West Allis-West Milwaukee
School District

June 2020
Newsletter
The Superintendent’s 2019-2020 School Year Wrap Up

What will you remember most about COVID-19 and this very unusual school year? For me, it was the news reports from China that were like a distant bell that became a gong. When the virus finally hit the US, our schools closed until further notice on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Families used a drive-up system to collect the materials and computer devices they needed. Virtual school and a free meal distribution program started the very next day. It is still a “wow” for me.

Above all, we would like to thank our students, parents, and staff members for their understanding and hard work while we stayed safe-at-home. We are grateful for the cooperation and flexibility to do things in new ways. As we close out this historic year, I would like to highlight some of our work. Read more...
District Offers Virtual Summer School 

Current West Allis-West Milwaukee School District Students: Students that already attend a West Allis-West Milwaukee School District school, are welcome to Virtual Summer School. Parents should register their child by contacting their child’s school.  HERE

Private School Students: Students that live in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District but attend a private school are welcome to enroll in our District to attend virtual summer school. Call 414-604-3014 or email for an appointment. (Following enrollment, students can be registered for Virtual Summer school.) 
Talking to Kids About Race
 
From the Superintendent...
Over the past days as events have unfolded across our nation and other parts of the world, three words keep repeating in my head: Outrage, sadness, and hope. 
 
I am outraged by the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others. These events should never have happened; there is no way to justify this.  

I am equally outraged by the response of some members of our communities that are turning to violence and destruction of property. Read more...
Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate Teachers Make Bucket List Dream Come True

When Jennifer Krouse, Special Education teacher at Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate School, stumbled across one of her student's papers, she stopped and stared. It was a bucket list written by a student that suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A child with a shortened lifespan. 

She read the list carefully. One of the big ticket items was a pair of Yeezys. (For us older folks, Yeezys are the product of the German sportswear brand Adidas and the American designer Kanye West. 

Krouse knew she had to make this dream a reality. She decided to ask her colleagues for help. With their support, she collected the money needed to buy a pair of Yeezys. Read more...
Build Your Math Confidence with Online Summer Enrichment!

June 23, 2020 through July 16, 2020

This summer, we are offering online enrichment for students looking to excel in their Math placement in the fall. The program includes a combination of live workshops using ZOOM, individualized online tutoring, and independent learning using ALEKS. This enrichment opportunity is free. Computer devices will be provided.

More information HERE .
End of the School Year Videos
Senior Photo Display
 
On Friday, May 29, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. a display that celebrated the Class of 2020 was ready for viewing at Central High School and Nathan Hale High School. The installment featured 8 x 10 photos of each graduate and was designed to be a visual tribute to the Class of 2020. 

“As families began returning to school for a drive-up materials drop off, the display was a special way to greet our seniors,” said Director of Communication and Community Relations, Beth Koehler, “It remained in front of the school until June 7, 2020. After that, students were invited to pick up their picture.”  
Jane Fetchko Awarded Wisconsin PTA Outstanding Educator of the Year
 
The Madison Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is proud to announce that Mrs.Jane Fetchko has been awarded the Wisconsin PTA’s Outstanding Educator of the Year award for the 2019-2020 school year.

Mrs. Fetchko has been teaching in our District for over 20 years. She works continuously to build strong, positive relationships with Madison Elementary School families, the PTA; her colleagues; and most importantly, her students. 

“Mrs. Fetchko was the driving force behind Madison’s 21-Day Kindness Challenge,” said principal Breanne Wilms, “When she is not in the classroom or collaborating with her student interns, Mrs. Fetchko can be found leading our Student Council and Green Team. We are very proud of her."
Celebrating the Nathan Hale High School Class of 2020!  

Carol Graham (pictured with her daughter, Tricia Ganas) has always been one to spring into action. She is an active volunteer who prefers to keep busy helping others. When she learned that COVID-19 was going to make things different for her grandson, Hunter Ganas (a senior) she worked to pay tribute to the entire Nathan Hale Class of 2020.

“I knew the kids were coming to Hale for Josten’s pick up day to get their caps and gowns,” said Graham. “I wanted to have something that showed seniors just how much we are thinking about them. When they arrived, they were able to point to their name on the banner!”

“Mrs. Graham used her own connections and worked hard to get this done,” said Principal, Matt Lesar. “Every student’s name was listed on a graduation cap. She cares about all of our students and wanted to make sure everyone was included.”  
Jefferson Elementary Teacher Makes a Surprise Delivery

Before schools closed due to COVID-19, students at Jefferson Elementary School participated in Pennies for Patients -- a fundraiser aimed at helping students and families affected by Leukemia. It was Ms. Sherie Kozlosky’s class that contributed the greatest amount of donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  

But after the virus hit and schools closed, her students were unable to get the prize; a class pizza party. Enter Kozlosky. On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, she bought and delivered care packages to each of her first grade students. To their delight, the home drop off included pizza.  Read more...
Computer Device Return
 
During COVD-19, we ensured that our learners had access to computer devices, adaptors, and hot spots. Now, we need this equipment back at school. We are working hard to reimage our devices and prepare them for the fall 2020-2021 school year. Failure to return equipment puts a burden on our schools and hurts our ability to provide equipment to students this fall.

If you have not returned your child’s computer equipment, drop off at our Enrollment Office anytime from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 1205 South 70th Street - 5th floor. 

  • Elementary: Label the plastic bag with your child’s full name, grade, and teacher’s name.
  • Secondary: Label the plastic bag with your child’s full name, grade, and student ID.
Shared Journeys Alumni Club Connect During COVID-19

During COVID-19, Shared Journeys alumni to show support to program facilitator, Ms. Colla and the Class of 2020. They submitted pictures, inspirational quotes, and a YouTube video .

