Dr. Mike Cady, emphasizes, the focus is on “each kid as an individual,” exemplifying the district’s holistic approach to student success. A defining characteristic of Pewaukee School District is its commitment to personalized learning experiences.“It really comes down to each individual child getting the experience that they need to be highly successful, and the innovation being in place that prepares them for their future,” expands Dr. Cady. He shares that in 2013, the district was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for excellence in continuous improvement, becoming only the fifth public school system in the U.S. to receive the honor. PLAY-BASED EARLY LEARNING Pewaukee School District’s 4K program is designed to inspire a love of learning, starting with the youngest students. Drawing inspiration from Mansfield ISD in Texas, Pewaukee’s 4k classrooms incorporate thematic, play-based environments which foster the natural development of literacy and numeracy skills. Dr. Cady describes, “It’s very immersive, and it’s tied to research about the importance of background knowledge and how that helps learners master literacy and mathematical concepts.” Each classroom is thoughtfully crafted around a theme, such as nursery rhymes, the ocean, or farm-totable concepts. In the Land Before Time classroom, students engage in hands-on activities like exploring a fossil dig pit, while their literacy and math lessons are naturally integrated into the theme. “So, when you walk into our 4k classroom and a four year old can tell you that they’re a paleontologist, they actually know what that means,” details Cady. “You only have one chance to make a first impression, and we want kids coming in and just loving being at school. So that begins with our four year olds, and then builds its way up through.” FUTURE-READY STUDENTS The district’s dedication to STEAM initiatives starts early and extends throughout the educational journey. Thanks to the passing of multiple facility referendums, Pewaukee’s schools boast maker spaces in every building, from the 4K center through high 363 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 PEWAUKEE SCHOOL DISTRICT
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