Hemlock Creek Elementary School

08/28/2026

Learn more about the upcoming Operational Referendum on Nov. 3 for the School District of West De Pere.

The School District of West De Pere is facing growing budget deficits due to a combination of limited state funding, an inequitable state funding formula, and rising expenses.

While cost-saving measures have been implemented, they are no longer enough to offset the financial gap. Without the permission to reallocate current district funds to operating expenses, reductions that impact our students will be necessary.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters in our community will consider an operational referendum that would provide the district permission to reallocate critical funding to maintain and support our schools and students.

Find more information and answers to FAQs at https://www.wdpreferendum.org

08/27/2026

What is Phantom Time at Hemlock Creek?

Each grade level at Hemlock Creek has a daily Phantom Time built into their schedule. This is a dedicated time to Reinforce, Intervene, Support, and Enrich. This time allows each grade level to provide targeted support and enrichment based on student needs and grade level essential standards.

During Phantom Time, your child may work with students outside of their homeroom or with a different Hemlock Creek staff member. We call this WE Time, as we work together across grade levels to meet students where they are and support their learning needs at this time. We are excited to provide targeted instruction that helps every student grow!

08/26/2026

Our teacher teams are ready for Open House tonight! Check out Gr 2 and Gr 3 team photos. See you from 4:30 - 6 PM to meet your teacher, see your classroom and drop off your supplies!

08/26/2026

Who are you going to nominate?

You can now nominate that special teacher in your life for a Kohl Fellowship from the Herb Kohl Philanthropies & Herb Kohl Educational Foundation!

We want to hear all about the teacher that you know that makes a difference every day in their schools, for their students, and in the communities.

https://www.herbkohlphilanthropies.org/celebrating-excellence-in-education/teacher-and-principal-awards.php

08/26/2026

It is hard to believe that the summer break is coming to an end.

08/26/2026

Mark your calendar for the first PTO mtg of this year! Hope to see you there!

08/24/2026

Wisconsin schools operate under a state-imposed revenue limit, which caps the amount of funding they can receive from state aid and local property taxes.

While the cost of educating students continues to rise each year, the revenue limit has not kept pace with inflation and increasing operational costs. As a result, many Wisconsin school districts face growing financial challenges, even when they carefully manage their budgets.

When state funding and the revenue limit do not provide enough resources to support day-to-day operations, Wisconsin law allows districts to ask local voters for permission to temporarily exceed the revenue limit through an operational referendum. This referendum, asks for permission to reallocate current resources to operating expenses while staying within the current overall budget and will have a zero impact on the mill rate.

Want to learn more about how Wisconsin’s school funding system works and what it means for the School District of West De Pere? Visit https://www.wdpreferendum.org

08/21/2026

Welcome to HC!

Hi! My name is Katie Weihbrecht, and I’m so excited to start this school year as Hemlock Creek’s newest art teacher!

I attended UWEC as a double major in Art Education and Elementary Education before moving back home and completing my Fine Arts degree at St. Norbert College. Immediately thereafter I began teaching art at a local private school.

I married my high school sweetheart shortly before graduation, and when we decided to start a family I chose to step back from teaching to stay home with our sons. All 3 of my boys are now teenagers and former Hemlock Creek students! In addition to being a stay at home mom, I have spent the past 17 years as a professional photographer, painter, substitute aide, and frequent school volunteer.

When not working you can usually find me cheering on my kids at their various sports and activities, traveling, spending time up north with my family, at the beach as often as possible, or reading.

I’m so thankful to be stepping back into teaching in such an incredible community, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help foster creativity in your students!

08/19/2026

If the operational referendum is approved by voters this November, there would be a net-zero impact on the district’s mill rate.

The district’s mill rate will not increase as a result of an approved referendum. However, property taxes could increase related to the estimated fair market value of property, which is determined by the State Department of Revenue.

Learn more about the proposed referendum: https://www.wdpreferendum.org

08/17/2026

Welcome to Hemlock Creek!

My name is Ann Cataldo. I am excited to be working with Mrs. Allen in the music department at Hemlock Creek Elementary! I graduated from West De Pere High School and attended St. Norbert College for my bachelor's degree and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, for my master's degree. Along with teaching music, I play piano and clarinet in community groups. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing board games and doing outdoor activities with my family. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the students, families and staff at Hemlock Creek!