Talon Times Winter 2026

TalonTimes

Our District, Our Story, Our Future: Building Brighter Tomorrows Together

A Note from the Superintendent

I hope this message finds you well as we continue to move forward with the 2025-26 school year. The school year has brought many successes already. Students in all grade levels have been working diligently with our staff on their required coursework. Our winter sports and extracurricular activities concluded with strong finishes, and our spring programs are busy getting prepared for their seasons.

As we celebrate these achievements, we are also preparing for a critical step in securing the long-term financial stability of our schools. On April 7, 2026, Southern Door voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposed three-year, non-recurring Operational Referendum. Early voting begins March 24. If approved, this measure will allow the district to exceed the state-imposed revenue lim-

it by $3,150,000 annually for the next three school years while keeping the mill rate flat at its current $6.99. These funds are crucial for maintaining the staff needed to have a quality educational program and address essential operational and maintenance needs.

The current three-year operational referendum will expire at the end of this school year. This new referendum will ensure we can continue providing exceptional learning experiences for all students while addressing ongoing operational requirements.

We understand that a decision like this requires thoughtful consideration. To help ensure transparency and clarity, we have been sharing detailed information about the referendum, including opportunities for community members

Our District, Our Story, Our Future: The Path to April 7

Building on the community consensus gathered from our Strategic Priorities Survey, the Southern Door County School District is moving forward with a clear vision for long-term sustainability and is pursuing an operational referendum on the April 7, 2026, ballot.

This decision comes as our current $975,000 referendum is set to expire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. To ensure we can continue providing the high-quality education our students deserve, the district has organized its plan around Four Pillars of financial and educational stability.

Pillar 1: Maintaining District Points of Pride

We are committed to protecting the achievements that define our district, including a 97% graduation rate and a history of exceeding expectations ratings on state report cards. Our students continue to excel in rigorous AP and Dual-Enrollment courses, 4K-12 STEAM programs, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Notably, the district has also achieved a tax mill rate decrease for six consecutive years.

Pillar 2: Honoring Past Cost-Saving Measures

The district has already taken significant steps to operate efficiently. Over the last six years, we have:

• Reduced staff by 24 employees, impacting areas from IT and nursing to maintenance and administration.

• Combined leadership roles, such as merging the Elementary and Middle School Principal positions.

• Delayed essential purchases for technology, textbooks, and the bus fleet.

• Reduced classroom budgets and increased class sizes in most areas.

Pillar

3: Investing in Our Future (The Referendum Plan)

The approved resolution asks voters to consider a threeyear, $3,150,000 annual operational referendum. Because of proactive debt management, this plan is projected to keep the mill rate steady at an estimated $6.99. The funding will be allocated to areas identified as top priorities in the Strategic Priorities Survey:

Staff Recruitment & Retention ($855,000): Competitive compensation to retain high-quality educators in our classrooms.

• Student Achievement ($315,000): Funding for curriculum, professional learning, and mandated intervention positions.

Operations & Safety ($280,000): Security upgrades and addressing rising utility and insurance costs.

• Facilities Maintenance ($27,000): Addressing annual repairs and critical plumbing/water main updates.

Pillar 4: Consequences of a Failed Referendum

Without this additional funding, the district faces a $1,673,000 budget deficit that will necessitate deep cuts for the 2026-2027 school year. These potential reductions include:

• Loss of Personnel: Reducing 10 teachers and 6 associates, leading to larger class sizes.

• Program Cuts: Reductions in elective programs, athletic offerings, and student travel for events.

• Resource Delays: Postponing the replacement of student computers and infrastructure.

Update on the April 7 School Board Election

As our community prepares for the April 7, 2026, Spring Election, we are providing an important update regarding the Board of Education ballot.

This year, three seats on the School Board are up for election for full threeyear terms. However, as of the January filing deadline, only one candidate (Kim Starr) filed the required Declaration of Candidacy and Campaign Registration Statement. Under Wisconsin law, even if only one name is printed on the ballot, all three seats will be filled based on the election results.

• The Registered Candidate: The individual on the ballot will secure one seat.

• Write-In Candidates: The remaining two seats will be awarded to the

individuals who receive the highest number of write-in votes.

The “One-Vote” Reality: In Wisconsin, if no one officially campaigns as a writein, a person could technically be elected to the School Board with as little as one vote.

