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Table Of Contents

1-Welcome

2-New BC Staff

3-Schedule Release Info & Picture/

4-BC Student Services & Student/Parent Information Nights

5-Fall Sports Information

6-BC Fall Musical

7-Annual Registration & Fee Payment Information

8-PTO/Booster Club/Applause Information

9-Senior Portrait Info

10-Picture/Parking Day Info

10-9th Grade/New Student Orientation

11-PSAT Information

12-Attendance

13-Phone Caddies

14-Lancer Block/Lancer Link

15-Arrival & Dismissal

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Greetings!

� I hope that everyone is having a great summer. This edition of BC Updates is devoted to back-to-school information. I hope that it answers many of your questions; however, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions or concerns. My email is gruetzmb@elmbrookschools.org or please call/text me at 262-794-6070.

We do not have a student supply list for BC. Typically students bring basic supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks) to school on the first day. Teachers will inform students of any specific supplies.

Since the spring of 2020 and throughout the 2020/2021 school year, we as a school community did amazing things under difficult circumstances. There are some practices that we will continue to utilize this school year and beyond, but we are looking forward to returning to many of our past practices. Our school-wide focuses for this school year are:

  1. Lesson Design - amongst other instructional goals, our goal is for every student to read, write, and think in every class, every day.
  2. Lancer Block and Lancer Link - our goal is to improve the utilization of this 34-minute, daily time frame for academic as well as organizational and social-emotional purposes.
  3. Student and Staff Belonging - our goal is for every student and staff member to have an authentic feeling of belonging in some way here at BC and for every student to have at least one trusted adult. This is our most important work. #BCWhereUBelong

This year we will be welcoming 1200 students to the 2021/2022 school year. Each student has a unique personal story and we are here to help and support each student as they grow and learn during their BC journey. Our purpose as a school is to provide each student with an experience that fosters their aspirations, both short- and long-term, that will lead them to success beyond their years after BC.

This is my 9th year as principal of BC. I am proud to be its principal and grateful that I am also a BC parent. It is going to be a great year! Have a awesome rest of the summer!

Brett J. Gruetzmacher -Proud Principal of Brookfield Central

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New BC Staff

Ms. Nina Gevelinger

Social Studies Educator

Ms. Gevelinger has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Carthage College. She has taught Social Studies, AP US History, and AP US Government for over eight years at both middle and high schools, including a bilingual school in Slovakia. Ms. Gevelinger comes to BC from Cedar Falls High School in Iowa.

Mr. Andrew Flegel

Social Studies Educator

Mr. Flegel has a Bachelor’s degree in History and Cross-Categorical Special Education from Wisconsin Lutheran College. He has taught cross-categorical special education and coached baseball, football, and softball at middle school and high school for over four years - with the past two years being in the Elmbrook School District. Mr. Flegel arrives at BC from Wisconsin Hills.

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New BC Staff

Ms. Kelsie Pattillo-Miller

German Language Educator

Ms. Pattillo-Miller has a PhD in Linguistics and a Masters in Foreign Language and Literature from UW-Milwaukee. She has taught German for over 15 years at the middle school, high school, and post-secondary level. Her most recent assignment was lecturing at UW-Milwaukee on introductory and advanced linguistics.

Ms. Hattie Grimm

Art Educator

Ms. Grimm has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Art Education from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a member of the Innovative Educators Institute in Milwaukee and comes to Brookfield Central from Acosta Middle School.

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New BC Staff

Mr. Scott Hestekin

Special Education Educator

Mr. Hestekin has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. He is currently working on his Master’s degree in cross-categorical special education. Mr. Hestekin recently transferred to BC from Brookfield East, where he was a special education assistant.

Ms. Jessica Thompson

Special Education Educator

Ms. Thompson has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Education from Wittenberg University. She has taught cross-categorical special education for over seven years at both the elementary and high school level. Ms. Thompson is coming to BC from Mukwonago High School.

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New BC Staff

Ms. Callie Barbeau

BC Band Director

Ms. Barbeau has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, and is currently working on her Masters of Music Education at University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Ms. Barbeau arrives at BC from Sabish Middle School in Fond du Lac, where she has been the band director for over three years.

Ms. Jenna Gainer

Consumer & Family Services Educator

Ms. Thompson has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Education from Wittenberg University. She has taught cross-categorical special education for over seven years at both the elementary and high school level. Ms. Thompson is coming to BC from Mukwonago High School.

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Student Schedule Release

August 10th (21-22 Schedules will be released for all students in Infinite Campus at 8:00am.)

