WBHS Family Newsletter
May 2024
Message from Administration
Dear WBHS Families,
As we near the end of the school year, we want to share some important updates and events happening within our school community.
With the end of the school year approaching, we are gearing up for final exams and assessments. These assessments are crucial for evaluating student progress and informing our instructional practices. Please reach out to your child's teachers if you have any questions about exams or exam exemptions (more information below).
We are thrilled to announce that our graduation ceremonies will be held on Sunday, June 9th, 2024. More details regarding tickets and protocols will continue to be shared with our senior families as we near the event.
Next week, we will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week to honor the incredible educators who inspire, motivate, and support our students every day. Join us in showing gratitude to our teachers for their dedication and commitment to student success.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we remain committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students. Throughout the month, we will be sharing resources focused on promoting mental wellness and resilience.
Stay updated on all school news and events by following us on social media and our Tuesday Touchpoint. We value open communication and are here to support you and your child throughout the remainder of the school year.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education. Together, we can finish the school year strong and celebrate the achievements of all of our students!
Jennifer Potter
Executive Principal
Important Dates
May 1 (7:00-9:00 p.m.): Pops Orchestra Concert
May 4-May 31: WBSD Art Show at The Hub
May 6 - May 17: AP Testing
May 6: Scholarship Awards Ceremony
May 18 (8:00-11:00 p.m.): Prom
May 19: Senior Athletic Awards (East @ 1:30 p.m. & West @ 3:30 p.m.)
May 20 (7:00-9:00 p.m.): Spring Orchestra Concert
May 20-May 31: AP Art & Design Show in the Silver Lining Gallery
May 24: Grad Walk
May 27: No School | Memorial Day
May 28 (7:00-9:00 p.m.): Star Search
June 6: Last Day of School
June 9: Graduation
Important Reminders & Updates
Family Engagement Opportunities
In March, we shared the questionnaire below to families looking for opportunities to engage with the schools next year. Thank you to the many people who responded! We want to put the questionnaire out one more time in this newsletter. We will follow up with next steps for those who specifically responded that they are interested in being a part of this experience for the 2024-25 school year. Thank you!
Semester 2 Exams
Semester 2 exams will occur June 3-5, 2024 (exam schedule below). Please see below for specific exam details.
Attendance Expectations
All students are expected to attend each exam/project period on their current schedule.
If a student does not have a class during that period (i.e. study hall or off hour, etc.), they should report to their school cafeteria (East students report to East cafeteria; West students report to West cafeteria). After attendance in these areas is taken, passes to other study areas (i.e. library, study group rooms, etc.) can be assigned from the cafeteria supervisor.
Another option for students who do not have a class during a certain period is for their parent/guardian to excuse the student by completing the Semester 2 Exam Absence Reporting Form (the form will need to be completed separately for each student in the family) or by calling the attendance office at 262-335-5550. Students MUST have permission from the parent/guardian to be excused.
Study/Enrichment Sessions
Beginning on Monday, May 20, students have the opportunity to sign up to attend study/enrichment sessions on the morning of each exam day. If you would like to excuse your student from the study enrichment sessions, please complete the Semester 2 Exam Absence Reporting Form (the form will need to be completed separately for each student in the family).
Students who are planning on attending study/enrichment sessions must sign up for the sessions using the Google Form that will be emailed to their school email on May 20. Students should complete the form by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24.
Sessions offered include study sessions for classes and enrichment activities linked to content areas. We will also offer study areas for students who would like a quiet place to study on their own prior to their exams.
Busing
All buses will arrive and depart at their regularly scheduled times.
Lunch Service
Students are able to utilize their lunch accounts to purchase grab and go lunches. They may also choose to eat their lunch (purchased or from home) in the cafeteria.
Entering and Exiting the Building Throughout the School Day
Students who enter the building between 7:15 a.m. and the first scheduled exam of the day will need to sign in at the designated school kiosks. Students must have their ID ready when entering the building after 7:15 a.m.
Students will be expected to exit the building utilizing only the main entrances.
Make-Up Exams
Students who are absent during exams will have them rescheduled on June 6. Students who are excused due to work release may utilize the make-up testing center in Room 2701. Students will need to schedule their make-up date and time with classroom teachers.
Parking Lot
A parking pass is not required during the exam days. Students may park in any student-designated parking areas. Students may not park in staff/teacher spots, visitor spots, or handicap spots.
Exam Exemptions
As a reminder, we are piloting exam exemptions for Semester 2. The exam exemption form contains all of the details and criteria.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact the main offices at 262-335-5530 (East) or 262-335-5570 (West).
WBHS Staff Appreciation Week
Don’t forget! The week of May 6-10 is Staff Appreciation Week! Students and staff are invited to participate in some fun dress-up spirit days (see below for details). Also, if you haven’t already, please feel free to take a moment to share a message with your favorite WBHS staff members using this form.
Meaningful May: Mental Health Moments
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We all have mental health. Mental health is our ability to engage with our emotions, thoughts, interactions with others, and the world around us. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day. The best way to protect mental health is to pay attention to it even when you’re feeling ok or even good. Just like with our physical health, we can do things that make us mentally healthier and happier. Creating positive habits is a great way to support your mental health. We have included this Meaningful May calendar, if you need some ideas on how to create positive mental health habits throughout the month. Remember, taking care of our own and our family’s mental health is very important. When you feel mentally well, you’re more able to enjoy life, feel better about yourself, maintain healthy relationships, and manage your daily stress.
WBHS Prom 2024
WBHS' Prom Happily Ever After is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at the Washington County fairgrounds from 8 - 11 pm. Prom is open to any WBHS junior or senior. Guests tickets are available for purchase with a junior or senior ticket purchase. Ticket sales start Monday, May 6 in the book keepers office. Each ticket is $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Formal dress and student ID are required for entry. No paper tickets are given; ID scans are used for entry.
