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Each month, I have one token to award a student, allowing them to choose a book from the book vending machine, generously donated from Peak Credit Union. The students and I decided to select the winner using the Wheel of Names, a random name picker. Students earn a spot on the wheel by turning in any homework during the month. This monthโs winner was Lucasโcongratulations! Everyone is excited for the next drawing at the end of October.
Turning in homework is an important way for students to show responsibility and stay engaged with their learning. We hope this incentive encourages more students to develop these habits while fostering a love of reading by rewarding them with a book they can enjoy.
Mrs. Smith 9/30/2025
Turning in homework is an important way for students to show responsibility and stay engaged with their learning. We hope this incentive encourages more students to develop these habits while fostering a love of reading by rewarding them with a book they can enjoy.
Mrs. Smith 9/30/2025
Today, our 5th graders received a special lesson in flag etiquette as they prepare to take on an important new roleโraising and lowering our schoolโs flag each day.
This responsibility is both an honor and a tradition, and we are proud to see our students stepping up with respect and pride.
A big thank you to Mr. Gerbracht for leading this meaningful lesson!
This responsibility is both an honor and a tradition, and we are proud to see our students stepping up with respect and pride.
A big thank you to Mr. Gerbracht for leading this meaningful lesson!
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Rain or shine, recess is on! ๐ง๏ธโ๏ธ Students enjoyed their very first recess under the new covered play shed today.
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๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐-๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด Ony Combined Pto ! ๐
We are beyond grateful for all the time, energy, and heart you pour into our staff, students, and community. ๐ From field trips to field days, fundraisers to cheering at gamesโyou make it all possible!
Your Ony Spirit shines bright wherever you go, and we couldnโt do it without you. ๐ Thank you for being one of our schoolโs biggest supporters and for helping make our community such a special place! ๐๐ค
#OnySpirit #ThankYouPTO #CommunityStrong #onalaska #ItsAGreatDayToBeALogger
We are beyond grateful for all the time, energy, and heart you pour into our staff, students, and community. ๐ From field trips to field days, fundraisers to cheering at gamesโyou make it all possible!
Your Ony Spirit shines bright wherever you go, and we couldnโt do it without you. ๐ Thank you for being one of our schoolโs biggest supporters and for helping make our community such a special place! ๐๐ค
#OnySpirit #ThankYouPTO #CommunityStrong #onalaska #ItsAGreatDayToBeALogger
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Nothing beats recess with friends and a little sunshine before the rain rolls in! ๐ค๏ธ
๐ฆ๐ More 2nd grade dino discoveries!
Our 2nd graders in Mrs. Smithโs and Mrs. Gerbrachtโs classes had a blast finishing their โBig Digโ lesson. Each student uncovered their own dinosaur and proudly shared their fact cardโmaking science come to life in a big way!
Scroll through this second round of photos to see more of their incredible simulated dig.
๐ธ Hereโs Part 2 of our dino dig adventureโgreat job, 2nd graders, you may have some future scientists in the making!
Our 2nd graders in Mrs. Smithโs and Mrs. Gerbrachtโs classes had a blast finishing their โBig Digโ lesson. Each student uncovered their own dinosaur and proudly shared their fact cardโmaking science come to life in a big way!
Scroll through this second round of photos to see more of their incredible simulated dig.
๐ธ Hereโs Part 2 of our dino dig adventureโgreat job, 2nd graders, you may have some future scientists in the making!
๐ฆโจ Our 2nd graders became paleontologists for the day!
Mrs. Smithโs and Mrs. Gerbrachtโs 2nd grade classes wrapped up their skills โBig Digโ lesson on paleontology with a hands-on simulated dinosaur dig. Students carefully uncovered their own dinosaurs, just like real scientists, and got to take home a fact card about their discovery.
This exciting activity sparked curiosity, teamwork, and a love for learningโplus, a whole lot of smiles!
๐ธ Check out Part 1 of our young dino diggers in action!
Mrs. Smithโs and Mrs. Gerbrachtโs 2nd grade classes wrapped up their skills โBig Digโ lesson on paleontology with a hands-on simulated dinosaur dig. Students carefully uncovered their own dinosaurs, just like real scientists, and got to take home a fact card about their discovery.
This exciting activity sparked curiosity, teamwork, and a love for learningโplus, a whole lot of smiles!
๐ธ Check out Part 1 of our young dino diggers in action!
September 16, 2025
Dear Onalaska Families,
At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, our district enacted a modified lockdown at the high school out of an abundance of caution.
A member of our maintenance team observed an individual on district property who did not have permission or a clear purpose to be there. The employee immediately notified our School Safety Officer (SSO)Wetzel, who responded to the scene and attempted to contact the individual. When the individual refused to comply and continued walking on school property, the high school was placed into a modified lockdown as a precautionary measure, and a call was placed to 911 reporting a disorderly subject trespassing.
