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• • Jackson Kindergarten Spreads Holiday Cheer at Felician Village 🎶

    
    Today was a heart-warming day for our Jackson Elementary community! Jackson Kindergarten students
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    Today was a heart-warming day for our Jackson Elementary community! Jackson Kindergarten students took a special trip to Felician Village, where they filled the halls with cheerful songs, smiling faces, and plenty of holiday spirit.

    Our youngest learners proudly delivered handmade holiday cards, spreading joy and kindness to residents while learning the importance of giving back to the community. Through music, creativity, and connection, students experienced how even small gestures can make a big difference.

    Moments like these reflect the heart of Jackson Elementary building compassion, fostering community connections, and creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. 💙

    
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  • Board of Education Approves School Consolidation Plan

    
    At its meeting on Tuesday night, the Manitowoc Public School District Board of Education voted
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    At its meeting on Tuesday night, the Manitowoc Public School District Board of Education voted 4–3 to approve the district’s school consolidation plan. This decision represents the next step in our commitment to Our Schools, Our Future, a long-term vision focused on strengthening educational programming, stabilizing enrollment, and supporting financial sustainability across the district.

    To learn more about the consolidation process, review materials, and access ongoing updates, please visit the Our Schools, Our Future consolidation page on our district website.
     
     

    Below is a letter to families from Superintendent Thennes:

     

    Dear MPSD Families,

     

    At the December 9th regular meeting, the Manitowoc Public School District Board of Education approved a
    districtwide consolidation plan that will guide how we organize our schools in the years ahead.

     

    This plan comes after months of reviewing enrollment trends, population changes in our community, future
    residential growth, facility needs, and transportation considerations. Our goal throughout this entire process
    has been to create stronger, more equitable learning experiences for all students while also being responsible
    stewards of our financial resources. Our plan includes:

    
    ● Madison Elementary School and Jackson Elementary School will no longer operate as school
    buildings. Jackson will be decommissioned for the 2026-27 school year. Madison Elementary
    property will be put for sale.
    ● Riverview Elementary will transition into the District’s Riverview Early Learning Center. This will
    allow the District to expand to full-day 4K programming in partnership with a local daycare facility at
    no cost to families. Riverview will continue to offer half day 4K for families that prefer half day.
    ● Students currently in grades K–4 at Riverview will transition to Stangel Elementary School.
    ● Wilson Middle School will become Wilson Intermediate School, serving 5th and 6th grade students.
    ● Washington Middle School will become Washington Middle School, serving 7th and 8th grade
    students.
    ● The District’s high school Alternative Learning programs will relocate to the UW–Green Bay,
    Manitowoc Campus, creating expanded opportunities for student access to college-level resources
    and programming.

     

    These changes were approved to ensure long-term stability for our district and to strengthen programming
    and opportunities for all students.

     

    In the weeks ahead, we will begin mapping out transition timelines, transportation details, staffing
    assignments, and student & family support. We will provide clear and timely communication regarding
    consolidation planning at every step of the process.

     

    Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your dedication to the Manitowoc Public School District.
    Together, we will continue building strong, supportive learning environments for every child in our
    community.

     

    With Ships Pride,
    Lee Thennes
    Superintendent
    Manitowoc Public School District

    
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  • Franklin Elementary Donates 1,167 Pounds of Food to Peter’s Pantry

    
    Franklin Elementary School is celebrating an incredible show of generosity from its students, staff,
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    Franklin Elementary School is celebrating an incredible show of generosity from its students, staff, families, and the surrounding neighborhood community. This year’s Student Council–led Peter’s Pantry Food Drive brought in an impressive 1,167 pounds of food, all of which will directly support individuals and families throughout Manitowoc.

    The drive reflects the heart of Franklin’s school community, one that consistently steps up to help others. Student Council members shared their appreciation for everyone who contributed, noting that support came from current families, former families, and neighbors who have maintained a long-standing connection to the school.

