September 28, 2018 | Vol. 5 Mequon-Thiensville School District Newsletter
5 Questions with Tony Navarre
Homestead special education teacher and coach Tony Navarre was recently announced as the recipient of the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce Next Generation Leadership Award. We sat down with Tony to learn more about how he strives to be a role model for young people, and also figure out how long he’s had more red clothing in his wardrobe than the average adult male.
MTSD Calendar Committee Squares Up
The development of the school calendar is similar to solving a puzzle with a number of distinct pieces and a set of rules about where the pieces must fit. This year, the Mequon-Thiensville School District will use a new process for determining the 2019-20 school year calendar. The process will be facilitated by a committee that will analyze the different elements of the school calendar and make recommendations for calendar options, taking into account as many variables as possible. We believe that the more inclusive the process, the higher the probability the calendar will meet the diverse needs of the school community.
Speaking of Calendars ...
Important dates are coming in October! Please be sure to check your school calendar for upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference dates. Conference days and no school dates vary by level, so please double-check your child's school calendar and watch for more information from your child's school.
Hats Off to These Excellence in Education Award Recipients
From left: Brittany Walder, Linda Krajcik, Kathy Connelly, Liz Evans
The Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation recently named the following teachers the 2018 Excellence in Education Award recipients. Each year, parents and district employees are invited to nominate MTSD educators. Each award winner receives $1,000 for their outstanding contributions and service to students. Congratulations to

Kathy Connelly: Homestead High School, Computer Science
Linda Krajcik: Lake Shore Middle School, Grade 7
Elizabeth Evans: Oriole Lane Elementary School, Grade 5*
Brittany Walder: Wilson Elementary, Special Education

*Ms. Evans is embarking on a new adventure this year! You can now see Ms. Evans at Steffen Middle School teaching students in 8th grade.
Putting the WELL in Wellness
Health and wellness can affect all facets of a child’s life, including their academic growth. Because of the broad implications of wellness topics, we have initiated a districtwide health and wellness committee. The committee is comprised of a diverse group of staff, administrators, students, parents, and community specialists. This year, the committee will focus on:

  • nutrition
  • physical activity
  • social and emotional wellness

The ultimate goal of the group is to establish and review systems in order to provide students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to lead healthy lives. Please watch for more updates from the group!
Call Me Maybe?
In the first few weeks of school, we experienced unacceptable levels of interruption to our phone service. The interruptions were due to factors outside of the district's control, and consequently, the matter was elevated to a priority level concern with our service provider. AT&T performed testing on the district’s phone system on Wednesday, September 19, which is a day that school was not in session. AT&T found an issue with their equipment during the testing and made the necessary repair. Moving forward, we will make adjustments as necessary to ensure that our phone system is a reliable means of communication for all stakeholders.
Calling All Alumni!
Spread the news! MTSD is kicking off the fall season by rolling out a brand new alumni newsletter! Are you a Homestead alumnus or alumna, or know someone who is? Sign up here to receive district updates, Homestead happenings, throwback photos of your alma mater, classmate updates, reunion news, and more! Who says you can't go home again? Get on our mailing list and let home check in with you.
Your Voice Matters
Elevate civic conversation. Foster relationships. Inspire action. We are excited to announce that we will join forces with Gathering on the Green as hosts for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's On The Table on October 9. Our table will be set for any and all guests interested in discussions about improving the quality of life in our vibrant Mequon-Thiensville community. Read all about On the Table MKE and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Get Connected!
Did you know that there are not one, not two, but THREE different ways to stay social with the Mequon-Thiensville School District? Connect with us and get the latest on happenings in and around all of the MTSD schools. Many educators and principals also maintain professional social media accounts, which they may have shared with families at the beginning of the year.

Give us a like, love, shoutout, whatever you need to do to get connected!
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