New Year, A Closer look into the HSSD School Board

As 2018 comes to a close, the Howard-Suamico School Board wants to thank you for your continued trust and support.  As we prepare to bring in a new year, we want to make sure you are clear on the School Board’s role, our mission and ensure you have the visibility, aka transparency, you deserve.

School Board Role

The Board of Education acts as a whole, not as seven individuals, to ensure the success of every child through clear, concise direction to the superintendent as well as rigorous monitoring to ensure accountability.  The board charges the superintendent to focus every staff member and all resources toward a single goal - student achievement.  The superintendent receives direction from the board and authorizes the staff to implement practices, programs and activities that will provide the best education possible.  This approach allows the Board to focus its time and energy on facilitating a successful school district.

Board Mission

The mission of the Howard-Suamico School District Board of Education is to enact policies and allocate resources to develop all students' full academic potential and to promote their social and emotional growth.

For more information about the School District and School Board, visit www.hssd.k12.wi.us.  For additional information regarding this article, contact school board member Maria Lara at marilara@hssd.k12.wi.us.  We wish you a Happy New Year!

New Email Addresses

New Year = New Email addresses for Howard-Suamico School District Staff

Starting December 26, 2018 all HSSD email addresses will end a new extension: @hssdschools.org and our website address will also become www.hssdschools.org. During the transition, former email addresses (ending in @hssd.k12.wi.us) will work for a limited time to receive email. We will be testing the new addresses in early January to double check that emails aren’t caught up in recipients’ spam filters. Stay tuned for updates after the 

Tax Levy – A Long Term Investment

At this time of year our property tax bills begin to arrive.  During the budget process each year, there are things the School Board can control, and things the Board cannot control.

The Howard-Suamico School District is driven to work with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.  This objective is something we can control, and our budgets are created not only for the needs of today but also for future use.  There is a continuous focus on making sure that the long-term per pupil expenditure is fiscally responsible (ex., limited open enrollment, adjustments to benefits, and increasing partnerships with members of the business community).  Another factor in our control is the levy rate.  Since the 2011-12 school year, this rate has decreased from 9.73 to the 9.19 rate that we have maintained for 4 years. 

The information on our tax bills that the District does not control is the total property value within our area, as well as the increase or decrease to individual parcels of property.  When the stable tax rate of 9.19 is applied to changing valuation amounts, the result changes from year to year.  As taxpayers in our District, the Board of Education focuses on ensuring effective stewardship of the tax revenue we receive, not only for today but for the long term.  If you have questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article.  

Howard-Suamico Education Foundation

The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation is excited to announce an opportunity for you to support an HSSD classroom in partnership with DonorsChoose.org. Donate through DonorsChoose.org/HSEF and help support Howard-Suamico Schools and students. Choose a project that inspires you and when the project is fully funded, you will hear back from the classroom with photos and updates. DonorsChoose.org validates the project request and purchases the resources for the teacher.

Visit www.DonorsChoose.org/HSEF and choose which project you would like to support. You may donate any time between now and December 31. The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation is invested in students and staff and is committed to fund the final 25% of projects, up to $200.

Budget Season

During our annual meeting last month, community members received a detailed review of the school district’s 2018-19 budget and at the October 22, 2018 School Board Meeting, the Board of Education approved a levy of $26,570,826, which supports a district budget of $89,505,581 – an increase of 3.18% from the previous year. This levy will result in the school’s portion of our property taxes remaining stable at $9.19.

In addition, the Board shared with community members the proposed purchase of 10 acres of land directly in front of Bay Port High School.  After significant consultation with leaders in real estate, the community and local businesses, the district formed a plan to move forward with an offer.

The source of funds for the purchase will come from two sources:

·         $389,000 from the sale of surplus land

·         Approximately $1.5 million from an assigned district account of which the funds are specifically designated only for capital projects/purchases.

This acquisition represents the beginning of a long-term process in which the district is developing a “best-use” plan on leveraging this resource for future students. We hope the 2018-19 budget and this land purchase demonstrate to our community and students that we value their education today and well into the future.  If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article.   

Pirate Fast Pitch

Monday October 22, 2018 at 6:30 pm -Pirate Fastpitch Tournament Team Information Parent meeting in the Bay View Auditorium.

Attention Parents: Fall Conferences

 Fall parent/teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 6th and Thursday, November 8th from 4:00 PM-7:30 PM each evening.  We will once be utilizing the online sign up system to schedule these conferences.  Please reference the following directions to sign up for a conference with teachers.

