PLTW students are turning ideas into action! Student teams started by drafting detailed, scale maps of their very own amusement parks—with rides, concessions, restrooms, walking paths, and everything in between. Now, those plans are coming to life as they build roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other attractions using cardboard, wood, and anything else they can creatively repurpose.
It’s engineering in action—where imagination, teamwork, and real-world design come together to create an entire amusement park from scratch! 🌟
🎶 Volunteers Needed – Solo & Ensemble Festival! 🎶
On Saturday, February 28, Berlin High School will host hundreds of middle and high school musicians from nine schools for our District Solo & Ensemble Festival.
To help the day run smoothly, we’re looking for about 100 volunteers for morning, afternoon, or full-day shifts. Volunteer roles include set-up/tear-down, kitchen help, monitoring performance sites, assisting at the info table or office computers, and more. No music experience needed! We are also seeking a few nurses to be available during the day.
Interested? Please complete the Google Form and the Volunteer Background Check (background checks must be updated annually).
🗓 Form submissions close Monday, February 16
📅 Schedules will be sent by Friday, February 20
Thank you for supporting our music students—we truly appreciate your time! 🎵
Volunteer Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg73SpdaBtXVNOhDySZQ_DIwJVjwmavQZ2xJWYZzp3f9iMnw/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawQAGCNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJuQW5sRGV4MFRPNlF6Y2Vuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmEBDzQ0n7w95lH1axzRpLKWcR1QQmlvtHVDiP4HztOmWfjCK7Ecew_H2QcJ_aem_6ysR3qPqM9Y6LM3yiLM3kA
Volunteer Background Check: https://securevolunteer.com/BERLIN-AREA-SCHOOL-DISTRICT/home?fbclid=IwY2xjawQAGC9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJuQW5sRGV4MFRPNlF6Y2Vuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvKfnklaoyh_rgwMEBdruRs10UaES39tHl1jy4n9NSZUNlAP-P0HNGnwMS1l_aem_ebqtTfEqgJ-gLV2gULfNlw
Volunteer Form - Paper Copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pwg8eAOH-5BYBG54Ebxxv-So2BW6giMk4MsOD6PxzPY/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawQAGD5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJuQW5sRGV4MFRPNlF6Y2Vuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvRHXADRwguSWoXQTj1zVZ85o8WPswAqMERF_hqF2Sz6GO6zeby2pwRg4AYa_aem_6KC_dTzdm0ARcW--o3GSig&tab=t.0
Questions? Please contact Ms. Abbe Lane, Choir Teacher, at (920) 361-2000 x4145 or alane@berlin.k12.wi.us

We were honored to welcome Coach Toby along with Special Olympics athletes Calvin, Janelle, and Jason. Our guests shared how the Special Olympics mirrors the Olympic Games we watch on TV, while also giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork, dedication, and resilience it takes to compete.
Students learned what it truly means to be a Special Olympics athlete — building confidence, supporting teammates, and never giving up. 💪
To top it off, our guests led basketball warm-up drills and stretches, giving students the chance to get moving and learn directly from the pros! They also shared their favorite parts of being involved in Special Olympics, followed by autograph time and lots of smiles.
There were high-fives, thumbs up, team cheers, and so much joy all around! ❤️💚

We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to building a bright future in your chosen careers. Keep working hard — your future is full of opportunity! 🌟


Our 4K friends couldn’t resist the chance to show some extra love to our amazing staff this Valentine’s Day. Staff were treated to sweet goodies and a cozy hot cocoa bar! ☕🍪
🫶 Smiles, hugs, and love are everywhere today at Clay!
⭐ Bus Driver Spotlight: Lisa Brown Hunger
• Joined Northern Express in March 2021
• Favorite part of the job: the students and her amazing bus co-worker team
• Started driving while looking for a flexible part-time job—and thanks to Jeff Walker, she discovered it truly is the best job ever!
• Prior to driving a school bus, Lisa worked as a library clerk, often stepping in for story time, and was a certified daycare provider for many years
• Loves being a full-time grandma and enjoys being able to bring her grandkids along on the bus when needed
Thank you, Lisa, for your dedication, positivity, and care for our students!
Give Lisa a wave if she’s your driver! 👋🚌

Today we proudly recognize Officer Zach Plath, who has served the Berlin Area School District as our School Resource Officer since 2023. Officer Plath plays an important role in keeping our schools safe, building positive relationships with students, and supporting our staff each and every day.
🇺🇸 His presence helps ensure a secure, welcoming environment where students can focus on learning and growing.
👏 Officer Plath, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the Berlin community. We appreciate all you do!

🎒 We are thrilled to announce that 4K Registration is now open at Berlin Clay Lamberton Elementary School!
Here are some important details:
• Full Day Program: Monday - Friday
• Learning Through Play: We focus on building knowledge and friendships through play-based learning.
• Enrichment Opportunities: Students will have the chance to attend art, music, physical education, and more.
• Eligibility: Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
To register online, please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFFf7FM2fls7HNt5w08A5Rp0eugFuh3kk-_YmMsN9tKZUwTA/viewform
📲 If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at 920-361-2442.
☺️ We look forward to welcoming your child to an exciting year of learning!

