District News

  • Referendum Logo
    Aug 19, 2024

    Referendum Press Release

    For Immediate Release 

    August 16, 2024 

    Contact: Denise Michaelsen, Superintendent

    715-373-6188  

    Email: dmichaelsen@washburn.k12.wi.us

     School District of Washburn School Board Opts to Bring Building Referendum to November Ballot

    School Board Unanimously Supports Building Referendum Question to Fund Capital Maintenance and Accessibility Needs

     Washburn, WI— **On August 15, 2024, the School District of Washburn School Board unanimously supported placing a Building Referendum on the November ballot. Residents of the School District of Washburn will have the opportunity to vote on allowing the district to issue debt to address the significant challenges facing the District—funding the needed capital maintenance and accessibility/security projects that are too expensive to pay for out of the annual budget.  

    The Building Referendum question will ask voters to approve a $14.43 million for paying the cost of a facility improvement project at the MS/HS building and site consisting of: capital maintenance updates to include building systems updates, exterior brick repair; windows; flooring; ceiling replacement; site improvements; ADA modifications to restrooms; construction of an accessible and secure entrance and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

    It is projected that taxpayers will see an increase in the school portion of their property taxes of $199/per $100,000 worth of property value, if the referendum passes.

    “We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support of the Washburn schools, we know that the school is an important part of making this community special. We aim to use this building project to preserve our buildings for generations to come.” stated District Superintendent, Denise Michaelsen.

    The District has been fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars; the last capital referendum was 25 years ago and the District is currently debt free. The needs are for additional funds to maintain capital projects within the aging school, projects that are too expensive to be covered in the annual operational budget, plus increase accessibility and safety.

    ** **

    Building Referendum Project Details

    The Building Referendum question asks voters for permission to borrow $14,430,000 to pay the cost of a school building and facility improvement project at the MS/HS building and site consisting of: 

    ·       Build an accessible and secure front entrance to the MS/HS

    ·       Update restrooms to provide ADA compliance and accessibility for all

    ·       Exterior brick/ masonry wall repairs​ 

    ·       Window replacement​ 

    ·       Ceiling tile replacement in common areas and classrooms (partial)​ 

    ·       Locker room ceiling replacement​ 

    ·       Carpet and laminate floor replacement​ 

    ·       Restroom accessibility renovations & finish updates​ 

    ·       Tech Ed mezzanine replacement​ 

    ·       Locker replacement​ 

    ·       Drinking fountain replacement for ADA (dual heights)​ 

    ·       HVAC system and controls replacement​ 

    ·       Structural reinforcement for new HVAC equipment​ 

    ·       Replace 1993 boiler to match other existing (2018) boiler​ 

    ·       Galvanized sanitary piping replacement​ 

    ·       Kitchen piping and plumbing fixture replacement​ 

    ·       Original electrical switchboard replacement 

    ·       Parking lot drainage improvements​ 

    To see more project details please visit the District website.

    The School District of Washburn will host two community information meetings and building tours this fall, the public is encouraged to attend to learn more and ask questions.

    Community Information Nights: October 1 & October 24, 2024 – Washburn High School

    Watch the District website and social media for further details.

    Learn More: 

    For additional information, please visit the District website www.washburn.k12.wi.us.

    Questions can be directed to Denise Michaelsen, Superintendent, at 715-373-6188 or email dmichaelsen@washburn.k12.wi.us


  • Picture of Castle Guard Gear
    May 10, 2024

    Get Your Personalized Castle Guard Gear!

    Check out the variety of gear available for Castle Guard Gear!

    http://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/wisconsin/washburn/washburn-high-school

    Get yourselves and your friends and family some awesome swag!


  • Castle Guard Kids Summer
    Apr 2, 2024

    Castle Guard Kids Summer


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October 2024 Menu (Final).pdf
2024-25 Elementary School Supplies.pdf
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Staff

About

Welcome to Washburn Elementary!

Washburn Elementary School 411 W. 8th Street Washburn, Wisconsin 54891

School Hours: 8:10am to 3:05pm

715-373-6199 x202 715-373-0586 (Fax)

Enrollment: (4K-6) 331

Washburn Elementary School, located on a hill overlooking majestic Lake Superior, has a proud tradition of excellence. Not afraid to challenge the traditional view of what a classroom should look like, Washburn elementary teachers blend rigorous academics with free play and outdoor learning opportunities that allow children to explore, play, and learn.

Academics

Washburn Elementary uses the latest learning standards combined with many of the highest rated educational tools available to deliver a rigorous and individualized education to every child. Collaboration is at the heart of Washburn Elementary with time for teachers to meet, discuss, and learn together built into their daily schedule. This allows teachers to collaboratively solve problems and assure that each child is finding success.

Green and Healthy

Invited to plant and harvest the White House garden with First Lady Michelle Obama in 2016 and awarded the prestigious US Department of Education's District Sustainability Award for Green and Healthy Schools in 2017, the Washburn School District is a national leader in Green and Healthy education. All Washburn Elementary grade levels have age appropriate green and healthy standards, similar to math or reading standards. These standards are taught in places like our massive 6400 square foot school garden, our 40 acre school forest and learning area, and our "Lost City"- a play space located in the woods behind the elementary school.

Play

Washburn Elementary believes strongly in the importance of play in the development of a child. Every child gets a 30 minute recess each day. Unless the weather is rainy or brutally cold, children will spend this time outdoors on playground and open spaces. In addition to recess, classes receive "brain breaks" and free play opportunities throughout the day. These times are important social learning opportunities for students at Washburn elementary.

Specials

At a time when many schools are removing or reducing time in classes like art, music, and gym, Washburn Elementary continues to believe that these classes are a vital part of a child's education and has increased the amount of time in these specials over the past few years. Be sure to ask your child's teacher for their specific schedule to see which specials your child will have each day.

Social Emotional Learning

Similar to math and reading standards, Washburn Elementary has developed Social Emotional Learning standards that are taught at each grade level. These intentional lessons focus on skills like cooperation and problem solving while also addressing important topics like bullying.

Technology

Washburn School District has invested heavily in technology at every grade level. All students at Washburn Elementary are assigned a personal iPad or Chromebook to use throughout the year. All classrooms also have interactive whiteboards or other display technology, along with high speed wifi access.