The Brookwood school community would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ministry for supporting our elementary and middle school during this time of profound loss. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a national, human-care ministry whose specially trained Golden Retrievers and dedicated handlers serve communities during times of crisis, loss, and stress.
The comfort dogs and their dedicated handlers joined us on very short notice, offering a calm, compassionate presence to students and staff as we navigated grief together. Their gentle interactions provided moments of peace, reassurance, and connection—often when words were difficult to find. For many in our community, these small moments of comfort made a meaningful difference.
We are deeply grateful and thankful for their willingness to walk alongside our school community and provide support with such care and kindness. Their presence left a lasting impact on our students and staff, and we will always be appreciative of the comfort they brought during this difficult time. Truly, these small moments of comfort and care made a significant difference for us.
Thank you....thank you.....thank you!!
The comfort dogs and their dedicated handlers joined us on very short notice, offering a calm, compassionate presence to students and staff as we navigated grief together. Their gentle interactions provided moments of peace, reassurance, and connection—often when words were difficult to find. For many in our community, these small moments of comfort made a meaningful difference.
We are deeply grateful and thankful for their willingness to walk alongside our school community and provide support with such care and kindness. Their presence left a lasting impact on our students and staff, and we will always be appreciative of the comfort they brought during this difficult time. Truly, these small moments of comfort and care made a significant difference for us.
Thank you....thank you.....thank you!!
Please see the following message from our Interim Superintendent, Paul Weber:
It is with great sadness that the Genoa City Joint 2 School District shares the news of the passing of Brookwood Elementary Principal, Luke Braden, who passed away Saturday evening, surrounded by his family.
Luke was a dedicated educational leader who cared deeply for the students, staff, and families of the Brookwood community. His presence in our schools and his impact on our district will be felt for many years to come.
In partnership with the Badger School District, we have put in place supports for students and staff during this difficult time. Counselors, school psychologists, and crisis support personnel will be available at both buildings in the days ahead.
Details regarding services and memorial arrangements will be shared with the community once they are finalized and with the family’s permission. The District will also communicate any necessary administrative transitions to ensure continuity of leadership at the elementary school.
We extend our deepest condolences to Luke’s family, friends, colleagues, and to the many students and families whose lives he touched.
The Brookwood community is strong, and we will support one another as we navigate this loss together.
Sincerely,
Paul Weber
Superintendent
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PLfC7fAaN4uxqcyBR0wB-qd1NB3GAspF/view?usp=sharing
It is with great sadness that the Genoa City Joint 2 School District shares the news of the passing of Brookwood Elementary Principal, Luke Braden, who passed away Saturday evening, surrounded by his family.
Luke was a dedicated educational leader who cared deeply for the students, staff, and families of the Brookwood community. His presence in our schools and his impact on our district will be felt for many years to come.
In partnership with the Badger School District, we have put in place supports for students and staff during this difficult time. Counselors, school psychologists, and crisis support personnel will be available at both buildings in the days ahead.
Details regarding services and memorial arrangements will be shared with the community once they are finalized and with the family’s permission. The District will also communicate any necessary administrative transitions to ensure continuity of leadership at the elementary school.
We extend our deepest condolences to Luke’s family, friends, colleagues, and to the many students and families whose lives he touched.
The Brookwood community is strong, and we will support one another as we navigate this loss together.
Sincerely,
Paul Weber
Superintendent
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PLfC7fAaN4uxqcyBR0wB-qd1NB3GAspF/view?usp=sharing
We are so #MustangProud of our cheerleaders! They bring such great school spirit to our basketball events! Check out a few of their cheers on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GenoaCitySchools/
Here is the January Mustang Minute! Make sure to click on the grade levels to view grade level newsletters! BMS & BES calendar links are also linked and available to view via a QR code. Enjoy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NPZ9FVR4NNxHWQI9xbCvAbMjii0a0XDt/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NPZ9FVR4NNxHWQI9xbCvAbMjii0a0XDt/view?usp=sharing
No School - January 19, 2026
Thank you to all those that donated to the food drive the middle school hosted for the Genoa City Food Pantry: Loaves & Fishes. We are also thankful for those that dropped off toys for the holidays as well!!
