BIG BROTHERS & SISTERS

In 1987, 8th grade social studies teacher, Terry Wagner, took the first group of Sturgeon Bay 8th graders to our nation’s capital. The group went the last week of the school year for $275. Since that inaugural trip, the Washington D.C. trip continues to be a highlight of the 8th grade year at T.J. Walker Middle School. Only during the two years follow-ing the terrorist attacks on September 11 was an alternate class trip taken due to security concerns by parents and staff.

The class trip includes visits to all of the major Memorials, Arlington Cemetery, Capitol Building, Mount Vernon, Holocaust Museum and various Smithsonian museums. It concludes with a visit to Gettysburg on the way home where students visit the famous Civil War battlefield they studied during the school year.

As one can imagine, the cost of the six-day trip has increased over the years and is now up to $775 per student. Parents begin organizing fundrais-ing events for the trip during the spring of the 7th grade year so they can take advantage of the sum-mer months to raise money.

We want to thank the Sturgeon Bay Community for supporting this trip by purchasing items from our students, tipping them for bagging their groceries, donating items for our Community Rummage Sale, or giving money to our scholarship fund. Without your support many of our students would not be able to participate in this very special trip. Thank you!

Summer school at the elementary level had a new ap-proach this year! Due to increased interest, programming was expanded from the previous “Bridges to Success” format, which focused on assisting students who needed a little more practice on their skills prior to advancing to the next grade. This summer programs were open to all elementary students completing grades K-5, and included enrichment programs.

Summer school ran mornings during the month of July. Students spent time polishing math fluency and engag-ing in reading and writing activities. After the academic hour we provided a snack and recess time. Our snacks this summer were provided free through the summer food program sponsored by the Door County YMCA.

The second half of the morning was spent on educational activities focused on enrichment and exploring concepts outside a traditional curriculum. For example, students could select Geo-Caching, Lego Robotics, Acting, Space, Cooking, Nature or Spanish as their elective. Overall en-rollment was approximately 140 students between the two elementary buildings.

HELLO FROM WASHINGTON DC!

One of our goals in our elementary schools this past school year was to increase the support we provide for students. Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin played an important part in providing this sup-port. We more than doubled the number of students at Sun-rise Elementary matched with a Big Brother or Sister, also known as a Big. Most students, known as Littles, met with their Bigs at school while some met in the community. Hav-ing these mentors in our building made a meaningful differ-ence in the lives of many students.

Big Brothers Big Sisters doesn’t just talk about having an impact – it has proven results to demonstrate the impact. Nearly 90% of youth state their mentoring relationship pro-vided them with guidance and support, and had a positive impact on their life.

When compared with their peers, youth who have a mentor matched via Big Brothers Big Sisters are• 52% more likely to remain in school• 75% more likely to earn a 4-year degree• 48% more likely to volunteer• 81% more likely to hold a leadership role in an organiza-tion.

Examples of activities include sharing lunch time at school, attending student programs, etc. Just an hour a week can mean so much to a child who needs a positive role model.

Seeing the smiles on Littles’ faces when their Bigs met them at school was priceless. Our goal for next year is to con-tinue to grow this program in our elementary schools. If you are interested in becoming a Big for a Little, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 920-559-6117 or email Kellya@bbbsnew.org.

Advanced Placement at SBHS

Great Job, Sunrise!

SUMMER SCHOOL FUN!

AP courses are rigorous! The “AP” designation on a transcript shows college admissions staff that what a student has experienced in an AP course has prepared him/her well for the challenges of college.

By taking an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, students can save on col-lege expenses. Most colleges and universities na-tionwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a second major. If a stu-dent knows his/her preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam can help the student advance and avoid required introductory courses. Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to the chosen college ma-jor can place a student beyond a college’s general education requirements.

Everyone was having a great time at the year-end Big Brothers Big Sisters Pizza Party at Sunrise School.

Summer school students enrolled in the Let’s Put on a Show class do a rendition of Aesop’s Fables.

