June 14, 2018
Upcoming Events
June 18: First Day of Summer Semester @ Ike

June 18-Aug 3: Viking Conditioning Camp

July 13-15 & 20-22: West Community Theatre presents: The Sound of Music

July 27: Youth Workshop performance: Annie Jr.

July 23-27: S.T.E.M. Camp @ Ike

Aug 8: Middle School Prep Camp

Aug 24: Back to School Bash/Athletics & Activities Night 3-7 pm

Sept 4: First Day of School

Sept 6: Teacher Meet & Greet 6-9 pm

Sept 19: WEF College Fair
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Principal Message

Dear Parents,
 
As we conclude the school year with our graduation celebration, I would like to take a moment to thank all members of our school community, students, staff, parents and members of the greater community for the support and engagement in our schools and with our students.  The graduation ceremony is a community celebration, one that recognizes our students for their success within our school and community along with wishing them well in their transition to the new and exciting experiences waiting for them in future years. At graduation, three members of our graduating class shared thoughts with the graduates and audience.  I feel it appropriate to share segments with you below:
 
"12 years later, I don't find myself counting down the days until the end of the school year.  As I've grown up, I realized that we spend so much of our time idly waiting for one day to arrive.  Most people don't countdown the days until summer is over, so why do we countdown the days until we graduate, or leave for vacation, or even the 4 days until Friday.  I think of Annie Dillard's ideas in her book The Writing Life. She shares some thoughts on what makes a happy life, saying: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing".  Graduates, I think sometimes we forget this ideal. ... When we look forward from today, we can expect much of what we know about life from the past 17 years to change. As we move through this uncertainty, I ask you to keep this in mind.  Focus on the journey before the destination. Here, at the end of this countdown, I challenge you to start counting up; everyday is significant. Like Annie Dillard says, life is a collection of many small moments, just like all of the shining stars that make up the giant drape of the sky.  And as long as you slow down to watch your stars, there will be no shortage of good days." - Zach Just, 2018 New Berlin West Graduate
 
"We have been lucky enough to have a principal who takes time to get to know each of us, teachers who wait outside their classrooms before every class period just to welcome us, and an overwhelming amount of fellow students and faculty that are more than willing to help us with anything and everything. We are so fortunate to be able to grow up in a school that has changed with us and for us.  Although we feel we have prepared ourselves for the next chapter self-sufficiently, I would be remiss, and probably get in a lot of trouble when I go home, if I didn't take a minute and ask everyone to join me in thanking all of the people who got us here and the people who helped us grow up- our parents, our grandparents, our teachers, our administration, our close friends and our family. So on this bittersweet day, I can definitely say that for me, high school has changed me. It helped me find my passion, it helped me set my goals, and most importantly, it helped me find my voice." - Karlee Anderson, 2018 New Berlin West Graduate
 
"I know that today we're all excited to move on to the next steps in life, but before we go please look back and thank those who got us here.... Today is not only for us.., but also for them. They are just as excited as us that we have graduated, but don't forget that they will miss us and hate to see us go. Whether you're going to college or into the workforce, taking a gap year or joining the military, our parents and teachers have gotten us there. Before you leave today,... say goodbye and thank you to those special teachers that touched you. And,... when you leave today with your parents and families, thank them." - Riley McLeod, 2018 New Berlin West Graduate

 
I believe the words of our graduates tell a story.  They provide a snippet into the journey of learning whether it be in our school district or of our future.  They recognize that everything in life has a place. To say I am proud of our students and our graduates is an understatement.  I am truly excited to hear about their successes in the future.
 
As we close the school year and look toward summer, we keep going.  We are on a path of continuous improvement for ourselves, our students, our school, our district and our community.  We have much to be thankful for, yet cannot stop growing and getting better. On days where it is more about "getting through" than "getting to", we must remember our greater purpose.  We must remember that we are in this for our students and their future. Our goals will remain to continue to support them and help in their growth in all areas of learning.
 
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey with your student(s).  Thank you for being part of our learning community. Please continue to reach out to us to partner with you in the learning experiences for your child(ren).
 
Have a great summer!
 
