Pioneer Press

Volume 4, Issue 2 Pioneer Press

March 15, 2022

Community Caring Project

By: Olive Goettelman

This year your class will be doing one of the seven community caring projects that Sevastopol Elementary

participates in. This includes environmental work, helping with the food drive, and going to the nursing home.

Community Caring projects are decided by grade level teachers. The teacher looks at ways that each grade level

can help the community. These projects can can change year to year based on community needs. For example,

fifth grade focuses on environmental work. So far this year, they have helped pull buckthorn and phragmites.

This also follows along with what they are learning in science, which teachers try to make sure to do with

these projects. Fourth grade worked on organizing and helping with the food drive.

They counted and organized all the donations into boxes to be delivered

to community families for the holiday break. Brennen said her favorite

part of boxing up the food was “the feeling of happiness. I am happy

because I am helping people in need.” Fourth grade also tied this project

to what they are learning by counting all the donations and seeing

which floor donated the most.

Third grade will be helping the senior citizens. Some things they will be

doing are writing letters, making cards, and sending warm greetings.

5th Grade at Crossroads Pulling Stella Roedl says that she likes writing letters to the senior citizens
Invasive Species because “it makes the elderly happy.”

Second grade will be working on projects for the EcoLab. They do a Culver’s night 4K Honoring Mr. Hilsabeck
which means second graders and parent volunteers worked at Culvers from 5-8 and
earned 10 percent of the sales. The second grade team decided to put the money
towards buying supplies for the EcoLab.
First grade will be recognizing our cooks, janitors, and staff. They made a big poster
for Christmas along with some chocolates. First graders are really understanding how
these faculty members help the school. They are going to continue doing different
things to make our staff feel appreciated.
Kindergarten is helping the animal shelter. They are making fleece blankets for
animals. One of their main shelters has recently been shut down, so they will have to
find another shelter to help.
4k is helping the police and first responders. They invited Officer Hilsabeck to snack
with them. They also made a Christmas card for the paramedics, police first
responders, and fire fighters.
Mrs. Wiesner, our gym teacher, is raising money for the Kids Heart Challenge. You
could donate money to help kids in need. Earning money allows you to get prizes. It
all depends on how much you give. Every penny counts.
Sevastopol school students are learning how to care for more than just themselves.

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Downtown Sturgeon Bay Events

Featuring Carly Sarkis

By: Brooklyn Ayer, Olivia Baier, & Brennan Rass

Have you heard about all of the festive activities that happen downtown in Sturgeon Bay in the
winter? If you haven't, then you're about to get the inside scoop.
Every year for the holiday season, Sturgeon Bay shops and town square have a friendly competition to
see who can make the best window displays. There is also an ice sculpture competition among the
Sturgeon Bay citizens.
In an interview with one of the most important ladies, Carly Sarkis, the one behind all the magic, we
talked about some very important topics. She has been on this job for two years and loves it! She was
inspired to do this job because of the cool shops and events that happen in Sturgeon Bay. The town
has lots of support from sponsors to help allow these events to happen. Her favorite event to organize
is the tree lighting. They have so many new ideas, but her favorite one would be the fireworks for Fire
and Ice.
Some students have shared their opinions on their favorite downtown events. On the chart below, you
will see some kids' opinions about downtown Sturgeon Bay.

Questions Ella Emma Caroline Sammy Mason. B

Favorite part The ice Seeing the Overlooking The ice Everything

downtown sculptures different shops the water sculptures

Winter or She likes She likes She likes He likes He like
summer winter more winter more Summer more
summer more winter more

Favorite shops Bayside The candy The candy The Ice Cream Candy Shop,
store store
downtown Bargains, Shop The Spoon

Cherry Lanes

Cherry or Ice Ice sculptures Ice sculptures Ice sculptures Ice sculptures Ice

sculptures? sculptures

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Work Can Be “Rewarding”

