Kimberly High School January 2026

Happy New Year!

As we welcome 2026, a new semester is just around the corner bringing new classes and new opportunities for growth. In the coming weeks, students will begin learning with different teachers and peers, making this a great time to pause and reflect. I encourage you to talk with your student(s) about what went well during the first semester, what challenged them, and how they’ve grown along the way. The focus on growth for each student continues to drive our work and I am proud of the effort and time our staff and students put forward every day.

We remain proud of our PromiseMakers initiative and our shared commitment to a safe, healthy learning environment. To date, 836 students and families have signed the PromiseMaker Pledge, choosing to remain alcohol- and drug-free with the support of their families. This strong participation reflects the values of our Papermaker community. Every student deserves a school experience free from alcohol, drugs, and vaping, and we will continue our education and prevention efforts. As part of this commitment, we will partner with local law enforcement to conduct periodic drug dog searches during second semester, both inside the building and in the parking lot. We encourage open conversations at home and welcome any questions or concerns you may have.

This time of year also marks the start of course selection for the 2026–2027 school year. High school is a time for students to explore interests, plan for future careers, and challenge themselves academically. Our counselors are ready to support students and families through this process, and we encourage you to reach out if you need guidance or have questions.

As we reflect on 2025, we know the year brought both celebrations and challenges. Growth often comes from navigating both. As we step into 2026, my hope is that the year ahead brings many moments of celebration and that any challenges become opportunities for learning and resilience.

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, growth, and meaningful moments.

With great Papermaker Pride,

Mrs. DePeau

Principal

At the Kimberly Area School District, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Through proactive measures, staff and student training, and strong partnerships with families and the community, we work together to ensure that safety is our collective responsibility.

Snow Safety
Winter brings extra safety concerns for students of all ages. Teen drivers should take it slow on snowy and icy roads, keep extra space between cars, and always clear their windshields completely before driving. Younger children need to dress warmly in layers, wear boots and gloves, and use extra caution near snowbanks where visibility is limited. Taking time to talk with your kids about safe winter play and responsible driving helps keep everyone safe during the cold months. Together we can make a difference!

January:

23 - End of semester

26 - Start of 2nd semester

February:

11 - Spring parent/teacher conferences

13 - Early Release

21 - Spree Dance

Educational options for children who reside in the Kimberly Area School District

The Darboy Kiwanis Club and the Times Village announce the KHS Student of the Month!

January - Julia Schultz

How to order a yearbook: Orders for a yearbook can be placed through Infinite Campus under "Fees" on the left, then "My Accounts" on the right, and "Optional Fees" on the left. The cost of the yearbook is $55. You can also order in the Main Office with cash or check made out to KHS.

Share your photos from the year for use in the yearbook: Yearbook is always collecting photos! If you have photos from dances, clubs, sporting events, or candid photos, you can share them via this QR code.

Optional Senior Submission: Like last year, we will be devoting a few pages in the yearbook to photos of seniors as children. This year, we would like to create pages that showcase seniors on their first day of elementary school and pages that showcase seniors as babies and toddlers. Seniors can submit a photo for one or both kinds of pages. 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) AND/OR photos of seniors on a first day of school (4K to grade 2). If you would like to participate, please use this QR code. We are collecting photos through the end of April.

Parents of Seniors - we are looking for volunteers to help plan GRADUATION CELEBRATION for the Class of 2026. Meeting dates are as follows from 6:00-7:00pm at KHS: Feb 4, March 4, April 8, May 6. Please email Kelly Jansen if you can help plan this drug and alcohol free event for our seniors! kjansen@kimberly.k12.wi.us

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!

This can be purchased through Infinite Campus under optional fees.

Dear Kimberly High School Parent or Guardian,

This spring all public school students will once again participate in state assessments as outlined in the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS). The WSAS is a statewide program that has outlined required assessments in core academic areas. State assessments are required by both State (Wis. Stat. § 118.30) and Federal ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Law. Required testing at the high school level includes the following:

• Pre ACT Secure - grades nine and ten

• Wisconsin Forward - grade ten

• ACT Plus Writing - grade eleven

Pre ACT Secure is an online test that covers the subjects of English, reading, mathematics, and science and is aligned to the ACT that is taken during a student’s 11th grade year, and it will include a predicted score for the ACT exam. Grades 9 and 10 will complete PreACT Secure testing on March 17th (grades 11 and 12 will not report on this day). Sophomores will also take the Wisconsin Forward Exam, a social studies test, that will be administered by computer as well. This assessment will be completed within our Career Planning schedule on April 7th, and none of the other grades will be impacted.

