1st-grade did a Kindness Service project for the Genoa City Public Library. Students made bookmarks for kids that visit the library and brought some tasty treats for the wonderful workers there. Students enjoyed getting a library tour, listening to a few books, and learning all that our local library has to offer. Way to go, Mustangs!
BES Kindness Squad spent February continuing to spread positivity throughout our school and community.
Students kicked off the month by helping plan BES Kindness Week. They brainstormed and voted on dress-up days, created posters for the hallways, and supported daily kindness activities.
They also brought kindness into the community by visiting Walmart to complete random acts of kindness—sharing flowers with shoppers who may have needed a lift, placing encouraging notes in books and toys, and leaving quarters at rides and vending machines with kind messages attached.
To end the month, students used the beautiful weather to write uplifting messages on the walkways at BES, welcoming everyone with words of encouragement as they arrived at school.
Way to go, Kindness Squad!
Students kicked off the month by helping plan BES Kindness Week. They brainstormed and voted on dress-up days, created posters for the hallways, and supported daily kindness activities.
They also brought kindness into the community by visiting Walmart to complete random acts of kindness—sharing flowers with shoppers who may have needed a lift, placing encouraging notes in books and toys, and leaving quarters at rides and vending machines with kind messages attached.
To end the month, students used the beautiful weather to write uplifting messages on the walkways at BES, welcoming everyone with words of encouragement as they arrived at school.
Way to go, Kindness Squad!
4th graders went back in time and had firsthand experience in what trading was like back in the day. Students worked in fur trader groups and traded different types of furs to European groups that traded metals, tools, cloth, etc. Students had to trade things for the same (point) value while they were silent. They had to be silent to pretend how it was during the fur trade when they could not speak the same language. They had to keep track of what they were trading and only use facial expressions and hand gestures. They had to be fair and trustworthy, just like how it was during the original fur trade!
At Monday night’s school board meeting, the school board welcomed a handful of 5th graders who presented about their Ecosystem project!
5th graders learned about ecosystems and studied how organisms survive in different environments. They were tasked with researching eight different research questions - ranging from plants and animals to threats to the ecosystem itself. After the research was completed, students were to produce a final project and were able to choose from producing a scripted podcast, a tri-fold poster, or a Google Slides presentation related to the ecosystem that they had chosen.
These 5th-graders did an amazing job presenting their projects to the school board and all those in attendance! Way to make us #MustangProud!!
5th graders learned about ecosystems and studied how organisms survive in different environments. They were tasked with researching eight different research questions - ranging from plants and animals to threats to the ecosystem itself. After the research was completed, students were to produce a final project and were able to choose from producing a scripted podcast, a tri-fold poster, or a Google Slides presentation related to the ecosystem that they had chosen.
These 5th-graders did an amazing job presenting their projects to the school board and all those in attendance! Way to make us #MustangProud!!
At Monday night’s school board meeting, Bill Erickson, Facilities Manager, was awarded the Children First Award. He was nominated by community member Pat Sherman for Bill’s tireless work after the snowstorms this past winter. Pat Sherman stated, “Bill arrived at 9:00 p.m. at elementary school on Nov. 29th in the heart of the 12-inch snowstorm to try to get a head start on the cleanup and worked 5 hours. On Nov. 30, Bill worked over 10 hours, finally leaving at 10:30 p.m. I feel Genoa City Jt. 2 is very lucky to have such a dedicated employee so that our community's children will have a safe and secure school day tomorrow.”
Congratulations, Mr. Erickson!! Way to make us #MustangProud!
Spring is almost here and it is time for tree planting. To help decide which species of tree would work best for advancing the diversity of our school forest without compromising the hardwood status, students in 7th & 8th grade forestry have begun marking and cataloging the existing trees. They have a LOT of work ahead of them!
#BrookwoodFamily #GCJ2Alumni
Once you are part of the Brookwood Family....you're always a part of the Brookwood Family. We love being able to share what our Mustangs are doing beyond Brookwood and as they continue to Grow into their Greatness.
