Newsletter of Sevastopol School District
Volume 37 Issue 2
Presenting the Sevastopol Graduating Class of 2021.
Building Construction Update BY KYLE LUEDTKE, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR The building project is progressing at an even faster pace than at any other point in the project. Some spaces are complete and we have been allowed to move furnishings into those areas. Other spaces are still a work in progress. The project is on schedule and will be ready for students and staff by this fall. School will start for students on Tuesday, September 7 following Labor Day. In-service Days for the staff will be the week prior. The majority of the painting has been completed. Most of the cabinetry and accessories have been set up in the classrooms. Flooring continues to be put down
in hallways and common areas. Furniture delivery is set for the week of June 28. The demolition process started on May 24 with the connecting hallway between the original 1924 building and the 1991 addition. Prior to the demolition, furnishings will be moved and abatement of hazardous materials needs to be completed. Demolition then continued to the 1946 industrial arts/agriculture wing. The progression will continue to the 1924 structure. The entire sequence will take six to eight weeks. After the demolition is complete, there will still be work to complete. A new stair-
well is necessary to provide a fire exit on the northwest corner of the building. The remaining space occupied by the current building will become a parking lot for staff and busses. Landscaping work and sidewalks will also need to be installed. A date for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be scheduled for some time in August. The exact date is unknown at this time as it is dependent on the construction schedule. Bricks from the original 1924 building will be for sale for $1 per brick. Information will be on our school’s website at www.sevastopol.k12. wi.us.
Class of 2021 Valedictorians
Jenna Engeldinger
Kylie Newton
Sevastopol High School Principal Adam Baier announced the Class of 2021 valedictorians as Jenna Engeldinger, Kylie Newton, Noah Tomaszewski and McKenzie Wiesner. All four students earned a 4.0 grade point average and achieved the level of academic accomplishment to be recognized with this designation. “It is my honor to recognize these students who not only reflect the values that we hope for in all students at our school, but through their hard work and dedication to their courses have shown the importance they place on their education and future aspirations. Congratulations on your tremendous accomplishments,” Baier said. Jenna Engeldinger is the daughter of Kathleen Engeldinger-Kerwin, the late Pete Engeldinger, and Peter Kerwin. While in high school at Sevastopol, she has participated in a variety of extracurricular activities including Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Multicultural Club, volleyball, and various planning committees. During the summer between her sophomore and junior year, she was a teacher’s aide for the district’s Summer Enrichment Program where she combined her love of learning with the opportunity to mentor younger students. “I have greatly valued these past four years at Sevastopol. The small class sizes and engaged teachers have helped me grow immensely, not only as a student but as a person. I am forever grateful for the relationships I’ve formed and memories I’ve made,” she shared.
Noah Tomaszewski
In the fall, Engeldinger will be attending Iowa State University to pursue a major in Interior Design and later further her studies with a Master of Design in Sustainable Environments. Kylie Newton is the daughter of Gina and Tim Newton. Throughout high school, she has been involved in various extracurricular teams and programs at Sevastopol. She has participated in cross country, track and field, volleyball, forensics, band, choir, show choir, and the Peer Mentor and Project 180 programs at Sevastopol. In addition to this involvement in school curricular activities, she has also served her community through missionary work with the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church where she volunteered on mission trips to Minneapolis, New York, and North Carolina. She has also participated in worship band and choir through the Moravian Church. In the fall, Newton plans to go to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she will double major in Spanish and English Language Arts with an emphasis in teaching for both subjects. Noah Tomaszewski is the son of Heidi and Dan Tomaszewski. While in high school he participated in activities both within Sevastopol and in other areas including track, cross country and Sevastopol’s Peer Mentor program all four years. He also had the privilege of coaching and assisting with the basketball program at Saint John Bosco. “I have always had a passion for the outdoors and nature. During my time at Sevastopol, I have taken many agricul-
INSIDE:
Community Spotlight - page 2
McKenzie Wiesner
Notes from the District Administrator The 2020-21 school year will go down in history like none before it. Hopefully, like none after it as well. Our staff, students, parents and community continuously had to remain flexible. Like any organization, a school district prefers to develop a plan and be able to carry out the intended direction of the plan. The most difficult portion of this school year was the uncertainty. I would like to thank the staff, students and parents for working through this school year. The students were fantastic with the requirements and expectations placed on them. One could sense the majority of students wanted to be back in school after the “Safer at Home” orders that began last spring. Our staff worked diligently to deliver the education not only in-person, but remotely. These adjustments added to their workload compared to expectations of the past. Parents had to work through the A/B schedule and the period in December when we had to resort to being fully remote due to staffing shortage as a result of the pandemic. The complaints were very few even as many were understandably frustrated by the situation. Looking forward, we do not know what the future will bring, but it appears to be heading in a better direction in regards to the pandemic. The school district will continue to plan providing instruction and opportunities this summer and fall in the manner we feel is best for the entire school system.
