In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
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Whitnall Middle School Message |
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November 13, 2020
Hello WMS Families,
We would like to thank of our students and families for your support as we made the pivot to temporary virtual learning for our in-person students this past Wednesday. Our staff has been working very hard to make sure that the transition went as smoothly as possible. We are so proud of our students, both in-person and distance learning, as we navigate this memorable year. Should you have questions about the temporary virtual details, please access WMS In-Person Student (Temporarily Virtual).
Your child's midterm grade reports will be available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal today, November 13th. The midterm grade will represent the culmination of learning to this point in the school year. For details on grading and reporting systems at each level, please access WSD Grading Info - Fall 2020.
Conferences are coming up for WMS on Nov. 19th and you should have received an email from your child's email if a conference was requested, or not requested at this time.
We held our first WMS PTO meeting of 2020-21 this past Thursday. Support the WMS PTO and order your WMS Spirit Wear 2020. The sale is now live and will run through November 24th. Also, consider participating in the Eat and Earn event at Café Zupas 11/24 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm Info Here.
Our next In the Middle will be on Friday, Dec. 4th. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving break.
Chris D'Acquisto, Principal WMS
Ryan Relich, Assistant Principal WMS
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November 11- 29 - Virtual Learning
November 19 - Virtual Conferences 4 - 8
November 24 - Eat and Earn
November 25 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break
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Virtual Learning Resources |
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Does your child's device need repairs?
The technology department is offering additional, evening times for students and families to swap out devices for repairs. Monday, November 16 and Monday, November 23 from 3:30-5:30 PM, the team will be available to swap out devices at the high school’s main entrance. Prior to coming, please submit a Help Desk Ticket by visiting https://helpdesk.whitnall.com/portal.
If at any time during instruction you are not able to access the classroom link, or lose access during instruction please contact the WMS main office at 414-525-8660 or dmjones@whitnall.com .
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Parent teacher conferences will be held virtually on November 19 (4-8 PM) by appointment.
- If a conference is requested, teachers should have emailed you information so you can sign-up using Sign-Up-Genius. The conference will take place through a Google Meet with link provided.
- If you did not receive a conference request, no conference is needed. Should you like to request one, teachers would be happy to work with you to find a time to schedule a conference virtually.
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Canvas and Infinite Campus |
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Hello Whitnall families,
We just wanted to remind you that you can continue monitoring your children's daily progress and communication from teachers through Canvas. Canvas allows parents to view course content, student work and teacher feedback for all of their students with one login.
Infinite Campus is continuing to be used for progress reporting, attendance, and district messaging.
The Whitnall website provides online tutorials that can help families better understand how to navigate our online platforms. Please see the links below for more information:
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Grading Scale CHANGE for WMS fall of 2020:
Beginning in the fall of 2020, WMS will use a grading scale similar to the scale used at Whitnall High School. Rather than using the terms No Evidence (N), Beginning (B), Developing (D), Proficient (P) or Exceeding (E), WMS will now use a scale that builds from F through A. Please reference this document to view the grading rubric.
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Being tardy and or absent to class is a lost opportunity for students to learn. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. If your student has had excessive tardies or absences it will be addressed according to the attendance policies. Please reference the WMS Student Handbook
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Support the WMS PTO and order your WMS Spirit Wear 2020. The sale is now live and will run through November 24th.
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Café Zupas 11/24 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
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Ms. Nowak Band Teacher
What is one of your hidden talents?
One of my hidden talents is decorating cookies. I love decorating cookies for the different seasons!
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
My student's might be surprised that I used to play softball for Whitnall growing up and I continued to play club softball in college.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
I usually spend my summer breaks life-guarding. However, I started working at Blue Lake 2 summers ago which is a music summer camp in Michigan.
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?
I am not sure yet! This is my first year teaching and I am excited to have many more first days of school and create some traditions.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.
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Student Absences: .
Please report your students absence to the school by 8:00 a.m. You may use the Absence Reporting Form or call the attendance line at 414-525-8650. .
No call and no note will result in the absence being recorded as truancy. If a student has a medical/dental appointment, we encourage you to provide an excuse from the provider.
Appointments/Planned Absences
If your student has an appointment, special event, leaving early, etc. Please contact the office prior to the event so we can have your student waiting for you in the office. You may use the Absence Reporting Form or call the attendance line at 414-525-8650. . If the student will be gone more than two days, please utilize the Planned Absence Form
Pick Up & Drop Off Information
As shared previously - busing and car drop-off/pick-up have been adjusted to decrease congestion near the Edgerton intersection where many students cross. While it may take some time to adjust we appreciate your patience with us and one another.
The map attached HERE shows an aerial view of the drop off.
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Kelly Peters- President
Jennifer Radke - Vice President
Rebecca Freek - Treasurer
Your comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome and we're always looking for new faces. You can send us a message at wmspto@whitnall.com
We also encourage you to like our Whitnall Middle School PTO Facebook page.
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Please use the following information to determine whom to contact for different questions. If you have any questions on how to direct you call/questions please contact Ms. Dawn Jones, WMS Secretary at 414-525-8660.
Chris D'Acquisto Principal
414-525-8652
Ryan Relich Assistant Principal
414-525-8663
Building Daily Operations and Events/Teaching and Learning
Primary Contact: Chris D'Acquisto Email
Student Attendance and Behavior
Primary Contact: Mr. Ryan Relich Email
School Counselor
James Gableman
414-525-8654
School Psychologist
Nicole Lussier
414-525-8795
School Social Worker
Courtney Fleishmann
414-525-8655
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Whitnall Employment Opportunities |
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Did you know that you can find employment opportunities at Whitnall through WECAN and daily substitute opportunities through Teachers On Call? Consider taking a look at what's available!
(Athletic Coach, Custodian, Food Service, Kitchen Worker, Noon Hour Supervisor, Paraprofessional)
(Educators and Paraprofessionals)
(Educators/DPI Licensed Positions)
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Whitnall Middle School | 414.525.8660 | info@whitnall.com | https://www.whitnall.com/schools/middle/
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