Our next alumni of greatness that we are excited to share with you about is Avalyn Sereno, who is currently a Freshman at Badger High School. We are thrilled to announce that she was recently selected to play volleyball in Spain this July, representing Team USA for a week!
Avalyn has been a dedicated setter for the past three years. She began playing volleyball in 7th grade at Brookwood after undergoing knee surgery at age 12 — an incredible testament to her resilience and determination. In addition to playing for Brookwood, she competed with Club W out of Burlington. She currently plays for Lakes Juniors in Lake Geneva and has also played for Badger High School.
Avalyn loves attending volleyball camps, and after participating in an Exact Sports Camp at MSOE, she was selected to the All-American Team — the team she will compete with this summer in Spain.
We are so proud of Avalyn’s hard work and dedication. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment!
We are so #MustangProud of you, Avalyn!
Are you an alumni and have something to share? Send it to Mrs. Xiong at helen.xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us
Kids Heart Challenge is Wrapping up Soon!
Brookwood Elementary School families,
It’s almost here! It’s our final week of Kids Heart Challenge! BES students are having a blast learning how to keep our hearts and minds healthy and happy. I’m so proud of our students and families. Together, our efforts will help to save lives!
By signing up and raising funds, you can help us earn gift certificates for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health & wellness of our school community.
Here’s how you can help:
Sign Up for Kids Heart Challenge by downloading the free “AHA Schools” app for Apple or Android or by clicking https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=12398&pg=company&company_id=528972.
Be a hero: Send 10 texts TODAY to help save lives.
Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
BONUS INCENTIVES:
If you raise $250 you get to pie a staff member!
If you raise $100, you’ll be entered to win a Warmie!
Donations are due on 2/20/2026. THANK YOU for supporting the Kids Heart Challenge - your family is helping save lives and spread heart health!
Thank you,
Mr. Diedrich & Mrs. Brenek
Brookwood Elementary School families,
It’s almost here! It’s our final week of Kids Heart Challenge! BES students are having a blast learning how to keep our hearts and minds healthy and happy. I’m so proud of our students and families. Together, our efforts will help to save lives!
By signing up and raising funds, you can help us earn gift certificates for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health & wellness of our school community.
Here’s how you can help:
Sign Up for Kids Heart Challenge by downloading the free “AHA Schools” app for Apple or Android or by clicking https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=12398&pg=company&company_id=528972.
Be a hero: Send 10 texts TODAY to help save lives.
Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
BONUS INCENTIVES:
If you raise $250 you get to pie a staff member!
If you raise $100, you’ll be entered to win a Warmie!
Donations are due on 2/20/2026. THANK YOU for supporting the Kids Heart Challenge - your family is helping save lives and spread heart health!
Thank you,
Mr. Diedrich & Mrs. Brenek
7th and 8th Grade Fix & Flow class is discovering that not all water/precipitation is the same. In this lab, groups investigated how much water is actually in snow. They collected, measured (volume & mass), and then melted snow. This data will be compared to other groups to build an understanding of the value of all types of precipitation.
They also examined water from Powers Lake and the faucets at school under magnification on the microscopes. This will be used to build an understanding that not all fresh water is consumable.
They also examined water from Powers Lake and the faucets at school under magnification on the microscopes. This will be used to build an understanding that not all fresh water is consumable.
Bring your child for a FREE celebration! Once registered, parents fill out a screening questionnaire online and return it before their scheduled time. Our certified staff will have exciting games and activities targeting specific developmental areas: fine motor, gross motor, speech & language, social emotional, and pre-academics. Parents will also join their child and ask questions to make sure everything is on track for success!
Who: Children 18 months-5 yrs old (that aren’t currently attending 4K/5K)
Where: Brookwood Elementary School
When: February 19 from 12:15-2:30
RSVP: Mrs. Sponenburg - sarah.sponenburg@gcj2.k12.wi.us // 262-279-6496
Who: Children 18 months-5 yrs old (that aren’t currently attending 4K/5K)
Where: Brookwood Elementary School
When: February 19 from 12:15-2:30
RSVP: Mrs. Sponenburg - sarah.sponenburg@gcj2.k12.wi.us // 262-279-6496
Yesterday, we celebrated our 100th day of school, and man....was it back-breaking! Due to the exhausting day of hard work at a fragile age....to all the 100 days activities at both buildlings and "6-7" juggling at the middle school.....bring on the rest of the school year!!