Juniors in the state of Wisconsin are required to take the ACT assessment. This year, that test will be held on March 10th at KHS. Juniors will be the only class to report on March 10th. Grades 9,10, and 12 will not report on that day.

The following page has each of these state testing dates listed for your convenience as well as additional testing that is conducted. Additional testing for grades 9 and 10 involves MAP testing, and this occurs within students’ English and math classes. For grade 11, students will soon be taking a practice test for the ACT. This will occur during the morning of September 26th within our half day schedule, and no other grade levels will be impacted. Please note these dates and do your best to avoid them for scheduled absences for your student.

Additional information about these assessments will be shared as the dates get closer. If you have questions about any of our assessments for the year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kaaren Weyers

Kimberly High School

Assistant Principal

kweyers@kimberly.k12.wi.us

920.423.4152

Please see these documents for important dates and information

KHS Important Testing Dates at a Glance

NWEA MAP Measures of Academic Progress Information Sheet

KHS State Testing 2025-26 Student Schedules

March 10, 2026 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.

All KHS 11th grade students took the PreACT test on September 26th.

Once the scores come in, our work begins!

Join our Google Classroom

View our program calendar

Kimberly Online store

When dropping students off at the start of the day in the font of the school or picking them up in the front of the school at the end of the day please remember the following:

• Please don’t utilize the left lane to pick up or drop off students. This will help with backups within the parking lot and create a safer environment.

• Please be patient as a large number of new drivers with limited driving experience are entering and leaving the parking lot.

• A reminder from the Outagamie County Sheriff's office - Do not pick up/drop off your children on the residential streets of Combined Locks before of after school.

Updates from Student Services

Advisor/Student Conferences: 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.

Breakout sessions for Juniors and Seniors: On January 13th and February 2nd, juniors and seniors will participate in breakout sessions where they can select from 50 speakers representing 16 career clusters. The breakout sessions are set up to help students explore specific careers and learn life skills based on their individual future goals.

Juniors and Seniors: Use the checklist to serve as a planning guide as you continue through junior and senior year. Reach out to your counselor with questions. (As a reminder, be sure to check with colleges on individual deadlines, etc.)

Parents, please ask your student about their My KHS Story. This document will include interests, skills and plans for the future. Your child will continue to update their My KHS Story throughout their time here at KHS. So check in with your student as often as you would like!

Freshmen Meeting ~ Class of 2029

All freshmen will meet one-on-one with their counselor during the second semester. The meeting is focused on relationship building, checking in on their freshman year progress, and strengthening their connections within the school community.

FAFSA

Seniors attending 2 or 4 Year College!

Apply for your FAFSA!!!!!

UW JOURNEY/UW HELP

UW Journey guides potential students on their venture to college. The goal is to inform prospective students and their families of the tremendous opportunities that exist at our UW campuses. Prospects can find the UW campus that best fits their individual needs, navigate the application process, and explore options to pay for college. UW Journey enables users to view and compare all campuses’ offerings, including both academic and campus life characteristics, to create the most informed choice about which campus to attend. Finally, UW Journey guides prospects through the entire college process, showing the steps to take, and enabling further direction in the form of reminders, checklists, and calendar events. Click here for more information.

Assessments/Exams

UW Placement Testing ~ Most University of Wisconsin System campuses require students to take placement tests. The majority of students will take the exams the spring before their freshman year during the Regional Testing Program. Regional Testing registration begins in Mid-March each year, and various testing dates are offered throughout spring and summer. Students who don't test during the Regional Testing Program must make arrangements with the campus they are attending to take the test at other times of the year. Please refer to your admissions letter or contact the campus you plan on attending for information about which placement tests you are required to take. Click here to determine which tests you will need to take and how to sign up for your test date.

