In the Middle
Teambuilding in Advisory
7th Grade collaborative learning in the school forest
What a whirlwind the first month of school has been! Thank you all for your support through all of the normal "newness" of a school year as well as with some major changes to schedule and procedures!

We have truly enjoyed getting to know our learning community. This first month of school was spent explicitly taking time to build relationships with our most important community members, our students. It is a pleasure to walk into classrooms where teachers know not only the names of all of their students but often their passions and interests too! This is a very solid foundation upon which we can begin to personalize learning. This process will take time, so thank you for understanding that without building a strong foundation, we will not be able to sustain an effective program.

Also in the vain of building relationships, we look forward to speaking with you this week during our "Coffee and Conversation" or "POP" in Conversation in the WMS cafeteria. Please see times below. Please be sure to read each edition of In the Middle for important information about the happenings WMS, as well as the teacher team newsletters that will come to you through Infinite Campus email. These communications are an effort to share information and build relationships with our families. If you would like to share any feedback about any of these communications, please email Laura Jennaro at ljennaro@whitnall.com.

Enjoy your weekend!
Laura Jennaro and Chris Sepersky
Upcoming Events
October 10
6:30 PM WMS Parent Academy - Grading and Reporting in the District Office Conference Room

October 16
WMS Picture retakes
11:00 AM Coffee and Conversation with WMS Admin Team
Join us to learn more about our advisory and Makerspace programs as well as time for Q & A

October 17
6:00 PM "POP" In Conversations with the WMS Admin Team in the WMS Cafeteria
Join us to learn more about our advisory and Makerspace programs as well as time for Q & A

October 23
No School for Students - Staff Professional Development Day

October 26
Green Bay Packer Spirit Day
Butler Vs Bullying: ALL School Presentation by LeRoy Butler of the Green Bay Packers
Your Opinion Matters
Entry Plan Survey

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey so that we can address the most pressing needs in a timely fashion. Entry Plan Survey . The survey will be open until October 13th. Those of you who choose to complete the survey will be entered in a drawing for Culver's Gift Cards! The drawing will take place the week of 11/16!

We will share out the results of this survey as well as an action plan
addressing needs within the next three months.
Community Service
Seeking Donations

Iglesia Nueva Vida Universal is collecting donations to benefit families affected by the hurricane in Puerto Rico and WMS student council wants to support! As we have multiple families in our own school community that were impacted by the hurricane, we will be a collection site all of next week.

Items Needed
Bottled Water
Non Perishable Foods
Toiletries
Batteries
Undergarments, Clothing, Shoes
Formula, Bottles, Diapers, Wipes
Toys, Coloring Books, Art Supplies
Flashlights
Garbage Bags
Hygiene Products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brush, soap)

Thank you for your support!
Grading at WMS
As we enter a new school year, we continue to adjust our practices in the best interest of student needs. Our district has long grappled with finding and using grade reporting systems which clearly communicate levels and depth of learning in all of our schools. The ‘traditional’ systems we have all known for decades often convey scores which don’t necessarily reflect true understanding and sometimes reward compliance over actual learning. The search for a means to more authentically communicate  learning   and  growth   to both students and parents has led to some slight modifications of WSD grading scales at each level.

You can find more details  HERE   !

There has been a great deal of research and discussion surrounding grading and reporting, and we would like to invite parents to attend a listening session to help understand the ‘why’ behind these conversations. This will also be a time for us to collect thoughts from our parents and community, helping us form more decisions as we continue on this journey. Listening sessions will be held for each level:

Date  
October 10, 2017

Location
WSD Community Board Room (entrance facing tennis courts on 116th)

Time
6:30pm (WMS)

WHETHER OR NOT YOU ATTEND: Please add your questions, concerns, or thoughts to our
GRADING QUESTIONS form   ! If you have trouble accessing the form, please  email Lynn LeRoy   .
Spirit Wear
We are having a spirit wear drive to raise
funds for WMS student activities.

Please order from the flyer by clicking here.

Sale ends Monday October 9th!
Before School Drop Off/
After School Pickup
Just like we do not pick up students on 116th at the end of the day, please do not stop on 116th to let your students out of the car. Please pull into the circle drive.
Wisconsin Forward Results
Today students will be bringing home the Wisconsin Forward Exam Results from last spring. In addition to the Wisconsin Forward Exam Results there is a handout that explains what the results mean.

If you have any questions or concerns you may contact Mr. Gableman, School Counselor at: jgableman@whitnall.com or 414-525-8654 .
Whitnall Middle School | 414.525.8660 | ljennaro@whitnall.com | http://wms.whitnallschools.com/