WWW.MOSINEESCHOOLS.ORG MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT MOVING BEYOND THE CONVENTIONAL TO RETHINK EDUCATION
MOVING BEYOND TH CONVENTIONAL TO RETHINK EDUCATIO MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT AT A GLANCE MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT WHAT: A school district taking an innovative approach to education WHERE: Mosinee, Wisconsin WEBSITE: www.mosineeschools.org 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
HE ON Serving 2000 students across three schools, Mosinee School District is rethinking education, moving beyond the conventional, and choosing to embrace a more personalized and meaningful approach. The district’s progressive mission rests on four main pillars which include student centered learning, instructional excellence, collaboration and community, and professional growth and leadership. “We firmly believe in student progress, academically and socially, to prepare them to be a productive member of a multicultural society,” shares Superintendent Greg Doverspike. “We promote partnerships with the community, and TAKING A FRESH APPROACH TO STUDENT SUCCESS 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
multiple opportunities for learners. But the other thing we really want to focus on is a purpose driven and future focused education, where everyone works together to prepare students for a world that won’t wait, with innovative learning experiences and strong relationships. We want to empower every learner to thrive in a dynamic and diverse future.” REDEFINING THE OLD MODELS Doverspike explains that the school system itself has not evolved with the times, pointing out that schools still operate on structures designed decades ago.“We are probably the only industry in the world that is still in existence that hasn’t gone through a major revolution in the past 100 years,” he reflects. Instead of adhering to outdated practices, Mosinee School District is working to change its strategy.“We’re starting to have conversations around competency based grading, around the use of technology, and how to infuse some of the resources that are available through AI to create more personalized learning,” he conveys. “There’s a lot of conversation around kids always being on screens, but the reality is that kids are on screens, and that’s what they’re used to.” Comparing taking technology away during the school day to asking an avid reader to set aside their books, Doverspike adds, “I’m not saying we’re just going to throw kids on screens all day and leave them there. That’s not what we’re going to do, but we’re going to embrace that technology.” Mosinee School District recognizes that today’s students face different challenges from those of past generations. Different family structures, diverse social and emotional needs, greater access to technology and wider socioeconomic gaps all shape the classroom experience. “Instead of us trying to ask kids to adjust to our system, we need to adjust to their system,” he stresses. RETHINKING MATH, LITERACY, AND ENGAGEMENT While this innovative model remains at the forefront, Doverspike emphasizes that the fundamentals like math and reading still matter. “One of the things about this generation of kids, is they want to know the reason behind what they’re doing, which isn’t a bad thing,” he shares.“The more you can show them how this applies to their life the better. I always say it doesn’t matter how a kid learns math or reading, as long as they learn to do it.” A big part of this educational shift involves rethinking the layout of the traditional classroom, and the role of the educator. “We don’t want to 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT
comfortable being uncomfortable.”“We firmly believe that comfortable people become complacent,” he continues. “We want to become uncomfortable because we want to keep pushing.” REAL WORLD OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS The overarching goal of any school district is preparing students for life after high school, and have a room anymore where a teacher stands at the front and kids are in rows and that kind of stuff. We want a teacher to be a co-pilot, a passenger on an educational journey, not the driver of the school bus, where everybody’s on the bus with them, and we’re all going to the same place at the same time,” Doverspike describes. Another part of the guiding philosophy is to “get 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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WE PURIFY AND PROTECT WITH EVERY FIBER FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based materials, has more than 170 years of experience in transforming fibers into specialty materials that deliver value to our customers by addressing global challenges. We are known for our tailor-made, innovative, and sustainable solutions. What began as a family business in Finland, has evolved into global leadership as a manufacturer of fiber-based specialty materials. THERE IS ALWAYS A BETTER WAY We believe that there is always a better way to conquer challenges and that every challenge deserves a tailor-made solution.This involves utilizing renewable materials to produce something that is always safe and sustainable by design. Sometimes we have invented solutions, and we continuously improve them. Sometimes we go for ground-breaking innovations, and we find solutions that have not been found before. We put our unique understanding of fibers to work, combining them to create value beyond the sum of their parts. Partnering with customers and other stakeholders along the value chain helps translate our passion and expertise into specialty solutions for a more sustainable world. MOSINEE MANUFACTURING PLANT Ahlstrom has more than 30 locations throughout the world, with nearly 7000 employees globally. Among those locations is our Mosinee manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, our Mosinee plant has both pulp production and paper manufacturing capabilities. As one of the community’s largest employers, our Mosinee plant employs more than 400 people and produces a variety of base papers that serve niche markets. Mosinee’s paper products are used to produce building and construction materials, food packaging and tape to name a few. Our Mosinee team lives out Ahlstrom’s ‘better way’ mindset by supporting the community. Plant employees participate in the local United Way campaign, and the plant contributes to initiatives that support the Mosinee School District Athletic and Technical Departments. THERE IS ALWAYS A BETTER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD Our employees ensure that Ahlstrom is a lighthouse of sustainable innovation for its customers and for the communities we live in. We are here for those who need help in finding sustainable material solutions for everyday challenges. As a pioneer in material solutions we continuously pursue specialty materials designed to be safe and sustainable. Together with our customers, innovation and ambition are paired with the latest technological advances and renewable materials, holding the key to a brighter future. We promise to always purify and protect with every fiber for a sustainable world.
