TalonTimes
Balancing the Budget: Next Steps and Reductions Following the April 7 Referendum
The Southern Door School District is sharing an update on next steps after the Operational Referendum held on April 7, 2026 was not approved by District voters. The additional revenue was intended to sustain current programs and meet district operational and instructional needs. Without these funds, the District is now working through the
Employee Reductions
• FCS Teacher (0.29 FTE)
• MS Art Teacher (1)
• MS Social Studies Teacher (1)
• HS Social Studies Teacher (1)
• HS Math teacher (1)
• HS English teacher (1)
• HS Tech Ed Teacher (1)
• School Psychologist (0.5 FTE)
• Associates (5)
• Replace contracted nurse with Registered Nurse on staff
Compensation Reductions
• Pay freeze for all employees, including administration Health insurance provider and plan design changes
• Reduction in paid hours for summer curriculum work
details of how to manage operations and educational services within existing state-set revenue limits.
As part of the post-referendum planning, the district’s administrative team and Board of Education has been determining the items and programs that will be impacted. These services were identified after careful consideration and
Program Reductions
• SRO contract savings with Sheriff’s Department
• Move community offerings program expenses to Fund 80 Reduce co-curricular assignment pay by 15%
• Limit travel distance for co-curricular events
• Delay replacement of athletic equipment/uniforms
Eliminate boys/girls swim (pending alternative funding sources)
Eliminate boys volleyball (pending alternative funding sources)
Eliminate JV2 basketball/volleyball (pending alternative
taking into account numerous factors including student needs, DPI requirements, district operations, long-term sustainability, and academic integrity. In order to develop a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, the following budget reductions are being implemented at this time:
funding sources)
Technology Reductions
• Delay replacement of student devices, computers, and related infrastructure
• IT managed services contract savings
Curriculum/Resource Reductions
• Reduce learning resources and materials for students and teachers
• Eliminate 15 days of onsite support from CESA 7 contract Reduction in program supply costs due to reduced courses in Family/Consumer Sciences and Technical Education
District Employee Position InformationUpdated/Projected Levels
The following chart highlights staffing position levels at Southern Door over the past seven school years, including teachers, administrators, support staff (including student enrollment). The chart shows a reduction of 31 employee positions during this period, and provides transparency on staffing trends and helps understand the district’s efforts to balance resources while continuing to support students.
Estimate
SDHS
Announces
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Grant Pieschek, son of Bobbie Jo and Gregg Pieschek, is valedictorian of the class of 2026 at Southern Door High School. He has demonstrated outstanding excellence, leadership, and commitment to both his school and community throughout his time in high school.
Grant has utilized the Early College Credit Program to take college courses through NWTC and UWGB. He has taken several AP classes to gain college credit, including AP Statistics and AP Calculus. Some of his favorite classes were Constitutional Law, Choir, and AP Chemistry. He has also been selected as a National Merit Finalist.
Beyond academics, Grant has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including forensics, math team, chess club, musicals, and more. He has performed at state for vocal and piano solos, attended Badger Boys State, played lead roles in musicals, and competed in track and field as a pole vaulter winning conference and
regionals. He is the class president and student council treasurer. Grant also enjoys giving back to his community. He has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, been a lector at church, and attended week-long mission trips traveling out of state to serve others. He plans on attending Alabam’s Honors Action this summer, a week-long program before the start of his college semester spent doing service for others.
Grant plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. At the University of Alabama.
Nora LeFevre, daughter of Timothy and Shannon LeFevre, is the salutatorian at Southern Door High School. She has been involved in many extracurricular activities such as: National Honor Society, Project 180, Volleyball, Cross Country, Wrestling, and Softball. Nora is an active mem-
ber in her 4-H club. She has volunteered on two Life Teen mission trips and plans to go on another one in June. Nora has served as a volunteer wrestling coach for youth wrestling as well as volunteered at her church throughout her high school career. She has taken a number of AP and honors courses along with classes through NWTC and UW-Green Bay. Some of her favorite classes are AP Biology, Lifespan Development, and Health Communication. Nora plans to attend Carroll University to major in Biology on a Pre-Physician Assistant track.
A Note from the Superintendent
With the close of the 2025-26 school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared. This has been a year defined by growth, achievement, and inspiration. From the classrooms and athletic fields to the auditorium, our students have embraced new challenges with resilience, and our staff has remained steadfast in their commitment to creating an enriching environment where every child can thrive. I am profoundly proud of what we have accomplished together.
