HSSD Community Newsletter - Fall 2022

VISION:

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

MISSION:

The mission of the Howard-Suamico School District is to work together with families and community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.

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 collaborativelycommunity, 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.

Fall 2022

Community Support Guides District

I am pleased to report that the 2022-23 school year is off to a great start in HSSD. I believe excellence is intentional. I am proud of the preparation by our teachers, support staff, and leadership that makes a great start possible.

Superintendent

District leaders began planning last spring to prioritize our work that supports student learning and growth this school year. Community voice is a critical component of this planning. We are grateful for your participation in the Community Engagement Survey earlier this year and for your guidance regarding resource allocation and decision-making.

We asked survey respondents to choose five areas you believe should be the focus of our resources and planning efforts. More than 1,000 community members responded.

The top three responses are:

1. Better prepare students for life after high school

2. Recruit and retain high-quality staff

3. Expand social/emotional/mental health services for students

We listened to your survey feedback and are excited about this work and other priorities in front of us this school year. In this newsletter, read how an award-winning partnership with SMT Machine & Tool is preparing students for life after high school; learn more about the community support that made possible our inaugural HSSD CARE Awards to celebrate our staff; and check out the schedule for the second year of our “Educate, Empower, Engage” mental health events open to families, students, and community members. In addition, the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF) has been an excellent steward of community dollars and we are excited to celebrate its 30th anniversary! Read more about this milestone on pages 10-11.

At our fall back-to-school convocation event, I shared with our staff the theme for the school year, “Dare to Lead.” In HSSD we are inspired to lead according to our mission: we will work together with families and community to ensure our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world. Thank you for your continued partnership!

Together, Damian LaCroix, Superintendent

Community partners from Miron Construction and EUA joined HSSD leaders to present an HSSD CARE Award to Meadowbrook Elementary secretary Melissa Martinson in May 2022.

Damian LaCroix,

HSSD Board of Education Lowers Property Tax Levy Rate Again

For the second time in as many years, the HSSD Board of Education has lowered the property tax levy rate for the school district. The Board approved a rate of $8.69 per $100,000 of property value at its October 24, 2022 meeting.

“The increase in property values as determined by the state Department of Revenue created an opportunity for the Board to act,” said HSSD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Mike Juech. “Even though the Board had promised a flat $8.99 rate through 2028 after lowering the rate last year, this was the right move to lower the levy rate even further again this year. It is a critical function of the Board to manage the levy rate in a thoughtful manner balancing the needs of taxpayers, students, and staff. They have one variable in the property tax equation under their control and they should be commended for their actions to reduce it.”

The district has a guide to reading property tax statements posted on the district website at https://www.hssdschools.org/departments/ operations/finance.

Board of Education Election has lowered the property tax levy rate to $8.69 this year.

How You Can Help

1. Use the shopping list below to help purchase items for the Holiday Store. Drop off unwrapped gifts at Green Bay Community Church, The Candy Store, or Nicolet National Bank by December 12. Visit our website for drop-off details: www.hssdschools.org/community/the-giving-tree/ holiday-store.

2. Make a cash donation or provide gift cards to Target, Fleet Farm, Walmart, or Meijer. These will help to purchase additional items for The Holiday Store.

3. Cash donations and gift cards can be dropped off at the Green Bay Community Church Front Office. Please place the donation in an envelope with Attn: The Giving Tree on the front by Thursday, December 3.

District and school calendars are updated regularly online. Questions? Contact us at website@hssdschools.org

For the most up-to-date calendar information, visit our website: www.hssdschools.org/district/calendars

Board of Education Election April 4, 2023

Candidates may file Declaration of Candidacy paperwork no earlier than December 1, 2022 and no later than January 3, 2023 at 5 p.m. for the Spring Election on April 4, 2023. To obtain candidacy paperwork, contact the District Office, 2706 Lineville Rd., Green Bay, or call 920-662-8103. Information about the Board of Education can be found at www.hssdschools.org/board-of-education

Leadership HSSD

The second class of Leadership HSSD meets once a month to learn about district operations, leadership principles, governance, and become more active advocates for our schools. The Leadership HSSD Class of 2022-23 is building upon the shoulders of the inaugural Class of 2021-22.

