We are excited to share stories and news with you in The Compass, our monthly eNewsletter for families and community. The Compass is published the last Thursday of each month. Submit your story ideas for future editions here.

In this issue:

• 2023 CARE Award Winners
• Student Snapshots: Bella Frank and Onika Colassacco
• Alumni Making Waves: Alaina Abel, Bay Port 2020
• And More!

The Howard-Suamico Education Foundation and Howard-Suamico School District are proud to announce the 2nd annual CARE Award winners. CARE stands for Congratulate, Appreciate, Recognize, Esteem. The recipients were recognized as part of Staff Appreciation Week in May during surprise visits to each school:

• Stephanie Christie, Bay View Science Teacher
• Jon Jagler, Lineville Dean of Students
• Andrew Kros, Suamico Physical Education Teacher
• Brenda Magnin, Meadowbrook Lunchroom/Playground Supervisor
• Kimberly McDougal, District Office Registrar
• Jesse Rouse, Howard Custodian
• Becky Wright, Bay Harbor School Counselor
• Carrie Yanda, Bay Port School Secretary
• Rachel Zarazinski, Forest Glen School Secretary

We are grateful to our sponsors for making these awards possible! Learn more about the CARE Awards on the HSSD website.

From the Board of Education Meeting May 15, 2023

• The Board of Education began by engaging in a community conversation with clergy and civic leaders.
  
• The Board recognized Cara Wreen for her service as student representative for the past two years. Cara will attend Columbia University next year. While her major is undetermined, she is thinking about focusing on economics or political science.
• The Board of Education received an informational update regarding literacy.
• The Board of Education received an informational facilities update.
• Did you know? Construction at Bay View began 375 days ago and the Forest Glen/Bay View groundbreaking ceremonies took place 347 days ago. Thank you for your patience as we've progressed through the construction process.

For upcoming meeting dates, agendas, and prior meeting minutes, visit the Board of Education page on our website.

Mental Health is the last pillar within the Sources of Strength wheel. Mental Health is an important part of living a healthy life. We have the opportunity to break the stigma around mental health by talking openly, compassionately and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.

May is Mental Health Awareness month so let’s focus on promoting acceptance and compassion around mental health. We play a part in one another’s mental wellness.

• Language matters. The language we use to talk about mental health can either perpetuate prejudice and discrimination or promote acceptance and compassion. When it comes to mental health, words matter.
• It is up to each of us to be a lifeline, sharing in a commitment to care for ourselves and those around us.
• When we use open and compassionate language around mental health issues, we empower ourselves and encourage others to find the help they need.

HSSD would like to highlight opportunities during the month of May for you to learn more about Mental Health and the resources/community we have for support.

• HSSD has partnered with Care Solace to provide 24/7/365 support in connecting with a mental health care provider. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential health care coordination service. They can be reached by calling 1-888-515-0595. Multilingual support is always available. Or, visit www.caresolace.com/hssd and search for information on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email or phone.

Summer Lunch in the Park

Summer Lunch in the Park meals are free! Kids and teens will receive hot entrees and local produce Monday - Friday from June 12 to August 18, 2023. No meal service July 3 and 4. No need to sign up or apply - just show up and enjoy! Learn more on the HSSD website.

Save the Date for Commencement

Bay Port Commencement will be held on Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Bay Port High School. We can't wait to celebrate and honor the Class of 2023!

Mobile Hotspot Update

If you currently have a T-Mobile Hotspot from HSSD, please know that it will no longer work beginning May 26, 2023.

• The Hotspots have reached their end of life.
• Please return the T-Mobile Hotspot to the District Office.
• If you need a new Hotspot, you can check one out when you return the T-Mobile Hotspot you currently have.

Construction Updates

Learn more about HSSD construction updates and summer projects.

New Summer School Class

We are excited to announce that we have a new Summer School course offering called Frisbee Fun! To sign up, visit the Summer School website.

Frisbee Fun (grades 3-8)

Join the fun as we learn to play and hone our skills in a variety of frisbee games. Enjoy the easy-going attitude of frisbee golf, the competitive and team oriented action of ultimate frisbee, and the intense pressure of a last turn tie-breaker in Kan Jam. This class provides a variety of inclusive and engaging games that would provide summer fun for anyone!

If you sign up for Frisbee Fun to replace a current class, please drop the current class from your child’s schedule. Not sure how to do this? Contact the summer school office and they can help: 920-662-7816 or abcsummer@hssdschools.org.

• May 25: Lineville Spring Orchestra Concerts
• May 29: Memorial Day (No School)
• June 5: Last Day of School for 4K
• June 6: Last Day of School K-12
• June 11: Bay Port Commencement

District and School Calendars | Bay Port Athletics Calendar

Alaina Abel is a former Bay Port basketball and soccer star from the Class of 2020. She is currently attending Loyola-Chicago to play Division I soccer. In middle school, Alaina was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks hair follicles. Alaina set up a fundraiser for donations to "Wigs for Kids," with 100% of proceeds going directly to the organization.

Bay Port sophomore Brock Bartol has been on the United States luge team. On May 1 he was advanced to the Candidate level (C team). His training time in Lake Placid will double, and he may have the opportunity to complete internationally. Congratulations on your hard work paying off, Brock!

Suamico Elementary students performed "This is Me" in sign language at a family breakfast/literacy event.

• Access prior issues of The Compass on our website.
• Nominate a teacher, staff member, student, or alumni to be featured in The Compass.