During this time, the individual escalated in behavior and became aggressive toward another member of our maintenance team. SSO Wetzel maintained control of the situation until Lewis County Sheriffโs Office deputies arrived. The individual was soon located and taken into custody.
I am extremely proud of our administrators and staff who followed all safety protocols to keep students secure. Special recognition goes to SSO Wetzel for his steady leadership in maintaining safety, as well as to our maintenance team for serving as the eyes and ears around our schools and acting quickly to notify our safety officer.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work each day to keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Brenda Padgett
Superintendent
Dear Onalaska Families,
At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, our district enacted a modified lockdown at the high school out of an abundance of caution.
A member of our maintenance team observed an individual on district property who did not have permission or a clear purpose to be there. The employee immediately notified our School Safety Officer (SSO)Wetzel, who responded to the scene and attempted to contact the individual. When the individual refused to comply and continued walking on school property, the high school was placed into a modified lockdown as a precautionary measure, and a call was placed to 911 reporting a disorderly subject trespassing.
During this time, the individual escalated in behavior and became aggressive toward another member of our maintenance team. SSO Wetzel maintained control of the situation until Lewis County Sheriffโs Office deputies arrived. The individual was soon located and taken into custody.
I am extremely proud of our administrators and staff who followed all safety protocols to keep students secure. Special recognition goes to SSO Wetzel for his steady leadership in maintaining safety, as well as to our maintenance team for serving as the eyes and ears around our schools and acting quickly to notify our safety officer.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work each day to keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Brenda Padgett
Superintendent
New Play Shed Brings Year-Round Fun! Our 3rdโ5th grade playground has a brand-new upgradeโand the students are already loving it! The new grant funded play shed is officially up and ready for action, providing a covered space where students can enjoy the big toy underneath, rain or shine (or even snow!). Not only does it make recess more fun, but it also gives students a safe and dry spot to line up by classroom when the bell rings. The fun doesnโt stop thereโa brand-new climbing structure will soon be joining the playground shenanigans, giving our students even more ways to stay active and play together. While the shed is already safe and sound for daily use, a few more improvements are on the horizon, thanks to funds pledged to the project. Be on the lookout for these upgrades starting next spring. What an exciting addition to our campusโwe canโt wait to see all the smiles and adventures this new space will bring!
Welcome Classes of 2038 & 2039!
The first day of school was a little foggy outside, but the smiles of our newest Loggers lit up the morning! Our kindergarten and transitional kindergarten studentsโthe Classes of 2038 and 2039โwere warmly welcomed by Superintendent Brenda Padgett, Elementary Principal Larry Markuson, and Athletic Director Mazen Saade. Kindergarten teachers Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Oien, and Mrs. Koenig were all smiles as they greeted students and families in the drop-off line and waved to those arriving by bus.
Adding to the excitement, our high school football team jumped in to help, eagerly directing traffic through the busy drop-off line, while the Onalaska PTO cheered on our littlest learners as they took their first big steps into school.
It was a fun, joy-filled morning that set the tone for a fantastic year aheadโwelcome to Onalaska, Classes of 2038 and 2039!
The first day of school was a little foggy outside, but the smiles of our newest Loggers lit up the morning! Our kindergarten and transitional kindergarten studentsโthe Classes of 2038 and 2039โwere warmly welcomed by Superintendent Brenda Padgett, Elementary Principal Larry Markuson, and Athletic Director Mazen Saade. Kindergarten teachers Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Oien, and Mrs. Koenig were all smiles as they greeted students and families in the drop-off line and waved to those arriving by bus.
Adding to the excitement, our high school football team jumped in to help, eagerly directing traffic through the busy drop-off line, while the Onalaska PTO cheered on our littlest learners as they took their first big steps into school.
It was a fun, joy-filled morning that set the tone for a fantastic year aheadโwelcome to Onalaska, Classes of 2038 and 2039!
๐ธโจ Say Cheese, Onalaska! โจ๐ธ
Picture Day for Preschoolโ8th Grade is coming up on Tuesday, September 30th!
Get those bright smiles readyโthis is your chance to capture the memories of the 2025 school year!
๐ Friendly reminder: Preschool kicks off September 22nd, so our littlest Loggers will be ready for the camera too. ๐๐
Picture Day for Preschoolโ8th Grade is coming up on Tuesday, September 30th!
Get those bright smiles readyโthis is your chance to capture the memories of the 2025 school year!
๐ Friendly reminder: Preschool kicks off September 22nd, so our littlest Loggers will be ready for the camera too. ๐๐
Here are a few pictures from Mrs. Smithโs second grade class on the first day of school, along with some of the fun we had and a few surprises!
We had the special opportunity to meet K9 Clover and even take a class picture with her!
In class, we read First Day Jitters and shared a fun โJitter Juiceโ surprise to help ease those first-day butterflies. Our recipe was one part green Hawaiian Punch, one part Sprite, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of rainbow sprinklesโit was a big hit!
