THE CLIPPER CONNECTION
STURGEON BAY HIGH SCHOOL
Sturgeon Bay Wrestlers Compete on National Stage
BY STEPHEN JACOBSON
Several Sturgeon Bay High School students, and members of the Sturgeon Bay/Sevastopol wrestling team, competed at the state and national level this summer.
Sunrise Elementary Playground a Reality!
BY: KENDRA VANDERTIE
After five years of hard work and generous donors, the Sunrise Elementary playground has been remodeled, refreshed, and ready for play! From the vision of Cheryl Pfister and Craig Sigl in 2019, a volunteer playground committee was formed including Cheryl and Craig, parents, community members and the elementary Principals Katie Smullen and Katy DeVillers. Special thanks also to Nicole Matson, Brooke Ulrich, Rachel Maurer, Kendra Vandertie and Catherine Poon for their hard work and dedication to this committee.
a reality sooner rather than later.
That next year led to many special requests to donors, grant writing, and working with the City of Sturgeon Bay to help with in-kind work on the demolition of the old decaying playground. Nearly $500,000 was raised overall and construction began at the end of July, 2024. Students and the community now have a more level soccer field at the school, three basketball hoops, multiple blacktop games including kickball and foursquare, and an all new play structure that has a poured in place surface making it accessible now to all students. The play structure has designated tranquility zones as well as swings, slides, and several gross motor activities.
Tiani Lemieux - Junior Tiani became the first female in school history to be named Packerland Conference Wrestler of the Year after advancing to the 138-pound championship match in the 2024 WIAA State Wrestling Tournament. In May, Tiani won the 148-pound championship at the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation Freestyle State Tournament, earning a roster spot on the Wisconsin 16U Freestyle National Dual Team. Tiani went 2-1 at Nationals, defeating opponents from Texas and Missouri.
Spencer Madsen - Junior A two-time All-Packerland Conference wrestler, Spencer has re-written most of the SBS Wrestling records, many of which date back to the 1940s. He placed 3rd at the 2024 Wisconsin Wrestling Federation Greco State Tournament in May, earning a trip to the 2024 Marine Corps Junior National tournament in Fargo, ND. His impressive resume caught the attention of the UW Parkside wrestling coaching staff, and Spencer announced his commitment to wrestle for the Rangers after graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School.
Our Sturgeon Bay Band and Choir students are having an amazing year with new music and more concerts, giving our students opportunities to flourish and expand their musical abilities. Our students have been busy learning, practicing, and performing in preparation for our highly anticipated holiday concerts.
Our Band Director, Ms. Heidi Hintz will be hosting our Winter Band Concert on Monday, December 16 at 7:00pm in the Robert H. Nickel Auditorium at Sturgeon Bay High School. In addition, our Choir Director, Ms. Avery Burns will be hosting the Winter Choir Concert on Thursday, December 19 at 7:00pm in the same Robert H. Nickel Auditorium. We encourage our community to get in the holiday spirit and join us for one or both of these outstanding performances that have become the highlight of December!
In addition to the concerts, we have exciting news as we have been working with members of the community, the SBSD School Board, and building administration to make major renovations to the
SBHS Math Team
The math team season will soon be underway! The Sturgeon Bay High School Math Team has won 23 consecutive Packerland Conference Championships and several state championships, including first place in 2022 and 2023 and second place in 2024.
Zak Wrobel - Senior A two-time all-conference wrestler and 2022 state qualifier, Zak is looking to put an exclamation point on his stellar career. In June, Zak attended the IronSharpens-Iron team camp in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Over 1,500 wrestlers from across the USA converged on Fort Dodge to learn from the top collegiate and Olympic-level wrestlers and to compete in a dual tournament. Zak went 4 - 1 on the week, upsetting two state place-winners and being named to the IronSharpens-Iron All-Star Team. He needs 11 wins this season to earn his 100th career varsity win.
Auditorium. As part of the fundraising process, we will be bringing in some concerts and recitals to the auditorium. We hope to see you at as many student and community performances and concerts as possible. Student concerts are always free. The auditorium renovation concert series that we are developing will have a suggested minimum donation of $10. Big thanks to Swingin’ Door Big Band for their fantastic concert in October to kick off the year! Please stay tuned to the Sturgeon Bay School District social media platforms to hear about these concerts and all of our music and other academic activities.
