Kimberly High School January 2025
Family Newsletter
January 2025
From the Principal
Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2025, a new semester is on the horizon, bringing with it a wealth of opportunities for growth and learning. In just a few weeks, students will begin their new schedules, filled with different courses and teachers. This is the perfect time to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the first semester. It’s been rewarding to witness students actively sharing their thoughts and engaging in meaningful discussions with their peers. I encourage you to have conversations with your student(s) about their experiences and growth during the first semester.
We are proud to continue emphasizing the importance of PromiseMakers at KHS and our commitment to a safe, healthy learning environment. Currently, 779 students and families have signed the PromiseMaker Pledge to remain alcohol- and drug-free with the support of their parents. This collective commitment is a testament to the strength of our community. Every student deserves a school experience free from alcohol, drugs, and vapes, and we remain dedicated to our educational and preventative efforts. In alignment with this, we continue our partnership with local law enforcement to conduct drug dog searches on school property. These searches will take place during the second semester, both inside the school and in the parking lot. We encourage open, honest conversations at home and invite you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
It’s also the time of year when we begin the important process of course selection for the 2025-2026 school year. High school offers students the opportunity to explore courses that align with their career aspirations, as well as to pursue subjects that ignite their passions and interests. In mid-January and February, we will be dedicating time during Career Planning to guide students through course selection. We understand that this process can be stressful, so we encourage you to reach out to our counselors with any questions or for guidance along the way.
As we reflect on 2024, many of us have experienced both moments of celebration and moments of challenge. Every year brings a blend of the expected and the unexpected, and with that comes both growth and resilience. As we enter 2025, I wish for your year to be filled with more celebrations than challenges, and for those challenges to transform into opportunities for growth.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, success, and meaningful moments!
With great Papermaker Pride,
Mrs. DePeau
📆 Upcoming Events
January:
24 - Early release
24 - End of 2nd quarter
February:
14 - Early release
19 - Parent teacher conferences
22 - Spree dance
Student of the Month
Ethan Hanes - January
Kimberly High School Student of the Month
These students continuously exemplify KHS values and were chosen by staff to recognize their above and beyond behaviors.
Kaylee Behnke
Fatima Kahdem
Aubrey Schilcher
Brinley Woodrow
Keep up the great work!
Senior Information
Seniors! Register now for GRADUATION CELEBRATION
Graduation Celebration is the time-honored drug and alcohol free Post Grad Party. Seniors should register now for the best after party filled with food, games, prizes and fun!
See the instructions to purchase this on Infinite Campus through the school store here.
Graduation Celebration: Parent Volunteers Needed
Parents of Seniors- graduation will be here before you know it! Please join us starting in January to help plan the best Post Grad party around for the Class of 2025. Meetings will be help in the KHS LMC from 6:00-7:00 pm on January 8, February 5, March 5, April 9 and May 7. Please contact Kelly Jansen kjansen@kimberly.k12.wi.us to sign up!
Optional Senior Yearbook Submission
Optional Senior Submission: Like last year, we will be devoting a few pages in the yearbook to photos of seniors as children. We would like to create pages that showcase seniors as babies and toddlers. Submission is completely voluntary and space is limited. We hope to cover as many students as possible. Yearbook is collecting photos of seniors as babies and toddlers (ages 0-3). If you would like to participate, please send a digital copy of your chosen image(s) to Mrs. Yunk at syunk@kimberly.k12.wi.us. We are collecting these photos through the end of February.
Kimberly High School ACT Preparation Program
March 11, 2025 is ACT day!
The ACT is a challenging three hour test that covers English, Math, Reading, and Science. The scores matter for college admissions (technical, two-year, and university programs), military scholarship, educational scholarship, even the workforce.
The KHS ACT Preparation Program is a FREE opportunity for all 11th grade students at KHS to understand the test, analyze their performance, set appropriate goals, and train for the ACT.
See the attached 2025 - ACT Pre-registration poster for more information.
