The Clipper Connection Winter 2026

THE CLIPPER CONNECTION

STURGEON BAY HIGH SCHOOL

Celebrating Academic Excellence: Class of 2026

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

BY KEITH NERBY PRINCIPAL

Sturgeon Bay High School is proud to an-

nounce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2026, two students whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence truly represent the very best of our school.

This year’s Valedictorian, Miya Nell, has earned the distinction of graduating with Highest Honors through consistent academic excellence and a genuine passion for learning. Miya’s achievements extend far beyond the classroom. She has been actively involved in a variety of school organizations, including Varsity Soccer, Hope Squad, Service Club, Math Team, Project 180, and many more. Whether tackling challenging coursework or contributing her talents to extracurricular activities, Miya has set a high standard for herself and for those around her.

Joining Miya and being recognized with Highest Honors as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026 is Sawyer Clarke. Sawyer’s academic success reflects years of hard work, curiosity,

and perseverance. In addition to excelling academically, Sawyer has been part of Mock Trial and Math team along with participating in mission trips through his church. He is consistently bringing energy, dedication, and thoughtful leadership to every endeavor. His ability to balance rigorous academics with meaningful involvement speaks to his strong character and work ethic.

Together, Miya and Sawyer exemplify what it means to be a Clipper: driven, engaged, and committed to making the most of every opportunity. Their accomplishments are a source of pride not only for their families and teachers, but for our entire school community.

Congratulations to Miya and Sawyer on this well-earned honor. The Clipper Community celebrates you and looks forward to all that lies ahead.

SBHS Winter Sports Show Growth as Season Heads Toward the Finish

BY ASHLY RUIZ, HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM STUDENT

The 2025-2026 winter season is still going strong at Sturgeon Bay High School, with athletes across winter sports and clubs highlighting the importance of teamwork, goals, and enjoying the game.

The boys basketball team, coached by Zach Goblisch, has continued to grow throughout the season. Players have focused on overcoming challenges and improving both individually and as a team. Sam Fruzyna, a junior captain for varsity, reflected on the team’s development: “To see a team that was scared at first, to now doing things without thinking on the court is great. In some games, you will see the youth come out with turnovers.” The team has shown steady progress and increased confidence as the season has unfolded.

has had an impressive season. The team has worked hard to reach its goals while building strong chemistry on and off the court. Junior Kadence Patza shared a notable accomplishment: “Regan Kasten is 2nd in the state for rebounds, and as a team we are close to winning more games than any of the other Sturgeon Bay Girls Varsity Basketball teams in the last decade.” According to SBHS Athletic Director Jonathan Dupuis, one more win would tie the program’s highest win total in the past 10 years.

Coached by Stephen Jacobson, the wrestling team has experienced one of its most successful seasons to date.

The team placed second in the Packerland Conference and won its first-ever home tournament at SBHS. Wrestlers also brought home two additional tournament trophies. Coach Jacobson expresses that the winter season can be challenging due to cold weather, illness, and injuries, but the team has remained resilient. Senior Tiani LeMieux reflected on her season, “I enjoy the way this sport turns teams into family.”

The bowling club, coached by Chris Blish, showed steady improvement

throughout the season. Returning bowlers and first-time players have made significant progress this season. Even though, unfortunately, the team had a down year, Coach Blish states, they were still able to keep this season going and won their last meet of the year. As well as Dominic Blish, who qualified for the state tournament and an All-Star team.

Lastly, the ski and snowboarding club coached by Josh Van Lieshout was unable to compete this season due to a lack of interest in racing, according to June Van Lieshout, the ski manager. However, they have still been practicing and focusing on improving skills and confidence. Sophomore Garet Meleen shared, “We aren’t competing this year, but we have still managed to have a great time and get some turns in.”

From the basketball court to the wrestling mat and the bowling lanes to the ski hills, Sturgeon Bay High School’s winter athletes have demonstrated growth and perseverance. As the season continues, their dedication and teamwork remain at the center of their success.

