February 2025

Shapiro STEM Academy

"Empowering Hearts and Minds"   

1050 W. 18th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902 
Phone: 920.424.0164  Fax: 920.424.7594                                                                                        

Courtney Willert, Principal

    courtney.willert@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

Kelsey Berg, Secretary

    kelsey.berg@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
 
Staff Directory 

Helpful Reminders

FEBRUARY GOAL

Each month our students are working towards a goal where they earn leaves for our kindness tree, when the goal is met, there is a whole school celebration. This month the goal is: I can be a kind friend to my classmates!


 

OUT-OF-ATTENDANCE-AREA

This information will serve as the district's public notice of both the district and state processes for out-of-attendance/school choice and open enrollment applications. Out-Of-Attendance-Area applications are due by Friday, February 21st, 2025. For more information click here.


 

ADVANCED LEARNING PROGRAM

Hello Shapiro parents!

The application for ALPs (Advanced Learning Program) is open! ALPs is a unique program designed to serve self-motivated learners in Grades 4-8 located within Perry Tipler Middle School. The application is open through March 1st. Please submit if you are interested!

For more information check out this Brochure!

https://perry-tipler-middle.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/alps/alps-enrollment 


 


MESSAGE FROM THE NURSE

Sick Season is upon us! The health office would like to send a friendly reminder that if your child isn’t feeling well please keep them home to recover. Please reference the guidelines below.
As general guidelines, keep your child home from school if:

  • They have a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit within the past 24 hours
  • They have had episodes of vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
  • They have symptoms that prevent them from participating in school.
  • They have an undiagnosed rash.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nurse Shea or Kendra regarding your child’s health needs.

If you are questioning whether your student should be attending school click here for additional guidelines.


 

YEARBOOK

You can now order the 2024-2025 school yearbook! You can order online by clicking on the attached link Shapiro Yearbook Flyer.

Yearbooks will be available to order through March 10, 2025.

Each student needs their own separate order. Make sure you are ordering under the correct school. We cannot refund any yearbook purchase.


 

Protective Behavior

Shapiro Elementary is in partnership with you regarding your student’s personal safety. This month, the Christine Ann Center will be visiting various classrooms and presenting lessons that focus on safety, boundaries, and healthy friendships. It is an extension of what is covered during REACH protective behavior lessons and classroom guidance safety lessons.

Younger students will discuss ways to stay safe at school and in the community. Students will learn about establishing healthy boundaries. They will identify feelings, and recognize early warning signs. They will also be encouraged to identify safe adults who they can trust when they need help.

Upper elementary students will review safety discussions and explore healthy friendships. Students will be encouraged to identify parents or other trusted adults they can talk to if they are being teased or bullied. Students will learn the qualities of healthy interpersonal relationships, discuss the “green flags” of friendships, and practice healthy boundary setting. They will be taught how to communicate assertively about how one is being treated and/or about what one needs.

Safety can sometimes be difficult to talk about with children. We encourage you to continue this conversation at home. What safety rules and boundaries can you establish together with your child (safety online, with friends, at home, and in the community)? Safety discussions can help build self-confidence, assertiveness, and communication skills.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the protective behaviors lesson (424-0164).

School-Based Mentoring

As a Conscious Discipline focused school, Shapiro students have been learning a lot about self-regulation, the brain, and ways to support and reach their “Wise Owl.” Mentoring students experienced firsthand how completing acts of service can assist in engaging the thinking part of the brain. Mentoring matches recently “adopted a grandparent” from a local nursing home and participated in a service project to spread some Valentine cheer this month!

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

REFERENDUM

Join us! Learn About the OASD’s April 1 Referendum

The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) is inviting families and community members to learn more about the upcoming $197.8 million capital referendum, designed to improve student safety and learning spaces while maintaining a $0 tax increase to the debt levy.

To ensure the community is well-informed, the OASD has scheduled a series of information sessions and Q&A opportunities. These events will give you a chance to ask questions and understand the full scope of the referendum projects. The district’s goal is to provide the community with the necessary facts to make an informed decision on April 1.

Information Sessions

Each session will include a presentation followed by a Q&A.

