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In last month's newsletter, we highlighted students from Wauwatosa East and Wauwatosa West who were named to the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. The following students were inadvertently excluded from those lists:
Eleanor Hannan, Wauwatosa West High Honor Roll
Jacob Thuli, Wauwatosa East Honor Roll
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May 3 - Bike to School Day
May 4-5 - Whitman/Montessori Players Spring Musical (7 p.m.)
May 6 - All City String Festival at American Family Field (2 p.m.)
May 6 - EFW's Black and White Gala
May 8 - School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
May 13 - Longfellow Players Spring Show (4 p.m.)
May 22 - School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
May 20 - Longfellow Players Spring Show (4 p.m.)
May 26 - No Classes (JK-8); Asynchronous Learning (9-12)
May 29 - No Classes (JK-12); Schools and District Office Closed
June 7 - Last Day of School for High School Seniors
June 8 - Last Day of School For JK (except Montessori)
June 9 - Last Day of School for K-11; Half Day for Students
June 9 - Wauwatosa West High School Commencement (7 p.m.)
June 10 - Wauwatosa East High School Commencement (11 a.m.)
June 12 - School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
June 26 - School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
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Learn more about the activities that have taken place over the past month, and discover what each District division will be addressing in the upcoming months. |
In April, the Division of Academic Performance worked on activities in support of the goals and objectives in the Strategic Plan.
A cohort of individuals including Chiefs, Directors, and Coordinators participated in project management training hosted by WCTC. This training will help streamline projects so that resources (human, time, money, etc.) are utilized more efficiently.
To further support all goals and objectives, the Director of Data Quality and Analytics, Director of Continuous Improvement, and Chief Academic Officer attended the Carnegie Summit for Continuous Improvement. The group learned about many tools, protocols, and approaches to educational improvement science, which will become important resources in the improvement work being done in the District.
A variety of activities related to curriculum review and improvement were conducted this month including:
High School English: A team of high school English teachers, 6-12 English Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator and the Director of Curriculum continue to meet to learn about curricular resources for English 9 and 10. The group visited elementary and middle school classrooms during ELA blocks to see what students are being asked to do at different grade levels. This was a pivotal experience for our educators, as they noted different shifts to be made in both curriculum and instructional practices.
Elementary English Language Arts: The Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator and the Director of Curriculum have begun to identify shifts that need to occur in literacy programming. The Coordinator has been meeting with teachers, seeking feedback via surveys, and reviewing data.
High School Science: High school science teachers have begun piloting lessons from potential curriculum options. All of the options that are being considered focus on teaching for student inquiry where they discover a phenomena.
Elementary Math: Online supplemental math tools are currently being reviewed at the elementary level. Following the review, we plan to implement consistent tools across the elementary level beginning in 2023-24. A review team of teachers, coaches, coordinators, and administrators will review the data that is being collected and will identify the supplemental tool(s) that will best fit the needs of our students.
Tech Ed: The Director of Curriculum has begun laying initial plans to begin responding to the Tech Ed Audit.
Social Studies and World Language Audits: The Director of Curriculum has been interviewing potential auditors to conduct the Social Studies and World Language audits beginning next school year. Auditors have been selected and will work with the Director of Curriculum and Coordinators to launch the project in the fall.
Secondary Math: In collaboration with the Director of Curriculum, the 6-12 Math Curriculum Coordinator and high school math coach continue to work on the development of common assessments in Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II.
In response to the Gifted and Talented Audit, a pilot is currently being conducted at Underwood Elementary school in the subject area of math. Through the review of multiple data points, 20 students at Underwood have been identified to participate in the pilot study, which aims to test the District’s ability to grow math skills and provide extended learning in math. This is one step forward in the District’s pursuit of seeking out talents in our students and working to eliminate disproportionality.
The Director of Data Quality + Analytics and the Director of Instruction presented the purpose of the internal dashboard snapshot (scorecards/internal report cards) with building leaders at the monthly administrator meeting. In the coming weeks, each building leader will meet with the Director of Data Quality + Analytics to review their building's data dashboard snapshot.
The Division of Academic Performance has continued development of dual/concurrent learning opportunities for students (including opportunities where a WSD high school teacher instructs a college level class, and students can earn college credit).
The Director of Instruction has been working with various groups to articulate the District's instructional philosophy. This work will continue into the month of May.
The Director of Instruction continues to engage in learning walks with building leaders and instructional coaches using the District's Instructional Look Fors, with a focus this month on instructional alignment to the learning target, success criteria, and formative checks for understanding. Instructional Coaches engaged in learning walks with Curriculum Coordinators to calibrate observations and feedback using the Math and ELA Instructional Look Fors.
The Director of Data Quality + Analytics and her team have been supporting buildings as they participate in state testing. Students in grades 3-8 took the Forward exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics in April. Students in grades 4 and 8 also took assessments in Science and Social Studies. The results of these assessments will be available from the Department of Public Instruction - typically in late October/early November. Students in grades 9 and 10 took the Pre-ACT in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, and students in grade 10 took the Forward exam in Social Studies. Individual student scores will be shared with families as they become available.
The data team continues to clean up the data systems in the District. The Data Team identifies inconsistencies and ensures clarity is provided to those who input the data. The focus areas have been on Infinite Campus for attendance, enrollment and behavior documentation.
In collaboration with the Division of Pupil + Family Supports, the Chief Academic Officer and 6-12 School Growth Coordinator have been meeting with other members of the Curriculum Development team about alternative programming options for students. This work will continue into next month.