tural classes to help me discern my future career path of forestry following college at UW-Stevens Point. I have always valued the community of a small school that has been so welcoming to me ever since I joined as a freshman. The students and staff couldn’t have been more kind or helpful and I will miss them all,” he said.
I wish everyone a refreshing summer and look forward to the fall of 2021.
Tomaszewski plans on attending the University of Steven Point for a degree in Forestry.
Thank You!
McKenzie Wiesner is the daughter of Jennifer and Paul Wiesner. As a student at Sevastopol High School, Wiesner exceled athletically as well as academically. Over the last four years, she participated as a three-sport athlete in cross country, basketball, and soccer (minus the seasons lost due to COVID-19). Her other extra-curricular involvement has included: forensics, Project 180, Peer Mentors, and for a short time the school’s math team.
As we come to the end of the 20-21 school year, we can all agree that it was like none other in any of our lifetimes. What started the last quarter of the 2020 school year continues throughout the entire 20-21 school year. The year was punctuated with start ups, shutdowns, total virtual learning, hybrid schedules and finally back to full time in-school learning. All of this was done to assure the safety of our students while meeting our primary mission of providing an excellent education for all of our children.
“I have also partaken in student newspaper which has given me an outlet to voice my beliefs and opinions positively and open-mindedly while at the same time expressing the attitudes of our student body as a whole,” Wiesner said. “Sevastopol has shaped me in many ways, but the most unique way was being a part of one community for the past fourteen years. Forming these strong relationships here has built my foundation and prepared me for life outside of Sevastopol. I will always look back on my days here fondly.” Wiesner will be attending Ripon College and plans to study environmental science.
Retirement - page 3
Yours in Education, Kyle Luedtke, District Administrator
This could not have occurred without the tireless dedication of the entire staff at Sevastopol School. This includes the teachers, kitchen and maintenance staff, bus drivers, business office staff, coaches, administration, and volunteers. All of you worked together, despite the challenges of Covid, to see that the needs of our students were met. For this, the Board of Directors of the Sevastopol School District would like to extend a sincere Thank You for a job well done, Mission Accomplished! We pray that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday season.
