The School in the Coulee program uses classroom and community - based experiences to make the district curriculum relevant and meaningful to a student living in the Coulee Region.    An integrated, thematic approach towards teaching and learning helps students to make thoughtful and informed decisions about their lives now and in the future.

The Coulee teachers have organized the School District of La Crosse curriculum into monthly themes, questions, and problems for students to explore. By learning through this integrated approach, students can see the transfer of knowledge from one course to the next.   When what they study in social studies is important to not only literature but also science and math classes, students begin to see how their school world is not only important to their seventh grade success but also their future as an adult.

As teachers who truly enjoy working with adolescents, we work collaboratively to create a positive learning atmosphere.   A school community is developed that promotes positive interactions among all members, and our smaller team size allows opportunities for teachers to respond to the academic strengths and individual differences of each child.

This innovatively organized and structured curriculum demands high academic standards and facilitates an environment that encourages students to be effective writers, advanced readers, and capable problem-solvers.

Jeanne Halderson
jhalders@mail.sdlax.k12.wi.us
Elizabeth Ramsay
eramsay@mail.sdlax.k12.wi.us