In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
Whitnall Middle School Message
January 15, 2020

Hello WMS Families,

Hoping everyone had an enjoyable winter break. It has been great having the students back and we are now planning for the transition of some of our Distance Learners to In-Person, and some of our In-Person Learners to Distance Learning at the semester. For our distance learning students returning to in-person, our pupil service team will call the families next week, to see if they have questions / concerns, and let them know their student’s schedule is finalized. Our pupil service team will meet the new incoming 6th graders and provide the support needed to so the student get off to a good start. Additionally, we will be doing check-in meetings for all distance learning students returning to in-person during the Connect period. For in-person learners who are transitioning to distance learning, our teachers and pupil service staff will be be reviewing virtual schedules and making sure students have the necessary links. Should you have any questions about transition, please contact the school counselor, Mr. Gableman.

Friday, January 22nd is the end of Progress Period 2. Semester report cards will be available during the latter part of the week of January 25th. Second semester classes will begin January 25th. Any student or parent requesting a schedule change for second semester must do so before the end of the semester. Please reach out to the student’s counselor for the change.

Sincerely,
Chris D'Acquisto, Principal WMS
Ryan Relich, Assistant Principal WMS
Upcoming Dates
January 18 - Staff Development No School
January 22 - End of 1st Semester
Virtual Learning Resources
WMS In-Person Student (Temporarily Virtual)
Co-curricular activities will continue at WMS. Informational letter here
Does your child's device need repairs? 
Please contact https://helpdesk.whitnall.com/portal to arrange for a loner device. With advance notice, device swap out could take place at the same times as device pick up.

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 .
 
Please refer to this informational letter regarding attendance reporting for distance learners.
**If your student will be absent for all or part of any scheduled distance learning day please report absence via this link.

PBIS Attendance
The Whitnall Middle School day begins at 7:50. Student should be in classrooms at that time. We have had a significant increase in the amount of students not arriving to school on time. 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
Canvas and Infinite Campus
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:
1. Canvas
Student Family Assistance Program
A healthy home and family life helps to nurture academic excellence. To promote healthy homes, minds and families, Whitnall is continuing to offer the Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP) to all K-12 students and families. The SFAP is a free and confidential benefit, paid for by the school district, to help your family create a healthy, supportive home environment and develop strategies to overcome various life challenges. The SFAP offers direct counseling and consultation with licensed professionals using a family systems approach.

The SFAP offers families (up to) six consultations per issue. While many concerns can generally be resolved within the SFAP services, SFAP counselors will help connect families to additional community resources and/or insurance-based providers if they are needed.

To learn more about these services, please refer to our district webpage or call Aurora SFAP at 800-236-3231. You can also reach out to the Pupil Services staff at Whitnall Middle School for more information. 
                                                   
Courtney Fleischman - School Social Worker - (414) 525-8655
Nicole Lussier - School Psychologist - (414) 525-8795
Jim Gableman - School Counselor - (414) 525-8654

Masks and Water Bottles
  • Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle every day to school. The middle school office sells Whitnall Water Bottles for $3.00 which supports the WMS PTO. Our water fountains are equipped with a touchless, sensor activated bottle filler.  

  • Please remind your student to come to school with their mask. If possible, be sure your child has an extra mask in their backpack or locker if needed.

  • Please check to make sure your child's mask fits properly. We are asking that students wear their mask properly and that it covers their nose, mouth and chin.

School 'Stuff'

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.

PTO
EAT AND EARN EVENTS:
February 9, 2021 Chipotle

UPCOMING MEETINGS:
February 10March 10
April 14 (Slate of Candidates)
May 12 (Election)
June 9


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.

WMS Leadership
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
Whitnall Employment Opportunities
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)
Whitnall Middle School | 414.525.8660 | info@whitnall.com | https://www.whitnall.com/schools/middle/