We’re excited to introduce Mrs. Kimberly Newfer as one of the newest members of our teaching team! With a career in education that began in 1996 as an educational aide and a teaching license earned in 2011, Mrs. Newfer brings years of experience, passion, and dedication to the classroom. She is a proud graduate of Allen East and Apollo and earned her Master of Education degree from Wright State University. Originally from Lafayette, she now lives in Shawnee with her family.
Outside of school, Mrs. Newfer is a proud wife, mom, and “Mimi” to her granddaughter. She enjoys spending time with her family (and their Goldendoodle, Scottie!), exploring Ohio towns, reading, traveling—especially to the coast—and creating engaging classroom materials.
Mrs. Newfer is most excited to join a district that values community and inclusivity and looks forward to supporting student success both academically and personally.
Help us give her a warm Wapak welcome! 🍎📚✏️
Morning announcements for Wednesday, April 30th. https://5il.co/3ev6x
Morning announcements for Tuesday, April 29th. https://5il.co/3enpl
Morning announcements for Monday, April 28th. https://5il.co/3ejsg
Please help us welcome Alysha Kroeger to Wapakoneta City Schools!
Alysha joins us after 12 years of serving as a K–3 Intervention Specialist at Sidney City Schools. She is a graduate of Troy High School and earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University.
Alysha enjoys running and can often be spotted jogging around Wapakoneta—so don’t forget to wave if you see her!
She’s especially excited to join Wapak City Schools this year as her oldest child begins at Wapak Elementary in the fall. “I’m looking forward to having a larger impact in the community and being part of the same district as my son.”
Morning announcements for Friday, April 25th. Go Redskins! https://5il.co/3efsq
Join us in welcoming Amy Downing to Wapakoneta City Schools!
After graduating from Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma, Amy returned to Ohio and began her career in Special Education as a teaching assistant at Marimor School in Lima in 1988. With 35 years of experience—minus a decade spent at home raising her two daughters—Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her new role.
Fun Fact: Amy loves thrifting, soaking up the sun, and spending time with her two grandbabies.
She’s excited to begin this new chapter with Wapak City Schools and is looking forward to making a positive impact on students and staff alike!
Morning announcements for Thursday, April 24th. https://5il.co/3ecju
WMS Students - The WMS PTO will be hosting there Glow Party Activity Night this Friday from 5:30-7:00 here at the middle school. Come out and have a good time and then walk over to the stadium and support the track program at Redskin Relays.
Brielle is an exceptional student, friend, and leader who truly deserves to be recognized. She is a hardworking and dedicated learner who isn’t afraid to ask questions and is always willing to help her peers. As a friend, Brielle is positive, loyal, and kind—the type of person everyone wants by their side. She sets a strong example for others, consistently encouraging those around her to be their best selves. A natural leader, Brielle plays an active role on our team and throughout the school. As a member of student council, she serves with integrity, consistently going above and beyond in her responsibilities. Her influence is felt in every classroom, hallway, and activity she participates in.
Aubree Carpenter is a conscientious, respectful, and mature fifth grader who truly exemplifies our school’s #bebetter motto. She works hard in her studies, stays engaged in class, and collaborates well with all of her peers—never complaining about group work or assigned seating. Aubree consistently demonstrates kindness, responsibility, and a thoughtful approach to resolving conflicts. Rather than relying solely on adults, she seeks advice and takes initiative to handle peer issues in a mature and respectful way. She listens, asks questions, and strives to learn from every situation—owning her actions and growing through each experience. Outside of school, Aubree is a talented and dedicated dancer who has won several competitions, earning the respect of her teachers, teammates, and coaches alike. She brings positivity and leadership to every environment she’s a part of, making her a valued role model at school and in the community.
Kinley Shappell, a fifth-grade student at Wapakoneta Middle School, is an outstanding example of the Wapakoneta City Schools’ mission to #bebetter. She is consistently respectful, considerate, and kind in her interactions with both peers and staff. A natural leader, Kinley selflessly gives up her free time to support others and has a remarkable sense of when extra kindness is needed. Her patience and positivity shine, even in the fast-paced world of middle school. Kinley demonstrates a strong work ethic and growth mindset, approaching every academic challenge with determination and curiosity. She is a problem solver, always striving to dig deeper and do her personal best.
Brynn Herbst is an outstanding sixth-grade student who exemplifies trustworthiness, reliability, and respect in all she does. She is courteous, responsible, and always willing to meet expectations with a positive attitude. Known for her strong work ethic, Brynn consistently turns in high-quality assignments, maintains an excellent attendance record, and has earned all A Honor Roll every quarter this year. Beyond the classroom, Brynn is active in fall and spring soccer on a Wapak travel team, plays basketball in the winter, and competes in jazz, hip hop, and tumbling through the Dance Center. Despite her busy schedule, she remains friendly, organized, and fun to be around. In her free time, Brynn enjoys playing outside, jumping on her trampoline, swimming at her grandma's pool, and challenging her family to UNO on game nights. She also loves baking chocolate chip cookies and banana bread, eating at Beer Barrel, and spending time with her friends. Brynn truly embodies the spirit of a well-rounded, dedicated, and joyful student.
Morning announcements for Tuesday, April 22nd. https://5il.co/3dz9f
Morning announcements for Thursday, April 17th. Have a great, long weekend! https://5il.co/3dtcq
Morning announcements for Wednesday, April 16th. https://5il.co/3dofm
Morning announcements for Monday, April 14th. https://5il.co/3de9q
Ethan Jeanneret, WMS 7th grader, threw out the first pitch at tonight's softball game tonight. Ethan was born with a heart defect that wasn’t discovered until he was four months old. At 22 months, he underwent open-heart surgery where doctors found two holes—one was repaired, and the other was left to help reduce lung pressure. He was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and has been treated and monitored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital since. In 2022, doctors began discussing the need for a lung transplant. After being admitted to the hospital in October 2024 for another heart surgery, it was determined he needed a double lung transplant, which he received in December. Ethan is now recovering well, and it was a joy to see him at the game tonight, full of life.
Morning announcements for Thursday, April 10th. https://5il.co/3d7jm
Morning announcements for Wednesday, April 9th. https://5il.co/3d0z6