In speech and language therapy at BES (5K-3rd), students and Mrs. Soto have been playing collaborative board games together across all sessions. They reached 67 wins in honor of the new popular “6–7” theme — and every win was earned through hard work on IEP goals first, then a game turn as a reward. They recently took time to celebrate that achievement as a collective team! Way to make us #MustangProud!!
Transition to High School: Hands-On Registration Night for 8th Grade Students & Families
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 5:00–5:45 PM | BMS Library
Join us for a supportive evening focused on high school registration. During this session,
families will learn about high school course options, graduation requirements, and important information to help students make thoughtful decisions about their high school plans. You will
also receive hands-on assistance completing the high school registration process. Denise Ocker, Brookwood Middle School Counselor and Sheri Thoreson, Badger High School
Counselor, will be available to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Please bring:
Red high school registration folder (students received February 4, 2026)
Charged device (we will have some available as well)
PowerSchool username and password information found on the bottom of the
Network Agreement (in the red registration folder)
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 5:00–5:45 PM | BMS Library
Join us for a supportive evening focused on high school registration. During this session,
families will learn about high school course options, graduation requirements, and important information to help students make thoughtful decisions about their high school plans. You will
also receive hands-on assistance completing the high school registration process. Denise Ocker, Brookwood Middle School Counselor and Sheri Thoreson, Badger High School
Counselor, will be available to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Please bring:
Red high school registration folder (students received February 4, 2026)
Charged device (we will have some available as well)
PowerSchool username and password information found on the bottom of the
Network Agreement (in the red registration folder)
Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Week!
This week, we celebrate the incredible workers at Dousman Transport (Bus Company), who safely transport our students each and every day. Your kindness, patience, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families you serve.
Thank you for the early mornings, the friendly smiles, and the care you show on every route…whether you’re driving our students or working behind the scenes. We appreciate you more than words can say!
Join us in giving a big THANK YOU to the amazing staff at Dousman Transport.
This week, we celebrate the incredible workers at Dousman Transport (Bus Company), who safely transport our students each and every day. Your kindness, patience, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families you serve.
Thank you for the early mornings, the friendly smiles, and the care you show on every route…whether you’re driving our students or working behind the scenes. We appreciate you more than words can say!
Join us in giving a big THANK YOU to the amazing staff at Dousman Transport.
The Badger High School Jazz Ensemble visited BMS this week during our Jazz Band rehearsal. The high school students played some great tunes and shared their experiences to inspire the next generation. We are looking forward to more combined jazz events this year, like Night of Jazz and Area Jazz Fest. Contact Mrs. Collins or Mr. Ott with any questions about Jazz events or registering for Badger Jazz classes!
*Check out our Facebook page for a video of the Badger Jazz Ensemble performing for our Jazz Band!
*Check out our Facebook page for a video of the Badger Jazz Ensemble performing for our Jazz Band!
Sharing YOUR Greatness!
We ask our Brookwood families to share with us what our Brookwood students and staff are doing outside of school so we can share in your greatness and how #MustangProud we are of your accomplishments!! If you have something to share....email it to Mrs. Xiong at Helen.Xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us
A huge shoutout to Wyatt, Logan, Joey, Liam, Ryan, and Lucas — a group of BES Brookwood boys that came together to make a basketball team for the RecPlex Recreational 3 on 3 Basketball Program.
These boys showed up ready to learn, ready to hustle, and most importantly — ready to have fun.
Throughout the season, they grew so much as players and teammates. From improving their dribbling and passing to learning how to run plays and work together on defense, their progress was incredible to watch.
They worked hard at every practice, played hard in every game, and cheered each other on every step of the way. Win or lose, they brought energy, sportsmanship, and big smiles to the court.
Most of all, they built friendships, confidence, and a true love for the game. What a fantastic season of teamwork, growth, and fun! Way to go, boys! Way to make us #MustangProud!!