Michael
Class of 2018 Celebrations

Senior Walk
For the third consecutive year, seniors from NBW donned their caps and gowns and headed to where it all began: elementary school. The soon-to-be grads walked the halls of Ronald Reagan Elementary, Poplar Creek Elementary, and Orchard Lane Elementary schools, where they shooks hands and high-fived younger students, hugged previous teachers and reflected a bit on the start of their school career. This annual tradition allows for a wonderful opportunity for graduating seniors to take a look back on the past, while the grade school children get a glimpse into the future.
For more pics of this year's Senior Walk, click here.

Senior Banquet
Seniors had the opportunity to hang out, catch up, and discuss life after high school one last time at the Senior Banquet on June 3 at The View Rooftop at Evolution Milwaukee. As the last few days of high school whirled by and the onset of "life after West" became ever so imminent, the class of 2018 gathered for an evening to press pause and enjoy one of the last few evenings they would all be considered one. Dinner, laughs, endless ping pong, and the "Senior Whisper Awards" consumed the night. Additionally, the seniors were surprised with a video to reflect on how far they have all come and the lasting impression they will leave on New Berlin West. Thank you to Mrs. Amanda Upton, the Broadcasting Club, and W7 Productions for creating  the  2018 NBW Senior Video .


Graduation
The senior class of 2018 gathered one final time at their graduation ceremony Saturday, June 9, at noon in the New Berlin West Field House. While parents, grandparents, and other loved ones looked on, the graduates donned their caps and gowns for their final event as New Berlin West students. Student speakers Karlee Anderson, Zachary Just, & Riley McLeod  shared final thoughts, words of encouragement, and funny anecdotes; the NBW choir and orchestra provided beautiful pieces of music to honor the graduates; and finally each and every graduate walked across the stage to accept their diploma and shake hands with building principals, members of the SDNB Board of Education, and Superintendent Joe Garza. 
From the New Berlin West staff & administration: Best of Luck and Congratulations, Class of 2018! 

To view more pictures, click here.
Keep the memories for a lifetime, order your Grad Ceremony Blu-Ray now!
 
Final Report Cards

Final Report Cards for the 2017-18 school year will be available to view on Infinite Campus on Friday, June 15 at 4 p.m. 
Please log into your parent portal.  Select the student you would like to view in the top left corner.  Click on "Reports" and then click on "Semester II Report Card".


Farewell NBW Retirees

Jane Hoffman
Ms. Jane Hoffman served the School District of New Berlin for 19 years. During the last 13 years, she fulfilled the role of Assistant to the Athletics & Activities Dept. Ms. Hoffman is best known for her Viking Pride and her love for the students. The feeling was mutual and became most evident during her battle with breast cancer during the 15-16 school year. At this time, students and staff corralled around her and supported her in several ways. Ms. Hoffman looks forward to gardening and spending more time with her grandkids, which will include a trip to Michigan to watch her grandson's favorite: WWE Raw!

Jeff Shorer
Mr. Jeff Shorer is hanging up the science goggles after 23 years at New Berlin West. Teacher of Biology, and a favorite among many students, Mr. Shorer said a bittersweet farewell when he realized the time was right to start his next journey of retirement. There are 2 distinctive themes that continue to be evident when speaking with Mr. Shorer's students: he is a Biology genius and his lessons go beyond the textbook when teaching students about who they exactly want to be in this big world. His positive impact on students has influenced them to be better citizens in the New Berlin West community and beyond. Mr. Shorer has already made several travel plans in his early retirement, including Las Vegas, Hawaii and New Zealand.

Tom Farina
Mr. Tom Farina has worn several hats at New Berlin West over the last 19 years. From study hall supervisor to security at the new front desk in the main entrance, it is clear NBW would not have run as smoothly as it has without Mr. Farina's daily input and attention to detail in supporting students, administration, and building safety. Additionally, his contributions to athletics is unmatched as he served 10 years as game manager, 5 years as interim athletic director, coached football for 11 years, and is in his 18th year as the head varsity baseball coach with a state title under his belt. Mr. Farina is looking forward to turning the page to his new, calmer retired life. He is eager to spend more time with his dear wife, children, and grandchildren, and has already admitted that he knows he won't be able to stay away from West for good - he plans to cover as a substitute for building support when need.

Thank you Ms. Hoffman, Mr. Shorer, & Mr. Farina for your collective 61 years of service to the New Berlin West community! Enjoy your retirement!
 