The “Refusal to Serve” & Appointment Process

If they are unable or unwilling to serve, the candidate would simply not complete the necessary paperwork and/ or not take the oath of office by April 27.

If this happens, or if no write-in votes are cast at all, a vacancy is declared. Per Wis. Stat. § 17.26, the remaining members of the School Board are then

Third-grade teacher Krista Schley is on a mission to make every student a lifelong reader. This winter, that mission got a major boost! Recognizing that her classroom library needed a modern refresh to truly engage young readers, Kris-

ta successfully secured two generous grants to purchase “hook books”—the kind of exciting, current titles that students simply can’t put down. This literary upgrade was made possible by:

responsible for:

Posting a Public Notice: The district will solicit applications from interested residents.

Public Interviews: The Board will interview candidates in an open session.

Appointment by Majority: The Board will vote to appoint a qualified elector to fill the seat. This appointee will serve until a successor is elected in the next Spring Election (April 2027).

Our School Board oversees the district’s vision, approves the annual budget, and ensures we are meeting the educational needs of every student. A board is most effective when it is composed of elected members who represent the diverse voices of our district.

• The Brussels Lions Club: $300 The Max & Gayle Laird Educational Fund (via the Door County Community Foundation): $700 Thanks to these local partners, our students are diving into fresh adventures and discovering the magic of a great story. Check out the photos to see the 3rd-grade classes showing off their new favorite reads!

to ask questions in order to make an informed voting decision.

Your voice matters in this process, and I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or need further information. Please feel free to contact me directly via email or phone at kkrutzik@sdsd.k12.wi.us or 920-825-7311. I am always happy to discuss this important initiative and its impact on our district and community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in shaping the future of the Southern Door County School District.

Dr. Kevin Krutzik Superintendent

Your Vote, Your Voice: Important Dates

As we approach the finish line, please keep these key dates in mind to ensure your voice is heard:

Early Voting Begins: March 24, 2026

• Referendum Election Day: April 7, 2026

For a deeper dive into the referendum information, please visit the district website at www.sdsd.k12.wi.us and click on “Operational Referendum Information.”

Southern Door School District 4K & 5K Registration Now Open for 2026–2027

The Southern Door County School District is pleased to announce that registration for 4K and 5K for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. We are excited to welcome our youngest learners and their families to our school community.

Our 4K and 5K programs provide a strong foundation for academic and social-emotional growth. Through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences, students build early literacy and math skills, develop positive peer relationships, and grow in independence and confidence. To be eligible, students must be four years old on or before September 1, 2026, for 4K enrollment, and five years old on or before September 1, 2026, for 5K enrollment.

To support our working families, the district also offers a before and after-school program. Morning care begins at 6:00 a.m., and after-school care is available until 5:30 p.m. This program provides a safe, structured, and nurturing

environment for students outside of regular school hours.

Families with eligible children are encouraged to complete the registration process as soon as possible to assist us with planning for staffing and classroom placement. Early registration helps ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year. In addition, a summer school program specifically designed to help students transition into 4K and 5K is available during the month of June. If you would like to schedule a personalized family tour, please contact Elementary and Middle School Principal Marc Vandenhouten at 920825-7321. Evening and weekend appointments are available for interested families.

For additional information regarding eligibility requirements, required documentation, and registration procedures, please contact Angie Paplham - apaplham@sdsd.k12. wi.us or 920-825-7333.

Southern Door High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2026

The Southern Door Athletic Hall of Fame is proud to announce its Hall of Fame induction class for 2026. This year’s inductees include Nick LeCaptain class of 2017 and Mitchell Overbeck class of 2015. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026 at half-time of the Eagles boys basketball game vs Sturgeon Bay.

Nick LeCaptain is a 2017 graduate of Southern Door and a 12-varsity letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a Packerland All-Conference Offensive Player of the Year for football and Packerland All-Conference Player of the year for basketball his senior year. Nick holds 6 First Team Packerland All-Conference and All-District awards for basketball his senior year. Nick was a key player to the successes of the teams he played for, including 2 Packerland Conference Championship football teams, 3 Packerland Conference Championship basketball teams, and 1 Packerland Conference Championship baseball team. After high school, Nick attended St. Norbert College where he furthered his sports career in basketball and football for the Green Knights. In 2018, he established his house and staining/ refurbishing company and became partial owner and operator of DK Kings/Queens AAU Basketball organization. He currently coaches basketball for DK Kings/Queens and helps out with various youth sporting events around the community. He resides in Sturgeon Bay where he works at Sonny’s Pizzeria.

