We are heading into graduation season! This is a busy time for alumni associations like ours, because it’s a time when an entire year’s worth of alumni suddenly become eligible to join our organization. 

If you have any members of the class of 2023 in your life, please consider sharing this post with them. Graduation can be a stressful time as it is when a person is suddenly thrust into “real” adulthood, and so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide some advice for new graduates going on to college, entering the workforce, or taking on just about any path one can think of.

See below!

Calling all alumni and partners! You are warmly invited to join our important Community Conversation on Saturday, April 15 to provide input on the vision of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District!

The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stillson Elementary School, 16556 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls. 

Free breakfast and lunch will be provided; please register here ASAP!

Welcome the Class of 2023!

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the promise of the end of the school year, and for seniors, graduation.

Graduating high school can be an exciting time, but it can also be a challenging transition. For brand new high school alumni, the next steps may seem daunting, and they may not know where to turn for guidance and support. Fortunately, alumni communities can offer valuable resources and support to help new graduates navigate this important life transition. 

Here are a few examples of the role you can play as an alumnus with our organization in helping bring our upcoming graduating class into the fold!

Mentorship

Mentoring programs or organic mentorships allow alumni to provide the new graduates with valuable guidance and advice from people like yourself who have been through similar experiences. Mentors can provide support and encouragement, answer questions about career paths or educational opportunities, and help new graduates build their networks.

Career Services

Many alumni communities offer career services to help new graduates find job opportunities and develop their professional skills. Career services can include resume reviews, mock interviews, job search assistance, and networking opportunities. These resources can be particularly valuable for graduates who are just starting to explore their career options.

Scholarships and Grants

Alumni communities may also offer scholarships or grants to help new graduates pursue further education or training. These resources can be particularly helpful for students who may not have the financial means to pay for college or other post-secondary education on their own. Contributing to these types of funds is a huge way to lend your aid to students in need and to help them find post-high school success.

Alumni Events and Activities

Encouraging brand new alumni to attend the various events our organization throws can be a great way to build immediate connections with them. Ideally, students should feel comfortable immediately jumping into the fold after they graduate.

Make it your mission to support new students as they graduate this spring and join Mighty Cardinals Nation!

March is Youth Art Month, an initiative designed to celebrate art education in schools!

Congratulations to the following students for making it to WI Youth Art Month STATE! Olivia Butak, Kaylee Cooper, Kayla Earp, Audrianna Ellis, Nedia Farnlof, Madison McGivern, Camryn Reiter, Noelle Simetkosky and Abigale Weiss.

Their artwork (scroll down to see some of the pieces) is currently on display at the regional exhibition and will be on display in Madison from March 4-31. Good luck to each of them as their artwork will be eligible for additional awards at state.

Art classes offer a wide range of opportunities for students to express themselves creatively while also developing critical thinking skills, deepening their empathy, and developing a stronger overall understanding of the world around them. Unfortunately, in an era of increasing school budget cuts, art programs are often among the first to be slashed, which results in loss of important opportunities for students.

Becoming an alumni donor or supporter is a great way to protect educational programming you care about, including the arts. Here are just a few reasons why art has such an important place in schools.

• Self-expression and creativity: Young students often have a lot of energy and imagination, and art classes provide a creative outlet for them to express themselves in a positive way. Whether it's painting, drawing, sculpting, or even digital art, students can use art classes to experiment and explore their interests. Art classes encourage self-expression and individuality, which can help students develop a strong sense of identity and self-esteem.

• Critical thinking: When students are creating art, they are constantly making decisions and problem-solving. They must decide on color choices, composition, and other design elements. Art classes also help students develop their observational skills, which are critical for any field of study. In an art class, students learn to see the world in a different way and develop a greater appreciation for beauty and aesthetics.

• Improved social skills: Group projects and critiques allow students to work together and communicate their ideas effectively. Through these activities, students learn how to give and receive feedback, collaborate with others, and build relationships with their peers. Art classes can also foster a sense of community and belonging, as students work together to create a shared artistic vision.

Youth Art Month is a time to celebrate the importance of art and the creativity of children in schools. We hope you will join us at Mighty Cardinals Nation to celebrate the importance of art in schools and to work toward safeguarding students’ access to art education. 

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The spring election season has begun! The spring season tends to be primarily geared toward local elections, including school board elections, with primaries happening in February before general elections happen later in the spring. These elections are critical for determining how school districts will be guided moving into the future.