    Friendly competition added excitement throughout the building as classrooms worked together to collect the most food items. This year’s highest contributors were:

    1st Place (Tie):

    Mr. Lehman’s 4th Grade — 190 items
    Mrs. Saubert’s 5th Grade — 190 items
    2nd Place:

    Ms. Heideman’s 2nd Grade — 69 items
    3rd Place:

    Mrs. Buchner’s 1st Grade — 51 items
    These four classrooms earned a special ice cream treat from the Student Council to celebrate their hard work and commitment to giving back.

    Franklin Elementary’s success demonstrates the power of a caring school community working toward a shared goal. Every can, box, and donation made a difference, and together, they created meaningful support for Peter’s Pantry and the families it serves.

    Thank you to all who contributed and helped make this year’s food drive such a tremendous success.

    
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  • Celebrating NJHS at Our Middle Schools!

    
    It’s been an exciting season of recognition across MPSD! Washington Middle School inducted its
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    It’s been an exciting season of recognition across MPSD!

    
    Washington Middle School inducted its first-ever chapter of the National Junior Honor Society on Thursday, December 4, a historic milestone for their school community!

    
    Wilson Middle School also celebrated its National Junior Honor Society induction earlier this fall, honoring students who continue to demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

    
    We are so proud of these remarkable students and the educators who support and inspire them each day. Their commitment to excellence shines brightly across our district!

     

    

    
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  • Ships Men’s Soccer Team Launches “Ships Sink Hunger” Campaign

    
    The Manitowoc Lincoln High School Men's Soccer Team is demonstrating what it means to live out
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    The Manitowoc Lincoln High School Men's Soccer Team is demonstrating what it means to live out MPSD’s Culture of Excellence, both on and off the field. After Superintendent Thennes and Athletic Director Stan Diedrich encouraged varsity programs to deepen their community engagement, the team stepped forward with a powerful commitment: helping fight hunger in Manitowoc County.

    This fall, the team partnered with Manitowoc Cooperative Ministries and their weekly Free Community Meals program at First Presbyterian Church. To make the effort meaningful and team-centered, coaches organized players into six small groups, each led by a member of the program’s Leadership Council.

    Each group has taken one 90-minute Wednesday evening volunteer shift during the six weeks between the end of the soccer season and Winter Break. When players arrive, they receive a brief orientation and then jump into meal prep, serving, clean-up, and working together to ensure guests feel welcomed and supported.

    By Winter Break, the Ships will have helped prepare and distribute approximately 1,000 meals to local individuals and families in need.

    The service project reinforces the values the coaches aim to instill within the program: leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and giving back. According to the team, this isn’t just a temporary initiative, it’s becoming part of the identity of Men’s Soccer at LHS.

    “We are intentionally designing our program to ensure that this type of service is part of the fabric of Shipbuilders Men’s Soccer in perpetuity,” shared the team. The initiative, now formally branded as the Ships Sink Hunger campaign, is already planned to continue through at least the 2030–2031 school year.

    The team has mapped out a series of service opportunities to expand their impact in the years ahead, including:

    • Coldest Night of the Year 5K — February 28, 2026
      Supporting local organizations addressing housing insecurity.
    • Spring Donation Drive
      A team-led effort to restock local Blessing Boxes with essential items.
    • Free Admission to 2026 Home Matches
      Fans can attend at no cost with a donation of three or more non-perishable items.
    • SOUP-ER Senior Night
      A new marquee event where seniors compete in a week-long food drive. The senior who collects the most pounds of food will be crowned the season’s SOUP-ER SENIOR. Players will organize all sorting and delivery to local food pantries.

    This work is guided by both Junior Captain Andrew Carey and Head Coach Matt Kadow, who together emphasize that leadership means using your platform to uplift your community.

    The Ships’ hunger-relief work reflects the best of what student athletics can be, where competition meets character, and teamwork extends beyond the sidelines. Through their dedication, our athletes are showing Manitowoc what it truly means to be “Anchored in Tradition, United as Ships.”