By: By Ben Olson &
Michal Dereszkiewicz

Did you know that you can earn rewards for certain activities in the elementary
school? For example, let's say that you did something nice such as helping a
classmate with a conflict, you could earn a Pioneer Pride slip. But that's not the
only award you can receive, other rewards exist as well.
For example, you can get a piece of candy from Mrs. Thomas, and some other
teachers, when you get a math problem and other questions correct. If a student is
working hard, their work can pay off, like 5th grade reading rewards.
These kinds of rewards help motivate students to do good deeds and try their best
in school. Rewards can also show progress! If you read a certain amount of
minutes, you can be rewarded. Like 3rd grades’ “Stop and Read Challenge” or the
Tundra Tales program. 5th grade also can earn rewards for reading a certain
number of pages.
Another way to get rewarded is the Summer Bridge Challenge. Summer Bridge
Books are used to help you continue learning even during the summer. It is so you
don’t forget what you learned that school year and help prepare yourself for the
future year.
These rewards can give you confidence and help you know that you're growing as a
student. Even if you aren't rewarded, doing your best and staying motivated is
important! Small rewards can still come our way! As Oscar Wilde says, “The
smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

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Snow Activities

By: Evie Deviley & Mayra Stenzel

Winter time is chilly and snowy with lots of things to do outside in the snow. You can do things such as building a
snowman, snowball fights, making snow angels, sledding, skiing, ice skating, and many more.

In an interview with a few fifth graders they shared different favorite winter activities.
Olive and Olivia said that snowboarding is the best thing to do outside in the snow.
Brooklyn and Lulu disagree, they think that sledding is the best thing to do outside. Mayra
says that making snow forts is fun too, because it's something you can do with your friends.
Evie thinks ice skating is the best thing to do in the winter time because it's elegant and fun
to watch. All of these things are exciting things to do on snow days or after school. What is
your favorite thing to do outside in the snow?

In the month of February the temperature will be very cold down to a low of
-19 degrees. It can change fast in Door County, so you need to be prepared and
beware of the frostbite and make sure you're properly dressed! To be properly
dressed you will need hats, gloves, winter jackets, snow pants, and boots.
The road can also get slippery and become dangerous. You can help in the
snowy driving weather by respecting your bus driver and not being loud and
staying in your seat. These rules always apply but especially in the winter
when you need to be extra careful on the road.

What if you don't love going outside in the winter? If it does end up getting too cold, and you don't want to go
outside, then baking is the perfect activity for you! We even have a recipe to share with you. Try out these snowflake
sugar cookies! (see below)
If you ever are bored on snow days or on weekends then I hope this gives you some ideas!

● 3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

● 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
● 2 large eggs
● 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
● 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
● 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
● 1 teaspoon baking powder

For The Icing
● 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
● 4 tablespoons water or milk

If you want to know more on how to bake these cookies and like the recipe, go to:

“Handle The Heat with Tessa Arias, How to Bake snowflake sugar cookies”

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Teacher’s Favorite Winter Activities

Q&A By: Lulu Roedl

Mrs. Thomas Drinking coffee on her couch

Mrs. Krueger Shoveling snow

Mrs. Bley Snowmobiling

Mrs. Bortle Skiing

Mr. Shauske Hiking

Mr. Skiba Hiking

Mrs. Grooters Building snowmen

Mrs. Desotelle Cross country skiing

Mrs. Ayer Hiking

Mrs. Huehns Sledding

Mrs. Ploor Snowshoeing

Mrs. Wiesner Downhill skiing

Mrs. Krueger Baby Update

By: Ruth Sansom

Have you wondered where Mrs. Krueger has been? Or maybe you already know. It's great news, she had a baby!
Mrs. Krueger's little bundle of joy is a girl. Her name is Pearl Kelly Krueger. She was born on 12-19-21. She
weighed 9 lbs 8 oz, and was 21 inches long. Mrs. Krueger will be back after spring break from maternity leave.
Mrs. Krueger’s favorite thing about being a new mom is all the “baby snuggles!”

