MARK YOUR CALENDAR
September 1 - First Day of School (K-12)
September 1 & 2 - JK Jumpstart Conferences
September 5 - No Classes (JK-12); District Office Closed
September 6 - First Day of School (JK)
September 12 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
September 13 - Superintendent Strategic Plan Engagement Session (6 pm)
September 26 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)

October 5 - Walk to School Day
October 7 - Homecoming Parades and Football Games (East and West)
October 8 - Homecoming Dances (East and West)
October 10 - No Classes (JK-12); Professional Learning Day
October 10 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
October 17 - No Classes (JK only); JK Conferences
October 21 - No Classes (JK-5); Elementary Conferences
October 24 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
October 25 - Elementary Conferences (4:30 - 8 pm)
A MESSAGE FROM DR. MEANS
The great poet and playwright Oscar Wilde is quoted as saying, “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” The modern societal markers used to signal the conclusion of the summer season are unique to every person. For some, a sign that summer is coming to a close is when back-to-school sales on supplies and children’s clothes bombard stores and social media. Others cite the start of preseason football games or the conclusion of the Wisconsin State Fair. 

For me, a sign that summer is coming to a natural and perfect end is when, as a District, our staff members gather with one another for our Opening Day ceremony which, this year, will take place on August 30.

This school year’s theme is: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow. I am looking forward to the new school year with renewed energy and focus on our desired future for the children of the Wauwatosa School District. Learning and personal growth is a critical element to achieving our collective goals for our students.
Last school year served as a great opportunity for our educational community to grow stronger together. I was so proud of how our staff, students and families adjusted to the unanticipated changes and challenges across the District. As we worked hard to return to a sense of normalcy, we collectively witnessed new challenges that prevented us from going back to our pre-pandemic routines, activities, and modes of instruction. This school year, we are ready to strategically look forward and allow ourselves to chart a new path for the academic and social trajectory of the children of Wauwatosa. 

Although summer is coming to an end, I have always believed that autumn is the best time of the year. We are well positioned to do remarkable things in our District because of you, our amazing community members. I eagerly await the opportunity to welcome our staff and students back for the 2022-2023 school year.

Thank you for all you do to support the Wauwatosa School District.

In Partnership,
Demond Means, Ed.D.
Superintendent
DIVISION DISH
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 month.
Academic Performance
During the week of August 8th, administrators in the Division of Academic Performance hosted professional learning around reading instruction with professionals from the Teachers College out of Columbia University in New York, NY. Educators of reading in Junior Kindergarten (JK) through 8th grade participated in this learning opportunity. They are eager to put their learning into practice this school year! Read what a few of our educators had to say about the learning.

đź—Ł "This was some of the BEST PD our district has ever offered in my 27 years."

đź—Ł "It was a very informative and meaningful week of training."

đź—Ł "I am most excited to look at my small group instruction, and how I can be more flexible with the formats I use to help students."

In the month of September, the Division of Academic Performance will be reporting out on its plan to address the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Audit that was shared in February 2022. Additionally, the Academic Performance team will be sharing out the findings from the audit that was conducted around Gifted and Talented services.
Human Resources
The Division of Human Resources is continuing to diligently fill open positions. This is our main priority as the upcoming school year quickly approaches. 
 
The District hosted several successful career fairs in August, which served as opportunities for candidates to speak directly with principals and, for some, leave with a conditional offer of employment! We offered a $500 signing bonus for candidates who accepted positions and are offered a Board-approved contract. 
 
We held interviews for the Montessori principal on Monday August 15th and are hoping to finalize a recommendation to present at the next School Board meeting. 
 
We have so many great things going on as we secure high quality staff members to serve our students. We look forward to welcoming our staff back for the upcoming school year!
Operations + Finance
July and August are a busy time for the Business Services team as we provide full support to the schools in procuring necessary supplies, equipment, and technology needed for the upcoming school year. The Finance team closed the 2021-22 fiscal-year-end (which was June 30) and began the annual financial audit, which takes place in mid-August. The 2022-23 preliminary budget was approved by the Board on June 24th and the budget process continues into September and October with the first official student count and the State Aid certifications feeding a final budget approval in late October.
 
