In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
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Whitnall Middle School Message |
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September 4, 2020
Hello WMS Families,
The first week back to school is always a special time, but this week has been especially impactful. After such an extended time away, it's been so nice to have WMS filled with students and staff. During this transition week, the staff has been busy getting to know each student while also reviewing several new safety procedures and protocols. The students attending this week have done a great job of listening and acclimating to the changes.
For the students who selected distance learning and did not attend this week in-person, please know that we missed you and we can't wait to "see" you next week. The distance learning staff will be reaching out to families prior to September 8th.
I have enjoyed connecting with many former students just as much as meeting new students. Mr. Relich and I look forward to having ALL students, either in-person or distance learning, back after Labor Day for our first official week of the 2020-21 school year.
Besides having a new principal, there have been other changes to the WMS staff this year. We will be highlighting a few new staff members in the upcoming newsletters (see below.) Also, meet the 2020-21 WMS staff by clicking here and watching some short Flipgrid welcome videos.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Chris D'Acquisto Ryan Relich
Principal WMS Assistant Principal WMS
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September 7 - Labor Day No School
September 8 - First Day of School
September 14 - Cross Country Practice
October 2 - No School Staff Development
October 13 - Picture Makeup Day
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Communication for Distance Learners |
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The WMS staff who will be instructing our Distance Learning students will be reaching out in advance of September 8th with more specific information for you child.
Please note that the distance learning sections your child is enrolled in must meet at the scheduled times throughout the day because your child's teachers are instructing both in-person and distance learning sections (in other words, there are two separate schedules that WMS teachers need to follow.)
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School Supplies Assistance
Last year, we received donations from students and families of new or lightly used school supplies at the time of school closure. Therefore, we now have some available supplies for students or families in need. Examples include:
Pens/Pencils
Erasers
Highlighters
Pencil Cases
Loose Leaf Paper
Notebooks
Folders
Markers/Crayons
Scissors
Basic Calculators (minimal)
*Disclaimer: We may not have every item on the supply list, therefore, items will be based on availability.
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Back to School Information |
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Schedules: Please reference your child’s schedule prior to September 8th. As shared previously, some schedules were adjusted during the Sept. 1-4 time frame in order to balance class roster size to maximize our ability to physically distance students in the learning spaces. Please contact the WMS counselor, Jim Gableman, if you have any questions related to your child’s schedule.
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School fees, chromebook insurance fees (optional), and athletic fees are all accessible through your infinite campus portal. Please be sure to check that you are current, as fees are required to be paid before students can participate in activities. If you have any questions regarding fees you can contact Julie Sobush at 414-525-8661 or jsobush@whitnall.com. If you need assistance with your infinite campus account you can contact Kay Larson at 414-525-8526 or klarson@whitnall.com. |
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Some students returned this week without their Chromebook. Please be sure they bring their charged Chromebook to school. If your child's Chromebook needs repairs, please contact helpdesk@whitnall.com to arrange for a loner device. For distance learning students, please note the device pick-up days in the Connect, our district's weekly family communication resource.
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Just a reminder about the Cell Phone guidelines at WMS. Students are allowed to have access to their phones before/after school and during lunch. Cell Phones need to be turned off and out of sight in classrooms and at all other times. Please refer to the student handbook for the WMS cell phone procedure technology policy
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To join any WMS sport you must have a current physical on file and register online prior to tryouts or practice.
Cross Country practice begins September 14th
Girls Basketball tryouts begin November 9th
Boys Basketball tryouts begin January 4th
Girls volleyball tryouts begin February 15th
Dance TBA
Wrestling TBA
Track TBA
If you have any questions please reach out to Julie Sobush at jsobush@whitnall.com
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Grading Scale CHANGE for WMS fall of 2020:
Beginning in the fall of 2020, WMS will use a grading scale similar to the scale used at Whitnall High School. Rather than using the terms No Evidence (N), Beginning (B), Developing (D), Proficient (P) or Exceeding (E), WMS will now use a scale that builds from F through A. Please reference this document to view the grading rubric.
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What is one of your hidden talents?
One of my hidden school talents could be considered being a “book whisperer.” I have a pretty good record of matching students with just the right texts-stories that will keep them hooked and interested!
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
My students would be surprised to find out that I FINALLY got a puppy this summer (I have waited 30 years for this moment). He is a 5 month old black lab rescue, named Shadow. He has kept me very busy these past few months!
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Usually, I spend my summer breaks traveling! Most years (2020 not included) I take a vacation out of state, the first week off from school in June. I usually travel within the state of Wisconsin to places such as Door County, for the remainder of summer. I also like to spend as much time as I can with my friends and family.
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?
Early to bed, early to rise! I definitely need a good night’s sleep, so I can be at school with plenty of time to spare in the morning-just to make sure everything is prepared just right. I also would say stopping at Starbucks to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte has been a long standing tradition.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is working with students, getting to know them each and every day, and watching them grow!
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
It is okay to make mistakes! Stay true to yourself. Take risks. Every day is a new day.
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What is one of your hidden talents?
I enjoy playing guitar
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I can do a cartwheel!
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Traveling and learning.
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?
To make the best of every moment
What’s the best/worst thing about being a teacher?
best- working with students; worst-the coronavirus
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Remember the golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Whitnall Employment Opportunities |
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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)
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Whitnall Middle School | 414.525.8660 | info@whitnall.com | https://www.whitnall.com/schools/middle/
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