Community

Melissa Flaubert

The Mazomanie Lions club collected school supplies last month for Wisconsin Heights Elementary school. Shown are Lions Sharon and Dick Royston with Principal Dale Green and Administrative Assistant, Courtney Warren.

Jeff Wright, Superintendent of the Sauk Prairie School District, spoke to the Optimist Club on August 16 about the District’s goals for its students in the 2023-2024 school year. One goal is to create a space where students can try new things, possibly fail in their attempt, but feel safe in doing so. Studies have shown that students spend too much time doing things they already know. Students can grow from making mistakes, learn to figure out new things, and feel confident to challenge themselves in other unfamiliar situations. This will better prepare them for life outside of school. A second goal is to reduce the amount of time students spend looking at screens. Without screens, the mind is allowed to wander. We often look at screens because we are bored, but boredom can lead to creativity, teach patience, and reduce anxiety. A final goal is to find ways to spend more time outside – or at least provide opportunities to enjoy nature from inside. A benefit of the pandemic was learning that “outside time” provides a needed break and can bring a fresh perspective for both teachers and students. The Optimists meet at 7 a.m. at 6:8 on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, they meet at noon at the Sauk Prairie School District Community Room. Visitors are always welcome! Pictured, school Superintendent Jeff Wright (left) with Jeff Boll, Optimist Member, on August 16.

John Lehan, Community Education and Recreation Director, updated the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club on the status of Culver Community Park, as well as other community and recreation news, at the August 30th noon club meeting. Much of the park is already complete, which you can see if you drive through on 21st Street. Culver Community Park currently has eight pickle ball courts, two tennis courts, three basketball courts, an ADA playground, dog park and washing station, a skate park, multi-use fields, and a sledding hill. All of these areas, and more, are currently being used by area residents. Prairie Landing, at 340 21st Street, is a multi-use facility, with kitchen, available for rentals. With an indoor capacity of 160 people at tables, plus an outdoor patio space with a fire pit, which can be rented separately or with the indoor space, Prairie Landing gives Sauk Prairie another venue for events. Erin Passhel, Recreation Coordinator, has primary responsibility for Prairie Landing and is excited to introduce the space to the community. The Recreation Department offers programs year-round and its on-line catalog can be accessed on its website at spparksandrec.org. Between star-gazing, disc golf, flag football, robotics, and more, residents of all ages will find something to do. The Optimists meet at 7 a.m. at 6:8 on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, they meet at noon at the Sauk Prairie School District Community Room. Visitors are always welcome! Pictured, John Lehan, Director of Community Education and Recreation (center) is flanked by Jeff Boll, Optimist Member (left) and Erin Passhel, Recreation Coordinator (right) at the August 30 Optimist Meeting