All KHS 11th grade students took the PreACT test on September 27.
Once the scores come in, our work begins!
Join our Google Classroom
View our program calendar
School Report Card
As part of its assessment and accountability system, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction creates a School Report Card for every publicly funded school in the state. The Report Cards are intended to help all schools and districts utilize data related to student achievement to monitor their performance and target their improvement efforts. On its Report Card, a school receives a score on a scale of 0 to 100 and one of five ratings based on that score. The ratings range from Fails to Meet Expectations to Significantly Exceeds Expectations. The school’s score and rating are primarily based on the school’s performance on statewide assessments in the 2023-24 school year.
Kimberly High School’s Report Card score was 68.2 and this gave the school a rating of Meets Expectations. You can access Kimberly High School’s Report Card along with those for all of the district’s schools and a District Report Card on the DPI’s website:
http://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards
Report Card scores as well as other district performance reports can also be accessed from the Kimberly Area School District’s website:
http://www.kimberly.k12.wi.us/departments/about/performance-reports
Student Services
Career Planning/Resources
Career Planning
During the upcoming months, students in grades 9-11 will be using their time to navigate the KHS coursebook, learn about the courses offered at KHS, and put together a schedule for the following school year. Our hope is that students will look at all of the options available to them and find classes that fit their interests and educational goals and needs at KHS. Please talk to your students as they work through the scheduling process.
All students in grades 9-11 will have a conference with their advisor to discuss their class options and goals for their future. This will allow students and advisors to communicate and discuss courses to take, things to be involved in and next steps as they continue to plan for the future.
Seniors will be sharing their goals for the future and what their plans are post-graduation. We will continue to help prepare them for the next step after high school.
Seniors attending a 2 or 4 year college: Complete the FAFSA.
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) ~ The improved FAFSA form will be available for students and parents by Dec. 1, 2024. Students who complete the form will receive a confirmation and see their estimated student aid eligibility. All families are encouraged to apply as many scholarships or programs require this information to earn other awards.
FAFSA Support Opportunities
It will take more than good luck and best intentions to pay for college. You need a plan of action, and it should include College Goal Wisconsin!
College Goal Wisconsin is affiliated with a national event that provides free information and assistance to families who need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, such as grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid.
College Goal Wisconsin offers the following:
In-Person or Virtual Sessions
English and Spanish help is available
Attendees earn a chance for a $1000 Scholarship
To check locations Click Here
Sign up to attend: Click Here
What to bring: Click Here for more information.
2. FAFSA Thursdays - this resource is at FVTC, but can be used by anyone!
Career Interest/Aptitude Test
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): This assessment is open to all Juniors and Seniors. If there is enough interest, we will offer the ASVAB at Kimberly High School for juniors and seniors. This assessment helps students explore their skills and interests, identify potential career paths, and learn about various entry routes into different fields. While the ASVAB is administered by the military, taking the test does not obligate students to enlist. However, if a student is considering military service, the ASVAB is required to determine eligibility for enlistment and to help match individuals with roles based on their strengths and abilities.
To register, please sign-up here by January 13, 2025. Test Date: TBD
KHS 2025-2026 Scheduling Timeline
Scheduling for next school year will be starting soon! The KHS Course Book is now available on our website; Course Book | Student Services. A limited supply of course books will be available for students who may not have computer access. Please reach out if you need one.
Students and parents should review the course book and available courses for the 2025-26 school year. There is a 4 year plan in Xello to assist students in the planning process. Please make note of prerequisite requirements when choosing courses. Listed below are important dates for completion of your student’s schedule. Should you have any questions, please call Student Services at (920) 687-3024 Press #3.
** Junior (Class of 2026) Scheduling Information **
January 6 ~ Counselors meet with all juniors in the Auditorium to hand out scheduling materials and provide a demonstration on how to input course selections in Xello. Times are listed below.
A-E 7:45, F-Le 8:30, Li-Schi 1:35, Schm-Z 2:15
January 6 to February 10 ~ All students enter course requests into Xello. All course requests must be entered by Monday, February 10.