However, as we celebrate these successes, we must also address the financial realities facing our district. Following the April 7th election, the proposal to exceed the state-set revenue limit by $3,150,000 was declined by voters.
While we respect the community’s decision, the absence of these funds necessitates difficult choices. The referendum was designed to sustain competitive staff compensation, maintain our facilities, and protect the educational programs our students rely on. Without this additional revenue, we are now tasked with balancing our budget within existing state limits.
As we move into the 2026-27 school year, we are proactively managing costs. Our staffing levels have seen a drastic reduction over the last seven years to align with our available resources. Despite that fact, our commitment to our students still remains our top priority. We will continue to work closely with the Board of Education to navigate these financial challenges while seeking innovative ways to maintain a high-quality environment for our students.
Thank you for your engagement, your feedback, and your continued support of Southern Door Schools. We remain dedicated to the goal of educational excellence and look forward to the years ahead.
Dr. Kevin Krutzik
Superintendent
NOTE: Staffing levels (prior to 2026-27) are based on beginning of school year staffing levels; any staff added after the school year begins are not counted in these totals. For more information, visit the following website for information on Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staffing levels (rather than the individual position counts used in the table above) available on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website: https://publicstaffreports.dpi. wi.gov/PubStaffReport/Public/PublicReport/StaffByEthnicityAndGenderReport
Celebrating the SDHS Class of 2026
Southern Door High School proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 24. A total of 84 graduates, including one international exchange student, participated in a ceremony filled with pride, reflection, and a strong sense of community.
The future is bright for the Class of 2026. Post-graduation plans include 46% of students attending four-year colleges or universities, 28% heading to technical colleges, and 26% joining the workforce. This year’s graduating class also earned over $975,000 in scholarships and awards that will support their continued educational pursuits.
Whether continuing their education, serving their country, or entering the workforce, these students exemplify the values and spirit of Southern Door. Their legacy of hard work, resilience, and leadership will leave a lasting impact on our school community.
We are incredibly proud of each graduate and confident that they will make a difference in the world.
Southern Door is 'All Shook Up' Over Theater Department’s Big Wins!
BY
WRITTEN
FILES, SDHS BAND DIRECTOR
This was a big year for the Southern Door High School Theater Department’s production of All Shook Up: School Edition. Not only were their November performances met with rave reviews by community members, our show also received several recognitions from the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program in Appleton. These students and staff were celebrated as a part of the Center Stage Showcase held at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 16.
If you don’t know what the Center Stage Showcase is - think the Tonys or the Oscars for high school theater. This year the Program sent adjudicators to 34 participating schools in Northeast Wisconsin to judge their shows - giving feedback to students and directors on what they did well, and what could be improved. They then nominate the best of the best from these 34 schools for recognition in various categories.
Several of our students were honored or recognized individually during the showcase for their performances or for extra work they’ve done throughout the year. Anna Massart received recognition for her performance of Miss Sandra, and she also performed as a part of the Encore Singers - an auditioned performance group through the Center Stage Program. Jesse Thorson was also recognized for his work as a Center Stage Ambassador this school year, and McKenna Guilette and Isabel Jeanquart were both selected to be a part of the Showcase’s Opening Number Ensemble, performing Live in Living Color to start the show. Miss Wilkins was also nominated by the students and chosen by the Program as one of the Influential Theater Educators of the year.
Last, but certainly not least, our ensemble was chosen as one of seven Outstanding Ensembles of the season, meaning they got to perform the finale of the show - Burnin’ Love - on stage during the Showcase.
From High School to Healthcare: New 3D Models Elevate Science Education
WRITTEN BY: MRS. ERIN FRITSCH, SDHS SCIENCE TEACHER
Southern Door students are already benefiting from an enhanced Anatomy & Physiology learning experience partially funded by the Raibrook Foundation.
The grant allowed for the purchase of college-level 3D anatomical models that support the development of a dual-credit Anatomy & Physiology course through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). Several of the models were purchased and implemented this school year, giving students the opportunity to study human anatomy using the same types of resources found in college science labs.
One of my goals as a science teacher is to create meaningful opportunities that prepare students for future careers and college experiences. These models allow students to engage in deeper, more authentic learning while potentially earning college credit right here at Southern Door.
