October, 2026

NEWSLETTER

Engage. Educate. Empower.

We are DOLPHINS every day!

We are DOLPHINS the Cen-Den way!

We are Kind!

We are Well!

We are Strong!

We Belong!

Central-Denison is a 5-Star School!

Letter From Our Principal

Hello Cen-Den Families:


The school year is off to a wonderful start! Our students are settling into routines, getting to know new faces and teachers, and making new friends along the way. As we establish a steady rhythm of instruction and curriculum, academic rigor will increase to support your child’s growth and learning.


Teachers have begun completing assessments to better understand each student’s progress and will continue to monitor growth throughout the year. One assessment you may hear about is called i-Ready. This adaptive test in reading and math adjusts to your child’s skill level, providing personalized questions that help teachers identify strengths and areas for growth.


Last month, September, students explored the character trait Respect- Respect is seeing value in all people and things and treating them with care. For October, we will focus on Responsibility- Responsibility means taking action and understanding the impact of our choices. We included some information about how you can discuss these character traits at home with your children in this month’s newsletter.


This year, we are continuing to recognize student character with our "Student of the Week" program. Each week, one student from every class who exemplifies the character trait of the month will be honored. If your child receives this award, please join us in celebrating their positive efforts and character at school.


Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s learning and growth. School safety remains a top priority at Central Denison, and we have received positive feedback regarding our dismissal process. Students are safely waiting inside, and the pick-up procedure has become more efficient. 


With a full month underway, we are proud and grateful to serve the students and families of Central Denison. Thank you for sharing your children with us!

Engage. Educate. Empower. Every child, every day, with purpose.


Mrs. Stephanie Ford

Principal

Student of the Week

9/28/2026 - RESPECT

NEW Pick up and Drop Off

COOK STREET: When picking up on Cook Street, please enter from North Street instead of Dodge Street. If you enter from Dodge street, that interrupts the flow of traffic for families who have been waiting in line. Thank you for your partnership.

Picture RETAKE Day

November 5th

Homecoming - October 12th - 16th

Updating Information

If you have changed your address, email or phone number, please email edith.draper@badger.k12.wi.us with any changes.

Important Dates


  • September 28 - Teacher In Service - NO SCHOOL for students
  • September 30 - Photo Day
  • October 5 - Fire Prevention Week
  • October 6 - CENDEN PTO Meeting 5:30 - CenDen Library
  • October 12 - Badger Homecoming Week (see flyer above)
  • October 13 & 20 - Raising Mentally Strong Kids - CenDen Library
  • October 28 - Parent Teacher Conferences
  • October 29 - NO SCHOOL for students
  • October 30 - NO SCHOOL for staff and students
  • November 1 - Time Changes
  • November 5 - Photo Retake
  • November 16 - PTO BOOK FAIR
  • November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break
  • December 23 - Jan 1 - Holiday Break
  • January 4 - School Resumes

NEW CALENDAR for 2026-2027!

Join Us for Coffee with the Superintendent!


Lake Geneva Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Wilson warmly invites parents and community members to a series of informal “Coffee with the Superintendent” gatherings happening over the next several months. These relaxed events offer a great chance to chat openly about our schools—what’s going well and where we can improve.


Upcoming Dates & Locations:


October 23, 2026

9:00 am - 10:00 am

The Porch

832 Geneva Street 

Lake Geneva, WI


November 17, 2026

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Lake Geneva Schools District Office

208 E. South Street

Lake Geneva, WI


January 28, 2027

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Inspired 

883 W Main St

Lake Geneva, WI


April 1, 2027

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Lake Geneva Schools District Office

208 E. South Street

Lake Geneva, WI


Please call 262-348-1005 to RSVP before each event. Walk-ins welcomed.


We look forward to seeing you there!

4K Registration

We are accepting registrations for your 4 year old, you will need their birth certificate, immunization records and a proof of residency.

Resources

Click the links below.



Behavior Expectations

Character Strong

Food Services

Food Service Questions? Contact:

Jaclyn Sanders

jaclyn.sanders@badger.k12.wi.us

Phone: 262-348-1015


Lake Geneva Schools (Badger and Joint #1) is excited to continue offering students FREE Breakfast for the 2026 - 2027 School Year! We are extremely happy to provide this service to our community and encourage all students to participate!



Elementary

Breakfast: Free

Lunch: $2.85

Snack Milk: $55.00 per year


Cen-Den PTO Updates

THANK YOU CenDen PTO for your generous donations toward our Community Resources and for the contributions of $10 per student toward our field trips.

OKTOBERFEST PARKING FUNDRAISER


We are asking for parking volunteers. Oktoberfest is coming up fast, and we still are in desperate need of volunteers to work parking. We use this money to give to the school to lower field trip costs for all students. Last year we were able to donate $10 per student to keep these costs lower. This is not possible without the money made from parking with the help of volunteers like you!


Parking shifts will be October 10 and 11 from 10am to 4pm. They run in 2 hour chunks. Volunteers will help direct cars into parking spots and let cars leave out the exit. 


If you are able to volunteer your time, please click the link button.


Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at our fundraiser!


PTO

--

info@cendenlgpto.org


 

Walworth County Resources

If you are in need of assistance other than the food pantries, please contact Ms. Barb Hess at 262-348-4000 ext. 8245.

