Say hello to Karissa Jahn, our new fourth grade teacher at Roberts Elementary School and a proud member of the Fond du Lac High School Class of 2020.
Karissa grew up in Fondy and gained valuable experience working with children at the Treffert Center. That work shaped her strengths‑based philosophy, which focuses on building on each and every child’s unique abilities. She aims to help her fourth graders grow into confident leaders and dedicated learners.
Outside the classroom, Karissa enjoys drawing, reading and cuddling with her two cats. Her favorite local hangout is Chimera Hobby Shop, where she explores Magic: The Gathering and other card and board games. She is currently learning Japanese and hopes to visit Japan someday. Karissa finds inspiration in the Superman movies, appreciating their message that people can choose goodness and that empathy defines our humanity.
Karissa grew up in Fondy and gained valuable experience working with children at the Treffert Center. That work shaped her strengths‑based philosophy, which focuses on building on each and every child’s unique abilities. She aims to help her fourth graders grow into confident leaders and dedicated learners.
Outside the classroom, Karissa enjoys drawing, reading and cuddling with her two cats. Her favorite local hangout is Chimera Hobby Shop, where she explores Magic: The Gathering and other card and board games. She is currently learning Japanese and hopes to visit Japan someday. Karissa finds inspiration in the Superman movies, appreciating their message that people can choose goodness and that empathy defines our humanity.
Say hello to Jane Lopata, our new speech pathologist, who will be serving many of our Waters families.
Jane grew up in Milwaukee and holds degrees from UW Eau Claire and Marquette University. She is eager to return to student work and brings valuable experience to her new role. As a newcomer to Fond du Lac, Jane is looking forward to discovering local favorites, so please share your recommendations with her.
She was recently inspired by the novel "The Women" and says that the one skill she would love to master instantly is learning a new language. Feel free to ask her which language tops her list.
Jane grew up in Milwaukee and holds degrees from UW Eau Claire and Marquette University. She is eager to return to student work and brings valuable experience to her new role. As a newcomer to Fond du Lac, Jane is looking forward to discovering local favorites, so please share your recommendations with her.
She was recently inspired by the novel "The Women" and says that the one skill she would love to master instantly is learning a new language. Feel free to ask her which language tops her list.
📲 Instant Updates in Your Pocket
Download the Fondy Schools App for school news, alerts and easy access to Rooms (secondary)
• Get it free in the App Store or Google Play
• Open the app, add your student’s school and enable push notifications for real‑time alerts
Stay up‑to‑date wherever you are!
Download the Fondy Schools App for school news, alerts and easy access to Rooms (secondary)
• Get it free in the App Store or Google Play
• Open the app, add your student’s school and enable push notifications for real‑time alerts
Stay up‑to‑date wherever you are!
Say hello to Jessica Sommerfeldt, our new four‑year‑old kindergarten teacher at Ebenezer.
A Ripon native, Jessica knows the area well and enjoys pairing pizza from Joe’s Fox Hut with ice cream from Kelley’s Country Creamery. She joins us with valuable early‑childhood experience and a passion for teaching the whole child.
Jessica aims to strengthen the district’s connection with families by making four‑year‑old kindergarten a warm, welcoming first step into our schools. She wants her students to feel safe, cared for and excited to learn each day.
Press play on her playlist and you will likely hear Shinedown. Fun fact: Jessica, her mom and her sister all share the same birth date, the sixteenth day of different months.
A Ripon native, Jessica knows the area well and enjoys pairing pizza from Joe’s Fox Hut with ice cream from Kelley’s Country Creamery. She joins us with valuable early‑childhood experience and a passion for teaching the whole child.
Jessica aims to strengthen the district’s connection with families by making four‑year‑old kindergarten a warm, welcoming first step into our schools. She wants her students to feel safe, cared for and excited to learn each day.
Press play on her playlist and you will likely hear Shinedown. Fun fact: Jessica, her mom and her sister all share the same birth date, the sixteenth day of different months.
Say hello to Brooke McDowell, our new special education teacher at Riverside Elementary School.
