Staying Connected
with Winnebago Middle School | September 2022
From the Principal
We're happy to report that the year is off to a wonderful, speedy start here at WMS! It's been a pleasure seeing your children's faces back in the hallways. Students are working hard in the classroom, and we're even finding time to squeeze in some fun.
If you had the chance to join us at Back-to-School Night last month, you may have heard me in the gymnasium when I stated that the middle school has made the commitment to shift our focus as a school to four specific areas: Learning, Supports, Environment, and Health. It was also mentioned that the only way our school will continue to move forward with this focus is together. Specifically, we need to be working collaboratively between our staff, administration, the students, our community, and you, the families. We're looking forward to re-igniting our partnership as we work to make this the best possible learning experience for the kids. After all, they're the reason we're here.
For our families (new and returning), we thought it would be fun to (re)introduce our team. In this newsletter we'll begin with those who serve in our math department and the main office. Please enjoy, and thanks for all that you do.
Dan Phelps, Principal
815-335-3817
Mr. True, 6th Grade Math Teacher
Years in Education: 14
Favorite thing about WMS?
"The people! We have caring and hard working students, dedicated staff, and supportive parents and community members."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"I love spending time with my two amazing daughters and wife. My favorite thing to do with them is to travel and see the world. I also enjoy playing and coaching sports. My favorites are soccer and golf."
Mr. Stahl, 7th Grade Math Teacher
Years in Education: 16
Favorite thing about WMS?
"Camaraderie with the people I work with."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"I love sports and coaching. My wife is also a teacher, I have 4 sons, and enjoy visiting new places on vacation."
Mrs. Schemel, 8th Grade Math Teacher
Years in Education: 23
Favorite thing about WMS?
"The people and the community. Our students and staff are the best."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"I'm a busy mom of two high school daughters who keep me on the go. I love coffee and Target."
Mrs. Beuth, School Nurse
Years in Education: 8
Favorite thing about WMS?
"I love the welcoming atmosphere and the positivity of the staff."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"I graduated from Winnebago and have great pride now that I get to work in the district. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids, and watching them grow and learn. I love coffee, and collect plushy microbes - plushy versions of diseases, cells, chemicals, etc. They're fun teaching tools and pretty cute too."
Mrs. Kaufman, Administrative Assistant
Years in Education: 30
Favorite thing about WMS?
"My favorite part about my job is that it involves interacting with everyone - students, staff, and parents. It is very satisfying and rewarding to work together towards something positive."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"My husband, myself, and my children are all graduates of Winnebago High School."
Mr. Brûlé, Assistant Principal / Athletic Director
Years in Education: 21
Favorite thing about WMS?
"The atmosphere is pretty awesome. Great people to work with. It's a place where difficult conversations can happen, and then we move on."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"I love to watch my kids grow and watch them perform (school, sports, art). I love family dinners, and I get really excited when I'm watching a hockey game! I try my best to give all middle school students the best experience through their years at WMS."
Mr. Phelps, Principal
Years in Education: 16
Favorite thing about WMS?
"The people. Between the wonderful students and our amazing team of faculty and staff members, WMS is an incredible place to be."
What would you like our families to know about you?
"I'm very fortunate to have an amazing wife and two young sons. I love the sport of basketball, and am a passionate Chicago Bulls fan!"
All in a Day! - A few pictures to enjoy
Winnebago Middle School
Email: KaufmanA@winnebagoschools.org
Website: https://www.winnebagoschools.org/Page/1017
Location: Winnebago Middle School, North Elida Street, Winnebago, IL, USA
Phone: (815) 335-2364