Longtime L-C intermediate school principal to retire

By Star-News staff

LUXEMBURG – Luxemburg-Casco (L-C) Intermediate School Principal Jolene Hussong is set to retire at the end of the school year.

Hussong began her career in the Howard-Suamico School District in 1991, as an elementary physical education and adaptive physical education educator.

In 1997, she moved to Bayview Middle School to teach physical education, adaptive physical education and health, and served as the school’s athletic director.

She became associate principal at Howard-Suamico’s Lineville Intermediate School in 2000 and was hired by Luxemburg-Casco in 2003 as intermediate school principal.

“The students within her building, consisting of grades 3-6, consistently perform at the highest level in state testing, while also enjoying the ‘family feel’ she has created,” a school district release stated.

“During her tenure at the intermediate school, Principal Hussong created a family environment that focused on helping staff and students become their best selves,” says Dr. Jo-Ellen Fairbanks, Luxemburg-Casco superintendent. “She held high expectations, but provided supports so that everyone could reach those expectations.

Hussong said that “building the quality staff of L-C Intermediate School” and “strengthening relationships among staff” are two of her largest accomplishments over the past two decades.

She estimates that 80% of the current staff were hired by her.

“It’s a family here,” Hussong added.

Hussong is noted for implementing Spartan Time, which provides 30 minutes of time outside of their class for students to work on their academic skills path and engage in social-emotional learning activities.

She attributes some portion of the school’s high academic performance to this move.

The school has received the highest possible rating — Significantly Exceeds Expectations – for the past six years that testing was held.

“Each of the past two years, L-C Intermediate School has ranked among the top 30 educational buildings in the state of Wisconsin based on test scores: No. 15 of 2,601 buildings for 2020-21 and No. 29 of 2,626 for 2021-22,” the district release added.

 Hussong said that she tries to be a visible presence.

“I want to make those connections,” she added.

Hussong also oversaw the district’s state assessments for the past 15 years as the district assessment coordinator.

She also served on the staff development council and the response to intervention committee.

Retiring along with Hussong is Elsie, the school’s mini goldendoodle therapy dog, who came to the school in May 2018.

“Elsie is a part of the fabric of the school and has helped many students during difficult times,” Fairbanks added. “She also will be missed.”

“I will miss the people the most,” Hussong said. “The staff is amazing, and many of the relationships will continue.”

Hussong is aiding to transition in her replacement, Heather Mleziva, of the Denmark School District.