    
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• • Supporting Students, One Bushel at a Time!

    
    This fall, the Manitowoc Public School District was thrilled to take part in the APPLE Project, a
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    This fall, the Manitowoc Public School District was thrilled to take part in the APPLE Project, a collaboration focused on bringing fresh, locally grown produce to communities and schools throughout our region.

    Thanks to Grow It Forward, the UW–Extension FoodWIse program, the Door County Peninsular Agricultural Research Station, and generous funding from The West Foundation, MPSD received about 60 bushels of apples in October, all provided at no cost to our district.

    These apples were sourced through an initiative aimed at increasing access to nutritious, Wisconsin-grown foods in food pantries, nonprofits, and low-income school districts across four counties. Through this effort, partners have already delivered more than 12,000 pounds of apples to:
    🍏 14 food pantries
    🍎 3 school districts
    🍏 7 nonprofit organizations
    across Manitowoc, Kewaunee, Door, and Brown counties.

    For our students, this project meant fresh, healthy snacks and meaningful connections to local agriculture, reinforcing the importance of wholesome foods and community partnerships that nurture learning and well-being.

    We are incredibly grateful to all partners involved who made this possible. Your support ensures our students have access to high-quality, nutritious food that fuels their school day.

    
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  • Kindness in Action Across MPSD!

    
    Last Wednesday’s half day was anything but ordinary for our Washington and Wilson Middle
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    Last Wednesday’s half day was anything but ordinary for our Washington and Wilson Middle School students. In the spirit of World Kindness Day, both schools spent the morning spreading care, gratitude, and service throughout their buildings and across the Manitowoc community.  

     

    
    From organizing library shelves and cleaning classrooms to mentoring our Elementary students, creating cards for veterans and the elderly, making dog toys and treats, decorating cookies, crafting, and even lending a hand at places off campus like Grow It Forward, the Maritime Museum, Rubick Field, Lighthouse Recovery Center, School Forest, Shady Lane, Hope House, Felician Village and the Boys & Girls Club, just to name a few, our students showed up in BIG ways.   

     

    
    Student groups also helped clean up Lincoln Park, with community members sharing heartfelt compliments about the positive impact these students were making.

     

    
    Inside and outside their schools, our middle schoolers embraced the chance to give back, proving that kindness isn’t just an activity… It’s a mindset.  
    A huge thank-you to our staff for coordinating so many meaningful opportunities and helping students connect service with purpose. And to our students: your kindness made a difference.

    
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  • Help Our Ships Compete: Donate Gently Used Athletic Equipment

    
    If you would like to give back to your Lincoln community, here’s a simple way to make a big
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    If you would like to give back to your Lincoln community, here’s a simple way to make a big impact. Lincoln High School, in partnership with Certified Athletic Trainer Stephanie Garcia from Advocate Aurora Sports Medicine, is collecting gently used athletic equipment to support student athletes in need.

     

    Your donations will help ensure every Ship has access to safe, reliable gear, so cost is never a barrier to being part of a team.

     

    Items We’re Accepting:
    Braces – ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, etc.
    Walking boots – any size
    Crutches – any height
    Rehab bands or equipment
    Cleats – soccer, football, baseball/softball
    Gloves – hockey, soccer goalie, baseball/softball, football
    Shin guards
    Pads – knee/elbow/shoulder/shin
    Bats – baseball/softball
    Helmets – baseball/softball/hockey/football

    
    ✅ Donation Guidelines:
    Please only donate items in good condition, no cracks, holes, broken pieces, or heavily worn equipment, to ensure safety and usability for our student athletes.

     

    📍 How to Donate:
    Donations can be dropped off with Stephanie in the Athletic Training Room (next to the Aux Gym) after school.

     

    📧 Questions or to arrange a donation time? Email stephanie.garcia@aah.org

     

    💙 Every piece of equipment helps a Ship stay in the game. Thank you for supporting our students and Lincoln athletics!