Looking ahead to later this year, the jazz bands at the middle school and high school will have their second annual non-competitive jazz festival on February 1st featuring clinician, Dr. Eric High from St. Norbert’s College, as well as performances by the Swingin’ Door Big Band and The Last of the Big Bands.We encourage our community to celebrate our talented student musicians by attending any of the concerts or musical performances throughout the year.
Practices start before Thanksgiving, and there are 5 meets in January and February. Each team consists of 8 students - only 4 seniors can be on a team and 1 sophomore or 1 freshmen MUST be on each team. There are 4 individual events – Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II and Other Topics - and the top 5 individuals in each grade receive medals. Freshmen compete against other freshmen, sophomores against other sophomores, etc. There is also one team event. Math Team is a great way for students to develop problem solving skills and learn to work with each other.
The committee hit a setback during the 2020 pandemic, but came back stronger and better during the summer of 2023 thanks to one motivated teacher associate and her summer school students. That summer, Mandy Schoeneman had students lining up to enroll in her Lemonade Stand class that not only taught entrepreneurship, budgeting, and marketing but also raised several thousand dollars for the playground campaign. The excitement and effort of the students invigorated Principal Katie Smullen to call the committee back together in order to make the new playground
The playground Grand Opening was October 18th at 10:15 a.m. The students were able to access their playground the week before the grand opening. If you haven’t yet seen the new area, please come for a visit!! The playground is as much a community space as a school space and we look forward to seeing it used by kids and families all year long during nonschool hours.
Growth and Success for Sturgeon Bay High School’s Youth Apprenticeship
BY LAUREN BAUMANN
Over the past three years, the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (NEWYA) Program at Sturgeon Bay High School has seen remarkable growth. NEWYA equips students with workforce experience within their chosen fields, and reflects Sturgeon Bay High School’s commitment to provide students with hands-on experience, venues to develop employability skills, and pathways to future careers.
The NEWYA program had just 7 participants in the 2021-2022 school year, but grew to include 22 in the following school year. The upward trajectory continued into the 20232024 school year when an all-time high of 38 students participated. This year, there are 29 participants and counting as enrollment continues into the beginning of the second semester for the current school year. Recruitment for the 2025-2026 school year NEWYA program commences with the second semester.
In the 2023-2024 school year, the State of Wisconsin saw an increased participation rate of 7.6% in Youth Apprenticeship. SBHS exceeded the
state rate that year, at 18%.
Youth Apprentices are required to work a minimum of 450 hours over a calendar year. This equated to a minimum of $254,545.71 earned by the Youth Apprentices of SBHS in the 2023-2024 program year. The average hourly wage for students was $14.89 last year; it is set to increase to $15.29 for this 2024-2025 school year.
As we look to the future, NEWYA remains committed to expanding opportunities for our students. These opportunities are made possible by dedicated business partners within the Door County community. You can learn more about NEWYA opportunities at events throughout the year such as “Manufacturing Days,” hosted by the Door County Economic and Development Corporation (DCEDC). NEWYA also partners with the DCEDC for the Annual Door County Job Fair. Through valuable community partnerships and workplace experiences, students will continue to move forward in achieving impactful exposures to future career possibilities.
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Sturgeon Bay High School’s very own Luke Selle has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. This is an extraordinarily high academic achievement.
Luke is one of approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, which represents less than one percent of high school seniors and includes only the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Luke will continue in the competition with the opportunity to compete for some 6,870 scholarships worth nearly $26 million. To become a finalist, a semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school principal, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the students’ earlier test performance.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), established in1955, is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 280 business organizations, higher education institutions and individual donors to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.
Sturgeon Bay Newsletter
Celebrate the Holidays with Sturgeon Bay Band
Ribbon cutting at the Playground Grand Opening
Riding into Adventure: PE Class Goes Mobile
Physical Education teacher, Ben Herland, provides middle school students a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Each fall and spring during physical education classes, middle school students learn about the benefits of biking. Students first learn how to safely bike on roads, and once mastered, they experience biking on trail systems.
Biking can help students build physical fitness, improve their coordination, and learn about road safety and teamwork when they ride in groups. Students ride hybrid bikes and wear biking helmets as they bike throughout Sturgeon Bay neighborhoods. Students in 7th and 8th grade participate in this program. The culminating experience is mountain biking the trails as a group with Mr. Herland and Mr. Sigl.
