The School District of Beloit received the Dorothy Height Award for Racial Justice in the Workplace Nov. 10 from the YWCA of Rock County. Pictured are Emily Pelz, Executive Director of Student Services; Jamie Merath, Executive Director of Business Services; Angela Moore, Executive Director of YWCA Rock County; Dr. Tom Johnson, Superintendent; Jacqueline Jolly, Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation; Deetra Sallis, Executive Director of Human Resources; and, Rosendo Amor, Assistant Principal, Beloit Memorial High School.

YWCA’s second annual Racial Justice Conference

The School District of Beloit has received the Dorothy Height Award for Racial Justice in the Workplace from YWCA of Rock County.

The award, presented Nov. 10 at the YWCA’s second annual Racial Justice Conference, is named after Civil Rights leader Dorothy Height, for her commitment and leadership in workforce diversity.

“The School District of Beloit has given its attention to ensuring that diversity isn’t a moniker or a word on letterhead, but that it is defined by distinct action,” said Beloit Superintendent Dr. Thomas Johnson.

Johnson made staff diversity a districtwide goal wide after he was appointed to the district’s top job in February 2014. During the 2013-2014 school year minority hiring for all positions in the district was 14 percent. As of Oct. 4, 2016 minority hiring in the School District of Beloit for this school year was at 35 percent.

“The bottom line is that we believe that our faculty and staff should be far more representative of our community and student population,” said Johnson. “We believe it is imperative for students from all backgrounds to see, know, and learn from individuals who share and reflect their diversity.”

The district’s human resources department recruits diverse talent from both within the U.S. and around the world.

Among its achievements, the YWCA cited the district’s “Grow Your Own,” an ongoing scholarship fundraiser which has collected $44,363 to support multicultural students pursuing education as a career.

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College Goal Wisconsin will provide free information and assistance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Filing FAFSA is required for students seeking grants, loans and financial aid.

To file a FAFSA application, you’ll need to bring:

• 2015 federal tax return and W2s.
• 2015 untaxed income records, such as child support or veteran’s non education benefits
• Information on savings, investments, business assets and farm assets (if applicable)
• Driver’s License (if you have one)
• Social Security Number
• Alien Registration Card or Permanent Resident Card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
• Date of birth for parents
• Month and year of parents’ marriage, divorce or separation

If you are unable to attend, College Goal Wisconsin will host another free FAFSA filing event on at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville.
 

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Performance Scheduled

“Millikin University has one of the strongest choral programs in Midwest, and the BMHS choral department is honored to be asked to join them on that evening,” said Beloit Memorial Choir Director Ben Westphal.

The concert will be Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 801 Bushnell St.

Westphal said former Beloit College professor Max Yount will accompany the choir’s performance on pipe organ before the 55-member Millikin Chorale takes the stage. The Millikin Choral is directed by Guy Forbes.

A free-will offering will be collected to cover the cost of the Millikin Chorale’s tour

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Banquet

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A community celebration including speakers, performances and a range of special guests.
Join us.

• Monday, January 16, 2017
• 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• Eclipse Center (3 Eclipse Blvd. Beloit)
• $25.00, $10.00 students
• TICKETS: Dr. Darrell Williams, 608-361-4030, dwilliams@sdb.k12.wi.us

Among those recognized with be the winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay and speech contest.

Elementary Schools

Intermediate Schools

Beloit Memorial High School

• Converse Elementary: Adrianne Sanderson; Leah Cohen, runner-up
• Merrill Elementary: Asharia Koch
• Aldrich Intermediate: Braelyn Mayfield
• Cunningham Intermediate: Zoe Reynolds; Mariana Guzman, runner-up
• McNeel Intermediate: Madyson Miller, Llani Froeber runner-up
• Beloit Memorial High School: Kalyn Vences ; Sydnee Marshall, runner-up; Shaniya Harrell, 2nd runner-up

Sponsored by:

Department of Administration, Operations and Equity.

