Parent Involvement
Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools work to establish strong family and community partnerships. These partnerships are essential to create a climate conducive to learning within schools. Research shows that students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, be promoted and earn credits, attend school regularly, have better social skills, graduate and go on to college.
Taking a Look At Our Curriculum
All curriculum areas are aligned to the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. In addition, local benchmarks have been established by grade level and course for each curricular area. Within the District, there are eleven working curriculum committees, representing the various content areas. These curriculum committees are responsible for studying and evaluating curriculum based on a seven year cycle. With the passage of the referendum in the fall of 2006, the acquisition cycle for replacement of curricular materials in each content area is now seven years.
Within WRPS, there is a focus on continuous improvement. Annually, achievement is studied based on an analysis of the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concept Exams at grades 3-8 and 10, District assessments and classroom assessments. All of these assessment information sources provide data from which curricular strengths and areas for improvement can be determined.
Elementary Schools
Our K-6 elementary schools have a curriculum that emphasizes literacy skills. Teachers work to provide a strong basis in reading and writing to insure success at the secondary level and beyond. Critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and technology integration are woven throughout the language arts, math, science and social studies areas. In addition, students receive art, music and physical education classes weekly.
At the primary level, the District curriculum is also developmentally appropriate. This means that teachers meet each student where they are, and take them to their optimal learning level. Lessons address varied interests, needs and abilities. The development of each child’s confidence as a learner is also an important part of the teaching and learning that occurs at the elementary level.
Junior High School
The WRPS junior high schools are often referred to as middle schools. Teachers and administrators embrace the philosophy of middle level education, even though the grade alignment is 7-9. Rapid physical and emotional changes take place with the middle level child. As a result, several programs such as Peer Helpers, Peer Tutors, and alternative education programming are in place. As at the elementary level, there is a focus on differentiation of instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student. At the middle level, teachers work toward facilitating academic, social and personal growth in students.
High School
Lincoln High School (LHS) is proud to offer a strong curriculum and a variety of course offerings. Approximately 170 courses are offered to meet the diverse learning and career needs of all students.
The curriculum includes advanced placement (AP) offerings, and a rich assortment of challenging courses in the career and technical education areas. The foreign language department offers four languages.
The fine arts are also a strong part of the curriculum at LHS. Students can choose from a variety of courses in the visual arts, music, and theatre/drama areas. Students from these three areas often compete on state and national levels to gain recognition for their efforts, accomplishments and areas of expertise.
Lincoln High School also has a strong tradition of high-quality extra-curricular programs. Students have an opportunity to become involved in 21 interscholastic sports, along with more than 50 activities and clubs.
LHS students have earned a high degree of respect for honors earned in regional, state and national competition.