Mr. Herland was inspired to add outdoor adventures to the middle school experience,
Future Leaders
initially by adding biking to the curriculum. He succeeded in obtaining a grant to purchase 29 bicycles, and the helmets were donated by Habush, Habush, and Rotier to Door County Silent Sports Alliance. Mr. Herland plans to include more outdoor activities for students to experience.
TJ Walker’s ID/Autism Classroom TJ WALKER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School Students Join the National Junior Honor Society
Fifty outstanding TJ Walker Middle School students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), in recognition of their exceptional academic achievements, commitment to service, and exemplary character. Families, faculty, and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of these young scholars, who met rigorous criteria set by the national organization, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrating leadership and citizenship qualities.
The NJHS emphasizes five key pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. During the ceremony, each inductee was praised for not only achieving academic excellence but also for their characters and stewardship to the middle school.
Each fall and spring, National Junior Honor Society students select a community service project that makes a significant contribution to our community. Many students highlighted their volunteer work, involvement with various school clubs, showcasing a strong dedication to service beyond the classroom.
“Being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society is not just about grades; it’s about who you are as a person,” said Principal Mark Smullen.. “These students exemplify the values of honesty, respect, and responsibility. They are leaders in their own right and are making a positive impact in our community.” The event featured speeches from current NJHS school representatives and Mr. Stephen Jacobson, who encouraged the new inductees to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of their lives.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic lighting of five candles, representing the ideals of the NJHS. Each new member received a certificate and pin to commemorate their achievement. As these fifty students embark on their journey as NJHS members, they are poised to not only enhance their own educational experiences but also to inspire their peers to engage actively in their school and community, further enriching the spirit of leadership and citizenship among young learners.
Trailblazers:
The Clipper Connection is brought to you by the Sturgeon Bay Schools Newsletter Committee: Allison Haus, Rachel Maurer, Lauren Meacham, Jenna Auguston, Mandy Schoeneman, Kasee Jandrin, Miranda Eytcheson, Stephen Jacobson, Katy Devillers, Katie Smullen, Mark Smullen, Keith Nerby, Jen Paye-Weber, Lindsay Ferry, Ann DeMeuse, Dan Tjernagel
Contributors: STEPHEN JACOBSON, KENDRA VANDERTIE, LAUREN BAUMANN, TRAVIS GROOTERS, CHRISTEL RUDDY, JILLIAN LAURENT, MIRANDA EYTCHESON
Sponsored by: Peninsula Pulse
Total Copies:
TJ Walker’s Allied Arts Presents Elf The Musical Jr.
Our school is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “Elf the Musical, Jr.” set to take the stage in December! Students have been hard at work rehearsing to bring the beloved story of Buddy the Elf to life through song, dance, and heartfelt performances. The play promises to be a delightful spectacle, with vibrant costumes and a beautifully designed set. From the enthusiastic ensemble to the lead roles, every cast member is excited to share their interpretation of this charming holiday tale.
The cast is not only honing their acting skills but are also learning the importance of teamwork and collaboration, making this
A specialized autism-support classroom has been introduced at TJ Walker Middle School, designed to cater to the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum. This initiative aims to provide an inclusive and structured environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional development. The classroom is equipped with sensory-friendly furniture, visual supports, and individualized learning plans that align with each student’s abilities. Teachers and aides are trained to implement evidence-based practices, ensuring that the students receive a personalized education that helps them thrive in both their studies and social interactions.
In addition to academic instruction, the program focuses on building life skills, such as communication and self-regulation, through activities that
Cultural Connections: 6th Graders Discover the Joy of Spanish
TJ Walker Middle School is excited to announce the launch of new 6th grade Spanish classes for 69 6th grade students starting in 2024-2025. This initiative aims to enhance the school’s foreign language curriculum and provide students with the opportunity to learn a second language in a fun and engaging environment. The classes will be tailored to different proficiency levels, ensuring that all students can participate and benefit from the program.
The Spanish classes are taught by TJ Walker teacher, Senora Anthony, an experienced instructor who is fluent in the language and passionate about teaching. Senora Anthony employs a variety of
Middle School Duo Earns National Acclaim
The Midwest Championships is an annual event organized by the US Optimist Dinghy Association in cooperation with various programs in the region. TJ Walker middle school students, Frankie Pichette (8th grade) & William Goettelman (7th grade), competed in the Midwest Championship Opti Regatta in Lake Geneva on September 28th and 29th. Both Frankie and William qualified for the US Team Trials in Norfolk, Virginia in April 2025 for the 2025 Optimist Team Trials.
production a valuable experience for everyone in- volved. “Elf the Mu- sical” is more than just a show; it’s an opportunity for students to express their creativity and spread holiday cheer. We invite families and friends to join us for a heartwarming evening filled with laughter, joy, and the true spirit of the season!
