At this month's school board meeting, the school board accepted the retirement letter of MaryEllen Kanthack for the end of this school year.
Mrs. Kanthack has devoted her life to education and to shaping the leaders of tomorrow while supporting current and future teacher leaders at Genoa City and beyond.
Throughout her career, she has been a steady, compassionate presence—always believing in the potential of every student and working tirelessly to help them grow in confidence, character, and knowledge.
Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She has inspired students, supported families, and been a trusted colleague and leader within our school community along with her professional teacher networks she is a part of. Throughout her career, she has been a steady, compassionate presence—always believing in the potential of every student and working tirelessly to help them grow in confidence, character, and knowledge. MaryEllen has also played an important role in strengthening our staff. She has mentored new teachers, collaborated generously with colleagues, and consistently shared her expertise through the professional networks she is a part of.
As she prepares to close this chapter, we celebrate her remarkable dedication and the countless lives she has touched. MaryEllen’s legacy will live on not only in the students she has helped guide toward bright futures but also in the educators she has supported and inspired along the way.
Thank you, Mrs. Kanthack, for your work and dedication toward all things Brookwood!
Mrs. Kanthack has devoted her life to education and to shaping the leaders of tomorrow while supporting current and future teacher leaders at Genoa City and beyond.
Throughout her career, she has been a steady, compassionate presence—always believing in the potential of every student and working tirelessly to help them grow in confidence, character, and knowledge.
Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She has inspired students, supported families, and been a trusted colleague and leader within our school community along with her professional teacher networks she is a part of. Throughout her career, she has been a steady, compassionate presence—always believing in the potential of every student and working tirelessly to help them grow in confidence, character, and knowledge. MaryEllen has also played an important role in strengthening our staff. She has mentored new teachers, collaborated generously with colleagues, and consistently shared her expertise through the professional networks she is a part of.
As she prepares to close this chapter, we celebrate her remarkable dedication and the countless lives she has touched. MaryEllen’s legacy will live on not only in the students she has helped guide toward bright futures but also in the educators she has supported and inspired along the way.
Thank you, Mrs. Kanthack, for your work and dedication toward all things Brookwood!
Our 1st graders had a wonderful field trip to TraXside Skating - Burlington, Wisconsin! Students participated in a lesson about music, rhythm, and sound waves. They learned how different pitches create different wavelengths, high pitches make shorter, faster waves, and low pitches make longer, slower waves.
After the lesson, students enjoyed free skate time where they moved to the music and played different skating games. It was a fun and engaging way to connect science, music, and movement!
After the lesson, students enjoyed free skate time where they moved to the music and played different skating games. It was a fun and engaging way to connect science, music, and movement!
Our 4K students proudly showcased their creativity at our Art Show held at the local public library! Families were invited to walk through the display and admire their child’s artwork, celebrating all of the hard work and imagination that has been growing in our classroom. The students were so excited to share their masterpieces and point out their special creations.
During the event, the youth librarian read a story to our families, making the experience even more special and highlighting the joy of reading together. Families also had the opportunity to sign up for their very own library cards, encouraging continued learning and visits to the library. It was a wonderful evening of art, literacy, and community connection!
During the event, the youth librarian read a story to our families, making the experience even more special and highlighting the joy of reading together. Families also had the opportunity to sign up for their very own library cards, encouraging continued learning and visits to the library. It was a wonderful evening of art, literacy, and community connection!
The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. The group is composed of amateur musicians from Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The mission of the LGSO is to provide music education. This is accomplished with audiences at all ages. Each year, the Symphony performs at six schools. The Symphony has performed at every school in Walworth County through a grant with the Walworth County Arts Council. Tickets to see the LGSO in concert are free to students, and there are free concerts in Lake Geneva and Delavan this summer.
Our music teacher, Ms. Bullock, also serves as the Symphony's Executive Director. She was very proud to have the Symphony perform for the Brookwood students. Her favorite part was when the students sang the patriotic songs with the Orchestra since that is something she taught them. She also loved how amazed the children were over the size of the tuba and string basses. Even though the students learned about that in class, pictures and videos were no substitute for seeing and hearing the symphony live. Everyone really enjoyed the performance; the students loved singing along and getting to walk through the Symphony as they were playing at the end of the concert.
https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2026/02/22/walworth-county-lake-geneva-symphony-orchestra-brookwood-elementary-school
Our music teacher, Ms. Bullock, also serves as the Symphony's Executive Director. She was very proud to have the Symphony perform for the Brookwood students. Her favorite part was when the students sang the patriotic songs with the Orchestra since that is something she taught them. She also loved how amazed the children were over the size of the tuba and string basses. Even though the students learned about that in class, pictures and videos were no substitute for seeing and hearing the symphony live. Everyone really enjoyed the performance; the students loved singing along and getting to walk through the Symphony as they were playing at the end of the concert.
https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2026/02/22/walworth-county-lake-geneva-symphony-orchestra-brookwood-elementary-school
The kindergartners in Mrs. Deephouse's and Miss Flood's 5K classrooms celebrated their very own Winter Olympics. We kicked off the competition with a torch walk throughout the school. The students were representing various countries and competed in events like bobsled, ski jump, figure skating, speed skating, curling, and hockey. They finished each competition with a medal ceremony where they received their gold, silver or bronze medals. The students celebrated in true Olympic fashion with enthusiasm and incredible sportsmanship! Way to go, Mustangs!
Yesterday, we snuck in a mini Mustang Monday!!
How does it work? On random Mondays throughout the school year, random students will be recognized for showing their school spirit through their Mustang gear or showcasing Brookwood Blue in their clothing! Students will be able to pick a prize and get a shoutout for showing their school spirit through our social media!!
Way to show your school spirit, Mustangs!!
As part of the BES Kindness Week, the students in Mrs. Deephouse's and Miss Flood's 5K classes made bird feeders to help our feathered friends. They rolled up their sleeves and slathered paper tubes with peanut butter and rolled the tubes in bird seed. Then they went around our school grounds and tied the homemade bird feeders to fences, trees, and bushes to help the birds find some food during these final weeks of winter. Some of the students did their best bird calls, trying to entice the birds to the feeders. They're very excited to check their bird feeders in the coming weeks to see how much the birds have eaten!!
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!
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!
#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
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!!
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.
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.
