A Message From the Principal
Greetings BHS Families-
Each month, I meet with representatives from each department and talk about progress on goals, struggles, and successes. One topic that resonated with several departments was the impact of attendance on academic achievement. We did a cross-examination of attendance data and student grades, and to little surprise the students that miss the most school typically have the lowest grades. We attribute this to both missing work and missing content knowledge.
While we have harped and pushed on the importance of attending school regularly, our latest data examination clearly showed the damage that comes with missing school. Obviously, we recognize that people get sick and occasionally family situations arise and that will lead to an occasional absence. It is the chronic absence that really impacts learning as workloads pile up and the class continues to move forward in the material.
When a student is absent, it is really important that they stay in communication with their teachers. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility at the high school level to determine what they missed and get it completed. Especially at the high school level, we are trying to foster our students to grow in their self-advocacy. With that said, our teachers are generally very accommodating and supportive, especially when a student shows initiative in getting caught up. Many teachers use Canvas and have resources and assignments listed there as well.
Students are given extra time when they miss class with a valid excuse, but the workload doesn’t stop. It is expected that students will have to work harder than normal to catch back up after an absence. We have Extended Learning Time (ELT) approximately every 2 weeks. This is a great time for students to make an appointment with teachers to make things up like tests, labs, presentations, or to just come in and get some extra help. Our teachers are also pretty flexible in making other times work as needed. Bottom line: if you miss school for any reason, be in contact with your teachers as soon as you are well enough to do so, and whenever possible, in advance of your absence.
Even though we have a few weeks to go, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and enjoyable break. I’ll see you in the new year!
Yours,
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• Monday, December 1 | BHS Choir Concert | 7:15 PM
• Monday, December 8 | BHS Band Concert | 7:00 PM
• December 24 - January 2 | NO SCHOOL | Winter Break
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"Bravo to the Cast-A Seussical Blast!"
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the musical, "Seussical!" Each performance was truly amazing, and you should all be incredibly proud! These shows demand a significant amount of time, effort, and practice from many dedicated individuals working behind the scenes. We deeply appreciate all of you!
"Berlin thanks you for the wonderful show-your talent was magic from head to toe!"
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Photos By: Catrina Burgess |
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BHS Students Honored by WAFLT for Excellence in Language Acquisition
The Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers (WAFLT) has recognized two BHS students for their outstanding performance in Language Acquisition!
Lilian Johnson earned the "Honors in Language Study Award," the highest accolade, while Ariana Rozek was honored with the "Excellence in Language Study Award!"
¡Bien hecho, estudiantes!
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BHS Students Enjoy Educational Field Trip to UW-Oshkosh
On October 29, BHS students had a blast at the UW-Oshkosh Aspiring Titan Teachers Event. This exciting field trip was perfect for those interested in a career in education.
Students enjoyed workshops, listened to a panel of UWO Education students, and had a chance to ask questions. They also went on a short campus tour and checked out the dorm rooms.
This was an excellent experience for our students!
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Parenting Class: Weekend with RealCare Babies
Homework can be tough, but caring for a baby? That's a whole new level!
In Mrs. Daubner's Education for Parenting class, students got to experience what it's like to care for RealCare (fake) babies. Each student took a baby home for an entire weekend. If the baby started fussing, they had two minutes to figure out what it needed—whether it was a burp, rocking, a diaper change, or feeding. After returning the babies to class, a report was downloaded to see how well each student did, and they were graded accordingly.
Students also wrote reflections about what they learned from the experience.
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Generac's Generosity Boosts Our VEX Robotics Team
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Generac for their generous donation to our VEX Robotics Team. Your kindness, sponsorship, and unwavering support are invaluable to our talented students! We're looking forward to another great year!
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Hands-On Electrical Skills in Mrs. Clark's Class
Recently, students in Mrs. Clark's class gained practical experience by learning essential electrical skills. They practiced cutting and removing Romex sheathing, stripping insulation from hot and neutral wires, and connecting these wires to receptacles and switches.
These valuable lessons provide students with skills that will be incredibly useful in their future endeavors!
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Honoring Veterans Day
The 2025 BASD Veterans Day Program was both meaningful and heartfelt. Students, staff, family members, veterans, and visitors gathered in the gym to honor those who have served. Before the event, veterans enjoyed a delightful breakfast prepared by our amazing food service staff.
Thank you to everyone who attended and joined us!
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Thanksgiving Feast
Our wonderful and dedicated Food Service team treated all students to a delightful Fall Feast Lunch! They ensured everyone enjoyed a warm Thanksgiving meal. We are truly grateful!
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Spreading Kindness
The BHS KIND Committee celebrated World Kindness Day by placing Post-it notes all over the school. Sometimes, small gestures mean the most.
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Coffee & Poetry
The Wordsmiths of Berlin hosted a delightful Coffee Shop Poetry event at AJ's Riverside. Participants of all ages displayed their talents with impressive handwritten poems! It was a fun evening had by all!
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Key Club Rolled Up Their Slee...Leaves!
The BHS Key Club raked leaves for community members who couldn't do it themselves. It was a fantastic team effort, and the students did an amazing job! Kudos to the team for working together and spreading kindness!
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Spotlight on Mr. Steffen in the Berlin Journal
Mr. Bret Steffen, our talented Tech and Engineering teacher at BHS, highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, often finding it more effective than traditional textbooks. He expertly leads students in small engines and metals classes.
