UW-Extension reviews posted positions, educational programming with board
Janelle Mathies
The Crawford County Ag. Extension Board convened on Feb. 1 for a regular meeting at the County Administrative Building in Prairie du Chien. The board, along with the UW-Extension coordinators, reviewed offered programming and staff changes.
Health/Child Care
Amanda Griswold, Human Development and Relationships Educator, stated she planned to increase sessions at Hoffman Hall to offer social-emotional learning experience for young children. Sessions will increase from once a quarter to once a month.
Griswold distributed informational pamphlets and flyers for the board to review. The pamphlets were intended to disseminate information about childcare options in the county along with advice for parents on collaborating with a child care provider effectively. The information also included a link to a list of child care options in the county.
“We decided not to put the names in because they change so rapidly,” Griswold said. The list is maintained online at def.wisconsin.gov/star.
The flyer outlined a new initiative through the Healthy Living Program called Snack of the Month. The program was established to provide healthier snack options and direct contact with board members.
The first snack of the month took place on Jan. 30 with Board Supervisor Linda Munson. Board members would work in tandem with different departments to distribute the snack items.
Youth Programming
4-8 Youth Development Educator Amy Mitchell updated the board on several programs aimed at children in the county as well as the Youth Advisory Board.
Mitchell stated the Youth Advisory Board had met in January: “We’re trying to get re-aligned, so there’s some work to be done there to get more active members on the coalition.”
She also noted a new candidate had made contact to be in the county’s mentorship program.
Mitchell stated a Food and Fun after school program was scheduled to start in February. The program will run six sessions and connect students in the district. The purpose was to provide mentoring for the younger students through their peers they already recognize and see on a regular basis.
“What’s unique about this is I don’t have to teach the after school program,” Mitchell said. “I teach teens to lead the program from the third to fifth graders.”
Staffing
Adam Hady, Extension Director, introduced Janelle Mathies, part-time Administrative Assistant, who had been hired since the last board meeting at the beginning of January. Mathies has lived in Prairie du Chien for ten years and has four children.
The Crop and Soil Educator position for Richland, Sauk and Juneau counties was posted. Once that position is filled, Sam Bibby will transfer to the educator position for La Crosse, Crawford and Vernon counties. The Livestock Educator position for Richland, Vernon and Crawford county was posted and already had some candidate applications.
Sophie Eyer, Community Development Educator for Community Food Systems, left her position shortly after the January meeting. Hady stated he hoped to fill the position quickly.
“I have the go-ahead from the state side to fill that position as long as you guys [Ag Extension Board] are okay with it,” Hady said. The board did not have any objection with Hady seeking out a replacement. Scheduled events Eyer had made were being fulfilled by replacement instructors.