Student/Family Wellness

How to reduce stress with breathing exercises from VeryWell Mind

Breathing exercises can offer a simple anywhere-anytime technique to reduce stress. Simple breathing exercises can help relax the body and reduce stress. Here are a couple of breathing techniques to help with the stress of the holidays. Give one a try or all a try!

KHS 2026-2027 Scheduling Process

Important Dates by Grade Level for Scheduling 2026-2027 School Year

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/guardians should review the course book and available courses for the 2026-27 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.

Class of 2027 (Juniors)

• Jan 6: Counselor Scheduling Presentation

• Jan 6 – Feb 8: Enter requests in Xello (Deadline: Sunday, February 8)

• Jan 27 & Feb 5: Scheduling Workdays during Flextime

• Feb 9–10: Final course request submission during Flextime

Class of 2028 (Sophomores)

• Jan 7: Counselor Scheduling Presentation

• Jan 7 – Feb 8: Enter requests in Xello (Deadline: Sunday February 8)

• Jan 27 & Feb 5: Scheduling Workdays during Flextime

• Feb 9–10: Final course request submission during Flextime

Class of 2029 (Freshmen)

• Jan 8: Counselor Scheduling Presentation

• Jan 8 – Feb 8: Enter requests in Xello (Deadline: Sunday, February 8)

• Jan 27 & Feb 5: Scheduling Workdays during Flextime

• Feb 9–10: Final course request submission during Flextime
  
  

Counselor Presentation Makeup Session (Grades 9-11)

• Jan 12 - For students who missed their earlier scheduled presentation. Held during Flextime in various locations. Please check Flex for your assigned location

Scheduling Help Sessions (Grades 9–11)

Please bring a device

• January 15 - 9:12-9:43 AM
• January 22 - 9:12-9:43 AM
• January 26 - 9:12-9:43 AM
• February 6 - 9:12-9:43 AM

Triumph Program

The Triumph Program is a short-term (typically 9-12 weeks) mental health intervention for students in grades 9-12 from Kimberly, Kaukauna, and Little Chute High Schools. The Triumph program provides a balanced approach to address student mental health needs while supporting their academic progress. With a small academic class size, individualized therapy, daily group sessions, and focused academic support students are able to be fully supported and succeed. Students attend Triumph for a half day programming (Blocks 1 & 2 or Blocks 3 & 4) and Kimberly High School for the other half of their day. Triumph programming is offered free of charge for qualifying students in these districts. The Triumph program was established in January of 2017 and has served over 400 students. If you believe your student would benefit from the Triumph program, please reach out to your child's school counselor for more information.

Come and join us to learn more about transition. As our students with disabilities get older, planning for what comes next can be stressful. We want to assist you in connecting with agencies, pertaining to guardianship and financial supports. This event will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Kimberly High School from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be several guest speakers including a financial advisor and a WI Guardian Support Center Attorney. There will also be informational booths regarding day service agencies, leisure and social groups, and financial and housing supports.

Supervision will be provided for students and siblings by KASD staff and SOAR.

Please email kholtermann@kimberly.k12.wi.us, or abruyette@kimberly.k12.wi or use the QR code on the flyer to indicate you will attend and/or need supervision for students.

Parent Transition Series Flyer

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.

Apply here today!

Emergency Medications:

Emergency medications kept at school are only available during school hours. They will not be accessible before or after school. Parents and students must ensure emergency medication is available for school activities outside regular hours, such as clubs or sports. If there is an emergency and the student does not have their medication, 911 will be called.

As we head into the winter months, we want to remind all families about best practices for managing illnesses to keep our students and staff as healthy as possible. Your partnership is essential in minimizing the spread of illness at school. Please see this "When Should Your Student Stay Home" link

Chartwells December Food Service Newsletter

Below are the links for our Free and Reduced Lunch program. If you are approved for Free and Reduced lunch, and would also like to have fees waived, it is necessary to also fill out the Sharing of Information form.

Free and Reduced School Meals - Application

Free and Reduced School Meals - Information

Free and Reduced School Meals - Sharing Information with Other Programs