Fondy Special Education Teacher Offers Advice and Shares Facts About Herself

In our city there are heroes that sometimes fly under the radar. They do one of the most important jobs: teach our children. I’d like to highlight an amazing teacher in the Fondy Special Education Department that makes a difference in the lives of our youngsters. At the elementary level, Ashley Shmitz teaches for Fondy schools.

Mrs. Schmitz has been with Fondy schools for 4 years. Her favorite part in teaching is, “seeing kids make new connections and growing their confidence to do things they did not think they could. Helping students grow in confidence and ability is the best!”

She says her greatest support system: “has been my family and coworkers. Parkside has a great special education team that I have been able to bounce ideas off of. The classroom teachers have also been major supporters! Collaboration with the classroom teachers that are with the students a majority of the time is critical. When we are all on the same page it makes the greatest difference!”

Mrs. Schmitz would like to encourage Special Education families with: “collaborate and advocate! You are a critical part of your student’s education even when you are not at school. You know your student best! The more you can share with your child’s team at school the better. School staff want to support you and your child. You are not alone.”

Additionally she says, “I am a mom to twin boys that are in 3rd grade. We are on the go often with sports, finding adventures in the area, or travelling as a family. This past summer we took a trip to Daytona for a Nascar race because my boys’ are obsessed with Nascar. Sports are big in my house. We have a sporting event on most days, especially in the summer, Brewers, Bucks, Packers, Nascar, or Dockspiders. A place we enjoy going more locally is the Milwaukee Zoo. My favorite animal is the jaguars.”

I’d like to take a moment to thank all members of the Fond du Lac School District staff as they continue to foster the growth of all our students. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.