January 28 ~ KHS Career Planning Work Day - Students will have time to explore options, ask questions and enter requests into Xello.
February 11 ~ All KHS student course requests are submitted into Xello.
** Sophomore (Class of 2027) Scheduling Information **
January 7 ~ Counselors meet with all sophomores in the Auditorium to hand out scheduling materials and provide a demonstration on how to input course selections in Xello. Times are listed below.
A-E 7:45, F-Le 8:30, Li-Schi 1:35, Schm-Z 2:15
- January 7 to February 10 ~ All students enter course requests into Xello. All course requests must be entered by Monday, February 10.
January 28 ~ KHS Career Planning Work Day - Students will have time to explore options, ask questions and enter requests into Xello.
February 11 ~ All KHS student course requests are submitted into Xello.
** Freshmen (Class of 2028) Scheduling Information **
January 9 ~ Counselors meet with all freshmen in the Auditorium to hand out scheduling materials and provide a demonstration on how to input course selections in Xello. Times are listed below.
A-E 7:45, F-Le 8:30, Li-Schi 1:35, Schm-Z 2:15
- January 9 to February 10 ~ All students work on entering course requests into Xello. All course requests must be entered by Monday, February 10.
January 28 ~ KHS Career Planning Work Day - Students will have time to explore options, ask questions and enter requests into Xello.
February 11 ~ All KHS student course requests are submitted into Xello.
For all Current KHS Students
Scheduling Help Sessions
Students can stop in Student Services (bring a device) to ask questions and get help regarding their course selections with a counselor on any of the following dates/times during Extended Learning Time:
Jan 15th ~ 2:10—3:00 PM
Jan. 22nd ~ 2:10—3:00 PM
Jan. 29th ~ 2:10—3:00 PM
Feb. 5th ~ 2:10—3:00 PM
** 8th Grade (Class of 2029) Scheduling Information **
January 21 ~ High School Counselors are at JRG and will meet with all 8th graders to present the scheduling information.
January 21 ~ February 2 ~ Students will select their courses at home by entering their requests into Xello. All course requests must be entered by Sunday, February 2.
February 3 ~ All JRG student course requests are submitted into Xello.
Test Date
February 8, 2025
April 15, 2025
June 14, 2025
July 12, 2025
Regular Registration
January 3, 2025
February 28, 2025
May 9, 2025
June 6, 2025
Photo Upload Standby Deadline
January 31, 2025
March 28, 2025
June 6, 2025
July 4, 2025
Late Registration Deadline
January 20, 2025
March 16, 2025
May 26, 2025
June 20, 2025
Now Hiring
Kimberly Area School District is seeking support from our community. Make a difference and consider becoming a substitute teacher or a substitute paraprofessional
Flexible and Rewarding
- Earn extra income while your child is at school.
- Turn your volunteer hours into a paid position.
- No prior teaching experience is needed.
- Maintain a flexible work schedule.
- Help students succeed.
Student Activities
Join Math Team/Club
December brought our annual JV math meet at SMC in Neenah. 6 sophomores competed (5 for the first time!) and put in their best math efforts! We came home with one medal winner, Brooklyn Van Gompel. See the Math Team News flyer for pictures of the students that participated in the meet.
Participants were Avalee Heiting, Lauren Pentek, Autumn Leitzke, Kathryn Olm, Brooklyn Van Gompel, and George Mooren!
Fishing Team - New this year to KHS!
The Kimberly High School Fishing Team is dedicated to promoting the sport of fishing while providing students with opportunities to explore career pathways in fishing-related fields. Through active participation in local and regional fishing competitions organized by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association (WIFA), our team strives to enhance skills, foster teamwork, and encourage environmental stewardship. With a focus on both competitive and recreational fishing, the team aims to inspire a lifelong passion for the sport and open doors to future careers in the fishing industry. For more information see the Fishing Team announcement.
