Dear SFHS Falcon Families,

As the holiday season approaches, we at Sheboygan Falls High School want to thank our parents, families, and community members for their ongoing support.

With approximately nine instructional days left in the first semester, we encourage all students to maintain their focus on learning. Remember, consistent effort in class translates to a strong finish to the semester.

We suggest that all families to regularly check student progress through Infinite Campus and/or Canvas.

Please visit https://www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us/o/sfhs/page/daily-schedule to view the final exam schedule and plan accordingly.

Some great sporting events are happening during the break. Visit the high school Events page to plan a visit. Events Link

The Sheboygan Falls High School community wishes you a joyful and safe holiday season. We appreciate your partnership in supporting your child’s academic success.

Go Falcons!

Mike Nikson, SFHS Principal

Brian Berlin, SFHS Associate Principal / Athletic Director

Interested in what’s happening at the other schools? Take a look at the Elementary and Middle School newsletters:

Elementary School Communicator

Middle School Messenger

And, check out these other ways to keep connected!

Monday, December 23rd – Wednesday, January 1st: No School (Winter Break)

Thursday, January 2nd: School Resumes

January 13 – January 16: Final Exams

January 16: Last day of Semester 1

January 17 – January 20: No School for Students

January 21: Semester 2 Begins

Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Spotlight – DECEMBER: What were students working on for their ACP in December?

• 9th Graders – Updated careers of interest in Xello and completed a Study Skills lesson
• 10th Graders – Updated careers of interest in Xello and completed a Work Values lesson
• 11th Graders – Updated careers of interest in Xello and created a Plan A/Plan B for after high school
• 12th Graders – Updated careers of interest in Xello and completed a Career Path Choices lesson

Board of Education Updates

The School District of Sheboygan Falls will hold its next monthly regular board meeting on Monday, January 20th at 6:00 pm. Please join us! You can find more information about upcoming meetings, your Board Members and more HERE.

Can’t make It? You can view the Board Agendas and Minutes at BoardDocs.com HERE.

During the month of December, the High School participated in a fire drill on December 9.

It’s Winter in Wisconsin!

Keeping the above in mind, please be sure that your children are dressed appropriately for our Wisconsin Winter weather!

Deanna Timler, RN, BSN

Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?

The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!

SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.

Certified Positions – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicCertified/3472

Assistants / Aides – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicSupport/3472

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

Dear SFHS Falcon Families,

November was an exciting month at Sheboygan Falls High School! Our students continue to shine both in our building and on the field.

Our swim and soccer teams represented our school with pride at their respective state tournaments. Their hard work and dedication were truly inspiring. Congratulations to all who participated!

The stage came alive with the brilliant performances of our young actors and actresses in the musical Mamma Mia. Also, the smooth sounds of jazz filled our cafeteria, showcasing the incredible talent of our students in Jazz Ensemble.

Winter sports are in full swing! We’re excited to cheer on our athletes as they compete on the court and the mats.

Don’t miss our upcoming winter concerts! Check our website for the full schedule of events.

Please visit https://www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us/o/sfhs/page/daily-schedule to view the final exam schedule and plan accordingly.

As the holiday season approaches, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. Their commitment to excellence is inspiring. We extend our gratitude to our parents and community members for your continued support.

Go Falcons!

Mike Nikson, SFHS Principal

Brian Berlin, SFHS Associate Principal / Athletic Director

Interested in what’s happening at the other schools? Take a look at the Elementary and Middle School newsletters:

Elementary School Communicator

Middle School Messenger

And, check out these other ways to keep connected!

Wednesday, November 27th – Friday, November 29th: No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Monday, December 2nd – Financial Aid/FAFSA Planning Night – recommended for Juniors and Seniors and their parents – 6:00pm HS Auditorium

Week of December 16th – Seniors will receive Local Scholarship Information in English courses

Monday, December 23rd – Wednesday, January 1st: No School (Christmas Break)

Thursday, January 2nd: School Resumes

***

Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Spotlight – NOVEMBER: What were students working on for their ACP in November?

