Say hello to Tyler Joss, our new social studies teacher at STEM Academy.

Tyler grew up in Mosinee, Central Wisconsin, and earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. As he settles into the Fond du Lac and Fox Valley communities, he looks forward to hearing about your favorite local spots.

He credits his high school English teacher with inspiring him to pursue education when he was unsure of his plans after graduation. In the classroom, Tyler plans to weave music into lessons and downtime alike. Press play on his current playlist and you will likely hear “Wacced Out” by Kendrick Lamar.

Outside of school, Tyler enjoys snowboarding and adding new albums to his growing record collection.
10 days ago, Fondy Schools
Tyler Joss headshot/welcome
New year, new tech tip! ✨

Elementary families — download the Seesaw App (in Google Play or App Store) to stay connected with your child’s learning all year long.

📩 Teacher updates
🏆 Learning moments in real time!

🛠️ Setup instructions will be shared at Open House for those new to Seesaw.
11 days ago, Fondy Schools
Seesaw is our elementary learning communication tool to keep families connected to their child's elementary learning.
Say hello to Mary Richter, our new special education teacher at Chegwin Elementary School.

Mary studied at UW Oshkosh and Grand Canyon University and brings experience as both a Head Start teacher and a social worker. Growing up in Princeton, she was surrounded by the lively atmosphere of her mother’s in‑home daycare, an environment that nurtured her passion for education.

Her favorite local spot is Lakeside Park, and she is inspired by Dr. Seuss’s reminder that “a person’s a person no matter how small.” Mary is excited to learn and grow alongside her students and looks forward to getting to know each child and family. She believes a school is a true family, with everyone working together for the good of our children.
11 days ago, Fondy Schools
Mary Richter headshot/welcome.
⏰ One Week to Student Verification!
Teacher and class schedules are released after you complete Student Verification (Verify) in Skyward Family  Access.
• Verification opens Wednesday,  Aug. 6 and closes Wednesday,  Aug. 20.
• Update emergency contacts, health info and more in a few clicks.

Completing Verify unlocks your child’s schedule. Start the year ready!
12 days ago, Fondy Schools
Back to School countdown is at 34 and we are one week away from our all-new Student Verification (Verify) process
Say hello to Shanielle Hardin, our new art teacher at STEM Academy.

Shanielle grew up in Kimberly and graduated from UW Oshkosh. Her favorite school memories involve teachers who made her feel supported, a feeling she now hopes to give her own students. Outside the classroom, you will often find her on long walks, listening closely to the sounds around her. She is a loyal baseball fan who cheers for both the Timber Rattlers and the Brewers.

If Shanielle had not chosen art, she would have become a math teacher. The skill she would most like to master instantly is speaking Latin fluently. Away from work, she enjoys reading, listening to music and baking, so feel free to ask her about any of those hobbies.
12 days ago, Fondy Schools
Shanielle Hardin headshot/welcome.

🕒 2025‑26 Daily Bell Schedule at a Glance

Elementary
• Early Start 8:15a – 3:15p  — Chegwin, Evans, Parkside, Pier, Riverside, Roberts, Waters
• Late Start 8:30a – 3:30p  — Rosenow
• Late Start 8:40a – 3:40p  — Lakeshore

Middle School 7:50a – 3:06p
Fond du Lac HS 7:55a – 3:25p
Fondy Central 9a – 2:30p
STEM Academy (Grades 6‑12) 8a – 3:15p

Save these times so your student is on time every day!

12 days ago, Fondy Schools
Back to School countdown is at 35
🏅 Fall Sports: Register Now!

Practices start soon — student-athletes planning to participate in fall sports must complete registration before their first practice. This includes a physical exam form completed by a medical provider. Don't delay — register now via https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/wiaa-athletics-and-activity-registration-25-26-school-year-43. Please note that there are many opportunities for our high school students at STEM Academy and Fond du Lac High School to get involved in, many of which start before classes begin in September.

Additionally, stay tuned for information for our middle schoolers on athletic opportunities from your middle schools as the school year kicks off.

Finally, our Community Education and Recreation Department offers many opportunities for students, and even families, of all ages to get involved with. The Fall Activity Guide will be available in line with school starting in September.
13 days ago, Fondy Schools
Back to School countdown is at 36

Happy summer! Bridging Brighter Smiles would like to thank students and families for a great school year! Have a wonderful summer and do not forget to re-enroll in the fall to keep those smiles bright! Enroll at enrollment.bbsmiles.org.

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¡Feliz verano! Bridging Brighter Smiles agradece a los estudiantes y familias por un excelente año escolar. ¡Que tengan un verano maravilloso y no olviden reinscribirse en otoño para mantener sus sonrisas brillantes! Inscríbanse en enrollment.bbsmiles.org.

14 days ago, Fondy Schools
Image shared from Bridging Brighter Smiles
Bridging Brighter Smiles shared image in Spanish.
Say hello to Christopher Castonia, our new social worker and counselor at Sabish Middle School.

A Milwaukee native, Christopher graduated from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis and went on to study at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Loyola University Chicago. He is eager to build strong relationships and continue growing professionally in Fondy Schools. Christopher hopes students will remember that he is trustworthy and always ready to offer positive, supportive guidance.

If he could master one skill instantly, he would choose perfect memory. He is inspired by the belief that “your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success."
14 days ago, Fondy Schools
Christopher Castonia welcome/headshot.
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.
16 days ago, Fondy Schools
Madison Plate headshot/welcome.

🎭 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!

16 days ago, Fondy Schools
Back to School countdown is at 39
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.
17 days ago, Fondy Schools
Tamra O'Keefe welcome/headshot.
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.
17 days ago, Fondy Schools
Nathan Bliek headshot/welcome.
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.
18 days ago, Fondy Schools
VERIFY - An annual requirement for all students to finalize school sign-up. (Required every school year for every student) | What’s included? Update medical info and emergency contacts | Acknowledge school policies and procedures | Learn about and pay any required fees | When? Each August (virtual and in-person options are available) | Why is it important? Verification is required to access teacher assignments, class schedules and key back-to-school details. Failure to complete this step may delay a smooth start to the 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.
18 days ago, Fondy Schools
Back to School countdown is at 41
👋 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. ❤️
18 days ago, Fondy Schools
The Fond du Lac School District is offering a free preschool experience to children ages 3-4 years who live within the district and can serve as positive peer models for children working on their developmental skills. Enrollment will be contingent on a developmental screening and be done on a first-come basis. Classes will be held 8:30-11a at Pier Elementary School on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesday and Thursdays. Interested families should complete a form by August 8, 2025, via https://forms.gle/7iTnLU76y5oYdHyu8. Please email klaskej@fonddulac.k12.wi.us for additional information.
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.
18 days ago, Fondy Schools
Aidan Miller headshot/welcome.
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.”
18 days ago, Fondy Schools
Morgan Schmidt welcome graphic/headshot.

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.

19 days ago, Fondy Schools
Patrick Caulfield, Mary Dickirson, Julie Gedemer, Teresa Krueger, Sara Krueger, Jay  Rauen, Paula Suemnicht and Rebecca Thiel retire after 20+ years of service to Fondy Schools.

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.”

19 days ago, Fondy Schools
Amber Buss headshot and welcome.