Remind is Kimberly Fishing Team gha9ba. Send a text to 81010 stating @gha9be
Instagram is khsfishing
Key Club News
Key Club is a student-led, community service organization that aims to support its school and community. In this Key Club flyer, you will find some of the service projects Key Club members do each month to support the community!
Business & Marketing Department
Kimberly Marketing Classes recently took a tour of two prominent businesses located in Madison. Students were able to meet with staff and marketing executives for both Epic Systems and the Forward Madison FC soccer club. See the pictures of the Marketing class trips and flyer.
Please see the incubator flyer to see the INCubator teams. The final pitch event is scheduled for January 21st at 8:00 am in the KHS auditorium. Save the date!
Choir
KHS Creative Writing Club
Congratulations to the winners of Creative Writing Club's fall contest:
Sienna Chamberlain (1st), Kaylyn Lillge (2nd), and Charles Feyen (3rd). Submissions were judged by published author and KHS grad Leah Dobrinska, who said, “Truly, it was so difficult to choose. Such amazing work all around.” To learn more about the club contest and activities, click the following link.
Creative Writing Club meets Thursdays after school (3-4pm) in the KHS LMC SmartRoom. Students may join at any point. For more details, contact advisor Ms. Nokes (lnokes@kimberly.k12.wi.us).
E-Sports
🎉 Congratulations to KHS ESports team! 🎉
Five of our of our talented students, Seth Wauters, Chase Wahl, Sean Martilla, Drake Dorton, and Justin Walker, competed in the WIHSEA State Tournament for Super Smash Bros Ultimate this past weekend. 🕹️✨
A special shoutout to Chase Wahl, who secured 2nd Place for the second year in a row! 🥈👏
#FOODIES
Kimberly High School's #FOODIES club and the Kimberly Culinary Competition Team recently collaborated at the Kimberly Public Library for the annual Chopped competition.
The competition was for students in grades 6 through 12 to construct a winning quesadilla recipe for three judges to evaluate on taste, creativity, presentation, use of ingredients, and overall recipe. Culinary Educator and club Advisor, Olivia Koepke, was one of the three judges along with two other members of our community. It was a great way for Kimberly High School students to give back to their community by helping the competition run smoothly and assisting younger chefs in recipe development.
In September, students from our #FOODIES club also hosted a few staff members from the Kimberly Public Library to help make how-to videos on a few different recipes for smoothies. Videos are available on the Kimberly Public Libraries Facebook page along with all their events.
KHS Multicultural Club
KHS MCC enjoys learning and experiencing other world cultures. This Multicultural Club flyer shows some of the experiences that our club members have.
Club meetings include a presentation of a world culture including activities such as cooking, making a craft, or playing a game. Club members lead the Wednesday meetings.
Contact Heather Albers for more information halbers@kimberly.k12.wi.us
Art
Nurse/Health Office Information
Pertussis Update
We want to let you know there have been cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported in our community. The health of our students, staff, and families is a top priority, so we want to keep you informed.
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes. It can affect anyone, but young children and infants are especially at risk.
Symptoms:
Early symptoms may resemble a cold and last 1-2 weeks:
· Runny nose
· Sneezing
· Low-grade fever (between 99.5°F and 100.3°F)
· Mild occasional cough
Later symptoms include severe coughing fits, a "whoop" sound when breathing, or vomiting.
Preventive Measures:
Monitor Symptoms: If your child shows symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider and keep them home if symptomatic.
Hygiene: Remind children to wash hands frequently, cover coughs, and avoid close contact with the sick.
School Lunch
Below are the links for our Free and Reduced Lunch program. If you are approved for Free and Reduce lunch, and would also like to have fees waived, it is necessary to also fill out the Sharing of Information form.
Monthly Food Service Newsletter
Free and Reduced School Meals - Application
Free and Reduced School Meals - Information
Free and Reduced School Meals - Sharing Information with Other Programs
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The Kimberly Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student program and activities.