The following schedule changes will be considered:

      • Missing a prerequisite for a scheduled class.
      • Switching: Honors or AP to Regular -- Regular to Honors or AP.
      • Missing graduation requirement.
      • Dropping a class for a study hall.
      • Retaking a class.
      • Adding a class to replace a study hall. The course must be offered during that block.
      • Early College Credit or Start College Now course, Dual Enrollment, internship or mentorship scheduling.
      • Took the course in summer school.

A schedule change form will be emailed out on August 10th via the student’s Elmbrook Google Account. This must be completed by August 18, 2021

The BC Administrative Team and Student Services Team will process all requests prior to the start of the school year and all students will receive a notification regarding the status of their request(s). The BC Student Services Team will reach out to students and their families to discuss individual situations on an as needed basis. Email requests will not be considered.

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BCHS Student Services Team

The BCHS Student Services Team is a tremendous resource for our students. The team works together to provide support for all students at BCHS.

  • Leah Devine School Counselor (A-F)
  • Jessica Premo School Counselor (G-Le)
  • Heather Lemke School Counselor (Li-Ri)
  • Greg Groh School Counselor (Ro-Z)
  • Natalie Ferschl Student Services Assistant
  • Jennie Katrichis Psychologist
  • Nichole Grube Social Worker
  • Lori DiMiceli Data Processor
  • Kathy Adams Nurse

Student & Parent Info Nights

The BC Administrative Team and the BC Student Services Team will be hosting Student & Parent Info nights for all grade levels. It is important for both students AND parents to attend the presentations.

  • 9th Grade Info Night: September 8th 6:00pm-7:00pm (BC Café)
  • 12th Grade Info Night: September 8th 7:30pm-8:30pm (BC Café)
  • 10th Grade Info Night: September 15th 6:00pm-7:00pm (BC Café)
  • 11th Grade Info Night: September 15th 7:30pm-8:30pm (BC Café)

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Football

Coach Joel Nellis nellisj@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 2 - Equipment Issue
  • August 3 - First Day of Practice

Girls Golf

Coach Brian Scrobel scrobelb@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 9 - First Day of Practice

Girls Tennis

Coach Jon Vogt vogtj@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 10 - First Day of Practice

Girls Swim & Dive

Coach Carissa Donkersgoed Paaschc@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 10 - First Day of Practice

July 1st Registration opens for Fall Sports: https://brookfieldcentralhs.rschoolteams.com/page/5605

Cross Country

Boys Coach Ronn Blaha blahar@elmbrookschools.org

Girls Coach Lorie Lewis lewisl@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 16 - First Day of Practice

Girls Volleyball

Coach Tiffany Voge voget@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 16 - First Day of Practice

Boys Volleyball

Coach John Jablonowski jablonoj@elmbrookschools.org

Coach Riley Stone stoner@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 16 - First Day of Practice

Boys Soccer

Coach Dan Makal makald@elmbrookschools.org

  • August 16 - First Day of Practice

Don Kurth-Associate Principal for Activities/Athletics

Yvette Cunningham-Admin Assistant to Athletic Director

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November 19-21

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center

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Be Ready for Picture/Parking Day! Pay Your Fees Online Starting July 27th!

July 27th: Elmbrook’s Annual Online Registration/Fee Payment Begins

  • Infinite Campus opens to all Elmbrook families to update addresses, phone numbers and emergency contact information. Click here for the information.
  • Fees can be paid online via Infinite Campus
    • Registration fee for BC students: $105.00
    • Optional User fees include:
      • Athletics: $80 one time fee
      • Music, Drama, Clubs Forensics, Debate: $60 one time fee
      • Parking: $100/semester or $200/school year
      • Yearbook: $75.00
      • Athletic Card (Student entry into home athletic events): $40.00
      • Parent Group Participation (BC PTO, BC Booster Club and BC Applause)
  • Families needing assistance may fill out the free/reduced waiver.

Athletic card fees should be paid BEFORE Picture/Parking Day on

Aug. 18th so that the payment can be designated on the student’s ID card.

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Brookfield Central's PTO is an organization that works together with parents, staff, and the community to maintain Brookfield Central's status as an exceptional school. Your PTO supports and funds a variety of BCHS events and programs such as Teacher Mini-Grants (funding for non-budgetary school items), Teacher Appreciation Events, Student Scholarship (available to Seniors of PTO members), Post Prom, Project Graduation, Parent Network Programming, and more.

Parents, to join BC PTO, please go to SCHOOL STORE on the registration site where you'll find the membership link. Your support of the BC PTO helps fund mini grants for teachers to purchase non-budgetary school items, staff appreciation events, Post Prom, Project Graduation as well as student scholarships given through the Elmbrook Education Foundation.. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer with the PTO, please contact Diane Nemcek at dianenemcek@gmail.com

The majority of these events and programs are funded by your $25 membership dues. While attending the monthly meetings and volunteering is certainly not required, these programs and events can-not take place without volunteers, and all are welcome! The meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30am. If you have any questions, please feel free to email bchspto1@gmail.com.