In December, BES Kindness Squad learned about Meals on Wheels and then worked in partnership with another student community service group to make 150+ holiday cards for those who would be receiving Walworth County Meals on Wheels the week of Christmas. Students created cards and then wrote encouraging messages inside each card they created. Way to go, Kindness Squad!
4th Grade Students Apply for Careers at the North Pole! 🎄
Mrs. Ocker partnered with 4th-grade teachers Ms. Lind and Mrs. Cornelius to co-teach a creative and engaging lesson that blended career exploration, literacy, and holiday fun.
The lesson began with a read-aloud of How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky. Students followed Santa’s journey as he tried a variety of jobs—postal worker, zookeeper, circus performer, and more—before discovering his perfect fit with the help of the elves. The story sparked thoughtful conversations about skills, perseverance, and finding a career that matches personal strengths and interests.
Inspired by the book, students learned that Santa was hiring new helpers at the North Pole! Available roles included:
🎁 Baker Elf
🦌 Caretaker Elf
🎨 Decorator Elf
🚚 Delivery Elf
🧸 Toy Tester Elf
📜 Nice List Elf
🕵️ Security Elf
…and many more!
Each position included a job description and required skills. For example, the Caretaker Elf is responsible for caring for the reindeer and must love animals, feel comfortable working in a barn, and have the energy to run and brush the reindeer.
After reviewing the job descriptions, students selected a position that matched their interests and strengths. They then completed official North Pole job applications, explaining their skills, experiences, and why they were a great fit for the role—practicing real-world career readiness skills in a fun and age-appropriate way.
To wrap up the experience, students “elf themselves” by creating life-sized elf cutouts featuring their faces. 🎅✨
This festive project combined career awareness, application skills, creativity, and joyful learning, giving students a memorable and meaningful experience!
Mrs. Ocker partnered with 4th-grade teachers Ms. Lind and Mrs. Cornelius to co-teach a creative and engaging lesson that blended career exploration, literacy, and holiday fun.
The lesson began with a read-aloud of How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky. Students followed Santa’s journey as he tried a variety of jobs—postal worker, zookeeper, circus performer, and more—before discovering his perfect fit with the help of the elves. The story sparked thoughtful conversations about skills, perseverance, and finding a career that matches personal strengths and interests.
Inspired by the book, students learned that Santa was hiring new helpers at the North Pole! Available roles included:
🎁 Baker Elf
🦌 Caretaker Elf
🎨 Decorator Elf
🚚 Delivery Elf
🧸 Toy Tester Elf
📜 Nice List Elf
🕵️ Security Elf
…and many more!
Each position included a job description and required skills. For example, the Caretaker Elf is responsible for caring for the reindeer and must love animals, feel comfortable working in a barn, and have the energy to run and brush the reindeer.
After reviewing the job descriptions, students selected a position that matched their interests and strengths. They then completed official North Pole job applications, explaining their skills, experiences, and why they were a great fit for the role—practicing real-world career readiness skills in a fun and age-appropriate way.
To wrap up the experience, students “elf themselves” by creating life-sized elf cutouts featuring their faces. 🎅✨
This festive project combined career awareness, application skills, creativity, and joyful learning, giving students a memorable and meaningful experience!
2025 BES Winter Extravaganza is just that…. an extravaganza filled with fun and activities and visitors that we hope our students will never forget…hands down a special day everyone looks forward to!! Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help make it extra special!!
In December, students competed in classroom-level spelling bees across BMS. Now, our classroom spelling champions are ready to take the stage!
The BMS School Spelling Bee will be held on Monday, January 12th at 2:45 PM on the BMS cafeteria stage.
All students, families, and staff are welcome to attend and cheer on our spellers. We hope to see you there supporting our BMS champions!
For further information contact kylie.coggins@gcj2.k12.wi.us
Brookwood Middle School Spelling Bee - Jan 12 @2:45 BMS Cafeteria
The BMS School Spelling Bee will be held on Monday, January 12th at 2:45 PM on the BMS cafeteria stage.