During the month of May, the Division of Academic Performance will be actively working to move the following tasks forward:
- Finalize professional learning for summer and next school year
- Continue course development for the content areas outlined above
- Continue to exercise “Thought Partner” visits every 2-3 weeks
- Outline “Thought Partners” for next year and update the process based on learning from the Carnegie Summit
- Articulate project management procedures as a result of the project management learning with WCTC
- Articulate PACE (teacher co-planning) with a greater emphasis on the PDSA cycle (Plan, Do, Study, Adjust) based on learning from the Carnegie Summit
- Continue to develop the Instructional Framework to bring coherence to expected instructional practices throughout the District
- Continue developing alternative programming options
- Support STAR testing in grades 1-10 in reading and math and actively analyze the results.
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Spring is typically a busy time in school Human Resources, and April 2023 was no exception. The Division of Human Resources has been preparing for celebrations of veteran staff and retirees while finalizing staffing plans, contract logistics, assignments, and starting to hire for the upcoming school year.
A new principal was approved for Madison Elementary School, and a recommendation is forthcoming for McKinley Elementary School. A second round of interviews for the Wauwatosa East High School principalship is planned for the week of May 8.
The Wauwatosa School District hosted the CESA 1 Career Fair in April, where more than 30 school districts saw a total of 130 candidates at West High School. WSD administrators met with about 40 educators who are interested in working in Tosa schools.
The Division of HR has been busy with staffing and hiring for Summer School. Based on 2022 staffing levels, we appear to be about two-thirds complete with staffing for this year’s program. At present, approximately 75% of summer school staff are current WSD employees.
2023-24 teacher staffing plans for our schools have been finalized and principals are working through the last details of teacher assignments; current vacancies have been posted on WECAN. Current WSD staff members have been encouraged to review vacancies for consideration of transfer interest.
In partnership with the Division of Finance and Operations, new support staff hourly rates have been entered into the employee management system for the 2023-24 school year. An overview of employee benefits was presented with the District’s Health and Wellness Committee. The group provided feedback related to future priorities to direct future plans and design.
Invitations to members of WSD’s select employee group will be forthcoming to begin the process of reviewing compensation. As this is a diverse group of employees, the Division of HR plans to meet with sub-groups separately.
On May 17, the Division of HR will host a celebration to honor retiring educators and those who’ve served for 25 or more years in the District. This is a highly-anticipated event each year and it's a fun opportunity to recognize the staff members who have dedicated themselves to the service of our students.
The Chief of Talent has four building visits/office hours days scheduled for the remainder of the school year. These visits have provided great opportunities to connect with staff members and students.
In May, the Division of HR will be hosting a WSD Retirement Seminar to assist those employees receiving post-employment benefits with their transition. Anyone interested in planning for their retirement is welcome to attend.
The Division of HR has made a number of improvements to systems and procedures that are resulting in better service to staff members. However, the capacity to support principals and school leaders along with technical employment and benefits functions remain stretched. Therefore, the Division of HR is currently accepting applications for candidates to fill the role of Director of Human Resources. The HR Director will provide technical support in the areas of hiring, contracts, data analysis, onboarding/orientation, etc. under the direction of the Chief of Talent. This position will allow for the Chief of Talent to engage more fully with District leaders and staff members related to our Goal 4 strategic priorities.
The Division of HR has also been working to prioritize common planning time for elementary grade level teachers. Aligned with Strategic Plan goals, research confirms that common planning yields improved instruction. As such, the Division of HR has increased the allocation of teachers in art, music and physical education so that instruction is not confined by shared teaching schedules. Subsequently, principals have been able to identify blocks of time where grade level teachers can meet and plan instruction together. Further, library assistant positions have been increased to full time in each building and the number of minutes for Spanish instruction will be the same at each grade level.
This month, the Division of HR will focus on the following activities:
- Hiring for the 2023-24 school year
- Reporting Employee Engagement Survey actions
- Reviewing and revising WSD’s Hiring Guide
- Reviewing and revising WSD’s Employee Handbook
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The months of April and May are key for legislative advocacy and school funding for the 2023-25 biennial State budget. The District has developed a robust resource library for the community to expand their knowledge about school finance.
The Chief of Finance + Operations will continue to reach out to legislators over the next few weeks, and an initial legislative school funding proposal is expected to be released by the Joint Committee on Finance before Memorial Day weekend.
The Facilities team is securing bids for the Summer 2023-24 facility maintenance projects at Eisenhower (playground replacements) and Jefferson (bus lane and curb replacements). These projects were approved by the Board in November 2022. The bid results will be brought to the Board in May via consent agenda for final approval. All projects are on track both from a budget and timeline/logistics perspective to be completed this summer.
A key focus in May and June will be the continuing the internal budget planning. The Finance & Resources Committee (FRC) will meet again in May to review budget projections and scenarios, as well as development of the 2023-24 budget. A Budget Hearing has been scheduled for May 31 at 6:00 p.m.
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This month, the Division of Pupil + Family Supports successfully connected with more than 90 Black males across three of our middle/high schools via Be Inspired Works and Kwabena Nixon. Students celebrated amazing breakthroughs and had the opportunity to tap into their innermost feelings while discovering hidden talents and embracing their personal journeys. The high school participants will wrap up this week by having the opportunity to tour the Black Holocaust Museum and meet with community advocates and business owners from the city of Milwaukee.
My Sista’s Keeper worked diligently to break down barriers with over 20 Black and Brown female students at Tosa West. The students were taught to create poetry and utilize spoken word artistry to share their voices in a way that allows them to feel respected, seen and heard.
