Principal Newsletter // August 19th, 2026

Aug 19

Dear Appleton Families,

What an incredible start to the school year! Our hallways are once again filled with smiling faces, eager learners, and the excitement that always comes with a new beginning. Whether your child is returning for another year or is joining the Appleton family for the very first time, we are thrilled you're here. Thank you for helping make our opening days so positive and successful.

This summer was unlike any other in Appleton's history. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community and the successful bond initiative, our campus received more than $7.5 million in improvements that will benefit students for generations to come. These projects included a new HVAC system, asbestos abatement, ADA accessibility improvements across campus—including a lift to our south gym—new fire suppression and safety systems, flooding and groundwater remediation, new window blinds, improvements to our walkways and playground areas, and the creation of an exciting new Maker Space where students will explore STEM learning through creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

To our families and the Mesa County community: thank you. Your investment in our schools is an investment in our children, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.

We also want to invite every family to our Parent Information Night on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30–6:35 p.m. To make it easier for families with more than one child, teachers will present the same information during two sessions:

Session 1: 5:30–6:00 p.m.
Session 2: 6:05–6:35 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, learn classroom expectations and routines, hear about curriculum and upcoming events, and gather the inside information that will help make this your child's best year yet.

We can't wait to partner with you throughout another year of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. Together, we're going to make this an amazing year at Appleton!

Go Bookworms!

Corey Hafey Proud Principal

P.T.A. Needs You!

Appleton’s great reputation and student achievements are directly linked to the generous volunteers who give the gifts of time and effort. A great way to volunteer and serve our school community is to participate in PTA. Our first meeting of the school year is Thursday, August 20 at 4:10pm in the Appleton library. If you are a parent of a kindergartner or first grader your incentive to participate is that your child’s educational experience at Appleton will be directly and positively affected for 5-6 years to come. Our meetings last about one hour. Come dedicate a little time and find out what we are all about!

Keeping Access Open

We need a special favor. Please keep the handicapped accessible ramp, that is directly in front of the kindergarten entrance to the office, open during drop off and pick up times. This supports our kids and families who need this access.

Additionally, please don’t park in the handicapped zones including the striped areas so all our Appleton Bookworms can have a safe unloading zone.

Finally, do not cut through the handicapped areas (striped zones, too) and endanger the exiting wheelchair bound students. Thank you.

Carnival Support - Silent Auction Donations Needed!

The Appleton Carnival will be September 11. This is one of Appleton’s traditional fun events that supports many programs within our school (like our Aquos Smart boards, reading and math intervention support, Artist in Residence, and building towards playground upgrades).

If you can support the silent auction it would be greatly appreciated. We are accepting items that you, a business, or organization you are associated with, are willing to donate. Free services, gift cards, and goods are all appreciated. More than 1,500 people will attend the carnival. Donating an item from your business is a great way to advertise. Send in donations or call Corey Hafey 254-6400 for more information.

City Market Fundraiser - Please Register Your Value Card

Simply by registering your City Market Value Card, our school can earn a percentage of all purchases you make. We have earned thousands of dollars for our PTA through this low effort moneymaker.

go to: https://www.citymarket.com/topic/city-market-community-rewards and click on “Enroll Now”
Create an account
Find “Appleton Elementary PTA” and click on “Enroll”

Odds & Ends

Students having school breakfast can be dropped off in the morning at 8:25am. All others can be dropped off at 8:35. First bell rings at 8:45 and the tardy bell at 8:50am.
Please write your child’s name inside their hoodies, jackets, and coats. At the end of the year we typically donate over 100 items to charity when we can’t find the owners.

Parent Information Night - You Gotta Be Here!

Calling all Appleton Bookworm parents and caregivers!

Join us for Parent Information Night on Thursday, August 20! We’ve got two sessions—5:30–6:00 or 6:05–6:35—so you can visit multiple classrooms if you have multiple children.

This is your chance to peek inside your child’s world, meet their teacher, and ask questions.

We can’t wait to see you here—come learn, laugh, and maybe even pick up a few bonus points with your kid’s teacher.

Welcome Back!

Corey Hafey

Appleton Elementary

“Expect Excellence!”

p.s. Expect the Principal newsletter to come out every Tuesday to your email address. This week’s version was a little late as I was attending my daughter’s wedding in Tennessee. It seems like yesterday she was in elementary school like your kids. Time sure flies! Enjoy the journey!