History on the Mat: Packerland Hosts Inaugural Girls Wrestling Championship

BY KEITH NERBY, PRINCIPAL

On February 3, the Sturgeon Bay/Sevastopol wrestling program proudly hosted the first-ever Packerland Conference Girls Wrestling Championship.

This historic event marked the first time in the 56-year history of the Packerland Conference that a conference championship was held specifically for girls wrestling. It represents a major step forward for the sport and a powerful moment for female wrestlers across the conference.

A total of 19 girls from the Packerland Conference competed, each demonstrating grit, determination, and a commitment to a sport they helped build. Among those competitors were Tiani LeMieux, Anna Dalke and Izzy Andreae of the Sturgeon Bay/Sevastopol program, making this milestone especially meaningful for our community. Sturgeon Bay is incredibly proud of these athletes— not only for their performance on the mat, but for the courage and perseverance they show in paving the way for future wrestlers.

To the athletes who competed, you set the stage for all those that will follow. For years, girls in the Packerland Conference and across Wisconsin have competed on boys’ rosters, earning respect one match at a time. On this night, you finally had a championship stage entirely your own.

Eleven athletes were crowned Packerland Conference Champions, becoming the first names etched into the conference record books for girls wrestling. Their accomplishments will forever represent a turning point, one that reflects progress, opportunity, and pride for the Packerland Conference and the Sturgeon Bay community.

The New Sturgeon Bay High School HOPE SQUAD

BY NICOLE HERBST, TEACHER & CLUB ADVISOR

HOPE SQUAD is a national peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that our school brought in through local grant funding. This student leadership group was nominated carefully by their peers, made up of students trusted to support and encourage others.

BY ALEXANDRA MELLEN, HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM STUDENT

Sturgeon Bay High School’s 2026 musical is Once Upon a Mattress by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer, showing April 23–26.

This year’s production stars seniors Ashlynn Paulsen and June VanLieshout, along with freshman Milo Back. The musical is directed by Sophie Widman, with Jimmy Balistreri serving as a technical director. The choreographer is Owen Alabadao, and costumes are designed by Jordan Wallin-Swanson with Avery Burns as the choir/vocal music specialist.

Burns describes Once Upon a Mattress as “a must-see comic retelling of the classic story The Princess and the Pea.” In the kingdom, no one may marry until Prince Dauntless (Back) finds a bride. However, Queen Aggravain (VanLieshout) creates impossible tests for each hopeful princess, causing them to fail time and again. When Princess Winnifred (Paulsen), a bold and unconventional royal from the swamp lands, arrives at the castle, she challenges the queen’s expectations. The princess captures the prince’s attention through her own defi-

nition of being a “dainty and delicate” princess. Meanwhile, the rest of the kingdom works hard to make Princess Winnifred pass these tests, while also eagerly awaiting the outcome so they can finally wed.

Back remarks that the musical is, “crazy, fast-paced, and hilarious” to add onto the comments made by VanLieshout, “... her personality is truly an overbearing ‘boy-mom’ who hates anyone who isn’t her or her son. She is very standoffish and rude, making many of the interactions between other characters hilarious.”

“Because this is such a silly show, we don’t have to stick with strict confines of historical costuming…I want this world to be colorful and fun so that it works well against the pieces in the set.” Wallin-Swanson said. “For the mood of the costumes, I am hoping for things to be bright and playful.”

Once Upon a Mattress is going to be presented as a whimsical piece with humor and strong characters.

Performances will take place April 23 - 25 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 26. Sturgeon Bay High School invites the Door County community to attend this whimsical and entertaining production.

HOPE SQUAD builds a positive and caring school culture by training members to notice when classmates may be struggling, offer support, and connect them with trusted adults when needed. Members also organize school-wide fun-themed activities every month, planned by student leaders, to promote self-care, kindness, and inclusion, while reducing the stigma around mental health. In December, Hope Squad participated in The Green Bandana Project by hosting a school lunch table and attending a boys varsity basketball game, where suicide prevention crisis cards and green bandanas were distributed to show support for mental health awareness. In January, during National Wellness Month, the theme “Success Starts with Self-Care” was promoted through lunch table handouts of stress balls with positive messages and mini journals.