The Buildings + Grounds team is busy as well, supporting a successful school opening by finalizing summer projects, deep-cleaning all spaces, and securing additional classroom furniture, where needed. Even the Food Service program stays busy during the summer months preparing school kitchens and securing updated equipment.
Pupil + Family Services
The Office of Pupil and Family Supports has been working hard to get onboarded and learn as much as we can about the Wauwatosa School District and community during our first 30 days together. We introduced ourselves and started to build relationships with members of our educational community through engagement sessions earlier this month. Thank you for the numerous warm #TosaProud welcomes we have received! As we have met with various departments and staff over the past month, the commitment to our children and our community is evident in every single interaction. We couldn't be happier to be part of this collective community. Aside from learning a lot about our educational community, the following have been priority items that we have actively been working on since July 1:

  • Development and refinement of our 3-year strategic plan goals around diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, social-emotional and mental wellness, and culture/climate. 
  • Development and refinement of a district disciplinary framework.
  • Development of core equity beliefs. 
  • Meetings with special education and other stakeholders.
  • Meetings with external stakeholders and partners.

Our team participated in professional learning for new staff week and we're getting ready to lead several breakout sessions during our staff's annual Opening Day celebration on August 30. We look forward to meeting and working with the members of our community this school year! We hope you have all had a restful and rejuvenating summer spent with your loved ones. 
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Beginning Band Blast-Off participants enjoy time with friends between lessons.
DISTRICT NEWS
District Releases COVID-19 and Illness Guidelines for
2022-23 School Year
Illness and COVID-19 guidelines for the 2022-2023 school year have been finalized by the Nursing Department. COVID-19 information has been updated on the Health Services page of the District website.

What Has Not Changed

  • Nursing will not contact trace or send classroom notifications per the School Board decision in the Spring.

  • COVID-19 testing will be available for students and staff in the free-standing trailer in the Fisher Administration Building parking lot. 

  • If diagnosed with COVID-19, students and staff must stay home for five days (day zero is the day symptoms first appeared, count five days, day six is when student/staff can return to school/programming).

  • Good handwashing and frequent cleaning of high-touch objects will continue to be encouraged.  

  • Sanitizing stations and wipes will be provided by Buildings + Grounds. 

  • Staff members and students may wear a mask if they desire. The Buildings + Grounds Department will provide masks to schools as long as supplies last. 

What Has Changed

  • Per DHS, at-home test results can now be used for public health decision making, including determining when to return to school. The Wauwatosa School District will now accept verbal confirmation of a student or staff’s at-home COVID test.


  • We will not have on-demand COVID testers in schools to test students or staff. 

  • Testing at the trailer in the Fisher Administration Building parking lot will only be available for students and staff members - not their family members. The testing trailer is open from 8-11 am, Monday through Friday, effective immediately. Additional testing information can be found here


  • Staff will use sick time and/or FMLA for any illness, including COVID-19. FMLA can be requested on day four of the staff member’s absence. If a staff member does not have sick leave available, their time off will be unpaid. FMLA cannot be used if a staff member’s child care provider is closed due to COVID-19. 

It is predicted that there will be an increase in all respiratory illnesses this fall and winter, and we should expect to see an increase in illness-related absences that are not due to COVID-19. People heal faster when they rest and take care of themselves. When students and staff share that they are sick, please encourage them to stay home until they are feeling better, even if they have tested negative for COVID. Virtual access to classroom instruction during COVID isolation and/or quarantine will not be made available this year, as we want students who are ill to rest at home and get better without the expectation of virtual learning. Additionally, sporadic and unannounced virtual learning is an undue and unpredictable expectation for our teaching staff. Rare exceptions will continue to be made to provide access to virtual instruction on a case-by-case basis. 

