Past years where homecoming shenanigans in Shawano have gone horribly awry have prompted school and law enforcement leaders to issue a joint letter urging families to keep their children in line.
The letter was issued to parents of middle and high school students Sept. 16 and signed by Shawano School District Superintendent Kurt Krizan, Shawano Police Chief Mike Musolff and Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner. In the letter, the trio encouraged parents to tell their children to have fun during homecoming week, but do it within the confines of the law.
“In recent years, homecoming celebrations have occasionally resulted in vandalism, trespassing, property damage and activity on school grounds outside of approved events and hours,” according to the letter. “While these incidents may be intended as harmless pranks or celebrations, they can create significant costs, disrupt school operations and, most importantly, create safety concerns for students, staff and community members.”
Homecoming in the last couple of years has seen negative activities result in damage or attacks on students. In 2025, there were trespassing incidents, and one student who was shooting frozen paint balls at homes and damaging mailboxes. Students in 2024 trying to pull pranks on former athletic director Joel Wondra were injured when Wondra fought back.
Following the incidents in 2025, Krizan said he would cancel homecoming events if things escalated further, but students calmed down after that, and the parade, dance and football game were held. The letter gave no indication if the superintendent would pull the trigger on canceling events this year if students behaved poorly.
The letter noted that parents should remind their students to respect neighbors’ property, homes and businesses, and not tamper with decorations, signs or other things. Students are not allowed to be in school buildings or on school grounds when they’re closed, according to the letter.
Homecoming is not a hall pass to trespass on or damage property, according to the letter. The officials also encouraged students who witness vandalism or suspicious activity to report it instead of turning away or, even worse, taking part.
“Law enforcement officers will be present in the community and around school facilities, and incidents of trespassing, vandalism or property damage may result in disciplinary action and/or legal consequences,” according to the letter.
The letter recommends that parents have a conversation with their children about acceptable behavior and make sure they make good decisions during homecoming week, as well as monitoring where their children are at all times.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
