In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
Whitnall Middle School Message
April 9, 2020

Hello WMS Community,

As we come to a close on our first week of Virtual Learning at WMS and throughout WSD I want to thank our students and parents for engaging in the learning as well as all the support that is required outside of our building. Additionally, a thank you to those that have reached out to our teachers and administration with kind words and sentiments around the efforts that our teaching staff has put into creating an alternative environment for each of your children.

One thing that comes along with our launch of virtual learning are the emails! I know that they can flood and overwhelm. If you have not yet, I would encourage you to sign up for the PARENT SUMMARY. I use this as a parent with my own kids. It does not keep the emails away, but it does help provide a focus email to check.

A special thank you to Ms. Jones and Ms. Sobush who helped to organize the pick up for items this week and into next week. We know there is not a perfect solution, but we are trying to make sure students have what they need for classes and home. Thanks Ms. Jones and Ms. Sobush.

Enjoy the weekend and 'see' everyone Monday for classes!


Yours in learning,

Bob Antholine Ryan Relich
Principal WMS Assistant Principal WMS
Upcoming Dates
April 10 - Good Friday No Virtual Learning
April 13 - Virtual Learning Continues
April 14 - Materials Pick Up
April 15 - Materials Pick Up
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.

Student Support
If a student is not engaging please anticipate being contacted by the classroom teacher or a member of our student service team. Our first goal is to make sure that everyone is safe. Second, we want to make sure that each student has access to what they need for learning. Third, we want to support in the engagement of learning and within each class.
We are here to support if anything is needed.
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.

WMS Student Administration Updates
Most days WMS Administration is reaching out to our students. All the links below are shared in the Grade Level Google Classrooms that students have access to.
April 8 - Mr Relich!
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. We are expecting notification from Bright Spark on refunds next week. Families will be shared a letter from the company. While we can help, Bright Spark is your best contact for specific questions.

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!
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/