Click here

October, 2018 – From Your School Board

The 2018-2019 Budget Hearing & Annual School District Meeting was held on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 6pm in the District Office Community Training Center, 2706 Lineville Road, Village of Suamico. 

District residents approved the Board of Education’s proposed tax levy in support of an operating budget of $86M – and the purchase of the 10-acre parcel of land in the Village of Suamico.  For more information on the District’s annual budget, please visit the website at www.hssd.k12.wi.us/board-members. If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article.  

Alice in Wonderland

Bay Port’s Fall Play will be presenting Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” on November 8, 9 and 10^th at 7:00pm.  Tickets will go on sale beginning Tuesday, October 2^nd and will be $6.00 each.  If you need wheelchair accessible seating, please contact the office at 662-7000 to arrange.  Bay Port Student Council and members of the Fall Play are hosting an Italian dinner FREE to any current/retired military person and a guest and/or anyone 55 or older along with a guest.  Dinner is being served from 5:00-6:30 and the show begins at 7:00.   Please call 920-662-7246 to reserve a ticket for both. 

Seat yourself

From the School Board

September, 2018 – From Your School Board

The Board of Education invites attendance and participation from district residents at the 2018-2019 Budget Hearing & Annual School District Meeting on Monday, September 24, 2018, 6pm in the District Office Community Training Center, 2706 Lineville Road, Village of Suamico. 

This event is an opportunity for the community and the school district to connect, to communicate and to reach greater understanding.  School administrators and board members provide focus on achievements, needs and the future of the district.    Please consider joining us on September 24.

If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article or visit the website at www.hssd.k12.wi.us/board-members

 

From your School Board

I am the Board representative for your school and would like to welcome you to the 2018-19 school year! This school year’s message from Superintendent LaCroix is Lead Your Learning - Together is Better.


As an Active link to our constituents, the Board seeks to use frequent and varied methods of communication with the community.  Please let us know how we are doing and if there are other ways you would like us to share and receive information.  Best wishes on a positive and productive school year!  ​

garrsiev@hssd.k12.wi.us

SCHOOL NUTRITION IS HIRING

Would you like to work when your children are at school?

Do you have a passion for customer service and kids?

Do you need flexibility?

If you said yes, we would love to have you apply to our District’s School Nutrition Department!  Please use the link below and scroll down to “Substitutes – Support Staff”
to apply for this fun and exciting job opportunity. Pay is $11.50/hr.

https://www.applitrack.com/hssd/onlineapp/

Should you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to
Laura Rowell the School Nutrition Manager at laurrowe@hssd.k12.wi.us or 920.662.7702. 
This District is an equal opportunity provider.

Yearbook

 


Get more out of your Bay Port High School yearbook with Jostens. Your yearbook helps you remember this special time forever-every school tradition, every friend and everything you've accomplished. 

Athletic Passes

Athletic passes for the 2018-19 school year will be sold at the following events/times:

Thursday August 16^th Football game from 6:00-7:30

Tuesday August 28^th Volleyball game from 4:00-5:30

Wednesday August 29^th Open House from 5:30-8:00

Thursday August 30^th Soccer game from 5:30-7:00

Any time during school office hours (7:00-3:00) the week of August 27^th. 

Family passes are for adult members of the household and any children 8^th grade and younger (high school students are not included in this pass)…cost is $45.00

Adult passes…cost is $25.00

High School students…cost is $15.00

High School students are encouraged to purchase their passes by the end of the day on Tuesday, September 4^th in order to have it on their permanent ID by picture day on September 7^th. 

Passes are good for the entire school year and are good for all home games with the exception of playoffs. 

Please Note

There are changes to the printed calendar:

·        Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences are held on Nov. 6 & 8 only.
No P/T Conferences will be held on Nov. 7.

·        K-12 Half Day No Lunch is November 21 & February 22, not on January 22.

Varsity Football – August 16 is a Home Game, not away at Sheboygan North – please check for up to date schedules of all athletic events at www.bayporthssd.weebly.com/athletics or www.foxriverclassicconference.com.

Dates of school events may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date events, go to www.hssd.k12.wi.us.

May, 2018 – From Your School Board

 The 2017-2018 school year is almost in the books.  The Board of Education would like to extend a thank you for another great year.  As we reflect back on an outstanding year of accomplishments, we are honored by: 

-Bay View Middle and Lineville Intermediate schools 2017 National Healthy School Award;

-Bay Port One Act Play honored with the State of Wisconsin Award;

-Suamico Elementary earning a Significantly Exceeds Expectations on the State Report Card;

-Golden Apple Recipient April White, Suamico Elementary, and five Teachers of Distinction honored at the Golden Apple Awards;

-Successful passage of the Operational Referendum in the Spring Election;

-Bay View Middle and Bay Port High schools awarded the Spirit of Excellence Award for Best in State;

-Countless stellar performances by all of our talented theatre and music students and devoted teachers;

-Numerous wins on the playing fields by our athletic students and dedicated coaches.