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Beloit — Friday was Professional Development Day for School District of Beloit Teachers. 

Students got the day off but teachers gathered with fellow educators to learn more about technology, academic subjects, classroom management and to even have some fun.

About 140 educators from 13 schools met in the cafeteria at Beloit Memorial High School during the morning. They focused on team building, collaboration and data analysis.

Educators from the School District of Beloit were on the clock as they tried to build the tallest spaghetti noodle tower that was strong enough to support a marshmallow.

 
Part of cafeteria training included the Marshmallow Challenge, where teams from schools used spaghetti noodles and tape to build the tallest possible tabletop towers topped by a marshmallow.

Towers rose and towers fell in an exercise where success was not in winning or losing, but in working together toward a goal.

Brian Leaf

The team from Merrill Elementary School celebrates the completion of its spaghetti and marshmallow tower, and first place in the Marshmallow Challenge.

 
The winner was Merrill School, which raised its marshmallow 27-3/4 inches off the table. Fruzen was second with a marshmallow topped tower of 27 inches. 

Peggy Muehlenkamp, director of data and analysis for the district, said that teachers and administrators will take lessons they learned during the training back to their buildings and classrooms to share with colleagues.

“These lessons will support teachers and help student achievement in our district,” she said.

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Rotary Club of Beloit
Student of the Week
September 2016

Emma’s Turn

That is according to Emma’s parents Melissa and Will Corum who say Emma’s Beloit education and school experiences, including the BMHS Theatre Department, are worth a standing ovation.

The same was true, she says, for Emma’s older sister, “Our oldest daughter, Megan ‘14, now a junior at Lawrence University in Appleton, was featured three years ago, so it is fun for Emma to have a turn.”

Tight-knight School Community

Beginning at the beginning of the family’s story here, Melissa says, “We moved to Beloit after college and purchased a house on the west side near Gaston School shortly before Emma was born. We still live in that same house, and are proud west-siders!

“The Beloit School District has been a great fit for Emma. She has been nurtured by a succession of teachers since Gaston elementary, many of whom still cheer on her successes, such as Sue Brunson and Dawn Harris. She started participating in theatre at a young age with KFAD (Kids Fun and Drama), and her middle school drama directors, Stephanie Hormig and Lori Gustafson, further encouraged and supported her passions. They both attend BMHS Theatre productions, which illustrates our tight-knit school community.”

Her School Family

“At BMHS,” Melissa continues, “Emma has had some truly amazing teachers, such as Gary Studemann, Deb Prowse, Sara Johnson and her mentor, Greg Wallendal (of the Theatre Department). Each of these remarkable educators has played a huge role in shaping her into an intelligent, caring, questioning adult who is driven to succeed. Her current favorite class is AP U.S. Government with James Hoey. She’s found the class especially valuable during this election season. AP Language was instrumental in helping her find her writing voice and giving her the skills to succeed in a college-level course.”

Turning to the stage, Melissa says, “Theatre has been a central part of Emma’s life since she was 7 years old. She found her home in the award-winning BMHS Theatre Department and has been cast in each production since her freshman year. She’s been a gingerbread man, a grandma, a fairy and a monkey, to name a few. Last summer, she traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland with BMHS to perform in the Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival.  Spending two weeks in Europe taught her independence and resilience — their luggage was lost for several days! — as well as opened her eyes to the world outside of the Midwest.  She’s also been able to grow in leadership positions within the theatre, such as organizing Drama Day for elementary school students or helping with the student-led hayride each year. In fact, her work with younger students through the theatre is what awakened her passion for teaching and she’s now considering double majoring in elementary education, along with theatre.

Beyond theatre, Melissa says, “Emma was also involved in the music department with Jacob Truby (who is no longer at BMHS). He had a tremendous impact on her and instilled a love for singing as well as promoted a strong family atmosphere in the department. She was lucky to travel to Washington, D.C. with the choir, along with visits to various colleges. Additionally, she has participated in The Increscent, Link Crew, National Honor Society and Student Senate.”

