HSSD Report to Our Community 2022-23

REPORTTO OUR COMMUNITY 2022–2023

SERVING • LEARNING • ACHIEVING – TOGETHER

IN THIS ISSUE:

Points of Pride

Graduate Profile: Profile to Practice

Fundamentals of HSSD Finance

Facilities Updates

Howard-Suamico Education Foundation

HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Howard-Suamico School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, natural origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity, disability, age (except as authorized by law), military status, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability as required by Sec. 118.13 Wis. Stats.

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

The Howard-Suamico School District is a place where students gain an authentic, innovative, connected, and inspired experience for an ever-changing future.

Our goal is excellence which is achieved through practice. The HSSD Graduate Profile, our north star, keeps our focus on seven characteristics our students and staff strive to attain.

Our devoted staff have dedicated themselves to transferring the Graduate Profile characteristics from being words on paper to bringing the Profile to Practice

Relatedly, in line with our mission, we work together with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world. Great communities and great public school systems go hand in hand; they are interdependent. This is a major contributing factor in our metro area recently being named as the “Best Place to Live” by U.S. News.

Throughout this publication you will find a summary of 2022-23 academic, finance, and facilities updates, along with stories of impact and examples of Profile to Practice

In the upcoming year, we will build upon the successful foundation we have laid, focusing on further innovation, nurturing a culture of lifelong learning, and strengthening our sense of community. We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, and we are grateful for your ongoing support and partnership on this journey.

With Unity,

to watch a video of how our teachers are putting Profile to Practice!

Greg Klimek Board of Education President

Damian LaCroix Superintendent

Greg Klimek Board of Education President Damian LaCroix Superintendent

96% Staff who agree that, all things considered, HSSD is a good place to work.

Data: 2023 Staff Survey

VISION

An authentic, innovative, connected, and inspired experience of learning for an ever-changing future.

MISSION

We will work with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.

91% Graduates who reported that HSSD taught them to be solutionists.

Data: 2023 Senior Survey

CORE VALUES

We believe in and advocate for every student, every family, every day.

We commit to build and provide each student with an equitable opportunity for academic, social, and emotional success.

We engage collaboratively - community, families, staff, and students - to create a safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment for all.

We pursue and deliver the highest standards and qualities of excellence

LEARN MORE about HSSD CARE Awards on our website!

The second HSSD CARE Awards honored one staff member in each building for their contributions to our caring learning community. The program is sponsored by the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation and business partners.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

HIGHLIGHTS

ENGAGED in two-way communication with key stakeholders through monthly linkages. The Board met with HSSD staff, clergy and civic leaders, legislators, village officials, Bay Port student council, business and workforce development professionals, and active older adults.

RECOGNIZED seven community partners, five staff, three students, and three teams for their success and positive impact on HSSD.

TOURED buildings frequently to stay up-to-date regarding ongoing construction, following the successful April 2021 referendum.

ADVOCATED with state and national legislators for equitable and adequate school funding on behalf of HSSD students, families, and staff.

Data: Community Survey 2021-22

Greg Klimek, Board of Education President, awards Cara Wreen her diploma. Wreen was the 2021-23 Board of Education Student Representative.

Jessica Gagan, Board of Education Student Representative 2023-25, tours Bay View Middle School with the Board of Education and Referendum Task Force members in June 2023.

The Board of Education meets with business and workforce development professionals during their annual linkage meeting hosted by Miron Construction.

-Cara Wreen, Board of Education Student Representative 2021-23

Serving as a student representative for the HSSD Board of Education has been fundamental to my growth as a student and leader.

77% Residents who believe the School Board is doing what it takes to make our district successful.

Pictured above is the HSSD Board of Education 2023-24. Front (left to right): Scott Jandrin, Vice-President; and Greg Klimek, President. Back (left to right): Madeline Thoreson, Student Representative; Amy M. Rubright, Director; Christina Amtmann, Clerk; Allen McGuire, Treasurer; Vanessa Moran, Director; Rachelle Paulsen, Director; Jessica Gagan, Student Representative.

