In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
Whitnall Middle School Message
January 10, 2019

Hoping everyone had an enjoyable winter break. The weather has been a bit odd for winter, but it looks like it is going to change this weekend!

With being in the middle of January the planning has started for the 2020-2021 school year. Current 6th and 7th grade students will begin selecting courses and registering at the beginning of February. Information regarding registration will shared right after the first semester comes to an end.

For our current 8th grade students the time has come to start thinking about high school next year! The evening of February 6th is Whitnall High School Registration and Information night. We will have more information here, but also look at the district messaging for specifics from our high school.

Yours in learning,

Bob Antholine
Principal WMS
Upcoming Dates
January 11 - Wrestling Invite
January 15 - Boy's Basketball Tournament
January 16 - Boy's Basketball Tournament
January 18 Wrestling Conference
January 20 - No School Staff Development
January 21-23 - 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball Tryouts
January 31 - 8th gr Pep Band Night 7:15 (WHS)
February 6th - 8th Grade Students High School Registration Night
June 9th - 8th Grade Celebration at Whitnall High School
Inclement Weather Information
As winter weather approaches, we like to remind you of the policy on school closings. The decision to close District Schools is made by the Superintendent after consultation with the bus company, neighboring districts, the Weather Bureau, and the Sheriff’s Department. The following radio and television stations will be notified of the decision to close District Schools by 6:00 a.m., unless, due to special circumstances, a decision could not be made by that time.
AM Radio FM Radio TV Stations
WTMJ - 620 94.5 WTMJ - Channel 4
WOKY - 920 99.1 WITI - Channel 6
WISN - 1130 97.3 WISN - Channel 12
96.5 WDJT - Channel 58
98.3
102.9
106.1
106.9

7th Grade Youth Frontiers
Our school believes that to do well in school, students need to feel physically and emotionally safe. In our ongoing effort to create a safe and caring culture, we are having a Youth Frontiers Courage Retreat.

Youth Frontiers (YF) is a nonprofit organization that has been delivering retreats to schools since 1987. They provide schools with experiences that inspire character, civility and community so that our next generation of leaders is grounded in character. Last year, YF worked with nearly 124,000 students and educators throughout the country. On the Courage Retreat, the YF Retreat Staff will focus on creating a more positive school community by engaging students in a variety of activities that enhance self-confidence, empathy and connectedness.       
              
This high-energy, interactive retreat is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2020 for the 7th grade class and will be held at Whitnall High School from 8:45 - 2:30. See parent informational letter here.

All attendees MUST bring a bag lunch on this day!
I f you need the food service department to provide a bag lunch for your student please complete this form

WMS PTO
The Whitnall Middle School PTO is looking for parents interested on being on the PTO Board. There is an opening for Vice President, but all positions are up for election in March. If you are interested please email Mr. Antholine @ rantholine@whitnall.com
Second Semester Clubs and Groups
There are a number of clubs or groups that are starting second semester. More information will be shared with students, but below are the clubs/groups and the advisors.
  • Robotics Club, Mr. Gartmann
  • Dungeons and Dragons Group, Mr. Jolin
  • Destination Imagination, Ms. Seiter
  • GSA Group, MS. Fleischmann
Career Day
Career Day at WMS offers an opportunity for 8th grade students to be exposed to a variety of career specialties through classroom presentations given by professionals. We are currently seeking volunteer presenters for our Career Day. If you are interested, see attached for more information and to see a list of desired Career Day sessions.  
Our 2020 Career Day will be on Thursday, March 12 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.  
2020-2021 Registration

Current 6th and 7th Grade Students
Information will be sent home within the next week about timelines for current 6th and 7th grade students and steps for registering for classes for the 2020-2021 school year. We will be asking parents/guardians to talk with their student(s) about the options, make selections in Infinite Campus, but the final choices will be done at WMS to help make sure everything goes smoothly.

Current 5th Grade Students
WMS Guidance Counselors and Administrators will be coming to both HCE and EES to talk with current 5th grade students about their course choices for 6th grade. Information will be shared with both HCE and EES prior - we are just giving a heads up!

Whitnall High School will host a Parent/Student Registration Night for incoming 9th grade - 12th grade students and their parents/guardians on Thursday, February 6, 5:00-8:00pm. This expo format will provide an opportunity to learn more about what happens in courses and activities/athletics at Whitnall High School. Parents and students can learn more and talk with teachers about what classes to pick for the following year or as part of their four year plan. Drop in for the session presentations on a variety of topics.Stay for the showcase presentations.
Counselors will be working with students to select classes for the 2020-2021 school year after this event, so this evening is a great way to help learn about the different pathways and courses.

Volleyball Tryouts
Tryouts for 7th and 8th grade girls volleyball are held January 21st - January 23rd from 3:10 PM to 5:00 P.M. Girls must be registered online and have a current physical on file to tryout January 21st. If you have any questions, contact Jim Gableman ( jgableman@whitnall.com or 414-525-8654).

Grade Level Homework Links
Below are links to each CORE areas daily homework. The information provided is meant as a quick check. More detailed information is available from each teacher and/or their google classrooms.
Teen Center
Upcoming Teen Center dates:     
January 10 & 17             March 13 & 20             April 3 & 17    February 7 & 28       
All Teen Center participants are required to complete a  Waiver of Liability   form signed by a parent/guardian and turn it in to Teen Center staff.
For more information and to download a printable Waiver of Liability form, click the Teen Center 2019-2020 link above.​

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

Upcoming Meetings: (held in WMS library 7 - 8)

March 11
May 13

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.

Bob Antholine Principal
414-525-8652
@Antholine (twitter)

Ryan Relich Assistant Principal
414-525-8663

Building Daily Operations and Events/Teaching and Learning
Primary Contact: Bob Antholine 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
Important Links and Resources
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 | h ttps://www.whitnall.com/schools/middle/