Mitchell Overbeck is a 2015 graduate of Southern Door and a 12-varsity letter winner in football, wrestling, track, and baseball. He was an All-Region Offensive and Defensive Lineman

his senior year and earned various All-Conference first and sec ond team awards in football. He was named Co-Wrestler of the Year and Packerland All-Conference Wrestling Most Valuable Player. His senior year, Mitchell was a 4th Place Finalist at the State Wrestling Tournament. In track, Mitchell was a section al qualifier for throwing the discus.

After high school, Overbeck attended University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he furthered his athletic career playing football for four years. During this time, he was a 3-year starter and earned All Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) honors twice. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. For the past three years, he has served as a Wildlife and Habitat Manager for S.C. Swiderski managing approximately 10,000 acres of private land for wildlife. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology with a minor in Forestry at UW-Stevens Point. He and his wife Kaylee, along with their daughter Honey and another child on the way, reside in Stevens Point.

The Hall of Fame was established by the Southern Door Athletic Booster Club, to establish pride, preserve tradition, and honor former athletes and coaches who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics through their performance and representation of Southern Door High School. Plaques honoring all inductees are on display in the lobby outside the Eagle Gym.

Nominations for induction class of 2027 can be submitted through email to sdboosters.com, or contact Southern Door Hall of Fame Chair: Courtney Renard at crenard@sdsd.k12. wi.us. Deadline is October 15, 2026.

Property Tax Relief through STEP (Senior Tax Exchange Program)

The Southern Door County School District is proud to offer the STEP (Senior Tax Exchange Program), an opportunity designed to support both our senior citizens and our students. STEP allows eligible seniors to work within our schools and apply their earnings toward the payment of their property taxes. It is a meaningful way to remain active in the community while directly supporting local children and staff.

Who Is Eligible?

Senior citizens age 62 or older who receive Social Security and own taxable property within the Southern Door County School District are eligible to apply.

Application Process - Those interested may pick up an application form and confidentiality agreement at the District Office or call (920) 825-7311 for more information. Applicants indicate the type of work they are interested in, and the principals of each school will help pair them up with a teacher or location that fits their interests and schedule.

Compensation and Tax Credit - Participants are compensated at an hourly rate for up to 78 hours of service. Compensation is issued annually in the form of a two-party check made payable to the participant and the appropriate property tax district treasurer. Payment is distributed by December 31 to align with the first property tax installment.

Program Benefits - Beyond tax relief, STEP fosters meaningful intergenerational connections. Our senior participants share their skills, life experiences, and talents while serving as positive role models for students. In turn, students gain additional social and emotional support and develop a deeper appreciation for the contributions of senior citizens in our community. Teachers also value the added support and the opportunity to highlight the positive work happening in our classrooms each day.

We are grateful for the continued partnership of our community and look forward to welcoming senior citizens into our schools through this impactful program.

Southern Door School District Announces Representatives for the Badger Girls & Boys State Programs

The Southern Door School District is proud to announce its representatives for the prestigious American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State and American Legion Badger Boys State programs. These programs, designed to develop strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of government processes, will take place this summer in Wisconsin.

Each year, the American Legion and Auxiliary invite outstanding high school juniors from across the state to participate in a weeklong immersive experience in government and civic responsibility. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the democratic process, work

alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, and develop leadership abilities that will serve them well in their future careers and community involvement.

This year, Southern Door School District is honored to have Portia Hah and Elise Jackson represent the district at Badger Girls State at UW-Oshkosh, sponsored by the Forestville American Legion Auxiliary, Post 372. Elmer Jeanquart has been selected to attend Badger Boys State at UW-Eau Claire, sponsored by the Forestville American Legion, Post 372. These students were chosen based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to

civic engagement.