Athletic Update - page 4
PAGE 2 • SPRING 2021
Pioneer Times • Sevastopol School News
Employment Anniversaries
Community Spotlight: Evelyn Ploor BY KATIE GROOTERS, COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER
BY LISA BIERI, SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT As the 2020-2021 school year draws to a close, we thank all of the Sevastopol School staff for their dedication and hard work. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and energy are the drivers of success for our students. At this time, we acknowledge the following staff members for their milestone employment anniversaries: 30 years (Started 1990-1991) Deb Dantoin - Middle School Teacher Ron Frank - Physical Education Teacher 25 years (Started 1995-1996) Heather Fellner-Spetz - High School English Teacher Leann Leonardson - Intellectual Disabilities Teacher 20 years (Started 2000-2001) Tim Newton - Middle School Math Teacher David Wheat - High School Math Teacher 15 years (Started 2005-2006) Jean Cookle - Administrative Assistant 10 years (Started 2010-2011) Christina Dvorak - Instructional Aide Tanya Hasenjager - Band & Music Teacher 5 years (Started 2015-2016) Sandy Beauchamp - Bus Driver Robert Carey - Bus Driver Kim Haen - Instructional Aide Diana Jenquin - Reading Specialist Kayton Kindt - Middle School/High School Art Teacher Lynne Kotte - Middle School Science Teacher Cara Krueger - Elementary Art Teacher Carissa Mann - Instructional Aide Allison Neuman - Elementary School Teacher Randi Petrina - Instructional Aide Andy Symons - Instructional Aide
National Honor Society In April, the annual academic luncheon was held at The Mill Supper Club. Students were recognized for academic achievement and new members were inducted into the National Honor Society. Below is a list of current members and those who were inducted this spring. Current Members (16 Members) Rebekah Andreae Scott Andreae Brooklyn Brauner Kelsey Christiansen Jack de Young Cole Dvorak Ellie Krohn Zoe Rose Kuehn Laci Lautenbach Kylie Newton Haylen Retzlaff Margaret Ripp Abigail Schauske Olivia Stenzel McKenzie Wiesner Natalie Zawojski Candidates for Membership 2021 (20 Members) Johanna Andreae Franklin Ash Carter Bieri Caitlin Chartier Samantha Differt Spencer Evenson Ella Kacmarynski Lindsay Lautenbach Atlee Manson Gabriela Moreno Alana Rabach Logan Retzlaff Bailey Rikkola Lezly Ruiz Samuel Sawyer Lindsay Schuh Emma Stueber Emmett Tomaszewski Madilyn Volkmann Rachel Wilke
Pioneer Times Newsletter of Sevastopol School District Volume 37 Issue 1 The Pioneer Times is brought to you by the Sevastopol Communication Committee: Justin Skiba, Mindi Vanderhoof, David Phillips, Kyle Luedtke, Lisa Bieri, Beth Rikkola, Brooke Tanck, Jen Weisner, Dawn Cheir, Karen Brauer, Katie Grooters, Steven Tucholski, Jon Jarosh, Jerry Worrick Contributors: Beth Rikkola, Kyle Luedtke, Jerry Worrick, Susan Anschutz, Cara Krueger, Brooke Tanck, David Phillips, Mindi Vanderhoof, Justin Skiba, Lisa Bieri, Katie Grooters, Dan Petrina, Kyle Schleis, Chris Horvat, Jack Bothwell, Diane Jenquin, Roch Lautenbach, Ann Ploor, Samantha Bortle Sponsored by: Peninsula Pulse Total Copies: 25,556
SEVASTOPOL SCHOOL DISTRICT 4550 Highway 57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 920-743-6282 sevastopol.k12.wi.us
Evelyn Ploor sits for a photo with her family members.
This year has been a year of discovery as school leaders and groups have been scouring through history as a century of space has been prepared for demolition. Throughout this process, we remember that Sevastopol is so much greater than a building. It is the people who have come through Sevastopol as students and their families, volunteers, and staff that have always made Sevastopol a special place to be. Possibly one of the greatest discoveries this year might just be Sevastopol’s oldest living graduate who has also served within the school’s walls throughout its history. Her name is Evelyn (Wilke) Ploor. She turned 100 on December 17, 2020.
as saving Saturday mornings for baking. She baked breads, donut holes and elephant ears. She provided her family with large meals waiting for them after long hard work on the farm. Wilfred and Evelyn looked forward to playing intense games of Sheepshead with other couples in the area for pennies and pride. Her love for gardening lead to lots of canning in the fall, which she enjoyed. In January of 1963, she began working as a lunch lady and served Sevastopol students lunch daily. She remembers serving her grandkids Dennis, Mike, Jeff, Trina, and Derek their meals and making sure her grandkids got their favorite dish, applesauce over their noodles. She prepped the main dishes in the lunchroom at that time, which is currently being used as a sixth grade classroom (Deb Dantoin’s current classroom). It was there that she recalls prepping and cooking the meat used in these dishes in a huge kettle by hand. She was relieved when the kitchen was moved to its current location and was updated with better equipment so she didn’t have to do so much grinding of the meat by hand. She was entertained by her grandkids. For example, one day little kindergartener Dennis spent the day in the wrong classroom and her sister Emily Ploor who also worked in the lunchroom spotted Dennis as he came through the lunch line with first grade, she quickly pointed this out to Evelyn. This one tickled her funny bone and is one of her favorite memories. Evelyn left her post in the kitchen after 24 years in 1987 when her husband became ill.