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Mosinee is no different. One of its many strengths is a robust dual enrollment program, in partnership with North Central Technical College. “It’s not uncommon for kids between the dual enrollment here at the Technical College, plus AP, plus other opportunities, to walk out with 30 credits of college done by the time they graduate,” says Doverspike. “A lot of our kids go into college, either as a second semester freshman or in some cases as a sophomore, because of the credits they’ve earned while in high school.” Mosinee students can also gain credentials and real world work experience through opportunities with local businesses and industries. “Our community really embraces this concept. They’ve done a tremendous job of opening their doors and allowing us to put kids in these places to gain experience. They do this because they realize it’s an opportunity to give back, not only to the school system and the community, but they’re also getting an opportunity to start to groom their next crop of workers,” he outlines. Some students are even taking part in the district’s upcoming expansion to the high school, a $20 million referendum project.Through youth apprenticeships, senior students will work with contractors and subcontractors, gaining valuable skills and being part of something bigger for their community. “They’re going to get to actually build the addition that their younger brothers and sisters and friends are going to use. They will be able to come back here and look at what they did to help this grow and develop, just because of the opportunities that they’ve been afforded and are taking advantage of,” says Doverspike. FACILITIES THAT SERVE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY Mosinee School District is home to the Creske Center, a multi-purpose facility that physically connects the middle and high schools and provides an auditorium, shared library, gym, and indoor pool. The center is used not just by students but by community members of all ages. The auditorium seats over 700 and hosts everything 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
from concerts and plays to community meetings and dance recitals. The pool is managed in partnership with the YMCA, offering swimming lessons, recreational swim, and senior fitness classes. “It’s a tremendous asset to our community,” Doverspike acknowledges. “The auditorium space is used a lot. We have many different events there that are outside of school events. We really welcome the opportunity to bring people into our community.” INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Recently Mosinee voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum, which Doverspike says is a significant milestone for a community where such measures have often been difficult to pass.That strong support has paved the way for major investments in Career and Technical Education. Doverspike recounts, “We are completely upgrading and adding onto that space, in an effort to try to revolutionize. We will be getting into more of the industry 4.0 with the robotic welders and the VR welding and plasma cutting, all the different things you know that kids are going to be utilizing when they leave us.” 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT
LIGHTING THE WAY FOR YOUTH SUCCESS Serving municipalities throughout Central Wisconsin with the expertise and customer commitment to ensure success every time, Newton Electric, the region’s leading electrical service provider since 1977, has lit the way for its valued residents for decades. Newton Electric Corp. goes beyond its core services and places a special emphasis on training and providing a springboard for students in the region it serves to reach their full potential. Working alongside the Mosinee School District, Newton Electric, through the Youth Apprenticeship program, has provided valued work experience for aspiring youth seeking to carve out a career in the trades. Newton Electric Corp and the Youth Apprenticeship program offer access to state of the art training facilities and instructional staff who are experts in the field, students have the ability to be a part of the Youth Apprenticeship while still in High School and can then transition into the Registered Apprenticeship with the JATC and IBEW Local 388. Newton has had representation in the JATС program for decades and believes it is imperative to the success of the company and the industry for Students to complete the JATC Registered Apprenticeship. A portion of the team at Newton Electric Corp are proud to be former graduates of the Mosinee School District and continue to be a strong supporter of the district’s commitment to expanding different career pathways for its students. Lighting the career pathway, Newton Electric will continue to offer opportunities to the Mosinee School District’s current students and future graduates for years to come. 220 N. Third Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401 | 715-845-6201 Serving Central and Northern Wisconsin since 1977 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS EXPERIENCED, RELIABLE, & HONEST We provide high-quality, reliable electrical repair services with a commitment to outstanding customer service. When you need a electrician near you, you can expect our technicians to show up on time and ready to help from an initial diagnosis to completing the repair. From residential installations and repairs to large multi-phase projects, you can trust Newton Electric to deliver outstanding service, professionalism, and the most knowledgeable technicians in the industry. You Can Trust OUR SERVICES www.newtonelec.com We believe in building our future, our company and industry through the proven JATC registered apprenticeship program.
