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

In this Issue:

• Read The Compass & Win!
• Bay View Community Open House
• Staff Showcase featuring Heather Ball
• Board of Education Briefs
• Alumni Connections featuring Katie Rappel
• Join Our Team
• And More!

Thank you for reading The Compass! This is the first edition of the 2024-25 school year. There are three pencils hidden in this edition. The first three people to find the pencils and email HSSD Communications Specialist Kristin Rozek at krisroze@hssdschools.org will win some swag. In your email, be sure to include the location of each of the pencils. We hope you have an amazing school year!

Thanks to all of the community members, students, staff members, retirees, family members, board members, and graduates for attending the community open house at Bay View Middle School! It was heartwarming to witness so many people come back "home" to walk the halls of their former school. We are so grateful for the community support of our renovated learning spaces. We are truly #StrongerTogether!

All Abilities Unified Cheer Team

Registration is now open for the inaugural All Abilities Unified Cheer Team! This cheer team is open to student athletes of all abilities in grades 4-12. Practices will be held once a week on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Bay View Middle School. The team will also compete in three exciting competitions throughout the season. The program will be offered at zero cost to participants, and all uniforms will be provided through generous donations. The goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every participant can shine and feel celebrated. Register here until October 3.

Coffee with the Superintendent

Join Superintendent Smith for coffee this school year! The first opportunity is October 11 from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. at Barley's Deerfield Diner. View the HSSD website for more dates.

Bay Port Semester 2 Honor Roll

Congratulations to our Bay Port High School students who earned honors and high honors for 2nd semester of the 2023-24 school year. We are so proud of your efforts! Learn more.

Friday Y Nights

Y Nights are for students in 4th-6th grade and run on Fridays during the school year. It is a great opportunity for kids to hang out with their peers and try something new. Each week there are new activities and games for the kids to play. This opportunity is free for Y members and only $7 for the general public. Learn more.

You're Invited to Stronger Together

We invite you to Stronger Together, a three-day community conversation focused on the future of HSSD! The purpose of Stronger Together is to develop a clear strategic direction for HSSD. We want all voices to be heard! During the three-day event, we will discuss where we've been, where we are, and where we want to go. Learn more here and RSVP by November 12.

• The Board recognized Gail Burant and Mary Swinford for their dedication to organizing the NEW Donate Life Walk. Each year, this event makes a significant impact of time and funds to organ transplantation and donation.
  
• The Board received an update regarding the start of the 2024-25 school year. Superintendent Mark Smith shared celebrations from the first week, along with appreciation for all stakeholders (staff, students, families, community, the Board, etc.) for making the first week a great start!
• The Board received an informational update regarding the 4K full-day pilot program from Supt. Smith, Chad Buboltz, Jane Delcore, and Chelsea Levash. There are two pilot sites: one at Forest Glen taught by Levash and one at Bay Harbor taught by Ashley McCormick. The next 4K full-day program update for the Board will take place in winter.
• The Board received an update regarding Strategic Planning. The next Stronger Together Design Team Meeting is October 2. The Design Team will plan the Stronger Together event.
• The Board approved the preliminary 2024-25 budget in the amount of $122,745,594 and a tax levy in the amount of $39,238,494 ($7.99 tax rate).

• September 30 - Budget Hearing/Annual Meeting
• October 4 - No School/Staff Professional Development
• October 11 - Coffee with the Superintendent at Barley's Deerfield Diner
• October 16 - The Giving Tree Food Pantry
• October 18 - Child Development Day Screener
• October 19 - Bay Port Homecoming
• October 21 - Board of Education Meeting
• October 22 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
• October 24 - No School (4K Only) | Parent/Teacher Conferences | Bay Port Theater Fall Play
• October 25 - No School (K-12) | Bay Port Theater Fall Play
• October 26 - Bay Port Theater Fall Play

District and School Calendars | Bay Port Athletics Calendar

Katie Rappel, Bay Port 2005, is serving families in Northeast Wisconsin as the Clinical Director of Family Services. She began her tenure in 2012 and now oversees multiple clinical programs across the agency including Outpatient Clinics, Day Treatment, and Women's Recovery Journey.

Katie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UW-Stevens Point and a Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.

Katie loves her job, and has spent her career being an advocate for people who are struggling. She believes that people cannot heal in isolation and is honored to work in an organization where she gets to witness people healing and growing every day.

Katie is keeping the HSSD tradition alive as her children attend HSSD schools. As a believer in education at HSSD, she is part of the Design Team for Stronger Together, a three-day community conversation that will take place this December to develop a clear strategic direction for HSSD.

“Our workforce is ever-changing and having the children who are our future be at the forefront of what we do and the decisions we make is vital,” said Katie. “I want our community to come together to dream and to talk about what we want for our future generations. I am honored to be part of a district who is asking for our voices to be heard and most importantly, are willing to listen to what is being talked about.”

Learn more about Stronger Together and join Katie at the event by submitting your RSVP at: https://www.hssdschools.org/community/stronger-together.

Special Education Aide

• Positions open at Bay Port and Lineville during the school year
• $17/hour - additional wage may be applied based on certification and position requirements
• Apply today at Bay Port (full-time) or Lineville (part-time)

School Nutrition Substitute Positions

• Hourly wage is $15/hour
• Part-time positions during the school year
• Primary duties include food prep, customer service and inventory management/sanitation
• Apply today!

View all employment opportunities on the HSSD website.

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