Brooke is a Fond du Lac native who attended Lakeshore Elementary and Woodworth Middle School before graduating from Fond du Lac High School in 2019. For the past year and a half she has worked at Riverside as an instructional assistant, and we are excited to see her step into this new role.
She looks forward to learning from her new team and taking a larger role in each student’s growth. Outside the classroom you will find her backpacking or hiking, reading a good book or tending her garden. Her favorite local stop is the Farmers Market. If she could master one skill overnight, she would choose singing. Brooke is inspired by Lolo Jones’s reminder that “a failure isn’t a failure if it prepares you for success tomorrow.
When you meet her, be sure to ask about the national recognition she has earned — twice.
🚌 Bus Routes Arrive the Week of Aug 18
If your child is eligible for district transportation, watch your email for pick‑up times and route numbers next week.
Make sure your address and contact info are up to date in Skyward Family Access by Friday, Aug 15, so you don’t miss the message.
More information is available via FDLsd.org/article/2306463.
If your child is eligible for district transportation, watch your email for pick‑up times and route numbers next week.
Make sure your address and contact info are up to date in Skyward Family Access by Friday, Aug 15, so you don’t miss the message.
More information is available via FDLsd.org/article/2306463.
Say hello to Lauren Sullivan, who returns as a literacy interventionist and is a graduate of the Fond du Lac High School Class of 2001.
After time away from education, Lauren is excited to rejoin the Fondy team. She loves working with children and thrives on designing learning experiences that spark growth. Her work is guided by optimism, deep knowledge, strong collaboration and a student‑centered focus.
Lauren is currently inspired by "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. Press play on her playlist and you will hear “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” by Taylor Swift. Outside of school, she and her family enjoy meals from Fresh Fit. If she could master new skills overnight, she would choose tennis and golf.
Lauren feels honored to return to the district and looks forward to contributing to the great work happening in our learning communities.
After time away from education, Lauren is excited to rejoin the Fondy team. She loves working with children and thrives on designing learning experiences that spark growth. Her work is guided by optimism, deep knowledge, strong collaboration and a student‑centered focus.
Lauren is currently inspired by "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. Press play on her playlist and you will hear “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” by Taylor Swift. Outside of school, she and her family enjoy meals from Fresh Fit. If she could master new skills overnight, she would choose tennis and golf.
Lauren feels honored to return to the district and looks forward to contributing to the great work happening in our learning communities.
Say hello to Jillian Beck, our new special education teacher at Sabish Middle School and a proud member of the Fond du Lac High School Class of 2021.
Jillian once walked the halls of Rosenow Elementary and Theisen Middle School. Her passion for education grew from working with children and from the example set by her Fondy teachers, who inspired her to give back and help shape future scholars.
Outside the classroom, Jillian enjoys spending time outdoors, creating stained‑glass art, and gathering with family and friends. If she could master any skill instantly, she would choose teleportation.
Jillian’s goal is to help students become more confident, independent, and successful both in and out of the classroom.
Jillian once walked the halls of Rosenow Elementary and Theisen Middle School. Her passion for education grew from working with children and from the example set by her Fondy teachers, who inspired her to give back and help shape future scholars.
Outside the classroom, Jillian enjoys spending time outdoors, creating stained‑glass art, and gathering with family and friends. If she could master any skill instantly, she would choose teleportation.
Jillian’s goal is to help students become more confident, independent, and successful both in and out of the classroom.
Say hello to Hannah Shervey, our new art teacher at Riverside Elementary School.
Hannah grew up in Hudson and earned her degree from UW Whitewater. She once considered careers in social work and foster care but chose education so she could blend her love of art with guiding young learners. If she could master a new skill overnight, she would learn sewing, inspired by the creative garments others make and eager to design her own clothing.
Ask her about the summer she spent immersed in gouache painting, an experience that sharpened her artistic skills and shapes her classroom approach. Hannah hopes students remember that art is all around us, even in the simplest moments of daily life.
Hannah grew up in Hudson and earned her degree from UW Whitewater. She once considered careers in social work and foster care but chose education so she could blend her love of art with guiding young learners. If she could master a new skill overnight, she would learn sewing, inspired by the creative garments others make and eager to design her own clothing.