• 9th Graders – Reset their career interest survey (Matchmaker) in Xello – ask you child about careers that came up!
• 10th Graders – Updated their current careers of interest and what they would like to know more about.
• 11th Graders – Updated and uploaded their Activity Resume and reset their career interest survey (Matchmaker) in Xello – ask you child about careers that came up! TEAM Talks with juniors and parents continue!
• 12th Graders – Updated Xello Portfolio and completed a survey on what which areas they want more information about for the Adulting 101 (What Every Person Should Know as an Adult) sessions for second semester.

Board of Education Updates

The School District of Sheboygan Falls will hold its next monthly regular board meeting on Monday, December 16th at 6:00 pm. Please join us! You can find more information about upcoming meetings, your Board Members and more HERE.

Can’t make It? You can view the Board Agendas and Minutes at BoardDocs.com HERE.

During the month of November, the High School participated in a preventable hold (November 12th).  Preventable holds can be used for medical, behavior, or mechanical incidents.  During this preventable hold, the HS conducted a K-9 search.  Teaching and learning continued during the duration of the drill. 

Every year, the state’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) reports student achievement, attendance, and graduation rates with publication of school and district report cards. 

On November 19th, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released the 2023-24 Report Cards. The School District of Sheboygan Falls was placed in the category of Exceeds Expectations with a score of 70.7, while the individual schools in the district received the following ratings as a result of their performance:

Sheboygan Falls Elementary School: 73.7 Exceeds Expectations

Sheboygan Falls Middle School: 62.1 Meets Expectations

Sheboygan Falls High School: 78.9 Exceeds Expectations

More information and links to the School District of Sheboygan Falls’ report cards can be found on the SDSF website HERE. 

Please see behavior expectations for SFHS events below, noting the highlighted change in supervision requirements for students not in High School.

Is it a Cold or Flu?

As the weather is getting colder, flu season is fast approaching.  It is important to recognize the difference between a common cold and the flu. Both are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Their symptoms are similar so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.

Generally, the flu is worse than a cold with more intense symptoms. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and fatigue.

Individuals with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose and generally colds do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

One of the best ways to protect your family is to get the flu vaccine.  Talk to your health care provider about the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Deanna Timler, RN, BSN

Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?

The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!

SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.

Certified Positions – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicCertified/3472

Assistants / Aides – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicSupport/3472

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

Dear SFHS Falcon Families,

A Great Start to the Year!

We’re thrilled with how the school year has kicked off! Our students have been excelling academically, athletically, and in extracurricular activities. Homecoming was a huge success, and the students demonstrated exceptional composure during our recent ALICE drill. We’re eagerly anticipating the upcoming musical, concerts, and winter sports season.

Checking In on Quarter 1

As we near the end of the 1st quarter, we encourage you to take a moment to review your child’s progress. Please remember that final grades and credits are recorded only at the end of each semester. Current grades provide a snapshot of their work thus far.

If you have any questions about your child’s academic performance, please don’t hesitate to:

• Ask your child about assignments and upcoming deadlines.
• Check Infinite Campus or Canvas for detailed information.
• Contact your child’s teacher to discuss any concerns.

Honoring Our Veterans

We invite you and the community to join us in honoring our veterans at our Veteran’s Day Program on Monday, November 11th at 9:25 AM in the High School Auditorium.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our school.

Go Falcons!

Mike Nikson, SFHS Principal

Brian Berlin, SFHS Associate Principal / Athletic Director

Interested in what’s happening at the other schools? Take a look at the Elementary and Middle School newsletters:

Elementary School Communicator

Middle School Messenger

And, check out these other ways to keep connected!

Tuesday, November 5th: National Election Day

Monday, November 11th: Veterans Day Program (9:25 AM in HS Auditorium)

Thursday, November 14th / Friday, November 15th / Saturday, November 16th: Musical – Mamma Mia (See Below for Details)

Friday, November 15th: No School for Students (Professional Development for Staff)

Monday, November 25th: Financial Aid Information Night (6 PM in HS Auditorium)

Wednesday, November 27th – Friday, November 29th: No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Spotlight – OCTOBER:

What were students working on for their ACP in October?

