Say hello to Madison Plate, our new special education teacher at Roberts Elementary School.
Madison earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. A defining moment in her path to teaching came when she and several classmates visited an elementary school to teach lessons on kindness and empathy. That experience showed her the power of modeling positive behavior and building a caring community. Madison has always known she would become a teacher, and she credits her own teachers for inspiring her and making a lasting impact on her life.
Press play on her music library and you will hear songs from the musical Hamilton. A fun fact students might not guess is that Madison enjoys playing croquet.
Madison earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. A defining moment in her path to teaching came when she and several classmates visited an elementary school to teach lessons on kindness and empathy. That experience showed her the power of modeling positive behavior and building a caring community. Madison has always known she would become a teacher, and she credits her own teachers for inspiring her and making a lasting impact on her life.
Press play on her music library and you will hear songs from the musical Hamilton. A fun fact students might not guess is that Madison enjoys playing croquet.
🎭 Jump into Fine Arts — Before School Even Starts!
Our high‑schoolers at STEM Academy and Fond du Lac HS have lots of ways to shine:
• Marching Band begins Monday, Aug. 4.
• Color Guard still has openings — email Mr. Barnes for details.
• Fall Play Auditions for Bonny Anne Bonny are Monday, Aug. 11, 10a-Noon (PAC, Door 2). Callbacks follow Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10a-1 p. Arrive by 10a sharp!
More Fine Arts opportunities will be shared by each school — stay tuned and get involved!
Say hello to Tamra O’Keefe, our new counselor and psychologist at Pier Elementary School.
Tamra is originally from Columbus, Indiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, advanced degrees from Memphis State University, the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and she is institute‑board certified in school neuropsychology. Her career has taken her overseas to Madrid and to Chile, experiences that broadened her perspective and enriched her professional practice.
She is eager to apply her expertise in school neuropsychology to design targeted interventions that support student success. When she is off campus, you might find her enjoying wood‑fired pizza at Il Ritrovo. A fun fact: Tamra once spent a summer roofing houses during her college year.
Tamra is originally from Columbus, Indiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, advanced degrees from Memphis State University, the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and she is institute‑board certified in school neuropsychology. Her career has taken her overseas to Madrid and to Chile, experiences that broadened her perspective and enriched her professional practice.
She is eager to apply her expertise in school neuropsychology to design targeted interventions that support student success. When she is off campus, you might find her enjoying wood‑fired pizza at Il Ritrovo. A fun fact: Tamra once spent a summer roofing houses during her college year.
Say hello to Nathan Bliek, our new first grade teacher at Roberts Elementary School.
Nathan grew up in Green Bay, graduated from Ashwaubenon High School, and earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. A loyal fan of the Packers, Badgers, Bucks and Brewers, he brings that hometown spirit into his classroom. Nathan is passionate about being a role model for his students and future generations.
He hopes students remember that he is more than just their teacher and enjoys supporting them outside the classroom by attending their games, performances, and other activities. Nathan dreams of traveling the world someday, and in the meantime he looks forward to exploring new restaurants in the Fond du Lac area.
Nathan grew up in Green Bay, graduated from Ashwaubenon High School, and earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. A loyal fan of the Packers, Badgers, Bucks and Brewers, he brings that hometown spirit into his classroom. Nathan is passionate about being a role model for his students and future generations.
He hopes students remember that he is more than just their teacher and enjoys supporting them outside the classroom by attending their games, performances, and other activities. Nathan dreams of traveling the world someday, and in the meantime he looks forward to exploring new restaurants in the Fond du Lac area.
Teacher/Class schedules are released upon completion of our all-new Verify process, where families complete student verification to ensure that students' important and emergency information is accurate for the upcoming school year.
Complete your Verify step beginning Aug. 6, 2025, to learn of teacher/class schedules for the coming 2025-26 school year.