BMHS Theatre Group in Scotland

Looking Forward

All told, Melissa adds, “As the college acceptance letters start to arrive, we have no doubt that Emma has been well-prepared for whatever comes next. She’s excelled in several AP classes and is a Beloit College Porter Scholar, so we know she has the skills to succeed in college level coursework. Thanks to BMHS’ great AP program, she will enter college with quite a few college credits, allowing her to pursue her passions sooner. Additionally, because of our wonderfully diverse community, she’s been taught how to relate to many different kinds of people with varied beliefs and ideas, and she’s learned how to advocate for herself to achieve her goals. Beloit will always be her home, but she’s ready to take her place on the world’s stage.”
 

The post Emma Corum (17′) | Our Students Our Stories appeared first on School District of Beloit News.

BELOIT, Wisconsin – What’s on the minds of high school students as the nation prepares to inaugurate Donald Trump as its 45th president?

Find out Wednesday, January 18, (tomorrow) between 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. when some of the 18 students from AP U.S. History and AP Government classes headed to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration make themselves available for interviews at Beloit Memorial High School.

Note: If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by e-mail.
 

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Reporters from the region converged on Beloit Memorial High School on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to ask students questions about their trip to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of Donald Trump. From the left are Abby Garsow, Matt Vieth, Ben Levy, Samantha Grahn and AP History teacher Matt Flynn.

A Great Opportunity for Students

This election that caught Samantha Grahn’s attention and may be a catalyst for a political future.
But first, she’ll witness political history.

Grahn, a junior at Beloit Memorial High School students will be one of 18 AP U.S. History and AP Government students who will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration Friday as the nation’s 45th president.

The election process was turbulent, but the transfer of power in Washington, D.C., between President Barrack Obama and Trump isn’t likely to be testy or ruin the nation, said AP History teacher Matt Flynn. The country has seen much worse, “The election of 1800 was supposed to be the revolution of 1800, and heads would be rolling like they were in France,” said Flynn, who with AP Government teacher James Hoey will chaperone the trip. “It came and then Jefferson became president, Adams stepped down, the sun came up and everything was great.
 

 
“As contentious as this election cycle was, Obama will graciously had power over to Trump and the sun will come up. The founders knew what they were doing when they wrote the Constitution and it’s proved to be successful for 217 years. “

The Inauguration is the perfect high school trip for Grahn, who says she’s really into politics and history. In addition to the inauguration, students will spend three days in museums and other Washington, D.C. attractions.

“The election sparked my interest in doing something in politics,” said Grahn, who was one of four students Wednesday participating in a news conference to discuss the trip that begins with a 2 a.m. Thursday bus ride to Mitchell Field in Milwaukee.

Students, some of whom raised money to offset costs of the trip, will arrive in Washington around 8:30 a.m. and spend the next 10 hours exploring the Capital City.
Friday they’ll have great seats for the event, after scoring reserve tickets through the bipartisan efforts of Sens. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, and Ron Johnson, a Republican.

“It’s really going to be an historic event, so I’m excited,” said Abby Garsow, a junior.

“I didn’t really care who won. I just thought this would be a good experience” said Senior Matt Vieth, whose brother went to President Barrack Obama’s second inauguration with Beloit classmates.

“I just hope Donald Trump doesn’t make a fool out of himself.”

Vieth said he doesn’t agree with Trump’s politics, but he’ll keep an open mind and an eye on midterm elections, in which he’ll be eligible to vote.

Sophomore Ben Levy sees the trip as an extension of the classroom and he’s eager to see and experience Washington culture.

“With all the drama and what’s surrounded this election, I’ve paid more attention to it that I have in the past,” said Levy, who is excited about seeing the Smithsonian museums, but said hopes “we don’t get caught up in any protests that might be going on.”