Designated staff members will re-engage students and accelerate their learning upon the student’s return to the classroom. 

Wauwatosa School Board Appoints Wauwatosa Resident and District Parent to Vacant Board Seat
The Wauwatosa School Board voted to appoint Mrs. Jessica Willis to represent Seat 7 of the School Board during a special meeting on Monday, June 27, 2022. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Mr. Steven Doman.

Mrs. Willis has served as a public educator for 16 years, and during the 2021-22 school year, she served as a substitute teacher in the Wauwatosa School District. Her long history of driving inclusion goes back to 2006, when she worked for Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio. She also partnered with the City of Bexley and the Bexley City School District to increase inclusivity, as well as recruit and retain teachers of color. Mrs. Willis is heavily involved in the PTA at Jefferson Elementary School, where she helped create a welcoming committee for incoming families and students. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Wauwatosa School District community as a Board Member,” said Willis. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise to gain a deep understanding of the community’s needs, drive accountability and transparency, and offer constructive feedback and support to Dr. Means and our District leaders.”

Wauwatosa School Board Holds Election for Board Officers
On Monday, July 11, 2022, the Wauwatosa Board of Education elected Dr. Eric Jessup-Anger to serve as Board President. With this appointment, the position of Clerk was subsequently left vacant, and an election followed, with a unanimous vote in favor of naming Dr. Jenny Hoag as Clerk. 

Administrator Staffing Update
Wauwatosa Montessori School
Ms. Ashley Imperiale has resigned from the position of principal at Wauwatosa Montessori School. We are excited to leverage an inclusive and forward-thinking process for selecting the next principal of Wauwatosa Montessori. The Wauwatosa School District has posted the vacancy on WECAN and other job posting sites.

We plan to recommend a candidate to the School Board at an upcoming meeting. 

Eisenhower Elementary School
Mr. Mark Carter has been appointed as Eisenhower Elementary School's interim principal for the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Carter has previously served as principal of McKinley Elementary School and Longfellow Middle School before ascending to the role of Director of Secondary Education in the District Office in 2017. In 2020-21, Mr. Carter was instrumental in the development and implementation of Tosa Connected, and last year, he stepped into the role of Interim Principal at Jefferson Elementary School.

The Eisenhower parent and staff interview teams felt strongly that Ms. Sumeera Mansukhani was a highly qualified candidate and identified her as their desired principal. Ms. Mansukhani is a passionate educator with more than six years of experience teaching and fostering an engaging environment to help students succeed in their learning pathways. She has served as a teacher at Valley View Elementary since 2016 and has held leadership positions including summer school substitute principal and supporting administrator. Ms. Mansukhani earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She also earned a Master’s in Education from Cardinal Stritch University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service at Cardinal Stritch University. 

The transition from classroom teacher to head principal is complex, and District leaders feel it is important to provide Ms. Mansukhani with a robust, supportive foundation before fully transitioning her into the role of principal. Therefore, Ms. Mansukhani will participate in a Principal Residency for the 2022-23 school year. As a result, the 2022-23 school year will begin with Ms. Mansukhani shadowing Mr. Carter and gaining hands-on experience to thoroughly understand the detailed work of a school leader. Throughout the year, Ms. Mansukhani will be provided with increasing responsibility at the school in a gradual release model. In this way, we are providing Ms. Mansukhani with a runway to enjoy a long, successful career as a leader in Wauwatosa and leverage the talents of an experienced school leader like Mr. Carter, rather than starting out in the potentially challenging and isolating role of lone principal in a new district.
Mr. Mark Carter, Eisenhower Elementary School Interim Principal
Wauwatosa West High School
Mr. John Damato has been named Athletic Director of Wauwatosa West High School. Mr. Damato brings more than 23 years of experience to this position, having previously served in various health, fitness and athletic-related roles in Menomonee Falls and Sussex. In Sussex, Mr. Damato served as the strength and conditioning coordinator for 18 years, head football coach for 16 years, and varsity girls track assistant for two years. He has been consistently recognized for his exceptional leadership and communication, and strives to positively impact students while helping them reach their highest potential. Mr. Damato was recognized as a successful football coach in the Greater Metro Conference, and has recently coached girls track. Mr. Damato received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, and a Master of Science in Education from Marian University in Fond du Lac. In 2014, he was inducted into the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mr. John Damato, Wauwatosa West High School Athletic Director
Fisher Administration Building
Ms. Suzy Thomas has submitted her resignation as Director of Data Quality + Analytics. This resignation was highly unexpected. In a separate conversation, Ms. Thomas shared that this position was not the right fit for her at this time. 