Learn more at www.hssdschools.org/community/leadership-hssd

Important Winter 2022 Dates

DECEMBER

5 Bay Port Bands Holiday Concert 6 Bay View Bands Holiday Concerts 8 Bay View Orchestra Concert 12 Bay View Choir Winter Concert 12 Forest Glen Winter Concerts 13 Lineville Holiday Band Concerts 15 Meadowbrook Winter Concerts 20 Bay Port Orchestra Holiday Concert 23-30 NO SCHOOL

JANUARY

2 SCHOOL RESUMES 11 Community Mental Wellness Event 12 Bay Port Winter Choral Concert 16 NO SCHOOL 19 Lineville Choir Concerts 20 End of Second Quarter

FEBRUARY

Congratulations!

3 NO SCHOOL 8 Community Mental Wellness Event 11 HSSD Music Festival 11 Bay Port Snowball Dance 20 Bay Port Honors Recital 21 Bay View Honors Recital 21 Parent/Teacher Conferences 23 NO SCHOOL (4K Only) 23 Parent/Teacher Conferences 24 NO SCHOOL (K-12)

MARCH

20-24 SPRING RECESS

Emergency Closings and Delays

In addition to District social media accounts, local TV/Radio stations, and the website, HSSD will send weather delay and closing updates via text message. To receive texts from HSSD, text the word “Yes” to 68453.

Bay Port seniors Moriah David, William Schlueter, and Cara Wreen were named 2023 National Merit® Scholarship Program Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, ranking in the top one percent of all U.S. high school seniors. High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Schlueter and Wreen also earned a perfect score on the ACT last year.

HSSD Website Links to Know:

• HSSD Homepage: www.hssdschools.org

• Calendars: www.hssdschools.org/district/calendars

• Families Portal: www.hssdschools.org/families

• Students Portal: www.hssdschools.org/students

Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook fourth graders applied what they learned about energy and created an obstacle course for grades K-3. During physical education classes, they taught the younger students about energy while showing them how to complete each obstacle course challenge.

4K

HSSD’s youngest learners, 4K students, enjoyed their first day of school at Step Ahead.

HowardAuthor Reese Eschmann made a special visit to Howard Elementary to talk to students about her career and her books: Etta Invincible and Home for Meow Series. Pictured above, Eschmann (right) encouraged student involvement during the assembly.

Bay Harbor

Mrs. VanEnkevort’s students collaborated to create a class mission statement. Collaboration is one of the eight HSSD Graduate Profile characteristics.

Lineville

During math instruction, Lineville students hosted the Collaboration Cabin Store. Students sold handcrafted products to families and community members. All profits benefitted The Giving Tree.

Suamico

Suamico students learned about life long ago during a field trip to Heritage Hill.

Forest Glen

Forest Glen third graders showed gratitude to Miron Construction employees for all they are doing to renovate their school. They provided treats during their break and welcomed them into the school with high fives.

Bay View

Bay View students in Apollo House gave back to the community by helping with fall clean-up at the Suamico Cemetery.

Better Prepare Students for Life After High School: SMT Receives Brighter Image Award for HSSD Partnership

The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance presented its Brighter Image award to Russ Styczynski, owner of SMT Machine and Tool at its recent Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships awards banquet. The Brighter Image award is given to a manufacturing company that is improving the image of manufacturing careers. For the last five years SMT has hosted an alternative education program and school-to-work pathway for Bay Port High School students called “Captain’s Academy.”

TOP THREE Investment Priorities:

2Recruit and Retain High Quality Staff: HSEF and HSSD Celebrate Inaugural Winners

The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF) and HSSD celebrated the inaugural HSSD CARE Awards in May 2022. One employee at each building was selected through an anonymous peer voting process for demonstrating positive characteristics within our caring learning community.

CARE stands for Congratulate, Appreciate, Recognize, Esteem. It is our belief that each person serving at HSSD – from classrooms to lunch rooms, front offices, gymnasiums and beyond – makes a direct impact on the children and future of our communities. Their work impacts us all for the better and the winners are being recognized for their direct impact on students and the future of our communities.

Voting was based on how the employees exhibit joy in their roles and a love for public education, foster healthy relationships with others, contribute to a positive school climate, and value every contribution with respect and honor.