The American Legion and Auxiliary Badger State Programs provide a unique, hands-on learning experience where students take on various government roles, draft legislation, and participate in debates and campaigns. The

Celebrating Our Community: The 39th Annual Senior Citizen Holiday Party

On December 17, 2025, the Southern Door School District was honored to carry on a beloved tradition, hosting more than 200 of our neighbors for our 39th Annual Holiday Party. This complimentary festive gathering was open to all community members aged 62 and better.

It was a true team effort to bring the season’s magic to life:

• Festive Flavors: Our talented food service team and students served up a delicious lunch and an array of holiday treats.

• Student Spirit: The afternoon was brightened by student-led musical performances and unique, handcrafted prizes.

• Holiday Cheer: The warmth of the Southern Door community was on full display throughout the celebration. We extend our deepest gratitude to our guests and the dedicated staff and students who made this long-standing event possible. Your presence and hard work truly define the holiday spirit at Southern Door!

experience fosters a greater appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship and the importance of active civic participation.

The Southern Door School District congratulates Portia, Elise, and Elmer on this exciting opportunity!

Bridging Classrooms and Research: Middle School Teachers

Present at National CPM Conference

Amanda Kadulski, middle school spe cial education teacher, and Tom Dagit, middle school math teacher, recently had the honor of presenting at the National CPM Conference in San Francisco, CA.

For the past four years, Kadulski and Dagit have been active members of CPM’s Teacher Research Community (TRC), collaborating with education professionals from across the country. At this year’s conference, they shared their research about lesson consolidation through both a poster session and a formal presentation, “From Mortar Meaning: Using Consolidation to Build Lasting Mathematical Understanding.” They had the opportunity to connect with fellow educators who are passionate about meaningful and engaging math instruction.

In addition to presenting, they attended several impactful sessions, including inspiring workshops led by Peter Liljedahl, author of Building Thinking Classrooms. Kadulski and Dagit have implemented strategies from the book in their classrooms over the past four years, and elementary teachers in the district are currently studying the text as well.

All conference expenses were fully covered by CPM through Kadulski and Dagit’s involvement in the Teacher Resource Community, resulting in no cost to the district while still providing valuable professional learning opportunities.

They expressed gratitude to CPM for its support and look forward to putting their new ideas into action in their classrooms.

Laughter, Lessons, and Leadership: A Busy Season for our FFA Chapter

BY ATTYSON WILSON, SDHS SENIOR

Over the past few months, FFA members have been busy planning events and attending conferences around the state. Recently, we hosted our first-ever FFA Trivia Night. Groups of six staff and community members came together to answer a wide variety of questions. Laughter was shared, debates were held, and treats were enjoyed. We were so excited to bring community members together for a fun-filled night, which paid off with great success. We look forward to hosting many more events like this in the future!

Not only have we been planning events, but members have also been attending conferences to create a deeper understanding of FFA, themselves, and ways to improve their chapter. At the end of November, a group of members attended the two-day Mission/Impact conference in Wisconsin Dells. During the conference, members learned about their values and how everyone has different perspectives. They were also able to spend time doing hands-on activities that allowed them to discover their own values. In January, two of our members attended the Halftime Conference in Stevens Point. There, they focused on the second half of the school year with topics centered on growing leaders, building FFA chapters, and making a positive impact on our school and community. We are so excited to begin to implement the new information that our members bring back to us when attending such amazing events!

Into the Big Blue: Middle Schoolers Take the Plunge in Latest Musical

The Middle School Musical program just wrapped up its fourth season. This year, 48 students in grades 6-8 took to the stage to tell the story of Finding Nemo Jr. Directors Sara Mueller and Amanda Kadulski have continued to incorporate student involvement in all facets of the production including: lighting, scene changes, set construction, and painting.

Over the past 4 seasons, middle school students have not only held the roles on stage, but also made up the stage crew and stoplight operators in the booth. One main goal the directors have is to instill the importance of community in this program - showing that every person plays an important role in the success of the show. Having students take ownership in their work also sheds light on all of the moving parts that come together to make the run of a musical a success.

Middle schoolers aren’t the only ones thriving in the theater with this program - the collaboration with High School leaders is growing as well! This year Kaitlyn Kluge (sophomore) was the sound technician in the booth - running sound for the entire run of the show; Ashton Bouche and Camden Soukup (freshmen) were stage managers backstage - coordi-

nating scene changes, running cues, and operating curtains; and Kayla Johnson, Abby Verhagen, and Lania Milewicz took lead on set painting. Additionally, most rehearsals had High School student leaders that worked on acting and dancing skills with the middle school performers.