We had the special opportunity to meet K9 Clover and even take a class picture with her!
In class, we read First Day Jitters and shared a fun โJitter Juiceโ surprise to help ease those first-day butterflies. Our recipe was one part green Hawaiian Punch, one part Sprite, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of rainbow sprinklesโit was a big hit!
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๐ Become a Youth Mentor with the O.W.L. Mentoring Program! ๐
Do you have a heart for helping others? We're searching for passionate, caring adults to join our O.W.L. Mentoring Program and make a lasting impact on the next generation.
โจ Why Mentor?
Youth mentoring leads to powerful results:
โ Better academic performance
โ Higher college enrollment rates
โ Improved self-esteem & confidence
โ Healthier choices & reduced substance misuse
โ Brighter outlook on life and school
๐ฌ As a mentor, youโll be a role model and trusted guideโproviding encouragement, support, and consistency. No special experience required! Just bring your compassion and commitmentโweโll provide all the training and support you need.
๐ก Be the person you needed when you were younger.
Your time and heart can truly change a life.
๐ Ready to get started? Visit the O.W.L page
and fill out a volunteer form today!
๐ Become a Youth Mentor with the O.W.L. Mentoring Program! ๐
Do you have a heart for helping others? We're searching for passionate, caring adults to join our O.W.L. Mentoring Program and make a lasting impact on the next generation.
โจ Why Mentor?
Youth mentoring leads to powerful results:
โ Better academic performance
โ Higher college enrollment rates
โ Improved self-esteem & confidence
โ Healthier choices & reduced substance misuse
โ Brighter outlook on life and school
๐ฌ As a mentor, youโll be a role model and trusted guideโproviding encouragement, support, and consistency. No special experience required! Just bring your compassion and commitmentโweโll provide all the training and support you need.
๐ก Be the person you needed when you were younger.
Your time and heart can truly change a life.
๐ Ready to get started? Visit the O.W.L page
and fill out a volunteer form today!
๐ Transportation Update ๐
We are excited to share some great news! Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we received so many applications for van drivers that we are no longer in need of additional regular drivers.
โจ Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help our students get to and from school safely! Your response truly shows the strength of our community.
That said, we are still in need of:
Substitute Van Drivers
Bus Drivers
Substitute Monitors
The best way to become a full-time driver or monitor is to start as a substitute. Many of our current staff began as subs, and itโs a great way to get your foot in the door while supporting our students.
๐ https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
We are excited to share some great news! Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we received so many applications for van drivers that we are no longer in need of additional regular drivers.
โจ Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help our students get to and from school safely! Your response truly shows the strength of our community.
That said, we are still in need of:
Substitute Van Drivers
Bus Drivers
Substitute Monitors
The best way to become a full-time driver or monitor is to start as a substitute. Many of our current staff began as subs, and itโs a great way to get your foot in the door while supporting our students.
๐ https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
๐ No CDL? No Problem!
Onalaska School District is hiring Van Drivers for the new school year!
โ Flexible hours
โ Extra income
โ Make a difference for kids in our community
Start date: Aug 27th
๐ Apply today: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
Onalaska School District is hiring Van Drivers for the new school year!
โ Flexible hours
โ Extra income
โ Make a difference for kids in our community
Start date: Aug 27th
๐ Apply today: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
Attention Parents & Guardians
As we get ready for the new school year, we need your help in making sure everything is up-to-date in Skyward!
โ Child Income Survey โ Please log in and complete this form for Free/Reduced Meals. This is also where youโll need to check the ASB and Athletic Fees boxes if your Middle or High School student is playing a sport. These boxes are important for determining waivers for the school year. Even if youโve already filled it out, please go back and double-check that those boxes are marked.
โ Update Your Information โ While youโre there, review and update addresses, phone numbers, and emails for both you and your student.
โ Stay Informed โ Watch your Skyward account for upcoming paperwork and important dates throughout the year.
โ Volunteer Forms โ Take a moment on our school website to submit a volunteer form. These expire every year on June 30, so now is the perfect time to get yours completed for the 2025-26 school year!
Thank you for helping us start the school year smoothly!
As we get ready for the new school year, we need your help in making sure everything is up-to-date in Skyward!
โ Child Income Survey โ Please log in and complete this form for Free/Reduced Meals. This is also where youโll need to check the ASB and Athletic Fees boxes if your Middle or High School student is playing a sport. These boxes are important for determining waivers for the school year. Even if youโve already filled it out, please go back and double-check that those boxes are marked.
โ Update Your Information โ While youโre there, review and update addresses, phone numbers, and emails for both you and your student.
โ Stay Informed โ Watch your Skyward account for upcoming paperwork and important dates throughout the year.
โ Volunteer Forms โ Take a moment on our school website to submit a volunteer form. These expire every year on June 30, so now is the perfect time to get yours completed for the 2025-26 school year!
Thank you for helping us start the school year smoothly!