Beginning next school year, Anatomy & Physiology will officially be offered as a dual-credit course through NWTC, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students enrolled in the course will benefit from a more rigorous, college-style learning environment while gaining valuable experience for future studies in healthcare, biology, exercise science, and other STEM-related fields.
I am incredibly grateful to the Raibrook Foundation for investing in science education and supporting opportunities for our students. These models will continue to benefit students for many years to come and help expand access to advanced coursework within our district.
Please join us in congratulating our recently elected school board members, Luke Spude, Kim Starr, and Kristin Tassoul, who were elected on April 7. We look forward to their leadership, insight, and commitment to serving the students, staff, and families of our district. Thank you!
WRITTEN BY: ATTYSON WILSON, SDHS SENIOR Trivia Night
In the month of February, the FFA chapter hosted their first ever trivia night. Groups of six came together to answer a wide variety of questions. Treats were shared, laughter was spread, and we couldn’t be more happy with the turnout!
Accomplishments of State FFA Degree
We would like to give a huge congratulations to Reya Schmidt for earning her State FFA Degree. This degree recognizes those individuals who have excelled in their FFA career and is the highest degree a state can bestow upon members. She will be honored for this accomplishment in June at the Wisconsin State FFA Convention. We are so proud of Reya’s hard work and dedication to our chapter and Supervized Agricultural Experience (SAE).
Career Development Events
During the month of April, we had two teams compete in Career Development Events (CDE) around Wisconsin. The first team, our meats team, coached by Ms. Phipps traveled to Janesville where they answered various questions about types of meat, and the cuts that come with each different one. They ended up placing 4th and qualified for state! At state down in Madison, they placed 7th out of 20 teams. Our other team competed in the dairy CDE that was coached by Chloe LaCross. They judged live dairy cows, and ended up placing 8th out of 16 teams. We are so proud of both of the teams and the hard work and dedication they put into learning each part of their prospective subjects.
Honoring the 2026 Retirees of the Southern Door County School District
WRITTEN BY:
MR. DILLAN
ZALESKI (CURRICULUM SUPPORT SPECIALIST/DAC)
As we reflect on the results of the spring referendum, I want to take a moment to address the road ahead for our curriculum and instruction at Southern Door. Our primary goal remains unwavering: Ensure all children learn. However, the current financial reality requires us to make direct and significant adjustments.
In order to meet at least a $40,000 cut to the current curriculum budget, we have had to make difficult decisions regarding our instructional resources. I want to be transparent about these changes and, importantly, how we will continue to support our students through high-quality instruction.
Curriculum & Material Delays
Because we must prioritize core operations, we are pausing several curriculum review cycles and material updates:
• Elementary Literacy: We are delaying the purchase of new elementary ELA program due to budget constraints. We are currently in compliance with Act 20 by using UFLI for the foundational aspects of our literacy block. The comprehension portion of our block that uses ARC is up for review, but that has been paused.
• Middle & High School ELA: We will not be updating MyPerspectives, and will instead extend the 2017 Edition digital subscriptions for one year at a discounted price. We will not receive additional workbooks this year.
• High School Science & Business: We have delayed the purchase of the Financial Literacy text for HS Business, meaning the course will still be taught, but with outdated materials. For 9th and 10th grade science, we have moved to McGraw Hill digital licenses only, with no hard copy books, to secure a discounted price.
The Southern Door School District welcomes families, community members, and alumni to visit and see our schools firsthand. Anyone interested in scheduling a tour of the district is encouraged to contact Elementary/Middle School Principal Marc Vandenhouten at mvandenhouten@sdsd.k12.wi.us or by phone at (920) 825-7321. Flexible scheduling is available to meet the needs of your family.
In addition, Southern Door graduates who are planning a class reunion and would like to include a tour of the district as part of their celebration are also encouraged to contact Mr. Vandenhouten to arrange a visit.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Southern Door and sharing the many opportunities our schools provide for students and families.
Adjustments to Supplemental Tools and Assessments
We are also streamlining our supplemental programs:
• Assessments: We have removed the PreACT from our high school assessment plan. However, our PreACT Task Force team is creating different structures and activities that will ensure kids practice the skills needed on spring assessments.