Complete your Verify step beginning Aug. 6, 2025, to learn of teacher/class schedules for the coming 2025-26 school year.
🚶 Build Safe Habits Before Day 1
As the school year approaches, set clear expectations now so good habits are in place when the first bell rings. Whether your child walks or waits for a ride, a quick family chat makes a big difference:
• Walking: Use sidewalks, cross at corners and walk with a friend or trusted neighbor whenever possible.
• Waiting: Stay in the designated pick‑up zone, avoid phone distractions and keep backpacks zipped and ready.
• Check‑In Plan: Agree on who your child contacts if plans change — or if they feel unsafe.
Practicing these routines before the first day helps each and every student get to school and home safely all year long.
As the school year approaches, set clear expectations now so good habits are in place when the first bell rings. Whether your child walks or waits for a ride, a quick family chat makes a big difference:
• Walking: Use sidewalks, cross at corners and walk with a friend or trusted neighbor whenever possible.
• Waiting: Stay in the designated pick‑up zone, avoid phone distractions and keep backpacks zipped and ready.
• Check‑In Plan: Agree on who your child contacts if plans change — or if they feel unsafe.
Practicing these routines before the first day helps each and every student get to school and home safely all year long.
👋 Hey Fondy Families!
Could your preschooler (ages 3 or 4) light up a classroom ✨ and lift up a friend?
Become a Peer Model: learn + lead + make buddies!
🔹 Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday sessions
🔹 8:30-11a
🔹 Pier Elementary, year‑round
⏳ Apps close Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 (spots go quick!). Express interest via https://forms.gle/7iTnLU76y5oYdHyu8.
Community starts small • right here. ❤️
Could your preschooler (ages 3 or 4) light up a classroom ✨ and lift up a friend?
Become a Peer Model: learn + lead + make buddies!
🔹 Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday sessions
🔹 8:30-11a
🔹 Pier Elementary, year‑round
⏳ Apps close Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 (spots go quick!). Express interest via https://forms.gle/7iTnLU76y5oYdHyu8.
Community starts small • right here. ❤️
Aidan grew up in Greenfield, graduated from Muskego High School, and earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee PECK School of the Arts. During student‑teaching, Aidan gained valuable hands‑on experience creating engaging and inclusive music lessons. A core goal is to foster a welcoming classroom where students feel inspired to explore and enjoy music.
Music has always been central to Aidan’s life. It is where Aidan feels most alive, creative and connected, and sharing that joy with others drives this work. Watching students light up when they master a rhythm, sing their first solo or simply enjoy creating sound inspires Aidan every day.
Outside of school, Aidan enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking walks with Aurora the dog and relaxing. Aidan is inspired every day when students light up, whether they master a rhythm, sing their first solo or simply discover the fun of making sound.
Music has always been central to Aidan’s life. It is where Aidan feels most alive, creative and connected, and sharing that joy with others drives this work. Watching students light up when they master a rhythm, sing their first solo or simply enjoy creating sound inspires Aidan every day.
Outside of school, Aidan enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking walks with Aurora the dog and relaxing. Aidan is inspired every day when students light up, whether they master a rhythm, sing their first solo or simply discover the fun of making sound.
Say hello to Morgan Schmidt, our new special education teacher at Theisen Middle School.
Morgan grew up in nearby Oakfield and earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She brings six years of experience to Fondy Schools. Inspired by her mom, who always believed she would become an educator, Morgan looks forward to new leadership opportunities and fresh challenges in Fond du Lac.
She wants her students to remember that it is OK to make mistakes as long as they pick themselves up and keep trying. Morgan is motivated by Bryan K. Williams’s reminder that “you should never have to explain why you are valuable.”
Morgan grew up in nearby Oakfield and earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She brings six years of experience to Fondy Schools. Inspired by her mom, who always believed she would become an educator, Morgan looks forward to new leadership opportunities and fresh challenges in Fond du Lac.
