Erik & Erinn Aubry

OUSD Parent Voices Video: Aubry Family

“A small-town school district with a big heart, where our children are known, loved, supported, and encouraged to become the very best versions of themselves.” For Erik and Erinn, Oconto schools have always been part of their story. As proud OHS graduates, Erik and Erinn now have the privilege of watching their own children, Levi (3rd grade) and Isla (1st grade), grow and thrive in the same district that shaped their lives. But as parents, they've gained a new appreciation for the incredible people who make our schools so special.

❤️ “What we love most about OUSD is that our children are so much more than names on a class roster. They're known, cared for, encouraged, and celebrated by people throughout the school.” For their family, OUSD's close-knit, small-town atmosphere feels like so much more than a school district. Their children walk through the doors each morning surrounded by familiar faces, teachers who know their personalities, staff members who recognize their strengths and struggles, and people who genuinely care about their happiness, confidence, friendships, and well-being. Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impressions.

Isla's journey shows what those relationships can mean to a child. At her 4K teacher meet-and-greet, Isla was so shy and overwhelmed that she cried just trying to speak to her teacher. Today, she's a confident, outgoing first grader who loves school and feels comfortable telling her teacher, Mrs. Janda, absolutely anything and everything. That transformation didn't happen overnight. It happened through years of patience, kindness, encouragement, and educators who helped her believe in herself.

With the individualized support of her speech teacher, Ms. Megan, Isla also reached an incredible milestone: graduating from speech services! Her parents credit Ms. Megan's dedication, patience, and encouragement with helping Isla develop not only her communication skills but also the confidence to find her voice. “Educators like Ms. Megan are truly invaluable. They change children's lives, and we hope she knows just how much she means to the families she works with.”

Another moment the family will never forget happened on Isla's first day of first grade. Her former kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hubler, made a point to find her, hug her, and remind her how wonderful she was going to do that year. Mrs. Hubler was no longer Isla's teacher, but that didn't matter. She still wanted Isla to feel loved, supported, and confident as she began a new chapter.

A small gesture? Maybe. But to a parent, it's everything. 💙

Their son Levi has also flourished, both academically and personally. He's developed tremendous confidence in his abilities and is currently testing in the 94th percentile nationally in math! His parents are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and grateful for educators like Mrs. Sowle, who continue to nurture his love of learning. It's not just core academics that make a difference. Levi loves coming home to share what he's learned in Mr. Z's art class. Both children have developed an appreciation for music thanks to Ms. Pamperin's contagious enthusiasm, and Mrs. Moe makes physical education something they genuinely look forward to.

These experiences give children opportunities to discover their interests, build confidence, and find new things they're passionate about. But what stands out most to Erik and Erinn isn't any single achievement. It's the people behind those achievements. It's the teachers who continue checking in on their former students. It's the encouraging notes sent home, the phone calls when something isn't quite right, and the hugs when a child needs one. It's knowing that when Levi or Isla visits Nurse Kaylee, they'll be greeted with kindness, compassion, and maybe even a little love from Ruger! It's the welcoming faces of Ms. Courtney, Ms. Stacey, and Ms. Chrissy in the office. It's knowing that Dr. Bourassa and the entire school staff are genuinely invested in their children's success. It's knowing that when their children accomplish something, someone at school will celebrate right alongside them. And when they're having a difficult day, someone will notice and care.

❤️ “Those moments may seem ordinary to the people who experience them every day, but to us, they're extraordinary. They remind us that our children aren't just being educated at OUSD. They're being cared for, encouraged, and supported by people who genuinely want to see them succeed.” As lifelong members of the Oconto community, Erik and Erinn understand just how much our schools mean to the families who call this community home. They coach youth sports, volunteer for school activities and field trips, and enjoy being involved because they believe in the importance of their school community.

They value the manageable class sizes, individual attention, and meaningful relationships that have shaped their children's experiences, and they hope future generations of Oconto students will have those same opportunities.

“We always knew Oconto had wonderful teachers. We just didn't fully understand how much of their hearts they pour into their students until we became parents ourselves.” When asked what they would say to the people who have made a difference in their children's lives, Erik and Erinn shared a message that speaks volumes:

❤️ “Thank you for loving our children the way you do. Thank you for seeing them as individuals, recognizing their strengths, encouraging them through their struggles, and celebrating their accomplishments. Thank you for making school a place they genuinely love going every day.”

And perhaps the most meaningful part of their story is the peace of mind they feel each morning when they send their children to school.

“No school district is perfect, and we know there are challenges. But we have never once questioned whether the people educating and caring for our children have their best interests at heart.”

“As parents, there's no greater peace of mind than knowing your children are safe, happy, supported, and genuinely cared for by the people you entrust them to every day. That's what OUSD has given our family.”

For Erik and Erinn, OUSD isn't simply where their children go to school. It's part of their family's history, their community, and their home. Some of the same people who shaped their own childhoods now shape their children's lives.

From one generation of Oconto students to the next, their story reminds us that a school's greatest impact isn't always measured by test scores or achievements. Sometimes, it's measured by the confidence of a once-shy little girl who has found her voice. The excitement of a child who can't wait to share what he learned. A teacher's hug on the first day of school. Or the comfort of knowing that when you send your children through the school doors each morning, they're surrounded by people who truly care.

💙 “We're proud Oconto graduates, proud OUSD parents, and incredibly grateful to the people who make this district feel like an extension of our family.”

Thank you, Erik and Erinn, for opening your hearts and sharing your family's story. Your words remind us why the relationships we build, the opportunities we provide, and the people who dedicate themselves to our students matter so much.

💙 Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil! 💙