    
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  • Art in Focus: Lincoln High’s Olivia Kalkopf Curates Her First Exhibit

    
    Lincoln High School senior Olivia (Liv) Kalkopf is making history as the first LHS student to curate
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    Lincoln High School senior Olivia (Liv) Kalkopf is making history as the first LHS student to curate her own art exhibit at the Manitowoc Public Library (MPL), a milestone that highlights both her personal talent and a growing collaboration between MPSD and the library.

     

    Her exhibit, located in the Teen Section at MPL through the end of November, features nine original pieces inspired by architecture. This theme has guided her creative journey throughout high school.

     

    “I’ve been really into architecture art recently, and over the past year, I’ve been working on building skills and learning how to present architecture art through different mediums,” Olivia shared.
    Olivia has created 11 architectural pieces and chose nine to include in her show. Her favorite works, she said, are her charcoal drawings, which are displayed along the top of the exhibit.

     

    “It made me feel like my art was good enough to be on display,” she added. “I hope people can see how each piece is different, because they were all created at different points in time for me.”

     
    
    The exhibit stems from a collaboration between the Lincoln High School art department and the Manitowoc Public Library, designed to give students real-world opportunities to share their creativity beyond the classroom.

     

    Art Teacher Sam Deeley-Burke said the partnership began last year when she and fellow art teacher Emily Weinberger worked with MPL’s Teen Services Associate Kristin Keck to showcase student work from the second semester.

     

    “Our annual district art exhibit at the Rahr-West Art Museum takes place in March, which is the beginning of second semester for our high school students,” Deeley-Burke explained. “That means many beautiful works are created without our community being able to view them.”

    
    The success of that summer exhibit inspired the library to continue the partnership. When the display space opened up again this fall, Olivia took initiative to fill it, creating her own show and professional artist statement.

     

    “Olivia tackled our ‘Present’ standard in an engaging, unique way,” Deeley-Burke said. “She honestly ‘cranks out’ so much work that this exhibit is just a small portion of what she makes. Her architectural drawings remind me of M.C. Escher’s work, she creates optical illusions as she learns more about the angles required to make realistic settings.” 

    
    Deeley-Burke said the LHS art program emphasizes student choice and self-directed creativity. Students are encouraged to set personal goals, develop their own ideas, and share their work with authentic audiences, a structure that has helped Olivia flourish.

     

    “All of our art courses incorporate student choice so that they have intrinsic motivation and a more enjoyable experience creating their artworks,” she said. “My art teacher heart is so happy to see Olivia achieving her personal goals, especially before her timeline. She exceeded them, and that’s probably why she’s graduating a semester early.”

    
    
    For Kristin Keck, the library’s Teen Services Associate, partnerships like this help celebrate youth creativity while connecting teens to the broader community.

     

    “We wanted to bring more art into the library and have a collaborative space where people could display their art,” Keck said. “After discussing a couple of options, we decided to reach out to the school art teachers, and we’re so glad the students wanted to participate!”

    
    Keck said the library’s “Fresh Visions” teen display area is quickly becoming a creative hub for young artists. This summer, MPL showcased a display of work by LHS seniors, and Olivia’s exhibit continues that tradition of collaboration.

     

    “Making art is a condition of being human, like making honey is a condition of being a bee,” Keck said. “We should celebrate art in all its forms, and especially the new artists discovering their talents. Encouraging those sparks in our community is part of what a library should do.”

     
    As Olivia looks forward to college, she hopes to study architecture or another art-related field. In the meantime, her work stands as a testament to creativity, persistence, and partnership.

     

    “It’s wonderful to see our students take initiative and showcase their creativity in the community,” Deeley-Burke said. 

    
    Visitors can view Olivia’s exhibit in the Teen Section of the Manitowoc Public Library through the end of November.