Agape Yogastry is currently working with a diverse group of over 40 female students at Longfellow and Whitman middle schools. The facilitator utilizes yoga to assist students in learning a myriad of techniques to navigate the thoughts and feelings that they are experiencing as MS students. The program is well received by students and faculty members that have participated in the sessions.
The DEIA committee is continuing to build the Equity Framework. DEIA Advocates continue to support buildings; however, Wauwatosa East and West do not currently have advocates. Principal Golla is serving as the interim advocate at West at this time.
A request for proposals (RFP) for School Based Mental Health services was completed in collaboration with the Division of Operations + Finance and was distributed the week of April 3, 2023. We look forward to reviewing proposals to determine the best fit for community-based mental health providers delivering services in our school buildings.
Initial work around the curriculum selection process for a middle school social-emotional learning curriculum began in collaboration with middle school student services staff, the Director of Curriculum, and the Director of Student Success. A pilot will be conducted in the 2023-2024 school year.
The School Culture and Student Success Committee continued with its monthly meeting and is using key resources from research and the Department of Public Instruction to articulate a framework that will support our Strategic Plan. The committee, comprised of 11 staff members representing student services staff from a variety of schools, meets once per month for 90 minutes.
Care Solace has been a huge success! Districtwide, more than 80 students, family members, and staff members have been connected to mental health care.
A Student Services Committee focused on attendance has been meeting monthly since December. The Division of Pupil + Family Supports is working with the Division of Academic Performance to align efforts with Infinite Campus recording, building-level interventions and supports, and family communication related to student attendance.
The Division of Pupil + Family Supports has finalized the 2023-2024 special education staffing plan with other divisions, and division leaders are scheduling meetings with necessary staff members to review key data indicators that will be monitored, staffing ratios and data comparables, professional learning for the 2023-2024 school year, and how staffing shifts will better support their work.
Students with disabilities have historically attended Junior Kindergarten in four locations. Moving forward, students with disabilities will attend Junior Kindergarten in their neighborhood school, allowing students, families and staff to begin developing critical relationships upon the student's first entry into school, and removing the need for students to re-adjust to a new school following completion of Junior Kindergarten.
The Division of Pupil + Family Supports also hosted a family engagement event in collaboration with the Tosa All City Read in late March. A student panel discussion was held to allow community members to hear the student experience of five panelists.
The Director of Special Education is working in partnership with the Communications Director to develop a more user-friendly special education web presence on the District's new website, which will launch this summer.
Division leaders are working to hire for key roles including school psychologists and school speech pathologists for the 2023-24 school year.
The Board of Education approved the Division's request for safety items in April, and implementation began immediately. The District Safety Team - comprised of representatives from Pupil + Family Supports, Communications and Technology - meets weekly to identify gaps and review current processes. Members of the Division of Pupil + Family Supports participated in a press conference with the Department of Justice in early April regarding the importance of funding Speak Up Speak Out, the District's 24/7 anonymous threat reporting system and continue to draw attention to the importance of school safety.
Special education referrals continue to be at record highs. Over a 10 year period, there were typically between 132-161 evaluations per school year. During the 2021-2022 year, the teams processed 247 special education evaluations, and during the 2023-2024 school year, the team is on track to process more than 300 special education evaluations. Staffing of open positions is impacting the service delivery of the special education teams, specifically at our middle schools.
In May, the Division of Pupil + Family Supports will continue to focus on:
- Solidifying DEIA Advocacy training for fall 2023.
- Working with HR to increase diversity amongst new hires.
- Creating parent organizations including a parent-driven Multi-Ethnic Parent Association and a District-driven WSD Parent University.
- Reviewing responses to the School Based Mental Health RFP.
- Meeting with the School Culture and Student Success Committee and creating a framework that includes PBIS, restorative practice, and trauma sensitive care.
- Hiring for open positions.
- Assessing curriculum related to middle school SEL.
- Articulating data entry processes.
- Developing the 504 initial evaluation process for health care.
- Communicating the shift in 4K service delivery.
- Aligning Specially Designed Physical Education practices across the system.
- Building the 2023-24 special education budget.
- Identifying a consistent response related to Beacon student technology monitoring and alert system response.
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Underwood 2/3 STEM and 3rd grade classes were honored to be visited by Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride and Alderperson Robin Brannin as part of the classes' social studies learning about local government. Students learned about responsibilities of the mayor and our local government and got a chance to ask lots of questions! |
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Congratulations to Wauwatosa West junior Reese Bertram for being named a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields.
The Congress of Future Medical Leaders will be held June 21-23, 2023, just outside Boston, on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.
Reese's nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. She was selected to represent Wauwatosa West High School based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.
During the three-day Congress, Reese will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.
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Congratulations, Meegan!
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Employee Engagement 101
By Sarah Zelazoski
Employee engagement is a term that is frequently used, but not always clearly explained. In the Wauwatosa School District, it is my goal that all employees feel a sense of belonging, trust the people they work with, and truly believe that our organization is doing good work. In short, the Division of Human Resources wants employees to have a desire to continue their employment in the Wauwatosa School District, and feel good about the work they do.
According to Gallup, engaged employees are more likely to stay with their employers, and they have a greater commitment to quality. As we continue to make student-centered decisions and take steps to improve the educational experience in the Wauwatosa School District, we know it is equally important to improve the employee experience for our staff members. After all, according to Harvard Business Review, engaged employees do better work!
But how can we measure the employee experience? How do we quantify the level of engagement of our teachers, support staff and administrators? And just as importantly, how do we increase engagement and improve the employee experience? Like all goals, we must identify metrics to measure our progress. To measure employee engagement, we use a variety of methods including pulse surveys and stay interviews.