• All students either created or updated their Activity Resume. The Activity Resume is a log of extra-curricular activities, service activities, leadership, and work history for a student throughout high school. Ask to see your child’s Activity Resume.
• Students also completed the District SEL Survey.
• Juniors are preparing for their 11th Grade TEAM Talk with their School Counselor. TEAM Talks are individual planning conferences to help your child examine progress in High School and plan for the future.

Dear Families,

Next week our community will vote on two referendum questions for the School District of Sheboygan Falls. I wanted to take a moment to remind our families and community about our school facility needs and why the Board of Education has decided to propose these two questions as potential solutions.

Question #1 asks voters to approve general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $78.3 million. These funds would go toward Elementary and High School improvement projects, including:

• Addition of a Community Fitness Center
• Addition of a 4-year-old kindergarten and childcare space at the Elementary school
• Addition of an expanded career and technical education wing at the high school
• Replacement of basic building systems
• Safety and security upgrades
• Upgrades to educational spaces
• Improvements to building finishes
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

If this first question is approved by voters, the estimated annual tax impact would be $1.33 per $1,000 of equalized property value.

Question #2 asks voters to approve general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $21.5 million. These funds would go toward recreation and athletic improvement projects, including:

• New auxiliary gymnasium ($14.9 million)
• Improvements to outdoor athletic facilities ($6.6 million) 

If this second question is approved by voters, it would have an estimated annual tax impact of 90 cents per $1,000 of equalized property value.

The approval of both questions would result in a property tax impact of $2.23 per every $1,000 of equalized property value in our community. A home valued at $300,000 would see a property tax impact of $669 per year (or $55.75 per month), starting in the 2024-25 school year.

For more information about the District’s facility needs and the proposed solution on the ballot November 5, please visit www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us/o/sfsd/page/referendum. 

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on election day. Eligible voters may register at the polls if they have not yet done so. Polling place and voting information is available at https://myvote.wi.gov. 

If you have any final questions ahead of election day, please do not hesitate to contact me. Once again, thank you for your engagement on these important issues as we plan for the future of the School District of Sheboygan. 

Sincerely,

Zach Pethan, Superintendent

Board of Education Updates

The School District of Sheboygan Falls will hold its next monthly regular board meeting on Monday, November 18th at 6:00 pm. Please join us! You can find more information about upcoming meetings, your Board Members and more HERE.

Can’t make It? You can view the Board Agendas and Minutes at BoardDocs.com HERE.

All students participated in an ALICE Drill on October 17th.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, a serious illness, caused by bacteria that attaches to the lining of the lungs. It can infect people at any age, but it is most serious in infants and young children.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that often makes it hard to breathe. After coughing, someone with pertussis may need to take deep breaths that result in a “whooping” sound.

Whooping cough can cause pneumonia, which is an infection in the lungs. Half of all babies with whooping cough need care in a hospital.

• As of October 25th, 2024, Wisconsin had 1,289 confirmed cases.
• Sixty counties have had at least one case since January 1, 2024.
• While cases range in age from 1 month to 82 years, just under half (46%) of the cases are individuals aged 11–18 years.
• Fifty-nine infants have been identified with pertussis and nine have been hospitalized.
• No deaths have been reported.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against whooping cough. Here are some other tips on how to protect your family from whooping cough:

• Keep babies and other people at high risk for complications from pertussis away from infected people.
• If you or a member of your household are diagnosed with pertussis, your doctor or local health department may recommend preventive antibiotics for other members of the household. This will help prevent the disease from spreading.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including pertussis. To practice good hygiene you should:
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Put your used tissue in the waste basket right away.
  • Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

Deanna Timler, RN, BSN

Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?

The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!

SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.

Certified Positions – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicCertified/3472

Assistants / Aides – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicSupport/3472

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

Friday, September 27th: NO School for Students (Inservice for Staff)

Week of September 30th: Homecoming Week

Tuesday, October 1st, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Community Information Session at Sheboygan Falls High School (More Details Below)

Thursday, October 3rd, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Community Information Session at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School (More Details Below)

Saturday, October 5th: Homecoming Dance

Monday, October 7th: Parent/Teacher Conferences 4pm-8pm – REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, October 15th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Community Information Session at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School (More Details Below)

Thursday, October 17th: Picture Retake Day

Friday, October 18th: NO School for Students (Inservice for Staff)September 27: Professional Development Day (No Students)

Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Community Information Session at Sheboygan Falls High School (More Details Below)

Academic and Career Planning (ACP) Spotlight – SEPTEMBER:

What were students working on for their ACP in September?