Students attending Donald Trump Inauguration
Washington, D.C. January 20, 2017

Media Coverage

• Beloit Memorial Students Head to D.C. for the Inauguration | WMTV – NBC15.com
• Beloit high school students head to DC to watch inauguration in person | WISC Channel 3000.com
• Beloit students to attend Presidential Inauguration Friday | ABC 27 – WKOW.com
• Beloit Students to Attend Inauguration | MyStateline.com
• Media Monitoring Suite | WIFR (CBS) – tveyes.com

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award Assembly

Winners were recognized for demonstrating positive leadership qualities, contributing to the betterment of the school community, excelling at teamwork and exemplifying the goals and ideas that honor the life of Dr. King.

School District of Beloit’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay winner, Kaylyn Vences started the celebration with some spoken word about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hackett’s Empowerment Monday group read a modified version of “Hey Black Child” by Useni Eugene Perkins. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Excellence Awards were then presented to students. The program concluded with sing-alongs led by Tim Krause, Hackett Elementary Music Teacher.

Students nominations were kept a surprise. Families were invited to attend the awards celebration.

[See image gallery at beloitschools.org]

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The Follett Challenge

The Follett Challenge rewards educators and schools that find innovative ways to teach skills needed in the 21st century.

Converse made a video of students engaged in school wide communications and leadership development. Students from different grades work together to produce, read and record daily school announcements. Their cooperative efforts not only help students become confident speakers, but also teammates as they provide daily communications to their fellow students.

Thanks and good luck to Converse!

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Title

Enrollment for 2017-2018 kindergarten programs in the School District of Beloit officially begins Monday, Jan. 30.

Children who are 5-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2017, are eligible for the 5K program. Those who are 4-years-old on or before that date are eligible for the 4K program. Both programs are full-day.

Students living outside of School District of Beloit boundaries are welcomed and can enroll at http://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment beginning Feb. 6.

4K is available at all district primary schools (Converse, Gaston, Hackett, Merrill, Robinson and Todd), and at Head Start for eligible students.

Parents may enroll children in traditional 4K or 5K programs, or in dual language immersion classrooms offered at Hackett, Robinson and Todd Elementary Schools. In DLI classes, students learn in both their native and target languages. Spanish speaking students master English, while English speakers become proficient in Spanish.

Parents of incoming kindergarteners (and students new to the district) can enroll their children at Kolak Education Center, 1633 Keeler Ave. (Current students moving from 4K to 5K do NOT have to re-enroll. Information will be distributed to parents of those students at a later date.)

Enrollment takes place 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parents with schedule conflicts, or who want more information, can call 608-361-4171.

Parents will need the following at the time of enrollment:

• Child’s Birth Certificate
• Child’s Immunization Record
• Picture I.D. of Parent/Guardian
• Proof of Residency

Students do not need to be present during enrollment.

Kolak Center | Beloit School District Offices

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Members of Beloit Memorial’s Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble took home top honors from Saturday’s Purdue University Jazz Festival in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Beloit Memorial Sweeps Top Honors

Both bands were first among 17 bands they competed with in their divisions. They each earned the title of Honor Band in competition in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Purdue University Jazz Festival

Two band members received top individual honors. Adam Hobson (trumpet) and Nora Lewis (Alto Sax) received the Outstanding Soloist Awards in their divisions and won Blue Lake Arts Camp Scholarship.

Also receiving soloists awards were: Brandon Terwilliger, Noah Poepping, Adrian Sowicz, August Braatz, Carly Behrens, Naomi Patten and Josue Cortez.

“It’s been an incredible first semester for these musicians – looking forward to the rest of the year,” said bands director Chris Behrens.

Jazz Studies program at Purdue University, directed by Dr. M.T. “Mo” Trout, said that winning Honor Band and top soloist in a division is quite an honor.

Doubly so for Beloit Memorial.

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Rotary Club of Beloit
Student of the Week
October 2016

A Journey of Opportunities

Niall Gillen’s parents, Dr. Barbara Higgins, a hospitalist at Beloit Memorial Hospital, and Shawn Gillen, a professor at Beloit College, couldn’t be more excited and proud. Niall’s academic experiences, from elementary school through Beloit Memorial, have helped inform and expand his perspective on life. It has been a stimulating and vigorous journey of opportunities that have encouraged Niall to pursue ever greater challenges.
 