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The BC Booster Club is a membership organization that works closely with ALL athletic teams, band and the athletic department to identify unfunded needs. We invite you to become a member of the club. Please fill out this membership form to join.

The BC Booster Club meets the second Monday of each month during the school year at 7pm in the BC library or cafeteria.

The BC Booster Club Annual Golf Outing is on August 15th at Ironwood Golf Course. This outing is one of the major fundraising events each year in support of BC athletics and band. This event brings together BC alumni, parents, coaches, and friends for a fun-filled day of golf, food, and drinks. We encourage your participation and appreciate all of your support. Please register here.

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Applause is a parent run 501(c)(3) organization that supports the fine arts at Brookfield Central High School, including Art, Band, Choir, Creative Media, Dramatic Theater, Musical Theater and Orchestra. We help with community awareness, supplemental purchases, and advocating for district and community support. Applause also awards multiple scholarships for graduating seniors involved in the Fine Arts.

Highlights of giving include: Band: music stands and racks, synthesizer and cart; Art: iPads, cases and Apple pens; Choir: keyboard, iPads; Creative Media: imaging printer, large format printer; BlackBox: seating, mirrors, curtains, lighting microphones, furniture, stage lights; Musical Theater: props, workshop saw and microphone elements; Orchestra: instrument restringing.

You do not need to have a child in the fine arts to be an Applause member and support the Fine Arts. Sign Up online when you register your student(s) for the school year, or at any point by filling out a membership form. Memberships start at only $40 and include 2 tickets to the Applause Fine Arts Member Party. Other member benefits are also available. Want to get involved? Applause has big things planned this year and we love student and parent volunteers. Contact Sue Koerner at bchsapplause@gmail.com for more information.

**SAVE the Date: Saturday, November 6th. Support Applause at the 'Holiday Kickoff' at The Corners with holiday treats and performances.**

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Come to Picture/Parking Day to:

  • Have your school picture taken, used for School ID and Yearbook (Freshmen-Juniors)
    • Note: Seniors who chose not to get senior portraits over the summer may take a picture with Empire for the yearbook. Picture make-up day is September 17th during 3rd Block.
  • Pick up your new Chromebook (Freshmen and New To Elmbrook Students only). Freshmen should bring their Chromebook from Wisconsin Hills). Chromebook drop off and pick up is in BC Front Lobby.
  • Receive your parking pass (BC Front Lobby)
    • You must pay your parking fee online or in-person and fill out the parking form to receive your parking pass. Please read all associated guidelines for BC parking privileges.
  • Find your locker
    • Your locker # will be on your schedule. Please select option to print schedule with locker #. Locks are available for purchase for $5. Students may “set-up” their lockers at this time.
  • Meet Parent Groups and Clubs
    • Find out more about being a part of these very supportive organizations at BC!

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This event is for all incoming 9th graders, and will provide a fun and engaging opportunity to learn more about BCHS, hear about the many clubs and activities students can take advantage of, get their new chromebook, tour the building as well as walk their first term schedules, and meet their teachers. All 9th graders should enter through Door N3 and meet in the main gym. Pickup from the event will be in the back of building. Students should bring a copy of their schedule to the event.

This event is facilitated by our DECA Club and focuses on welcoming our 10th-12th grade students who are “new to Elmbrook.” New to Elmbrook Students will also receive their Chromebook. This year, this event will also include all 10th graders who attended school virtually at BCHS for the entire 20-21 school year. Students should enter BC through the main doors of BC (Door S1). Students should also bring a copy of their schedule to the event.

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PSAT Registration 2021

The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and is a standardized test administered by the College Board, cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The PSAT is an optional test designed for 10th and 11th grade students that wish to practice their standardized test taking skills in the areas of reading and mathematics. Scores for this test are NOT reported to universities, however if taken as a junior the score can be sent to certain scholarship organizations affiliated with the test. For example, taking the PSAT as a junior and scoring exceptionally well on this test is how students qualify for the National Merit Competition. For more information please visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10

Taking the PSAT

Elmbrook and College Board will be offering the PSAT for 10th and 11th grade students on Wednesday, Oct. 13th. All testing will be done on site at the high schools and will run approximately from 7:30am - 12:00pm (students will miss their first two class periods on this day).

Registration for the PSAT

Families of 10th and 11th graders wishing to take the PSAT in October need to pay a $18 test fee in the Infinite Campus under optional fees by Friday, September 10th. Payment of this fee constitutes your registration for the test.