In the District's analysis of the situation, it is believed that the state of our data and our data infrastructure was a driving factor in Ms. Thomas’ decision. We understand that much work must be done to clean up our data and develop appropriate systems for accurate data collection. Specifically, we must: 

âś… Develop external dashboard to measure milestones 
âś… Establish, implement and monitor data quality indicators
âś… Develop, implement and monitor a comprehensive, internal data warehouse 

We are exploring the possibility of hiring for a second Data Manager position, which would support this work, as well as our Director of Data Quality + Analytics, in the cleanup necessary to appropriately leverage our existing data. In short, we realize that the current state of our data and our aspirations for how to effectively use data for our continuous improvement work are far apart at this time. More information about a second Data Manager position will be provided as details are solidified.
Herb Kohl Foundation Scholarship Application Forms Now Available
Applications for the 2023 Herb Kohl Education Foundation Excellence Scholarship can now be submitted. A total of 100 students will be chosen to receive $10,000 scholarships from among all applicants throughout the state. Application materials can be found and submitted at KohlEducation.org. Completed online applications are due by 5 pm on November 8, 2022.

Applicants must be residents of Wisconsin who will graduate from a Wisconsin high school in 2023 and plan to continue their education at a college, university or vocational/technical school. Students will be evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service and school and community activities.

District Continues Use of Canvas Learning Management System
The Wauwatosa School District will continue to utilize Canvas, our Learning Management System (LMS), throughout the school year to support student learning. A LMS is a platform that helps instructors manage and organize educational materials online and conduct online learning. 

Canvas provides a consistent platform for students and families to access teaching and learning materials. In addition, Canvas will provide a secure and managed platform for collaboration and allow staff and administrators to monitor and track student/course activity and engagement.

School Meal Information for 2022-23
USDA's free meal program has come to a conclusion, and school meals will not be free of charge for students in the 2022-23 school year. Pricing is as follows:

Breakfast
All students - $1.80
All students reduced - $0.30
 
Lunch
Elementary - $2.75
Secondary - $3.45
Elementary and secondary reduced - $0.40
Milk - $0.45

Faculty/Staff Lunch = $4.56

All families are encouraged to complete the free and reduced application here. Please note that you must make a copy (File --> Make a Copy) to complete the form digitally. Edit access will not be provided to the original document.
Be SMART Presentation Scheduled for October 2022
The Wauwatosa School District will be hosting a BeSMART presentation for parents related to gun safety on Thursday, October 13 at 6:30 pm in the Longfellow Middle School theater.

BeSMART is a nationwide program focused on encouraging and normalizing conversations about gun safety and responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. Secure firearm storage is an essential part of home safety, and with more guns in more homes due to an unprecedented surge in gun sales over the past two years, it’s more important than ever for parents and caregivers to know how secure storage protects children. Join us on October 13 at Longfellow to learn more!
Division of Pupil + Family Services Seeks Staff for
Safety + Security Committee
The District Safety and Security Committee is made of representatives from each building, and any interested staff member may join. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 4 pm at the Fisher Building. 

The committee is charged with advising central office administrators on issues related to the safety and security of our school district and safety issues within the Wauwatosa community that may directly impact the District. 