This Allied Arts production is led by Sturgeon Bay teachers Avery Burns (Choir Director), Paige Sullivan (Costume and Wardrobe), Mariah Rankin (Set Design), and Scott Hockers Set Production.
foster independence and social engagement. Students are also integrated into the broader school community through group projects and extracurricular activities, promoting inclusion while allowing them to practice social skills in real-world settings. The class has taken field trips to Crossroads at Big Creek to hike trails, explore the creek, and visit area pumpkin patches.
interactive methods, including games, music, and cultural projects, to make learning enjoyable. Currently, 38 7th grade students take Spanish class and 31 8th grade students take Spanish I class (allowing them to take Spanish II as 9th grade students). Additionally, students have the chance to explore Hispanic culture through activities that highlight traditions, cuisine, and music from Spanish-speaking countries, fostering a deeper appreciation for the language and its rich heritage.
Principal Mark Smullen expressed his enthusiasm for the new program, stating, “We believe that learning a second language is essential in today’s global society. It opens up numerous opportunities for our students and helps them develop important communication skills.” With strong community support and a growing interest among students, the school anticipates a positive response to this new offering, which aims to prepare students for future academic and professional success.
The Challenges and Joys of Being a Brand New Middle School Teacher
Starting as a new middle school teacher is both exciting and overwhelming, with every day presenting a whirlwind of challenges. From the first bell to the last, teachers must juggle classroom management, lesson plans, and the emotional needs of students in an unpredictable environment. Middle schoolers are at a developmental stage where they are discovering their identities and often testing boundaries, requiring a delicate bal-
ance between discipline and engagement. For new teachers, figuring out how to keep students focused and motivated while ensuring they absorb the curriculum can feel like a trial by fire.
Classroom management, in particular, requires setting clear expectations, building relationships, and finding the right mix of structure and creativity.
However, alongside these challenges comes deeply rewarding moments. One new teacher, Brinna Rasmussen, said this today in regards to classroom management, “Coming into teaching 8th grade was definitely a daunting task at the beginning of the year.
As a first year teacher I did not know what to expect, but our students really are amazing and we are all taking things in stride. I am learning so much right along with them, and
gaining their respect and attention while doing it. It has been a really rewarding thing.” For many new teachers, the most fulfilling aspect of the job is seeing students grow, both academically and personally. Whether it’s watching a student finally grasp a difficult concept, or offering support when they face social or emotional struggles, the impact a teacher can make is significant. Despite the long hours and constant need to adapt, the opportunity to shape young lives keeps many new teachers optimistic and motivated as they settle into their roles.
Welcome our four newest TJ Walker Teachers: Brinna Rasmussen (8th Gr. English Language Arts), Lauren Buczko (ID/ Autism), Kylie Neinas (6th Gr. Science), and Brittney Rickerson (7th Gr. Special Education). Each of them has been doing a fantastic job supporting your children’s academic and social emotional growth. We look forward to each team member’s contribution throughout the year.
Frankie Pichette and William Goettelman
8th Gr. Allied Arts Students - missing Frankie Pichette
Mr. Sigl and 8th grade students.
Devin Nohr, Dan Sallinen, Alaina Kirby, Kiley Torbeck, and Lauren Buczko.
Gratitude ProjectSCHOOLWIDE
During construction of the playground, Sunrise School took the opportunity to teach about gratitude. Each day, a different class brought a cooler of drinks and snacks to the playground workers. One day a class brought them sandwiches for lunch, and a few mornings they were given donuts. The children were so excited to thank the crew for constructing their new playground!
SUNRISE ELEMENTARY
Sunrise 4th and 5th Grade Girls Basketball Teams
and
not
and
Tea Party
Third graders at Sunrise Elementary kicked off the school year with a unit on classic literature. They spent time reading “The Wind in the Willows”, “Aladdin”, and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” learning about themes, story elements, personification, character traits, and rich vocabulary.
To conclude the unit, students were surprised by a visit from the White Rabbit, who sent them walking through a keyhole into Wonderland for a tea party. Teachers and staff dressed as characters from the story and welcomed them in. Students enjoyed treats and lemonade, posed in the photo booth, and watched the cartoon version of Alice in Wonderland. A good time was had by all!
