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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With the new school year rapidly approaching, the final stages of the extensive referendum updates to the Denmark School District campus are well underway. With classes back in session in less than two short weeks, contractors and district staff have been hard at work making sure everything is ready for the students' first day.

This month, an area family is celebrating and commemorating a number of significant milestones. On Tuesday, August 8, 51 families from throughout the state were honored with the "Sesquicentennial Farm Award" at the Wisconsin State Fair, recognizing 150 years of continuous family ownership. Among this year's honorees was the Bruce and Diane Krahn family, who still reside on the former family farm on Park Road in the Town of Morrison.

This year, a new and exciting program is taking shape at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denmark. Over the course of the summer, organizers at the church have been hard at work setting up and perfecting their own Minecraft virtual world for young people, as well as adults with creative minds, to enjoy together.