A special NATIONAL HOPE WEEK was highlighted February 9–13, the week before Valentine’s Day, and featured daily fun activities, handouts, and themed dressup days to remind students that they are loved and that everyone matters. Items such as positive stickers, Hope Clips, and heart messages were shared to encourage participation and connection. Through peer-to-peer connections and safe spaces for conversation, Hope Squad helps every student feel valued, connected, and supported.

Upcoming Calendar Dates

1:30

SUNRISE SCOOP

Boys Basketball

Sunrise 3rd–5th grade boys had an exciting basketball season. The players and coaches put in time and hard work, both during the season and in the off-season. It’s great to see that effort pay off. Congratulations to the 5th grade boys on becoming Conference Champions!

Thank you to the coaches and families for the time and commitment you gave to support our Sturgeon Bay boys basketball program.

On February 4th, students and staff celebrated the 100th Day of School by dressing like they were 100 years old. Everyone had fun getting creative and celebrating this exciting milestone together!

Sunrise School Spelling Bee

On Friday, January 30th, Sunrise held its annual School Spelling Bee. It was a fun event, and students showed great focus, confidence, and spelling skills. Congratulations to everyone who participated—we are very proud of our Sunrise spellers!

Fifth grader Jack Vander Velden won the Spelling Bee. The other top finishers were

SAWYER ELEMENTARY

Bethany Barton Author Visit

BY HOLLY SELLE, LIBRARY MEDIA DIRECTOR

and Illustrator

Author

Safe Harbor

BY JENNY HULL AND KRIS SALO, SAFE HARBOR TEACHER ASSOCIATES

Sawyer School supports all students with academics and social-emotional learning utilizing a structure called a Multi-Level System of Support (MLSS).This framework provides a tiered approach to instruction and intervention, ensuring that every child receives the specific level of assistance they need to succeed. The framework is organized into three distinct levels:

Tier 1 (Universal): High-quality, evidence-based instruction provided to all students in the general classroom setting.

Tier 2 (Targeted): Small group interventions for students who need extra support in specific academic or behavioral areas.

Tier 3 (Intensive): Highly individualized, frequent support for students with significant needs that require more specialized attention

One important part of our MLSS to support all students with their social-emotional learning is our Safe Harbor Room. The Safe Harbor Room is intentionally structured to promote calm and regulation. The two teacher associates who support students in this room maintain a clean, organized, and inviting environment that offers access to a variety of regulation tools. It functions as a preventative and responsive space where students can safely reset and refocus. Students may access the space through self-referral, or teachers may refer students who are experiencing emotional distress, dysregulation, or behaviors that interfere with classroom instruction. When a student is unable or unwilling to participate in classroom activities, Safe Harbor provides the space which allows instruction to continue while the student receives individualized support. A key component of Safe Harbor is one-on-one work with students. During each visit, the teacher associates work individually

with students to help them identify which regulation tools and strategies are most effective for them. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, students are guided to explore different techniques—such as mindfulness, movement, sensory input, or quiet reflection—so they can build self-awareness and develop strategies they can use both in and out of Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor also supports students whose emotional or behavioral challenges show improvement in the classroom. As students demonstrate growth, they may earn celebration breaks, which allow them to engage with tools that are not part of their regulation plan but are meaningful and motivating to them. These breaks are used intentionally to reinforce positive progress and are separate from regulation support. In addition to regulation needs, Safe Harbor sometimes serves students who simply require a quieter environment than the classroom to complete work. Some students benefit from brief one-on-one academic support or a reduced-stimulation setting to refocus and finish assignments. In these cases, Safe Harbor provides temporary a place for this type of support so students can return to class feeling more confident and successful in the classroom. Safe Harbor plays a key role in supporting both students and classrooms within our Multi-level Systems of Support. By providing personalized, one-on-one regulation support, structured movement opportunities, and quiet academic assistance in a calm environment, the associates help reduce disruptions, support instructional continuity, and equip students with skills they can carry back into the classroom and beyond.