SOCKTOBER
BY: TRAVIS GROOTERS, 4TH GRADE TEACHER
“At Sunrise, we strive to “Be the Good.” One of the ways the fourth graders have been trying to do this is with a service project. We reached out to Feed and Clothe My People, and found out that clean socks are an item that is always in need. We decided to start a donation drive called “Socktober.” Throughout the month of October, students brought in their donations of new socks and placed them in their grade level’s collection box. To add to the fun, there was a friendly competition between grade levels. The grade level that donated the most socks - 4th grade - earned a popcorn party! The goal was to collect 1,000 pairs of socks by the end of October; we collected 1032 pairs.” The email response from Feed and Clothe My People began with this: “Are you kidding!? That’s awesome! That is impressive, and I know the families in the community will be so appreciative!”
Sturgeon Bay School District Community Programming
This winter, the Sturgeon Bay School District will be continuing its adult community education program. The main purpose of the initiative, which will be in its third year, is to welcome the Sturgeon Bay community into our schools, see the facilities, and interact with staff while being engaged in learning. The school district is excited to offer this opportunity to both families who have students in the school district as well as to those who may not have school-aged children. Last year several classes also were offered as generational classes; grandparents and parents participated in classes along with their school aged children.
Current and retired school staff members teach classes that showcase a curriculum subject or topic they presently teach
during the regular school day or something they are passionate about outside of the regular school day. Class offerings have included opportunities to participate in art and music activities, tech. ed. or physical fitness and health, and computer-type courses such as learning how to use Excel or Google spreadsheets. Classes will begin being offered in January and will conclude in the spring.
Additional information about the classes offered this winter can be found on the school website under the Community link. If you’d like to be put on a mailing list to receive the 2025 programming schedule and registration forms, please send an email to: sbcp@sbsdmail.net
We warmly welcome new staff to our Sunrise community this year!
SUSAN GUTHRIE
Susan has joined Sunrise as a Community Match Teacher Associate. She is a chef and former business owner. Susan and her husband started the Bluefront Cafe and ran it for 25 years. She is excited for this new opportunity to work with our students and we are excited to welcome her to Sunrise!
ANNIKA
SCHOENEMAN
Annika is our first Youth Apprentice at Sunrise. She is a senior at Sturgeon Bay High School and wants to go into Elementary Education. Annika has such a positive attitude and is an accomplished student and athlete. We are excited to welcome her to Sunrise!
ADELINE KIRK
Adeline is a new Special Education Teaching Associate on our Sunrise Team! She used to own 5 horses and would compete in barrel racing competitions. She enjoys baking, painting, and playing board games with family and friends. Adeline is very excited to be working with our students and is hoping to make each and every day better!
TRAVIS GROOTERS
4th Grade TeacherHe previously taught 2nd grade at Sawyer for 18 years, and taught special education at Sunrise for 1 year. Travis loved his time at Sawyer but is eager to take on the challenge of teaching a new grade level. He is excited to join the Sunrise Team, and is especially looking forward to working with and building upon relationships with some of his past students.
CHANTEL DUCKART
3rd Grade Teacher
- Chantel graduated from UWGB with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She is a first year teacher and is very excited and passionate about her students’ achievements. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend Justin. She also loves dirttrack racing. Chantel is very excited to be a teacher at Sunrise Elementary School.
SAM MARTYLEWSKI
Sam is our new Library Teaching Associate at Sunrise. She brings with her a wealth of experience working with children and families as a Community Engagement Specialist at the Girl Scouts, in addition to a great deal of tech experience as a Data Integrity Supervisor at Fetch Rewards in Madison. We are excited for her enthusiasm and welcome her to Sunrise!
KAYLA FOLLINGSTAD Student Teacher
Kayla is a student teacher in Physical Education at Sunrise until early November. She’s currently a student at UW-LaCrosse and will graduate in December with her degree in PASHE (Physical Adapted and School Health Education). Kayle graduated from Gibraltar High School and we’re so happy to have her back in Door County!
AMANDA ANTHONY
We are so excited to welcome Amanda to Sunrise! She will work with our ELL students daily. Amanda will travel from the Middle and High School where she teaches Spanish.
The gymnasium at Sunrise Elementary was buzzing with excitement as the 4th
5th grade girls basketball season got underway this fall. Under the guidance of dedicated coaches, the players focused on developing essential skills, from dribbling and shooting to understanding game strategy, as well as learning that winning is
everything; it’s about having fun
working together!
