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Hello Fox River Families!

I hope you all had a wonderful summer! I spent mine soaking up the sunshine up north on the lake with my family. I've also been working hard to get ready for an exciting new school year. This year marks my 28th year in education, my 13th as a principal, and my 4th year at Fox River Academy — and I couldn’t feel more proud to be part of this amazing school community.

I can’t wait to see you at the Back to School Bash on Thursday, August 27th—it’s the perfect way to reconnect, meet teachers, and start the year off with fun. Then, we’ll officially kick off the 2026–27 school year on Tuesday, September 1st.

Thank you for your continued support. I'm looking forward to another great year!

Mrs. Melissa Chrisman
Principal

August 11: Fox Playdate on the playground 4:30 - 5:30

August 12: Fox Playdate (RAIN DATE)

August 27: Back to School Bash 4:00 - 6:00 / Open House 4:30 - 5:30

August 31: Boat Launch Clean Up 10:00 - 11:00

September 1: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! 😀

Join us on Thursday, August 27 for our Back to School Bash on the playground from 4:00 - 6:00. From 4:30 - 5:30, you will be able to come into the building to meet the teachers and drop off school supplies.

26-27 Fox School Supply List

2026-2027 annual registration is available via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Annual registration is done to confirm and/or update your students information. If you do not have a portal set up, please see the link below and click on Campus Parent and then “New User.”

Infinite Campus Portal

School fees can be paid online through your Parent Portal or in the school office. Checks can be made out to AASD.

Fees for KGN - 4th: $30.00

Fees for 5th - 8th: $40.00

For the 26/27 school year, if you feel that your child(ren) would qualify for Free/Reduced priced meals, please complete a Meal Benefit application. Applications can be completed online through the Parent Portal. When logged into the Parent Portal, please click on “More” and then “Meal Benefits” to complete the application. Meal benefit applications can also be printed by following this link https://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/district/district-information/food-service/forms/free-reduced

Families who directly qualify for meal benefits will be notified by the end of July. If you did not receive a meal benefit letter stating that your family is eligible for free school meals, it is recommended that you complete and submit the Meal Benefit Application for us to process. We will notify families of their eligibility once the application is processed via USPS.

Email: Foodservice@aasd.k12.wi.us

Phone: 920-852-5314 x62065

Before School Supervision: Supervision begins on the playground at 7:55. Fox River Students will line up on the playground and teachers will pick them up at 8:00.

First Bell: 8:00 (students enter & prepare for class)

Second Bell: 8:05 (students in classroom & instruction begins)

End of Day: 3:10

If your student is late, a parent/guardian must accompany them through Door A and check them in at the front office. If you do not want to walk them in, please call us at 920-853-5500 in order to excuse the absence.

Drop Off / Pick Up:

• Mason St. Student Drop Off/Pick Up: Drivers can not park on the west side of Mason St. Only park in the designated angled parking spots.
• Drop Off / Pick Up Area in the South Parking Lot: When using the south parking lot on Mason St. next to the school, please do not block the sidewalk.

Reminders:

• Please do not let your children walk through the parking lot.
• Do not leave your car unattended in the Drop Off/Pick Up area.
• The parking lot behind the school is for AASD staff parking only.

End of Day Plans: Please communicate with your child's teacher or the office if your child's end of the day plans have changed. If we do not hear from a parent/guardian, we will have your child follow their regular routine (Y-Care, Boys and Girls Club, walking home, etc.). The end of the day is too hectic for the office staff to be calling parents/guardians to verify a change of plans. The office number is: 920-852-5500.

For the safety of all students and staff at Jefferson and Fox River, please enter through Door A on Mason Street. All parents, visitors and guests are required to check in at the front office, sign in using the Chromebook provided and take a visitor’s badge. When your visit is done, please sign out and exit the way you came.

Lunch Visitors / Outside Food In the Cafeteria: Parents are welcome to join their children for lunch. If food from outside is brought to the cafeteria, please remember that this food can only be given to your own child. Please do not give outside food to other students. The expectation is that students are to eat the lunch provided to them by the Appleton Area School District unless other food is provided by their parent/guardian.

AASD Extended Day Learning Program

Jefferson and Fox River Extended Day Learning Program Coordiantor: Tammy Zellmer

Email: Tzellmer@ymcafoxcities.org

Phone: 920.841.4240 (# to call for registration support and questions)

Program Phone: 920.209.0159

Link for Registration: https://operations.daxko.com/Programs/Redirector.aspx?program_id=48540&location_type_id=2&location_id=1058&cid=5099

https://www.bgclubfoxvalley.org/appleton/

Harmann Studios will be taking school pictures on Wednesday, September 30. A Retake Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21.

Fall Conferences for Jefferson and Fox River:

• October 20 from 3:30 - 7:00
• October 22 from 3:30 - 6:45

More information about Conference Sign Up will be in the September and October Newsletter.

Help Shape Opportunities for Students with Disabilities – Join Our Parent Advisory Council

The Appleton Area School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of parents, caregivers, and community members who support and advocate for students with disabilities who work together with district staff to strengthen opportunities for students across our schools.

The purpose of the council is to expand opportunities for students with disabilities, promote inclusion, and serve as a forum for families and supporters to share ideas and perspectives. The group also works to connect families with learning opportunities and resources that support students and their families.

We are currently welcoming new members who are interested in helping shape programs, events, and supports for students with disabilities in AASD. The council meets once per month for about one hour.

Through the work of this group, families and staff have collaborated to:

• Develop parent education sessions

• Host our annual Food Truck Rally

• Raise funds to bring the Arts for All League to AASD

• Begin efforts to expand communication boards and adaptive playground equipment at schools across the district

If you are interested in helping support and improve opportunities for students with disabilities in AASD, we would love to have you join us. Please reach out to Amy Steiner, Executive Director of Special Education, at steineramy@aasd.k12.wi.us for more information.

Amy Steiner

Executive Director of Special Education

Appleton Area School District

(920) 852 - 5322

Please find the Elementary and Middle School Family Policy Manuals here: Policy Manuals

Office Hours for August: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Phone: 920-852-5500

Fax: 920-850-5501

Address: 1000 S. Mason St. Appleton, WI 54914

Email: Fox-River-Academy@aasd.k12.wi.us

Fox River Academy Website

AASD Website