Evelyn started as a first grader at Sevastopol in 1926. She remembers coming to the “new” school and her favorite place to play and hang out was in the woods behind the building. School was her time to be with friends as there were many chores waiting to be done at home, and there wasn’t a lot of time to hang out with friends once she was Evelyn Ploor graduates from Sevastopol in 1938. home. Snow seemed to give her more time with these friends as two of her most vivid memories include one from second grade where she had to stay overnight at Porky Moore’s house who lived near school when a snowstorm hit and prevented her from getting home safely that day. She also remembers a similar experience her freshman year where she had to stay at school until 9 PM waiting for a snow plow to make a path and lead the bus around to get the kids home. During those times, she doesn’t recall the school colors being red and black but instead she remembers her class colors being blue and Her connection to the school contingold. Her favorite teacher was Edna ued as she watched her grandchildren Walker in eighth grade. She was her Trina, Derik, Mike, Jeff, Dennis and Evelyn Ploor: 2021 classroom teacher for all subjects, and she remembers her kindness and learning a lot from her that the last of the great grandchildren Demi and Mya Ploor attend and graduate from Sevastopol in 2017 (Demi) and year. She graduated from school with the class of 1938. 2020 (Mya). Ploor relatives continue to serve as she did for so many years in various positions throughout the school After graduation Evelyn worked as a nanny for the Kellthat include volunteering regularly (Pat), helping with FFA ner family, owners of Kellner Drug store in Sturgeon Bay. functions (Dan), teaching (Ann), and coaching (Dennis & She met her husband Wilfred at a dance through her sister Ann) to continue to strengthen the Ploor ties that began Emily, who was dating Wilfred’s brother Bud. Evelyn and Wilfred married on June 3,1942. They raised their four kids: when a six year old little girl named Evelyn Wilke walked through the front doors of the new school in Sevastopol Tom, Randy, Char (Mueller), and Marilyn (Sissom), who almost 100 years ago. also attended Sevastopol. She became known in the family
Scholarship Recipients 2021* 2021 Matt Heuertz Scholarship—Scott Andreae Britt Cisewski & Angela Clark Memorial Scholarship—Danielle Schleicher Carl Scholz Scholarship—Dallas Nichols Carroll University Voorhees Scholarship—Rebekah Andreae Carroll University Yersin Business Scholarship—Rebekah Andreae Carroll University--Charles Carroll Scholarship—Grace Brauer Carroll University Hilger Tradition Award—Grace Brauer Carroll University Hilder Tradition Award—Rebekah Andreae College Ready Distinguished Student Award—Margaret Ripp Door Kewaunee County Retired Educators Scholarship—Kylie Newton Door County Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship—Grace Brauer Door County Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship—Laci Lautenbach Door County Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship—Olivia Stenzel Door County Right to Life Scholarship—Kylie Newton Doreen Carmody Scholarship—Olivia Stenzel Dr. John and Mary Ann Tong Memorial Scholarship—Abigail Schauske FFA Alumni Scholarship—Scott Andreae FFA Alumni Scholarship—Georgia Neitzke FFA Alumni Scholarship—Abigail Schauske FFA Alumni Scholarship—Ashley Walsh Green Bay Diocese Rural Life Scholarship—Noah Tomaszewski H.R. Holand Lodge 549 Sons of Norway Scholarship—Georgia Neitzke H.R. Holand Lodge 549 Sons of Norway Scholarship—Abigail Schauske Iowa State University Journey Award—Jenna Engeldinger Iowa State University Destination Award—Jenna Engeldinger Jacksonport Advancement Corp—Rylee Krishka Jacksonport