     

                                                                  

     

     

    
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  • District Leaders Lend a Helping Hand at Lincoln High School

    
    The Manitowoc Public School District is celebrating a day of teamwork, service, and school spirit as
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    The Manitowoc Public School District is celebrating a day of teamwork, service, and school spirit as Director of Business Services, Nathan Mielke, traded spreadsheets for school bells and spent the day subbing as a paraprofessional at Lincoln High School! 🏫

    As part of our Back-to-School Kickoff in August, four lucky staff members earned an extra personal day, with their absences covered by district administrators. On Friday, it was Mr. Mielke’s turn to roll up his sleeves and step into classrooms, supporting students and staff throughout the day in Biology, English 10, Math Applications, Financial Literacy, U.S. History, and English 11.

    The experience provided a meaningful opportunity to see learning in action and to connect with students and staff firsthand. It also reinforced an important message at the heart of MPSD’s culture, that leadership starts with service and that we’re all part of one team working together to support student success. 💪

    
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• • Monroe 5th Graders Gear Up for Credit Union Opening!

    
    Mrs. Berres and a group of Monroe Elementary 5th graders took a special field trip to UnitedOne
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    Mrs. Berres and a group of Monroe Elementary 5th graders took a special field trip to UnitedOne Credit Union for training — preparing to officially run their very own UnitedOne branch right here at Monroe!

    Students learned how to assist members, handle transactions, and understand the basics of saving and financial responsibility. This hands-on experience is a unique way for students to build real-world skills while strengthening their math, communication, and teamwork abilities.

    The UnitedOne Credit Union at Monroe will officially open on November 6, offering students and staff an exciting opportunity to practice smart money habits and learn what it means to be financially responsible community members.

    📄 Check out this flyer for more information about the program and how students will take part in this exciting partnership!

    
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  • Clipper City Chordsmen Support Lincoln High School Music

    
    The Lincoln High School Music Department is extending a heartfelt thank-you to the Clipper City
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    The Lincoln High School Music Department is extending a heartfelt thank-you to the Clipper City Chordsmen for their generous donation supporting music education at Lincoln!

     

    Each September, the Clipper City Chordsmen host a fundraiser concert featuring performances by area high schools. Proceeds from the event are given back to local music programs across Manitowoc County, helping provide valuable opportunities and resources for student musicians.

     

    Lincoln High School is deeply appreciative of the Chordsmen’s ongoing commitment to music education and their continued partnership with our schools.

     

    In addition to their donation, we’re excited to share that the Lincoln Singers will join the Clipper City Chordsmen for their Christmas Concert on December 13. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with community musicians and share the joy of music during the holiday season. 

     

    Thank you again to the Clipper City Chordsmen for their support and dedication to keeping the arts strong in our community!

    
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  • Lincoln Student Performs with WSMA State Honors Band

    
    From the first notes of rehearsal to the final chord on stage, Lincoln High School’s Hallie
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    From the first notes of rehearsal to the final chord on stage, Lincoln High School’s Hallie Schroeter experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment performing with the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) High School State Honors Band at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison. Selected from hundreds of talented musicians across Wisconsin, Hallie represented both Lincoln High School and the Manitowoc Public School District with pride.

     

    Hallie auditioned last spring and was chosen to rehearse and perform as part of this prestigious All-State Ensemble during the Wisconsin State Music Conference.

     

    Hallie said she was “pretty surprised” when she found out she made the Honors Band, but excited for the opportunity to perform with “a band full of very high-level high school musicians.”

     

    Performing at the Overture Center, she said, was an unforgettable experience:

     

    “It was awesome to see what the Overture Center looks like from behind the scenes as a performer. When I got to the actual performance, I didn’t feel a ton of pressure or anxiety since we spent so much time rehearsing the music on and off stage.”

     

    The week of rehearsals and the final performance left a lasting impact on her.

     

    “Music can be used to express emotions that are too deep to be put into words,” Hallie reflected.

     

    One of her favorite memories came from exploring the state music conference exhibits at Monona Terrace.

