September 25th, 2024
A Message from the Principals
Hello Families,
The year is officially off and running! The students and staff have been busy creating relationships with one another and getting acclimated to the curriculum for their new grade level. The transition from the summer schedule to the school schedule isn’t always easy, but the staff have helped make the transition a positive one by practicing the different routines and going over expectations for the school year.
Something new this year, that the students have been introduced to, is called a “citizenship grade.” The students will receive feedback on their report cards around their ability to follow expectations under the three domains of being responsible, respectful, and safe. Each quarter students will receive feedback for each class following this rubric. The MS is looking forward to working with students and communicating with families about the different traits outlined within the rubric.
Thank you for your support and partnership. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal
Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal
Mark Your Calendars
Friday, September 27th: NO School for Students (Inservice for Staff)
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)
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)
Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Community Information Session at Sheboygan Falls High School (More Details Below)
Referendum Update
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.
Safety Update
During the month of September the staff and students completed our first safety drill. The MS took advantage of the nice weather and conducted a fire drill. The office was impressed with the orderly fashion and seriousness the students acted with.
New Assessment Tool
As part of our goal to ensure that our students receive the best instruction, we are adding a new assessment and reporting system this year called aimswebPlus. aimswebPlus provides data that help us adjust the level and intensity of instruction to the needs of each student. The aimswebPlus reading and math assessments are used for two main purposes: 1) Universal Screening, to identify students likely to struggle so that these students can receive extra instruction in a timely manner; and 2) Progress Monitoring, to track the progress of students receiving extra instruction and ensure that they are on schedule to meet their year-end reading and math goals. Find more information HERE.
Reminder: Canvas Observer Accounts
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.
Counselor’s Corner
Explore the School Counseling Newsletter to learn more about what is happening within Counseling at the Middle School!
SFMS Life Lately
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.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
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.