Niall Gillen | Three-time returning Essentially Ellington Students at last years invitation notification

The Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra

Niall took advantage of many of the academic opportunities available at Beloit Memorial including AP classes such as history, chemistry, calculus and extra-curricular activities like the varsity swim team. His love for music led to his involvement in the BMJO (Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra), Wind Ensemble, and Pep Band. He is key member of the Sax/Flute section of the BMJO and plays five instruments. The BMJO continues to earn invitations back to the nation’s premier, invitation-only Essentially Ellington H.S. Jazz Band festival and competition held at the Lincoln Center in New York City each year. He has been a member of this nationally recognized, award winning jazz band since his freshman year. This year as a senior and three time Essentially Ellington veteran, he hopes to help lead the Jazz Orchestra into earning yet another invitation to the festival this spring. Meeting elite student musicians and professional musicians from across the country has been an incredible opportunity for him.
 

A Thank You to Teachers

Niall acknowledging several of his teachers with gratitude, including his swim coach Richard Vogel, band director Chris Behrens, and AP history teacher Matt Flynn. They have taken special interest in his academics and have been supporters of his music pursuits. Niall has also been part of the Porter Scholarship program at Beloit College, where he has studied Russian, Economics, and Jazz Saxophone.
 

 

Scouting

An Eagle Scout, Niall studied civics, camping, outdoor crafts, wilderness survival, first aid, journalism and even stamp collection in scouting. It developed many different parts of himself and stimulated his interest in the world. “I think that the programs were as important to him as athletics or music, especially when he was younger” said Shawn. “Girl and Boy Scouts are an under-utilized resource in our community as well as in American culture. I think that putting children in a situation where they will be stimulated is good for them. Scouting does a good job of that. Take advantage of it.”
 

A Dad’s Perspective

Niall’s parents have seen their older daughter Claire graduate from Beloit Memorial and are preparing for Niall to graduate in the spring, “I can honestly say to other parents, a balanced program of athletics, reading, swimming, scouting was huge in my son’s life” says Shawn who continued, “Some of these programs channeled my son’s energy and inner pride.” The Beloit Public Library, along with their staff, was one of the family’s favorite places. It offered programs like reading clubs and other events that helped build an awareness of different perspectives towards life for Niall. Finally, Dad emphasized his sense of an increased awareness and appreciation by his son, for the diversity provided within the school and broader community that fostered a strong sense of Beloit pride. “Get them involved!” advises Shawn, a proud father.
 

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 Ms. Elliott, a reading and language specialist at Merrill Elementary School in Beloit was recognized as Rotary Club of Beloit Teacher of the Month for January 2017.  Along with helping students to read better, Ms. Elliott runs a program called Books Build Brilliant Brains. Students that take part in this program are awarded a free book every month while they maintain reading so many hours each month. Ms. Elliott promotes reading at home and reading with families. 
Congratulations to Ms. Elliott and thank you!
#BeloitProud

[See image gallery at beloitschools.org]

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By Avery Lewis — Increscent Writer

Winners and Runner-Up’s

Elizabeth Cortez, Azariah Burnett, Heiler Flores-Ramirez and Jocelyn Barrera were also recognized as runners-up at an all school assembly.

“This is one of our (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) PBIS assemblies,” explained Principal Brandye Hereford, adding these are held quarterly and the recent event involved a partnership with Beloit’s Hormel Foods. Two Hormel representatives, Eve Reeves and Andrew Newton, are a part of Hormel’s African-American Resource Group (HARG) and approached Gaston about holding the essay competition, according to Hereford.

“Every year, [HARG] tries to reach out to different elementary schools in different school districts in areas all across the United States where Hormel is located,” said Reeves, a quality control supervisor. “So I reached out to Gaston.”