Making the HSSD CARE Awards possible were our sponsors, who, in partnership with HSEF, provided the following:

Students attending the academy at SMT Machine and Tool are able to gain valuable skills and knowledge in a field of high interest to them. During work site visits to check on student progress, students have been seen working with engineers on developing blueprints, programming CNC machines, taking inventory, unloading and loading trucks, practicing welding skills, interacting with clients in the shop as well as on deliveries, among other things. In addition, SMT Machine and Tool has employed multiple students throughout the previous five years.

Styczynski and SMT Machine and Tool have proven to be valuable community members and partners in education. The space provided is more than just a place to host an alternative education program. It has evolved into a sanctuary where students feel comfortable and safe to continually work on developing their personal and academic progress while getting a glimpse into the manufacturing world.

● $1,250 stipend for the HSSD CARE Award winner

● $750 grant for the CARE Award winner’s school

● $500 to the HSEF Endowment Fund

CARE Award Sponsors:

● The Horton Group

● Savoye Salon Spa ●

●

& Heartland Business Systems

● Friends of HSSD CARE Awards: American National Bank and MyTalentPlanner, Inc.

Ali Foley, Suamico School Counselor

Kristin Possley, Bay Harbor Special Ed Teacher

Maggie Jolly, District Office Administrative Asst.

Gary Caelwaerts, Bay Port Custodian

Rick Seiler, Forest Glen Custodian

Melissa Martinson, Meadowbrook Secretary

Jenny Woldt, Lineville Special Ed Teacher

Suzanne Zimmerman, Howard School Counselor

Jayme Shefchik, Bay View Math Teacher

Russ Styczynski of SMT received a Brighter Image Award for hosting Bay Port’s Captain’s Academy.

Photo Credit: Julie M. Gile Photography

Photo Credits: Corey Wilson

In our most recent Community Engagement Survey, Howard and Suamico residents told us residents told us the top three areas they’d like to see HSSD focus on are:

Social/Emotional/Mental Health Services for Students:

HSSD has placed focus on social emotional wellness of students, staff, and the greater community. Social and emotional wellness is our capacity to manage our thoughts, feelings, and behavior positively so we can enjoy life, maintain positive relationships, and work toward our goals.

So far this year, HSSD hosted three Mental Wellness Series events: Be the Light Walk and Tailgate in September, Mental Health 101 in October, and Let’s Talk Grief Supporting Children and Teens in November.

Air barrier application to the exterior masonry walls of the new gym.

Progress continues to be made at Bay View, including acoustical decking installation above the second floor fitness room.

Forest Glen

Bay

Bay Port High School

Track & Field

Twenty-three Bay Port track & field athletes competed at state. Josiah Azure placed 2nd in discus (172’ 4”) and Lucas Thiebert placed 2nd in pole vault (15’ 3”). In addition, Tony Adriansen broke his own school record in the 3200 (9:17) and Madeline Thoreson set a school record in long jump (17’ 11.5”). Adriansen is pictured.

Girls Tennis

Khali Stephens, Bay Port sophomore, competed at state tennis. She won sectionals in the #1 singles spot, which was Bay Port’s first individual sectional victory since 2016. In addition, the 2022 season made history as the team won its first conference title which was also Coach Matusezewski’s 200th dual match victory.

Baseball

Highlights & Accomplishments

Football

Girls Swimming

Ellasen Peot, Bay Port senior, competed at state November 12 in 50 Free.

Cross Country

Senior Reese Gustafson (left) and junior Sam Lieuwen (right) competed at the 2022 Cross Country state competition!

Girls Golf

The Bay Port girls golf team placed 9th at state, an improvement from last year’s 11th place finish. In addition, Adalyn Johnston, junior, finished 18th (80-80) at state. Pictured: juniors Johnston, Ava Beranek, and Chloe Strunk; sophomore Kristina Kruse; and freshman Payton Dudra.

Photo Credit: Corey Wilson

Photo Credits: Jenn Koss Photos

Photo Credit: Corey Wilson

Bay Port Baseball —State Runner-Up Spring 2022.

