Principal Newsletter // August 25th, 2026

Aug 24

Dear Appleton Families,

Appleton Bookworms Are Off and Running... and Apparently So Are Skunks!

If you happened to hear loud cheering coming from the gym during our first school assembly, don't worry—we weren't hosting a professional wrestling match. We were kicking off another amazing year at Appleton in true Bookworm fashion!

This year we're introducing our Kindness in the Classroom program, and we're beginning with one of our most important character traits: Respect. Students who were caught showing respect right from the start of the school year earned a very special reward. No, not extra homework. Not broccoli-flavored ice cream. Something much better...

One full minute to try and "Whack the Principal!"

Picture the old carnival game Whack-a-Mole, except instead of plastic moles, Mr. Witzel and Mr. Hafey popped their heads out from giant refrigerator boxes, while students did their best to bop them with a foam noodle. The gym erupted with laughter, students cheered wildly, and I'm happy to report that while Todd and I’s dignity may have suffered a few bruises, no principals were permanently harmed during the event. It turns out that getting bonked in the name of respect is surprisingly motivating!

We also talked about something much more important than my questionable career choices.

I shared a story about my brother, Kip, who was determined to catch rainbow trout while fishing. There was just one small problem standing between him and success...a skunk. And not just any skunk—a skunk that refused to cooperate with his fishing plans. To reach the best fishing spot, Kip literally had to jump over the skunk! He had to try different strategies, face something a little scary, and most importantly, keep telling himself, "Don't give up."

Our students face their own "skunks" every day. Sometimes it's a difficult math problem. Sometimes it's learning to read a tricky word, writing a paragraph, making a new friend, or trying something they've never done before. The answer usually isn't giving up—it's trying another strategy, asking for help, taking a deep breath, and yes...sometimes you just have to jump over the skunk!

Here's to a school year filled with respect, kindness, perseverance, plenty of learning, and hopefully fewer skunks (although I can't promise anything about principals getting whacked).

It's going to be a great year to be an Appleton Bookworm!

Go Bookworms!,

Corey Hafey

Summer Reading Winners Announced!

Our Summer of Reading program has wrapped up and here are the amazing results!

P.T.A. Needs You!

1st meeting this Thursday 4:10-5:10!

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 27 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.

Appleton Students Are Soaring!

Families, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news—our Appleton students knocked it out of the park on last year’s state assessments! Across the board, our 3rd–5th grade students outperformed both the state and district (D51) averages in every subject.

Here’s a look at just how much higher Appleton scored compared to the state and district. These results speak volumes about the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support from YOU—our families!

We are incredibly proud of our students’ growth and achievement. Appleton is a place where hard work, great teaching, and strong relationships make magic happen. Let’s keep this momentum going—2026–27 is already off to a great start!

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”

Parking Lot Pro Tip - Saves You Time

During busy times, turn right out of the parking lot. Then if you need to head east, turn left onto 23 ½ road, and then left again on the frontage road, and bam! You're onto the 24 rd roundabout faster than if you had waited in line to turn left out of the parking lot.

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.

~ Corey Hafey

Principal, Appleton Elementary

“Expect Excellence!”