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!
Say hello to Seth Huttner, who is rejoining us as a science teacher at STEM Academy. After a year away from the classroom, Seth is eager to return to teaching. He previously spent six years at Woodworth, and many students and families already know him as our cross country and track and field coach.
Seth will bring his love of uncovering the "science" behind everyday experiences to his classes. Outside of school, he enjoys the energy of downtown events such as the Farmers Market and the Night Market. He is inspired by Vince Lombardi’s reminder that “to achieve success, whatever the job we have, we must pay a price.” If Seth could master one skill instantly, he would choose to develop an even more creative mind.
Seth will bring his love of uncovering the "science" behind everyday experiences to his classes. Outside of school, he enjoys the energy of downtown events such as the Farmers Market and the Night Market. He is inspired by Vince Lombardi’s reminder that “to achieve success, whatever the job we have, we must pay a price.” If Seth could master one skill instantly, he would choose to develop an even more creative mind.
🎒 Middle School Locker Days — Aug. 11‑13
Skip the first‑day scramble and set up your locker early:
Mon Aug 11 | Theisen MS 7:30a – 4p
Tue Aug 12 | Sabish MS • STEM Academy • Theisen MS • Woodworth MS 7:30a – 4p
Wed Aug 13 | Sabish MS • STEM Academy • Theisen MS • Woodworth MS 7:30a – 4p
Bring any supplies you would like to drop off. See you there.
Say hello to Madison Schultz, our new first grade teacher at Chegwin Elementary School.
Madison already feels at home at Chegwin, having spent the past four years supporting students through the Boys and Girls Club. A Fond du Lac native, she loves stopping at Gilles Frozen Custard whenever she can.
Teaching is a family tradition. Regular visits to her parents’ classrooms inspired her to follow in their footsteps, and she is excited to realize that dream with the Comets and future Cardinals. Madison looks forward to creating a warm, inclusive classroom community where each and every child feels valued.
Away from school she hopes to improve her cooking skills and welcomes any recipe tips. Her teaching philosophy is guided by the book The First Six Weeks of School, and if you press play on her playlist you will likely hear “Dixie Darlin’” by The Wilder Blue.
Madison already feels at home at Chegwin, having spent the past four years supporting students through the Boys and Girls Club. A Fond du Lac native, she loves stopping at Gilles Frozen Custard whenever she can.
Teaching is a family tradition. Regular visits to her parents’ classrooms inspired her to follow in their footsteps, and she is excited to realize that dream with the Comets and future Cardinals. Madison looks forward to creating a warm, inclusive classroom community where each and every child feels valued.
Away from school she hopes to improve her cooking skills and welcomes any recipe tips. Her teaching philosophy is guided by the book The First Six Weeks of School, and if you press play on her playlist you will likely hear “Dixie Darlin’” by The Wilder Blue.
Say hello to Jenna Gilgenbach, our new first grade teacher at Evans Elementary School.
Jenna grew up in Fond du Lac and loves stopping by Gilles Frozen Custard whenever she can. She earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and spent last year at Evans as a long‑term substitute teacher. Now she is thrilled to join the team full‑time.
Her goal is to give each and every child the best education possible, and she believes each and every student deserves someone who will cheer them on every step of the way. Outside the classroom, you might find Jenna on the pickleball court or, of course, cheering for her beloved Green Bay Packers.
Jenna grew up in Fond du Lac and loves stopping by Gilles Frozen Custard whenever she can. She earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and spent last year at Evans as a long‑term substitute teacher. Now she is thrilled to join the team full‑time.
Her goal is to give each and every child the best education possible, and she believes each and every student deserves someone who will cheer them on every step of the way. Outside the classroom, you might find Jenna on the pickleball court or, of course, cheering for her beloved Green Bay Packers.
📈 Stronger Culture, Higher Achievement
Two powerful partnerships are driving Fondy’s success:
• InitiativeOne (iOne) — helps leaders and teachers build a culture of trust, accountability and growth.
• University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA‑PLE) — guides our district in aligning instruction and support across every school.
The result? Higher state rankings, clearer expectations and classrooms where each and every student can thrive. See the story at FDLsd.org/article/2320394
Two powerful partnerships are driving Fondy’s success:
• InitiativeOne (iOne) — helps leaders and teachers build a culture of trust, accountability and growth.
• University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education (UVA‑PLE) — guides our district in aligning instruction and support across every school.
The result? Higher state rankings, clearer expectations and classrooms where each and every student can thrive. See the story at FDLsd.org/article/2320394
Say hello to Sophie Bergelin, our new sixth grade English Language Arts teacher at Theisen Middle School.
Sophie grew up in Rosendale and is a recent graduate of UW Oshkosh. Her favorite local ritual is picking up ice cream at Gillies and enjoying it at Lakeside Park. Student‑teaching in both elementary and middle schools taught her the power of meeting learners where they are and creating a supportive classroom where every student can thrive.
Teaching has been part of Sophie’s story from the start. At the age of four, she was already helping her three younger siblings with their homework and daily challenges. Today, she is passionate about nurturing a love of reading and writing and giving students the tools to express themselves through words.
Sophie has moved 15 times in her life, and we are delighted that she has now chosen Fond du Lac as her home.
Sophie grew up in Rosendale and is a recent graduate of UW Oshkosh. Her favorite local ritual is picking up ice cream at Gillies and enjoying it at Lakeside Park. Student‑teaching in both elementary and middle schools taught her the power of meeting learners where they are and creating a supportive classroom where every student can thrive.
Teaching has been part of Sophie’s story from the start. At the age of four, she was already helping her three younger siblings with their homework and daily challenges. Today, she is passionate about nurturing a love of reading and writing and giving students the tools to express themselves through words.
Sophie has moved 15 times in her life, and we are delighted that she has now chosen Fond du Lac as her home.