HANDS-ON SCIENCE LEARNING AT THE

ELEMENTARY LEVEL Students in Grades K-5 are enjoying new science curriculum this school year. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, the new science kits provide students with science experiences that are developmentally appropriate and serve as a foundation for

more advanced ideas that prepare them for further education and/or careers related to STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math). It is widely accepted that children learn science concepts best by doing science vs. simply memorizing facts. Hands-on activities are motivating for students, and they stimulate inquiry, curiosity and exploration. In this new curriculum, every grade level explores concepts in Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. Modules include:

Kindergarten - Trees and Weather, Materials and Motion, and Animals Two by Two.1st Grade - Sounds and Light, Air and Weather, Plants and Animals.2nd Grade - Solids and Liquids, Pebbles, Sand and Silt, and Insects and Plants.3rd Grade - Motion and Matter, Water and Climate, and Structures of Life.4th Grade - Energy, Soils, Rocks and Landforms, and Environments.5th Grade - Mixtures and Solutions, Earth and Sun, and Living Systems.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), developed by teachers, scientists, and leaders in science and science education from around the country, focus on the big ideas in science and emphasizes the common practices that scientists use every day, such as planning investigations, developing models, and designing solutions. NGSS encourage students to learn the processes of science in a deep, meaningful way through firsthand investigative experiences, instead of just memorizing facts for a test. This scientific way of thinking will ensure that the concepts children learn in school will stay with them not just for a day, a week, or a year—but for a lifetime. Credit: http://ngss.nsta.org

NEW COURSE OPTIONS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

This year, the TJ Walker Middle School students have several exciting new class options.

During Semester 1, the middle school is offering an Outdoor Adventures class (see next article in this issue) and Robotics. During Robotics, students use LEGO Mindstorm kits and work as a team to collaborate, create, and overcome obstacles with their

programmable robot. Students hope to compete in FIRST LEGO LEAGUE events in our region, with the potential to qualify for the FIRST LEGO

LEAGUE state tournament. In the musical realm, all Band students now meet daily, and there is both a Men’s Choir and a Women’s Choir at the sixth grade level, due to high participation.

During Semester 2, the middle school will offer Childcare and Digital Arts. Childcare will provide students with the knowledge and skills to earn a babysitting certification, plus students will learn money management and basic business skills. Digital Arts students will create unique works of art by using the techniques of photography, movie making, animation, and photo manipulation while applying the elements and principles of art.

Math and reading intervention courses are available for all students scoring below the 50th percentile on their STAR Math and Reading tests. If a student needs reading support, the school offers four different reading support programs to assist in developing skills. Students needing math support benefit from additional staff time and online programs, and are required to work 80 minutes per week at their skill level. Staff monitor progress and meet with students to review their growth.

TJ Walker strives to create engaging and rigorous course options, and we hope to add further options in the 2018-2019 school year such as a STEM course (science, technology, engineering, and math), Earth Science, and Financial Literacy. Thank you to all parents, staff, and students who submitted their input on our new courses.

One of our district goals for the 2017-2018 school year is to promote student engagement. Outdoor Adventures is a new course offered at TJ Walker, and its goal is to give children learning opportunities in the outdoors. Activities will include archery; environmental studies; DNR safety course instruction for hunting, snowmobiling, ATV and boating; plus other lifelong learning activities.

In addition to becoming certified safety instructors, a number of school staff members, both male and female, were trained to implement the National Archery in School Program at both the middle and high school levels. The intent is to teach the archery program within several courses including Physical Education, Physics, Technology Education and Outdoor Adventures. After-school clubs have also been discussed as possibilities for future programming. Lastly, we hope to collaborate with local youth organizations such as the Fish, Farm, and Game Club to offer more outdoor opportunities for our students. TJ Walker Middle School applied for state and local grants plus received generous donations from local businesses to purchase the equipment necessary for our classes. We look forward to this new adventure and learning opportunity for our students. Thank you, donors!

HOME CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

On September 6, groundbreaking occurred for the new home construction project on North 19th Avenue. Eleven students from Southern Door, Sevastopol, Gibraltar, and Sturgeon Bay High Schools will be involved with this year’s program. In addition to the six students from Sturgeon Bay High School, Sturgeon Bay High School teacher Mr. Seth Wilson will be the classroom teacher for the program.