It is a very exciting time in the Howard Suamico School District and we wish you a fun-filled summer.  If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article.

Sweet Safari

Due to weather forecast Friday, the Sweet Safari event scheduled for Friday, May 11 at the NEW Zoo is postponed until June 8.

Sweet Safari for Education has been rescheduled for June 8, 5-8 pm. The NEW Zoo and the
 Howard-Suamico Education Foundation are excited to  host the third annual Sweet Safari for Education – A Wild Artistic Adventure. The Sweet Safari will feature over 150 pieces of student artwork and sweet treats from local vendors for kids and adults of all ages. Face painting, animal encounters, a bounce house, free  carousel rides, and an inflatable obstacle course are also planned.

Tickets include admission to the event at the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park  and are available for $10 in advance at all Northeast Wisconsin Festival Foods locations & Howard or $12 at the door. Proceeds will support educational programming for both organizations. https://newzoo.org/event/sweet-safari-2018

The Sweet Safari for Education

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, in partnership with the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation, is pleased to announce the third-annual hosting of a fundraising event:

click for more information

A Brat Fry to Benefit The Giving Tree

A Brat Fry to Benefit The Giving Tree

Stop by Festival Foods on Lineville this Saturday, May 5^th between 10am until 6pm​ for lunch, dinner or a quick snack as you support The Giving Tree at the Brat Fry.   Non-perishable food and monetary donations will also be accepted during this time.

A note from the Food Service Department…

      Dear Parent/Guardian:

  

    Thank you for your participation in our School Meal Programs this year.  As we near the end of the          school year, please carefully review the following points regarding lunch accounts.

     

    Please click to read more

PROM UPDATE!

Prom will be held May 12^th from 8-11:30 at the Radisson.  

Employment Opportunities

If you enjoy spending time with children, being physically active, and having extra spending money, consider working for the HSSD Food Service.  Applications are currently being accepted for a part-time Food Service Assistant or substitute.  Refer to the district web site at https://www.applitrack.com/hssd/onlineapp/

for application links, or contact Kari Alvey, Food Service Manager, at 662-7702 for more information.

Thank You-

On April 3, 2018, the communities of Howard and Suamico approved the operational referendum, placed on the ballot by the Board of Education, by a 58.6% to 41.4% margin.

Thank you to residents who attended listening sessions, asked questions, and voted.  Your engagement demonstrates our communities’ interest and dedication to our students, staff and schools.  

The results represent a vote of confidence in the vision for the school district and will allow us to address critical needs, including reducing class size, enhancing teacher compensation, and maintaining facilities.  We will continue to give regular updates on the referendum. 

If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your school board member. 

Garry Sievert

garrsiev@hssd.k12.wi.us

Save the Date

Sweet Safari for Education

Friday, May 11 – 5-8 p.m. @ New Zoo & Adventure Park

Tickets are $10 in advance/$12 at the door

Stay tuned for more details!

A Brat Fry to Benefit The Giving Tree

Stop by Festival Foods on Lineville this Saturday, April 14 between 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for lunch, dinner or a quick snack as you support The Giving Tree at the Brat Fry. Non-perishable food and monetary donations will also be accepted during this time.

2Myles4Autism

April 28 - 7^th Annual 2Myles4Autism Run/Walk, The 7th Annual 2myles4autism Run/Walk is Saturday, April 28 at Meadowbrook Elementary 9 a.m. This event is named after, Myles, a 9th grader at Bay Port with autism.  The event was created to help raise awareness for autism and the message has morphed over the years to be about acceptance. Go to:  http://2myles4autism.weebly.com to learn more and to register!

Bay Port present the musical “Guys and Dolls”

Bay Port is very proud to present the musical “Guys and Dolls”.  Guys and Dolls is a musical romantic comedy involving the unlikeliest of Manhattan pairings: a high-rolling gambler and a puritanical missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a crap game manager who is anything but.

Our performance dates are:

• Friday, April 27^th at 7 pm
• Saturday, April 28^th at 7 pm
• Thursday, May 3^rd at 7 pm
• Friday, May 4^th at 7 pm
• Saturday, May 5^th at 2 pm (this is our matinee show)

Tickets are $8.00 each and can be purchased at SeatYourself.biz .  If you require handicap seating, please contact 920-662-7246 between 7:00am-3:00pm. 