BAY PORT CLASS OF 2023

474 Graduates

175 Achieved High Honors or Honors 74 GPA 4.0 or Higher

3 Perfect ACT Scores

$629,000 Scholarship Dollars

Awarded

POINTS OF PRIDE:

ACADEMICS

• Bay Port received the Female Diversity Award for AP Computer Science Principles.

• Cara Wreen, Bay Port 2023, was one of 150 students nationwide to earn a $25,000 Coca Cola Scholarship.

• Kelly Koller, Bay View teacher, and Jovita D’souza and Eloise Massee, Bay Port Class of 2023, earned Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Awards.

• Moriah David, William Schlueter, and Cara Wreen were National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

• HSSD Summer School secured a grant of nearly $563,000 to enhance and expand learning in 2023 and 2024.

ARTS

• For the second year in a row, HSSD received the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation.

• Julia Fitt, Bay Port artist, placed 3rd in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. Her artwork was displayed in U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher’s De Pere Office.

• Bay Port One Act brought home five awards: Critics Choice, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Technical Theatre, Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Acting (Phoenix McElroy).

• The Bay Port Musical, Grease, performed for six sold-out crowds.

ATHLETICS

• Girls Hockey: The Bay Area Ice Bears co-op team won the state championship and earned the WIAA State Tournament Sportsmanship Award.

• Girls Golf: The team earned the Honorable Mention Academic All-State recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin.

• Girls Track & Field: 2nd place at state in 4x100 - Isabelle Denny, Jillian Anderson, McKenna Sedlacek, and Nevaeh Johnson.

• Wrestling: Jacob Ward placed 2nd at state at 145 lbs.

• Dance: The team placed 3rd in Large Varsity Kick at WAPC State.

COMMUNITY

• Duck Creek VFW: The VFW and its Auxiliary donated 78 new American flags for the newly-renovated Bay View classrooms.

• Captain’s Academy: Russ Styczynski of SMT Machine & Tool won the Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award from the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) for hosting Bay Port’s Captain’s Academy.

• HSBPA: The Howard-Suamico Business Professionals Association partnered with Bay Port to host two Job Fairs.

GRADUATE PROFILE: PROFILE

GRADUATE PROFILE

The Graduate Profile is HSSD’s north star. It provides our students with the skills to meet the challenges of an ever-changing future. As we focus on putting Profile to Practice, our goal is to develop lifelong learners who are self-starters, critical thinkers, collaborators, communicators, adaptable, responsible, and solutionists. Learn more about the Graduate Profile at www.hssdschools.org/graduate-profile

82% Residents who believe courses are challenging and relevant.

Data: Community Survey 2021-22

A SELF-STARTER is motivated to take action.

A CRITICAL THINKER investigates the quality of ideas and how they are connected.

A COLLABORATOR is a helpful and active participant who shares responsibility while working toward a common goal.

A COMMUNICATOR seeks to understand others and to be understood.

An ADAPTABLE person is able to adjust.

A RESPONSIBLE person acts with empathy and takes ownership of the outcomes of their choices.

A SOLUTIONIST solves problems.

PROFILE TO PRACTICE: YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP

Autumn Bloohm, Bay Port 2024, recognizes the importance of Graduate Profile characteristics as she works with the Suamico Fire Department through a Youth Apprenticeship.

Joe Bertler, Suamico Fire Chief and Autumn’s supervisor, says, “The characteristics of the Graduate Profile are important. They make for a more well-rounded individual, more employable, more successful.”

ALEC INGOLD, NFL STAR AND BAY PORT ALUMNUS, COMES HOME

SCAN THE QR CODE

to see Autumn’s Youth Apprenticeship story!

Alec Ingold, Miami Dolphins fullback and Bay Port alumnus, visited his elementary school, Suamico Elementary, along with other HSSD schools. He spoke about the importance of leading with kindness and a smile. Ingold recently published a book, The 7 Crucibles, about overcoming adversity.