• Digital Platforms: We have removed supplemental tools including Kami and Flocabulary. Furthermore, we have reduced our iReady order, meaning there will be no usage in K-1 and no access to the personalized lesson pathway. Teachers will still have access to printable resources, standards mastery checks, and growth monitoring checks.
• Reading Materials: We have reduced our ARC order, which includes the removal of the ARC bookshelf, reducing thematic libraries, and only ordering what
is strictly needed per grade level teacher. Our Path Forward: Relying on HighYield Strategies
While we may not have the newest textbooks or supplemental software, decades of educational research (including John Hattie’s Visible Learning) prove that the most significant driver of student achievement is collective efficacy.
We will continue to lean into our District Commitments to Universal Instruction. By ensuring we provide a High Quality Standards-Based Curriculum and Highly Effective Instruction, we will navigate these reductions. We will double down on practices that cost nothing but yield the highest results: using standards-based learning targets and success criteria as unit and lesson foundation, and giving actionable and goal-referenced feedback.
Thank you for your continued partnership and resilience as we navigate these changes together.
Joan Berg MS Science Teacher
Jessica Marchant MS Math Teacher Pete Claflin MS/HS Physical Education Teacher
Dave Uecker Bus Driver
Brett Hanson HS English Teacher
Stephanie Weinfurter HS Math Teacher Gary Kolstad Bus Driver Kris LeCaptain 1st Grade Teacher
Kim Starr Kristin Tassoul
Luke Spude
EAGLES SOAR: A Historic Spring for Southern Door Athletics
WRITTEN BY: MR. BEN KLINE, SOUTHERN DOOR SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
The spring 2026 athletic season has been one for the record books for the Southern Door School District. From dominating performances on the track and diamond to crucial growth on the golf course, Eagle athletes demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and sportsmanship across all levels of competition.
Softball: Packerland Champions Dominate the Diamond
The Southern Door High School softball team put together an extraordinary regular season, finishing with an incredible 20-4 overall record. Their stellar 14-2 mark in conference play officially clinched the Packerland Conference championship, cementing them as the top team in the region.
Their regular-season dominance earned the Eagles the coveted #1 seed in the WIAA regional playoff bracket. After enjoying a well-earned first-round bye, the team opened postseason play with an emphatic 11-2 victory over Chilton. The Eagles then kept the momentum rolling into the regional final, defeating Brillion 6-0 to proudly claim the WIAA Regional Championship title. The championship victory was anchored by a masterful pitching performance from Alannah Kaye, who struck out 13 batters to secure the shutout win.
Southern Door's historic run advanced them to the sectional semifinal, which they hosted on Tuesday, June 2. Though the Eagles fought hard on their home field, their stellar season ultimately came to an end with a 14-4 loss to a powerful New Holstein squad. Despite the tough defeat, the Eagles' bats still showed plenty of muscle, highlighted by a solo home run from Madyson Counard and a two-run home run from Harper Kramer. Adding to the program's postseason honors, standout senior 3rd Baseman Madyson Counard has been selected to represent Southern Door in the upcoming WFPSCA Senior All-Star game. The prestigious showcase will take place in the Wisconsin Dells this June, celebrating her outstanding high school career.
Honoring a Legend: Coach Pete Claflin Announces Retirement
Amidst the season's competitive triumphs, the Southern Door community celebrates a monumental milestone off the track. Head Track and Field Coach Pete Claflin has announced his retirement. The entire Southern Door School District and athletic department extend their deepest gratitude to Coach Claflin for his years of dedicated service, inspiration, and invaluable contributions to our student-athletes and athletic programs.
2026 HS Track Coaches Lizzie Schmidt, Josh Vandenbush, Scott Mallien, Pete Claflin and Brent Claflin
NHS Induction Ceremony at Southern Door High School
Twenty-nine students from Southern Door High School were inducted into the National Honor Society in an evening ceremony on May 6, 2026. Members were selected by a faculty council for meeting high standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character. The newly inducted members were:
Emiah DeFere
Lana Finger
Troy Geisel
Kayla Johnson
Samantha Melville
Breleigh Paplham
Daylia Sund
Delaney Wilke
Amira Anschutz
Elloise Bloniarz
Mia Delcore
Violet Jackson
Chelsie Jacquet
Adley LaVine
Keshawn Lezine
Isabella Martinez
Madeline Merkle
Addison Miller
Joel Moyer
Raymond Paye
Kennedy Pierre
Sophia Price
Octavia Severinsen
Kadince Shefchik
Kylee Starr
Quinn Sperber
Jesse Thorson
Nikaya Trusova
Colton Valley
The National Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students. Chapters exist in three-fourths of the nation’s high schools, and since 1921 millions of students have been selected for membership.
