Talon Times • Newsletter Winter 2024 by Door County Pulse

TalonTimes

Talon Community Fitness Center Grand Opening

BY ELISE JACKSON (SDHS SOPHOMORE)

Southern Door’s new Talon Community Fitness Center is gaining traction with both students and local residents. The facility officially opened in September 2024 after a construction process that started in early 2023. Additionally, the fitness center offers a wide range of resources, and provides a great resource for the community.

“The new fitness center is a great place for all people to train,” said Ben Kline,

the new athletic director.

The center features a state-of-the-art weight room, cardio machines, and indoor turf. The variety of equipment and facility areas accommodate different needs and fitness levels, and encourage students and community members of all abilities to participate in a healthier lifestyle. Mr. Kline even explained that some of the fitness machines are wheelchair accessible.

“The fitness center can truly be used by anyone,” he said.

Talon Community Fitness Center Hours

Members access these facilities using the Verkada Pass app during the following times:

Weekdays: 4:00 AM–7:00 AM and 5:00

PM–10:00 PM Weekends: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM

Staffed Hours: The weight room will continue to be staffed during these times: School Days: 5:00 AM–7:00 AM and 3:00

PM–8:00 PM

Weekends: 7:00 AM–10:00 AM

Important Notes: As per district policy, current middle and high school students may only use the facility with adult supervision. Access is restricted to registered Talon Community Fitness Center members. On days when school is canceled due to inclement weather, the facilities will also remain closed.

Eagle Gym Access: Access to the Eagle Gym is included with your Talon Community Fitness Center membership. Members are

The center has already attracted a variety of users. Southern Door Schools has used the facility for PE classes, inclement weather recesses, football, softball, cross country, and volleyball, as well as other programs within the school. In addition, the Sturgeon Bay High School soccer program and Notre Dame High School football program have used the facility in preparation for their respective sectional and state performances. Additionally, a community soccer league started by Morning Glory Restaurant, and the Green Bay model airplane club have used the facility.

welcome to use the gym when it is not reserved for school-sponsored teams or other groups. The weekly Eagle Gym schedule will be posted outside the gym and on the district website for your convenience.

The Southern Door Campus will be Closed: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Southern Door High School senior Ben Grota, has been recognized as a Semifinalist in the highly competitive 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program! This extraordinary honor places Ben among the top academic achievers in the nation, with more than 16,000 students earning semifinalist status from an initial pool of 1.3 million test-takers. Ben’s hard work, dedication, and passion for learning have propelled him into this elite group of scholars, taking him one step closer to winning a share of the nearly $26 million in scholarships to be awarded next spring.

To earn this recognition, Ben excelled on the Preliminary SAT, better known as PSAT, which is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, and met a rigorous cutoff score. As a semi-

finalist, he will now submit an in-depth scholarship application, which includes details about his academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, community service, and leadership experiences.

Please join us in congratulating Ben Grota on this remarkable achievement!

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), established in 1955, is a not-forprofit 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.

Eagle Statue

As you’ve probably noticed or heard by now, we have a great new addition to the front circle area of our campus - a large Eagle sculpture. This was generously provided by the Haunted Mansion fund, which was in operation from 2006-2019. The sculpture was fully donated using money from the Haunted Mansion fund, so a huge shout out and thank you to everyone involved in making this a reality. The artist, Jeff Greening, did a phenomenal job putting the sculpture together for us. It’s a great addition to our campus and we look forward to the many ways that the eagle will be incorporated into district events such as the first day of school photo-ops, sporting events and artistic celebrations, graduation, among many others. A big thank you all around!

A Note from the Superintendent

I hope everyone is having a safe and fulfilling holiday season. My name is Kevin Krutzik, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of the Southern Door School District. It is truly an honor to join this community and work alongside the dedicated individuals, families, and organizations who are passionate about contributing to the success of our students and staff.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Southern Door community and the greater Door County area for the warm welcome I have received. The kindness, support, and encouragement shared by staff members and community members alike have been truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for it.

The 2024-2025 school year is off to an incredible start! Our fall sports and extracurricular offerings wrapped up their seasons with strong finishes and our winter sports and activities are already in full force. Additionally, we are excited that this year’s fall high school musical, White Christmas, brought in over 1,900 attendees during the four days of production.

One of my key priorities as Superintendent is to guide our efforts to ensure the longterm financial sustainability of our school district. During the quarterly Board of Education retreat on November 11, 2024, the Board approved the distribution of a community survey to gauge support for a fouryear, non-recurring Operational Referendum to exceed the revenue limit set under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The referendum would allow for exceeding the revenue limit by $3,500,000 in each of the next four school years. These funds, earmarked for maintaining educational programs and covering operational and maintenance expenses, would continue after the current three-year operating referendum expires. This measure is vital to supporting the district’s ability to continue delivering an exceptional education to our students. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always available at kkrutzik@sdsd.k12.wi.us or 920-825-7311. Kevin Krutzik Superintendent

New Staff

The Southern Door County School District welcomed 17 new (and one returning staff member) to the Eagle Community for the 2024-25 school year. We are thrilled to add their talents and passion to our district!

