February
Thurs, 5 - FIELD TRIP (Virtual): 4th Grade - Ellis Island Tour
Fri, 6 - FIELD TRIP: 5K - First Stage
Fri, 6 - Winter All Stars Jam, 5:30-8:00
Thurs, 12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 3:30-7:30
Fri, 13 - NO SCHOOL
Fri, 13 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 8:00-12:00
Wed, 18 - FIELD TRIP: 4th Grade - Madison
Wed, 18 - FIELD TRIP: 3rd Grade - Discovery World
Wed, 18 - KM Showcase/4K Fair, 5:30-7:00

Brrr! We hope you’re all staying warm and that your week is ending strong.

In this week’s Cushing Connection, you’ll find updates on our progress toward our Life Skills goal, along with related action steps we’re taking as a school. We also share important dates and information about parent-teacher conferences, report cards, and upcoming events, including the KM Showcase. 4K Fair and All Star Winter Jam!

Go Stars!

Mrs. Rach

Star Slip Winners!

Mrs. Hassemer’s Maternity Leave
We wanted to inform you of an upcoming change in your child's weekly schedule as Mrs. Hassemer, your child’s music teacher, begins her maternity leave.

During her absence, we are happy to introduce Ms. Mary Anne Zupan as the long-term guest teacher who will be overseeing the class while Mrs. Hassemer is on leave. Ms. Zupan previously worked in our district at Wales Elementary as a music teacher. Since then, she has gained extensive experience teaching music internationally. We are glad to welcome her back to the area and to our Cushing community as she covers for Mrs. Hassemer while she is on leave.  Ms. Zupan is an experienced educator, familiar with our school community, and we are confident that she will maintain a nurturing and enriching learning environment for your children.

To ensure a seamless transition, Ms. Zupan will be working closely with Mrs. Hassemer in the coming weeks, shadowing her and getting to know our Cushing Stars and school community in general. We appreciate your support and understanding during this exciting time of change. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or Mrs. Hassemer. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Parent/Teacher Conferences - February 12 & 13
Click on the teacher's name for their SignUp Genius link for Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, February 12 and Friday, February 13.

4K
Mrs. Plewa

5K
Mrs. Drew
Mrs. Horman

1st Grade
Mrs. Brooks - Mrs. Brooks will reach out to families after she returns from Maternity Leave.
Mrs. Mokros

2nd Grade
Mrs. Matson
Mrs. Tennies

3rd Grade
Mrs. Ferch
Mrs. Ramsey

4th Grade
Mrs. Finn - We will communicate conferences with Mrs. Finn at a later date.
Mrs. Merz

5th Grade
Mrs. Bestor
Mrs. Loppnow

Kettle Moraine School District Celebrates 10 Published Artists, Authors, and Poets
The Kettle Moraine School District is proud to announce that ten students have been selected for publication in the 2025-2026 Southern Lakes Advanced Learner’s Network (SLALN) Anthology.  

Two of the poets selected are Cushing Stars - Norah F. and Halle W!

For nearly 40 years, SLALN has provided this prestigious platform for young creators across Southeastern Wisconsin to showcase their talents in prose, poetry, art, cartoons, and expository writing.

This year’s theme, "The Journey," drew a massive response from the region. Out of over 40 participating school districts, a staggering 875 total entries were submitted for regional judging. The selection process was incredibly rigorous: each district was limited to a curated selection of just 24 entries, and ultimately, only 44% of those regional submissions were awarded publication.

“The joy of self-expression abounds, but submitting work to be judged adds a level of risk and vulnerability not everyone is ready to take," reflected DeeDee Jacobsen, the district’s Gifted & Talented Coordinator. "We are incredibly proud of the 85 students who took the leap this year with such phenomenal entries; seeing ten of them reach this level of regional recognition is truly inspiring.”

Poetry: Halle W, Grade 4: Lost
A reflective poem exploring the feeling of being lost while searching for one's future.

Excerpt:
I lost my way
I lost my light
But I’m with you
So it’s alright

Poetry: Norah F., Grade 5: The Places My Dreams Take Me
An imaginative journey through the limitless and adventurous landscapes of the dreaming mind.

Author’s Note: “My poem relates to The Journey because dreams are journeys.  They can take you anywhere or do anything.”

