There are some new staff members at South Shore this year! We are so excited that these teachers have decided to teach at South Shore. Some of these new faces include:

Aidan Olkowski – Tech Ed

Michael Schwerin – Interventionist

David Gustafson – 5th grade instructor

Peggy Golly – Daycare Supervisor

Eva Gustafson – Physical Therapist

Halie Makela – Occupational Therapist

We also have staff that switched positions this year. Erin Sullivan, who was an interventionist, is now our third grade teacher, and Ms. Irwin is now our full-time art teacher instead of only holding classes in the afternoon. 

Get to know them – 

David Gustafson, 5th Grade: 

“I grew up in Port Wing and attended South Shore. I am old enough that elementary school was actually in Herbster for me. After High School I attended UWEC for 4 years and then finished up my schooling at UWS. I taught 5th grade in Hayward for seven years, and then took a job at Northwestern, where I taught 3rd, 4th, and 7th grade at various times, I was there for 14 years before coming to South Shore. I coached high school basketball at both schools. I have 2 sons, Nolan and Grady, who I am very proud of. I enjoy fishing, hunting, going on rides on my side by side, working on projects in my garage, and spending time with family and friends. Ever since I started teaching I always had the idea in the back of my mind that I would someday like to return to South Shore and teach. I had a great experience when I attended school here, and always heard about the great things that were happening after I graduated. When a 5th grade teaching position was open, I decided if I was going to make the change it had to be now, or I may not get the chance again. So far, I love teaching here! I really enjoy the small class sizes and close relationships I am able to make with my students. There is great support from the administration, staff, community, and families toward the school. The school has a very positive atmosphere.”

Aidan Olkowski, Tech Ed:

“My name is Aidan Olkowski and I am originally from Eagle River, WI.  I majored in Secondary Education Industrial Technology at Northern Michigan University while also minoring in Secondary Education Earth Science.  In addition to my teaching background at Northern, I pursued a certification in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operation.  I graduated in December of 2018 and went through the certification process in both Michigan and Wisconsin to obtain a teaching license in both states.  My first year of teaching was done at a school in central Wisconsin during the 2019 – 2020 academic year.  Last spring (2020) I decided to pursue employment in an area that catered more to my interests which include mountain biking, hiking, sea kayaking, camping, and pretty much any other silent sport (non-motorized) that you can think of.  As of this current moment while I sit here and write this, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come to Port Wing and work for the South Shore School District.  Everyone here has been so welcoming and willing to help me get situated right down to helping me find a place to live in the area.  I look forward to seeing what ideas the students here come up with and want nothing more than to help them achieve their goals.”

Michael Schwerin: 

“My Grandpa’s family is from Cornucopia, so my family traveled north from Southern Wisconsin where I grew up. Each summer my dad, grandpa, and brother would come to trout fish on the Siskiwit River and Lake Superior. After school, one of my best memories I have was hopping in a van with my gear and a friend to travel from Texas to Alaska where we backpacked throughout the national parks for 6 months. I have lived in the area for 15 years with my son Aidyn, daughter Bella, and partner Darcy. Before I began teaching at South Shore, I worked in the trades, manual therapy, outdoor education, and owned a business in Bayfield. Each summer I work in Alaska with the National Outdoor Leadership School in the sea kayak program. Teaching in outdoor education has grown my passion for travel and other cultures by working, studying, and traveling for several years in South America. I love being outdoors with my family kayaking, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, nordic and alpine skiing, fishing, and hunting. My student teaching experience here at South Shore allowed me to get to know the amazing community and intentions here. People are compassionate and kind, I am surrounded by supportive and encouraging staff that seek to develop the whole person, the school supports unique learning opportunities and Placed-Based Education, and the students are motivated and excited to be at school learning. I really enjoy working at South Shore and each day this excitement grows.”

 Thank you to Mr. Shwerin, Mr. Gustafson and Mr. Olkowski for participating in the interview! South Shore is so excited to have all of our new staff members!