SHIOCTON, WI – Students in the School District of Shiocton were back in the classroom on Monday following historic flooding along the Wolf River, marking a major step forward in the community’s recovery.
Superintendent Garrett Zimmerman says the return to school comes with encouraging news, noting the school building itself avoided damage thanks to proactive efforts. “The building itself, there was no water that got into the building,” Zimmerman said. “We’re very thankful for all the volunteers who came in and sandbagged, along with our maintenance department. We did a ton of preventative measures, and the building is completely dry.” While the school remains in good condition, Zimmerman noted athletic fields are still being evaluated after spending time underwater, though early signs are promising.
The first day back carried strong emotions for students and staff alike. Zimmerman described it as a meaningful and memorable moment for the district. “It was special to see students who had a variety of experiences get to come back into the building, it felt like a first day of school with a lot of emotions,” he said. “By the end of the day, it felt like we were back in a groove.”
Zimmerman also acknowledged the broader impact the flooding had on the community, calling it a traumatic experience for many families. The disruption came during a busy time of year for students, with events like prom and spring activities affected by the closures.
Looking ahead, the district is now working with the school board and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to determine next steps regarding the academic calendar. A public meeting is scheduled for May 4th as part of the process to explore a possible waiver due to the unique circumstances surrounding the natural disaster.
Throughout the crisis, Zimmerman says the focus remained on taking care of one another, a message he believes reflects the heart of the community. “It’s just the culture of the village,” he said. “Neighbors helping neighbors, no matter what. I was just echoing what was already happening.” He pointed to a recent community cleanup effort as another example of that spirit, with volunteers coming together to remove sandbags and help residents recover.
As Shiocton continues to rebuild, the return to school stands as a powerful sign of resilience and a community moving forward together.
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