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Spelling Bee GeoBee

By: Caralee Fellner By: Maura Margraff

Have you heard? Sevastopol has an elementary Calling all geography lovers, “It's your time to
competition called the Spelling Bee! It starts shine!” The GeoBee is coming up. The GeoBee is
when all classrooms from grades first through a two part geography quiz. Each winner from
fifth grade compete in a classroom round. There 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will meet with Mrs.
is only one winner per classroom, so two people Ayer, the 5th grade teacher. The quiz will have
per grade. questions on oceans, states, landmarks,
The winner of the classroom goes to the continents, and much more.
school-wide Spelling Bee. The school-wide In order to be a part of the final test, you have
Spelling Bee is the same thing as the classroom to complete the first part, which is in your
Bee, except there are judges and a whole crowd classroom. This challenge requires you to study
watching you. In the school wide Spelling Bee, hard. To help prepare for the Geography Bee,
there are first, second, and third place winners. you don’t memorize anything, instead you have
The first place winner goes off to another to know about places, climates, and landmarks
Spelling Bee called the district Bee where you around the United States This is an amazing
compete against middle schoolers at the district quiz hosted by an even more amazing teacher.
level. If you win that, you go to a statewide Mrs. Ayer! She says, “I like hosting the GeoBee
Spelling Bee. The Spelling Bee is an individual, because it allows students to realize that there is
verbal task. Last year, I was really nervous, but more out in the world besides Sturgeon Bay and
it was fun to be a part of the Spelling Bee. Door County. It also gives students a chance to
What rewards are given to the classroom look at abstract ideas versus concrete.”
participants? “A new car,” says Mr. Schauske, What do my fellow classmates think? My
the fourth grade teacher. You don’t get a car, classmate Lulu states, “I like that you don't
but if you win first place, you get a gold medal. have to say anything. It's on paper, unlike the
If you win second place, you get a silver medal. Spelling Bee.”
The first place classroom winner goes to the Brooklyn Ayer, Stevie Schleicher, Jameson
school-wide Spelling Bee, unless they can’t, then Malcore, and I made it to the schoolwide
the runner-up goes. GeoBee last year. The Geobee is on paper and is
The school-wide Spelling Bee happened in the a independent test, you will not have partners or
middle of January. 5th grade contestant Maura teams. Last year I was really nervous about
Marggraf said, “I was really nervous but it was competing, but I had a lot of fun. Hope you do
an honor to be a part of the school-wide Spelling too!
Bee,” and another 5th grader, Kaylee Manson,
said, “I agree with her” They both were
contestants of the school-wide Spelling Bee.

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Forward Testing By: Reid LeClair &

Aayid Khan

Did you know that you start Forward testing in 3rd grade? Forward testing

is a big test that takes different amounts of time in different grades and covers

different subjects. There are four ELA tests, two math tests, two science tests, and

two social studies tests. In 4th grade, you take all of the tests, but in 3rd and 5th

grade, you take the math and ELA only. 4th grade actually takes 11 sessions.

According to Mrs.Marggraf, “The Forward Test is trying to see how well all of the

students are learning the Wisconsin Academic State Standards. The standards are

telling teachers and students what they need to know, or do, to get college and

career ready.” To be “college and career ready knowing certain skills by the end of

each grade.

We are not the only school who takes the test, the state of Wisconsin actually

requires every school in Wisconsin to have their students take the Forward Exam.

Your teachers will let you know when testing starts. They will also help prepare you

for the tests, so you will know what to do.

In the ELA category there is a test called the listening test, which is where you just

listen and answer the questions. Mrs Ayer said, “The social studies test looks at how

you can use text features and primary sources along with history concepts to show

how well you can analyze these informational texts.”

In 5th grade you will be tested on everything you have learned from 3rd grade to

5th grade in math and ELA/reading. During 5th grade you work a lot on written

responses so that on the Forward Test you can write a strong response. If a student

is not doing well, the teacher can make sure to help them understand their learning

better. But do not worry, it is not as bad as you think. You are ready for it!

Winter Food Drive

By: Evelyn Kelsey

Sevastopol hosts an annual food drive every year. You can donate to the food drive. Every time
you donate you will be helping someone in need of food. It can be any item that people are in
need of.
There are usually a lot of items donated. There are items from canned veggies and
lots of noodles to ramen and even spam. There are not only food items donated.
Bathroom products are donated too like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste,
toothbrushes, and hair ties. This will help people by giving them nice food and
products to eat and use. It is also nice to donate because it helps the community.
There are many reasons to donate, one reason is that it is part of helping our
community. When we help our community it grows stronger and healthier. Another
reason is it will give people what they need to live. This food drive gives families an
extra boost of support over the holiday break. So, it is important that we do this food drive. Not
only that, it makes you feel good that you helped someone in need.