The Southern Door Chapter is sponsored by Melissa Schley and Brandon Wautier.
High School Baseball: Rebuilding and Grinding Through Competition
The Southern Door High School boys baseball team navigated a challenging rebuilding year during the spring 2026 season. Competing in a rigorous Packerland Conference, the young Eagles squad focused heavily on player development, grinding through a tough regular-season schedule to build foundational varsity experience for the future.
The undisputed highlight of the season came on April 28th, when the Eagles swept arch-rival Sturgeon Bay in an exciting double-header, demonstrating the grit, potential, and competitive spirit embedded within this young roster.
High School Track & Field: Championship Sweeps & StateBound Eagles
The Southern Door High School track and field program achieved ultimate conference glory this spring, with both the boys and girls teams capturing the Packerland Conference team titles. The championship meet, hosted at Oconto, was highlighted by a sensational, record-shattering performance from Frankie Nellis.
Nellis etched her name deeply into the school's history books by breaking two long-standing school records. She established a new benchmark in the Long Jump with a spectacular leap of 17’8.5” and followed it with a historic Triple Jump mark of 35' 6.75”. Beyond her record-setting jumps, Nellis put on a clinic in sprinting and field events combined, capturing first place in four separate events during the conference meet: the long jump, triple jump, 100m dash, and 200m dash.
The girls' team also proved their elite caliber earlier in the month, winning the prestigious VanderPan Invitational at Sheboygan Falls on May 8, 2026. This marks the second consecutive year that the Lady Eagles have brought home the championship trophy from this highly competitive meet.
Following a dominant showing at the WIAA Regional Meet at Hilbert on May 26, the Eagles carried their momentum into the WIAA Sectional Meet on Friday,
May 29. Competing against the region's elite, Southern Door put on a spectacular show, punching multiple tickets to the prestigious WIAA State Championships. The star-studded contingent of state qualifiers includes:
Elise Jackson: Enjoyed a phenomenal day on the track, crowning herself Sectional Champion in the 300m hurdles and securing an additional state berth with a stellar second-place finish in the 100m hurdles.
• Frankie Nellis: Continued her historic postseason run by capturing the Sectional Championship in the Long Jump.
• Grant Pieschek: Rose above the competition on the boys' side to secure a Sectional Championship and a trip to state in the Pole Vault.
• Lauden Berg: Showcased remarkable consistency and power in the field events, qualifying for state in two separate events with hard-fought thirdplace finishes in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump.
• Girls 4x800m Relay Team: The distance squad consisting of Malaina Veeser, Emma Bousley, Kennedy Pierre, and Skya Scrimgeour executed a brilliant race, placing fourth to officially punch their tickets to the state meet.
The Southern Door High School boys golf team wrapped up a competitive spring 2026 campaign, showcasing steady progress and resilience while battling a deep field in the Packerland Conference. The Eagles consistently held their own throughout the spring schedule, navigating challenging weather and tough regional courses.
Southern Door concluded its multi-meet conference schedule on May 14 at Wander Springs in Greenleaf. The team carded a solid 394 team score to finish tied for fifth place in the grueling 18-hole championship event. A steady junior class anchored the varsity lineup this season, providing valuable leadership and consistency at the top of the scorecard:
• Jack Jeanquart (Junior): Jeanquart consistently paced the Eagles as a reliable anchor on the roster, shooting a team-high 48 at Maxwelton Braes and leading the lineup again during a windy afternoon at the Peninsula State Park match with a 49.
• Ethan Moll (Junior): Moll proved to be a reliable scoring asset for the Eagles all spring, notably matching Jeanquart's team-high score of 48 during their regular-season peak at Maxwelton Braes.
The Eagles' spring season officially culminated on Tuesday, May 26, at the WIAA Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted at Thornberry Creek at Oneida. Competing in a fiercely contested Regional C bracket, Southern Door put together a hard-fought round but ultimately missed the cut to advance as a team or individual to the D3 Sectional at Bass Lake. Nevertheless, the foundation laid this season promises a bright future for Southern Door golf.