Finding Nemo Jr. is a story of overcoming fears, building trusting friendships, and celebrating community. As they say - it takes a whole village - and this year was no exception. Taking the plunge into the Big Blue World would not have been possible without the dedication of the dynamic production team and the numerous parent and family volunteers. As a result of everyone’s dedication, there was no shortage of smiles as students took the stage and showed the audience all of their hard work - proving the success of another musical season.

Sign-ups and information will be available in September to see what the 2027 Middle School Musical has in store!

Digging Up History: Southern Door’s Hidden Treasures

BY JUDY JESSE, SCHOOL ARCHIVES COORDINATOR

Did you know that the Southern Door School District is located on 129 acres of incredible natural resources? Our campus offers unique facilities and “hidden treasures” that many other school systems aren’t fortunate enough to have.

Our latest Archives display by the Eagle Gym was inspired by a beautiful watercolor painting by Charles Peterson titled “The Chaudoir Nature Center.” This artwork got our committee thinking about the amazing history and nature right in our own backyard. Take a moment to visit the new display, “SOUTHERN DOOR’S HIDDEN TREASURES!” which highlights the many outdoor gems accessible via our Community Walking Trail.

• The Trail: Explore a one-mile wheelchair-accessible path or a two-mile loop around the property.

Access: Open to the public 7 days a week. Dogs are welcome on leashes (outside of school hours), and pedal bikes are permitted.

A Journey Through Time and Nature

As you walk the trail, you will encounter the landmarks that make our district a living classroom:

• The Waniger School: This restored 1882 one-room schoolhouse was originally located at Cty. C and MM. It represents the 36 outlying schools that once formed our district. Thanks to the Randy Weckler family and dedicated volunteers, it stands today as a testament to our educational roots.

• The Schoolyard Garden: Just behind the schoolhouse, you’ll find a garden planted by hundreds of K-4 students. From

purple cauliflower to kohlrabi, this space is a buzzing hub for pollinators and young green thumbs.

• The Prairie: Established in 2016, this habitat was created by students planting native seeds. Following a controlled burn to manage invasive species, the prairie reached full bloom in 2020.

• The School Pond: Located at the west end of the forest, the pond is a student favorite for catching and studying frogs, turtles, and dragonflies.

The School Forest & Chaudoir Nature Center

The heart of our outdoor “classroom” is the 129-acre School Forest. It is filled with birdhouses, bat houses, and winding trails through thick undergrowth.

Deep within the woods sits The Chaudoir Nature Center, the original local Belgian log cabin featured in Charles Peterson’s painting. Gifted by the Chaudoir family, the cabin offers hands-on experiences with animal hides, snake skins, and forest artifacts.

Nearby, you can also find the “Sugar Shack.” Originally built in 1970 by the High School Ecology class, it was recently reopened to teach students the traditional “sap to syrup” process, from tapping maple trees to the final boil.

Get Involved!

The School Archives are coordinated by Judy Jesse. If you would like to get involved, have items you wish to donate, or would like more information on these treasures, please contact Judy Jesse at 920-743-9730 or reach out to our District Office.

52nd Annual Salon of Door County High School Art

We are thrilled to share an update from the Regional Spelling Bee! Southern Door 6th grader Katie Quigley earned an impressive 2nd place finish. We are incredibly proud of Katie for her hard work and for representing our district with such poise and excellence. Congratulations, Katie!

April 4 - May 23, 2026

On view in Galleries 1 and 2 (Miller Art Museum)

In celebration of creativity, discipline, and emerging voices, Door County’s high school art departments present student artwork by freshmen through seniors. The long-standing exhibition features a selection of work from across the county’s schools, offering young artists the experience of presenting their work in a professional museum setting. Notably, this year’s gallery will feature a dedicated selection of pieces from the talented students at Southern Door High School. Their unique contributions highlight the diverse perspectives and artistic skills being cultivated within our classrooms.The Salon honors both individual expression and the dedicated teaching that nurtures it, inviting the public to engage with the next generation of visual thinkers and makers.