On a regular basis, the Division of Human Resources works with the Division of Academic Performance to deploy a pulse survey to all staff members. The goal of the pulse survey is to gauge how employees currently feel about the Wauwatosa School District. We then compare the most recent data to the results of previous surveys to see how employee engagement has changed over time.
In the Division of Human Resources, we review this data at the District level; however, building principals also review their data to better understand their staff members’ experiences. Not only do principals review their building-specific data, they also discuss with their Building Leadership Team (BLT) and share out with their staff members their “grows and glows” that is, what is going well and what can be improved. Then, principals share how they intend to address their building’s “grows.” Building principals also have the opportunity to create and incorporate building-specific questions into the pulse survey sent to their staff members, which allows for a level of personalization and customization that meets the needs of each school community.
In alignment with Strategic Plan Objective 4.4: Implement strategies to increase employee engagement, I’ve personally held Meet and Confer sessions with various employee groups including teachers and support staff. In these meetings, we’ve discussed the group’s suggestions for modifying teacher compensation. This was a particularly exciting venture, as the WEA advised that making the proposed adjustment to teacher compensation would improve teacher satisfaction by 80%! During our first-ever support staff Meet and Confer sessions, we discussed adjustments to compensation for Buildings + Grounds staff, Administrative Assistants, Special Education staff, and Health/Clerical Aides. It’s important that we take the time to learn what is important to each of our employees, and learn about their experiences - this is just an example of one way that we show employees how much we value them within our organization. In the future, I will begin Meet and Confer sessions with other employee groups.
I have also conducted stay interviews with employees who have been with the District for at least approximately five years. These casual 10-15 minute conversations provide an opportunity to gather anecdotal insight into the reasons that employees continue their employment with the Wauwatosa School District. During the course of these interviews, themes began to emerge. As a result of these interviews, we’ve learned that many employees:
- Appreciate being recognized privately as opposed to publicly.
- Value both daily and long-term relationships with students and colleagues.
- Seek increased transparency and communication.
- Desire more meaningful and relevant professional learning opportunities.
And as we work to create an environment of support and service to employees, we are taking action based on this feedback. In a general sense, we are working hard to change our environment and culture to be one of providing support and service to employees.
For example, the Division of Human Resources has assessed the ways in which we highlight employees who are doing great work. Currently, we provide several formal opportunities for this recognition including our Distinguished Service Awards, 25-Year and Retiree Celebration, Teacher Appreciation Week and an annual Support Staff Luncheon. However, knowing that employees have a greater appreciation for more private recognition, we are encouraging building principals to personally thank staff members for their contributions, and Division Chiefs are making a greater effort to be more visible in school buildings throughout the school day.
And while we know it’s important to recognize staff members for the “big things” like delivering a stellar presentation or handling a crisis, it’s also important to recognize the “little things” as well, as these are the elements that have the biggest impact on employee engagement. For example, the Division of Human Resources has begun sending birthday cards to employees during their birth month. We are also exploring our ability to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child by sending a welcome package to staff members who experience this milestone.
But more than presents and trinkets, we know that employees want to be involved in the decisions that directly impact them. Employees have been clear about their desire to participate in processes, such as the development of the school year calendar. This year, Dr. Means provided more opportunities than ever before for all stakeholders to provide feedback and vote on their preferred calendar.
In the Division of Human Resources, we also work to recognize elements of an employee’s “work life” by rewarding behaviors that we want repeated, including good attendance. We are working closely with the WEA to accomplish this. We are also looking into incorporating a lifestyle program that underscores our belief in the importance of mental health. The lifestyle program would allow employees to report on self-care and get a reward.
Not only do we work to engage current employees, but we have increased our focus on hiring employees whose values align with ours. In this way, we can bring in staff members who have a true desire to be in Wauwatosa, expand the diversity of our staff, and create an environment that is more appealing and inclusive to employees.
And finally, we are working to intentionally build more structures and systems that allow us to frequently and openly communicate and engage with employees. This includes a regular schedule of school visits and stay interviews, as well as intentional work time scheduled in buildings.
From December 2021 to March 2023, engagement decreased from 45% to 41%, as measured by our employee survey. We continue to analyze survey data to better understand how engagement continues to change over time, and what actions drive the greatest increase in employee engagement.
Using data from pulse surveys and anecdotal information gathered via stay interviews and building hours, we will continue to show employees that we are listening and trying to make improvements based on their feedback. It’s important to everyone in the Division of Human Resources that we demonstrate how employee feedback makes a real difference in the WSD experience. It is time for us to emphasize actions - not talk. We will identify ways to improve and be more transparent about the steps we’re taking to address areas of need.
As articulated in our Core Values, we believe in continuous improvement, so when we know better and have the capacity to do better, we will.
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Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May |
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Since 1979, May has been a dedicated time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, but it wasn't until 1992 that May was officially designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May was selected to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869 that was made possible by the hard work of thousands of Chinese people. Asian/Pacific Islander encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
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Recognizing Mental Health Awareness in May |
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Do you know someone struggling with mental health challenges? Chances are you do.
People experiencing mental health challenges aren’t broken — they need support and care. And that begins with a conversation. This month we have an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.
If you want to quickly be connected to a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by Wauwatosa School District:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
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Visit www.caresolace.com/wauwatosa and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope.
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It's Not Too Late! The EFW Black and White Gala is This Weekend |
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Help support Tosa Schools by experiencing music, auctions, raffles and more at the annual EFW Black + White Gala. The event will take place on May 6, at the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel. Black and white formal attire is strongly encouraged!