Middle School Track & Field: The Future Looks Bright
The future of Southern Door track and field is in excellent hands, as the Middle School program mirrored the championship pedigree of the high school teams. Southern Door proudly hosted and won the Peninsula Conference track meet on May 19, 2026.
middle school athletes qualified for
7th annual Middle School Track & Field Championships, hosted by ADE in Waupun on Saturday, May 23. Southern Door athletes held their own against top-tier state competition, achieving several top-20 finishes:
The 2026 Varsity Softball Team poses with their Conference and Regional Championship Plaques
Members of the State Qualifying 4x800 Relay Team: Skya Scrimgeour, Kennedy Pierre, Emma Bousley and Malaina Veeser
Freshman Pitcher Will Price delivers a pitch in a game against Algoma.
Elementary School Holds 8th Annual Family STEAM Night
WRITTEN BY:
MRS.
JESSICA MEACHAM, ELEMENTARY
STEAM TEACHER
The elementary held their eighth annual Family STEAM night in March. Families engaged with many familiar activities, including coding, robotics, sewing, and circuitry challenges. Students showcased projects they had worked on throughout the year, including cardboard animals (grades K-5) and a cardboard tube town (4K).
Several new community partners joined the festivities this year, offering students opportunities to engage in hands-on learning! Joining TTX, Bay Engineering Inc., the Door County Astronomical Society, the Green Bay Model Airplane Club, and Bay Fliers were NEW Industries and the Door County Medical Center. Check out the night’s events by visiting our photo album at tinyurl.com/SDstemnight2026 (pictures and videos!).
WRITTEN BY: MR. BRETT HANSON, HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER
On April 7, 2026, Southern Door High School AP Literature students represented their school at the Great World Texts Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Elise Jackson, Reese Vogel, Portia Hah, Charlotte Bloniarz, and Maiya Olson attended the conference with their teacher, Mr. Hanson.
ers to “talk” with and ask their characters questions about the text and their new stories. These
As part of their presentation, students explored literature through both traditional analysis and emerging technology. They used ChatGPT to create custom GPTs that allowed oth-
interactive tools helped make literary analysis more engaging and accessible. The students also used Google AI Studio and Adobe Premiere Pro to create video stories centered on their charac-
ters. Through these digital projects, they blended creative storytelling, literary interpretation, and technical skill to bring their understanding of the text to life.
The Great World Texts Conference gave students the opportunity to share their work with peers, educators, and members of the University of Wisconsin–Madison community. Their presentation highlighted the creativity, curiosity, and innovation of Southern Door students. Southern Door is proud of these AP Literature students for representing the school with professionalism and imagination.Scan the QR code to see their work.
Facility Access & Background Check Requirement
Once registered, members will receive facility access through the Verkada Pass app. This grants entry to the TCFC, the multipurpose turf facility, and the Eagle Gym when these spaces are not being used by school programs or other scheduled groups.
Please note that a background check is required as part of your registration. This background check is mandatory in order to obtain access to the Verkada Pass app that unlocks the facility doors.
Additionally the Eagle Gym will be closed from June 30th to July 6th for annual maintenance.
Summer Hours Overview
June Hours
• Due to summer school, the fitness center will be closed to the public from 6:00 AM–1:00 PM on weekdays.
• Open to the public: 4:00 AM–6:00 AM
• Open to the public: 1:00 PM–10:00 PM
July Hours
• Open to the public: 4:00 AM–6:00 AM
• Open to the public: 8:30 AM–10:00 PM
August Hours
In August, the facility will be reserved for school athletic teams from 2:00 PM–7:00 PM on weekdays.
• Open to the public: 4:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Open to the public: 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
Weekend Hours (All Summer)
• Open to the public: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM
Staffed Hours
• During the summer, the TCFC will be staffed Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM–6:00PM in June and July.
• During these times, both Talon Fitness members and current middle and high school students are welcome to work out under supervision.
In July, the facility will be closed to the public for student strength and conditioning from 6:00 AM–8:30 AM on weekdays.
Southern Door Talon Community Fitness CenterSummer Membership Information
The Southern Door School District is excited to announce a brand-new Summer Membership option alongside the upcoming summer hours for the Talon Community Fitness Center (TCFC).
