Appleton Area School District families,

As we wrap up an incredible school year, we want to thank you for your partnership and share some important end-of-year updates and summer opportunities. 

Inside this message, you’ll find key information including the last day of school, details about meal account refunds, the upcoming Commemoration for Columbus Elementary, summer food programs, and free sports physicals. We’re also celebrating record-high family engagement survey results and asking for your help in nominating outstanding AASD staff. 

Plus, don’t miss updates on summer school registration, fall calendar dates, instructional materials feedback, and community opportunities for students. Read on to stay informed and get ready for a safe, joyful summer ahead!

We look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall, ready for new adventures and academic achievements. The first day of school for neighborhood schools for the 2025-26 school year is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Find next year’s calendar here. Thank you again for your support. 

Last Day of School in the AASD

The last day of school for K–12 students will be Friday, June 6. This will be a half-day for all students, with dismissal times as follows:

• Elementary Schools: 11:27 a.m.
• Middle Schools: 11:50 a.m.
• High Schools: 11:10 a.m.

Please note: Charter schools and Appleton Central programs may follow different dismissal schedules.

Additionally, the end dates for:

• Title I 3-Year-Old Preschool is Tuesday, June 3
• Early Childhood Special Education is Thursday, June 5
• Appleton Community 4K is Thursday, June 5

Important Upcoming Dates (Find our yearly calendar here.)

• Friday, May 23, 2025: No School
• Monday, May 26: No School - Memorial Day
• Friday, June 6, 2025: Last day of school

Charter schools and Appleton Central programs may follow their own calendars, please refer to your school or program calendar.

Meal Account Balances of Graduating Seniors

Please review your 12th-grade student’s lunch account. If the account is negative, the balance needs to be paid by the end of the school year. If you have a positive balance and you qualify for free or reduced meals, your account balance will either be returned or transferred to a younger sibling in the district. For all other accounts with a positive balance, families should request a refund or a transfer to a sibling by Friday, June 6. Families that would like to donate their positive balances to help other students can do so by emailing Food Service their request at foodservice@aasd.k12.wi.us. If you have any questions, please call (920) 852-5314.

Commemoration Ceremony for Columbus Elementary School

The AASD invites the public to a Commemoration Ceremony honoring the legacy of Columbus Elementary School, the city’s oldest school, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on the school grounds at 913 N. Oneida Street. The Ceremony will include a brief presentation, tours of the building from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., hands-on art activities, and historical archives and memorabilia displays. 

The public is warmly invited to join current and former students, staff, families, and community members to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate. As the building transitions to serve new educational purposes in the 2025-26 school year, the District recognizes the community’s deep pride in the school and is committed to preserving its place in Appleton’s educational history.

Summer Food Program Open To All Children

All children 18 years and under are eligible to receive FREE meals this summer. There is no need to sign up or apply for the program. Children can arrive at our participating sites during posted times and receive free meals for breakfast and lunch. Find dates, times, and participating sites here.

Free Sports Physicals Available in July

ThedaCare Orthopedic Care will be offering free sports physicals to Appleton East, Appleton North, and Appleton West High School students this July at ThedaCare Medical Center – Orthopedic, Spine and Pain (2400 E. Capitol Drive, Appleton). Free sports physicals will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on:

• Monday, July 7
• Wednesday, July 9
• Tuesday, July 15
• Thursday, July 17

Don't forget to bring your completed WIAA sports physical form! Registration is required, and spots are limited. Sign up at thedacare.org/LAT If you have questions, please reach out to sportsmedicine@thedacare.org. Teams will also be on hand offering any needed routine vaccines. Charges may apply. Please bring your insurance card if planning to receive vaccines. Questions? Please call (920)454-3200

Direct Admit & Wisconsin Guarantee

The State of Wisconsin and the Universities of Wisconsin recently introduced two initiatives—ACT 95 and Direct Admit Wisconsin—to expand educational opportunities for students aspiring to enroll in the Universities of Wisconsin System.

We are excited about these initiatives and the pathways they create for our students to pursue two- and four-year degrees within the Universities of Wisconsin System. Thank you for reviewing this information and for your continued partnership in supporting high-quality education that prepares our students for success beyond high school. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please don’t hesitate to contact your student's School Counseling Office or learn more here.

Family Engagement Survey Results

As part of our continuous school improvement process, AASD sends out an annual Family Engagement Survey to all parents/caregivers to assess the level of satisfaction families have with their student’s school. 

We’re proud to share that this year we received the highest overall family satisfaction rate (4.17 out of 5) since surveying began in 2019. These results, from more than 2,580 responses, demonstrate that most families feel positive about their child’s school, with high levels of agreement across the following key areas:

• 88% agreed or strongly agreed that their family is treated with respect at their school.
• 88% agreed or strongly agreed that their child’s learning is a high priority at their school.
• 86% agreed or strongly agreed that their child’s school is clean and well-maintained.
• 85% agreed or strongly agreed that their child has every opportunity to be successful at their school.

Required Annual Registration

Required annual registration for the 2025-2026 school year will open in EARLY JULY via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Look for more information via email at the beginning of July.

Nominate AASD Staff

Since 1983, the Mielke Educator of the Year Awards, funded by the Mielke Family Foundation, have celebrated exceptional elementary (EC-5) and secondary (6-12) educators within the AASD community. This year, we’re excited to introduce a new category: Mielke Support Staff of the Year, recognizing the invaluable contributions of EC-12 administrative assistants, Administrative Support Unit, custodial & maintenance staff, paraprofessionals, and substitutes!

Additionally, the Helen & Ade Dillon Award continues to celebrate staff who encourage a well-rounded life for students, fostering academics, fitness, and citizenship.

Award winners will receive a $1,000 cash award and a plaque, presented at the AASD All Staff Gathering in Fall 2025! Staff, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations. The deadline is June 16, 2025. Nominate an AASD staff member today! More info, including nomination forms and past winner lists, can be found here.

Reminder: Summer School Registration Closes June 2, 2025

Summer School registration is still open for Elementary and Middle School students! Families can easily register through the Infinite Campus Portal. Find more information, including registration instructions and class options, here.

Online registration will be available until June 2, 2025. However, if you miss the deadline, you can still drop off the registration forms at the school until the first day of the summer school class. High School students interested in summer school should consult their counselors for further guidance.

Families can also view their summer school schedule and pay fees online through the Portal. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact your school’s summer school coordinator.

If you do not wish to use the online registration process, please complete and return the registration page of the summer flier to the school your child wishes to attend for summer school. You can find the fliers here.

Feedback Requested on Instructional Materials

The Board of Education, as the governing body of the District, is legally responsible for all educational materials utilized within the instructional program of the AASD. We are currently soliciting feedback on the instructional materials for:

• ELA and Social Studies
• Secondary Social Studies

As part of the adoption process, AASD staff members, students, parents, and residents are provided with the opportunity to examine and contribute feedback on the recommended instructional materials. The feedback collected will be considered by the committee to determine the final list of instructional materials recommended to the AASD Board of Education. Learn more about Materials Review in the AASD.

Community Opportunities for Students

Each month, the AASD shares local community opportunities for students. These community opportunities for students include upcoming events and activities such as art and music camps, youth athletics, cultural events, enriching programs, and more. We encourage our families to review these opportunities for students of all ages. Check out this page at any time for a current list of opportunities. 

Miss a Family Communication? Find them all here.