Rocket Roundup
September 21 2022
All-Staff Insurance Meeting Set for September 27 at 4 p.m.
September 30 Professional Learning Day Schedule Set
Please click below for an overview of the planned sessions and events for our September 30 Professional Learning Day. Details will be updated if revisions or additions become necessary, so please check in periodically to ensure locations and times are not altered.
Employee of the Year/EFN Awards Reception on October 3
Join us in recognizing our Employees of the Year and Educational Foundation of Neenah grant recipients at an event on Monday, October 3 at 3:45 p.m. at Bridgewood Resort and Conference Center.
Employee of the Year recipients are: Kim Farr, Elementary Teacher, Jim Kuenster, Middle School Teacher, Adam Hendries, High School Teacher, Tracee Lemke-Hildreth, Special Services Teacher, Amy Gunderson, Administrative Assistant, Luke Diedrich, Operations and Maintenance, Robin Powell, Educational Assistant and April Keepers, Administrator.
The Team of the Year was awarded to the nurses, health assistants and elementary administrative assistants. The group includes: Misty Bentz, Misty Dorton, Rachelle Gutschow, Katie Hintz, Teena Keesler, Donna Kies, Danelle Marquardt, Alyssa Mason, Tammy McCarry, Emilie Nechodom, Miranda Plath, Jen Ross, Amy Steinbach, Britney Stobbe, Carin Tijan, Carmen Van Domelen, Nicole Volkman and Buffy Wied.
EFN grant recipients are: Becky Allen (Alliance), Amy Vosters (Clayton), DaNay Stedjee (Coolidge), Emily Wertanen (Hoover), Amy Auxier (Lakeview), Dani Larson (Roosevelt), Jodi DeBruin (Spring Road), Sarah Longoria (Taft), Sarah Tennie (Tullar), Lexie Kust (Washington), Justin Gasparick (Wilson), Stephanie DeMenter (Horace Mann), Jeff LaPlant (Shattuck), Tyler Resch (Shattuck), Beth Altekruse (NHS), Steve Chovan (NHS), Kyle Kleuskens (NHS) and Erin Meilhon (NHS).
Board of Education Meeting Recap - September 20
An Internet Safety and Responsible Use of Technology Policy as well as an updated At-Risk Plan were approved by the Neenah Joint School District Board of Education at its Sept. 20 meeting. Click here to read more.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
2022-23 Educator Effectiveness Information
Below are links to the descriptions and timelines for the 2022-23 Educator Effectiveness (EE) process. If you are unsure of your EE status (new staff, continuing I, continuing II, continuing III), please consult your supervising administrator. Please note there is an additional step to the student survey process this year that includes a district component for students in grades 3-12. Your building administrator will provide more information on this. (Note: the links in the documents were not active last week - this has been corrected).
For those staff members who are new to the District, we will have a new staff member EE meeting to provide information and details about the process. The meeting will be held at 3:45 on September 26 in room 148 at Neenah High School.
Click here for the Educator Effectiveness Process for 2022-23
Click here for the Educator Effectiveness Timeline for 2022-23
Update Your Macbook Regularly for Best Performance
Updating your Macbook regularly is an important part of keeping it running smoothly! As updates become available, they should be completed by you as soon as possible to ensure your computer continues to function properly. You may have seen pop ups for Google Chrome or Zoom updates. These are necessary updates for these services to run smoothly. Please review the process by clicking the link below
Updating Macbook Applications (Chrome, Zoom, Etc)
If you experience issues with updating applications or your laptop's operating system, please complete a Help Desk Ticket and the Technology Team will be happy to assist you. Thank You!
EFN Grant Requests Due October 7
Homecoming Set for September 30-October 1
- The annual Homecoming parade will be Friday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. and will take its traditional route from the City Pool on Park Ave. west down Wisconsin Ave. through downtown Neenah.
- The NHS Fusion Academy will host a tailgate party inside Rocket Stadium on Friday from 5-7 p.m. A $5 ticket includes a brat or burger, chips, water and a cookie.
- The undefeated Neenah football team hosts Kaukauna at 7 p.m. on Friday (NJSD staff free with staff ID).
- The annual Hall of Fame banquet takes place on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. at Bridgewood. Tickets are $25 each and need to be purchased by Sept. 23 at District Office.
Health and Wellness Center Offers Seasonal Allergies Tips
Allergy season is in full swing, and if you are a sufferer, you are likely experiencing symptoms. Allergy symptoms may include itchy or watery eyes, itchy ears, sensation of fluid in your ears, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat from drainage, and a mild cough (also related to drainage). Some allergy sufferers will feel fatigued, particularly if allergy symptoms affect sleep or if certain allergy medications are used. Click here to read more.
PBnJs Grant Applications Due October 13
What is a PBnJs Grant? PBnJs grants are awarded in memory of Patrick Began, a former Neenah alumnus. These grants are available to ANY NJSD staff member who can demonstrate a need. In the past the funds have been used for speakers, SEL curriculum, sensory tools, book studies, parent training, staff training, mentoring supplies, art projects, diversity field trips, sensory paths, and calming space supplies.
It is simple to apply. Just click here to fill out a brief application.
The applications are reviewed on October 14 by the PBnJs Committee. If you need funding before that time, please fill out the application and contact Mike Altekruse at maltekruse@neenah.K12.wi.us and if it qualifies, we may be able to accommodate your request. Thanks for all you do!
NJSD Supporting Each Other
- The Vintage and Act II Show Choirs are selling Neenah Rocket blankets. The blankets are 60x80 and sell for $60 each. Click here for more information
- Neenah Speech and Debate is running a Collectivo Coffee Fundraiser this month to help fund trips to national tournaments. If anyone is interested in purchasing coffee, tea, or hot chocolate through this fundraiser, they can contact linda.dums@neenah.k12.wi.us or andrea.peterson-longmore@neenah.k12.wi.us. The team also has a restaurant fundraising night on October 5 at Noodles & Company in Appleton from 4-8 p.m.
This Week in NJSD Activities
NJSD Staff admitted free to all home events by showing staff ID
Thursday, September 22
Girls Golf, FVA Meet at Chaska G.C., 8 a.m.
Girls Tennis, Home vs. Appleton West, 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 24
Girls Swimming and Diving, Home, Neenah Invite, 9 a.m.
Equestrian at WIHA Regionals (at Sunnyview Expo, Oshkosh)
Sunday, September 25
Equestrian at WIHA Regionals (at Sunnyview Expo, Oshkosh)
Tuesday, September 27
Girls Swimming and Diving, Home vs. Oshkosh North/Lourdes, 5:30 p.m.