Advancement Corp—Paul Lautenbach Jacksonport Advancement Corp—Georgia Neitzke Jacksonport Advancement Corp—Danielle Schleicher Jacksonport Women’s Club—Olivia Stenzel Jandu Family Scholarship—Cole Dvorak John Bobb Memorial Scholarship—Taylor Newton Milwaukee School of Engineering Scholarship--Samuel Abel P.E.O. Chapter EF Joan Hislop Kokua Award--Kylie Newton Peninsula Singers Scholarship—Scott Andreae Pioneer Athletic Booster Club Scholarship—Spencer Evenson Pioneer Athletic Booster Club Scholarship—McKenzie Wiesner Ripon College Pickard Scholarship—McKenzie Wiesner Robert J. Stoffel Sr. Memorial Scholarship—Jenna Engeldinger Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Muckian Technical Education Scholarship—Rylee Krishka
Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Muckian Technical Education Scholarship—Paul Lautenbach Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Muckian Technical Education Scholarship—Danielle Schleicher Sevastopol Education Association—Cole Dvorak Sevastopol Education Association—Kylie Newton Sevastopol Education Association—Taylor Newton Sevastopol Education Association—Riel Phillips Sevastopol Education Association—Mikkel Phillips Sevastopol Education Association—Haylen Retzlaff Sevastopol Education Association—McKenzie Wiesner Sevastopol Extraordinary Volunteerism Award—Georgia Neitzke Sevastopol Scholarship—Cole Dvorak Sevastopol Scholarship—Jenna Engeldinger Sevastopol Scholarship—Spencer Evenson Sevastopol Scholarship—Sasha Laaksonen Sevastopol Scholarship—Georgia Neitzke Sevastopol Scholarship—Kylie Newton Sevastopol Scholarship—Haylen Retzlaff Sevastopol Scholarship—Olivia Stenzel St. Norbert College Van Dyke Award—Dallas Nichols Stanley H. Ostrand Scholarship—Sasha Laaksonen Sue Todey Drug Alliance Prevention Scholarship—Georgia Neitzke University of Minnesota Crookston Achievement Scholarship—Georgia Neitzke UW-Eau Claire Blugold Achievement Award—Chilina Cuellar UW-Milwaukee I AM Scholarship—Abigail Hocevar UW-Oshkosh CAPP Scholarship—Olivia Stenzel UW-Oshkosh Freshman Scholarship—Olivia Stenzel UW-Platteville Merit Scholarship—Cole Dvorak UW-Stevens Point Presidential Gold Scholarship—Kylie Newton UW-Stevens Point Pointer Incentive Grant—Kylie Newton UW-Stevens Point Pointer Promise Scholarship—Noah Tomaszewski UW-Stevens Point Presidential Purple Scholarship—Haylen Retzlaff UW-Stevens Point Presidential Purple Scholarship—Noah Tomaszewski UW-Stout Polytechnic Scholarship—Scott Andreae UW-Stout Promising Student Scholarship—Mekayla Tanck William C. Mack Scholarship—Chilina Cuellar Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship—McKenzie Wiesner Wisconsin Technical Excellence Scholarship—Rylee Krishka
* Scholarships received as of the date of this publication.
Pioneer Times • Sevastopol School News
SPRING 2021 • PAGE 3
Seven Pioneers Set to Retire* Jack Bothwell
Gary Riley
(Mr. B as the kids call him) Bus Driver Title I Intervention 2002 - 2021 (19 +years) Associate BY ROCH LAUTENBACH 2015-2021 (5 years)
BUILDING AND GROUNDS/TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR
BY DIANE JENQUIN DISTRICT READING SPECIALIST Mr. B has been in the education field for 48 years in many different facets. These include special education teacher, director and program support specialist, principals, and assistant superintendent in the Janesville and Milwaukee areas. He moved to Door County on an adventure to work the land in gardening and raise alpacas. Some of his hobbies and interests include learning to spin alpaca fleece, playing piano, gardening, and becoming involved in the Door County Community Choir. He is also an avid bicyclist and runner. We will miss him as he moves to Hartland to re-retire and be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.