Senior linebacker Josiah Azure was named Wisconsin Football Coaches Association State Defensive Player of the Year. Azure and the Pirates advanced to the WIAA tournament state semifinal game.

IT’S ALL GOOD – Highlights & Accomplishments

Fall Play

Bay Port Agriculture Gives Back

In partnership with the Green Bay Vet Center and under the leadership of Ryan Weed, Bay Port agriculture teacher, Ag Construction students created raised beds for the Brown County Veterans’ Community Garden. Students spent the afternoon working with veterans as they prepared the beds for summer gardening.

International Club Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), students in Bay Port’s International Club made self-portraits to mimic the style of Pablo Picasso’s cubist paintings. Pictured is Josiah Varghese, junior.

Instagram Takeover

To commemorate Bay Port Homecoming 2022, HSSD held its first-ever Instagram Takeover. Elissa Lonzo, Bay Port senior and band drum major, took over the account and showcased the variety of events throughout the day, including spirit activities, band performances, the football game, and interviews with student leaders. View the story on the HSSD Instagram account.

Musical Pirates

Multi-talented seniors Chloe Hansen (left) and Dante Draghicchio (right) pulled double duty at Homecoming! Draghicchio is a starting offensive lineman for Bay Port’s top-ranked football team. He joined his concert choir classmates in his football uniform to perform the national anthem before the homecoming game. Hansen performed with the cheer team at halftime right before picking up her flute and participating in the band’s sensational halftime show. We are proud of these students for sharing their many talents with our school and community.

Photo Credit: Matt Ludtke

Bay Port students performed Father of the Bride, Bay Port’s fall play, for local theater-goers November 10-12. Pictured are Bay Port senior actors Will Nicol and Bella Frank.

Celebrating 3o years

A Foundation for Success: HSEF Celebrates 30 Years

For 30 years, the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF) has been making a positive impact on Howard-Suamico School District (HSSD) students, staff, and community.

Since its inception, HSEF has served as a kickstarter for teachers and schools to create new and unique learning opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist. To date, HSEF has provided nearly $2 million in funding a variety of student-centered projects and initiatives.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, we are pleased to share more about HSEF’s history, its support of HSSD’s caring learning community and innovative programming, and its dedication to HSSD students and staff.

In this first article of a series, learn more about HSEF’s humble beginnings and how it evolved into the strategic organization it is today.

The Early Years

A trendsetting idea, HSEF was born as part of HSSD’s first strategic plan, led by Fred Stieg, former HSSD Superintendent (1985-2002) and current HSEF Emeritus member.

“Out of that strategic plan, community members shared that they wanted the opportunity to participate in the events of the school district,” said Stieg. In turn, a focus group came up with the idea with HSEF as a districtwide fundraising platform.

Shortly thereafter, the revenue cap was enacted in 1993, causing HSSD to be a low-funded district. Stieg continued, “The district has really taken a hit since 1993.”

Because the revenue cap has forced HSSD to be creative in its funding, Stieg believes the HSSD Board of Education has been an excellent steward of the tax dollars from 1993 to today.

Comprised of an all-volunteer board, HSEF turned out to be one of the creative solutions available to HSSD in the early 1990s. It raised funds through penny jars and family donations. Further, it relied on teacher research regarding what should be funded to benefit the district’s then 3,000 students.

The Snowball to Success

Ten years later, when Stieg retired in 2002, he created an endowment fund which afforded the opportunity to provide scholarships to graduates pursuing a career in education. This endowment was the first significant transition and boost since HSEF’s creation.

Thanks

staff.

Stieg said, “Creating that endowment made a difference and people noticed. Since then, HSEF has continued to grow.”

People saw the difference HSEF was making and they became more enthusiastic about being involved in HSEF. As the endowment began to snowball, HSEF started awarding Educator Grants to HSSD teachers and planning fundraising events such as the Wine & Cheese Event.

HSEF arrived at its next turning point when it started to fund technology, specifically the district’s first cart of iPads in 2011. This was the first moment that HSEF realized its impact on the future.

“By now, every student in the district has been touched by something HSEF has funded.”