FUNDAMENTALS OF HSSD FINANCE

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HSSD FINANCE

Since 1994, school levies (i.e. local taxes) have been linked to general school aid (or state money) through state revenue limits. If state aid to schools rises, local school levies are likely to decrease, and vice-versa.

While lawmakers directly control state aid, the revenue limit law allows them to indirectly control local levies because of how the two are tied together.

Approximately 66% of HSSD’s revenue limit comes from state aid. Wisconsin has an equalizing procedure, which considers both assessed and equalized fair market values (see definitions on page 11), which are shown on property tax bills.

The equalizing procedure assures that school taxes, county taxes, and major state aid are distributed fairly to Wisconsin’s 1,851 municipalities.

HSSD BOARD OF EDUCATION LOWERS TAX RATE

SCAN THE QR CODE

View the HSSD budget book, annual financial audit results, property tax guides, revenue limit law, and more on our website!

In October 2022, the HSSD Board of Education reduced the equalized tax rate for the second year in a row to $8.69. This is the lowest it has been in more than 10 years.

75%

Residents who believe HSSD positively impacts their home’s value.

Data: Community Survey 2021-22

STORY OF IMPACT: HOWARD MILITARY HOMECOMING

SFC Joshua DuBois, Platoon Sergeant, returned home from a nine-month deployment. Brynlee and Gracelyn, his daughters who attend Howard Elementary, did not know he was on his way home, so SFC DuBois surprised them at school! Thank you, SFC DuBois, for your service!

EQUALIZING PROCEDURE: TERMS TO KNOW

ASSESSED VALUE: Individual properties are valued (assessed) by local assessors from both villages, Howard and Suamico.

– Exception: manufacturing properties are assessed by the state.

– The local assessor focuses on equity among property owners in the municipality.

EQUALIZED VALUE: The estimated value of all taxable property in each municipality. This is determined by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR).

– The DOR focuses on equity among municipalities and counties.

STORY OF IMPACT: HSSD AND VILLAGES PARTNER TO ACQUIRE GRANTS

HSSD and the Villages of Howard and Suamico have hired Ben Rodgers as a grant writer. Since he was hired, he has secured more than $1.7 million in grants. Pictured: Rodgers meets with Paul Evert; Village Administrator of Howard, Damian LaCroix, Superintendent of HSSD; and Alex Kaker, Village Administrator of Suamico; to plan for grant writing in 2023-24.

FACILITIES UPDATE

FACILITIES UPDATE

In April 2021, Howard and Suamico residents approved $98 million in facilities updates at all eight schools, including major renovations at Bay View Middle School and Forest Glen Elementary School. We are grateful for the community’s support! You are making a tremendous impact on our students and their learning! Construction strategically progressed throughout the schools, and we are grateful for the flexibility of our staff and students as classrooms shifted to new locations. Once the school year concluded, construction ramped up and remains underway!

PROJECTS BY SCHOOL

FOREST GLEN: new commons and gym

BAY VIEW: new gym and galley

BAY HARBOR: all-inclusive playground remodel

MEADOWBROOK: updated HVAC (air conditioning)

HOWARD: stormwater management upgrades

SUAMICO: parking lot redesign and repavement

LINEVILLE: updated HVAC (air conditioning)

BAY PORT: new roof and HVAC repairs. In addition, a secure entrance was installed (this project was not funded by the referendum).

LEARN MORE

Visit

FOREST GLEN

BUILDING TOURS

BOARD OF EDUCATION TOURS

The Board of Education has frequently toured the buildings to stay up-to-date regarding construction at each building. Pictured left to right: Brad Nick, Project Superintendent at Forest Glen; Amy M. Rubright, Board of Education Director; Christina Amtmann, Board of Education Clerk; Scott Jandrin, Board of Education Vice-President; and Angie Sorenson, Forest Glen Principal.