Southern Door School District Achieves High Marks

The Southern Door County School District is pleased to announce that the district and schools have met or exceeded expectations on the Report Card from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the 2023-24 school year. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, students, and parents, who should all take great pride in this success.

The state accountability report cards summarize student performance and engagement for each school and the district overall. The report card includes four priority areas — Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes, and On-Track to Graduation— each of which is scored. The district and each school within it have also been assigned an accountability rating and overall score.

According to the State of Wisconsin DPI Report Card Achievement Priority Area Score:

Southern Door County School District performed the same or higher than 82.6% of all districts in the state (increased from 81.3% in 2022-23)

Southern Door Elementary School performed the same or higher than 76.3% of all schools in the state (decreased from 78.6% in 2022-23)

Southern Door Middle School performed the same or higher than 83.9% of all schools in the state. (increased from 80.5% in 2022-23)

Southern Door High School performed the same or higher than 69.1% of all schools in the state.

(increased from 67.9% in 2022-23)

As we celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our staff and students, we are reminded that learning and achievement are continuous journeys, not final destinations. Our commitment to growth is unwavering, and we remain actively focused on refining and enhancing our educational efforts every step of the way. We thank our entire school community for their continued support.

Teacher Brett Hanson Seeks to Integrate AI into Education

BY BEN GROTA (SDHS SENIOR)

Forty-six percent of teachers and forty-eight percent of students report using Chat GPT (an artificial intelligence chat-bot) weekly, according to a survey conducted in May by Impact Research for the Walton Family Foundation. Across the country, educators, administrators, and students are grappling with if, when, how, and why to integrate artificial intelligence in education. Mr. Brett Hanson, a Southern Door English teacher, aims to address these questions. Hanson strongly believes in teachers and students utilizing AI and has advocated for this goal in numerous ways. After presenting the topic to his administrators and fellow teachers at Southern Door, staff began to use these new technologies. Some office staff perform routine tasks like checking lists for duplicate entries. Teachers utilize AI to improve lesson plans and streamline work. In his own classes, Hanson heavily integrates AI in his work and student assignments. For example, his 11th grade English classes are using research and the artificial intelligence programs Gamma and Chat GPT to present projects on the connection between themes from Hamlet and the 21st century. In the elementary school, AI instruction blends well with Mrs. Jessica Meacham’s innovative STEAM lab. Having won Wisconsin and National Rural Teacher of the Year awards, Meacham is another decorated teacher integrating technology into education. Hanson shares this goal, envisioning AI instruction weaved consistently into existing classes rather than a single class.

Sharing his knowledge with fellow educators, Hanson leads professional development days at Southern Door. Outside of our district, he provides educators with materials on his website (hansoneducationservices.com). This past summer, he also published a book, AI in ED, though he claims recent technological advances already rendered this book outdated. Recently, Hanson spoke at the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance and presented the possibilities of artificial intelligence in education.

Although Hanson promotes increased AI usage, he also recognizes the concerns. His push for increased AI usage parallels his advocacy for transparent and ethical usage. At Southern Door, students must indicate AI use, adhere to all school policies, and receive teacher permission. By talking about AI with other educators, Hanson hopes to strike the correct balance between traditional education and innovative practices—helping students achieve their maximum potential. With a focus on rural schools, Hanson aims to provide resources that will “help other schools in the area transition into an effective and ethical AI usage for students and teachers.”

Mentorship Opportunities Foster Connection Between Students

BY BEN GROTA (SDHS SENIOR)

Southern Door’s strength comes in the form of unity—not just from connections with local businesses and community support, but in literal unity. With a combined elementary, middle, and high school, many older students engage in unique opportunities to mentor younger students. Each week, students from Southern Door’s Big Brothers, Big Sisters program meet with their “Little,” an elementary or middle school student who could benefit from additional guidance. These pairs often play board games, draw, or go outside. With 35 student matches, Southern Door’s Big Brothers, Big Sisters program is the largest out of all the school districts in Northeast Wisconsin. According to Jennifer Aldrich, the Door County Program Coordinator, “the impact that BBBS mentors have on children is helping them to make better choices, finish school, giving them self-confidence, and teaching them to be role models themselves.” High school students demonstrate the long-term impact of this program; many of the high school students involved now in BBBS had “Bigs” of their own in elementary school.

Aside from providing mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters, high school students also provide academic support for elementary schoolers. Spearheaded by high school counselor Sara Paye, high school students aid in elementary school classes. These students meet each week with elementary school classes and guide students through reading books. Older students also assist younger advanced math students, providing enrichment by leading small groups through math games. The 46 high school students involved in these opportunities benefit from this interaction too; the elementary schoolers’ bright faces and hugs enliven the high school students. Students planning to be future educators gain valuable teaching experience before even graduating high school. Along with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, these programs foster a sense of collaboration and mentorship, actively creating a brighter future for the Southern Door area.

