONE-Our Network for Education and Twitter, our handle is @ONEVolunteers.
- Log In. Please log into your account at myvolunteerpage.com to sign up for volunteer opportunities. It’s very confusing for teachers when some people go online and others don’t. Also, if you don’t, it means we have no official record of you volunteering, meaning you may be forced to do another criminal background check, which costs valuable dollars. It also allows us to see if you’re missing any criteria BEFORE the volunteer opportunity and hopefully get it corrected in time.
Thank you for being a volunteer. I’m looking forward to the new school year with all of you. As always, any questions, please let me know.
rhagedor
Hello and welcome!
Welcome to the new O.N.E. blog. I hope that you will subscribe to it via the RSS feed to say up to date on the latest happenings in the Wausau School District volunteer world. You'll be able to read about heartwarming stories, kudos and information on the ins and outs of volunteering with the Wausau School District.
Thank you for volunteering!
Roxane Hagedorn
Volunteer & Community Involvement Coordinator
rhagedor
Wow, soon we will be approaching the first month of school being in session. Time sure does fly.
Welcome back to all our returning volunteers and a big hello to our new volunteers. We can never truly express how much you mean to us. Believe us when we say, we value everything you do for our students and staff.
As we get into the swing of the new school year, please remember a few things.
1. Patience...It really does take some time to realize what our volunteer needs will be for the school year, please be patient. Keep logging into your account at myvolunteerpage.com to see what new opportunities are posted on an ongoing basis. Just click on an opportunity you are interested in and sign up, easy as that.
2. New Criminal Background Check System...We have moved to an online system, no more paper. You can find the link to the online criminal background check here http://www.wausauschools.org/departments___programs/volunteer_network/for_volunteers.
Please remember, you do NOT need another criminal background check if you have had a check completed by us AND you have volunteered at least one time per school year since that check. If you've had a lapse in volunteering, you'll need to complete another check.
We look forward to seeing your smiling faces. Thank you again for all you do.
rhagedor
You may have read in a newsletter or on the website about logging into your account online to record what sort of volunteering you've been doing. Let me further explain.
As you know, we require criminal background checks for volunteer opportunities that have ongoing contact with students or for those going on a field trip. According to our current policy, that criminal background check will remain in good standing as long as you volunteer at least one time per school year after it is completed. If there is a lapse, another criminal background check form will need to be filled out.
But how do we know if you volunteered yearly? This is where you logging in helps us. By logging into your online account and letting us know what year you volunteered, what you did and for what staff, we will know whether you need another check or not. It is just a way for us to help you to stay current and not have to keep repeating paperwork.
Some volunteers think that the system is only meant to record their volunteer hours. While the system can do that if you are interested, it is not required. The system is a way for you to sign up for opportunities and for us to keep track of what you did. If you want to record hours, please do, but the system's main purpose is to help you know what opportunities are available and to help us know what you've been helping us with.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know. I do have limited office hours, so sometimes email is the best.
Thank you for all you do!!
Roxane Hagedorn
Volunteer & Community Involvement Coordinator
rhagedor@wausauschools.org
rhagedor
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