Sensory Seekers Play Cafe

BY KATIE RANKIN, SAWYERʼS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

A small group of students from Sawyer Elementary, along with District Occupational Therapists, had the opportunity to explore and build regulation skills during a visit to Sensory Seekers Play Cafe in Sturgeon Bay. Through movement-based activities and interactive play, students practiced peer play skills, teamwork, and self-regulation in a fun, supportive environment. The experience also gave students a chance to release energy and stay active during the cold winter months, helping them return to learning feeling regulated and ready. A big thank-you to Sensory Seekers Play Cafe for providing a space that supports growth, connection, and joy!

Technological Opportunities

FROM JEN HANSON:

Students in the Sturgeon Bay School District have more opportunities than ever to join clubs that promote technological skills, design thinking, and computer programming this year. In addition to the already-popular Video Game Club / Esports at T.J. Walker Middle School, VEX Robotics has been launched for students in Grades 6 through 8 as well, and Girls Who Code has kicked off at Sunrise Elementary School for girls in Grades 3 through 5.

The TJ Walker Esports team competed in the Wisconsin Regional Esports Division (WIRED) this fall. A new league, hosted by the Rural Virtual Academy, featured teams from across the state playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate every Monday night after school. T.J. Walker Red dominated the regular season, going 25-5 and taking the regular-season championship. The T.J. Walker White team went 17 - 13 and barely snuck into the playoffs. Both middle school

teams faced off in the WIRED Fall Championships, with T.J. Walker Red taking home the Championship trophy. The esports team is looking to expand into other games this spring, offering Rocket League, Madden, and Fortnite.

VEX VRC (VEX Robotics Competition) is a hands-on STEM program where students design, build, and program robots to solve annual engineering challenges. Teams compete in 12 foot by 12 foot arenas, focusing on teamwork, 15-second autonomous routines, and longer driver-controlled matches. It is currently open to all sixth through eighth graders, and will be offered as a middle school elective class in the fall of 2026. T.J. Walker’s three teams will compete for the first time in late February.

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization aimed at reducing the gender gap in technology and increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups interested in pursuing STEM. It is making an impact at our school through a student club that meets during Sunrise Clubs, which are monthly staff-led opportunities designed to give students the chance to explore interests beyond the regular school day. The club focuses on building computer science skills while encouraging creativity and confidence in STEM. Students primarily work using Scratch, leading up to the recent opportunity to design and create projects of their own choosing after learning the program in STEAM class.

Bethany Barton visited students in 4K through 6th grade, talking about the work she does producing art and props for television shows but also the art and research that go into her nonfiction picture books. Her focus on science included information on bees, flatulence, and spiders, including a toilet paper cannon made to mimic a spider’s web. Thank you to the event sponsors: the

Elementary School PTO, the Friends of Sturgeon Bay Schools, Altrusa of Door County, The Max and Gayle Laird Education Fund of the Door County Community Foundation Inc., and The Raibrook Foundation.

A Special Visitor in Second Grade

BY ANNE HERRING (SECOND GRADE TEACHER)

Ms. Herring’s 2nd grade class at Sawyer School received a very special world traveler on January 26th! Chloe, a student visiting from Denmark, joined our classroom for an exciting day of cultural exchange arranged by her grandmother, Margaret Larson, a local resident of Door County.

Learning Life in Denmark

Chloe spent time answering questions our students had prepared about what school is like in her home country. We learned that in Denmark, students often attend a type of school called a Folkeskole, where they might stay with the same classmates and teachers for many years. Chloe also shared one of her favorite activities: handball. This fast-paced sport is a huge part of Danish culture and is often described as a mix of soccer and basketball played with your hands.

A “Krone” for Your Thoughts

The highlight for many students was seeing Danish Kroner, the official monetary unit of Denmark. They were fascinated to find that several of the coins, like the 1, 2, and 5 krone, actually have holes in the center! This unique design helps people—especially those who are visually impaired—easily tell them apart by touch. The students had a great time comparing them to our own U.S. coins.