–Jeff Puissant

In 2017, Lineville students thanked HSEF for its gift to the robotics program, the first of its kind in the district.

to the Craig and Karen Dickman Family, Solutionist Studios in all five elementary schools will provide a student-focused atmosphere with access to digital and physical resources for all elementary students and

“This cart of iPads, awarded to Eve Wozniak’s 6th grade classroom via an Educator Grant, showcased the immense opportunities students could achieve through technology. The district witnessed this impact and now, more than 10 years later, HSSD’s nearly 6,000 students are one-to-one with technology K-12, meaning each student has a district-provided device.

“When we received the cart of iPads® in 2011, such technology was seen as a significant shift in the way we help students learn and allow them to demonstrate their knowledge. Now, technology is part of our everyday instruction,” said Wozniak. “I am grateful for HSEF’s contribution and commend HSEFfor being forward- thinking and taking risks that benefit students and support teachers throughout the process.”

271 HSEF-funded DonorsChoose Projects since 2018

Jeff Puissant, HSEF financial adviser, said, “HSEF funds are being used to get students exposure to something that, in many cases, is not mainstream today but will be in five plus years. I look at some of the opportunities our students are exposed to, such as the first cart of iPads, and am impressed by how it has shaped learning for the future.”

A Strategic Vision

As HSEF recognized its potential to fund the future, newlyelected board members Greg Klimek and Jayne McQuillan, HSEF board member (2012-2022), along with the existing HSEF board decided to focus on an updated and more definitive vision. McQuillan said, “Greg and I sought to grow the organization through focusing on vision and honoring legacy board members. From 2015-2017, the focus was recruitment of board members.”

GALLERY PHOTOS:

In 2020, HSEF capital campaign projects totaling nearly $1.4 million were completed through the generosity of donors. This funded Solutionist Studios at all five elementary schools; the Bay Port Strength & Performance Center; baseball and softball fields; and eqjuipment, lighting, and technology updates in the Performing Arts Center.

From there, the volunteer board was seeking consistency, which led to the hiring of Nicole Smith as the HSEF executive director.

“To me, the most transformational moment during my HSEF tenure was hiring Nicole in 2018, which gave HSEF incredible direction,” McQuillan said.

She continued, “It’s been a significant evolution, especially in the past six to seven years. It has positioned HSEF with momentum to move the ship at a rapid rate.”

Puissant echoed, “HSEF’s impact grew when we switched from being solely focused on scholarships to funding innovative activities that touch every student in the district.

As a result of this shift and in order to see potential areas for impact, HSEF board members are enabled and encouraged to be connected within the schools. The HSEF board prides itself on discussing innovation, new opportunities, and spreading funding to support all aspects of the school district, from e-sports to athletics to fine arts and beyond.

Smith said, “Our board members serve as district ambassadors in the community. My job is to ensure that they are equipped, have organizational knowledge, and invite conversations between the school district and the community.”

Further, McQuillan concluded, “HSEF has built something that most public school districts throughout the country don’t have, a funding mechanism that supports students, teachers, and community of today and the future. The momentum can continue with your support.”

To learn more about HSEF and for information on how you can help support HSEF’s mission, visit the HSEF website at www.hseducationfoundation.org or contact Nicole Smith at nicosmit@hssdschools.org.

“HSEF has built something that most public school districts throughout the country don’t have, a funding mechanism that supports students, teachers, and community of today and the future.”

– Jayne McQuillan

Suamico students showed appreciation for HSEF and its $500 donation to their Little Library in 2017.

Howard-Suamico School District

2706 Lineville Road Green Bay, WI 54313

The Howard-Suamico School District Newsletter is published three times a year. The purpose of the publication is to share success stories and essential information with its district residents. Unless otherwise stated, editorial opinions by HSSD or its employees are unintended. The information included is meant to provide factual information with a non-biased pointof-view. Please direct questions and feedback regarding this publication to website@hssdschools.org or 920-662-7878.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, age, sex, (including transgender status, change of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity), pregnancy, creed or religion, genetic information, handicap or disability, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, military service (as defined in 111.32, Wis. Stats.), ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, use or non-use of lawful products off the District’s premises during non-working hours, declining to attend an employersponsored meeting or to participate in any communication with the employer about religious matters or political matters, or any other characteristic protected by law in its employment practices.

Howard-Suamico School District