Incumbent CFUASD Board of Education members Kevin Swift and Pete Lehmann have filed paperwork stating they will not be running for re-election. David Martineau and Peggy McKillip will be on the April 4 election ballot, asking for voter approval to take their seats.

Here are just a few reasons why you, as an alumnus of Chippewa Falls schools, should care about the local elections, especially if you live in this area.

• Impact on Education Quality: School board elections determine the individuals who will make decisions regarding the district's educational policies, programs, and budget. These decisions directly affect the quality of education that current and future students receive. As an alumni, you have a stake in ensuring that the education provided by your district remains top-notch.
  
  
• Representation of Your Community: School board members are elected to represent the values and interests of their constituents. Alumni have a unique perspective on the district's history, strengths, and challenges, and can ensure that their voices are heard by participating in elections.
  
  
• Shape the Future: School board elections set the stage for the future of the district. The decisions made by elected officials will shape the district's direction and determine the opportunities available to students in the years to come. Alumni can play a critical role in determining the district's future by engaging in the electoral process.
  
  
• Maintain Connections: Participating in school board elections is a way for alumni to maintain their connections to their former schools and communities. By staying involved, alumni can stay informed about what's happening in the district and play a role in shaping its future.
  
  
• Support Current Students: Alumni have a unique opportunity to support the current students in their former district. By participating in school board elections and advocating for policies and programs that benefit students, alumni can help ensure that the district continues to provide a high-quality education for generations to come.

School board elections have a significant impact on the quality of education and the future of public school districts. As an alumnus, you have a stake in these elections and can make a difference by participating and making your voice heard.

January is often one of the most challenging months for teachers. Winter break is behind them, and spring break lies far ahead. The days are short and dark, the weather is at its worst in many parts of the country, and the “honeymoon phase” of the new school year has long since worn off. Many teachers report this as being the time of year when their job is the toughest.

With this in mind, we wanted to share some ways you can support teachers during the school year, but especially during the January to March period that tends to be most challenging. Whether you’re supporting teachers at your alma mater or at a school that’s local to you, that support will be greatly appreciated.

Here are a few tips:

• Offer to volunteer in the classroom: Many teachers welcome extra help in the classroom, whether it's for organizing activities, chaperoning field trips, preparing materials, or helping students with their work. If you have some time to spare, consider offering to volunteer in your local school.
• Donate supplies: Teachers often use their own money to purchase supplies for their classrooms, such as paper, pens, and other materials. Consider donating supplies to your alma mater or local public school or even directly to a teacher to help them out.
• Support school fundraising efforts: Many schools rely on fundraising to pay for extracurricular programs, field trips, and other activities. Consider supporting your alma mater or local school's fundraising efforts by making a donation or participating in fundraising events.
• Advocate for education: Schools are an important part of our communities, and it's important to advocate for policies and funding that support them and their teachers. Write letters to your elected representatives, attend school board meetings, and stay informed about educational issues in your community.
• Be involved in your child's education: One of the most important ways you can support school teachers is by being involved in your child's education. Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay in touch with your child's teacher, and help your child with their homework and schoolwork.

All of these tips can help make life easier for teachers and go a long way toward creating a healthier school community!

Looking for a great way to spread school AND holiday spirit this year? Consider getting a friend or loved one the gift of a membership in Mighty Cardinals Nation!

If you’re already a member of our organization, you know just how beneficial it is to be connected with other alumni of all ages. From the special events to the opportunities to make a difference in the school community, being involved in your alumni association is a really great way to stay engaged and make a difference.

Consider a monthly or annual membership for a friend and get them involved in everything our organization has going on.

Every membership purchase also supports our organization and our ability to continue our work in the school community.

Happy holidays to one and all!

Whether you’re still living in the area or have settled far across the country or world, you’re always a Cardinal. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

We can’t wait for everything the new year brings to our organization and are grateful that you are along for the ride with us.

Sincerely,

The Mighty Cardinals Nation Team

We’ve reached November, and in the spirit of the upcoming holiday, we wanted to share just how thankful we are for all of the members of Mighty Cardinals Nation this year and every year!

Alumni associations are only as strong as the members who get involved with them. We’re fortunate to have a ton of tremendous volunteers, as well as many members who support us financially and in other ways. 

