Appleton West student board representative highlights international visitors, athletics and asks for more gluten-free cafeteria options and block scheduling

Aubrey, the Appleton West student school-board representative, delivered the school report and used the opportunity to both celebrate recent activities and raise two items for the board’s attention.

Aubrey described a holiday parade and spirit week at Appleton West, noted that a group from Perth, Australia (the Boys Brigade) visited and shadowed students, and reported athletic successes from basketball, wrestling, swim and dive, hockey, powerlifting, dance and cheer. She identified several students who qualified for AP Scholar distinctions (about 15 AP Scholar with Distinction; 20 AP Scholar with Honor; 30 AP Scholar), and named senior student Gwyneth Conkle, a 4.0 student-athlete who received an athletic scholarship highlighted by local media.

Aubrey asked the board to consider two student requests: (1) more gluten-free options in cafeteria breakfast and lunch so students who follow a gluten-free diet—whether for allergy or preference—have more choices; and (2) exploration of block scheduling to provide longer class periods to support labs, projects and AP-level coursework. She noted nearby districts that use block schedules as examples.

Board President Kay Eggert asked whether Aubrey had raised the gluten-free request with Chartwells, the district’s food service vendor; Aubrey said she had not yet but had discussed the idea with a staff member, Mr. Chetikoff, and that the administration had heard the block-schedule request. Superintendent Hartzell and board members said they appreciated the report and encouraged follow-up with the appropriate staff. Aubrey also read logistical items about upcoming school events, including a spring dance planned for March 15 and ski trips on Jan. 25, Feb. 8 and Feb. 22.

The board received the report for information; no formal action was taken at this meeting.