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.
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.
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."
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!
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.
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.
Complete your Verify step beginning Aug. 6, 2025, to learn of teacher/class schedules for the coming 2025-26 school year.
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.
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. ❤️
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.
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.”
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!
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.
"🎥 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.
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 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.