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Rescheduled: Mental Health Forum with Tom Farley |
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Please join us for a Mental Health Awareness Month Forum with Tom Farley and other mental health professionals. The panel will be discussing issues around mental health and how to have conversations about mental health with your children. |
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Whitman/Montessori Players Present Disney's High School Musical JR. |
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Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life on stage in Disney’s High School Musical JR. Troy, Gabriella and the students of West High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs will have you humming the tunes long after the show is over. Don’t miss your chance to Get’cha Head in the Game!
Performances are Thursday, May 4 and Friday May 5 at 7 p.m. at Wauwatosa West. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Cash or check only at the door.
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Wauwatosa School District Receives Fifth Consecutive
Best Communities for Music Education Award
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For the fifth consecutive year, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) has awarded the Wauwatosa School District with its Best Communities for Music Education Award. Now in its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education award recognizes teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who provide music access and make music part of a well-rounded education for children.
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Division of Academic Performance Begins Science Review Process |
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Several middle school and high school science educators joined together to begin the science review process. Their work will result in future programming for Science in the Wauwatosa School District.
Sarah Blechacz, K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator, and Rachel Duellman, High School Instructional Coach, facilitated this work by grounding the team in key components of science classrooms, such as leading phenomena, allowing students to engage in sense-making, having students build models to represent their thinking, and working through storylines to foster science learning.
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It's Elementary! Everything You Need to Know About School Finance
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The Wauwatosa School District Board of Education's approved Legislative Advocacy Committee’s updated Legislative Priorities are aligned with Governor Evers’ biennium budget for 2023-2025. The priorities include requests for a predictable and sustainable funding model; established state funding for school safety and security; increased funding for high-need/high-cost students; an investment in future teachers; and a request for local control and accountability.
In an effort to increase the community’s understanding of the complexities of school finance, the Wauwatosa School District has created a library of materials including videos, one-pagers and talking points.
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District Conducts Work to Expand SEL Curriculum for Middle School Students |
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Members of the Student Services Teams at Longfellow and Whitman Middle School began working to expand a social-emotional learning curriculum. Director of Curriculum Mrs. Jessica Ebert facilitated this initial meeting. Mrs. Ebert used essential questions and student data to begin identifying the social-emotional competencies that must be prioritized when selecting an evidence-based curriculum. |
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Recreation Department to Hold Annual Textile Drive |
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Get your spring cleaning done and donate unwanted (clean, dry and not severely damaged) items at the Wauwatosa Recreation Department Clothing & Textile Drive! The event takes place at the Fisher Administration Building parking lot on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Drop off items or simply drive through and someone can unload your vehicle for you.
Items accepted include undergarments, swimsuits, sweaters, shirts, blouses, suits, tuxedos, jackets, coats, pants, jeans, dresses, skirts, ties, scarves, paired socks and shoes (no slippers, no high heels over 2", no ice or roller skates, no snow or rain boots), drapes, curtains, towels, washcloths, sofa covers, bedspreads, sheets, blankets, quilts, stuffed animals, plush toys, belts, hats, wallets, purses, tote bags, backpacks, and gym bags.
Please no tools, appliances, furniture, decor, games, puzzles, office supplies, dolls, figurines, strollers, car seats, hard toys, books, wet or smelly items, kitchen items, electronics, paper items, glass items, wooden items, metal items or plastic items.
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Wauwatosa West High School Students Place Fifth in National We the People Competition |
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The Wauwatosa School District is thrilled to share that students on Wauwatosa West High School’s American Public Policy Special Emphasis (APPSE) team achieved a fifth place finish at the national We the People: The Citizen and Constitution National Finals competition. This is the third consecutive year that West’s team has achieved a Top 10 ranking.
On Tuesday, April 24, students enrolled in the APPSE course at Wauwatosa West High School competed in Washington, D.C. at the national We the People competition. At an awards ceremony held that evening, Wauwatosa West was named the fifth place finisher in the nation, out of 48 total schools.
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Wauwatosa West Student Receives an Honorable Mention in the Art Competition |
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The Wauwatosa West Art Department is proud to announce that Lazandria Smith has been recognized by Congresswoman Gwen Moore with an Honorable Mention and a Viewer's Choice Award in the 4th Congressional District art competition! Her work was on display at the Northwestern Mutual Art Gallery in Milwaukee.
Congratulations, Lazandria!
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Girls’ Team Academic All-State recognition for Wauwatosa East + West High Schools |
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The Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin (GCAW) announced the recipients of the 12th annual Team Academic All-State award, established to recognize high school golf teams with the highest team grade point averages (team is defined as the five golfers on the roster for the girls’ fall 2022 WIAA regional tournament). The three teams with the highest cumulative team GPA in each division (1 & 2) are being recognized with gold, silver, and bronze medals for each student-athlete, and their schools will receive a certificate to note this accomplishment. Schools with at least a 3.25 team GPA will receive a certificate acknowledging their honorable mention status.
Wauwatosa East/West High Schools achieved Honorable Mention in Division D1. Congratulations to members of the team including Emily Gastrau, Nora Gogin, Maddie Ruzicka, Nora MacKelly, and Audrey Hardman.
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Wauwatosa Art Students Selected for MIAD's Design Internship Program |
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The Wauwatosa East and West Art Departments are pleased to announce that the several art students have been selected to receive paid internships with local creative industry firms through MIAD's Design Internship Program. Students include:
Sawyer Vespalec (West, center), Ricky Shay, Jr. (West, second from left) and Jewel Lee (East, not pictured) who will intern at Hanson Dodge; Sophia Sherry (West, second from right), who will intern at Core; Lauren Laserstein (West, far left), who will intern at Maker; and Madelynn Sanchez (West, far right), who will interview at Cramer Krasselt.
