Principal Newsletter // April 28th, 2026 (Copy)

May 4

Dear Appleton Community,

Appleton Influence Goes National

I’m excited to share that our school has been selected as a Bright Spot for Math Instruction in D51. This recognition reflects the strong, intentional work that our staff are doing every day to support student learning.

As part of our continued effort to improve outcomes for all students, our district is partnering with TNTP, a national education nonprofit, on a research study focused on strengthening curriculum, instruction, and overall coherence of the student learning experience. This study will examine what effective instructional alignment in math looks like in practice. Members of this group observed Appleton teachers and met with them to discuss how we are doing math so well. Lessons that are learned will be shared with other schools.

The goal is to develop case studies that highlight how cohesive instructional systems help accelerate learning for students who are below grade level. The findings will contribute to broader recommendations, tools, and a rubric to support schools nationwide.

What a great way for our school to share what is working in math instruction. This is a reflection of our commitment to our students and to continuous improvement. What a great opportunity to demonstrate Appleton Influence.

Book Fair Breaks Records!!!

We have something really special to share—and it comes straight from the heart.

Because of this incredible community… because of your excitement, your generosity, and your love of reading… our 2026 Summer Reading Book Fair was truly unforgettable.

Here is the amazing news…

Grand Total Sales: $18,008.06!
Share the Fair Total: $947.72!

These are record-breaking numbers—but even more important than the numbers is what they represent.

They represent:
- Students discovering books they can’t wait to read
- Families supporting a love of literacy
- A community coming together to make sure every child has access to a book

To every student, staff and family who shopped…
To everyone who donated to Share the Fair…
To our volunteers, teachers, and staff…

Thank you. Truly. With all my heart—thank you.

Because of you, more students will head into summer with stories in their hands and excitement in their hearts.

So today, let’s celebrate this incredible accomplishment!
Celebrate the joy of reading.
Celebrate kindness.
Celebrate what happens when a school comes together.

Appleton… you didn’t just have a great Book Fair—
you made a difference.

And that is something worth celebrating!

A very special shout out to all the volunteers who went above and beyond, poured their hearts, hours of time and energy into our school and book fair: Mariah Lash, Kay Rohleder, Vanessa and Amiliya Bradley, Heidi Wilkins, Anthony Johnson, Blanca Quinones Montero, Amber Palma and so many others! Thank you with all my heart!

Love, Mrs. Weber

Appleton Librarian

Appletones To Perform At JUCO!

Appleton’s amazing music teacher, Mrs. Hanley, is excited to announce that of the 50 singers and groups who auditioned to sing the national anthem at the Junior College World Series, our own student choir, The Appletones, were in the top 13 who were selected to perform. The Appletones will perform at Suplizio Stadium on Wednesday, May 27 at 2:00pm just before the game starts. What an honor to represent our school, community, and country!

5th Grade Graduation - May 18 at 10:00am in the South Gym

The 5th grade class is excited to invite their parents and family members to graduation in our historic south gym on May 18th, at 10:00AM. Please plan on joining and applauding our 5th grade class for all their hard work, dedication and excellence.

Senior Walk 3:00pm Monday, May 11

I’m excited for our 5th year of honoring former Appleton students who are graduating from their respective high schools! It’s such a celebration of their accomplishments and of our staff. The graduates will gather in the lobby near the trophy case and then walk the main hallways. Be sure to cheer the graduates and take the opportunity to help our current students see their futures, too. Graduates will get photo opportunities in the old gym after the walk and then be released. Many will want to sneak back to old classrooms to say “Hi” one last time.

School Ends 2 Days Sooner + Bond Issue Update

Exciting improvements are coming to Appleton this summer!

As part of our continued voter-approved bond work, Appleton is set to receive more than $7 million in construction upgrades, including asbestos abatement, HVAC improvements, fire suppression updates, the addition of a makerspace area in the library, and important ADA accessibility enhancements. These upgrades will greatly improve our learning environment for students and staff for years to come.

To help ensure a smooth and well-organized transition into construction, district leadership is working closely with staff to prepare for the upcoming changes. This includes time for packing, organizing, and relocating materials before work begins.

As a result, the last day of school for Appleton students has been moved to Monday, May 18, 2026—two days earlier than originally scheduled.

We appreciate your flexibility and support as we take this exciting step forward in improving our school!

Missing Something?

We have collected over 100 student coats and sweat tops as well as numerous hats, lunch pails, and other items in our lost and found. 100!!! Please check out the Appleton lost and found.

Are You Moving?

If you are planning on moving and if your child will not be attending Appleton next year, please contact the school office. This will help us better predict the number of Transfer Requests we can approve.

Medication Pick-Up

This is a reminder to pick up your child’s medication at the school health office before the end of the school year. These medications can include: cough drops, eye drops, inhalers, pain relievers, and prescription medications. Thank you.