We are excited to share stories and news with you in The Compass, our monthly eNewsletter for families and community. The Compass is published the last Thursday of each month. Submit your story ideas for future editions here.

In this issue:

• Alumni Making Waves: Nicole Wolter
• Student Snapshot: Bennett Peters, Meadowbrook
• Coca-Cola Scholar Cara Wreen
• And More!

Nicole Wolter is well on her way to becoming a doctor. And then she will become a doctor, again. The Bay Port alumna (Class of 2016) is enrolled at Tufts University (Boston, MA) in a dual medical school/PhD program. She is studying cardiovascular disease and looks forward to a career focused on heart health in the clinic and in the lab.

“I discovered that I wanted to contribute to precision medicine,” said Wolter. “We know that one course of treatment isn’t going to be effective for every person. One day I aspire to run my own lab and pursue my own research questions. At the same time I want to be treating patients, using what I learn in each setting to better my practice on the other side.”

Click here to read the full story.

From the Board of Education Meeting March 13, 2023

• The Board recognized David Schneider, School Nutrition Americorps Volunteer, and Brian Nicol, outgoing Director of Communications, for their impact on HSSD students, families, and community.
• The Board approved Ends Policy E-2, Graduate Profile: Communicator/Collaborator monitoring report.
  
• The Board received an information update on facilities.
• The Board approved Executive Limitation EL-6: Budgeting/Financial Planning monitoring report.
  
• The Board approved Governance Process GP-11: Board Member Violations monitoring report.

For upcoming meeting dates, agendas, and prior meeting minutes, visit the Board of Education page on our website.

Spirituality is the seventh pillar of the eight Sources of Strength and is practiced in many ways. At its core we consider what gives us a sense of purpose and connection in our spirit. Thankfulness and gratitude are profound ways to put this Source of Strength into practice.

• This month take time with your family to identify:

• 3 things you are thankful for

• Did you know that studies have shown that writing down three things we are grateful for every day for 21 days can physically change our brain? Doing this makes us more grateful, reliant, and positive. We challenge you to keep a thankful log for 21 days!

• 2 ways you can show gratitude to someone in your life

• Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling showing gratitude can improve sleep, mood, and immunity.

• 1 idea for taking time to focus on your own self care

• Self care means taking time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy.

Join us Wednesday, April 12!

April’s engagement series topic focuses on understanding the impact anxiety is having on our students. Join us as staff from Prevea Health and HSSD Student Services staff explore tools and strategies to support our students. Learn more and register on our Student Services webpage. We look forward to seeing you!

Bay Port Presents Grease

This year's Bay Port musical is the ever-popular Grease. "You're the One That I Want" to join us at the show! Purchase tickets here.

• Thursday, April 27 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m.

Welcome, Kristin Rozek, HSSD Communications Specialist

Please join us in welcoming Kristin Rozek, our new HSSD Communications Specialist! Kristin will be part of the team that puts this publication together. In addition, her key accountabilities include digital communications, content creation, internal communications, and department/school support. Kristin comes to HSSD with 11 years of communications experience in public relations for education.

Join the HSSD Team!

If you are aware of qualified and talented candidates who may be interested in joining the HSSD team, please encourage them to apply. We appreciate your active efforts to spread the word and seek top quality candidates for our employment opportunities. Contact Tina Nowak if you have a recommended candidate for our current openings.

• Certified Staff Vacancies: Apply via WECAN

• Support Staff Vacancies: Apply via WECAN

• March 31: End of Third Quarter
  
• April 1: Ice Bears Craft Fair at Bay Port
• April 1: Donate Life Walk
• April 7: No School
• April 10: No School
• April 12: Mental Wellness Series Event - Supporting Anxious Youth
• April 20: Taste of the Villages and Auction
• April 27: Next Edition of The Compass
• April 27-29, May 5-6: Bay Port Musical

District and School Calendars | Bay Port Athletics Calendar

Cara Wreen, Bay Port senior, is one of only 150 students nationwide selected as part of the Coca Cola Scholar Program, America’s most competitive high school scholarship.

As a winner, Wreen will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta to meet this year’s Coca Cola Scholars and alumni. More than 91,000 students applied for this scholarship.

• Access prior issues of The Compass on our website.
• Nominate a teacher, staff member, student, or alumni to be featured in The Compass.