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GIBRALTAR school news

Two Decades of Creative Workshops for Gibraltar High School

Create Animal Sculptures with Resin! - The Clearing James Viste: Introduction to Blacksmithing - The Clearing

Kelly Bresnahan: Introduction to Woodturning: How to Make a Salt Pig (a two-piece container and serving spoon from a large piece of wood by removing material) - The Clearing

Songwriting Residency

In April, Gibraltar Elementary School students in grade 5 participated in songwriting workshops with Grammyaward-winning artist, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, to discover the power of their creativity and to have fun using words in ways that are meaningful to them. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo taught students about rhythm, rhyme, and keeping the beat

Students

Terry Murphy: Songwriting - Rob Roy Campbell for hosting the workshop at the Snapcrackle Tabernacle Home Studio

Suzanne Rose: Small Camera Big Print Smartphone Photography Workshop - Bjorklunden

Nicole Herbst: Nature Felt Painting and Mini Intuitive Weavings - Bjorklunden

Stephanie Trenchard and Jeremy Popelka: Glass Blowing WorkshopPopelka Trenchard Glass Studio

Teresa Lind: Aluminum Pour Casting - Gibraltar High School

Willow Bayer: Paper Collage - Artist Guild

High School Esports Team Finds Success in First Season

By Logan Winker, Technology Support Specialist

Competitive video gaming, known as esports, is rapidly gaining popularity in high schools across the country, and our school has quickly made a name for itself in this growing field. In its inaugural season, the Gibraltar Esports Club made an impressive run to the state tournament, finishing 6th out of 92 teams statewide.

Esports, short for electronic sports, brings students together to compete in organized, team-based video game competitions. Just like traditional sports, players train, strategize, and work together to achieve success. While some may think of gaming as just a hobby, esports requires critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and quick decisionmaking—skills that benefit students both in and out of competition.

Our school’s esports journey began in early December with a dedicated group of students passionate about gaming and teamwork. The team committed to regular practices, developing strategies, and honing their skills against tough competition. Their hard work paid off as they advanced through the season, earning a spot in the state tournament.

Not only are students honing their skills in competition, but also in broadcasting and news media. Several students have used this opportunity to explore and expand their knowledge of the media industry, successfully hosting a “Live Watch Party” for the students and teachers at Gibraltar. All spectators were then able to watch their fellow students compete in the state tournament.

The success of the esports club is a testament to

the dedication of our students and the growing opportunities within high school esports. Many colleges now offer scholarships for esports athletes, and careers in gaming, technology, and digital media are on the rise. For students interested in STEM fields, communication, or game design, esports provides valuable experience and connections.

With a strong first season behind them, the Gibraltar Esports Club is looking ahead to the future. Plans are already in motion to expand the program, welcome new players, and build on this season’s success. If this year’s performance is any indication, the future of esports at our school is bright.

For students interested in joining or learning more, the club is always open to new members. For community members interested in volunteering or wanting to know more, feel free to contact Gibraltar Secondary School.

Congratulations to our esports team on an incredible debut season—we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Military Enlistment Ceremony 2025 NFL Draft

By Anna Carlson-Krauel, Secondary Administrative Assistant

During the much awaited NFL draft in Green Bay, Gibraltar senior Nolan Giesler participated in the Military Enlistment Ceremony. On April 26th, Nolan Giesler enlisted in the United States Navy during the NFL draft on national television.

Nolan was selected out of 55 other individuals to participate in this ceremony. Originally planning to pursue a degree in engineering, Nolan made the selfless decision to serve his country, motivated by both the rising cost of college and a strong sense of duty. Nolan achieved an outstanding score on the ASVAB, testing at twice the national average, and tied for the highest score his instructor has seen for candidates entering the Navy’s elite Nuclear Division. He will be specializing in Nuclear Power Generation.

His Gibraltar family is so proud of Nolan and were so excited to witness this special moment during the once-in-a-lifetime event here in Wisconsin.

Today Readers, Tomorrow Leaders

By Lori LeRoy, Grade 3 Teacher

Cafeteria News

The Student Nutrition Advisory Club (SNAC) was established this school year and met for the first time in March! We had members participating from grades 4 -12, making a really nice cross section of student opinions and ideas. Two adults also attended.

Club members were able to taste test and evaluate orange chicken with brown rice and Big Daddy’s pizza. Feedback was very positive, and both items debuted on April’s menu as a direct result of our tasting. Next week we will meet to evaluate and try some new recipes for potential inclusion in our National School Lunch Program.

The club is open for any student in grades 4-12 and meets once a month.