  • Tuesday, February 11 | 6:30 PM | Oshkosh North High School - Auditorium (1100 W Smith Ave)
  • Friday, February 21 | 8:30 AM | South Park Middle School - Gym (1551 Delaware St)
  • Monday, March 3 | 6:30 PM | Oakwood Elementary School - Cafeteria (1225 N. Oakwood Rd)
  • Thursday, March 13 | 6:30 PM | South Park Middle School - Gym (1551 Delaware St)
  • Tuesday, March 18 | 6:30 PM | Franklin Elementary School - Cafeteria (1401 W 5th Ave)
  • Wednesday, March 26 | 10:30 AM | Oshkosh Public Library - Lower Level A/B Room (106 Washington Ave)

Q&A Sessions

These informal sessions allow residents to drop in and get questions answered by Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis and district leaders.

  • Monday, February 17 | 8:30-9:30 AM | Caramel Crisp (200 City Center Dr)
  • Friday, February 28 | 10-11 AM | Senior Center - Willow Room South Building (200 N Campbell Rd)
  • Wednesday, March 12 | 7:30-8:30 AM | Elsewhere Market (531 N Main St)
  • Monday, March 24 | 7:30-8:30 AM | Delta Family Restaurant (515 N Sawyer St)

Additional Opportunities

District leaders are also available to present at community meetings and group events. To schedule a presentation, please email referendum@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.

Learn More

For more details about the referendum, including frequently asked questions, session schedules, and project plans, visit the district’s dedicated referendum webpage: oshkosh.k12.wi.us/referendum-2025. Community members can also call the district at 920.424.0395 or email referendum@oshkosh.k12.wi.us with any questions.

“We believe it’s crucial for every community member to have access to accurate and timely information about the future of our schools,” said Dr. Bryan Davis, OASD Superintendent. “These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for residents to hear directly from district leaders and get answers to their questions about the referendum.”

The district has been working closely with the community throughout its facilities planning process to ensure the referendum projects address the needs of students while maintaining fiscal responsibility. All residents are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming sessions and visit the website for more information.

 


 

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Kids Heart Challenge

You're invited to join in the fun of the Kids Heart Challenge service-learning program to benefit our students, school community and the American Heart Association.

Wellness Games Week is February 10-14

Online Donations Due February 14

Check out the dress up and activity calendar here!



 

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteer Information

If you are looking to participate in any volunteer activities at our school (field trip chaperone, events, field day, etc.) you MUST have a background check submitted. This needs to be completed yearly. Once your form is approved, you will be set for the entire school year. The process is simple: 1) submit your background check by following THIS PROCESS 2) If an opportunity is available that you would like to volunteer at, just let your student's teacher know that you have submitted a form. From there, the office will be notified and the approval process will begin. Once your background check has been approved, your student's teacher will let you know!


 

THE COLD SEASON IS HERE

Here are the District's Outdoor Temperature Guidelines:

Below 50°F: Students must wear long sleeves while outdoors.

Inclement Weather: If the playground is icy or there's heavy rain or snow, the principal or staff on duty will determine whether students should stay indoors.

Winter Attire: When playing in the snow, students must wear snow pants, boots, hats, and mittens. Those without proper attire must remain on a visible blacktop or in designated shoveled areas. A notice will be sent to all families when winter gear is no longer required.

Temperature Guidelines: the principal or staff on duty will determine whether students should stay indoors.

  • 10°F or below: Stay indoors.
  • Wind chill 0°F or below: Stay indoors.

 

In line with district policy, and due to severe allergies within our school family, we ask that all dogs remain off the school grounds, with the exception of service animals. We ask that all service animals are not in contact with our students and staff.


 

School safety and the wellbeing of our students and staff are our top priorities. We recently have implemented SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT. This system was created by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS). Speak Up Speak Out is a comprehensive, one-stop place to turn with important concerns.

Students, parents, school staff, or any community members can submit a school safety concern or threat via our website, their website (https://speakup.widoj.gov/) mobile phone application (available on their website), or toll-free number (available on their website). Staff work around-the-clock to respond to tips and to deploy a response locally by communicating directly with school administrators, law enforcement, and counselors.

New SUSO Text Feature

Speak Up Speak Out - Wisconsin is happy to announce a new feature: SUSO Text Tips. SUSO Text Tips will allow tipsters to report concerning behavior even if they do not have the SUSO website or mobile app. Tipsters can text SUSO to 738477 and make a report to SUSO via a direct link to the SUSO tip form. SUSO Text Tips will make it even easier to submit a confidential report on a mobile device.


 

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Community Events

Check out the latest community events in our area by clicking:

 

2024-25 District Calendar