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August 2026 Newsletter

Posted Date: 08/24/26 (09:00 AM)


A black paw print logo next to the text 'OAKLAWN ELEMENTARY'.

Oaklawn Elementary Newsletter

August 2026

August 15, 2026

Principal's News

Welcome to the 26-27 School Year! I'm looking forward to successful school year parterning with families. When you come for Meet & Greet Day Wednesday, please:
  • Visit your child(ren)'s classrooms
  • Get student picture taken by Cahill
  • Stop by the cafeteria, get a snack, meet the nutrition staff, see how meal service works, and discuss special diet needs, if any. 
  • Get the GREEN folder from the office
  • Update your family information in Skyward (more about this below)
  • Drop off medications in the office with Mrs. Hay.

Back to school time is exciting, and can also be stressful. You're managing many expectations right now- calendar items, new routines, and activity schedules for the upcoming year. Please reach out with any questions you might have about the upcoming year. The teachers and staff have been putting in long hours to prepare the classrooms, review curriculum, and plan lessons for the first few weeks. Here at Oaklawn, the collective knowledge and experience this team has is truly amazing. We are all pursuing a common goal- student success. In addition to working to provide academic excellence, we also strive to have a welcoming and supportive environment for students and families. The first few days will be filled with a lot of new information for your child(ren) too. Give them time to adjust to the new schedule and make sure they are getting plenty of sleep, healthy food, and activity so that they can be successful in school.

As always, I look forward to a wonderful year.

Mrs. Drout
 

Welcome New Staff

Please join me in welcoming several new staff to Oaklawn Elementary.



Kinsey Johnson, Front Office Clerical
Nicole Rabas, Gr. 2
Heidi Anderson, Gr. 4
Tina Karsten, Gr. 4
Emily Stewart, Gr. 4
Linda Her, EL
Kerri Abel, Intervention Paraeducator
Tina Heth, Special Education Paraeducator
Todd Danielson, Evening Custodian

Staff in New Positions
Eric Markham, Head Custodian
Sara Holcomb, Gr. 2
Kelsey Kobeska, Gr. 1
 
Image with text 'Mark Your Calendar' and a checkmark icon.

Upcoming Events

08/26 Meet and Greet Day, Picture Day
08/27 First full day of school, Bus transportation begins
09/07 No School, Labor Day
09/29 Photo make up day
10/02 Homecoming Parade
10/6 and 10/8 Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/09 No School
10/12 No School, Professional Development
10/30 Halloween Parade
 
2026-27 SDMA Calendar

Reminders

  • Please login to Skyward Family Access and complete the Annual Update of Information. It should only take a few minutes. Please check that each step is completed. There is a link below to do this. This is where you take care of technology, field trip, photo release, and medication permissions. It is also the district database where numbers and emails are pulled for communication.
  • Please note the photo release section. If you select NO, you exclude your child from all classroom and school communications that may include photos (like classroom newsletters, district communications, and Social Media). 
  • If your child is going to be absent or late, communicate with the school. Please call (715) 232-3798. You will be able to leave a message if it is outside of school hours. You can also email Mrs. Sorensen or Mrs. Johnson. tara_sorensen@msd.k12.wi.us or kinsey_johnson@msd.k12.wi.us
  • AM Student drop off begins at 8:25 am. Please do not arrive before 8:25 as we do not have supervision before this time. 
  • Please remember K-2 can pull to the curb on the SOUTH of the crosswalk to drop their students and 3-5 can pull to the sidewalk NORTH of the school crosswalk to drop their children. Students should exit the car on the sidewalk side for safety. Please do not park in the carpool lane.
 
Skyward Family Access

Meet Mrs. Drout

I'm super excited to begin my 7th year in the SDMA. Our partnership is important for student success. I live in Menomonie with my husband Brad, and our two dogs. We've got three adult children who keep us busy as well.

A bit about me. . .
šŸ“ Grew up on a dairy farm in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin. I always loved playing school and wanted to be a teacher from a young age.
šŸŽ“ Earned my degree in Elementary Education from Marquette University and my Master's Degree from Viterbo University.
šŸŽ I'm a former elementary and middle school teacher and principal at St. Joseph School and Downsville Elementary.
🧭 I've been in education for 30 years and still learn something new every day and absolutely LOVE being in school.

šŸ“¬ Stay in Touch
  1. Email: keila_drout@msd.k12.wi.us
  2. Want to chat? Email me to set up a time.
  3. Or just stop by! My door is open and I’d love to meet you in person.
A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiles at the camera.