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WISCONSIN’S 4K–12 EDUCATION CONNECTIONTODAYTODAY Fall 2025

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Brookfield Central’s Josh Wang Ana Báez is 2026 Wisconsin

Earns International Gold in School Counselor of the Year

Physics Milwaukee Public Schools

“I could never have made it Congratulations to Ana
this far without the whole- Báez, a bilingual school
hearted support of everyone counselor at MPS’ South
at Brookfield Central and Division High School! Báez
Elmbrook,” he said. “I has been recognized as the
would like to thank Dr. Amie 2026 Wisconsin School
Farley for helping me to take Counselor of the Year by
advanced university classes, the Wisconsin School Coun-
Mrs. Elizabeth Mallegni selor Association (WSCA).
for organizing and patiently She received the award at a
proctoring many exams, surprise school assembly on
and Mr. John Wilkinson for Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
always pushing me further This award recognizes a
and sparking my interest in school counselor who leads a
physics. I hope that they will data-driven school counsel-
Pictured above: US Team — Josh in middle continue inspiring students ing program that promotes
for many years to come.” academic success, personal growth, and career after-school tutoring run by City Year; one-
School District of Elmbrook The International Physics Olympiad was readiness for all students. A special focus is on-one ACP conferences involving students
Brookfield Central High School 2025 held from July 17–25 and is widely regarded on subgroups of students who face barriers and families; letters home to parents; personal
Valedictorian Josh Wang has achieved a as the most prestigious high school physics to opportunity. The award looks for programs invitations to conferences; social work home
remarkable milestone, earning a gold medal competition in the world. Each year, it fosters that ensure that every learner has access to visits; and in-class touch points by teachers.
at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad collaboration and cultural exchange while cel- resources, support, and encouragement. It was a coordinated team effort to provide
(IPhO) in France. As one of just five members ebrating problem-solving at the highest level. Báez was also the Wisconsin Teacher support following the school’s motto, ‘Shoul-
of the U.S. Physics Team, Josh joined 400 of This year’s event, held in France, culminated of the Year in 2024 and was selected as Wis- der to Shoulder.’ ”
the world’s brightest young minds from 85 in a closing ceremony honoring Josh and the consin’s 2025 National Teacher of the Year As part of the process, data was collected
countries in a weeklong competition that tested other top performers. representative by the Wisconsin Department on the number of interventions each student
their mastery of physics through challenging Elmbrook Schools extends its gratitude of Public Instruction. had, the kind of intervention, and final failure
theoretical and experimental problems. to all of Josh’s teachers, administrators, and Báez’s nominator, School Counselor rate. The results for the 2024–2025 semester 1
Out of 37 gold medals awarded world- supporters who have nurtured his talents from Dulce Bucio-Rosas, stated, “Last year, Ana data included:
wide, the United States stood alone as the elementary school through high school. His set a goal focused on reducing failure rates • Started with 118 of 247 total freshmen
only team in which all five competitors indi- achievement reflects the district’s commit- for 9th graders, a group that typically shows having one or more failing grades.
vidually earned gold — a testament to their ment to academic rigor and the belief that with academic struggles. Data showed that nearly • Ended with 81 freshmen with one or
exceptional preparation and talent. Josh’s the right guidance, students can achieve at the 47% of incoming freshmen were on track to more failing grades.
performance places him among the very best highest levels on the world stage. fail at least one course on their mid semester
in the world, an honor that caps off years of progress report. • This reduced the overall freshman failure
academic excellence. “Ana collaborated with City Year, the 9th- rate from 47% to 33%.
Josh credits his success to the educa- grade team teachers, the parent coordinator,
tors and mentors who have supported him elmbrookschools.org the social work team, and administration. They
throughout his 12 years in Elmbrook Schools. implemented targeted interventions, including: Continued on Page 18

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