The secondary school club, Project 180, adopted a Viking Cafe bulletin board for May to kick off mental health month. Mrs. Roberts, Project 180 Coordinator, stated that the students had fun doing it. It turned out beautifully and is full of positive messages. Some of the messages are to set boundaries, that you belong, to eat well, prioritize self care, seek support, and have gratitude, among others.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Gibraltar continues to take a multilayered approach to addressing the health and mental wellness of our students. The district has implemented the Character Strong curriculum across the entire district and trained school staff in trauma-informed and restorative practices. Three years ago, the district established an Allies in Mental Health team that has been meeting regularly to continue to build tiered systems of support for our students. One achievement to highlight is the addition on our school district website of a mental health tab. This tab takes you to a quick rundown of local and greater community resources to address mental health, whether it be a crisis or resources for support.

age 16, which left her paralyzed from the chest down. She now lives a vibrant, fulfilling life, sharing her message of PATH across the nation. Tasha’s message empowered Gibraltar students and staff with tangible tools to improve their mental and emotional health and overcome life’s challenges.

Gibraltar Sign Language Club

By Anna Carlson-Krauel , Secondary Administrative Assistant

The Gibraltar middle school students have recently formed a new club to learn sign language. The idea was developed by the6th grade class who wanted to learn how to communicate with a fellow student more fluidly. Administration enthusiastically accepted the idea and the sign language club was formed!

Headed by Mrs. Alumbaugh (Mrs. A) in the first month the club has already learned the alphabet and actively sign their names and fellow classmates’ names. They are now learning colors, numbers, emotions, and food names.

Recently the students took their new learned skills out to the public and ordered food from Blue Horse entirely in sign language. They have also learned how to sign the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear and shared this with the 4K class.

This club is not only enriching the lives of students, but our community as a whole. We are so proud of the initiative these students took to start this club, and we can’t wait to see how it grows!

The district connects students with experts and inspirational speakers. This spring Friends of Gibraltar and the secondary school hosted speaker Tasha Schuh to speak with students about the tools that have helped her build resilience. Schuh is an inspirational speaker who equips youth and educators to be resilient for their mental and emotional health. The four components of her speech, PATH (Purpose, Attitude, Team, and Hope), helped Tasha be resilient after a life-changing theater accident at

Students developed mindful activities for themselves and their peers to experience after Schuh’s visit. Student leaders let the school know the kinds of mindfulness activities they need to feel supported, and they organized a series of activities ranging from card games and crafts to music journaling, coloring, meditation, and walks in the woods. The act of creating these activities and participating in them empowers students to explore ways to support their mental wellbeing.

Cora Hays is a freshman who recently won the Door County Rotary Club speech contest. Her speech was about cyber bullying, which she felt is a growing problem that needed to be addressed. She is a member of the United Against Hate club here at Gibraltar and is passionate about diversity and inclusion for all.

By Mary Witteborg, Gibraltar Social Media/Website Features

ART NEWS

By Emily Salm, Secondary Art Teacher

Improv Workshops

Linda Fey, Secondary English

Abigail DeMeuse Grade 11

Berkley Schwab Grade 11

Edwin Solis Grade 10

Ivana Northrup Grade 11

Charlotte Grasse Grade 12

Lauren Lautenbach Grade 12

McCartney Schwab Grade 11

Sunny Benzow

Xavier Gaddes Grade 10

Dasia Daubner Grade 12

Lauren Bertges Grade 12

Ombeline Finck Grade 12

Sam Bass Grade 12

HAIRPIN 5K RUN/WALK

IN FISH CREEK

By Mary Witteborg, Gibraltar Public Relations

Friends of Gibraltar Annual Membership 2024-2025

Become a member/sponsor of the Friends of Gibraltar (FOG), a non-proﬁt organization that has provided Gibraltar students with unique educational opportunities by working collaboratively with Gibraltar Schools and the community since 1982! FOG Membership/Sponsorship: Name: __________________________________________

___ Family: $30

___ Business: $50

Email: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

___ Sponsorship: __________ Phone: _________________________________________

Sponsor FOG programs:

____ Sponsor outdoor education with the Forest Day program for any amount $_____. ____ Number of students you want to sponsor at $50/students for Forest Days $_____. (Forest Days costs FOG & Gibraltar $50/student/school year and is provided for 240 students).

Please send checks to: Friends of Gibraltar, Gibraltar Schools, 3942 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI, 54212 (920) 868-3284 Ext. 205

hancock@gibraltar.k12.wi.us

Thank you for your support!