Additional Questions

Contact: School counselor / PSAT coordinator Leah Devine devinel@elmbrookschools.org

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Attendance

  • We believe that being present and engaged in school are the first two keys for academic success.
  • In order to be marked present and on time to Block 1, students must be through the doors of their scheduled class by 7:55am.
  • Students who are 0-14 minutes late to any class will be marked tardy.
  • Students who are 15+ minutes late to/miss 15+ minutes of any class without an approved excuse will be marked truant (unexcused absence).
  • BC is a closed campus. This means students must stay in the school building from the time they arrive until dismissal unless they have a LAUNCH class that meets off-campus, Youth Options, Career Exploration (CEO) class, Senior Privilege (SPO) on their schedule, or they have otherwise been excused by parents/guardians and/or school officials prior to leaving the building.
    • Violation of this policy equates to a truancy.
  • Any absence not excused in advance must be excused with the attendance office within two school days of the date of the absence or the absence will be considered a truancy.
  • Parent(s)/Guardians(s), to excuse an unexcused attendance marking, please call (262-785-3994) or email (bchsattendance@elmbrookschools.org) the attendance office. Additionally, we encourage you to regularly monitor attendance records by logging into Infinite Campus for review.
  • No longer utilizing physical paper passes for students who arrive late to class, leave for an dental/medical appointment, etc.
  • A student who is marked truant to one or more periods will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities including but not limited to practice, game, competition, performance, etc. on that day.

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Attendance (continued)

  • The following are considered by the School District of Elmbrook as excused absences:
    • Illness – mental or physical. Written verification from a licensed or certified provider and/or a doctor’s excuse may be required to verify an illness excuse.
    • Family emergency or crisis.
    • Attendance at the funeral of a relative or friend.
    • Appointments with medical specialists. Such appointments are to be made, whenever possible, when school is not in session. When emergencies arise, appointments as early or as late in the school day as possible are recommended. Verification of medical appointments shall be submitted to the school in order to be reflected in attendance.
    • Attendance at special family celebrations or religious holidays.
    • Attendance at special events of educational value as approved by the principal/designee. This statement does not excuse attendance at baseball games, rock concerts, “Skip Days”, picnics, etc.
  • Students are permitted 10 accumulated days of absences each school year. If 10 days of accumulated absences are reached during a school year, future absences that school year will only be excused for one of the following reasons:
    • appointments with medical specialists (verification of appointment must be produced),
    • illness (doctor's excuse must be produced),
    • Funeral,
    • attendance at educational events (as determined by administration).

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Phone Caddies

  • The appropriate use of technology has an important place in the classrooms of Brookfield Central; subsequently, the district provides a Chromebook for every student in grades 3-12. While cell phones are capable of amazing things, they also serve as a tremendous distraction in the classroom. Resuming this fall, students’ cell phones can only be used during passing periods, during their assigned lunch period, or when the teacher utilizes them as part of their lesson.
  • When a student enters their classroom (Blocks 1-4, Lancer Block/Link, and Study Hall), the student’s cell phone must be stored in their assigned slot in the teacher’s cell phone caddy. If a student needs to leave class during a class period for any reason, their cell phone must stay in their assigned spot in the cell phone caddy.
  • Any student who does not meet the expectation will have their cell phone confiscated and then returned at the end of the school day. If a student fails to meet the expectation multiple times, their cell phone will only be returned to a parent/guardian at the end of the school day and administrative consequences may be assigned.

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Lancer Block and Lancer Link

  • Lancer Block is our 34-minute Resource period that falls in between 1st and 2nd Block. The mission of the Lancer Block is to provide the time and opportunity for students and teachers to connect during the school day for academic assistance, interventions, make-ups, etc. Using Edficiency, students can request a specific teacher for a certain date and teachers can request specific students for a certain date. During a typical week, Lancer Block is on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
  • Lancer Link replaces Lancer Block time on Fridays. Each Lancer Link has 16-18 students with a mix of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The goal of Lancer Link is for students to foster relationships and make connections with other students as well as have a trusted adult with whom to communicate. The students stay in their assigned Lancer Link for 4 years. The Lancer Link activity outline will be shared out in the BC updates.

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Arrival and Dismissal

The arrival and dismissal times at Brookfield Central are extremely busy. Students may enter BC beginning at 7:00am and sit quietly in the cafeteria. Student drop off (am) and pick up (pm) is at the pool doors (Door S2). Bus riders will enter BC through the pool doors (Door S2). The cafeteria begins serving breakfast at 7:30am. A bell will ring at 7:50am which releases students to the academic areas of the building.

From 7:30am to 7:55am and 3:09pm to 3:25pm.

Cars that want access the front of the building must enter and exit via Gebhardt Road. Cars that want access to the back of the building must enter and exit via Civic Drive.

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