At Van Ert Electric, our foundation is built on quality, integrity, and hard work—but our future is wired for innovation and capability. As a full-service electrical contractor, we’re proud to serve a wide range of industries, delivering customized solutions that power manufacturing, data, education, healthcare, food & beverage, and beyond. From preconstruction planning and BIM coordination to large-scale industrial installations, controls engineering, and ongoing service support, we offer the technical expertise and depth of resources to manage complex electrical projects from start to finish. Whether it’s new construction, a major renovation, or day-to-day service work, our team brings the same level of precision, safety, and professionalism to every job. We don’t just operate across the Upper Midwest—we go wherever our customers go, providing the same high standard of service nationwide. Our long-standing client partnerships are built on reliability and responsiveness, and we’re proud to support them in their growth and expansion. At the heart of it all is a dedicated team—many with 15+ years at Van Ert—who live our values every day. We’re not just wiring buildings. We’re building relationships, powering industries, and helping shape what’s next – for our customers. MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Along with these enhancements, the district is investing in infrastructure improvements, upgrading PA systems, expanding cabling, and creating stronger access points to prepare for the future of technology. Routine maintenance projects are also part of the plan to keep facilities in top shape. “From an instructional standpoint, we’re shifting it from what we would call traditional curricular concepts into more advanced technology based curricular concepts that are going to provide kids more opportunities and meet them at more of a personalized level,” says Doverspike. FUTURE PLANS AND WORDS OF WISDOM Looking ahead, the Mosinee School District will be focusing on finalizing their Portrait of a Graduate, and Portrait of an Educator. Doverspike details, “We’re going to be building upon those pillars as we move forward administratively and involving the community in helping us frame that. We’re moving in that direction and away from a strategic plan, so we have a shared reason around what we want our kids to walk out of here with.” Professional development is also a priority for the 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n AHLSTROM www.ahlstrom.com Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, addresses global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. We combine fibers with advanced technology, novel materials, and new applications. Sustainability, innovation, and quality are central to our solutions. Our Mosinee plant produces solutions for food and consumer packaging and protective materials industries. n Newton Electric www.newtonelec.com Newton Electric is built on a foundation of mentorship and growth, proudly partnering with our local JATC and Youth Apprenticeship programs. By investing in youth and registered apprenticeships, we develop skilled tradespeople from the ground up, many of whom now work within the company, ensuring a strong future for the industry as a whole. n Van Ert Electric Company, Inc. www.vanert.com With over six decades of experience, Van Ert Electric is a full-service electrical contractor delivering customized solutions nationwide. We provide preconstruction, BIM, industrial installations, controls, and service work across industries—from manufacturing to healthcare— backed by a highly skilled, safety-driven team committed to quality, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships. district, deepening the commitment to personalized learning. Over the next one to two years, Mosinee also expects to begin moving away from traditional grading practices toward a competency-based model.“We want you to show that you’ve learned the subject more than your ability to turn in homework or pass a test on a given day,” he relays. “That’s the next step we’re going to take in this journey to get us to where we want to go, hopefully, in the next two or three years.” On a more personal note, Doverspike says “What really drives me, is just how to continue to meet the needs of kids, and how to continue to grow and progress and challenge the norm. I guess the easiest way to summarize it is, what gets me up in the morning is seeking perfection in how we educate kids, knowing that we’ll never get there, but we’re sure going to try.” 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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