School District of Howards Grove
Parent & Guardian Newsletter September 2026
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The 2026-2027 school year is successfully underway! Our buildings are filled with energy, excitement, and, most importantly, students who are ready to learn and grow.
It has been wonderful to see our Howards Grove Tigers settling into routines, reconnecting with friends, meeting new teachers, and embracing all that a new school year brings. Our staff has worked hard to create welcoming classrooms and a positive environment where every student feels known, supported, and ready to succeed.
As a reminder, our vision in the School District of Howards Grove is to be the premier destination district of CHOICE for students, staff, and our community.
But what does “district of choice” really mean?
Today, approximately 175 of our 898 students live outside of the Howards Grove community and CHOOSE to attend our schools. That means nearly 20% of our students are families who have intentionally chosen Howards Grove because of what we offer.
That choice matters in another important way, too. In Wisconsin, state funding follows students when they open enroll in another district. Because these families choose Howards Grove, we net approximately $980,000 in additional state funding into our operating budget each year.
That funding helps us continue providing strong educational opportunities, programs, activities, and experiences for all of our students.
We are proud that families are choosing Howards Grove, and we don't take that choice for granted. Every day, we will continue working to earn it by creating schools where students want to learn, staff want to work, and families want to be part of our community.
Howards Grove is a district of CHOICE, and we intend to keep earning that choice every day.
Go Tigers 🐾
Shannon Kilton
Superintendent
We are thrilled to welcome a new principal to our team. Welcome to Howards Grove, Mr. Jason Duff!
A message from new principal, Jason Duff.
I am honored and excited to join the Howards Grove Middle School community as your new principal. I look forward to partnering with our students, staff, families, and community members to build on the strong foundation that already exists while continuing to create a school culture where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Middle school is an important time of growth, discovery, and opportunity, and I am committed to ensuring our students experience high-quality learning, meaningful relationships, and a positive school environment where they can thrive. As a visible, student-centered leader, I believe in being present, building strong relationships, listening to the voices of our students and staff, and working collaboratively to support the success of every learner.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Howards Grove and look forward to working together to make an already incredible school even better.
Go Tigers!
Jason Duff
September 17, 2026 Dear Howards Grove School Board and Howards Grove Community, Thank you for allowing me to serve as a board member for this wonderful community. I have enjoyed living, working, and serving this community for the past 16 years. However, I have been offered a new job opportunity in a different part of the state. Therefore, I ask that you accept my resignation from the Howards Grove School Board, effective September 17, 2026. Thank you, board members, for allowing me to be a part of a hardworking but caring team. Thank you, Howards Grove District, for allowing me to serve as a teacher, coach, and board member. The time and efforts of the teachers and staff at Howards Grove will always have a special place in my heart, for you helped me raise two wonderful children. Howards Grove is a wonderful community, and I know it will continue to do great things. Sincerely, Courtney Athorp
Just in case you missed it, here is the district calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.
Why Coming Home is a Journey towards Community, Not Just a Destination... written by Marty Ryan
When you think of homecoming, you probably picture that crisp fall Friday night under the stadium lights—the crowd roaring as our team plays their hearts out. You think of the hallway spirit days, the energy during Friday afternoon pep rallies, and students scrambling to coordinate outfits or group plans for the weekend dance. You also think of former students coming back to town, walking through familiar halls, and reconnecting with the place where their journey began.
At its core, Homecoming isn't just about one big game or a Saturday dance. It's a gentle reminder that every one of us belongs to something bigger. In the middle of a busy school year—between state standards, grading periods, and endless to-do lists—this week brings students, staff, families, and alumni together. It doesn't matter what grade you're in, what your background is, or what you plan to do after graduation. For this one week, we all pause to celebrate being part of the Tiger family, and that's something truly special.
Building a Sense of Belonging
Feeling like you truly belong is one of the most powerful things a student—or any human being—can experience. In a world that often measures worth by achievements or material things, Homecoming creates space for genuine connection. When our kids and staff feel connected and valued, school becomes more than a building; it becomes a supportive community where everyone can thrive.
This week gives us so many small moments to connect outside the usual classroom routine. Take a moment to laugh with your students during dress-up days, ask them about their float building, and cheer them on as they step into new leadership roles. Those quick interactions often leave the biggest impression and carry so many memories for our students.
The Importance of Traditions
The traditions matter because they tie our school's past to its present and future. Here in Howards Grove, traditions like spirit dress-up days, student council assemblies, and our Homecoming parade fill the hallways with excitement and with Blue and Gold colors. Today's students, with generations of Tigers who walked these halls before them, can build a deep sense of pride and continuity that stays with kids long after they receive their diplomas and continue their lives outside.
Creating Memories
The moments throughout Homecoming week are where core memories are made. Our students will remember laughing together in decorate-the-hallway contests, collaborating on class floats, and feeling the energy of the crowd on Friday night. Long after test scores and homework assignments fade from memory, these are the stories they will look back on with a smile.
Bringing Community Together
Ultimately, Homecoming is about our shared community. It's the one week when students, teachers, parents, and community members all come together to cheer on our Tigers. Seeing packed bleachers and sidewalk crowds along the parade route reminds us how fortunate we are and to support one another as a staff. We aren't just running a school system—we are raising and encouraging a strong connection through our Tiger family.
What is planned for Homecoming Week in Howards Grove?