If you are interested in joining the committee, please complete the form below. Questions about the committee can be sent to Laura Geisler.

Wauwatosa Recreation Department Releases Fall Activity Guide
The Wauwatosa Recreation Department's Fall Activity Guide is posted online. Wauwatosa residents, including open enrollment families, may register for Non-High-Demand classes starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16. Online registration is recommended. High-Demand Registration for Wauwatosa residents and open enrollment families will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23. More information about High Demand classes can be found in the online guide. Non-residents may begin registering at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30. Please contact the Recreation Department here or at 414-773-2900 with questions.
#TOSAPROUD
Washington Elementary School PTA Receives National Recognition
Washington Elementary School PTA has received the 2021-23 National PTA School of Excellence designation. This award symbolizes the association's incredible work as national leaders in developing strong family-school partnerships.

Congratulations, Washington!
Ready... Set... Beginning Band Blast-Off!
Beginning Band Blast-Off blasted off the week of August 1 at Longfellow Middle School. Blast-Off is a fantastic opportunity for band students to get a jump start on the school year. This year, we have more than 150 students enrolled! Blast Off brings in music educators from all over Southeastern Wisconsin and utilizes high school volunteers to make the music happen. Beginning Band Blast-Off is offered every August for incoming 5th graders. 
Wauwatosa School District Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship as an Apprenticeship Ambassador
The Wauwatosa School District has been recognized by the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship as one of only 207 members of its initial cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors. As a result of this distinction, the Wauwatosa School District is now part of the Department of Labor’s national network of employers, labor organizations, industry associations, program sponsors, educators, workforce intermediaries, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders that serve as champions for expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeships.

Wauwatosa Staff Engage in Professional Learning with Teachers College
In August, staff members who specialize in JK-8th grade ELA, special education support of ELA, speech pathology, elementary reading and secondary academic coaching and multi-language instruction, as well as JK-8 Administrators, Literacy Aides, Special Education Assistants, and Interventionists participated in professional development.

The learning took place at Wauwatosa West High School and focused on growing teacher capacity and honing educators' skills as teachers of reading. Staff members attended many sessions on developing and strengthening their understanding of assessment practices and instructional delivery. Some of the topics included:

  • Developing focused read-aloud plans which support high-level comprehension skills 
  • Using small groups to provide assessment-based instruction
  • Supporting your strongest readers so they too grow exponentially
  • Supporting readers’ transfer of phonics to their work with continual texts.
  • Help readers build vocabulary and content knowledge 
  • Foster kids’ sense of agency and their critical thinking 

The Division of Academic Performance received a lot of positive feedback from attendees and appreciates the attendance and engagement of the team!
Madison Elementary School Recognized by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and Wisconsin Response to Intervention (RtI) Center
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin RtI Center has recognized Madison Elementary School at the Bronze level for its development of a school-wide equitable, multi-level system of supports aimed at closing achievement gaps. National research shows that full implementation of an equitable system leads to improved student outcomes.

By establishing equitable, multi-level systems of supports, Wisconsin schools like Madison Elementary School are increasing the consistency of effective instruction for all students, building staff knowledge and skills to support all learners, using data to more quickly identify and provide support for students, and shifting to a proactive culture that supports stronger relationships with students, their families, and our communities.

Wauwatosa Substitute Teacher Selected as EduStaff Wisconsin Substitute of the Year for 2021-22
We are so pleased to announce that Ms. Sherida Bradford has been named Wisconsin Substitute Teacher of the Year for 2021-22! Ms. Bradford has been a wonderful help in Wauwatosa and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishment.
Tosa Alum Hits Broadway
We're excited to share that Wauwatosa West Theatre alum, Emma Blissett has joined the First National Broadway Tour of Tina the Tina Turner Musical as the assistant electrician and lead followspot.

Congratulations, Emma!
IN THE NEWS
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Wauwatosa School District | 12121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226 
Ph: (414) 773-1000 | www.wauwatosaschools.org