Click here to SEAT YOURSELF

Important Referendum Information

The April 3^rd Spring Election will include the operational referendum for the Howard-Suamico School District.  For more information about the referendum, please visit www.hssd.k12.wi.us/referendum.  

Early voting began Monday, March 19, 2018.  It is a fast, convenient way to make your vote count.  Simply visit the local village hall in your community during normal office hours beginning Monday, March 19^th to Friday, March 30^th. 

If you plan to vote on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.  Remember to bring proper identification. 

Thank you for participating in the election process.  If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your school board team member. 

Garry Sievert

garrsiev@hssd.k12.wi.us

IMPORTANT SPRING TESTING INFORMATION

  ATTENTION PARENTS:

IMPORTANT SPRING TESTING INFORMATION

 ATTENTION PARENTS:

IMPORTANT SPRING TESTING INFORMATION

WI FORWARD TEST

On Wednesday, April 11^th all 10^th grade students will be taking the WI Forward Test.  This is a required online assessment for all 10^th grade students in the state of Wisconsin and assesses students in the area of social studies.  To help you prepare for this test please note the following information:

1. Testing will take place from 7:30AM-9:30AM on April 11^th.

2.  For students in grades 9, 11, & 12 we will utilize a “2 hour late start” class schedule that day.

3. Testing will conclude at about 9:25 and classes for all students will begin at 9:30 on test day.

4. Busses will run on the normal schedule that day so students may ride the bus as usual.

5. For students not testing that day who ride the bus, they may wait in school during testing but will do so in a supervised setting.

ACT ASPIRE TESTING

9th Grade April 18th & 19th

10th Grade April 25 & 26th

All 9th & 10th graders will be participating in the ACT Aspire assessment this coming April on the dates listed above.  This assessment is a required online assessment and measures student progress in the areas of writing, reading, English, math and science.  To help prepare everyone for this very important assessment please note the following information:

1.  Only 9th & 10th grade students, on their assigned days, will be required to be present at school during testing times-they will report to school at regular starting time and have been assigned testing rooms.
2. Regular bus routes will be running these 2 days for those students who cannot secure another way to school these days.
3.  For those students not testing, but need to take the bus on test days, they will be in a supervised setting during the testing times.
4.  Classes will begin at 11:23 on test days.
5.   Parents are encouraged to make every attempt to avoid scheduling appointments or have your 9th & 10th grader(s) miss any portion of the testing-students who miss any portion of the testing will be required to make up any missed testing time.
   
   

If you have any questions at all about either of these upcoming assessments please contact Mr. Wallander in the main office at 662-7000.

Thank you!!

Spring Craft Show

Saturday, April 7 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) Spring Craft Show - Fundraiser supporting The Green Bay Area Girl’s High School Hockey Team. $2 Admission (12 and under free)

Portrait of an Artist

Thursday, March 15, PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST - Howard-Suamico School District Art Show, featuring art from students K-12, refreshments and live musical performance. Location is Bay Port High School.  Purchase student pottery as part of the Empty Bowls Project to benefit The Giving Tree. Free Admission.

Baseball Rummage Sale

March 3  (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) Baseball Rummage Sale  at the De Pere Community Center. All proceeds of this event will go back to supporting kids in our community. It will pay for registration fees and other costs related to youth identified sports. Please see this flyer Baseball Rummage Sale Link for more information.

Referendum Update

The referendum question on the April 3, 2018 ballot will provide the district the resources needed to meet the expectations of our community:

• Reduce class sizes
• Employee compensation
• Facility maintenance

Neutral property tax impact – no increase - honoring our taxpayers with a solid return on their investment.

Visit www.hssd.k12.wi.us/referendum for a list of upcoming community information sessions. If you have any questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your board member listed in this article.   

Garry Sievert

garrsiev@hssd.k12.wi.us

HSSD announces 2018-2019 School Calendar

The Howard-Suamico School District has released its 2018-19 school calendar. Important dates and a link to the full calendar are listed below.

Click here for the HSSD At-A-Glance Calendar 2018-19

Important Dates:August 30 – Open House, all schools
September 4 – First day of school, K-12
September 6 – 4K first day of school
December 24 – January 1 – Winter Recess
March 25-29 – Spring Recess
June 5 – 4K last day of school
June 6 – Last day of school, K-12

Make up and Break up featuring Bay Port's Women's Choirs

Thursday, February 15 (7pm) Make up and Break up featuring Bay Port’s Women’s Choirs
 in the Bay Port Commons

$10 Adult   and   $5 Student CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER TICKETS Please come out and support your current and former students! Tickets include a dessert buffet and beverages.  There will be opportunities to donate in honor of your favorite performers, as well as gift baskets and roses for sale.  Proceeds will go toward supporting student’s need for financial assistance for school sponsored women’s choral enrichment.