Ask her about the summer she spent immersed in gouache painting, an experience that sharpened her artistic skills and shapes her classroom approach. Hannah hopes students remember that art is all around us, even in the simplest moments of daily life.
Say hello to Shannon Morell, our new special education program support teacher at Fond du Lac High School.
Shannon joins us with years of experience in the Oshkosh and Oakfield school districts and with CESA 1. She chose education because it allows her to help others and to spark a love of learning in every student.
Outside the classroom you will find Shannon traveling, exploring new places and cheering on her children at their sporting events. She is guided by Eleanor Roosevelt’s reminder that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” A fun fact: Shannon lived in Australia and New Zealand for several months during high school.
Shannon joins us with years of experience in the Oshkosh and Oakfield school districts and with CESA 1. She chose education because it allows her to help others and to spark a love of learning in every student.
Outside the classroom you will find Shannon traveling, exploring new places and cheering on her children at their sporting events. She is guided by Eleanor Roosevelt’s reminder that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” A fun fact: Shannon lived in Australia and New Zealand for several months during high school.
Say hello to Kim Colwin, our new special education teacher at Fond du Lac High School.
Kim, a proud 1995 graduate of Goodrich, is excited to return to Fondy. For the past several years she served as a one‑to‑one home educational aide, guiding a student who was paralyzed in a car crash through her studies. That experience inspired Kim to earn her special education license so she could support even more learners.
In her classroom Kim will promote laughter, encouragement, safety and acceptance. If she could master one skill instantly, she would choose time management. Press play on her playlist and you will hear “Rise Up” by Andra Day, a song that reflects the resilience she hopes to inspire in her students.
Kim, a proud 1995 graduate of Goodrich, is excited to return to Fondy. For the past several years she served as a one‑to‑one home educational aide, guiding a student who was paralyzed in a car crash through her studies. That experience inspired Kim to earn her special education license so she could support even more learners.
In her classroom Kim will promote laughter, encouragement, safety and acceptance. If she could master one skill instantly, she would choose time management. Press play on her playlist and you will hear “Rise Up” by Andra Day, a song that reflects the resilience she hopes to inspire in her students.
Say hello to Keri Zank, our new special education teacher at Fond du Lac High School.
Keri grew up in Rosendale and offers a friendly reminder to new drivers and adults alike: watch your speed when passing through her hometown. She holds a master’s degree in educational technology from Marian University and returns to the district where she began her career with more than 23 years of experience.
Decades in the classroom have taught Keri that strong relationships and responsive teaching are the heart of student success. She brings humor, empathy and high expectations to her work, believing that students rise when they feel seen, supported and challenged.
Away from school, Keri and her family love visiting the Fond du Lac Farmers Market to stock up on fresh produce, sourdough, and their weekly favorite, egg rolls. She is inspired by the saying, “It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow,” a reminder that challenges and joys together create growth and beauty.
Keri grew up in Rosendale and offers a friendly reminder to new drivers and adults alike: watch your speed when passing through her hometown. She holds a master’s degree in educational technology from Marian University and returns to the district where she began her career with more than 23 years of experience.
Decades in the classroom have taught Keri that strong relationships and responsive teaching are the heart of student success. She brings humor, empathy and high expectations to her work, believing that students rise when they feel seen, supported and challenged.
Away from school, Keri and her family love visiting the Fond du Lac Farmers Market to stock up on fresh produce, sourdough, and their weekly favorite, egg rolls. She is inspired by the saying, “It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow,” a reminder that challenges and joys together create growth and beauty.
Say hello to Michaela Carey, our new school counselor at Chegwin Elementary School.
Michaela has worked with children from infancy through age 14 in daycares, day camps, and classrooms, most recently completing her counseling practicum where she began shaping her student‑centered approach. If she could learn one skill overnight, she would choose to speak another language fluently. She is currently inspired by the novel Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, a story that highlights the power of seeing each and every child’s strengths. Fun fact: Michaela played piano for 10 years while growing up.