Snacks and Indoor Fun

Since it was a bit too chilly for the playground, Chloe and the students made the most of our “indoor recess” by enjoying some free choice time together. To give Chloe a true taste of Sawyer School, some of the students’ absolute favorite snacks, Cheetos and Prime were shared with Chloe.

It was a wonderful day of making new friends and learning that even though there is an ocean that separates Chloe from the second grade students they found out they still have so much in common!

Hot Chocolate Celebration

BY MIRANDA LARKIN (4K-5TH STEAM TEACHER)

Students at Sawyer School recently had the pleasure of enjoying hot chocolate and animal crackers during the school day. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Friends of Sturgeon Bay Schools for their generous $500 donation to our school. When the school year comes to an end, the committee asks the school’s art teachers to have their students decorate table cloths for the annual “Rock the Dock” fundraising event. On the table cloths, students are instructed to draw or write about something they wish their school had, or had more of. Among the many imaginative suggestions from the 4K-2nd grade students, one was for the provision of Starbucks. Staff collectively decided that instead of offering Starbucks, students would be treated to hot chocolate. This proved to be an excellent way to stay warm during the coldest weeks and provided a pleasant boost for all. Thank you once more to the Friends of Sturgeon Bay Schools for your considerable contribution.

TJ WALKER MIDDLE SCHOOL

TJ Walker Middle School Celebrates Blue Ribbon School Recognition

Dr. Jill Underly, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, visited TJ Walker Middle School on Feb. 11 to officially recognize the school as a Blue Ribbon School. The school was honored for being both an Exemplary High Performing School and an Exemplary Gap Closing School, recognizing the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

During her visit, staff shared their journey in strengthening reading and writing instruction through ongoing professional develop-

The hallways of TJ Walker were buzzing with a different kind of intensity this January as our brightest mathematical minds went head-to-head in the school’s MathCounts showdown. On Tuesday, January 27, students traded their sports gear for calculators and scratch paper, demonstrating breathtaking focus and elite problem-solving grit. After a grueling battle of wits, four champions emerged from the pack: Sawyer, Abigail, Jace, and Rylie. This powerhouse “Core Four” didn’t just win; they earned the prestigious honor of representing TJ Walker on the big stage at the Regional Competition, held on Saturday, February 7, at the stunning Acuity Insurance headquarters.

ment. This work was guided by the district’s dedicated academic coaches whose leadership has helped shape instructional practices across grade levels.

Dr. Underly observed a classroom modeled after the Building Thinking Classrooms book and heard from math teacher Kelly Cole about the positive impact those teaching practices have had on student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

The tour highlighted several innovative programs within the district. Food Service

The atmosphere at Regionals was electric as our team navigated a gauntlet of mental challenges. The competition pushed them to their limits, starting with the Sprint Round—a 40-minute, 30-problem dash without the safety net of a calculator. They then transitioned to the Target Round, tackling pairs of complex prob-

Author

Visit

Author and Illustrator Bethany Barton visited students in 4K through 6th grade, talking about the work she does producing art and props for television shows but also the art and research that go into her nonfiction picture books. Her focus on science included information on bees, flatulence, and spiders, including a toilet paper cannon made to

Patriot’s Pen Winners

Director Jennifer Spude showcased the Waseda Farms Greenhouse as well as the district’s state-recognized breakfast program, both of which support student wellness and hands-

lems under intense six-minute timers, before finishing strong in the Team Round, where the four students combined their genius to solve 10 massive problems in just 20 minutes. “Our students did a phenomenal job of representing Sturgeon Bay,” said Coach Craig Sigl. “Their poise under pressure and dedication to the craft truly showcased the best of our community.” Beyond the scores, MathCounts serves a vital mission: building confidence during the critical middle school years and developing a “can-do” attitude toward challenges that will benefit these students far beyond the classroom. The Sturgeon Bay Middle School Math Team will compete again on Tuesday, March 24, at the Door County Math Meet.

mimic a spider’s web. Thank you to the event sponsors: the Sturgeon Bay Elementary School PTO, the Friends of Sturgeon Bay Schools, Altrusa of Door County, The Max and Gayle Laird Education Fund of the Door County Community Foundation Inc., and The Raibrook Foundation.

