About

About Farnsworth Middle School
At Farnsworth, your kids are our priority. We provide a supportive, encouraging environment that celebrates students' successes and recognizes their mistakes as a natural part of the learning journey. Our staff is dedicated to reaching each of our unique, individual students and is committed to giving them a high-quality education that will launch them into adulthood as informed, thoughtful people.
Farnsworth Middle School is one of five middle schools in the Sheboygan Area School District. We have a student body of about 460 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Our staff is dedicated to providing a safe and encouraging learning environment for every student.
Student Learning Support
Classrooms
Educators at Farnsworth work collaboratively to support every student’s success. Grade-level planning periods and team meetings provide opportunities for teachers to plan instruction, share strategies, and discuss individual student needs and achievements. Co-teaching is also a key part of our approach, allowing multiple educators to work together in the classroom to provide small-group instruction and more personalized support for all learners.
Forging Relationships
Students begin the day with a brief Homeroom period. This is a time to have breakfast, talk with classmates about important questions posed by Project Wisdom, and make connections with a teacher in a less formal setting than regular classes.
Encouraging Exploration of New Interests
At Farnsworth, students explore new subjects through the Allied Arts program, including art, music, PE, business, technology, family and consumer education, and world languages. They are also encouraged to join after-school activities to build skills, teamwork, confidence, and self-esteem.
Staying connected with Farnsworth
Regular communication between school and families is key to student success. Here’s how we keep you informed:
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Skyward– This website/platform allows you to monitor grades, assignments, family information, and attendance.
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Daily Assignments / Google Classroom – Stay updated on classroom news and homework.
- Newsletters -
- "The Weekly" – Updated and emailed every week with important school information
- "The Monthly" – Highlights student activities and learning in their academic classrooms.
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Facebook– Features pictures, events, and school updates.
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Parent-Teacher Conferences – Scheduled twice per year to discuss student progress.
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Open Communication – Teachers welcome questions and encourage parents to reach out via email or by appointment.
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Our Record of Success
Over the years, Farnsworth has earned a rating of meeting or exceeding expectations on its Wisconsin School Report Card.
In surveys of how they feel about their school, Farnsworth students give responses that show our dedication to building teacher-student relationships is paying off. Although all our district middle schools scored well on these measures, in last year's survey a higher percentage of students at Farnsworth than any other district middle school agreed with the statements "Students have a trusted adult that they can talk to" and "Teachers treat me in a way that is respectful."
Farnsworth Timeline
1931 - Sheboygan's South Side Junior High School is completed. Sheboygan's first junior high included students in grades kindergarten to 9th. Enrollment of 862 students and staff of 24 full-time and 4 part-time teachers.
1958 - Elementary classes are transferred to the new Wilson School, leaving a student population of 662.
1960 - We became Farnsworth Junior High School, named for William S. Farnsworth, the man who is credited with founding Sheboygan.
1975 - A major remodeling took place, providing space for science, music, art, technology education, and the library.
1982 - We became Farnsworth Middle School as the concept of middle schools was adopted in Sheboygan.
1997 - Another major remodeling and additions are built to improve physical education, library, classroom and cafeteria spaces.
2005 - Remodeling converts the former auditorium space into two floors of classrooms, small instructional areas, and meeting spaces.
Farnsworth Principals
Otto H. Lowe - 1931–1946
Otto F. Huettner - 1946–1959
Erwin J. Bach - 1959–1969
Perry Gaalaas - 1969–1974
James H. Arentsen - 1974–1985
Roland Alger - 1985–1989
Al Calabresa - 1989–1999
Dave Williams - 1999–2008
Todd DeBruin - 2008–Present