A Powerful Assembly

The recent assembly kicked off with students being recognized for their efforts in areas such as art, reading, music and outstanding behavior. Then, the four third graders recognized for their essays were called to the front of the gym. After Newton and Reeves talked about the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, they announced the runners-up. Following, they named Streeter as the winner. With her mother watching from the back, Streeter read her essay to the school. All four students received gift certificate to Subway.

“Thanks to Martin Luther King Jr., we can go to the same restaurants, and we can eat together, and we can walk down the street together, and we can go to the same schools, and we can move anywhere, and we share, and we care about each other,” Streeter read.

“It feels good because I didn’t know I was going to win,” Streeter said afterward. “I learned that Martin Luther King is really important because he helped stop segregation and we wouldn’t be at the same place right now [without him].”

Love and Pride

Streeter’s mother was very emotional and proud of her daughter’s achievements.

“It means the world to me,” said a tearful Sabrina Awal. “I was coming in here today saying that if she didn’t win I would still be happy for her and clapping for her..”

The third graders who participated in the essay competition go to an after-school program at Gaston called Community Learning Centers (CLC). Rebecca Albert and Julie Mitchell are teachers who run the program. They work with students on literacy and math and incorporate fun activities into the learning.

“We had some really good conversations,” Mitchell explained. “At this grade, to make that connection before you take it out to what it is in the community and the world, you’ve got to start with yourself.”

The post “What Dr. Martin Luther King Means to Me” Essay Contest Winners appeared first on School District of Beloit News.

Rotary Club of Beloit
Student of the Week
October 2016

Proud and Persevering

“It brings great honor to see our daughter achieve all her accomplishments throughout these past four years at Beloit Memorial” said Sara. “Her diligent work habits and focus started as a young child. As parent’s we taught her that nothing in life comes easy. You must work very hard to reach your goals.”

This hard work paid off. Ardita recently received the four-year Presidential Scholarship to Beloit College. Her parents were ecstatic about the scholarship. “It brought butterflies to my stomach, because of the positive impact it has on our families lives” said Sara.

Ardita accomplished a lot to reach this point. To start with, she is not a native English speaker. Her family is from Albania, and “as a young child, she spent a lot of time with her grandmother who only spoke Albanian. Despite these challenges, she mastered English. Furthermore, in high school she learned Spanish as well.”

She also maintained a straight “A” average as a student at Beloit Memorial. Her mom claims that her induction into the National Honor Society during her sophomore year propelled her to the next level.

The pride she had in her work improved drastically. For example, she would retake tests over and over that were a B+, just to get a better grade.

At the end of the day, Sara believes Ardita excelled because of the numerous teachers that helped her explore her eagerness to learn.

“We can’t thank the Beloit School District enough for giving our daughter an enriching experience over the past 12 years of school” said mom. Speaking of her daughter’s teachers, “they were there when she needed them. They would stay with her late and never said no to her requests for help or further explanations on a subject matter.” The “amazing teachers” at Beloit Memorial were there to help her succeed.

Personal Growth In Extra-Curricular’s

“As parents, we are proud of the direction Ardita chose. She seized the opportunities available to her.” Sara observed, “In high school, there are so many things you can do right or wrong, but Ardita chose the right path.”

That is why Ardita joined several extra-curricular programs instead. They exposed her to a diverse array of educational experiences she would not have had the opportunity to discover elsewhere.

These experiences provided her with a greater self-confidence in herself and all she does. “When children receive recognition for their work, it brings out the best in them. It encourages them to talk about what the future may bring.”

From One Parent To Another

Given their experience, when asked what guidance she might offer to younger parents just beginning their journey with school age children Sara offered, “As a parent, I would encourage mothers to talk to their child. Encourage and remind them why they are doing what they do. Paint that picture in the sky helping them to see it and run with it.”

Sara elaborated, “Be involved in your child’s life and show them love, no matter what. It all starts at home.” Ardita’s parents believe being there is what matters, not whether your child goes to a two or four-year university. It’s their choice.” Ever the proud father, Eddie chimed in, “You’ve never disappointed me.”