Summer 'To Do' List

Complete Summer Homework for AP Courses
Is your child enrolled in an AP course for the upcoming school year? Please make sure you check out the list of AP Summer Homework Assignments. Questions? Please email the teacher instructing the class. Teachers are checking email messages periodically throughout the summer. For select assignments, hard copies and textbooks are available in the Front Office.

Stay Active! Sign Up for Athletics Summer Camps
The New Berlin West Athletics & Activities Dept. is happy to provide athletic camp offerings for a variety of programs throughout the summer months. Several activities will take place at West, including all-athletes camps such as Viking Team Conditioning and SPARQ (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, & Quickness). Additionally, sport-specific camps offered for youth and high school age athletes are available.
Check out all the summer camps here:  NBWVikings.org/camps .

Almost all camps are available for online sign-up through the New Berlin West  webstore . If the camp is not in the webstore, sign-up directions are shared under these specific camps.

Checkout Online Job Board
Students looking to make some extra dough during summer break are encouraged check out the district's online Student Job Board. All of the opportunities listed here have been submitted to our school district by local employers. If a student is hired and is interested in obtaining credit for their employment through the SDNB Career & Service Learning Program, please contact your School Counselor.

Get Eligible! Athletics & Activities Red Cards
Red cards are required on the first day of tryouts/practice for all NBW sports. The Athletics & Activities Dept. will issue Red Cards for the 2018-19 school year starting July 2, 2018. Student-athletes participating in a fall sport, Poms or Cheer will want to submit participation requirements over the summer, as many of these activities start before the first day of school. 
To receive your red card, you must have a current physical on file in the office (current OR alternate year forms), an emergency contact form, and the digital registration completed online. All of this information can be found on nbwvikings.org/participate. Physicals for the 2018-19 school year MUST be signed and dated by your physician on or after April 1, 2017. Please do not submit the digital registration until July. If it's done before, you will need to re-submit in July! Any questions, please email [email protected]
The office will be open during the summer M-Th 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to drop off your paperwork and pick up your red card.
 

Summer Office Hours

The New Berlin West Front Office & Student Services Department will be open during summer break Monday-Thursday,  7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All Summer School classes will take place at NB Eisenhower. Due to HVAC updates, there are several parts of the building that will not be accessible throughout the summer. Students attending summer camps through the Athletics & Activities Dept. should enter the building through the field house doors. The Front Office & Student Services will be closed July 4 & 5.

School Counselors
School Counselors have limited hours during the summer. Counselors will check emails periodically throughout the summer, so please allow a few days for a response. If you have questions that require immediate attention, please call Lori Gavin, Administrative Assistant to Student Services, at (262) 789-6424 or [email protected]
Back to School Bash - Mark Your Calendars!
School portraits (grades 8-12) and Athletics & Activities Night 

Our Back to School Bash will kick-off the 2018-19 School Year on Friday, Aug. 24, from 3-7 pm. The school photographer will be here to take school portraits and print student IDs. All students, including seniors, are required to carry their student ID with them on all school days. The bookkeeper will be available to issue parking permits and athletic passes.


Students will also have a chance to learn about the variety of athletics and activities offered at West. If you plan to participate in any extracurricular  activities, play a sport, or if you are just interested in learning more about what we offer at New Berlin West, please plan on attending. This portion of the evening will begin with a presentation in the PAC at 4:30 p.m.

2018 Jerry Awards
Formerly  the Tommy Awards, a recognition for Wisconsin high school musical performances

The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin's High School Musical Awards Programs, encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009-10 school year as the Tommy Awards, and was renamed in 2017-18 season to The Jerry Awards after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools.

Congratulations to the New Berlin West student-actors on their recognition this year for their performances in Guys & Dolls.
Spirit Award Recipients
Hunter Leathers  -  Krysta Hoffmann  -  Evan McKenzie


To learn more about the Jerry Awards program, click here.
Get involved or purchase tickets for upcoming shows:
2018-2019 School Year

Back to School Bash/Athletics & Activities Night: Friday, Aug. 24, 3-7 p.m.
First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 4
Teacher Meet & Greet: Thursday, Sept. 6 6-9 p.m.
School Calendar: 2018-2019
Please make sure your email address is up-to-date in Infinite Campus and continue to check your messages throughout the summer. A Back to School Checklist will be emailed in the beginning of August with several important details and action items. School fees, schedule release dates, and school supply lists will be included in this communication.


Summer Shows in the PAC
Escape the summer heat for a theatrical treat.



