Taft Newsletter
News to Howl About - August 14
September 11, 2023
Hello Taft Families!
Last week it was great to see all of our Taft scholars back in the building! Students were able to attend art and music in our new classroom spaces and enjoyed getting to meet many of our new Taft staff and reconnect with past teachers!
Taft staff was also happy to reconnect with families! We look forward to partnering with you around your child's education. Please reach out to Taft staff with any questions, wonderings, or information that may help us to provide the very best education for every Taft scholar!
Please mark your calendars! Oct. 12, from 4:00- 5:30pm will be Taft's first Family Engagement Event!
Taft PTO Meeting -Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6:00 pm! - AT TAFT
First Opportunity to support PTO!
Little Caesar's Pizza Fundraiser Starting this week!
Order forms will be sent home - brochure or online ordering due by Oct. 2, 2023
Online Ordering:
Fundraiser ID - 428220
Group ID - 160305
Pick up - on Oct. 16, 2023 from 2:30-4:00 pm at Door 12!
School Security Drill Notice
September 11, 2023
Dear Taft Families,
On Thursday, September 21, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Taft School will be practicing a lockdown drill. The purpose of this drill is to prepare our students and staff for any threat that may occur in our building.
You and your student will ALWAYS be notified in advance of a lockdown drill. It is critical for students to cooperate and take this drill seriously, as if it were an actual emergency. Students will be notified of the upcoming drill in their classes, and given additional information by their teachers. They will be given the opportunity, and are encouraged to ask any questions they may have in advance, and are expected to follow their teachers’ instructions during the drill.
Please encourage your child to stay calm and follow the procedures during any lockdown event, much like during a practice fire drill.
Students will be encouraged to speak with you, their parent or guardian, about these drills. Please see attached document for a description of the all hazards approach to the Standards Response Protocol. If you have questions or concerns about lockdown drills or safety procedures, please contact Mrs. Russell at 920-751-6980.
**Please note that the school will be closed for a short time during this drill (2:00-2:15 p.m.), including the main office, so that our staff and students can practice these safety procedures. Phones will not be answered during the drill. Students will not be able to be reached or able to report to the office or leave their classroom during this time. Please plan accordingly.
Thank you for your cooperation in partnering with Taft School to help keep our students and staff as safe as possible!
Sincerely,
Karen Russell
Principal, Taft Elementary School
Meet New Taft Staff!!
Miss Kohlbeck - First Grade
My name is Emma Kohlbeck, I am from Farmington, Minnesota. I come from a family of teachers that are both in the elementary and secondary setting. I studied at University of Wisconsin River Falls and received a degree in Elementary Ed. with an Early Childhood minor. While at UWRF, I was a member and captain of the Women's Division III Lacrosse Team for 4 years. In my free time, I enjoy reading, coaching skating lessons, and lacrosse. I also enjoy spending time with my family. I am excited to be a part of the Taft family and getting to know the students that are in the building!
Mrs. Stanczyk - Library EA
I am joining the Taft Timberwolves after teaching 2nd and 3rd grade in New London for 16 years. I am excited to bring my literacy experience, both as an educator and as a mom, to the Taft library.
Mrs. Ohlinger - Educational Assistant
Hi, I'm Kendra Ohlinger! My husband and I live here in Neenah with our wonderful daughter. I'm originally from the Green Bay area and attended St. Norbert College. I'm excited to be a part of the Taft community and work with some awesome kids!
Ms. Dix - Art Teacher
“Hello! My name is Hallie Dix and I will be teaching my first year of art at Taft, Hoover, and Clayton this school year. I recently graduated from UW-Green Bay with my bachelors in Art Education, and I have experience working at a daycare, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Green Bay, and student teaching for both Green Bay Area Public School District and De Pere School District. I’m looking forward to an ARTastic year!”
"The Neenah HS Girls Basketball program has several summer camp offerings. Please look at the attached flier to check out these opportunities.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Coach Andy Braunel at abraunel@neenah.k12.wi.us. Thanks and GO ROCKETS"
Taft Elementary School
Email: karen.russell@neenah.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.neenah.k12.wi.us/schools/taft/
Location: 133 South Western Avenue, Neenah, WI, USA
Phone: (920) 751-6980