Passing the Torch: Spartan Retirees Share Their Stories

Passing the Torch: Spartan Retirees Share Their Stories

As we wrap up the first season of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, we’re doing something special. We’re sitting down with three Superior educators who have spent their lives building the foundation of this community. Joining us today are Mary Kimmes, current Cooper teacher, Heather Krull, current Great Lakes teacher and Don Polkinghorne, high school teacher. Congratulations on your retirement! For a recap of our Salute to Service celebration and video celebration, please visit: https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/news/what_s_new/salute_to_service_2026 [https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/news/what_s_new/salute_to_service_2026] To send off one of these or other retiring staff members leave a message on our Facebook posts, honoring each retiree: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorSchoolDistrict [https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorSchoolDistrict]  The Superior Telegram joined us for this episode, see their article here: https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/local/retiring-superior-teachers-built-relationships [https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/local/retiring-superior-teachers-built-relationships]

Fueling Sparty: The Secret Sauce of our Food Service program

Jamie Wilson, Director of Food Service sits down with Dr. Amy Starzecki to highlight the School District of Superior's food service program, promote Summer Meals, and our Farm to school partnership.  Jamie and his team fuel student success, literally.  Jamie Wilson was recognized as the 2023 Director of the Year by the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin. You don't want to miss even one morsel of this tasty episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic on.  Follow Jamie and his team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schooldistrictofsuperiorfoodservice

Teacher Appreciation: Sparty Honors Our Staff

Next week is incredibly special—it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. To celebrate our teachers, we’re looking at the heart of our schools through the eyes of those who lead them. With special guests, Kate Tesch and Jason Kalin. Both Jason and Kate started their career as teachers and have not forgotten what it means to facilitate learning in the classroom. A big THANK YOU to all our Superior teachers, admins, and support staff!

The Science of Reading & The Future of Spartan Learning

Why do we have "no school" days for students? In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Amy Starzecki pulls back the curtain on how Superior staff spends their professional development time. We discuss the district's transition to new elementary literacy and secondary math curricula and demystify the "Science of Reading"—clarifying that while it's gaining national attention through podcasts like Sold a Story, these evidence-based practices have long been a part of our Spartan foundation. You can find out more about the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department, or to reach out please visit their website, https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/district/curriculum__instruction_and_assessment. [https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/district/curriculum__instruction_and_assessment]

The Sparty Playbook: Leadership, Lessons, and the Athlete Journey

Join us for this episode of Spartan Strong: With the Mic On, featuring Ella Olson and 2 Spartan Athletes, Addy and Kaden. Dr. Amy Starzecki sits down to talk about the impact of athletics with two of our dedicated senior student athletes. Ella Olson is the Activities Director for Superior High School. Addy was recently named the 2026 Ms. Hockey Wisconsin award winner. Addy assisted in leading the hockey team to this year's WIAA State Tournament. Kaden is a Spartan Student athlete who has competed at every level in multiple sports. Kaden is continuing his football career at UW-Eau Claire after graduation. Check out all our Spartan Activities on our Activities Calendar [https://lakesuperiorconference.org/public/genie/74/school/5/] and GO SPARTANS!