Since joining Berlin five years ago, Mr. Steffen has significantly expanded the tech and engineering department. His classes and the shop, located across from his classroom, are often full!
We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Steffen on our BHS team. His exceptional knowledge and wisdom greatly benefit his students, and his kindness is truly infectious. Students thoroughly enjoy his classes, and he leaves a lasting impact on each one.
For the full story, check out the November 20 edition of the Berlin Journal.
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Tied for the world's highest score? Mind blown!
The team “Birthday Boy 4869C” made up of seniors Daniel Dunbar and James Paskey, made it to the semi-finals at the Lomira Early Season Kickoff: Blended VEX V5 Robotics Competition. This ranked them in the top 8 teams of the competition. During one round of the tournament portion of the competition, the team beat another alliance 142 to 0 and were told by the referees that they were currently tied for the highest score in the world.
This season's VEX V5 challenge, "Push Back," involves scoring by moving "Blocks" into "Goals," controlling zones, and parking robots in alliance zones by the end of the match. Great job, team!
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Short Story Winners
Congratulations to the Wordsmiths of Berlin 11th Annual Short Story Contest Winners!
Third Place: Taylor Van Ornum with "The Scarer, Chapter 1" - Prize: $10
Second Place: Sarah Majeskie with “Alone in the Universe?” - Prize: $20
First Place: Ewan Steffen with “The Cold Rail” - Prize: $30
Fantastic job, students!
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The Berlin Alumni Association is pleased to announce that we will again be awarding 10-$1,000.00 scholarships to graduating seniors at the annual BHS Alumni Association Banquet on Saturday May 23, 2026. Please click on the button below for more information. |
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Tobacco/Nicotine Look-Alikes: What You Need to Know
A growing trend among youth involves using pouch or vape-like products that don't contain tobacco, THC, or nicotine. It's important for students and parents to understand that these items, even if tobacco-free, violate BASD Board Policy 5512, which prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine. Products resembling tobacco or nicotine are banned in schools as they distract and complicate supervision, often serving as disguises for actual substances. Students caught with these look-alikes face the same consequences as those with real tobacco or nicotine products.
Caffeine pouches are a common example. Packaged similarly to tobacco or nicotine pouches, they come in brands like Grinds, NZE, Wip, and Denssi. Similarly, vape devices for essential oils, despite lacking nicotine, are considered look-alikes. Additionally, Berlin's city ordinance prohibits anyone under 21 from possessing any vaping materials.
In summary, these products should not be brought to school. Parents should stay informed about what their children are using and possessing.
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BHS Cross Country Athletes Excel at State
A big shoutout to our incredible State Cross Country athletes for their outstanding performance at the WIAA State Cross Country meet in Wisconsin Rapids!
Senior Thomas McCarthy amazed us all by securing the title of State Runner-Up with an impressive time of 15:53.7. Way to go, Thomas!
Leading the Berlin Girls' Team, Senior Audrey Shattuck finished 25th overall, helping the team achieve a remarkable 7th place out of 16 teams in Division 2.
Congratulations to all our XC athletes and coaches—you’ve made Berlin proud!
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Congratulations to the Girls Swim Team
The Girls Swim Team had an impressive performance at the WIAA State Swim and Dive Championships, finishing 11th overall among more than 30 competing teams!
Anna Schliepp achieved a podium finish in the 500 Freestyle, securing 5th place with a time of 5:21.70.
Alexia Pacurar placed 10th in the 200 Freestyle, clocking in at 1:59.93.
The relay teams, consisting of Schliepp, Pacurar, Kyla Manata, and Peyton Zamzow, earned 9th place in the 400 Freestyle Relay and 10th place in both the 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle relays.
Well done to the Berlin-Green Lake Girls Swimmers on a fantastic season!
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BHS Winter Sports Picture Days
Attention winter sports athletes and families! Don't miss your chance to capture your athletic photos! Please click on the button below to order.
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The Gold Standard: The American Degree
Achieving the American Degree is a remarkable feat accomplished by less than 1% of the over 1 million FFA members. This year, Berlin FFA proudly celebrates three recipients: Layten Sobieski, Madison Mertens, and Spencer Goettl. Their hard work and dedication in SAEs, community service, agriculture classes, and numerous activities exemplify true commitment. Let's congratulate these outstanding members on their exceptional achievement!
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Our students dove into the Equipment Unit, mastering the use of various kitchen tools. Recently, they focused on the convection oven and crafted homemade pizza. It was delicious, and everyone did an amazing job! |
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In our Food, Family, and Society class, each group of students picked what they thought was the "Perfect Food!"
Students shared their choices and explained why. The picks included chicken alfredo, chocolate-covered strawberries, chicken Caesar salad, and apple pie!
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Food Service students explored the art of making pies from scratch. They used scales to measure ingredients in grams, allowing each student to craft their own dough. They then filled it with homemade pie fillings. Each pie turned out amazing! |
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We are excited to announce the launch of our new YouTube channel for BASD!
We invite you to subscribe! Watch the Veterans Day Program, School Board Meetings, Graduation Ceremonies, and much more. |
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2025-2026 BHS Yearbook
Don't miss the chance to cherish your high school memories! Remember seniors, please submit your senior photos by December. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Crowley.
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School Board Newsletter
Would you like to receive a quarterly E-Newsletter from our School Board?
Please click on the "Subscribe" button below to receive this new communication.
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