She wants her students to remember that it is OK to make mistakes as long as they pick themselves up and keep trying. Morgan is motivated by Bryan K. Williams’s reminder that “you should never have to explain why you are valuable.”
As our hallways fill with plans for the new school year, we pause to honor the remarkable staff members who retired during the 2024-25 school year, having served for more than two decades.
Patrick Caulfield, Mary Dickirson, Julie Gedemer, Teresa Krueger, Sara Morgan, Jay Rauen, Paula Suemnicht and Rebecca Thiel invested 20+ years of care in Fondy Schools, mentoring generations of learners, partnering with families and lifting colleagues through expertise. Their dedication turned classrooms into launchpads and everyday moments into lifelong lessons. 🌟🎓
To every member of the 2024‑25 retiring class, thank you for shaping our story. Please share your well-wishes. The legacy of each staff member lives on in every student who walks through our doors.
Thank you, 2024‑25 retirees.
Say hello to Amber Buss, our new seventh grade math teacher at Woodworth Middle School.
Amber grew up in Roseau, Minnesota and has served students as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher and coach. Inspired by many mentors, she returned to school to pursue her dream of teaching. She brings a passionate, student‑centered approach that aims to meet the needs of each and every learner.
Amber hopes her students will remember that she truly cares about them and their success. Outside the classroom, she enjoys listening to music and cheering on her children in their activities. She lives by Henry Ford’s reminder: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
📅 Plan Your Year with the 2025‑26 School Calendar
The full district calendar — featuring holidays, breaks, conferences, professional‑development days, non-student days and more — is now live.
• View or print it anytime at FDLsd.org/calendar
• Add key dates to your phone so nothing sneaks up on you
Start mapping out a smooth year today!
The full district calendar — featuring holidays, breaks, conferences, professional‑development days, non-student days and more — is now live.
• View or print it anytime at FDLsd.org/calendar
• Add key dates to your phone so nothing sneaks up on you
Start mapping out a smooth year today!
Say hello to Allison Miller, our new Business Education Teacher at Sabish Middle School!
A proud La Crosse native and Viterbo University graduate, Allison broadened her worldview while studying abroad in Scotland and South Korea, experiences that now shape her approach to teaching. Press “play” on her current playlist and you will hear the Goo Goo Dolls’ classic “Iris.” If she could master one new skill, she would take to the skies with paragliding.
Allison chose education because she wanted a career with purpose, one where she can make a lasting difference in students’ lives every day.
A proud La Crosse native and Viterbo University graduate, Allison broadened her worldview while studying abroad in Scotland and South Korea, experiences that now shape her approach to teaching. Press “play” on her current playlist and you will hear the Goo Goo Dolls’ classic “Iris.” If she could master one new skill, she would take to the skies with paragliding.
Allison chose education because she wanted a career with purpose, one where she can make a lasting difference in students’ lives every day.
https://youtu.be/onnvya6kWCQ?feature=shared
"🎥 Watch Fondy in Action!
A huge shout‑out to our dedicated teachers and staff — their collaboration with students, families and leaders made this transformation possible.
Our partnership with the University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA‑PLE) is reshaping curriculum, instruction and student support across Fondy Schools.
See the story in this short UVA‑PLE video and discover how our staff, students, families and community are building Future Cardinals together.
"🎥 Watch Fondy in Action!
A huge shout‑out to our dedicated teachers and staff — their collaboration with students, families and leaders made this transformation possible.
Our partnership with the University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA‑PLE) is reshaping curriculum, instruction and student support across Fondy Schools.
See the story in this short UVA‑PLE video and discover how our staff, students, families and community are building Future Cardinals together.
📓✏️ Notebooks? Check. Pencils? Check. Backpack?
Almost there...
School supply lists for each school are available now on via FDLsd.org/backtoschool. Need help with supplies or want to donate?
Visit BackToSchoolFDL.org to request assistance or give support.
Almost there...