Testing Season at Southern Door

BY MR. DILLAN ZALESKI (CURRICULUM SUPPORT SPECIALIST/DAC)

As we enter the spring season, our schools are preparing for the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) window. These assessments provide a vital “snapshot” of student achievement, helping us ensure our instruction aligns with the Wisconsin Academic Standards and that every student is on the path to being college and career ready.

Elementary & Middle School: The Forward Exam

During March and April, students in grades 3–8 will participate in the Wisconsin Forward Exam. This online assessment measures achievement in key content areas:

• Grades 3–8: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics

• Grades 4 & 8: Science

Grades 4, 8, & 10: Social Studies

While the Forward Exam is a summative measure, we use this data alongside our local i-Ready Diagnostic results to celebrate growth and tailor our Tier 1 and Tier 2 instructional supports.

High School: PreACT Secure & The ACT

In March, our high school students will engage in state-mandated testing designed to measure progress toward College and Career Readiness Standards.

Freshmen & Sophomores: Will com-

plete the PreACT Secure.

• Juniors: Will take the ACT with Writing.

New This Year: Strategic Preparation

We are excited to share several new initiatives aimed at boosting student confidence and proficiency:

• PreACT Accelerator Program: Since December, our students have been engaging in the PreACT Accelerator, a targeted program designed to sharpen ELA skills and increase overall proficiency scores.

• Cross-Curricular Task Force: Our dedicated PreACT Task Force has identified specific sub-categories where students have historically struggled. Teachers across all departments—not just ELA and Math—are implementing integrated strategies to bridge these gaps and support student success.

• Goal Setting: Students continue to maintain assessment portfolios, using their Typical and Stretch Growth targets to take ownership of their learning journeys.

We want to extend a sincere thank you to our families and staff for supporting our students during this time. Your encouragement helps our students perform to the best of their ability!

From the Court to the Mat: Eagles Soar Through the Winter Season

BY ELISE JACKSON, SDHS JUNIOR

As the winter season comes to a close, Southern Door High School athletes once again demonstrated resilience, growth, and Eagle pride across the court and the mat. From playoff buzzer-beaters to state qualifications, this winter was filled with memorable moments.

The Eagles wrapped up conference play finishing 5th with a 4–10 conference record and a 6–18 overall record. While the season presented challenges, the team showed tremendous growth and grit when it mattered most. Entering the playoffs as the 9th seed, the Eagles earned an exciting first-round victory over 8th-seeded Michicot, defeating them 59–57 in a thrilling rematch after falling to them earlier in November. The win was a testament to the team’s perseverance and improvement throughout the season. Southern Door’s postseason run came to an end against top-seeded Manitowoc Lutheran, but the Eagles closed their season competing with heart and determination. Junior Kyleigh Claflin made second team All-Conference, and senior Alanah Kaye was an honorable mention for All-Conference.

The boys’ basketball team finished the regular season with a 4–19 overall record and 1–14 mark in conference play, placing 9th in the conference. Despite the tough record, the Eagles continued to battle each game and earned a spot in postseason play. Entering the playoffs as the 12th seed, Southern Door faced 5th-seeded Algoma, falling to the team with a score of 73-50. Senior Lauden Berg made second team All-Conference.

Memberships

($150 annual fee). Memberships purchased after January 1 are reduced in price by $25. This flexible option ensures that community members can join when it works best for them.

The Talon Community Fitness Center provides top-tier amenities in a welcoming, community-focused environment, including:

• Full weight room with strength and cardio equipment

Indoor Turf Facility

• Eagle Gym (when not in use by school teams/ groups)

Take advantage of this opportunity to stay active and connected. To learn more or to get started, visit the Talon Community Fitness Center page on the Southern Door website or call the Southern Door High School office at 920-825-7333.