The West Community Theatre, a product of West Performing Arts Center, presents Rodger's and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music on July 13-15, 20-22. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7 pm and Sunday performances will begin at 2 pm. Click here to purchase tickets online.



Entrepreneurial Skills on Display During iAID Pitch Night
Approximately 30 Advanced Innovation and Design (iAID) students from Eisenhower and West presented their solutions to the challenges they worked on throughout the semester at the annual Pitch Night at the West Performing Arts Center on June 4.

The event was put on by the district in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship and The Commons.

Approximately 150 guests joined the student teams and watched their presentations that addressed solutions to challenges in technology, global/social, engineering, healthcare and retail innovation strands. SDNB's competitive intelligence team was also on hand to showcase the research it worked on this semester. The Commons Innovation Fellows, alumni of the Commons program who have had a similar experience to iAID at the college level, judged the presentations.

Winners were:
  • 1st Place: 'Plus Industries' (Healthcare Challenge)
  • 2nd Place: 'Eden' (Global/Social Challenge)
  • Best Communications: 'Hat Up' (Tech Challenge)
  • People's Choice: 'Crate & Create' (Engineering Challenge)
iAID gives high-ability students an opportunity to break out of the traditional classroom constructs, allowing them to "show what they know" by working in collaborative teams alongside professional mentors on real-world challenges.

Special guest speakers included Ed Javier, the co-founder of Milwaukee Startup Week; Brian Thompson, the director of the UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center; and Joe Poeschl, the program director for The Commons.

For more information about this entrepreneurial skills accelerator course, one of the district's capstone learning experiences, check out:

 
Assessments and Your Student's Academic and Career Plan
#OwnYourVoyage

Your students are assessed in many different ways throughout the school year. While not a complete picture of your student's potential and/or performance, these assessments are meant to inform you and your student's teacher. A summary of these assessments can be found on our web site.   

As part of the SDNB's Academic and Career Planning process, we want students to set realistic goals that are appropriate to them. That applies to assessments as well. Many ask, what is 'good enough'? The answer depends on your student and their personal, academic, social and career goals. Understanding how the assessments are used in the SDNB as well as by other organizations outside of the SDNB helps students put the assessments in perspective. This information is covered in classrooms and as part of our grade level advisory lessons.  

We take an even deeper dive in 11th grade when students receive their ACT and ACT WorkKeys results. ACT results are used primarily in the college admissions process and to determine eligibility for merit aid.  They can also be used to provide instructional feedback for your student. ACT WorkKeys is a point in time picture of how well students are able to apply what they have learned in a work setting. The skills measured by these assessments will continue to improve as students pursue post-secondary education and/or training. Students who earned a National Career Readiness Certificate will be receiving their certificate along with the login credentials for their personal ACT WorkKeys account over the summer (note: this account is not the same as a student's ACT account).  

If you, or your student, would like additional information about assessments in the SDNB, please feel free to ask your student's teacher, counselor, or building administrator. If you have any suggestions on how the assessment information on our web site could be improved, please contact Kelli Kwiatkowski, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning.

MOD Mondays
There is only two MOD Mondays left: June 18. Proceeds from this fundraiser with MOD Pizza will help pay down student lunch account debt for struggling district families.

Just mention MOD Monday or show this flyer at the register on the following dates and MOD Pizza will donate 20 percent of the sale to the district to help fund lunch accounts for our families in need. Customers also have an option to make an additional donation at the register - just let the cashier know the amount you would like to contribute and it will be added in with the proceeds.

MOD Pizza is located at 3721 S. Moorland Rd.  Promotion is good all day on specified dates. Dine-in or take-out; however online orders will not count.
New Berlin Public Library Would Like to Hear From You

The New Berlin Library is implementing a library satisfaction survey and would appreciate receiving feedback from our parents - especially those that don't frequently use the library services.  Access the survey here .
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Receive text/email when game is canceled

Would you like to be automatically notified when a game is canceled? Here are the instructions to get notifications of events:
  1. Go to our website: www.nbexcellence.org
  2. Click on General Information
  3. Click Woodland Conference & Building Calendar
  4. At the top, right corner, click on Notify Me!
  5. Pick which events and activities you would like to receive automatic texts or emails.
  6. Identify how often you would like to get notifications or reminders.
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If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Department at (262) 789-6454.