A Letter from Sturgeon Bay Superintendent Dan Tjernagel

On April 16, we heard the news that many people had been anticipating, but were hoping would not come – that face-to-face school as we’ve known it is done for this school year. We have seen many changes and challenges in recent days, and we’ll see additional changes and challenges in the days ahead. However, we have also seen powerful and positive things happening. We have seen many people band together in a very short amount of time to provide support in new and different ways. 

Uncertainty is something that is difficult for people of all ages to navigate. When can I see certain family members and friends again? When will this COVID-19 situation be over? When will the economy, our jobs, and our daily lives get back to “normal”? When will it be safe for students to gather and see their friends in person again—or for tourists to visit our beautiful community? Who is watching after some of the youngest members of our community, as well as the oldest members of our community? While we don’t have all the answers to these questions or others, we do have each other. 

What else do we have? We have a renewed understanding of what it means to plan and to work through things together. A school district is a reflection of its local community. While the recently approved capital referendum does allow the district to continue to plan and work for the people of this great community for years to come, it feels strange to talk about it right now in light of the bigger issues before us. That being stated, the input the community provided through the survey and other avenues was critical in our efforts to put a project together that a majority of the community would support. Thank you for your input, and thank you for your support. 

I also want to take this opportunity to thank our critically important health care workers, other essential safety workers, and all the individuals who are providing food and services to keep people alive and safe. Thank you very much. 

School staff will continue to work with students and families to the best of our ability for the remainder of the scheduled school year. I know each day and week seem to be full of ups and downs for students and adults alike, but we will care for each other. School staff will be in contact with students and families about a variety of topics in the weeks ahead from getting items that may be at school, to navigating grading, graduation, and more. 

For the remainder of the school year, school meals will continue to be delivered to students by school bus or school marked van on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If you know of someone who may be interested in signing up children from ages 1-18 for meals, please have them contact Mikki Rankin at [email protected] or 746.2819. 

From our district family and also my family to yours, I wish you and your family nothing but the best. Please stay safe and take care. 

With appreciation and Clipper Pride,

Dan Tjernagel, Superintendent of the School District of Sturgeon Bay