The Home Construction Program is a partnership involving the Door County Economic Development Corporation, the Door County Homebuilders Association, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, the Door County mainland school districts, and various contractors and community industries. The program has been in hiatus since 2014-15.

One of the most significant goals of the Home Construction Program is to provide hands-on training for potential construction workers. Door County reports a shortage of construction workers, and this program offers students a substantial introduction to employment in the industry. Guided by industry professionals, students learn every aspect of home construction. Coupled with learning skills of the trades, students also accumulate 12 technical college credits in Introduction to Carpentry, Floor Framing Systems, Carpentry Prints and Specifications, Exterior Building Finishes, and Roof and Ceiling Framing Systems.

The Home Construction Program was the brainchild of former Sturgeon Bay High School teacher Myles Zastrow. After his retirement, Myles was involved in the construction of some of the first homes in the program. Since his passing, several instructors have taken the teaching position. However, Myles’ spirit lives on in every home project, and he is given recognition at every open house celebration.

TJ WALKER MIDDLE SCHOOL: OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!

Sturgeon Bay School District1230 Michigan StreetSturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Clipper PrideFall 2015

This publication is brought to you by the Sturgeon Bay School District

CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?!

Members of the Sturgeon Bay Community,

Greetings from the School District of Sturgeon Bay! After several years of conversation about ideas for en-hancing communication in our school district you are looking at the first of a series of district newsletters.

For those of you I have not had the opportunity to meet yet, I am proud to begin my second year as your su-perintendent of schools. Carrie (my wife), Gabi (our 3rd grade daughter), and I have enjoyed getting to know and become part of the school district and over-all community over the past year. Both the district and community have much to be proud of and offer. More than any of this, however, we have enjoyed the people we have gotten to know. People make the difference, and people are what make a place really special and unique—although the beauty of Door County certainly doesn’t hurt either.

This inaugural newsletter looks to share several exam-ples of positive things we want everyone to know about and take pride in. We also want to share opportuni-ties for people to get involved in our school community if they are not already—as well as thank people and groups who support our young people.

Listed below are two of the ways for people to stay in-formed, beyond this newsletter. Please let me know if you have requests for presentations, and also feel

free to contact me if you have ideas for ways to further enhance the information we share via social media. I can be reached

at 746-2801 or dtjernagel@sturbay.k12.wi.us.

FROM DAN’S DESK

Facility/Grant UpdateWe are thankful for support the district has received from the Raibrook Foundation and other sources for a wide variety of projects that benefit our students and overall school community. In the past year alone, thanks to a combination of school district dollars and grant dollars, we have been able to upgrade the wireless connectivity in the district, enhance the technology available to students and staff members, replace the original SBHS hallway lockers, repair and resurface the tennis courts and track surfaces, and more. We could not have done all these projects in the same year without supportive groups and a supportive community. Thank you to everyone involved in these grant applications, grant awards, and projects!

Follow our Sturgeon Bay Schools Facebook page for infor-mational updates and pictures of various events through-out the year. If you are not a Facebook user (it’s OK, I wasn’t either until taking this position), you can access the Facebook page through our district website and still see the information and pictures in this way.

I am happy to present our Annual “State of the District” presentation to any civic, community, or special

interest group. This past year I fo-cused on the following questions in the presentation and plan

to offer the same type of informa- tion this year: What’s new? How are we doing? What does it cost? Where are we going?

Dan Tjernagel, Sturgeon Bay Superintendent of Schools

Thank you for taking some time to be informed. Thank you for the support that so many of you provide in a wide variety of ways from financial support (includ-ing fundraising support to tax bill payments, for example) to the time you give volunteering and attending the many events we host each year. Thank you again on behalf of our students, par-ents, staff, and Board of Educa-tion—and Go Clippers!

When a group of parents overheard student performers bemoaning the fact that the Sturgeon Bay High School sound system paled in comparison to that of other schools in the area, they decided to do something about it. The Can You Hear Us Now?! Campaign brought parents, teach-ers, students, local businesses and other friends of SBHS together to raise over $47,000 for a new state-of-the-art sound system. The high point of the campaign was a fun, student-led Coffeehouse Concert featuring entertainment by students, alumni, faculty and school board members, and administrators.