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Tosa West Holds Annual Multi Cultural Fair |
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The annual Wauwatosa West High School Multicultural Fair was again a great success of bringing the entire community together to celebrate our District's rich diversity. Generations of families, staff members and children engaged with Wauwatosa West students, who were showing off the things that make them proud. If you missed it this year, get it on your calendar early for next year! The dancing, food, crafts, music, posters, information, and general atmosphere are fun for the whole family. |
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Students Excel in Le Grand Concours French Contest |
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Twenty-one Wauwatosa students in middle and high school received recognition for their academic performance in the 89th Annual Le Grand Concours competition. This year, eighth grade students at Longfellow Middle School and students from Wauwatosa East joined nearly 44,000 students who took the test nationwide.
Four Wauwatosa East High School students received medals, including Elena Cooper and John Eash-Scott who earned gold medals and were ranked first in the state of Wisconsin in their level. Nationwide, Cooper ranked fourth and Eash-Scott ranked tenth. Charlotte Thielke and Henry Dizard earned bronze medals and were ranked eighth and second in their level groups, respectively. Anna Stefanich and Jenna Wood, who tied for 12th place in the nation, received Honor Certificates for their performance. Honor Certificates were also awarded to Claire Foley, Kimberly Steiner, and Elaris Holmes, and Emily Nicol, Franklin Cook, Bryce Dispennette, Emerson LaWall-Shane, June Straka, and Maya Jacques earned Merit Certificates.
Eighth grade students at Longfellow Middle School also received awards including Georgia Luke, who earned a gold medal and was ranked fourth in the nation. Vivian Hardman (ranked 13th), Penny Copple (ranked 7th), Evelyn Etter (ranked 8th), and Izzy Beaudoin (ranked 13th) earned silver, and Robert Pakulski, earned a bronze medal and was ranked 16th in the nation.
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Wauwatosa West Students Compete at Solo + Ensemble; Receive Invitations to State |
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Wauwatosa West Orchestra sent 44 events to the annual Solo and Ensemble, and 31 received First Division rankings including: Angel Altoro, Travis Burns, Nicholas Enters, Ethan Espinoza, Thomas Foersterling, Benjamin Jiang, Katrina Koenings, Noah Kubiak, Jack Monagle, Ella Mott, Lilly Murat, Lexi Pitcher, Alex Rack, and Hannah Veendaal.
In addition to receiving First Division rankings, the following students were also offered an opportunity to attend State: Max Almazan, Jameson Boettcher, Finley Cates, Cameron Corragio (who received a perfect score), Lucy Deutsch, Sofia Farwell, Sean Gaez, Mara Holzen, Lilly Jahr, Cerek Krug, Ben Nowacek, Flynn O'Rear, Jackson Peterson, Leo Piontek, Henry Rommelfanger, Emily Roy, Louisa Schmidt, Jonathan Wang, and Kelly Weber.
Congratulations!
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Wauwatosa Students Take Home Awards at Destination Imagination Competition |
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Students in the Wauwatosa School District earned awards and received invitations to the Global Finals competition at the Destination Imagination Wisconsin Affiliate Tournament on April 1, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. A total of eight teams from Wauwatosa’s elementary and middle schools competed in Green Bay, and six teams took home medals, along with an invitation to attend the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri May 20-23, 2023.
Missing Pieces (Lincoln Elementary School) won first place in both the Technical Challenge category and the Instant Challenge.
Jiggly Wet Stuff, Inc. (Roosevelt Elementary School) took home third place in the Scientific category and first place in the Instant Challenge.
What’s Our Team Name Again? (Roosevelt Elementary School) took home second place in the Improv category.
Busy Bees (Washington Elementary School) secured a first place win in the Instant Challenge and took third place in Improv.
Look Who’s Laughing Now (Longfellow Middle School) was awarded first place in the Instant Challenge, and Longfellow’s Engineering Team was awarded third place in the Engineering Challenge.
Global Finals is the culminating Challenge Experience tournament for Destination Imagination (DI) teams that advance through Regional and Affiliate Tournaments around the world.
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Students Receive Awards in Tosa's All City Read Annual Book and Essay Contest |
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This year's All-City Read book was One, Two Three by Laurie Frankel. All-City Read collaborated and hosted a panel discussion with students to better understand their experiences in the Wauwatosa school system. The students did an amazing job sharing their experiences! This event was attended by representatives from the community, School Board, families, and students. It was a great evening connecting and learning from one another.
This year’s essay contest prompt was: Working for a cause: What cause (social cause, environmental cause, etc.) is most important to you, why is it important, and what do you do to support it? Are there actions you wish adults would take to help?
The winners are:
Grades 3-5 Category
1st: It Is Important for Kids to Be Active by Violet Wolfgram, Jefferson ($30 award)
2nd: Wildfires by Lucy Bach, Roosevelt ($20 award)
Honorable Mentions: Save the Turtles by Harper Brown, Roosevelt; Global Warming by Davis Hirt, Jefferson; Saving the Earth by Abby Wurzburger, McKinley; Littering by Ella Bonneau, McKinley; Black Lives Matter by Keira Conway, Roosevelt; and Saving China's Bamboo Forest by Sophia Basile, Roosevelt
Middle School Category
1st: With Love, Your Local Feminist by Rilyn Paul, Whitman ($50 award)
2nd: Love Is Love by Charlie Nunag, Longfellow MSTEM ($30 award)
Honorable Mention: Safer School—Education by Aarna Tyagi, Whitman
High School Category
1st: Heads in the Sand by Ana Oliver, Tosa East ($75 award)
Adult Category
1st: Advocate Like a Mother by Lani Knutson ($100 award)
2nd: Rising Through the Color Code by Shalini Khare ($60 award)
Honorable Mention: Entering the Twilight Zone by Catherine McArthur
Congratulations to all the writers! Watch for the winning essays to be posted on the Tosa’s All-City Read website soon.
