Laser Focused E-Newsletter
Laser Focused is the Kettle Moraine School District's weekly digital newsletter. It features brief news updates from throughout our elementary, middle and high schools, as well as community or district information. It also includes Capturing KM, which is a video about the most prominent news item of the week, typically hosted by our Superintendent. To suggest or share a story for Laser Focused, please email it to ottosara@kmsd.edu!
Read the April 11th Laser Focused
KM's annual varsity basketball camp fundraiser for leukemia and lymphoma drew a tremendous response from our elementary and middle school students. This year, a number of players from the Marquette University mens team helped run the camp, adding a great deal of excitement for students as they went head-to-head with future stars.
Read the April 4th Laser Focused
Cushing Elementary fifth graders created their third annual Revolutionary War Museum in partnership with the Delafield Historical Society. Students spent time researching historically significant events and individuals, then created their own exhibits to showcase their learning.

Read the March 21st Laser Focused
As KM's resident student population declines, our funding under revenue limits does too. Our current facilities were designed for 4,500 students but we now serve 3,300 students, and we project further decline to 2900-3000 students over the next 5-7 years. Investing in empty seats prevents us from providing the choice and opportunity that defines KM. While we do not currently have a budget deficit (2024-25 fiscal year), we project growing deficits that will reach $7-8 million by 2031-32. These deficits could be reduced through right-sizing staffing and facilities to align with declining student populations.
Read the March 14th Laser Focused
HS^2 students had an amazing opportunity to participate in a cultural immersion trip to Panama. They were able to work with the local community to teach children about oral hygiene and proper nutrition, install a concrete floor for a computer lab, and make improvements to the hosting facility where they stayed. The students also had an opportunity to tour Panama City. These glimpses into other cultures enrich student experiences and provide valuable opportunities for learning.
Read the March 7th Laser Focused
We spent some time with the cast and crew of Big Fish, and if you weren't planning to see this delightful musical production before, we think their stories might change your mind! Big Fish is a heartwarming story with incredible song and dance numbers that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages! This heartwarming story draws you into the lives and stories of a father and son as they navigate an evolving relationship. The talented KMHS campus team has succeeded in making this performance larger than life!!
Read the February 28th Laser Focused
WIFA oversees the sport of interscholastic ice fishing in Wisconsin and KM offers a competitive 6-12 team for anglers. The team provides these young fisherman opportunities to learn from accomplished anglers and travel the state to compete in tournaments. Three students were able to earn master angler designations this year. Out of 254 students throughout the state, Austin Weber finished 27th with 11 fish and 288,” Bradan Hegemann-Lindau finished 38th with 7 fish and 196,” and Jayden Hitchcock; finished 65th with 6 fish and 119.25.”
Read the February 21st Laser Focused
Perform Film-Focus Students competed with their original, self-produced film, Doom Scroll, winning top honors for the teen category at the WPL Film Festival. We are incredibly proud of these amazing young writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, actors, and musicians. Special thanks to Scott Curty for acting as artist in residence on this project and providing equipment and guidance.
Read the February 14th Laser Focused
Each year, Kettle Moraine Middle School holds an event for girls who are interested in STEM. The event organizes students into groups and assigns a task. The girls then select their materials and devise and build a system to attain that result as effectively as possible. At the end, their projects are tested to see which group obtained the best result.
Read the February 7th Laser Focused
KM boys basketball remains undefeated, after a solid win over Catholic Memorial. They head to Fiserv Forum next for the Deer District Prep Showcase on February 8th, featuring ten of the state's top teams. The Lasers earned the primetime 6pm spot vs. Nicolet.
Read the January 31st Laser Focused
The KM bowling team talked strategy and equipment with us at Jay's Lanes as they prepare for post-season competition. The team is coed, and is open to both middle and high school students. The sport is fun and competitive, while providing opportunities for students to gain valuable skills in a lifelong sport.
Read the January 24th Laser Focused
The long-awaited grand opening of our auditorium went off perfectly despite the weather. We had a great turnout and were able to thank the many individuals, families, and businesses who made this project possible. The students performed their "greatest hits" from the year with a show that encompassed a wide variety of acts from our music and theater programs. We are so excited to share this amazing new venue with our KM Community!
Read the January 17th Laser Focused
The KM 4K Fair is a great opportunity for families to learn more about 4-year-old kindergarten at each of our elementary schools and partner providers, as well as wrap care opportunities. 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.
Read the January 10th Laser Focused
The Art of Writing is a unique opportunity for select students from all over Wisconsin to spend the day exploring the Milwaukee Art Museum and using that inspiration to create their own personal works. Sunday at 11:59pm is the deadline for students to submit their completed projects. A panel will determine which pieces are represented in the 2024 digital publication.
Read the January 3rd Laser Focused
APPLY NOW FOR PRIORITY EARLY DECISION ENROLLMENT IN KMHS CHARTERS FOR 25-26. This early application window for district residents closes January 17th. Benefits Include:
Automatic acceptance for District Residents and current district open enrollment students.
Streamlined registration process
Applying early ensures the most choices possible.
Open Enrollment families are encouraged to apply early as well!
Read the December 20th Laser Focused
KM sculpture students collaborated with their counterparts in metals II to design and build metal artwork for the high school. These learning partnerships provide different groups of students with new perspectives and insights and tend to produce incredible results! Watch the video to learn more and to see the finished pieces.
Read the December 12th Laser Focused
Into the Woods opens tonight Thursday December 12th at the new KMHS auditorium. We talked with the cast about this entertaining and elaborate production and it sounds amazing. We will have performances at 7:00pm Thursday through Saturday, then a 2:00 show on Sunday!
Read the December 6th Laser Focused
Dousman Elementary fifth graders traveled to the State Capitol and the Veteran's Museum where they enhanced their learning with interactive tours. The students also enjoyed a discussion with Justice Hagedorn, a KM parent, about the inner workings of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the importance of the judicial branch in our state government.

