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!

The Manitowoc Public School District has launched a new online Facilities Planning and Consolidation Information Hub. In this one-stop location, school families, staff, and community members can stay informed about the district’s long-term facilities planning work.

The webpage brings together all information related to MPSD’s ongoing facilities review and consolidation planning, including meeting summaries, data presentations, timeline updates, and opportunities for community feedback. The goal is to ensure transparency, accessibility, and collaboration as the district continues to plan for the future of its schools.

 
💡 Supporting a Stronger Future
In early 2025, MPSD began a comprehensive review of its school buildings to assess enrollment trends, facility conditions, and long-term sustainability. This work is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, efficient, and high-quality learning environments for all students.

To guide this process, MPSD established two advisory committees: the Community Facilities Advisory Committee and the Staff Facilities Advisory Committee. These groups, made up of parents, educators, community members, and district leaders, have been meeting regularly since February 2025 to study data, explore options, and provide input on recommendations for the Board of Education.

 
🌐 What You’ll Find on the New Webpage
The new Facilities Planning and Consolidation Information Hub serves as the central location for:

Committee meeting presentations, agendas, and summaries
Data and research used in the facilities planning process
Community engagement opportunities and public meeting schedules
Frequently asked questions and ongoing updates about next steps
By keeping all materials in one place, the district aims to make it easy for families and community members to follow along with the process and stay informed.

 
🤝 Collaboration and Community Engagement
Superintendent Lee Thennes emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed throughout this work.

“Our goal has been to ensure that every step of the facilities planning process is open, transparent, and guided by community voices,” Thennes said. “This new online hub is another way for families, staff, and residents to stay connected and engaged as we plan for the future of our schools.”

 
Visit the new Facilities Planning and Consolidation Information Hub at:
👉 https://www.manitowocpublicschools.org/Facilities-Planning/our-schools-our-future.cfm

The Manitowoc Public School District is proud to recognize Claudia Fischer, school social worker, as one of The Chamber of Manitowoc County’s Future 15 Award recipients. The annual awards honor 15 young professionals in Manitowoc County who have given back to the community, demonstrated leadership, and helped make the area a great place to live and work.

Claudia vividly remembers the moment she found out she had been selected. “I was overfilled with joy and pure shock. I couldn’t believe it!” she said. “I ran straight to my principal, Lisa Delsman’s, office, and we shared this special moment of her congratulating me and literally jumping up and down with excitement. It was such a validating moment and a reminder that the work we do in our schools and our community truly matters and makes a real difference. It’s humbling to know that others see value in what I do every day with students and families.”

As a school social worker, Claudia is driven by her passion for supporting students and families. “I love being the person a student can seek out on their toughest days to help them feel seen, safe, and loved exactly as they are. Every kid deserves that,” she said. “I also love working alongside families to break down the barriers that can get in the way of their child’s success. Watching a student start to believe in themselves, or a family feel truly supported, that’s what keeps me going every day. Oh, and the hugs, smiles, and high fives, of course!”

Claudia draws inspiration from the resilience and kindness she sees in her students. “They are the future of this community, and investing in them is the best way to make Manitowoc stronger and more connected.” 

Being part of MPSD also means being part of a team united by a shared purpose. “We all come from different roles and backgrounds, but we share the common goal of helping kids to feel supported and capable of reaching their potential,” Claudia said. “I’m really proud to be part of a group of people who show up every day with their whole hearts for our students and families.”

The winners of the Future 15 awards will be honored at the Young Professionals’ Future 15 Awards Dinner on November 13, 2025, at Knox’s Silver Valley Bar & Banquet Hall.

Congratulations to Claudia Fischer for this well-deserved recognition and for the lasting difference she makes in the lives of students, families, and the Manitowoc community.

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