     

    “I got to test-play a couple of very nice tenor saxophones and it was fun to hang out with the friends I made at State Honors Band for one last time.”

     

    When asked what advice she’d give to other students considering an audition, Hallie encouraged them to take the leap:

     

    “Don’t be afraid to take a chance and audition — the worst thing that can happen is not making the band. Auditioning is a great experience and it will improve your ability to perform.”

     

    Lincoln High School Band Director Rebekah Nyenhuis said Hallie’s dedication and drive make her stand out as a musician and ensemble member.

     

    “Hallie is a very dedicated student. She constantly evaluates her playing. She sets her sights on a goal and won’t stop until she reaches it.”

     

    Nyenhuis noted the extraordinary level of preparation Hallie undertook for the Honors Band experience:

     

    “Hallie had four days in the summer to work with this group and about 24 hours the day before the concert. All the other legwork was done on her own. This shows her discipline as a musician.”

     

    She also reflected on how this honor highlights Hallie’s growth and commitment over time:

     

    “Hallie has grown tremendously! From the first time I taught her in a saxophone lesson, she has been a very hard worker. Her confidence has soared. She knows her goal and stops at nothing to reach it. She’s always trying to better herself and holds herself to a very high standard.”

     

    👏 Congratulations, Hallie, on this outstanding achievement! Your dedication, passion, and musicianship make the entire MPSD community proud.

     

    
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  • Wilson Students Inspired by Award-Winning Author Kwame Alexander

    
    Wilson Middle School students had an incredible opportunity on Thursday, a virtual author visit with
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    Wilson Middle School students had an incredible opportunity on Thursday, a virtual author visit with Kwame Alexander, Emmy Award-winning producer and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Crossover, Black Star, Why Fathers Cry at Night, and more.

     

    During the visit, students were captivated as Kwame shared stories about his journey as a writer, his love for language, and the power of believing in your own voice. His message of creativity, perseverance, and passion for storytelling deeply resonated with students, reminding them that words have the power to inspire, connect, and make change.

     

    Inviting authors like Kwame to speak with students is part of MPSD’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading and writing. Opportunities like these help students see that literacy is more than an academic skill; it’s a way to understand the world and express their unique perspectives.

     

    Kwame Alexander is not only a celebrated author but also a global advocate for literacy. He has spoken at schools and libraries around the world, including Ghana, West Africa, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in honor of his mother. His work continues to inspire readers of all ages to embrace the joy of words and storytelling.

     

    A huge thank you to Kwame Alexander for sharing his time, his wisdom, and his passion with our Wilson students!

    
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  • Franklin Honored as School of Recognition

    
    The WI DPI honored Franklin Elementary School as a “High Impact” School of Recognition
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    The WI DPI honored Franklin Elementary School as a “High Impact” School of Recognition for its achievement growth for all students, especially students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 
    
    Franklin is one of 70 schools across the state that demonstrated “high impact” above-average achievement in the 2023-2024 school year when compared to schools with similar demographics. This is the first year the Wisconsin Schools of Recognition program has been awarded since it was paused four years ago during the pandemic.
    
    We applaud and thank students, staff and families for your collaboration to advance learning, especially in reading and math. This recognition is the result of hard work by both our staff and students. Our students are engaged in their literacy and math every day, and we are proud of their growth as learners every year.
    
    “High Impact” Title 1 schools are recognized based on a rigorous set of criteria, including academic performance, measurable progress in student growth or graduation rates, and reducing achievement gaps - particularly among students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They must receive federal Title 1 funding, meet or exceed expectations on the most recent School Report Card, and meet or exceed 95% test participation across all students. 
    
    Franklin has “met expectations” on state report cards for the past three years, elevating its overall accountability score by 8.3 points since the 2020-2021 school year during the height of the pandemic.
    
    Learn more about the program and view all honorees.
    
    Be proud of yourselves, Franklin students, staff and families!

    
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