The post Ardita Fadilovski (17′) | Our Students Our Stories appeared first on School District of Beloit News.

WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Link to WKOW 27 News Story on Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra.
Feb. 8, 2017

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Rotary Club of Beloit
Student of the Week
October 2016

Proud and Persevering

“It brings great honor to see our daughter achieve all her accomplishments throughout these past four years at Beloit Memorial” said Sara. “Her diligent work habits and focus started as a young child. As parent’s we taught her that nothing in life comes easy. You must work very hard to reach your goals.”

This hard work paid off. Ardita recently received the four-year Presidential Scholarship to Beloit College. Her parents were ecstatic about the scholarship. “It brought butterflies to my stomach, because of the positive impact it has on our families lives” said Sara.

Ardita accomplished a lot to reach this point. To start with, she is not a native English speaker. Her family is from Albania, and “as a young child, she spent a lot of time with her grandmother who only spoke Albanian. Despite these challenges, she mastered English. Furthermore, in high school she learned Spanish as well.”

She also maintained a straight “A” average as a student at Beloit Memorial. Her mom claims that her induction into the National Honor Society during her sophomore year propelled her to the next level.

The pride she had in her work improved drastically. For example, she would retake tests over and over that were a B+, just to get a better grade.

At the end of the day, Sara believes Ardita excelled because of the numerous teachers that helped her explore her eagerness to learn.

“We can’t thank the Beloit School District enough for giving our daughter an enriching experience over the past 12 years of school” said mom. Speaking of her daughter’s teachers, “they were there when she needed them. They would stay with her late and never said no to her requests for help or further explanations on a subject matter.” The “amazing teachers” at Beloit Memorial were there to help her succeed.

Personal Growth In Extra-Curricular’s

“As parents, we are proud of the direction Ardita chose. She seized the opportunities available to her.” Sara observed, “In high school, there are so many things you can do right or wrong, but Ardita chose the right path.”

That is why Ardita joined several extra-curricular programs instead. They exposed her to a diverse array of educational experiences she would not have had the opportunity to discover elsewhere.

These experiences provided her with a greater self-confidence in herself and all she does. “When children receive recognition for their work, it brings out the best in them. It encourages them to talk about what the future may bring.”

From One Parent To Another

Given their experience, when asked what guidance she might offer to younger parents just beginning their journey with school age children Sara offered, “As a parent, I would encourage mothers to talk to their child. Encourage and remind them why they are doing what they do. Paint that picture in the sky helping them to see it and run with it.”

Sara elaborated, “Be involved in your child’s life and show them love, no matter what. It all starts at home.” Ardita’s parents believe being there is what matters, not whether your child goes to a two or four-year university. It’s their choice.” Ever the proud father, Eddie chimed in, “You’ve never disappointed me.”

The post Ardita Fadilovski (17′) | Our Students Our Stories appeared first on School District of Beloit News.

Help Sponsor Student HBCU Tour

The luncheon at Beloit Memorial High School will also familiarize people with African American culture.

“For those who have always wondered what characterizes a dish as soul food, the answer is simple: it has to do with spirituality, as well as food,” said Regina D. Hendrix, cheer and step team coach at BMHS.
 

WMTV NBC15 News Madison Coverage
 

 
The BMHS Minority Excellence Organization (MEO) will serve fried chicken, two sides, bread, a beverage and dessert.

The lunch is open to everyone in the community; students, parents, family and friends and is part of the Black History Month calendar of events sponsored by MEO.

Twenty two members of the Rising Knights will visit colleges March 24-31.

The long term objective of the project is to develop the ways and means to assure that qualified BMHS high school students become familiar with the historic mission of Black Colleges and Universities and their broad range of high quality educational programs and academic fields. Another objective is to identify students who would especially benefit from the stimulating and supportive learning environments so characteristic of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

HBCU Tour 2015

HBCU Tour 2014

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