In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
Whitnall Middle School Message
April 2, 2020

Hello WMS Community,

Everyone here at WMS is hoping that all our families are staying safe, healthy, and finding some joy in your time away. Speaking on behalf of Mr. Relich and myself we miss seeing our WMS students and staff each day. WMS being put into 'summer' mode during the end of March does not feel right, look right, or sound right.

I know that we are looking forward to seeing our students online and virtually, but even more so seeing them back at WMS as soon as we are allowed. Until the time where we get back to what we might consider a more normal routine I will be sending out a weekly In the Middle from now on to communicate with our families - starting with this week.

Below you will find details for the learning schedule, office hours for staff, a sign up for anything that may still be needed to be picked, and some other details. As a parent of middle school students and a teaching wife - I know that the amount of information being shared via email is overwhelming at times. We will try to keep everything within our In the Middle Communication. We will also be linking our messages on our WMS webpage.

Enjoy each day. Sometimes days can feel like they last forever, but years fly by (I stole this.).Enjoy each day.

Yours in learning,

Bob Antholine Ryan Relich
Principal WMS Assistant Principal WMS
Upcoming Dates
April 6 - Virtual Learning Begins
April 10 - Good Friday No Virtual Learning
April 13 - Virtual Learning Continues
Weekly Learning Schedule
Below is the schedule for students and teachers throughout the week for learning. Basically the classes students have each day are outlined. Classes DO NOT engage daily, but are on a rotation.

Each Monday and Friday in Grade Level Google Connects our Student Service team will be doing a Community Connection. Classes have been given a time-frame for learning. Within that time-frame it does not mean students are 'doing' things throughout, but there may be discussions, readings, videos, etc...

All Elective Classes are being designed around an approximate 30 minute time-frame.

THERE IS NO TECH ED for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. It will be offered next year.

What to expect from Virtual Learning?
Linked HERE is a district message for students in Grades 6-8 around what to expect as WMS transitions to Virtual Learning. If there are any additional questions don't hesitate to contact Mr. Antholine or Mr. Relich .
Office Hours
Monday through Friday teachers have scheduled Office Hours where students can interact with their teachers via email. Teachers will also be hosting Google Meets to support students in their learning - Google Meets will be scheduled with students as needed each week during the Office Hour time frames.

Materials Pickup at WMS
We know there is still a need for students to pick up materials from WMS. This may include materials in lockers, phyed lockers or instruments. We have created a sign up and will be able to offer curb side pick up near the main entrance on scheduled dates.

Please use THIS SIGN UP so that our office staff can be prepared. All materials will be placed outside. No one is allowed inside the building during pick up.

Please email Ms. Jones at dmjones@whitnall.com for with any questions.

Washington D.C. Trip Update
This is a short update, but an important one for many of our families that had planned to have their student(s) attend our Washington D.C. trip in May of 2020.

  1. The Washington D.C. trip for May of 2020 - is canceled. I am sure that everyone has realized that.
  2. EVERYONE that had planned to attend will get a refund minus $129 which covers the insurance waiver regardless if insurance was purchased or not.
  3. Information on refunds will be coming out soon. As we get details from Bright Spark those messages will be forwarded on to our D.C. families.

Thank you for your patience as Bright Spark was continuing to respond to schools and all the travel changes.
WMS Podcast Ideas
Mr. Antholine & Mr. Relich are looking for topics to discuss on our Podcast to stay connected with our school community. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear from you! Fill out this GOOGLE FORM to share your ideas with us and MAYBE it will be on our next cast!
WMS Podcast Launched
If you haven't heard it yet check out the start and launch of the WMS Podcast. WMS has had two episodes so far. We would be open to any ideas or topics for our upcoming podcasts!
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2020-2021 Registration Information
Any student that DID NOT select their courses for 2020-2021 have been contacted by WMS staff - please check your email.
Any questions please contact Jim Gableman at jgableman@whitnall.com
Yearbook Sale
YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW:  Order your yearbooks! Online sales only $14.00.  Order Form Here
Also linked on IC and our website
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

Kelly Peters- President
Kerri Bomberg - Vice President
Jennifer Radke - Secretary
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.

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/