According to Colla, “The alumni truly felt sad that many of the traditions from Shared Journeys were going to be missed. We always looked forward to our Picnic in the Park, Zoo field trip with children, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum field trip to receive a free yearly membership, and senior luncheon along with the traditional graduation ceremonies. My heart breaks for the current seniors who will not experience those things.”

They invited seniors to join the Shared Journeys Alumni Club. They created digital connections and posted on the Shared Journeys facebook and twitter sites. They sent cards and positive cheer messages.  Read more...
Casey Unger Named a Quarterfinalist for the 2021 Music Educator Awards

This month, Casey Unger was named a quarterfinalist for the 2021 Music Educator Awards. Unger is a Prelude Strings and Orchestra teacher at Irving Elementary School, Central High School, and West Milwaukee Intermediate School. She has taught in our district since 2013.
 
“Growing up in West Allis and attending school in the WAWM district, I recognized and admired what a strong music program the district had. It is a great honor to be nominated and recognized as a quarterfinalist from a large pool of nominations across the nation and it wouldn’t be possible without the support from my colleagues, family, students, and the community,” said Unger. Read more...
Recreation and Community Services Department Celebrates New Partnership with Bryant & Stratton

The Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to announce a new partnership with Bryant & Stratton College. The Bryant and Stratton Bobcats compete athletically in the NJCAA Division II athletic program.

When Jacob (J.T.) Gritzmacher, (a former WAWM RCS Recreation Department employee and West Allis Central High School Graduate) was hired at Bryant and Stratton as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach for the Bobcats on April 2, 2020, he immediately reached out to our department to cultivate a relationship on and off the basketball court. Read more...
New Head Football Coach Named at Nathan Hale High School

After a thorough search and interview process, we are excited to welcome Mr. Scott Flood to Nathan Hale High School. He is joining their team as the Husky Head Football Coach and will also be teaching Social Studies.

A “Class of 2000” graduate of Nathan Hale High School, Mr. Flood comes to the classroom with teaching experience at the intermediate and high school level. 

“We are excited to welcome Coach Flood to Husky Nation. We are looking forward to his leadership on the football field and in the classroom,” said Principal Mathew Lesar. Read more...
You Can Count on Me

The staff at James E. Dottke School dedicated this performance to their beloved students who they missed so much. “We want our students to know we love them. We can't wait until we get to see them face to face again,” said Principal Greg Goelz.
Employee Recognition Presentation

West Allis-West Milwaukee School District recognizes employees for years of service and retirement. Watch virtual presentation!
Director of Leadership & Learning Talks with Education Consultant George Couros

Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant, George Couros talks with our Director of Leadership about the shift to online learning during this historic time.
Enrollment Center
Our Enrollment Center has now reopened!

As we work to practice safe social distancing, please adhere to the following guidelines:
  • No more than 2 persons per family in the building
  • Wear protective personal equipment (i.e, face masks), if possible
  • Bring required enrollment information (see resident enrollment)

All enrollment center specialists will be wearing protective personal equipment (PPE) which includes facial masks. Additionally, we will be sanitizing enrollment stations after each use. We would ask that if possible when you physically attend the enrollment center that you take any possible precaution to promote the safety of all parties. This would include wearing any protective personal equipment that you have as well as coming prepared with all required enrollment information, please see our  resident enrollment page  for additional information.
Parent Satisfaction Survey Results Feedback Helps Us Plan

This spring, 1,848 parents/caregivers responded to the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey conducted by Studer Education Group. “We had 780 fewer participants than 2019 most likely due to the COVID-19 disruption.” explained Superintendent, Dr. Marty Lexmond. “Our District’s overall satisfaction mean was 4.03 which is an increase from 3.87 in 2019.”    

“The data and comments will continue to play a role in strategic planning and continuous improvement. Taking the time to tell us what is going well and what can be improved helps guide our decisions and we are very thankful for the feedback,” added Lexmond.

As part of the survey campaign, the three schools with the highest percentage of participation will receive $1,000 to use for a student-related activity in the coming year. The three schools are Jefferson Elementary School, General Mitchell Elementary School, and Walker Elementary School.  

We are pleased to share our Spring-2020 Parent Satisfaction Survey results HERE . 
Employee Engagement Survey Results  
 
This spring, 776 employees participated in the Employee Engagement survey (given each fall and spring). The survey is designed to see how well the school leader/supervisor is providing an environment that helps employees do their best. 

“We had 15 fewer responses than in fall - possibly due to all the COVID-19 disruption,” said Superintendent, Dr. Marty Lexmond. “Our District’s overall satisfaction mean was 3.75 (an 0.23 increase from Fall - 2019). 

“We are proud that the highest scoring item was ‘My principal/supervisor demonstrates a genuine concern for my welfare.’ We want to create and sustain strong, positive relationships with our staff,” explained Lexmond. “We also know there is work related to low scoring items. Staff are looking to us for more feedback concerning areas for performance improvement. We are thankful for employees who are so conscientious and dedicated to our mission and vision.”

Our Spring-2020 Employee Engagement Survey Results are HERE . 
Skyward Student Information System
Skyward is the tool that helps parents view student schedules, attendance, and grade reports while logged in on any personal device! We ask that parents access Skyward to track their child’s progress in school (we only print paper records upon request).

It also allows for increased communication with teachers. It is very important that parents maintain accurate telephone numbers and email addresses on Skyward.

Help for Skyward:
  • Click here for Skyward Directions.
  • Click here for a complete menu of online tutorials or click “Tutorials” on the Skyward link.
  • Call your School Main Office with questions regarding logins and passwords.
(414) 604-3000