The Patriot’s Pen is a VFW-sponsored youth essay competition that gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. This year, students wrote essays on, “How do you show your patriotism?” TJ Walker students swept the county-wide competition. VFW 3088’s own Mike McCarty presented awards to our patriotic 8th grade students.

Sturgeon Bay Volume 2 Issue 2

The Clipper Connection is brought to you by the Sturgeon Bay Schools Newsletter Committee: Allison Haus, Rachel Maurer, Jenna Auguston, Mandy Schoeneman, Kasee

Jandrin, Miranda Larkin, Stephen Jacobson, Katy Devillers, Katie Smullen, Mark Smullen, Keith Nerby, Jen PayeWeber, Lindsay Ferry, Ann DeMeuse, Dan Tjernagel

Contributors: KEITH NERBY, ASHLY RUIZ, NICOLE

HERBST, ALEXANDRA MELLEN, JENNY

HULL, KRIS SALO, HOLLY SELLE, KATIE RANKIN, ANNE HERRING, JEN HANSON, MIRANDA LARKIN

Sponsored by: Peninsula Pulse

Total Copies: 24,000

STURGEON BAY SCHOOL DISTRICT

1230 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 920-746-2800

sturbay.k12.wi.us

Clipper SAIL Students Nominated

for Achievement

Middle school is a pivotal time for growth, and celebrating academic and personal achievements helps students build the confidence they need to navigate these formative years. Recognizing these milestones not only validates their hard work but also inspires a lifelong passion for excellence. To honor this dedication, every one of our teachers has nominated a student who has demonstrated exceptional progress or character, to attend a special celebratory family breakfast. We shine a spotlight on these outstanding young leaders and their supportive families.

8th Grade Boys Basketball remains unde-

on learning opportunities.

In addition, Dr. Underly visited Sturgeon Bay High School’s Rising Phoenix program and met with students participating in virtual learning, gaining insight into the diverse educational pathways available to students in the district.

The visit celebrated the students’ academic progress as well as the dedication of Sturgeon Bay educators and their ongoing efforts to create enriching, student-centered learning environments.

Congratulations to the following artists: Gaia Paita, Abbey Appel, Neveah Chanda, Derek Kratcha, & Brooklyn Ries. Their artwork is currently being displayed in the Youth Art Month Regional Exhibit at the Neville Public Art Museum in Green Bay. Purple Stickers indicate that the student’s work qualified for the state exhibition as well.

Annie Jr. Musical

The T.J. Walker Middle School eighth-grade Allied Arts program celebrates its 36th anniversary season with performances of the stage musical “Annie Jr.”. The show featured all the best-loved songs from the hit movie “Annie,” as well as new tunes from the Broadway adaptation.

Allied Arts is a unique combination of music, drama, art, technology and family and consumer education for T.J. Walker eighth-graders. It was founded in 1990 by teachers Joan Draeb, Sandy Fenlon, William Hoehn and Miles Zastrow. This year’s program is directed by choir teacher Ms. Burns, supported by Mr. Hockers (technology), Mrs. Carstens (family and consumer education) and Ms. Rankin (art).

Each year Allied Arts students take on the challenge of a musical production, creating their own costumes, sets and props. Student actors take the roles on stage while their classmates handle the lighting, sound and other technical elements for each performance.

Cherry Lanes Incentive

Students who earned their Clipper S.A.I.L. cards were invited to an incentive at Cherry Lanes to bowl, play games, and enjoy some pizza.

118 students earned this incentive.

Additionally 150 students earned a hot cocoa incentive in December.

Stay Safe

Achievement Including and respecting Leadership

NWTC STEM Fair

A “choose your own adventure” STEM fair allowed students to explore and choose demonstrations and experiments they think are interesting. 42 students experienced activities like building and launching rockets, making paper, and placing an IV in a “patient”. The event connected hands-on experiments and STEM learning to real-world careers guided by NWTC students, faculty, industry leaders, and

employers.