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Elementary Band Festival Brings Together 200+ Elementary Students and Families |
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Last month, more than 200 5th grade students from all of Wauwatosa School District's elementary schools participated in the annual Elementary Band Festival and performed as one gigantic band! Towards the end of the program, members of both Wauwatosa West and Wauwatosa East Marching Bands performed and joined the 5th graders playing "Let's Go Band."
Congratulations and thank you to the hard-working elementary students, amazing band staff, high school students that volunteered their time to inspire the young students and for the support of our District and community to make such an amazing event happen!
To watch why students choose to be in band (and why you should consider it too!) click here.
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Elementary Art Show Takes Place at Wauwatosa Public Library |
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The Wauwatosa School District annual elementary art show returned to the Wauwatosa Public Library last month. Thousands of pieces of art were displayed that represented the creativity, skill, and learning that occurs on a daily basis in our elementary art rooms. |
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Wauwatosa High School Students Nominated for Wisconsin Leadership Seminar |
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The Wisconsin Leadership Seminar is an annual 3-day leadership seminar that is provided at no cost to the students or schools. WILS encourages leadership development through emphasis on responsibility, service, inclusiveness, and decision making.
This year’s sophomore nominees are Tessa White (East) and Stella Holtz (West) who will attend the seminar in June.
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Wauwatosa East Student-Athlete Wins Legacy Leadership Award |
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Congratulations to Wauwatosa East senior, Olivia Close, recipient of the 2023 Legacy Leadership Award! This statewide award goes to only one girl in the entire state for Girls Basketball. Olivia's story of devotion to her passions will continue to be shared as she confidently leads and continues her story.
To read more about Close's amazing accomplishment click here!
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Wauwatosa High School Students Recognized by Wisconsin State Fair |
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The Wauwatosa East and West art departments are proud to announce that several student artists have been recognized by the Wisconsin State Fair. Some students have won cash prizes, and all of their work will be on display at the fair in August.
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Wauwatosa West Student Earns Golden Key for Poetry |
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Congratulations to Daisy Lehman, a Wauwatosa West junior who has earned national recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! Daisy won a National Silver Key in Poetry, for her poem, "Porcelain Girl".
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Wauwatosa West Students Earn Scholarships for Academic Performance |
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Two Wauwatosa West students have received scholarships for their participation in The Americanism and Government Scholarship Test. Nearly 1451 Wisconsin high school students took the test and 33 scholarships were awarded to the top recipients. |
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The Americanism and Government Scholarship test is designed to not only recognize students in grades 10, 11 and 12 with scholarships, but also to bring awareness to the rights and privileges that we have through American Citizenship.
Please congratulate senior Zachary Nowacek (right) as a $750 scholarship winner and junior Emily Roy (left) as a $300 scholarship winner.
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Get Your Tickets to the All City String Festival |
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The Wauwatosa School District Orchestra Department will host its annual All City String Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 2 p.m. at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The event, previously held at venues such as Wisconsin Lutheran College and Brookfield East Field House, has relocated to the large Major League Baseball venue in Milwaukee due to its exponential growth in popularity and participation.
Individuals who wish to support this one-of-a-kind musical event via a financial donation should visit Hometown Ticketing and select “Donation.” Community members interested in attending the event can visit Hometown Ticketing to purchase general admission tickets for $10 each.
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Jefferson Students Receive Surprise from Mystery Reader |
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Mr. Kern was the Mystery Reader in one of Jefferson Elementary School's Junior Kindergarten classrooms in April. He surprised the students by reading All Are Welcome.
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Eisenhower Elementary School Students Receive Visit from Guest Author |
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Eisenhower 4th graders welcomed author Debbie Riguad to their library in April! Ms. Rigaud discussed her writing process and her collaboration on the book Best Wishes: The Sister Switch. The interactive presentation inspired students to share their story ideas and Ms. Rigaud was impressed with their imaginative suggestions. Thank you to Boswell Books for offering these amazing free author visits for our Wauwatosa School District students!
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Jefferson Class Wins "Cleanest Classroom" |
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During Jefferson's monthly assembly, to promote positive behavior, the award for cleanest classroom was announced. Congratulations to Miss Sarasin's room for working hard not only in the classroom learning, but keeping the learning environment clean as well! |
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Lincoln Elementary Students Embrace Annual Theme |
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Be the SPARK! Be the Light! Last week students at Lincoln Elementary School added to the school's collaborative art pieces by focusing on actionable steps they can take to ‘Be the Light.’ |
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Madison Elementary Students Engage with Magic and Make Butterfly Gardens |
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Third grade students at Madison Elementary School put on an all-school assembly where they talked about different ways the school can demonstrate responsibility. Madison's new mascot, Magic, also made an appearance during the assembly and visited classrooms!
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First graders at Madison Elementary were busy as well, as they worked with members of the PTA to create a butterfly garden. The kids sowed different kinds of plants that would help attract butterflies. |
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McKinley Elementary Students Learn to Code |
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At McKinley Elementary School, Ms. Teipel's Junior Kindergarteners learned how to code! The students coded using color patterns that only Ozobot coding robots can read. This was a great opportunity for our youngest scholars to expand their learning and make connections between the classroom and the real world.