According to Justin Ranek, SBHS Choral Music and Au-ditorium Director, “This is very exciting for our Performing Arts program. We’ve needed new equipment for a long time. Our system was nearly a decade old and there have been many technological advances and improvements in the sound industry over that time. We’re thrilled that the community saw a need and worked with us to make this happen.”

We’re open to other ideas that members of the commu-nity might have.”

Sturgeon Bay’s new sound system will make its debut this fall. Be sure to listen for it. If you like what you hear, think about ways you and your family and friends can make a positive impact on Sturgeon Bay Schools!

School Superintendent Dan Tjernagel concurs. “One of the School District’s goals in the coming years is to increase community involvement. We live in a very talented com-munity, and we have great schools. If we can foster con-nections between the schools and the community, both will benefit. The Can You Hear Us Now?! effort was a model.

A Successful School/Community Effort

City Rhythm strikes a pose and entertains the audience again with a mixture of vocals and choreographed moves. Sturgeon Bay HS Show Choir – Sturgeon Bay High School Show Choir students thank you for your support!

Fall 2017

The Sturgeon Bay Athletic Department has created a Sturgeon Bay High School Athletic Hall of Fame, which will showcase the rich tradition of athletic excellence at Sturgeon Bay as we approach the 50th year an-niversary of Sturgeon Bay High School at its present site on Michigan Street. The Hall of Fame will, over the span of three years, showcase the coaches, teams, and players that were cornerstones in this tradition of excellence in athletics. The first Athletic Hall of Fame Class was honored on September 1, 2017 during halftime of a Clipper home football game. Fans enjoyed hearing each of the honorees’ incredible stories each which demonstrated

significant commitment and contributions to students, athletes, and the school district. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the following four recipients and their families:

STURGEON BAY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

FROM DAN’S DESKGreetings from the School District of Sturgeon Bay! We hope you find the fifth edition of our Clipper Pride community newsletter informative and see something you’d like to learn more about or even get involved in.

One of the many great things about working in education is the annual fun and excitement of seeing the faces of all those children, big and small, returning to school. Staff members certainly show off their smiles and excitement as they start a new school year, too. In fact one of the fun Facebook posts we had from the first week of school involved all the teachers at Sunrise Elementary School showing off how many first days of school they have had teaching at their grade level at Sunrise School.

As I think about my own experiences as a student, educator, husband, and father, I know those first days of school (and the years they represent) pass so quickly. Making the most of the time we are given is so important. We want all members of our school community—whether younger, older, or somewhere in between—to have the best experience possible, to learn something new every day, to prepare for successful futures, to have meaningful relationships with those around them, and to make our community and world even better than it was yesterday.

In addition to reading these newsletters, listening to the radio, and following the Sturgeon Bay Schools website or Facebook page to stay informed, please know that I am always happy to provide updates or presentations to groups or speak with individuals at any time. I can be reached at 746-2801 or dtjernagel@sturbay.k12.wi.us.

Thank you for supporting our school district, our young people, and taking a little time to stay informed on some of the good things happening in our schools.

Recent Happenings

School District of Sturgeon Bay1230 Michigan StreetSturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Ron Casadont - Athletic Director, Football andBaseball Coach

Tom Stover - Longtime Girls and Boys Swim Coach

Diane Patterson - Started women’s athletics at Sturgeon Bay High School, and volleyball, Basketball and Track Coach

Gordy Saron - Football and Girls Track Coach

With Clipper Pride, Dan TjernagelSturgeon Bay Superintendent of Schools

First grade and High School students met together at Crossroads at Big Creek for a nature walk and cross-grade level activity.

Twenty-four Sturgeon Bay Middle and High school singers joined over 1,100 young men at UW- Milwaukee for an all-men’s choir festival.

Sturgeon Bay Schools congratulated four teachers who recently earned their Masters Degree in Reading.

The Elementary level after-school running club participated in the RunWild event at Potawatomi State Park. Congrats to the Striders and volunteers!