Holly Ahlin, Kelsey Bundy, Audrea Christy, Walker De Jager, Nicole DeGrave, Amanda Illingworth, Natalie King, Heather Kraeuter, Kevin Krutzik, Charnae LaLuzerne, Jahiro LeFevre, Amy Logerquist, Charlotte Orthober, Morgan Phipps, Summer Sperber, Hannah Stevens, Jefferey Wagaman and Dillan Zaleski

Operational Referendum & Community Survey

Like many other school districts across the state, Southern Door faces challenges, including a growing budget shortfall. In response, the District decreased nine staff positions prior to this school year, including one administrator. We are concerned about how further cuts will negatively impact our students and the education they receive here at Southern Door. We are convinced that we can address these challenges if we develop a plan that reﬂects the priorities of our taxpayers. To do this, a survey has been sent to all district staff and residents in order to gauge support moving forward. To keep all feedback confidential, survey responses are being collected by School Perceptions, an independent education research firm.

District residents should have received a paper copy of the survey in the mail during the week of December 2. We are asking all residents to complete the survey - it only takes 510 minutes to complete. Please note that the survey code can only be used once. To obtain additional surveys for other adults in your household, please call the District Office at 920-825-7311, option 4. Survey deadline is December 20, 2024.

New Accessible Equipment Enhances Updated Playground Area

Southern Door Elementary School, along with the 4K and Pupil Services teams, would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the numerous organizations and private donors whose generosity made our playground expansion a reality. This remarkable project was fully funded through donations and grants, showcasing the incredible support of our community. We are especially honored to dedicate the accessible component of the playground in memory of Isaac Sorenson, ensuring his legacy lives on as children enjoy this inclusive space for years to come.

High School Musical

Fall Sports

BY BEN GROTA (SDHS SENIOR)

As the winter chill sets and days shorten, student-athletes transition from fall to winter sport seasons. Fall sports saw the individual and team success that many have come to expect from Southern Door athletics.

The volleyball team held a record of 13-25 overall, finishing seventh in the conference.

Under the direction of new leadership (history teacher and life-long coach, Scott Mallien), the football team continued their success. The team placed second in the Packerland Conference with a conference record of 6-1, advancing to the second round of playoffs.

For cross country, individual athletes placed highly in the Packerland Conference cross country meet; both the boys’ and girls’ teams were runner-up to the championship title. In the postseason, Lucas Conard and Ben Grota both competed in the state championship meet in Wisconsin Rapids.

Continuing a strong record, the Door County United girls swim team maintained their title as undefeated conference champions. For Southern Door athletes, Kailyn Neville qualified for the state swim meet in the 200 freestyle relay, the 400 freestyle relay, and the 200 freestyle.

The following student-athletes were recognized for outstanding performance: Football Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Daoust (12)

All-Region Team: Drew Daoust (12), Cruz Calvillo (12), Lauden Berg (11), Landon Vandertie (11)

1st Team All-Conference: Drew Daoust (12), Lauden Berg (11), Cruz Calvillo (12), Landon Vandertie (11), Emma Bousley (11), Addison Miller (9), Lucas Conard (12), Owen Larios Amezquita (10), Kailyn Neville (11)

2nd Team All-Conference: Elise Jackson (10), Brayden

Southern Door Community Auditorium

The Southern Door Community Auditorium, a proscenium-style performing arts facility, hosts a diversified season of programming designed to provide enriching and enlivening performing arts events throughout the year - not just to Southern Door County residents and

It’s not just another Beatles tribute band–it’s a unique experience that puts the audience in control. Performed by brothers Billy, Ma hew and Ryan McGuigan and their band, the show relies on the audience to choose the entire set list. Before the show, audience members are asked to fill out a request card with their name, favorite Beatles song, and the reason why they chose that song. Minutes before the show starts, these cards are collected and a custom setlist is created based on the audience’s requests.Throughout the night, the band weaves the audience’s personal stories, and the McGuigan’s own heartfelt memories a ached to the Beatles’ music, into the performance, creating a one-of-a-kind narrative that makes every show di erent. The timeless songs of the Beatles come together in an unforge able way!

Presenting Sponsor: Stone Harbor Resort

Supporting Sponsors: Tara Pierre - Edward Jones and Door County Medical Center

Southern Door Middle Schoolers invite you to escape the “zoo” of life in Brussels and join them on a transatlantic musical adventure. Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture, the show follows a group of Central Park Zoo animals who are unexpectedly shipped to Africa. Their exciting adventure will be sure to have you tapping your toes and smiling the whole show through!

Contributors: David Desmond, Ben Grota, Sue Ann Hubbard, Mary Hall, Elise Jackson, Kevin Krutzik, Bridget Spude, Cory Vandertie, Bonnie Weydt