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The Wauwatosa School District, Harley Davidson, and STEM 101 teamed up to provide fourth graders a hands-on opportunity to learn about electric circuits. The students enjoyed learning about and creating series circuits, parallel circuits, and circuits with switches! |
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Roosevelt Elementary School Third Graders Explore Coding |
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The Roosevelt Third Grade Coding Club spent time exploring how to code with many different resources. They used code.org to block code with Ozobots. The students ended the month by coding Sphero Bolt Bots. It was an amazing opportunity for students to explore, work as a team, and problem solve while building codes!
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Underwood Students Use Super Powers and Recieve and Extra Boost for Forward Tests |
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Students and staff at Underwood Elementary School celebrated Reading Across America in April!
During Reading Across America Week, each day had its own theme. The theme for Day 2 was "Reading Gives Us Super Powers." Pictured is 4th grade student Miracle soaking up some "super power!"
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The theme for Day 3 was "Books Help Us See Our Future." Teachers and students dressed for success or what they would like to be for their future profession.Pictured are "Detective JK" (4/5 USTEM teacher Amy Jarmuz Kluth) and her student Zoe who chose to dress like her teacher Mrs. Jarmuz Kluth.
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And we absolutely must give the staff at Underwood a special shout out for the work they did to prepare their students for Forward testing. The teachers and staff put their creative minds together to show their support for their students through motivational testing treats, posters and even a musical performance! Thank you for all you do to support our students!
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Washington Elementary Students Meet a Special Guest and Cultivate Kindness |
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The Washington Elementary Library was honored to host Author/Illustrator Jay Fleck! First and second grade students learned about the process of writing and illustrating books and even learned how to draw Fleck's favorite character, Tiny T. Rex! Perhaps the opportunity to meet a real author/illustrator will inspire some learners to become an author or illustrator when they grow up!
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To encourage positive behavior, Washington Elementary School focused on kindness during the month of April. Staff members "caught" students being kind and had them add their unique kindness petal to the school's kindness garden. The goal was to grow kindness at the school and to work together to watch their kindness garden bloom. The garden blossomed throughout the month as kindness was spread! |
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Wilson Elementary + WSTEM Hold Science Fair |
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The Wilson and WSTEM Science Fair was a huge hit and the kids’ projects were beyond impressive! It was amazing to see how proud the kids were of their work and how excited they were to learn from their peers’ projects. We had an incredible turnout and the families were just as excited about the projects as the kids! |
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Wauwatosa Montessori Students See Stars |
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All Lower Elementary students at Wauwatosa Montessori went to Wauwatosa West High School to see the Planetarium in April. That trip made a huge impression on one student in particular: Elliot. His parents said he insisted on seeing the planets come out before the stars and was on the driveway for 30 minutes that evening.
Thank you to our Montessori teachers and also to West High School for providing this wonderful opportunity and sparking curiosity within every student!
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Longfellow Middle School Musicians Perform at Solo + Ensemble Festival; Receive Invitations to State |
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Congratulations to the Longfellow Middle School music students who participated in the Wisconsin State Music Association's solo ensemble festival. Two students received a rating of 1* on their solo, moving them on to the state festival. Congratulations to James Fifarek on his saxophone solo, and Eliana Putnam (pictured) on her viola solo!
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Whitman Middle School Students Practice the Whitman Way |
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Whitman sixth grade student Brooke Coleman enjoyed the Float Social Incentive organized by the Whitman Way PBIS Team. Students needed three Whitman Way tickets to receive a wristband and attend the Float Social. Over 1,100 tickets were collected, and more than 325 students participated in the event. Awesome job following the Whitman Way!
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Wauwatosa East Students Express Themselves Using the Arts |
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Wauwatosa East High School partnered with True Skool, Milwaukee's Center for Transformative Creative Arts and Hip Hop Culture! Through this partnership, students had an opportunity to work together, create music and express their creativity through elements of hip hop. Students could create art, record music, make beats, or start a podcast.
Shalina and Fidel, co-directors, walked students through the studios as they talked about the importance of knowledge, advocacy, art, business and most importantly, forms of expression.
This partnership with True Skool offered such an amazing opportunity to our community. Thank you True Skool!
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Wauwatosa West's Students Create a Culinary Masterpiece |
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Each month, students in Wauwatosa West's Culinary Arts program can participate in food challenges. Each month provides students with a different prompt. Students Kat Leach, Joe Novotny, Skye Mai, and Damion Cavanaugh competed in a recent challenge. The prompt was to create their own recipe for a dessert that includes Nestle Morsels, make the recipe and then plate and photograph it to enter the competition. Pictured is the winning creation! As a prize, they received "Nestle Prize Packs."
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Vel R. Phillips Students Highlight Important Issues |
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Our students worked through Protest art and what all the different meanings and mediums there are. Students were asked to come up with an issue that was important to them in our community and then create images that positively highlight or help the issue.
Student topics included protecting the environment, BLM, equality, role models, community gardens, and a few about curbing the violence.
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Recreation Department Offers CPR Instructor Classes |
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The Wauwatosa Recreation Department is offering a CPR Instructor class. Come take the Instructor course and you could teach CPR to others (at a starting pay rate of $17 per hour).
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To assist all stakeholders, please use our Who to Contact webpage to determine who to call or email with questions about common topics within the District. On this web page, you will find a variety of topics along with the name and contact information of the staff member(s) who can address any questions or concerns related to that topic.
Wauwatosa School District | 12121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Ph: (414) 773-1000 | www.wauwatosaschools.org
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