Gary drives a morning and evening bus route. He started with the district as the special needs student driver. He was moved to permanent morning and afternoon route driver. Gary owns his own business and has been a YMCA swimming instructor for many years. Fifth grade students will remember Gary as he was their swimming instructor. Gary says that the kids have become like family members. Upon asking the students what they would remember most about Mr. Riley, they mentioned that he was kind and funny, and they “really enjoyed when he decorated the bus for the holidays!”
Mr. B. looks at the whole child as he works with them. He knows just how to reach all the students he works with to get them to open up and learn. During the pandemic he reached out to many of our students who had little or no internet access to listen to them read on the phone or hand deliver materials to make sure they would have what they needed. We will miss him.
David Wheat
High School Mathematics Teacher 2000-2021 (21 years)
Michelle Jordan
High school Special Education Teacher 2 years at Sevastopol (2019-2021) 8 years at Washington Island (2011-2019) BY CHRIS HORVAT SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Although Mrs. Jordan’s time at Sevastopol was all too brief, her impact was tremendous. She was a constant resource to her students, coming in early or staying late after school to tutor students or help them with homework. She would tirelessly edit and review writing assignments, help with memorizing important dates through history and jump into the trenches of mathematics right beside her students. Mrs. Jordan was especially talented in striking a balance between challenging her students and supporting them, between advocating for them and pushing them toward independence. Her talent lies in knowing exactly what a student needs in the moment, and she certainly did not let a global pandemic, a lack of internet access, or Death’s Door keep her from providing what her students needed. The students and staff alike are better off for the time that Michelle Jordan spent at Sevastopol. She will be missed.
BY KYLE SCHLEIS HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHER David has graciously served the School District of Sevastopol as a High School Mathematics teacher for 21 school years. Over the past four decades, Mr. Wheat has served a total of 39 years as an educator starting out his career in Mississippi for two years and then 16 years in Memphis prior to coming to Door County. Over the years, David has embraced several roles beyond the classroom. Mr. Wheat built many strong relationships as the girls’ basketball coach, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) adviser, a volleyball official, and consistently volunteering as a chaperone for class trips and school dances. In our greater community, David can still be found as an active member of the Cherry Hills men’s golf league and Cherry Lanes bowling leagues. He is also a wonderful storyteller as a driver for the Door County Trolley. Perhaps one of the keys to David’s success here at Sevastopol is the fact that nobody could understand him for the first 10 years thanks to his thick Southern accent. All joking aside, David has had a profound impact on thousands of students, staff, and community members because of the type of person he is. Many students think of Mr. Wheat as the “father” of the student body. In addition to all the roles David takes on here at school and in the community, he also enjoys his role as a husband, father, and grandpa. In the words of Tim Newton (Middle School Mathematics teacher), “This just doesn’t seem fair. David and I started at the same time. He’s riding off in the sunset in Cancun in his “Hey Dude” shoes and I have 15 years left!” Thank you David for being a great math teacher, a great person, and a great friend.
Diane Jenquin
Reading Specialist/Title I Coordinator
Diane has been in the field of education for 34 years, 6 of which were with the Sevastopol School District. In addition to her regular duties she has spearheaded family literacy nights.
BY JACK BOTHWELL TITLE I INTERVENTION ASSOCIATE
Roch Lautenbach Building and Grounds/ Transportation Director 2008 to 2021 (13 years) BY DAN PETRINA ASSISTANT BUILDING & GROUNDS/TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR As one of our dedicated and humble employees, you will be greatly missed. We appreciate all your hard work and perseverance to make sure our students had a safe bus ride and learning environment on a daily basis. You are always willing to pitch in on any project and make sure our school is admired by all. You have always taken the time to make Sevastopol a top priority, and we will be forever thankful for your years of dedication. We know your retirement is something you have been looking forward to, so enjoy every minute of it on the lake kayaking and fishing.