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Book Reviews

By: Kaylee Manson & Mason Haen-Lauder

Books! Books! Books! Every grade has different skill leveled books for
students, but one thing every grade has in common is to have a variety of
books so all kids can find a book they love!
4K likes funny books like “Pete the Cat,” “Piggy And Gerald,” and “Dr.
Seuss.” They also like the Pigeon books and a series of books called
“Underpants” by Ben Court. Of course, since 4K kids are so young, their
teachers Mrs. Bley and Mrs. Desotelle read to them. 4K’s books usually have
about five to ten pages in them.
Kindergarten kids like books such as the Pigeon series by Mo Willems,
“Magic Treehouse” books by Mary Pope Osborne, and just fun picture
books. The standard amount of pages for kindergarteners is about ten pages.
They usually get read to by their teachers.
First graders like books like Dr. Seuss, the Pigeon series, “Piggy and
Gerald,” and “I Spy.” First graders usually get read too. First grade is about
the age where they start to read by themselves.
Second graders like animal books, chapter books, graphic novels, and fiction
books. Second graders have both picture books and beginning chapter
books. They have a variety to choose from. They like book topics similar to
what fifth graders like.
Third graders like books like “A to Z Mystery,” “Sealife,” “My Weird
School,” “Sugar Creek Gang,” “Narnia,” “Box Cart,” “Five Nights At
Freddy's'' and especially “I survived!” They also like science books, state
books, and geographical books. They have so many interests in reading
because they now get to choose picture books AND chapter books!
Fourth graders like books like “Wings Of Fire,” “Jury Spunelli,” and
nonfiction books. They also like the author Alan Gratz, historical fiction,
national geographic, and historic books. Mr. Schauske, the fourth grade
ELA teacher, supplies all his students with great books to read.
Fifth graders like books like “I Survived'' by Lauren Tarshis, “Diary Of A
Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney, and “Timmy Failure” by Stephan Pastis.
These books are very popular in fifth grade. They also love nonfiction, books
about animals, and fantasy books. Fifth grade books are usually around
150-400 pages. Fifth grade books are more advanced because fifth graders
are supposed to be at a higher level.
All grades have different likes, pages, and reading levels. Some like comics,
others like fantasy fiction, and others like non-fiction books. Everyone has a
different taste in books. All that matters is that kids find a book they enjoy
and READ!

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RIF and Book Fairs

By: Breiah Newton & Kailee Gilbert

Have you ever gone to a library before? If you have, then you know how it works. First, you find the
book you want, and check it out. At Sevastopol School, RIF works the same way, but you don’t need to
return the book.Yes! You get to keep it for yourself! At the Book Fair, you need to buy the book. Mrs.
Ayer, a fifth grade teacher, takes the time and patience to set RIF and the Book Fair all up. RIF and the
Book Fair are great opportunities for kids to find books that they like, and that fit them. Doesn’t that
sound great?
Thank you to Mrs. Ayer, for everything she does. Not just staff from Sevastopol School help out with
these events, there are also volunteers who help checkout our books. Students’ parents volunteer for it
sometimes. Let’s all make sure we say thank you, as they check out your book from the Book Fair and
RIF.
Mrs. Ayer has been volunteering for seven years, at RIF and the book fair, by organizing them. We
already had our first Book Fair, but don’t worry, there’s another in the spring.
RIF has different tables for different grade levels, to separate them. We have RIF two times a year. One
around Christmas and one in March prior to Spring Break. Before we go to choose a book for RIF,
somebody reads a book to us, based on the time of year. For example, if it was close to Christmas,
they’d read us a winter book.
Due to COVID-19, last year, we didn’t have RIF or the Book Fair. We tried a virtual Book Fair, but it
didn’t work very well, so we decided not to.
At the Book Fair, there are a variety of books to choose from. There are different shelves for different
types and levels of books. For instance, there are picture books for the little kids and chapter books for
older kids. There are more than just books, though. There is a table full of things like notebooks,
pens/highlighters, and erasers. There are also posters of students’ favorite things. These items are always
a hit with students!
There are lots of things to learn about RIF and the Book Fair. As you can see, kids have a good time
when they get a chance to go there. Maybe your parents would like to help out there, if they’re
interested. Read a book!

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By: Connor Lardinois

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