Read the November 22nd Laser Focused
Kindergarten students in Mrs. Skretta's class visited a farm to learn about all of the different animals. Then, they expanded their learning into a showcase event. The young learners worked with their high school buddies to create 3D animals from recycled materials and shared how their various animals live.
Read the November 15th Laser Focused
Our elementary schools celebrated Veteran's Day with concerts, letter writing, speeches, and artwork to honor those who have served. We'd like to thank the many veterans in our KM Community for all that you have given to your country.
Read the November 8th Laser Focused
KMHS has launched a new flag football team in a league with a number of local schools. The girls are extremely talented and are undefeated at midseason. You can watch them play Sunday at 4:00pm -vs- Mukwonago at Muskego's indoor field house!
Read the November 1st Laser Focused
I interviewed the equestrian team, prior to their return trip to the state championship, to learn a bit more about their events and how the competition works. The Lasers won it all last year and finished fourth this year.
Read the October 25th Laser Focused
The pep band played for a packed house at the first event in our newly renovated auditorium. The atmosphere of excitement and celebration built as visitors entered the redesigned venue, but it was the updated lighting, sound, and fly systems that really stole show.
Read the October 18th Laser Focused
Each year, HS^2 students assist with vision screenings at all of our elementary schools. This week, they were at Cushing Elementary gaining valuable experience with patient care and basic exam procedures.

Read the October 11th Laser Focused
Thursday evening, Aurora Borealis hovered over the turf on Vock Field and our amazing local photographer, Mike Brickl, was there to capture it. Thank you Mike for all that you do for KM!
Read the October 3rd Laser Focused
The auditorium renovation is really coming along, thanks to the supervision of our own Mike Luedke. We sat down with Mike to discuss the project and the many upgrades that have been made.
Read the September 27th Laser Focused
The annual color run is a wonderful opportunity to get out, enjoy the weather, and get really, super, colorful!! This year's event was more popular than ever, raising about $10k for the Wales Elementary Campus PTO. Thank you to all of the staff and families who participated in this amazing event.
Read the September 20th Laser Focused
The Kettle Moraine School District is a leader in providing valuable opportunities for students to earn college credits and develop industry skills while in high school. This Capturing features the AP Capstone program and the unique skills it helps students develop.
Read the September 13th Laser Focused
Cushing fifth graders helped out at Belfré Kitchen at the end of last school year. It was a great experience, allowing students to take an active role in raising money for their school while learning more about the restaurant business.
Read the September 6th Laser Focused
Each year, students design a special gift for our retiring teachers. This most recent group of retirees received a beautiful handmade vase, created by Mrs. Prokop's students. The vases were filled with fresh floral arrangements and delivered by our administrative team. I'd like to share a special thank you to all of the students who contributed and to our amazing educators who are currently enjoying retirement!
To advertise in the Communicator Magazine and/or Laser Focused Newsletter, please contact:
Sara Otto
Chief Communications Officer
920-993-8609
ottosara(at)kmsd.edu