Dialogue
Neenah Joint School District Newsletter - November 2023
District Begins Exploring Elementary Boundary Revisions
The Neenah Joint School District has begun exploring revision of its elementary boundaries as the next step in the facilities upgrades from the 2020 referendum. With recent shifts in population and the opening of Horace Mann Elementary School, the District is considering a shift in school boundaries that could potentially impact families living in the southern portion of the District, specifically Lakeview, Coolidge, Horace Mann, Hoover and Tullar.
A page has been created on the District website to keep the community updated on the process. The page includes Frequently Asked Questions from feedback provided through two recent informational meetings. There is also a link to submit any additional questions.
The next step in the process will be the development of potential boundary changes. This will likely be made public in December with the Board of Education considering the proposal in January.
NHS to Host Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10
Neenah High School invites the community to honor local military veterans with a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10 at 8:30 a.m. in the school's new Performing Arts Center.
All veterans and community members are welcome to share in this event, which features a presentation of the colors, musical performances by the high school band, choir and orchestra and recognition of veterans in attendance.
Doors to the auditorium will open at 8 a.m. and students will enter the auditorium at 8:15 a.m. Parking will be available in lot 2, which is directly east of the Performing Arts Center and accessible off the Winchester Road entrance.
Helping Hands Art and Craft Fair Set for November 4
The 2023 Helping Hands Art and Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 4 in its traditional location at the Ron Einerson Fieldhouse at Neenah Middle School (former Neenah High School at 1275 Tullar Road) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The event features over 100 vendors of handmade items as well as food, a raffle and a used book sale. Music will be provided by the high school Touch of Class orchestra. Admission is $2 per person. All funds go directly to NJSD families in need as well as a yearly scholarship.
What's Happening in Our Schools
NMS Science Students Get Out in Nature
Eighth grade science students visited the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit to see evidence of Wisconsin glaciation and how it has shaped our state. Students went to Dundee Mountain and Parnell Tower to observe different glacial features taught in class while enjoying beautiful fall colors.
Coolidge Trick or Treats for the Needy
Coolidge Elementary students and staff along with the school's neighbors participated in a "Treats for the Needy" event. Students donned their Halloween costumes and combed the neighborhoods, collecting 2,050 pounds of food that was donated to the St. Joseph and St. Vincent food pantries.
Tullar Students Enjoy an Early Turkey Trot
Tullar Elementary students and staff celebrated the end of the first quarter of the school year and reaching the school's behavior goals with a Turkey Trot around the school. The students participated in an all-school assembly and then went outside in groups for a lap around the school.
Debate Team Receives Prestigious National Awards
Awards just keep coming for the Neenah High School debate team as the group has been recognized with several prestigious honors since the start of the school year.
Two Neenah students, Isabella Chandik and Chloe Sieman, were among four Wisconsin students and 287 students nationwide to receive the National Speech and Debate Association Speaking and Service Award. The honor is given to students who achieve in debate and complete and document at least 100 hours of service during a given school year.
Additionally, the team received a “100 Club” award for accumulating points based on student and coach achievements in competition and service. Schools must accumulate at least 132 points over the course of the year. Each student on the team can only earn a maximum of eight points towards the trophy in their high school career. Neenah was one of seven Wisconsin high schools to receive the award.
The team’s coach, Andie Peterson-Longmore, received a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction honor by the National Society of High School Scholars. Student members of the organization are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career. She is now eligible for the organization’s Educator of the Year award.
NJSD Well-Represented at Fox Cities Marathon Events
Spring Road Wins School Challenge
Spring Road Elementary won the U.S. Venture School Challenge for having 36 students as well as several staff members and parents compete in the recent Community First Fox Cities Marathon weekend events. The students, staff and families participated in an after school running club and then many competed in the 5K event in Neenah.
NJSD Third in Business Challenge
NJSD placed third in the Division 2 category of the Amcor Business Challenge for the number of employees who participated in the events. Race Director Julie Johnson presented the award at Spring Road's assembly to some of the staff members who participated in the events.
Fall Sports Concluding Successful Seasons
Neenah High School's girls cross country team placed runner-up at the WIAA state meet for the eighth time in school history and first time since 2012. The Rockets qualified for state for the third straight year and 30th time overall, which is the second-most of any school in state history. The boys cross country team placed 17th while competing at the state meet for the 18th consecutive year. Their 37 all-time appearances ranks fifth in state history. Both teams captured Fox Valley Association championships.
The football team is 9-2 overall and continues its playoff march on Friday, Nov. 3 with a quarterfinal showdown at Kimberly at 7 p.m. It marks the Rockets' first appearance in the third round of the playoffs since 2004 and a rematch of last year's thrilling second round matchup that Kimberly rallied to win 29-28 on its way to the state championship. The game is being televised on WACY Channel 32 and livestreamed at postcrescent.com.
The girls tennis team reached the semifinals of the WIAA state team tournament after knocking off third-seeded Whitefish Bay 4-3 in the quarterfinals. The Rockets lost to eventual state champion Arrowhead 6-1 in the semifinals and finished the season 13-6 overall.
The boys soccer team is back on top of the Fox Valley Association for the first time since 2019. The Rockets won their 31st conference championship in the 42 seasons a conference champion has been crowned. They finished the season 15-2-4 and reached the sectional semifinals before losing to Homestead 1-0. The girls swimming and diving team placed second in the conference and hosts the sectional meet this weekend with berths to the state meet at stake.
Coming Up at Neenah High School
Special Olympics Basketball on Nov. 9
Special Olympics athletes will compete alongside school peers in a unified basketball game on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the competition gym in the school’s annual “Phase 1” event. This year is the 10th anniversary of the inspirational event.
Show Choir Annual Opener on Nov. 21
Basketball Teams Play Doubleheader on Dec. 1
Upcoming Events at NJSD
Here's a sampling of some key events over the next month:
Nov. 4 - Helping Hands Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Ron Einerson Fieldhouse, Middle School)
Nov. 4 - WIAA Girls Swimming Sectional, Noon (Middle School Pool)
Nov. 7 - NHS Choir Concert, 7:30 p.m. (NHS Performing Arts Center)
Nov. 9 - Phase 1 Special Olympics Basketball Game, 7 p.m. (NHS Gym)
Nov. 14 - NHS Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. (NHS Performing Arts Center)
Nov. 21 - NHS Show Choir, Jazz, Orchestra Opener, 7:30 p.m. (Pickard Auditorium)
Nov. 28 - Boys Hockey Home vs. Fox Cities, 7 p.m. (Fox Cities Champion Center)
Dec. 1 - Girls and Boys Basketball vs. Kimberly, 6 p.m. (NHS Gym)
Dec. 5 - Wrestling, Home vs. Oshkosh North and Hortonville, 6:30 p.m. (NHS Gym)
Click here for a calendar of NJSD fine arts events