To better serve our community members over the summer months, we are introducing a short-term Summer Membership that runs through the entire months of June, July, and August. Just like our regular year-long memberships, this summer option covers all members of your immediate household for a flat rate of $50 total.
As a reminder, seniors aged 62 and older can join the facility for free, and current Southern Door students may use the facility during supervised hours at no cost. Year-long household memberships remain available for $150 and begin July 1.
Contributors: Joan Berg, Steve Bousley, Tom Dagit, Dave Desmond, Sue Ann Hubbard, Elise Jackson, Judy Jesse, Amanda Kadulski, Ben Kline, Heather Kraeuter, Kevin Krutzik, Kate Lardinois, Billie Moore, Sara Mueller, Angie Paplham, Morgan Phipps, Courtney Renard, Krista Schley, JamieLynn Teska, Marc Vandenhouten, Cory Vandertie, Dan Viste, Alyssa Walton, Attyson Wilson, Dillan Zaleski
Sponsored by: Peninsula Pulse
Copies: 24,000
2026-27 NEW SHOWS ANNOUNCED
Kids From Wisconsin - America’s Soundtrack; the Pulse of a Nation July 15, 2026
Lucretia's Reprise - The Music of Blood, Sweat & Tears August 27, 2026
Jimmy Fortune September 4, 2026
MJ: The Illusion: Re-living the King of Pop September 20, 2026
Buddy Holly & The Music of 1957–59 September 26, 2026
Mutts Gone Nuts - Unleashed! October 10, 2026
Hello, Dolly! November 12-15, 2026
STEEM “For Kids from 1 to 92” December 3, 2026
A Cherry Pie Christmas December 12, 2026
Boogie & the Yo-Yoz “Christmas With You!” December 19, 2026
Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience January 16, 2027
30th Anniversary Miss Door County Scholarship Program February 6, 2027
Rhinestone Cowgirls “Legendary Ladies of Country Music” March 20, 2027
Alive Again: A Tribute to Chicago April 4, 2027
PIANOMANIA! Rockin’ the 1950s with Jared Freiburg April 25, 2027
The 7 Bridges Band - The Ultimate Eagles Experience May 16, 2027
Peninsula Symphonic Band June 10, 2027
How to Register
Registration requires a two-step process to ensure your facility access is properly configured:
1. Submit the Membership Form: Fill out the summer membership application via the Talon Community Fitness Center Registration Form.
2. Complete the Background Check: Submit your required background check through the Raptor Technologies Background Check Portal to receive your Verkada Pass app credentials.
For more general information, please visit the Southern Door School District website.
Contact: Ben Kline, Athletic Director Southern Door School District bkline@sdsd.k12.wi.us
This past season, we focused on providing meaningful, high-quality performing arts experiences—not just for Southern Door County and neighboring community residents, but for audiences from across the region and beyond. In fact, so far during our current Community Series, we have already welcomed guests from 129 cities and towns across Wisconsin, along with visitors from 21 other states! The arts bring people together—and we are proud that our stage is where those connections happen.
For the past two seasons, we’ve also presented an Arts in Education series which has included meaningful, high-quality performing arts experiences for elementary/middle school students from all public, private and home schools throughout Door and Kewaunee County. This current season, nearly 3,500 students (4K-grade 8) and educators took part in daytime field trip opportunities to our venue to extend learning from the classroom to the theatre. We welcomed visitors from Gibraltar, Sevastopol, Sturgeon Bay, Luxemburg-Casco, Algoma, Southern Door, St. John
Bosco, Holy Trinity-Casco, St. Mary’s-Luxemburg, St. Peter’s Lutheran, and homeschool families.
As we continue finalizing our 2026-27 season, which will begin on July 1, we are aiming even higher. Our upcoming season will feature a thrilling line-up of local talent, regional favorites, and nationally recognized touring acts. But we cannot do it alone. As a non-profit organization, our ability to offer these experiences depends on the generous support of community-minded businesses, organizations, and individuals like you. That is why we are inviting you to become a sponsor/donor. Whether your gift is large or small, your support shows a commitment to keeping the arts alive and thriving in our area. We offer a variety of donor levels with exclusive benefits to recognize your support. If you are ready to join us for the first time or proud to be a returning donor, please contact us at (920-6761920) or (cvandetie@sdsd.k12. wi.us). Thank you in advance for helping us inspire, entertain, and enrich our community, one performance at a time.
