Fox Cities News

On September 22, 2024, the Oshkosh community gathered to celebrate the completion and launch of Menominee Elementary School. The event included a dedication ceremony and self-guided tours of the new state-of-the-art building.

The doors opened at 3:30 p.m., with the dedication ceremony commencing at 4 p.m. OASD Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis delivered opening remarks, followed by Menominee Elementary students leading the Pledge of Allegiance and a fifth-grade student reading a Land Acknowledgement.

Speeches were given by OASD Board of Education Vice President Chris Wright, Menominee Elementary Principal Beth Galeazzi, and Chairwoman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Mrs. Gena Kakkak. Mrs. Kakkak emphasized the importance of the partnership between OASD and the Menominee Nation in her speech: “Together we were able to create something that reflected both the spirit of the school as well as the values of our tribe."

The public dedication concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving students from all grade levels, who then welcomed attendees into the school with a cheer of “Go Oshkosh!”

Following this, community members explored the building's innovative learning spaces. Linda Duffey commented on the community effort in creating such a beautiful building while Daniel Duffey appreciated its natural light and views. Linda Duffey also noted thoughtful features like rocking chairs designed for children's comfort.

Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis spoke about future improvements across the district: “This school is more than just a new building. It represents our commitment to providing the best possible education for our children.” He highlighted over a million dollars in annual operational savings due to efficient resource use.

Menominee Elementary School's opening, along with Vel Phillips Middle School in fall 2023, completes phase one of OASD’s four-phase facilities consolidation plan approved by voters in November 2020. The new elementary school combines former Merrill, Washington, and Webster Stanley Elementary School communities and houses around 600 students.

“Menominee Elementary and Vel Phillips Middle School are more than just state-of-the-art buildings,” said Board Vice President Chris Wright, adding that quality schools drive economic growth and community development.