The Bulldog Banter
Meadowbrook's Weekly Newsletter- December 13, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
14 - Reading Olympics @ 8:00 am
Student Council Sucker Sales - $1.00 each; limit 3 per student
19 - Bay Port Carolers @ 10:15 am
Bulldog Blast - Hat Day
20 - Read 20 -2:40-3:00
Read 20 Family Night - 4:30-6:00 pm
21 - Reading Olympics @ 8:00 am
** Winter Break - December 24-January 1; Classes Resume January 2, 2019 **
A note from your School Board Representative
At this time of year our property tax bills begin to arrive. During the budget process each year, there are things the School Board can control, and things the Board cannot control.
The Howard-Suamico School District is driven to work with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world. This objective is something we can control, and our budgets are created not only for the needs of today but also for future use. There is a continuous focus on making sure that the long-term per pupil expenditure is fiscally responsible (ex., limited open enrollment, adjustments to benefits, and increasing partnerships with members of the business community). Another factor in our control is the levy rate. Since the 2011-12 school year, this rate has decreased from 9.73 to the 9.19 rate that we have maintained for 4 years.
The information on our tax bills that the District does not control is the total property value within our area, as well as the increase or decrease to individual parcels of property. When the stable tax rate of 9.19 is applied to changing valuation amounts, the result changes from year to year. As taxpayers in our District, the Board of Education focuses on ensuring effective stewardship of the tax revenue we receive, not only for today but for the long term. If you have questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article.
Tax Levy – A Long Term Investment
At this time of year our property tax bills begin to arrive. During the budget process each year, there are things the School Board can control, and things the Board cannot control.
The Howard-Suamico School District is driven to work with families and the community to ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world. This objective is something we can control, and our budgets are created not only for the needs of today but also for future use. There is a continuous focus on making sure that the long-term per pupil expenditure is fiscally responsible (ex., limited open enrollment, adjustments to benefits, and increasing partnerships with members of the business community). Another factor in our control is the levy rate. Since the 2011-12 school year, this rate has decreased from 9.73 to the 9.19 rate that we have maintained for 4 years.
The information on our tax bills that the District does not control is the total property value within our area, as well as the increase or decrease to individual parcels of property. When the stable tax rate of 9.19 is applied to changing valuation amounts, the result changes from year to year. As taxpayers in our District, the Board of Education focuses on ensuring effective stewardship of the tax revenue we receive, not only for today but for the long term. If you have questions for the Board of Education, please reach out to your Board member located in this article.
Vanessa Moran vanemora@hssd.k12.wi.us
Staff luncheon next week
Calling all 3rd and 4th Graders!
Ellis Island Simulation
As part of our 3rd grade Immigration Unit, all third grade students will be participating in our Ellis Island simulation being held in the library on Thursday, February 28 from 8:50-10:35. We are looking for volunteers to play the part of the inspectors. Duties include posing questions to our families and reviewing their paperwork to ensure they enter our country legally. Your parts are scripted. We encourage you to dress for the part you are assigned and have fun. Our goal is to have the students experience first hand the feelings that immigrant families may have felt as they entered the United States. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Mrs. Michelle Wick, Library Media Specialist, at michwick@hssd.k12.wi.us or 920.662.5091.
If you are not yet approved to volunteer, please complete the volunteer application as soon as possible for timely processing.
Ellis Island Simulation Schedule
8:50 - 9:35 - Demerath
9:05 - 9:50 - Crabb
9:20 - 10:05 - Counihan
9:35 - 10:20 - Losert
9:50 - 10:35 - Haen
Winter Break Reading Bingo
During library classes the week of December 17, all students will receive a Winter Break Reading Bingo board. Please consider participating in this rewarding activity during vacation. All students who complete at least one bingo and return their card to the library by Wednesday, January 3 will be entered into a drawing for a Barnes and Noble gift card. There will be multiple prizes offered. Please contact Mrs. Michelle Wick at michwick@hssd.k12.wi.us or 920.662.5091 with questions. Happy Reading!
Bingo form (All students will get a copy of this during their library class.)
Moose Creek Luminaries Community Event to Benefit The Giving Tree
All are invited to stroll or slowly roll their way through a neighborhood luminary display on Moose Creek Trail and Cul De Sacs on Saturday, December 22 to view 2,200+ luminaries that have been purchased with proceeds to benefit The Giving Tree. This event is FREE to stroll/slowly roll but non-perishable food donations for The Giving Tree are encouraged and can be dropped off to the bin/volunteer collectors at the end of the driveway at 2130 Roberta Court. We hope you will join us in celebrating light, love and community this holiday season.
Consider Giving to HSSD this Holiday Season
The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation is excited to announce an opportunity for you to support an HSSD classroom in partnership with DonorsChoose.org. Donate through DonorsChoose.org/HSEF and help support Howard-Suamico Schools and students. Choose a project that inspires you and when the project is fully funded, you will hear back from the classroom with photos and updates. DonorsChoose.org validates the project request and purchases the resources for the teacher.
Visit www.DonorsChoose.org/HSEF and choose which project you would like to support. You may donate any time between now and December 31. The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation is invested in students and staff and is committed to fund the final 25% of projects, up to $200.
Want to learn more about the Bulldog Way?
Community Corner
our School Calendaring system. All of the information is updated in real-time. This link rSchoolToday Calendar walks you through the process to view the events you choose. Once you choose what you want to see on the report it gives the option to subscribe to the calendar. Click here for link to Calendar
“Interested in learning to play tennis? Register today to join the Winter Session 2 - Bay Port Youth Tennis Club! Grades K-4 and 5th-8th, starting in January at the Four Seasons Tennis Club, 3600 Block Riverside Drive, Green Bay. Click here for more information on dates/times: http://bayporttennis.weebly.com/tennis-club.html”
The Gift of Girl Scouting - Troops are available throughout the Howard-Suamico area. You can also experience Girl Scouts with your girl. Let us know if you wish to volunteer. If you would like to learn more about Girl Scouting, have any questions, or are interested in volunteering, please contact: Dawn Krull, Membership Engagement Coordinator, 888-747-6945 or dkrull@gsnwgl.org
Call your friends and join us for Puppy Yoga on February 3rd at the Bay Port High School’s Union from 1 - 2:30pm. Bring your own mat, Lucky 7 Rescue will supply the puppies, certified yoga instructor, Jessica LaVallie will instruct a 1 hour yoga class. All levels welcome! After the class, we will have a puppy kissing booth for $1 donations toward the rescues and shelters! Register Here: http://bit.ly/FFAPuppyYoga