Contributors: Joan Berg, Steve Bousley, Tom Dagit, Dave Desmond, Sue Ann Hubbard, Elise Jackson, Judy Jesse, Amanda Kadulski, Ben Kline, Heather Kraeuter, Kevin Krutzik, Kate Lardinois, Billie Moore, Sara Mueller, Angie Paplham, Morgan Phipps, Courtney Renard, Krista Schley, JamieLynn Teska, Marc Vandenhouten, Cory Vandertie, Dan Viste, Alyssa Walton, Attyson Wilson, Dillan Zaleski

Southern Door’s girls wrestling program had an outstanding winter, highlighted by strong individual performances and major postseason success.This season also featured the first Packerland Girls Wrestling Tournament. 7 of our wrestlers earned 1st team all conference at this tournament. Throughout the regular season, the lady Eagle wrestlers won multiple tournaments, a testament to not only their remarkable individual abilities, but also team accomplishments. The Eagles claimed the conference title, led by conference champions Nora LeFevre (senior), Skya Scrimgeour (freshman), Violet Jackson (sophomore), Portia Hah (junior), Tiana Hah (freshman), Sydney Turner (senior), and Kailyn Neville (senior) (all on the women’s first team All-Conference wrestling). Their dominance at the conference meet set the tone for a remarkable postseason run. At regionals, Tiana Hah, Portia Hah, Sydney Turner, Nora LeFevre, and Skya Scrimgeour all placed in the top two of their weight classes to qualify for sectionals. From there, Portia Hah, Sydney Turner, and Skya Scrimgeour advanced even further, earning coveted spots at the state meet after outstanding performances at sectionals. Their success reflects not only individual talent but the rapid growth and strength of Southern Door’s girls wrestling program.

The boys wrestling team also made its mark this season, highlighted by junior Lance Veeser qualifying for the state

tournament. Throughout the regular season Lance had a 41-7 record, with 32 wins by fall. He also recorded his 100th career win this year during the Dirk Sorenson Door County Classic at Sturgeon Bay, where he finished 1st in the 165 lb weight class. At the same meet, sophomores Clark LeFevre and Chance Dekeyser also reached the finals of their weight classes, helping the Eagles bring home multiple top finishes. Clark LeFevre and Lance Veeser were both honored as a part of first team All-Conference wrestling.

Allowed to compete in men’s swim as a part of the Notre Dame/Southern Door cooperative high school boys’ swimming team, senior Jack Monfils qualified for the state swimming and diving championships in three events. Of those events, he placed fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke, and also placed 12th in the 200 individual medley and was part of the Notre Dame/Southern Door 200 medley relay that finished 16th.

From close playoff battles on the hardwood to championship performances on the mat, Southern Door athletes represented their school with pride this winter. Congratulations to all of our Eagles on a season defined by perseverance, growth, and competitive spirit. We look forward to what’s ahead in the spring season!

Southern Door School District Art Show

THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD | 5:00–7:00 PM

Get ready to blast off into creativity! Mark your calendars for our annual district-wide Art Show and fundraiser - this year’s theme is “Out of This World!” Our halls will be transformed into a galaxy filled with imagination, color, and incredible student artwork.

Families are invited to explore interactive art stations, view stunning displays from all grade levels, and celebrate our talented young artists. From painted planets to cosmic creatures, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

I Am, He Said: Celebrating Neil Diamond April 12, 2026 at 4pm

The Four C Notes: Music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons April 26, 2026 at 3pm

Pete the Cat - The Musical (Arts in Education) April 28, 2026 at 9:30am and 1:00pm

SING, Door County May 30, 2026 at 7pm

The Little MermaidMissoula Children’s Theatre June 19, 2026 at 3:30pm & 6pm

Swingin’ Door Big Band June 25, 2026 at 7pm

Kids from Wisconsin July 15, 2026 at 7pm

Come support our student artists as they shine bright like stars—hope to see you there!

This celebration of the amazing musical icon, Neil Diamond, is selling out shows across the country! Matt, Jeff, and Tommy Vee, nephew and sons of the legendary

Bobby Vee, respectively, come together with an all-star band to celebrate the music from the timeless catalog of Neil Diamond. With songs like “Cracklin Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond sold over 100 million records worldwide with music that became the soundtrack to one generation after another, spanning five decades.

Presenting Sponsor: Quantum Technologies, Bissen Asphalt, LLC

Supporting Sponsors: Kevin’s Automotive, Wienke’s Market

Don’t miss the Midwest’s ONLY tribute recreating the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons! Created by John Michael Coppola, best known for his appearance in Chicago’s long-running production of the Broadway smash hit JERSEY BOYS, the show features everyone’s favorite hits: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You,” “Oh, What A Night (December 1963)” and many more!

Presenting Sponsor: VerHalen, Inc./Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin

Supporting Sponsor: Wave Pointe Marina & Resort