Northern Waters Environmental School

10/02/2026

Meet the Northern Waters Team!

>>>>Mrs. McDermid is our HS Advisor and is passionate about helping students feel known, capable, and supported. She believes strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning and values educational experiences that are inclusive, engaging, and connected to the real world. Her motto is, “We can do hard things.”

>>>>Ms. Wondergem is our MS Advisor and believes that “Being a part of Northern Waters Environmental School has opened my eyes to what students can accomplish when we teach them to be in charge of their own path. Our students become involved and active members in our community, and make so many connections!”

>>>>Ms. Witkowski is our lead Advisor has been at NWES for 8 years and loves being part of a community of learning where staff, students, families, and community members all work together to support young people in achieving their own version of success.

>>>>Mr. Lewandowski is our Student Support Advisor and loves to go fishing, skiing and exploring nature. Mr. Lew likes to work with students on projects that further enhance their learning and interests.

>>>>Ms. Pipitone is our new part-time Principal, while also serving as the full-time Hayward Middle School principal. We are so excited to have her join in supporting every student at Northern Waters.

09/22/2026

Over the years, we've settled on some pretty incredible "traditions" here at Northern Waters. One of our beloved annual traditions is our Back to School Camping Trip to the Bayfield area.

This year we camped at Little Sand Bay, ferried over to Madeline Island to walk the shores at Big Bay and spent an evening along the shores of Lake Superior. We also got the chance to talk with a National Park Service ranger about the history of the Little Sand Bay area and explore the Bayfield Maritime Museum.

This was a trip to remember!

09/18/2026

The first couple days at Northern Waters are filled with intentional community building and outdoor adventures!

We've found that investing time in each other, our relationships, and the way we interact in our larger community is the best way to build a strong foundation of inquiry, adventure, and respect for the rest of the school year.

These pictures are from field team contract building, teamwork challenges, biking, canoeing, and practicing T-rescues together!

09/15/2026

New students at Northern Waters get a leg up by attending a Field Orientation (adventure) Day prior to the start of the school year!

This year, our new 6th grade students joined advisors and returning student mentors to get to know each other, bike to the city beach, and participate in a little teamwork challenge in canoes.

These students came in ready for all that NWES has to offer and we are so grateful to have them as part of our learning community!

09/12/2026

Help us fulfill our goal of supplying student field teams with screen-free cameras to use to tell the story of their learning at Northern Waters (field days, camping trips, projects, community service, etc.) without using their phones!

Check out the link in the comments to go to the HFEE Wishlist Portal to fulfill our request!

07/11/2026

Earlier this year, we shared that we are working on Expanding!

Check out this article from the Sawyer County Record (link in the comments) and these concept images of the opportunities an add-on to our current building would provide our students and community!

Please reach out with any questions: [email protected]

07/09/2026

Thank you so much for your support!!!

Our monthly fundraiser for June was a great success! Northern Waters Environmental School

06/24/2026

Only a few days left to get this delicious birria grilled cheese from EDDY’s on Third ! $1.00 from every sandwich goes to Northern Waters student projects!

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Ms. Wondergem for being nominated for teacher of the year!! A well deserved recognition!!

🍎 The Northern Waters Environmental School nominee for Teacher of the Year is Christina Wondergem. She was on the board of the charter school for several years and then became the Middle School Advisor and Lead Teacher four years ago. Her innovative thinking and work on projects such as the Climate Youth Labs Grant provides students with hands-on activities and unique learning experiences.

It has been an honor to recognize the nominees from schools across the Hayward area. Our students are truly fortunate to be supported by so many outstanding educators!

05/08/2026

Sugarbush pt. 4 - Learning from the Experts!

As part of our sugarbush project this year, we were fortunate enough to be invited to Mader's Maple. We learned about their reverse osmosis method, how they harvest and transport sap, their woodfired boiling and filtering process, and we even got to enjoy maple sugar ice cream sundaes!

Thank you to Becky and Jeff for inviting us to your home and business!