All students, families, and staff are welcome to attend and cheer on our spellers. We hope to see you there supporting our BMS champions!
For further information contact kylie.coggins@gcj2.k12.wi.us
Brookwood Middle School Spelling Bee - Jan 12 @2:45 BMS Cafeteria
The Friday before winter break is always fun-filled at the middle school as students have a plethora of mini-courses to be a part of...ranging from lego building to nail art to karaoke to Mario Kart to weight lifting to open gym to arts and crafts to Tek Decks and the list goes on and on.....
1st Grade: Gallery Walk - Save the Date! (time will be announced to families by teachers)
1st Grade teachers invite families to a gallery walk to see students' finished research projects on endangered animals on January 16th. (time TBD)
1st Grade teachers invite families to a gallery walk to see students' finished research projects on endangered animals on January 16th. (time TBD)
Last week was such a magical week.....we hope that many memories were made that our students will never forget. <3 *more pictures on Facebook*
📚 What you’re seeing in this video:
This video shows how we determine a student’s IRLA reading level. Depending on the level, students may complete different parts of the assessment.
✔️ Phonics Check (early levels): Can they use sound patterns to read words?
✔️ Vocabulary Check: Do they know important words automatically?
✔️ Reading Portion: Can they read a new text and understand it?
Each part helps us find a “just-right” level where students can grow with confidence. 📖
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_Uq5jlE9PNY
Follow our Brookwood Parent University Committee on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrsFHpmS/
This video shows how we determine a student’s IRLA reading level. Depending on the level, students may complete different parts of the assessment.
✔️ Phonics Check (early levels): Can they use sound patterns to read words?
✔️ Vocabulary Check: Do they know important words automatically?
✔️ Reading Portion: Can they read a new text and understand it?
Each part helps us find a “just-right” level where students can grow with confidence. 📖
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_Uq5jlE9PNY
Follow our Brookwood Parent University Committee on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrsFHpmS/
No School (Dec 22nd-Jan2nd)
See you back at school on Jan 5th!)
See you back at school on Jan 5th!)
Our 7th and 8th-grade drama students did a phenomenal job in their performance of "A Christmas Carol" this week! Way to make us #MustangProud!!
Reminder: There is no extended after-school care beyond 3:30 on 12/18 and 12/19.
🎁✨ BES Holiday Door Decorating Contest! ✨🎁
***ALL IMAGES ARE ON FACEBOOK***
Our hallways are full of creativity and cheer — now it’s time to VOTE on FACEBOOK for your favorite decorated staff/classroom door! 🚪🎄✨
Take a look at all the festive doors and show your support by hitting that LIKE button on your favorite one! ❤️
👍 The door with the MOST LIKES wins a special holiday prize for their class! 🎉🎁
🗳️ Last day to vote is Thursday, December 18th!
***ALL IMAGES ARE ON FACEBOOK***
Our hallways are full of creativity and cheer — now it’s time to VOTE on FACEBOOK for your favorite decorated staff/classroom door! 🚪🎄✨
Take a look at all the festive doors and show your support by hitting that LIKE button on your favorite one! ❤️
👍 The door with the MOST LIKES wins a special holiday prize for their class! 🎉🎁
🗳️ Last day to vote is Thursday, December 18th!
Today, members of our Brookwood PTO came together to help organize and package our Families in Need winter clothing boxes for families within our school district that signed up for them. Thank you to our PTO for taking time out of their day to support this program. We also are thankful for Trinity Church for supporting this program with providing Thanksgiving meal bags during break and mittens and gloves for these winter clothing boxes, Lakeland Community Church for supplying breakfast bags to be included with these winter clothing boxes, and our local laundromat, The Lost Sock, for their support and donation towards our Families in Need Program, and Herner's Hideaway for the travel size toiletry items.
A HUGE shoutout to all those that adopted children and donated monetarily. We cannot run this program without your support and donations.
Not only does your support help these families for essential items for our students like school supplies and winter clothing items but your monetary donations help these children throughout the year for items that support their needs to get them to school and continue to help them grow into greatness!
For more information about this program, please contact Helen Xiong : helen.xiong@gcj2.k12.wi.us
