In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
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Whitnall Middle School Message |
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September 18, 2020
Hello WMS Families,
Our 2020-21 school year is getting off to a terrific start. The students have been very responsive to our new safety protocols and we appreciate their efforts to "stay safe to stay in school." We are also very proud of our students in distance learning and we've been getting good feedback about student participation and engagement overall. Completing our first full week of school, students and staff are settling in and we thank you for partnering with us on your child's learning journey this year, and beyond.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Chris D'Acquisto, Principal WMS
Ryan Relich, Assistant Principal WMS
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October 2 - No School Staff Development
October 13 - Picture Makeup Day
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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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Physical Education Procedures Communication |
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Due to the current situation, our procedures for physical education classes will change slightly from previous years. To begin the year, students will NOT be using the locker rooms, therefore, there will NOT be a required uniform, nor will they be changing for class. It is expected that on days when students have PE, they come to class with proper footwear and clothing necessary to be physically active. Please send students with non-marking soled shoes. Masks will be worn during class when social distancing is not possible. This will be kept in mind when choosing activities for class. There will be a designated area for mask breaks for students to use. We suggest that all students bring an extra mask that they can either use specifically for PE class or they can change into after class. We will be going outside as much as possible, weather permitting, so please have students dress for the weather. Also, please send your student with a water bottle for use during class. Please label the bottle with their name. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s physical education teacher.
Items to bring:
-non-marking soled PE shoes
-extra socks
-labeled water bottle
-extra mask
-deodorant to be left in backpack
-sweatshirt/sweatpants depending on the weather
Sarah Sandahl
Steve Wilson
Jenny Baumgart
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Throughout this school year, WMS students will engage in independent reading and genre based reading units where students have choice in the books they read. Our classrooms and school library have a wide range of choices for readers. Our readers bring unique differences in student interest, maturity levels and learning goals. As teachers, we have a responsibility to serve all of the readers who come to us, and a responsibility to offer literature choices that speak to all of them, which is why we have extensive classroom libraries with many books available. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to speak to your child about what types of books they feel comfortable reading so that this becomes a part of their selection process as well. If we can ever be of help to you in recommending titles for your family or navigating this reading journey with you, please don’t hesitate to ask. We respect your right to help your own child choose appropriate reading material, and ask that you respect the rights of other parents/guardians to do the same. If you object to your child reading a particular book, let me know, send it back, and I will help your child find another selection. Please know that during our units we do not teach the content of text, but rather the skills needed to help students comprehend text. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Katie Malovec, WMS Literacy Coach at kmalovec@whitnall.com.
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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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Distance Learning Resources |
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Does your child's device need repairs?
Please contact helpdesk@whitnall.com to arrange for a loner device. With advance notice, device swap out could take place at the same times as device pick up.
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
**If you have been designated as a homebound student you will be contacted by the district teaching learning coordinator. If you have questions regarding homebound instruction please contact Laura Fowle at 414-525-8603 or lfowle@whitnall.com
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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.
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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Mrs. Maier 6th grade ELA
What is one of your hidden talents?
One of my hidden talents is that I can sing.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I think students would be surprised to find out that in 8th Grade, I was playing in a basketball game and as I was going for a rebound, I was elbowed in the mouth and two of my front teeth fell out
How do you spend your summer breaks?
This summer I just moved into my new place in Wauwatosa, so I've spent some time walking a lot of new places and exploring the area. I love to spend my summers traveling but that was not really an option this summer.
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?
One tradition that I have for the first day of school is that I need to wear yellow. Whether it's a yellow shirt or a yellow dress, I feel like it brings me good luck and spreads some positive energy.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is being able to establish quality relationships with my students and the support systems that surround them. The worst thing about being a teacher is that I always feel like there is never enough time in the day to get everything done!
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
If I could pass on any wisdom to my students, I would share with them my favorite quote by Etta Turner, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
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Mr. Nesemann Special Education Coach
What is one of your hidden talents?
I used to be a jeweler. I enjoy doing home improvement and other projects around the house.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I have 3 daughters.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Swimming, camping, and spending time outdoors enjoying the weather.
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?
Get a good night's sleep. I also get up earlier and have a good breakfast.
What’s the best/worst thing about being a teacher?
The best thing is seeing students grow and learn.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Always work hard and do your best.
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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
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.
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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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