Even if you’re not able to get back into the area very often, you’re still always a member of the Chippewa Falls alumni family, and we’re so glad to have you as part of our organization.

Throughout the year, we see our members making a positive impact in many ways:

• Donations: The donations you make to our organization and to school district initiatives help us to continue to fund our activities and to provide current students with outstanding curricular and extracurricular opportunities that could inspire them for a lifetime. We are so grateful to our members for providing us with this crucial support!
  

• Volunteering: Whether you’ve gotten involved as a volunteer at our own events or at school district events, you’re helping in a big way to keep these events running strong for the enjoyment of everyone. We understand that your time is precious, and the fact that you choose to spend it on these events is so greatly appreciated!
  

• Advocacy: If you’ve told others about our organization or events, shared anything on social media or email, or voted for referenda over the years, we’re so thankful for your advocacy!

We have plenty to be thankful for this year, and members like you are right at the top of the list. We hope you are able to enjoy the holiday with friends and family and that you have plenty to be thankful for in your own lives.

A very happy beginning to the holiday season to all of you!

A big THANK YOU to our local Lions Club for assisting with vision screenings for all grades at all six elementary schools. Their work is so important. Early identification leads to timely referral, professional treatment, and improved or restored eyesight.

Thank you for your commitment to supporting our schools and community, your work is so appreciated!

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back to your alma mater somehow, one of the best strategies for doing so is to become involved as a volunteer. Whether it’s through the school district, extracurricular organizations or our alumni association, there are always all sorts of opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference in the lives of today’s students.

Some people like to contribute specific talents or knowledge they have in or out of the classroom. Others like to work events or help with fundraising. 

Whatever path you choose, it’s certain to be a fulfilling one. Here are just a few of the benefits associated with becoming a volunteer for your alma mater.

• Make a difference in kids’ lives: You’d be amazed at how much of a difference volunteerism can make in the lives of current students. By contributing your knowledge and skills you could truly touch the lives of kids today and provide them with unforgettable experiences that will influence them long into adulthood.

• Get plugged into your school community: If you still live around your alma mater, volunteering can be a great way to get yourself plugged back into the school community. This is especially beneficial if you have children going through the district; you will have a direct line to what’s going on in schools and a greater familiarity with school events, initiatives and staff.

• Have fun: Volunteering is a great way to spend your free time! You can have a lot of fun exploring things you’re interested in or sharing your passions with others.
  
  
• Meet people: Whether it’s other alumni and community volunteers or current staff and students, you will get to meet a lot of people and make connections that could turn into new friendships. 

If you’re interested in volunteering in Chippewa Falls schools, we encourage you to contact our team at Mighty Cardinals Nation and we will be happy to provide you with information about the various volunteer opportunities we are aware of within the district. Thanks for your interest!

Welcome to our new staff members joining the #MightyCardinals family! We are excited for you to build positive relationships with our students, families and community! Please give them all a warm welcome. 

August has arrived, and we are inching ever closer to the beginning of a new school year. Where does the time go?

Here in Chippewa Falls and everywhere across the country, children and teachers are getting ready for a brand new year of learning, growth and challenges. Community and alumni support can help teachers and students alike weather all of those challenges and have a successful school year, especially when first getting started.

Here are a few ways alumni can support their alma mater this year, especially at the start of a new year.

• Donate to classroom funds: Teachers generally have to pay for their own classroom supplies, with a few small exceptions. They already make such small salaries as it is. Many teachers have started up wishlists on Amazon and other platforms to help them get everything they need for their classroom. Consider donating and contributing to these funds and lists so teachers can have everything they need to do their jobs without stretching their personal finances.

• Go to events: Having an alumni presence at events is a powerful thing, especially early in the school year. It shows the lasting impact of the high school experience and helps to build school spirit in current students and staff. It also helps to find new recruits for the alumni association.

• Volunteer: If you live in the area, find time to volunteer. Consider what you’re interested in and good at, and where those strengths intersect with the district’s needs. Schools are always looking for more parent and community involvement, so be proactive about inquiring about volunteer opportunities. Even just occasional volunteering sessions can make a big difference.

• Donate: Put your money toward school initiatives you care about. Beyond our alumni association, this could include specific activities, programs, scholarships or educational opportunities. School districts only get so much funding, so outside donations and sponsorships make a massive difference.

Best of luck to all students and teachers in Chippewa Falls getting ready for the new year!