REFERENDUM TASK FORCE TOURS

Earlier this summer, Elizabeth Powers, referendum task force co-chair, toured Bay View and Forest Glen to see construction progress first-hand, which is a result of the task force’s dedication leading up to the April 2021 referendum vote.

LIBRARY

GYM

GALLEY GYM

HOWARD-SUAMICO EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF) is a nonprofit organization promoting a collaborative alliance between the community and HSSD. HSEF provides funding and resources to support initiatives that enrich educational opportunities. This is only possible due to community partnerships. Thank you for supporting HSSD students and staff!

HSEF BOARD 2023-24

Brian Stuelpner - President

Amy Scheel-Jones - Vice-President

Michell Bartlein - Secretary

Lonny Charles - Treasurer

Paul Belschner - Director

Angela Deja - Director

Bill Hawker - Director

Scott Jandrin - Director

Greg Klimek - Director

Shannon Marsden - Director

Jonathan Schweiger - Director

Thank You!

to the generous donors and community members who donate and partner with HSEF to provide HSSD students with the most fulfilling experiences possible.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HSEF:

Website: www.hseducationfoundation.org

Facebook and Twitter: @hseducationfoundation

LEADERSHIP HSSD

LEARN MORE About Leadership HSSD!

Congratulations to the Leadership HSSD Class of 2022-23! These community leaders met each month for nine months to learn about district operations and how to be more involved. HSEF was a proud sponsor of this program.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION

SUAMICO PAVILION

In June 2023, Suamico Elementary unveiled a new outdoor pavilion, which will allow for hands-on, outdoor learning experiences. The pavilion was generously donated to the school by the Hmielewski/Kolaszewski Family.

A donation such as this is one example of how generous gifts and partnerships can make a world of difference in our students’ education. We are grateful for the Hmielewski/Kolaszewski Family and all who partner with HSSD who allow us to make our vision come alive.

EDUCATOR GRANTS

HSEF awarded grants totaling more than $18,000 during the 2022-23 school year to support innovative programs and projects that enhance the education of HSSD students and classrooms.

Thank you to all our donors who make awarding these grants possible. Congratulations to all of our grant recipients. We can't wait to see your grants in action!

Farm to Table - Beef ($5,000): Bay Port Agricultural Education Department

Adaptive Phy Ed Rad Race Runners ($3,395): Bay Port Physical Education Department

Glowforge Laser Engraver ($5,000): Bay Port Family and Consumer Sciences Department

Meadowbrook Innovative Spaces ($5,000): Claudia Orr, Meadowbrook Elementary

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOTE

The HSEF Celebrates 30 Years Campaign raised more than $30,000. The funds raised will support innovative educator grants, specifically focusing on student engagement in a post-COVID environment. We will use these dollars to support teacher grants of today and a portion of the funds will be added to the endowment, supporting teacher grants for years to come.

HSEF’s Raise the Sail Sponsorship program will launch this fall. Raise the Sail annual sponsorships will allow HSEF to continue to provide opportunities for all HSSD students to excel and thrive in an ever-changing future. Interested in being an inaugural sponsor? Email Nicole Smith at nicosmit@hssdschools.org today!

$39,000 in resources to HSSD classrooms

DONORSCHOOSE

In partnership with DonorsChoose, HSEF celebrated 70 fully funded projects in 2022 totaling nearly $39,000 in resources to HSSD classrooms. HSEF remains committed to funding the final 25% of all projects posted on DonorsChoose.org/HSSD. Thank you to our community sponsor, Nicolet National Bank.

The Hmielewski/Kolaczewski Family donated an outdoor pavilion to Suamico Elementary to aid in student learning.

REPORTTO OUR COMMUNITY 2022–2023

CONNECT WITH US

WEBSITE: www.hssdschools.org

EMAIL: website@hssdschools.org

PHONE: 920-662-7878

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ howardsuamicoschools

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ howardsuamicoschools

TWITTER: twitter.com/HSSD

YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@ HSSDCommunications