Have something to submit? Email it to helen.xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us so we can share your greatness!!
We ask our Brookwood families to share with us what our Brookwood students and staff are doing outside of school so we can share in your greatness and how #MustangProud we are of your accomplishments!! If you have something to share....email it to Mrs. Xiong at Helen.Xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us
A huge shoutout to Wyatt, Logan, Joey, Liam, Ryan, and Lucas — a group of BES Brookwood boys that came together to make a basketball team for the RecPlex Recreational 3 on 3 Basketball Program.
These boys showed up ready to learn, ready to hustle, and most importantly — ready to have fun.
Throughout the season, they grew so much as players and teammates. From improving their dribbling and passing to learning how to run plays and work together on defense, their progress was incredible to watch.
They worked hard at every practice, played hard in every game, and cheered each other on every step of the way. Win or lose, they brought energy, sportsmanship, and big smiles to the court.
Most of all, they built friendships, confidence, and a true love for the game. What a fantastic season of teamwork, growth, and fun! Way to go, boys! Way to make us #MustangProud!!
Have something to submit? Email it to helen.xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us so we can share your greatness!!
No School: February 20, 2026
GCJ2 Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 19, 2026
BES: 3:45-7:30
BMS: 3:00-7:00
For more information, please contact your child's homeroom or advisory teacher.
February 19, 2026
BES: 3:45-7:30
BMS: 3:00-7:00
For more information, please contact your child's homeroom or advisory teacher.
📣 Save the Date! Washington, D.C. Trip Info Meeting 🇺🇸
We’re excited to share details about an upcoming Washington, D.C. trip — and this opportunity is open to ALL students, whether they attend Brookwood or not, who will be 7th or 8th graders in the 2026-2027 school year
👥 Who:
Students currently in 6th and 7th grade living in the area (entering 7th–8th grade for the 2026–2027 school year) and their parents
📅 What:
Washington, D.C. Registration & Information Meeting
🕠 When:
Monday, February 16 at 5:30 PM
📍 Where:
Brookwood Middle School – Cafeteria
✈️ Trip Dates:
April 9–11, 2027
💲 Important Info:
WorldStrides has extended its discount through the end of February — sign up now for the best pricing!
🎓 Scholarships are available through WorldStrides.
Can’t attend the meeting or want more information?
Contact Ms. Bullock at karen.bullock@gcj2.k12.wi.us
Please help spread the word to families who may be interested!
We’re excited to share details about an upcoming Washington, D.C. trip — and this opportunity is open to ALL students, whether they attend Brookwood or not, who will be 7th or 8th graders in the 2026-2027 school year
👥 Who:
Students currently in 6th and 7th grade living in the area (entering 7th–8th grade for the 2026–2027 school year) and their parents
📅 What:
Washington, D.C. Registration & Information Meeting
🕠 When:
Monday, February 16 at 5:30 PM
📍 Where:
Brookwood Middle School – Cafeteria
✈️ Trip Dates:
April 9–11, 2027
💲 Important Info:
WorldStrides has extended its discount through the end of February — sign up now for the best pricing!
🎓 Scholarships are available through WorldStrides.
Can’t attend the meeting or want more information?
Contact Ms. Bullock at karen.bullock@gcj2.k12.wi.us
Please help spread the word to families who may be interested!
We are SO excited to collaborate with Ms. Hannah at the Genoa City Public Library to bring back a local mini Battle of the Books collaboration/tournament for our 4th-8th graders!
Do you love to read? Are you competitive to the core? Battle of the Books is a reading-based competition. Teams of 3-4 people will read 6 books, then answer questions about them in a round-robin tournament after school. Practices and meetings will be held during lunch/recess times before the tournament.
If you are interested in joining the team or finding out more information about this, please get in touch with Mrs. Xiong directly! helen.xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us
Do you love to read? Are you competitive to the core? Battle of the Books is a reading-based competition. Teams of 3-4 people will read 6 books, then answer questions about them in a round-robin tournament after school. Practices and meetings will be held during lunch/recess times before the tournament.
If you are interested in joining the team or finding out more information about this, please get in touch with Mrs. Xiong directly! helen.xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us