Diane has taught in Peshtigo and Marinette in addition to the Sevastopol School District. She was originally a middle school science teacher, but pursued education in the area of reading to support the reading needs of her science students. Over the years she has taught in every grade level as a classroom teacher except kindergarten and third grade. However, she has taught all grades as a reading specialist. Diane was President of the WisconsinTitle I Association for seven years and was on the Wisconsin State Reading Board for seven years. She has three grown children and three grand puppies in addition to her own pup. Diane’s breadth of experience has made her a wonderful resource to the teachers and students at Sevastopol. Her passion for children’s literature is perhaps her greatest contribution. Diane looks forward to having more time in the future to read and to feed her creative side. Currently she enjoys jewelry, macrame, glasswork, beading, repurposing furniture and other crafts.
* Retierements received as of the date of this publication.
Gerald Nelson
Bus Driver 2006 - 2021 (15 +years)
Gerald worked for the school as a part time driver for 2 years prior to being named as a regular driver in 2008
BY ROCH LAUTENBACH BUILDING AND GROUNDS/TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR Gerald drives a morning and evening bus route. In addition, Gerry willingly transports students to special activities, sporting events and such. Gerry is always more than willing to take on additional trips. Gerald gets everyone where they need to go. He has a long history in transportation working with a large interstate bus company and more recently Babler buses before coming to Sevastopol. Gerald is also the past president of the Northeast Wisconsin Antique Power Association and remains very active in club activities. Gerry is a veteran that is active in Amvets activities. He is married and works with many local residents helping out when he can. The students on Mr. Nelson’s bus said that he was always nice and never failed to say “good morning” or “good night” to them.
The Eighth Grade celebrated the successful completion of middle school with a graduation ceremony on Monday, May 17th.
PAGE 4 • SPRING 2021
Pioneer Times • Sevastopol School News
Athletic Update Carnival Celebration BY KATIE GROOTERS, COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER
BY BROOKE TANCK, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
The Lady Pioneers beat Sturgeon Bay in three straight sets in the championship match to advance to sectionals. In the first game of the day. They beat Southern Door to advance to the regional championship.
The spring seasons of the 2021 season, brought change uncertainty and opportunity. Our high school football, volleyball, girl’s swimming, and boy’s soccer team played in their Alternate Fall season prior to the regular spring season. The traditional spring season started a month later. Mother Nature cooperated and we’ve been able to get all our contests in as scheduled! All our athletes in middle school and high school got the opportunity to have the spring seasons that the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and Safer At Home orders of the governor. Athletics brought our students stability and the need to innovate. Conference championships were determined by the outcome of a predetermined head to head date of conference opponents. While the other match was considered non-conference. The high school volleyball team took home Co-Conference Champion honors. Their season success was recognized as Sevastopol hosted a one-day regional event with Gibraltar, Sturgeon Bay, and Southern Door. The Lady Pioneers came out on top and won the regional! Two days later, they won game one of the sectional and lost in the championship game. Our football team traveled great distances like Chequamegon to find an opponent to compete with. We had many of our athletes playing two sports at once with the new alternate fall season and overlap of spring. Congratulations to the following Alternate Fall athletes for earning athletic honors: Spencer Evenson- 1st team defensive back, 2nd team running back (football) Logan Beyer- 2nd team receiver (football) Logan Retzlaff- 2nd team placekicker (football) Noah Tomaszewski- 2nd team linebacker (football) Jack deYoung- honorable mention quarterback (football)
Cole Dvorak- honorable mention punter (football), honorable mention (basketball) Zoe-Rose Kuehn- 1st team (basketball) Bailey Rikkola-1st team (volleyball), honorable mention (girls basketball) Madi Volkmann-1st team (volleyball) Sammy Differt- 2nd team (volleyball) Sasha Laaksonen- 2nd team (volleyball) Rebekah Andreae- 1st team (volleyball) This spring marks the end of our current outdoor athletic facility. Beginning June 1, a new football field, irrigation system, rubberized track, press box, bleachers and new jump, shot and discuss areas will be installed. Theses safety and maintenance enhancements will be ready for athletes to practice and compete on for the 21-22 spring seasons. In the meantime, home varsity football games will take place at Memorial Field and home middle school football games will occur at the Bailey’s Harbor Recreational Park. I am excited to announce This year we will have a guest speaker, Steve Jones for our athletic code meeting on Tuesday, July 27th at 5:00 pm. Steve Jones has built a perennial football powerhouse at Kimberly High School. His successes are largely based on his Leadership Council leadership program he promotes with his student-athletes. It serves as a building block for a team-wide attitude of responsibility, hard work and service to others. He also believes sustained success is dependent on deep ties with the youth programs. Attendance at this event is required for any athlete in grades 6-12 who plan to participate in any athletic event for the 21-22 school year. Sevastopol was able to give every sport its season this year. They may not have felt like they did in 19-20 school year, but they game us a lot to be proud of and thankful for. I can’t wait to see the gyms abuzz again. There is a lot to look forward to in 21-22!