In grades 9-12 during SOAR Homeroom, all students explored all the Activity and Club opportunities that SFHS has to offer. We also went through how to log any volunteer/service hours on our PATHWAYos platform on Classlink. Here is an instructional step-by-step for how to use PATHWAYos.

Dear Families,

The School District of Sheboygan Falls is a big point of pride in our community. With our promise to Expect the Exceptional at the forefront, we strive to be a School District of choice. At the same time, we have a series of facility-related challenges that we must address soon.

Over the past two years, the Board of Education has been evaluating the District’s facility needs and investigating possible solutions. This work is part of the District’s long-range facility planning process.

On Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, our community will vote on two proposed capital referendum questions. If they are approved, the District will move forward making key facility improvements at both our Elementary School and High School.

Question #1 asks voters to approve general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $78.3 million. These funds would go toward Elementary and High School improvement projects, including:

• Addition of a Community Fitness Center
• Addition of a 4-year-old kindergarten and childcare space at the Elementary school
• Addition of an expanded career and technical education wing at the high school
• Replacement of basic building systems
• Safety and security upgrades
• Upgrades to educational spaces
• Improvements to building finishes
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

If the first question is approved by voters, the estimated annual tax impact would be $1.33 per $1,000 of equalized property value.

Question #2 asks voters to approve general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $21.5 million. These funds would go toward recreation and athletic improvement projects, including:

• New auxiliary gymnasium ($14.9 million)
• Improvements to outdoor athletic facilities ($6.6 million)

If the second question is approved by voters, it would have an estimated annual tax impact of 90 cents per $1,000 of equalized property value. 

If both questions are approved, the tax impact will be $2.23 per every $1,000 of equalized property value in our community. A home valued at $300,000 would see a property tax impact of $669 per year (or $55.75 per month), starting in the 2024-25 school year.

We are committed to providing as much information as possible and answering our community members’ questions ahead of election day. We would like to invite you to our upcoming Community Information Sessions and School Tours, which will be focused on our facility-related challenges and the proposed solutions. Below are the dates, times, and locations:

Tuesday, October 1st, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Sheboygan Falls High School

Thursday, October 3rd, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Sheboygan Falls Elementary School

Tuesday, October 15th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Sheboygan Falls Elementary School

Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Sheboygan Falls High School

We invite you to learn more about the District’s facility needs and the proposed solution on the ballot this November by visiting www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us/o/sfsd/page/referendum. 

We look forward to sharing more information and continuing to engage our community around these important issues in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Zach Pethan, Superintendent

Board of Education Updates

The School District of Sheboygan Falls will hold its next monthly regular board meeting on Monday, October 28th at 6:00 pm. Please join us! You can find more information about upcoming meetings, your Board Members and more HERE.

Can’t make It? You can view the Board Agendas and Minutes at BoardDocs.com HERE.

The monthly fire drill was held on September 13th. The students did a great job of evacuating the building and getting a few minutes of sun.

A reminder that Canvas Observer Accounts are ready to go! If you’d like to monitor your child(ren)’s digital coursework, you can create a Canvas Observer Account.  Step-by-step instructions can be found on the District’s website HERE.

REMINDER: The WI Department of Health has released new school immunization requirements for the 2024-25 school year. These changes will improve protection for children across the state by protecting them against vaccine-preventable illnesses, including meningitis and chickenpox.  Please see the linked information and check with your children’s health care provider to make sure immunizations are up to date.

• School Immunization Requirements: Kindergarten—Sixth Grades, P-02395
• School Requirements for Immunization: 7th—11th grades, P-02395A
• School Requirements for Immunizations: 12th grade, P-03376
• Vaccines Recommended at Ages 11–12: What Parents Should Know, P-90022

Deanna Timler, RN, BSN

Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?

The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!

SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.

Certified Positions – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicCertified/3472

Assistants / Aides – https://wecan.waspa.org/Employer/Vacancy/PublicSupport/3472

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.