Spring Conference 2018

Conference sign-up begins on Monday, February 12th

Deadline date for  sign-up is Sunday, February 18th at 11:59 PM

(after this date, you will need to contact the teacher directly)

 Access scheduling website at:  http://teeso.com/hssd/      

   Click for more information

Early Bird Tickets Available For Taste of the Villages

The Giving Tree

The Taste of the Village and Auction to benefit The Giving Tree is offering early bird ticket pricing until April 1, 2018. Stop by one of the ticket locations at Thornberry Cottage, Piggly Wiggly, or Suamico Village offices to get your tickets at reduced prices or go to their website at http://www.hssd.k12.wi.us/taste-of-the-villages-auction  for more information.

This year's auction features food from 13 local vendors including 1951, Anduzzi's, A&W, Bottle Room, Breadsmith, Festival Foods, Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, Legends, The Marq, The Oilerie, Sam and Louie’s, Townline and Zesty's. All monies benefit The Giving Tree and the health and welfare of our Howard-Suamico children in need. Make a difference and join us on April 19, 2018 at the Rock Garden for this amazing event!

Play 60

The Green Bay Packers will be hosting our annual Project Play 60 event on Saturday, March 17th, 2018! As with the rest of our community events, it will be FREE to the public.  Click for more information

SnoBall

·        Snoball guest passes are now available at the front desk in the rotunda. Please remember that ALL students and their guest need a guardian signature. Forms should be turned in no later than February 9th. Dance is Saturday, February 10th @ Bay Port from 8-11:30pm.

Yearbooks

·         Yearbooks are sold directly through Jostens. Watch for Jostens direct mailings each month to reserve your copy or call 1-866-282-1516 or go to the website: www.jostensyearbooks.com. We have a few 2017 yearbooks for sale in the front office. They are $65, checks payable to BP Yearbook.

Graduation News

·         Graduation Cap & Gown ordering will take place on February 15th & 16th, during lunches in the concessions.

·        

      Grad Ads are due February 20. Grad Ads are submitted directly to Jostens at Jostens Recognition Ads and are due February 20. Please see our http://bpanchor.weebly.com/ website or contact the student Business Editor at bpyearbook@hssd.k12.wi.us if you have any questions or concerns.

Senior Award Ceremony

·        The Senior Award Ceremony date has been changed to May 25, 2018.

Referendum

Referendum Update

The Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution on an operational referendum for the April 3, 2018 spring election ballot.  This referendum differs from the April, 2017 referendum, in large part, because of the duration.  The Board listened to the community through surveys and the Community Task Force Committee.  The feedback was clear that the recurring nature of the April, 2017 referendum was not acceptable.  The 5 year duration on the current referendum allows the district to address the immediate needs of class size, compensation, and facilities maintenance.
As the Board works to address its financial challenges, we are committed to providing as much information as possible.  For more information about the referendum, please visit www.hssd.k12.wi.us/referendum.  If you have any questions for the Board of Education,
please reach out to your board member listed in this article.   

Garry Sievert

garrsiev@hssd.k12.wi.us

Table Talk

Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m., Table Talk - Dinner and Discussion on Teen and Preteen Well-Being

Table Talk is a FREE event for parents to support parents in reducing stigma around mental health. Join us and learn about strategies to support a young person's mental well-being.  Rasmussen College, 904 S. Taylor Street.

BBSmiles Supplement

Dear Bay Port Parents,

As we begin the new year please note the following dates in which your students will be participating in statewide testing in the next few months.  Please note that these testing dates will make it necessary to make some adjustments to our daily schedule-as these dates approach you will be notified of these adjustments.   Please watch for future information through the HSSD website, school messenger or via Twitter.  If you have any questions regarding this testing, please contact Mr. Wallander in the Bay Port office.

Thanks and Happy New Year!!

ACT PreTest Completion (11th grade)	2/9/18
ACT (11th Grade)	2/27/18
ACT WorkKeys (11th Grade)	2/28/18
ACT MakeUp (11th Grade)	3/20/18
ACT WorkKeys MakeUp	3/21/18
WI Forward (10th Grade)	4/11/18
ACT Aspire (9th Grade)	4/18 & 4/19
ACT Aspire (10th Grade)	4/25 & 4/26