School supply lists for each school are available now on via FDLsd.org/backtoschool. Need help with supplies or want to donate?
Visit BackToSchoolFDL.org to request assistance or give support.
📣 Skyward Family Access Upgrade Alert
Skyward continues to be offline while we install our biggest refresh ever.
Coming with the early‑August relaunch:
• Cleaner, easier navigation
• Mobile‑friendly dashboard
• Same login (you may be asked to set a stronger password)
The downtime also lets us switch to a new fee platform and finalize schedules.
Watch for a “Verify” email in early August with login tips.
Thanks for your patience while we make Skyward better for you and your student.
Skyward continues to be offline while we install our biggest refresh ever.
Coming with the early‑August relaunch:
• Cleaner, easier navigation
• Mobile‑friendly dashboard
• Same login (you may be asked to set a stronger password)
The downtime also lets us switch to a new fee platform and finalize schedules.
Watch for a “Verify” email in early August with login tips.
Thanks for your patience while we make Skyward better for you and your student.
🎶 Fond du Lac High School and Middle School Summer Bands are playing at Buttermilk Creek Park on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Wifler Performance Center, 801 S. Park Ave. FREE concert at 7p.
Students spent weeks perfecting a fun, family-friendly set list.
Grab a lawn chair/blanket. Rain? The concert pivots to FHS.
Shout-out to directors Chris Barnes, Jake Opperman, Ashley Hietpas and Marissa Mueller for leading these young musicians!
Share and tag to support local arts and mark your calendar! 🎵
You may have seen the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps at Fondy High recently. This world-class group is nationally recognized and proud to call Fond du Lac home during their stay.
To thank the community, the Scouts are performing a free 30-minute show tonight — Monday, June 30, 2025, at 8p at Cardinal Stadium. Even better, 20 Fondy High students will join them on the field.
All are welcome to attend.
To thank the community, the Scouts are performing a free 30-minute show tonight — Monday, June 30, 2025, at 8p at Cardinal Stadium. Even better, 20 Fondy High students will join them on the field.
All are welcome to attend.
We are sharing this information from Back to School FDL, a local non-profit that helps local students experiencing a need for school supplies.
Families who are seeking school supplies assistance must register ahead of time for this program so volunteers can organize and prepare the supplies. Back to School FDL's registration is online from July 7 to August 5, 2025 (those who qualify for the assisted-lunch program are eligible to apply for school supplies).
Starting on July 7, 2025, you can register for school supplies at the links below:
English - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNFCZEmiXpLNVjT25sJYgdccikfCthNFgN9ZAPZAgw2NBusw/viewform?usp=header
Spanish - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcYatHoXUjp0gzyB1QJU8Fu-G00z5pIWw8PXYhAsLk3uCj4g/viewform?usp=header
See the flyer for more information. Please email registration@backtoschoolfdl.org with any registration questions.
--Seeking Volunteers--
Back to School FDL seeks volunteers to help sort and pack school supplies or to help on Distribution Day. Feel free to reach out to Back to School FDL via volunteer@backtoschoolfdl.org with any questions about volunteering.
**How to Support**
Check out backtoschoolfdl.org to learn more about how you can support this organization by donating money or school supplies.
We are thankful to share this information with you all as a great resource for the district’s families and an amazing opportunity for all to get involved as we collectively come together as a community. Your consideration of this organization helps prepare all children for school.
Free Fondy Jr. Football Camps on June 22 and 29, 2025
Families of 2025-26 5th–8th graders,
Fondy Junior Football, Varsity Head Coach Sam Plucker, and the varsity staff invite your child to two free skills camps at Cardinal Stadium (Fondy High turf):
The first two of the four camps are on:
Sunday, June 22, 2025 | 6-7:30p
Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 6-7:30p
What to bring: cleats or tennis shoes, shorts or sweats and a Tshirt.
No JFL registration required — just show up and play,