5th Grade Girls Basketball Team Coached by: Mike Davis and Jena Burlo Back row: Camila Gonzales, Sam Mauch, Collins Davis, Julea Fields-Oberleitner Front row: Evaletta Perez, Madison Ellenbecker, Azura Boll, Sophia Sanchez-Garcia
4th Grade Girls Basketball Team Coached by: Chris Deprey and Mark Felhofer
Back row: Madison Ellenbecker, Emma Angelov, Hazel Mueller, Zoie Viste
Front row: Hadley Walker, Aubrey Deprey, Sophia Sanchez-Garcia, Ana Matysiak
BY: CHRISTEL RUDDY , 3RD GRADE TEACHER
Sawyer SelfRegulation Alternative Program
BY JILLIAN LAURENT, SAWYER SELF-REGULATION ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, CERTIFIED
NATURE-BASED PEDIATRIC THERAPIST
Have you ever picked a flower, hiked up a hill, balanced along a log, climbed a tree, splashed in a stream or dug for worms? Exploring nature offers rich learning opportunities to develop and support the whole scope of fine motor, gross motor, and self regulation skills. Children learn to take risks, overcome fears, make new friends, regulate emotions, and create imaginary worlds. Research indicates that nature-based play and learning has been shown to influence children’s cognitive development; improved social relations among children, between students and teachers, and across school communities as a whole; stronger classroom engagement; higher self-regulated learning motivational behavior; fewer emotional and mental health problems and higher emotional resilience; and can improve children’s social development.
Sawyer Self-Regulation Alternative Program was piloted in the fall of 2023 and was established to provide our youngest learners at Sturgeon Bay School District in 4K-2nd grade a nature based learning experience to focus on their emotions and learn tools that they can use to support their learning back in the traditional school setting.
The goal of the program is to help our students feel
*Confident *Coordinated *Creative *Calm *Happier *Healthier *Independent *Strong
While helping them gain more
*Focus and Attention *Emotional Control *Social Skills *Sensory Processing *Fine and Gross Motor Skills *Body Awareness *Imagination *Problem-solving
This program is designed for Special Education students in 4k-2nd grade who are nominated by their special education case manager. Students will be enrolled in the program fluidly for 2 to 6 weeks. Enrollment is based on student need. The program is thankful for the partnership with Crossroads at Big Creek and Door County YMCA to support these efforts and allow sensory exploration.
Clipper Football Team Engages Sawyer Students in Reading
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON, 4K/5K RELATED ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
During homecoming week, our Clipper football team made a special visit to Sawyer Elementary, taking time out of their busy schedule to engage with students from preschool through second grade. The players brought joy to small groups by reading beloved books like “Pete the Cat” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” The young students were thrilled to have the athletes share stories, creating a memorable experience that highlighted the importance of reading and community spirit. This heartwarming initiative not only fostered a love for books among the kids, but also strengthened the bond between the high school team and their future fans.
Door County Coffee Collects and Donates School Supplies
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON, 4K/5K RELATED ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
Sawyer School teachers recently experienced a delightful surprise when Door County Coffee generously donated a collection of much-needed school supplies. Upon entering the workroom, teachers were thrilled to find an impressive haul that included notebooks, clipboards, fidgets for students, markers, crayons, tissues, wipes, glue sticks, binders, and even games.
This thoughtful donation will enhance the classroom experience, providing students with essential tools for learning and creativity. The teachers at Sawyer School are incredibly grateful for Door County Coffee’s support and generosity. Their kindness not only benefits the educators but also enriches the lives of the students, making a positive impact on the school community. Sawyer teachers extend their heartfelt appreciation to Door County Coffee for their invaluable contribution.
Elementary PTO
Sturgeon Bay Elementary Schools have added new members to the Parent-Teacher Organization Board. Catherine Poon, President, who has a kindergartener and preschooler, moved to Sturgeon Bay three years ago with her husband, a Clippers alum, to be closer to family. Rachel Maurer, Vice-President, has lived here for the last decade with her family which includes a fifth-grader, third-grader and preschooler. Catherine and Rachel join Dustin Blackledge who continues to serve as Treasurer for the last several years.