Kids Heart Challenge: February 2-6
Kids Heart Challenge through the American Heart Association is coming to Cushing!!! Mr. Cuda will be teaching all grades jump rope skills starting the week of January 26th.  The official Kids Heart Challenge Week is February 2nd-6th during PE classes.  Donations are due by February 13th.  K-2 classes will participate in a fun JUMP themed obstacle course and the 3rd-5th graders will perform a variety of jump rope skills to try and earn Ninja Belts!!

Click HERE or download the AHA Schools app to join the fun. Bonus: Students get a free wristband just for signing up!

Cold Weather & Recess
If you’re wondering if you should still send snow gear to school during COLD weather.  The quick answer to that is YES.  Here are the reasons:

1. When the Feels Like temperature is 0 and above, we will be going outside for recess.  When the Feels Like is below 0, outdoor recess will be reduced or we will shift to indoor recess.  It may not feel like 0 at lunch-recess, but it might for 2nd recess.  We all know how important fresh air is for our students…even if it’s just for 5 minutes.

2. Buses can and do breakdown.  Not that breakdowns happen often, but with cold temps - you just never know.

3. We don’t plan Fire/Evacuation Drills on freezing days. However, if we need to leave the building for an extended period of time, having snow gear will help.

4. It’s good to stick with the habit of bringing your snow bag to school every day. We all know how easy it is to get out of a habit when we miss a day or two. 

5. Yes, the snow bags can be heavy.  View it as a little workout.

**5th Grade Families** - Mark Your Calendars!

NOTE: For those attending events at KMMS, parents may enter from Ottawa or Laser Trail and should use the main entrance, which is directly across from the main entrance at Dousman Elementary. 

February 3 and 4
KMMS Information Night welcoming 5th grade families from 5:30-7:00 PM. This night will provide information on Create and Inspire at KMMS.

February 17 and 19
KMMS Tour Days for 5th grade parents and students from 9:00-10:00 AM - please fill out this Google Form to RSVP or call 262-965-6500 x2006 with any questions. 

**Let Mrs. Mirek know what date your student will be attending, too, so she can mark attendance accurately.

February 23
Due Date: 6th grade registration entries must be entered into the Infinite Campus portal.

Use this link for more information on each date.  We look forward to seeing you at the Middle School soon! 

Yearbooks
Click HERE to order your yearbook. The deadline to order is April 1.  All yearbooks will be handed out at school at the end of the year.  

If you can’t remember if you ordered a yearbook at the beginning of the school year, reach out to Mrs. Mirek.  Even if you’re 99.9% sure you placed an order, it doesn’t hurt to reach out just to be on the safe side.

Friday, February 6  |  5:30-8

Our Winter All Stars Jam, an all-sports themed family fun event, is Friday, February 6, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.! Gather your kids' favorite team jerseys or KM/Cushing spiritwear and join us for a night full of games and activities, food, our beloved classroom basket raffle, and tons of fun!

We need your help filling the baskets. Please refer to the classroom themes below, if you would like to contribute. You can start sending donations to school with your Cushing Star now. You may also drop off at the front office, but please email Ann Mirek (mireka@kmsd.edu) prior to delivering items. If you’re stumped with a basket donation idea, gift cards are always a great alternative. Thank you for your support!

Baskets will be raffled off the night of the event (you do not need to be present to win). All students will receive 5 tickets for classroom baskets and are able to purchase additional tickets through advanced sales and the night of the event. 

Interested in a pre-order ticket bundle? Classroom Basket Raffle tickets can be purchased here - https://givebutter.com/cushingwinterjam2026 

Classroom Basket Themes:
Mrs. Plewa - Crayola My World
Mrs. Drew - Barbies & Hot Wheels
Mrs. Horman - Lego Land
Mrs. Mokros - Family Game Night
Mrs. Brooks - Craft & Create
Mrs. Tennies - Poppin for Pop-Its
Mrs. Matson - Cooking Creations
Mrs. Ramsey - Camping Fun
Mrs. Ferch - Summer Fun
Mrs. Merz - Wonderful World of Disney
Mrs. Finn - Movie Night
Mrs. Loppnow - Super Science
Mrs. Bestor - Wisconsin Sports

Questions: Please contact Kristin Harding (kristinann85@gmail.com) or Chelsea Paulsen (chelsea.r.paulsen@gmail.com)

This well-loved event wouldn't be possible without our wonderful community of volunteers. Please consider signing up on the SignUpGenius to ensure all of our Cushing Stars have a fun, safe and memorable evening.