Michaela has worked with children from infancy through age 14 in daycares, day camps, and classrooms, most recently completing her counseling practicum where she began shaping her student‑centered approach. If she could learn one skill overnight, she would choose to speak another language fluently. She is currently inspired by the novel Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, a story that highlights the power of seeing each and every child’s strengths. Fun fact: Michaela played piano for 10 years while growing up.
Cardinals, it’s almost time!
🦅 FHS Preview Day is Wednesday, August 14.
Open to all students.
Let’s soar into the year feeling prepared!
🦅 FHS Preview Day is Wednesday, August 14.
Open to all students.
Let’s soar into the year feeling prepared!
😊 Our middle school Meet & Greets are coming up for sixth graders on August 12 or 14! It’s the perfect chance to:
👋 Say hi to teachers
🧭 Walk your schedule
💬 Ask questions before school starts
A little face time makes a big difference.
📍These student-only events start the year on Aug. 12 at Theisen and Aug. 14 for Sabish, STEM Academy and Woodworth!
👋 Say hi to teachers
🧭 Walk your schedule
💬 Ask questions before school starts
A little face time makes a big difference.
📍These student-only events start the year on Aug. 12 at Theisen and Aug. 14 for Sabish, STEM Academy and Woodworth!
🎓 Earn College Credit Without Leaving FHS!
Our new partnership with Marian University lets high‑school students earn University Collaboration Credits (UCC) right in their regular school day — saving time and tuition.
Learn more at FDLsd.org/article/2337813
Our new partnership with Marian University lets high‑school students earn University Collaboration Credits (UCC) right in their regular school day — saving time and tuition.
Learn more at FDLsd.org/article/2337813
Self-guided Verifying begins today, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Prefer in-person assistance? Join us at the Administration Building, 72 West 9th Street, Fond du Lac:
• Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 8a to 3p (English/Spanish)
• Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, from 8a to 3p (English/Spanish)
• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, 12p to 6p (English/Spanish)
Hmong language support is available by appointment → herrs@fonddulac.k12.wi.us.
We are here to help. School offices reopen Monday, Aug 11. Before then, call the District Office at 920-929-2900 (Friday, Aug 8, 2025: appointment-only with limited staff due to staff training).
Say hello to Ellison Vermillion, our new first grade teacher at Pier Elementary School.
Ellison is a 2022 graduate of Fond du Lac High School and once walked the halls of Lakeshore Elementary and Theisen Middle School. She earned her teaching degree from Carthage College, inspired by Fondy teachers who sparked her confidence and curiosity. Ellison hopes to do the same for her own students, encouraging each child to explore, grow and stay true to who they are.
Ellison is a 2022 graduate of Fond du Lac High School and once walked the halls of Lakeshore Elementary and Theisen Middle School. She earned her teaching degree from Carthage College, inspired by Fondy teachers who sparked her confidence and curiosity. Ellison hopes to do the same for her own students, encouraging each child to explore, grow and stay true to who they are.
Jordan grew up in Richfield, graduated from Slinger High School, and earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She most recently taught in the Appleton Area School District and is excited to bring her experience to Fond du Lac.
A lifelong dancer, Jordan loves to combine movement and learning in the classroom. Press play on her playlist and you will likely hear Luke Combs, though she enjoys music of every genre. She hopes her students discover that school is exciting and that learning can be fun.
Jordan is guided by the belief that “if children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings and grow.”
A lifelong dancer, Jordan loves to combine movement and learning in the classroom. Press play on her playlist and you will likely hear Luke Combs, though she enjoys music of every genre. She hopes her students discover that school is exciting and that learning can be fun.
Jordan is guided by the belief that “if children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings and grow.”
📅 30 Days to the First Day of School!
In just four Tuesdays — Sept . 2 — our halls will be buzzing.
Follow us here each weekday for quick tips and reminders to make the 2025‑26 year our best yet!
In just four Tuesdays — Sept . 2 — our halls will be buzzing.
Follow us here each weekday for quick tips and reminders to make the 2025‑26 year our best yet!