Attendance Matters

How to report your child's absence


A. Log into PowerSchool and mark attendance with the reason (preferred)

B. Email edith.draper@badger.k12.wi.us and let Mrs. Draper and your child's teacher and let them know your child's name, and the reason they will be out.

C. Call 262-348-4000 before 9:00 am and leave a message.

(Child's name,teacher, and reason they will be out.)

Communication Protocol

Whom do I contact with a question or suggestion? 

Lake Geneva Schools’ communication protocols help promote direct, open, and respectful interactions so that we quickly and efficiently resolve problems and concerns. The communication protocol starts with the staff member closest to the situation, as that person usually has the most information. However, at times, additional personnel are required to resolve specific concerns.


Click here for more information and to view the Lake Geneva Schools Communication Matrix.



Bullying, Harassment, School Safety Reporting

If you have information regarding bullying, harassment, or other non-emergency school safety concerns and would like to report this information, please click here to learn more, fill out a school-specific reporting form to the best of your knowledge, and submit it.



District Text Alerts

Lake Geneva Schools has the ability to use SMS (text) messaging as another communication channel to share important information with families and staff regarding school closures or changes to the school day schedule. Federal law requires recipients to opt-in to receive such messages.


How can I opt-in to receive text messages?



📱Text the word “YES” or Y to 67587 from each wireless device on which you wish to receive texts.



📱Confirm that all text device numbers you wish to receive messages on are listed in your contact information: Families – verify that your cell phone is your primary phone number in your PowerSchool parent portal.


More information: https://bit.ly/4g2dhTb 

Discover, Learn, and Have Fun with Badger Community Education!

Looking to learn a new skill, explore a hobby, stay active, or just have a blast? Badger Community Education has you covered! We offer a wide range of affordable classes and activities for all ages — from fitness and wellness to arts, crafts, cooking, and more. Whether you're trying something for the first time, building on existing talents, or simply looking for a good time, there's something for everyone!


Check out everything we offer and sign up today at Badger Community Education. Let’s keep learning, growing, and having fun — together!

Bicycle and Scooter Safety

Volunteer Process

Starting with the 2026–27 school year, all school volunteers must complete Wisconsin Act 89 training (the process is outlined below) and submit a background check authorization every three years. Please complete these steps before your first volunteer activity.


WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE THIS:

Anyone who volunteers in any capacity, including but not limited to:


In the classroom:

- Reading buddies and tutoring

- Classroom helpers

- Library helpers 

- Copying, laminating, or prepping teacher materials


At events and activities:

- Field trip chaperones

- School dances, carnivals, and fun fairs

- Fundraisers

- Concerts, plays, and performances

- After-school clubs 

- PTO events


HOW TO COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS:


Option 1:

  1. Submit your background check authorization by printing and returning it to the school's main office.
  2. Complete the training: Grooming and Personal Boundaries Training for School Staff - Act 89. You will need to register to create a free account on the DPI site.
  3. Pass the assessment. After reviewing the materials, you'll take an assessment and must score at least 80% to pass. Important: Download your completion certificate.
  4. Complete this brief form, which includes uploading your completion certificate.


Option 2:

  1. Contact your child's school's main office to schedule a time to complete the training on-site via a video presentation.
  2. Complete your background check authorization during the same visit.


We understand that this process is inconvenient; however, these steps are a part of a recently passed WI state law and an important part of keeping our students safe. Training helps every adult in our buildings recognize the warning signs of grooming and understand appropriate boundaries with students, so we all share the responsibility of protecting children. Thank you for your time and for helping create a safe, supportive environment where students can learn and thrive.

Volunteer Opportunities


Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteer at Lake Geneva Schools!


Whether you have a few hours a month or want to get regularly involved, there's an opportunity for you. From classroom support to special events, many positions are available throughout our schools.


We're also actively seeking volunteers for our Multilingual Department! Bilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Thai and English is preferred, but not necessary.


Ready to get started? Contact any of our building principals to learn how you can help.


Mrs. Stephanie Ford 

Central-Denison Elementary

(262) 348-4000 


Mrs. Katherine Stanton

Eastview Elementary

(262) 348-6000 


Mrs. Jenn Chironis

Star Center Elementary

(262) 348-7000 


Mrs. Anne Heck

Lake Geneva Middle School 

(262) 348-3000 


Mrs. Andrea Kaplan

Badger High School 

(262) 348-2000 


Together, we are strengthening the connection between our schools and our community one volunteer at a time.



School Times

School Hours: 

8:45 am - 3:45 pm


Drop Off: starting at 8:30 am

8:45 am - students should be in their seats, ready to learn


Pick Up: 3:40 Pick-Up and Walkers Dismissal Begins


School Year Office Hours:

7:45 am - 4:15 pm


Office Contacts

Main Office: (262) 348-4000

Stephanie Ford

Principal

ext. 8282

stephanie.ford@badger.k12.wi.us



Becky Wright

Assistant Principal

ext. 8474

becky.wright@badger.k12.wi.us



Edith Draper

Administrative Assistant

ext. 8178

edith.draper@badger.k12.wi.us



Health Office

ext. 8356

julissa.ojeda@badger.k12.wi.us

Quick Links



 

Central-Denison Elementary School

(262) 348-4000

www.lakegenevaschools.com

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