Last Tuesday, children across the area bid farewell to another summer vacation and embarked on a new year of learning in the Denmark School District. While each new school year brings with it a host of changes, this one was made all the more unique with the presence of several new and ongoing improvements taking place simultaneously with the chaotic first day.

Last Thursday, All Saints Catholic School students and their parents got a special preview of the school year to come. That night, the school opened its doors for their annual "Back to School Night" giving families a chance to drop off their school supplies, meet with teachers and friends and settle into their classrooms for another year of learning.

This week, a great shopping, as well as charitable, opportunity will officially return to the Village of Denmark. On Saturday, September 5, the Denmark Community Closet will reopen its doors at a brand new location to provide quality donated items at a fair price with all proceeds going back to the community.

Last week, the Denmark School District unveiled the procedures for parents and students to follow in the district's parking lot during this school year and going forward.

Each year, The Denmark News checks in with Denmark School District Administrator Luke Goral to see how the new school year is taking form. Last week, Goral was kind enough to take time out of his hectic end-of-summer schedule to share some updates with us from the district as well as what students and parents can expect when classes resume this week.

Each new school year, The Denmark News likes to sit down with members of Denmark School District staff to learn more about them and their insights on education. This year, we spoke with longtime Denmark Middle School Band Director Bill Dennee to gauge his perspective on his impressive tenure of helping make music in the district.

During the first half of last week, the greater Denmark area, and northeast Wisconsin as a whole, was subjected to multiple rounds of severe summer weather in quick succession. From extreme heat to gale force winds and torrential downpours, Mother Nature unleashed three days of dangerous conditions to end this year's summer vacation.

This school year in Denmark will no doubt be noteworthy for the opening of the large, new addition to Denmark Elementary School (DES) and the campus-wide referendum improvements. Last Wednesday, DES students and parents had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the new addition during the school's Open House. The Denmark News was live on the scene to learn more about this community education development.

Next month, Denmark area drivers will have a special opportunity to sharpen up their knowledge on safe driving procedures and rules. On Wednesday, September 25, AARP will be hosting a "Safe Driver Refresher Class" at the Denmark Community Activity Center from 10:15 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.

Next Monday, residents of the Denmark area will have the opportunity to learn more about how they can make a positive impact in the lives of local youth. On September 9, Big Brothers Big Sister of Northeast Wisconsin (BBBS - NEW) will host a special recruiting event at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denmark in an attempt to identify adults in the area who would be willing to help mentor the next generation.

On Monday, September 9, a popular weekly fundraiser will return for another fun-filled season. That night, All Saints Catholic Church will kick off its 19th season of their popular bingo sessions now hosted at Gatherings 43. Last week, we spoke with bingo organizer, Betty Duckett, to learn more.

Last Monday, the Denmark School District held their monthly board meeting in the Denmark High School Media Center at 6 p.m. Following the call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and the roll call showing all members in attendance, the board unanimously approved the night's Consent Agenda consisting of the month's Treasurer's Report and the previous meeting's minutes.

Last Tuesday, representatives of the Maribel Fire Department traveled to Manitowoc to make a special donation presentation to a longtime village resident. That night, three department members surprised Dean Bruss with a large donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association raised from this year's "Fill the Boot" campaign during the annual Maribel Parade.

This month, the dedication and hard work of the Denmark community was on full display for all to see. From August 14 through 18, students and adults from the Denmark area took part in a multitude of activities and service opportunities at this year's Brown County Fair.

This school year, Denmark Middle School will feature a new, albeit familiar, face at its helm. As students in grades 6-8 resume classes next week, they will have a new principal overseeing their education who was once a student in the same classrooms they now learn in. This month, Ashley Post was confirmed as the new DMS Principal, returning to her hometown and home district.

On Monday, August 12, the Village of Maribel held their monthly board meeting in their Community Center in Maribel Village Park. Following the call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and the roll call, the board unanimously approved their last meeting's minutes as well as the deposits and vouchers for June and July.

Last Monday, the Village of Denmark held their monthly board meeting in the back meeting room of Village Hall. Prior to the regular monthly meeting, a Public Hearing was held to give Village residents an opportunity to give their input on a request from the Plan Commission to change the zoning for a number of properties in the municipality.