⭐ Bus Driver Spotlight: Mark Finger
• Joined Northern Express in August 2018
• Has been driving a school bus since 1972 — an incredible career on the road!
• Favorite part of the job: good pay for a small amount of driving time
• Started driving after his first year of college to earn extra money
• While driving a school bus, Mark also worked for the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Kiwanis District Foundation and served on the Berlin Area School District School Board
Thank you, Mark, for your many years of dedication, service, and commitment to our students and community!
Give Mark a wave if he’s your driver! 👋🚌

❄️🏅 The 7th grade Winter Olympics have begun at BMS!
Our 7th grade ELA and Geography students are diving into their exciting new “Winter Olympics” unit — and the competition is already heating up! 🔥
Students participated in a draft and selected a country to represent and cheer on during the real Winter Olympics. They’ve been busy learning all about their chosen countries and exploring the rich history of the Olympic Games.
Up next? Mapping skills, medal design, the torch relay, host cities, and the wide variety of Olympic events. As they learn, students are creating materials that will be used in competitions — and yes, medals will be awarded! 🥇🥈🥉
Excitement filled the halls today as the first competition kicked off! Teams had 20 minutes to use everything they’ve learned to design a country-themed wall display.
Next Thursday, we’ll host our very own Opening Ceremony, followed by several Winter Olympic-style events right here at BMS!
Let the games begin! ❄️🏆






🎼 This is an incredible opportunity for a talented musician, whether you are an experienced educator or just beginning your teaching career.
To learn more, visit: https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/253736
You can also explore other positions available within the Berlin Area School District at: https://www.berlin.k12.wi.us/page/employment-opportunities

BHS Principal Bryant Bednarek will share updates on what’s going well, areas we’re working to improve, and possible changes for next year.
After the presentation, there will be time for questions and feedback. Our goal is to keep you informed, connected, and heard.
⭐ This will be a virtual (online) meeting.
You can join using the information below:
💻 Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://bit.ly/4qqQDIR
📱 Or dial: (US) +1 314-730-2402
🔢 PIN: 576 005 160#
We hope you’re able to join us!

⭐ Bus Driver Spotlight: Megan Draeger
• Joined Northern Express in March 2023
• Favorite part of the job: building relationships with her students and being a cheerleader for their success from behind the wheel
• Started driving after being recruited by our amazing location manager, Doris Holmes, and to help out while working as a teacher’s aide
• Prior to driving a school bus, Megan worked as an X-Ray and CT Tech
• Proud mom of three kids, who often ride the bus with her
Thank you, Megan, for your hard work, dedication, and for being such a positive presence for our students!
Give Megan a wave if she’s your driver! 👋🚌

📚✨ Learning + fun = the perfect 100th day!







⭐ Bus Driver Spotlight: Mike Grenier
• Joined Northern Express in August 2018
• Began driving a school bus in September 2017
• Favorite part of the job: the sense of purpose and satisfaction that comes from positively impacting the next generation
• Started driving to give back to the community—and yes, he’ll admit the pay helps too!
• Prior to driving a school bus, Mike served for 30 years as an investigator and special agent with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Thank you, Mike, for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our students!
Give Mike a wave if he’s your driver! 👋🚌

Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting our bus drivers—so let’s get to know the people behind the wheel!
⭐ Bus Driver Spotlight: Jack Nation
• Joined Northern Express in August 2018
• Began driving a school bus in 2010
• Favorite part of the job: The kids! Jack loves watching students grow from quiet 4K learners into confident young adults
• Started driving in retirement to stay busy, active, and engaged
• Previous experience includes serving in the Air Force, working in a plastics factory, and owning a trucking company operating in 27 states
• Proud family man with a wife, 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren
Thank you, Jack, for your dedication, care, and commitment to our students.
Give Jack a wave if he’s your driver! 👋🚌

BHS Principal Bryant Bednarek will share updates on what’s going well, areas we’re working to improve, and possible changes for next year.
After the presentation, there will be time for questions and feedback. Our goal is to keep the community informed, connected, and heard.
This will be a virtual meeting.
You can join using the information below:
💻 Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cbq-yfgn-xie
📱 Or dial: (US) +1 314-730-2402
🔢 PIN: 576 005 160#
We hope you’re able to join us!

Students whipped up homemade smoothies and compared them to store-bought versions—then discovered that homemade is the healthier (and tastier) choice!




The art show kicks off tonight at Beckets in Oshkosh from 4:30 PM–6:30 PM, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite pieces. Winning artists will receive prizes! 🏆
If you’re in the area, stop by, support the arts, and cast your vote for Eva’s amazing work. We’re so proud of you, Eva! 👏