Thank you for your support!

All meeting dates are now available on the Cushing school calendar and can be synced to your phone. Meetings take place in the Cushing Activity Center

Meeting summary and minutes can be found HERE

OR visit us at http://kmsd.edu/cushingpto for more information 

Attention K-8th Graders! Come learn a fun Hip Hop Routine with the KM Varsity Dance Team on Monday, February 9th from 5-7pm with a performance at halftime for the Varsity Girls Basketball Game on Tuesday, February 10th. Game starts at 7pm. Cost is $35 and includes a Kids Clinic T-Shirt. Complete details will be emailed to registered dancers. Sign up Now! 

Parents' Night Out is a night of fun for kids ages 5-10 to participate in animal-themed games and crafts, to have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, with proceeds being donated to Wildlife Warriors to support wildlife conservation.

Parents, if you are trying to find two hours of time to spend quality time with each other for Valentine's Day, this could be it!

Ages: Must be currently 5-10 years of age. 

Date: Friday, February 6th

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Wales Elementary (Dragons Den)

Cost: $15 Cash or Check at Arrival
(includes crafts and snacks)

Register: Scan the QR Code or Link to Sign Up

Contact Nicole Anderson at andenic@kmsd.edu with any questions.

KM4K FAIR FEBRUARY 18TH FROM 5:30-7 PM AT KMHS!
Attend the 4K Fair at the KM Showcase.
RSVP NOW: https://forms.gle/QRTs3PJ1PJdxAXa47! 

Learn more about four-year-old kindergarten in the Kettle Moraine School District! This annual event is fun and informative for young learners and their families. Kettle Moraine’s 4K program strives to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning! Providing this programming to our community is an integral way to connect our youngest learners and families to our school district and prepare them for Kindergarten. The open house format features booths from each of our elementary sites and wrap-around care partners, allowing you to find the right option for your family. To learn more about KM4K, visit https://www.kmsd.edu/o/kmsd/page/about-km4k, or contact our 4K Director, Justin Nies, at niesjustin@kmsd.edu.

RSVP NOW FOR THE KM SHOWCASE – FEBRUARY 18TH FROM 5:30-7PM @ KMHS. THIS 4K-12 ENROLLMENT FAIR & COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS/NON-RESIDENTS.

Talk with administrators, staff, and students from all of our KM Schools! Get a personalized tour of the KMHS Campus, including all of our career pathways and subject areas. Watch video tours of our other Schools! Learn more about 4K-12 programs, curriculum, and offerings! Get information on the many athletic teams, clubs & activities that are available! Participate in interactive activities and WIN PRIZES!!! To learn more about the many choices in the Kettle Moraine School District... RSVP NOW to our Google form: https://forms.gle/YCCZKrTa2mezw4dD7

Thursday, Jan. 29  |  2:00pm - 4:00pm

Friday, Jan. 30  |  Noon - 4:00pm

Please be sure to visit the website often for updates and new programs. For program information and registration forms, visit www.kmsd.edu/communityed.

We also rent space and are happy to facilitate your events, courses, or activities.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE!

Aerobics for Adults
Need that extra push to get started with an exercise program? Make it easy by joining the longest running aerobics class in the Lake Country area. For over 35 years we’ve been getting this community into shape, and making friends at the same time. The routines have been designed so they work for anyone at any age or fitness level. Go at your own pace with easy to follow steps set to a variety of popular music. You’ll get just the right amount of cardiovascular exercise, followed by floor work that will both tone and stretch your muscles, for a complete full body workout.  Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Sign up today at https://kmsd.revtrak.net/rwcommunityeducation/

Youth Dance Clinic
Attention K-8th Graders: Come learn a fun Hip Hop Routine with the KM Varsity Dance Team on Monday, February 9th from 5-7pm with a performance at halftime for the Varsity Girls Basketball Game on Tuesday, February 10th. Game starts at 7pm. Cost is $35 and includes a Kids Clinic T-Shirt.  Register at https://givebutter.com/N8c8IV

Events/opportunities listed on our Community Flyers page are not endorsed by the Kettle Moraine School District. They have been approved for electronic sharing. Visit https://www.kmsd.edu/page/km-community  to see the full list of current flyers.