May 21st marked the last day of a very unusual school year at Sevastopol Schools. To celebrate, elementary students spent some of that day playing carnival games together at the Sevastopol Town Park. This event has been made possible by the organization of first year teacher Samantha Bortle and parent volunteer Renee Seifert taking the reins as Carnival Coordinators with the help of Sevastopol’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers as well. With limited fundraising as a district this year, the PTO budget took a big hit. The carnival started as an idea to begin recuperating some of those funds by hosting the event as a fundraising opportunity. Local businesses sponsored the carnival games with their donations. Sevastopol is thankful to these businesses for their continued support of school programs financially supported by the PTO. The carnival was made extra special because
of the many donations given by classroom teachers and community members to provide unique prizes for the kids to select after earning tickets at each game played throughout the day. Sevastopol’s reliable volunteers who have not been able to be in the classrooms as much this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, showed up to supervise the games and prize tables at this outdoor event. A special thanks goes out to these individuals as their work of heart goes a long way in our school and we are grateful for their time. One of our great traditions at Sevastopol is that our kids have always and continue to greatly benefit because of our staff and parent leaders, volunteers, and community support. The smiles on the faces of the children playing and enjoying their extra special day together makes the extra efforts made by many worthwhile.
home! Traditionally, there is an exhibit opening reception at the resort where art show participants can celebrate their art with family members. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was not a large opening reception this year. Families were encouraged
to visit the show with their young artist on their own and celebrate in their own special way. There was also a virtual art show that could be accessed through the Sevastopol School District’s homepage.
Elementary Art Show BY CARA KRUEGER, ART TEACHER The annual Sevastopol Elementary Art Show was on display in the hotel lobby at Stone Harbor Resort from April 9th to May 10th. The show featured weaving, sculpture, painting, drawing and collage art of 55 young artists from 4K-5th grade. The Sevastopol Elementary Art Show is a
long held tradition. Elementary artists work hard all year in hopes of having their artwork selected for the display. Each student will have the opportunity to have their art on display in the show at least one time during their elementary career. When the show ends, the artist gets to take their framed artworks
Photos of the 55 artworks on display in the Stone Harbor Resort hotel lobby.
“Drew Haen” 3rd grader, Drew, created a circle weaving. He painted his paper plate with a colorful design and did a weaving with yarn on top!
“Grant G” 4K artist, Grant, made an artwork based off the book “Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me” by Eric Carle.
“Josie Serrahn” 4th grader, Josie, painted a peaceful snowy forest seen using a monochromatic color palette.
“Naomy Ramirez-Sanchez” 4th grader, Naomy, created a faux heart-shaped Valentine chocolate box. The box was made from cardboard and plaster strips and the chocolates were made from plaster, we used an ice cube tray for the mold!
“Sidney Gaida” 1st grader, Sidney, made pumpkin art inspired by the artist, Romero Britto. She mixed all her paint colors for the background and pumpkin herself and added patterns on top with oil pastels.