Together, their focus is on new fundraising strategies that include modernizing payment options (such as Venmo) and scalable partnerships with local small businesses and grants, so that the PTO can meet historical commitments such as subsidizing field trips. In fact, the PTO contributed almost 42% of their contributions towards making field trips affordable, if not free, for families. Some notable field trips are a local government tour of Madison, visit to the NEW Zoo in Green Bay, and a biology-focused exploration of Rock Island, along with multiple shows at the Weidner Center in Green Bay.
Another priority is community-building. Connecting school families with each other is important to create a sense of belonging for both parents and children as they grow together during their school careers. The PTO organizes many fun events, such as Fall & Friends and board game nights.
Lastly, the PTO is working towards increasing parent involvement and input in the school. They are finding ways for parents to volunteer in the classroom to support teachers and be a part of their kids’ school experience. The PTO values parent and teacher collaboration and encourages ideas on changes and initiatives that improve the school.
The PTO meets the first Thursday of each month at 3:30 PM in the Sunrise school library. Elementary school staff and students’ families are welcome and encouraged to come.
Reviving History: The Bookmobile’s Visit to Sawyer School
4K/5K RELATED ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON,
The bookmobile recently made a stop at Sawyer School, bringing with it a unique blend of nostalgia and education. This vintage vehicle, a cherished piece of Door County history from the 1950s-1980s, serves as a traveling exhibit aimed at enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. Its mission is clear: to provide valuable educational resources, preserve local history, and foster a stronger community. During its visit, students had the opportunity to explore the bookmobile, check out books, and enjoy outdoor reading–a perfect way to engage with literature while soaking up the fresh air.
Exploring Nature: 2nd Graders Venture to The Ridges!
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON, 4K/5K RELATED ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
The 2nd grade class embarked on their first field trip of the year to The Ridges in Bailey’s Harbor, and it was a day filled with adventure and learning! The students teamed up to build forts, fostering teamwork and creativity as they constructed their outdoor hideaways.
Throughout the day, they learned to identify various local tree species, deepening their appreciation for nature and the environment. One of the highlights was a visit to the boneyard, where the students eagerly dug into the ground, uncovering fascinating discoveries about the natural world around them.
This memorable trip not only provided hands-on learning experiences but also encouraged a love for exploration and teamwork among the young adventurers!
Outdoor Exploration: Students Discover Living vs. Nonliving Things
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON, 4K/5K RELATED ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
Students in the 4K STEAM class recently took their learning outdoors along the Sawyer Trail to explore the difference between living and nonliving things. Equipped with iPads, they photographed various living organisms they encountered, enhancing their understanding of what it means for something to be “alive.” As part of this Learning Module, students discovered that living things include not only those currently alive but also those that were once alive, as well as parts of living organisms. They investigated the natural habitats of these living things and discussed their essential needs for survival. To wrap up the module students will create bird feeders to take home, further connecting their classroom learning to the natural world.
Sturgeon Bay Fire Department Sparks Excitement with Fire Safety
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON, 4K/5K RELATED
ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
The Sturgeon Bay Fire Department recently visited Sawyer School bringing two dedicated firefighters to teach our early elementary students about fire safety. The firefighters explained the crucial steps of “Stop, Drop, and Roll” in case of a fire emergency, ensuring students knew how to react. They also emphasized the importance of testing smoke alarms regularly to keep homes safe and discussed strategies for escaping safely during a fire. The engaging presentation not only educated the children but also empowered them with essential safety skills, fostering a sense of responsibility for their own safety and that of their families.
Exploring Adaptations: A Visit from Open Door Bird Sanctuary
, 4K/5K RELATED ARTS 4K/2ND STEAM TEACHER
BY MIRANDA EYTCHESON
Sawyer First Grade Students recently had an exciting opportunity to engage with the Open Door Bird Sanctuary during a STEAM class focused on animal adaptations. This in-person connection helped them understand the various adaptations that enable birds to thrive in their environments. Through observation and interaction, students learned how features like beak shape, feather coloration, and body structure serve specific purposes related to survival. The first graders have engaged in various investigations in class focusing on adaptations for protection, camouflage, food, and locomotion. They participated in an inquiry investigation that examined how different beak shapes are best suited for gathering specific types of food, emphasizing the importance of adaptations in feeding strategies. The visit from the Open Door Bird Sanctuary was a fantastic way to bring the classroom learning to life. The first graders left with a deeper appreciation for the incredible adaptations found in nature and the critical role they play in survival. We look forward to seeing how these young minds continue to explore and learn about the wonders of the natural world!