May 29, 2021
"We're all in this together.
We make each other strong!
Being there for each other,
is where we all belong!"

Dear Southern Door Community,
Our 2020-21 school year ended this week with a lot of celebrations and smiles, and will be capped off with tomorrow’s in-person graduation of the Class of 2021. This class has experienced more challenges than we did as youth or even as adults, as they dealt with the usual experiences of high school while living through a pandemic. The resilience they have shown us has been a model for all of us. They did whatever it took to ensure that many of their activities and traditions could still happen, even if modified. The 80-member class earned over $1.3 million dollars in scholarships. Ella Wienke is the class valedictorian and Laris Krauel is its salutatorian. Their commencement is tomorrow at 2pm in the Southern Door Auditorium with limited seating. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on Facebook and on the auditorium website.
 
As educators we often talk with our students about having a “growth mindset.” Such an attitude to take risks, try new things, and reach outside our comfort zone, unlocks our ability to learn and grow especially during challenging times. Little did we know how important this growth mindset would be for all of us when we began school last fall. Because of this year’s experiences, I believe we are all stronger than we thought possible, and will be even stronger as a school community as we return to a more normal environment come fall.
 
We are extremely appreciative of our students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators for their positivity, flexibility and resilience throughout the year. While our health dashboard has continued to show declining numbers, we finished out the school year with no cases and no quarantines amongst our students and staff. We continue to thank all of our healthcare workers, first responders, sheriff’s office, and other essential workers for all they have done and continue to do to keep our community safe and healthy.

Before my final day as your superintendent on June 30th, I want to take this time to tell you what a joy it has been the past 9.5 years to come to work here every day, how privileged I feel to have worked with our staff, how valued the partnerships with you as parents and community, and how blessed to have experienced the unique talents of students in our Southern Door School community.

May the summer bring you and your family a bit more relaxed pace, some time to enjoy each other, and to explore the many wonderful activities that summer offers. May you and your loved ones be kept safe and healthy over the summer and into the future! Always remember that it is our core values and our traditions that have sustained our school community through the generations. Stay Eagle Proud and Eagle Strong!

Yours in Education,
Patti
Patricia Vickman, Superintendent
IN THIS ISSUE
*Help Needed for School Garden
*Little Brothers & Sisters Needed
*Cool Treats for HS
*AmeriCorps Position Open
*Convocation Plaza Brick Sale Opens
Community Events:
B.U.G. Fire Dept. Fundraiser
IMPORTANT DATES

Sunday, May 30
Graduation - 2pm (limited tickets; masks required; livestreamed on facebook

Monday, May 31
Happy Memorial Day

Tuesday, June 1
--Golf Regional
--Track & Field @ Oconto
--JV Softball vs Mishicot
--JV Baseball vs Brillion
--V Softball & V Baseball @ Oconto

Thursday, June 3
--V Softball vs Kewaunee
--JV Softball @ Neenah
--JV Baseball @ Luxemburg-Casco

Friday, June 4
--V Softball & V Baseball vs NEW
--JV Baseball @ NEW

Saturday, June 5
--9am-1pm Gardner & SD Recycling Event in HS Parking Lot
--11am-2pm BUG Fire Dept. fundraiser at Station #1 on County C
HELP NEEDED OVER THE SUMMER FOR SCHOOL GARDEN
So our hard work we've done this spring can be realized this fall with a bountiful harvest, we need help taking care of the garden! Can you, your family, or group volunteer for a day or two to weed and water the garden? Click on this link to view a this flyer with more information, visit the district website, or contact Candi Lukat at SchoolGarden@sdsd.k12.wi.us to sign up or learn more! 
LITTLE BROTHERS AND SISTERS NEEDED
We have over 20 high school "Bigs" at Southern Door that have applied for next fall! We are looking for "Littles." We also have some community members interested in being a Big at school for children. Our Big Brothers and Sisters are someone to hang out with once a week at school, someone to talk to, someone to look up to and help your child make good decisions.

All referrals for "Littles" are confidential and our Bigs go through the Big Brother Big Sister interview and background check process before being considered. . If you know a child that could benefit from having a high school or community Big Sister or Brother, please contact Mrs. O'Rourke at pattyo@bbbsnew.org. Mrs. O'Rourke will be working over the summer on making the "matches", so that when school starts in September, they can begin their meetings.
COOL TREATS FROM SD FFA ALUMNI
Southern Door High School students enjoyed Culver's chocolate and vanilla custard sponsored by the Southern Door FFA Alumni and Door County Dairy Promotions Committee on Friday, May 21st during lunch as a year end celebration. We would like to thank our FFA Alumni and the Door County Dairy Promotions Committee for their support of education this year. 
AMERICORPS FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM POSITION OPEN
Southern Door County School District is seeking a dedicated, full-time AmeriCorps member to continue its Farm to School Program during the 2021-22 school year. The service year begins August 15, 2021.

Interested individuals will work with the district’s Farm to School committee to continue its Farm to School program by: increasing students’ access to local foods; inspiring students to grow their own food; teaching students about nutrition; empowering youth to make healthy choices; and gaining support for Farm to School program by working with local farmers and food businesses.

AmeriCorps Member benefits include: a living allowance of $16,000, education award of $6,345, health insurance; child care benefits; ongoing professional development; and student loan deferment. To apply for an AmeriCorps Farm to School service position for the 2021-2022 service year, please fill out this online application. The online application also includes a complete list of available positions and host site locations. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or religion.

For questions about the program, how serving with our program might fit into your career path, or the online application, please contact Kara Ignasiak.
PLAZA BRICK SALE - DEADLINE JUNE 15
Convocation Plaza, located outside the lobby to the Southern Door Community Auditorium, provides an opportunity for community residents, past and present students and/or their families and area businesses and organizations the chance to commemorate friends, a favorite staff member, family or special milestones and achievements while reaffirming their passion and commitment to the Southern Door Community Auditorium and Schools. Leave your legacy by purchasing an engraved brick - available in either 4" x 8" or 8" x 8" sizes. Numerous affordable design options are available! Learn more by clicking on this link.