Counseling Office Updates
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. Please check out the mental health and community resource guide located on the district website.
Consider wearing green on May 16th to show others you care about Mental Health Awareness.
Career Readiness Center Updates
Attn Junior Families: DIrect Admit and Guarantee Admit
Dear Parent/Guardian of Juniors:
Starting August 1, 2024, with the Class of 2025, the Universities of Wisconsin will offer three paths to first-year student/freshman undergraduate admission:
Traditional first-year student/freshman admission application process
Direct Admit Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Guarantee
All three paths to admission require students to meet the minimum admission criteria. Neither Direct Admit Wisconsin nor The Wisconsin Guarantee provide guaranteed admission into a specific major, program, school, or college. Rather, they provide admission to Universities of Wisconsin universities.
Direct Admit Wisconsin offers early and proactive admission to participating Universities of Wisconsin for rising seniors at participating Wisconsin high schools. The UWs collaborate with participating high schools to review student academic records (high school courses and GPA) at the end of their junior year and make offers of admission to participating UW universities without the need to submit a traditional admission application.
An email was sent to all Junior Families and Students on Thursday May, 2. Please refer back to it for more detailed information and your opportunity to opt into the Direct Admit Wisconsin program.
Career Readiness Center Upcoming Events
The Scholarship Awards Program is Monday, May 6th at 7:00 pm in the High School Auditorium. We look forward to celebrating our Fantastic Senior Class!
WBSD Way Updates
For the month of May, WBSD Way is focusing on promoting responsible behaviors to end the school year on a strong note. Using the established language of our behavioral matrix, we will be reviewing examples of responsible behavior. Some students demonstrating responsible behaviors will be celebrated by receiving a WBSD Way ticket. These tickets can be dropped off in the main office for the chance to win any of the monthly prizes.
As the weather warms up, keep in mind the dress code expectations:
They are guided by state law. District policy Policy 443.1 Student Dress
The clothing worn by students will be appropriate for the work of school and not distract from the learning environment.
Students should come to school prepared to do their best and be successful and appropriate clothing plays a part in this.
All students are required to wear footwear with supportive soles. Soft sole slippers are not safe in the school environment.
Clothing, backpacks, book bags and other items that carry profane or objectionable slogans, including references to gang activity, graffiti or pictures are considered disruptive. Clothing with any alcohol, tobacco and/or drug slogans are not considered appropriate (additional examples: Cookies and Playboy labeled merchandise)
All bottoms (pants, skirts, skorts, shorts, etc.) must be worn around the waist or beltline and undergarments must not be exposed. Excessively ripped or revealing clothing is not appropriate and should not be worn to school.
Apparel that is a safety hazard or could cause damage to school property including cleats, chains and chain wallets, safety pins, and spike apparel are not permitted.
Students should not wear clothing in various school activities such as laboratory work, physical education, and art that are a threat to their safety or the welfare of others. A manner of dress or grooming which is a danger to students' health such as the act of not wearing shoes, or which prevents the students from doing their best work because of blocked vision or restrained movement, is unacceptable.
Strapless garments, muscle shirts and clothing that reveal excessive cleavage and/or midriff are not allowed.
Students wearing inappropriate clothing will be expected to change and/or put something on over it.
Hats and hoods are allowed at WBHS and the following exceptions do apply:
Students are not permitted to wear hats and hoods in classes with labs and safety agreements, such as Science, Physical Education, and Career & Technical Education classes.
If a hat/hood is used to hide a student’s face or prevent an adult from monitoring engagement in learning, the student will not be permitted to wear a hat/hood.
In addition, we are continuing our annual West Bend High School Grad Grams! Grad Grams are a way to leave a lasting memory or wish with a graduating senior. The West Bend High School WBSD Way team and volunteers collect, assemble, and present these booklets to graduating seniors on graduation day. The WBSD Way wants to give at least 1 Grad Gram to each graduating senior again this year.
You can pick up paper Grad Grams from any school district office (limited amount), bookkeeper (limited amount), download them from the East/West homepages, or use the Virtual Grad Gram Link (also on the homepage).
Grad Gram submissions are due by Friday, May 24th. Thank you!
WBHS Highlights & Celebrations
Students in the Human Body Systems course at the high school had a special presentation by Ms. Reedell, who was a living kidney donor. Students learned about the needs of organ donors, process of becoming a donor, the procedure of kidney transplantation, and current medical innovations in organ transplants.
The Dolphins World Tour synchronized swim team made a splash with their performances this past weekend! Great job to all of these talented students!
Students in the Biomedical Innovations class at the high school complete a senior project. One of this year’s projects was a presentation on the dangers of fentanyl, including statistics, an interview with a DEA agent, and accounts from law enforcement.
Helpful Links for Families
WBHS Contact Information
Address:
1305 E. Decorah Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone Numbers:
(262)335-5530 (East Office)
(262)335-5570 (West Office)
(262)335-5550 (Attendance)
(262)335-5580 (Counseling Office)
Athletics Websites: East | West
Administration
Jared Kiesow- East & West Assistant Principal Grade 9
jkiesow@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5587
Laura Krause-Emerick- East Assistant Principal Grades 10 - 12
lkrauseemerick@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5571
Dave Riley - West Assistant Principal Grades 10 - 12
dsriley@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5532
Susan Saric - East & West Assistant Principal
ssaric@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5569
Dave Uelmen - Associate Principal
duelmen@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5592
Jennifer Potter- Executive Principal
jpotter@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5629
Counselors
Kara Phillips - East students with last names A-G
Stephanie Stuve - East students with last names H-O
Kris Kemp - East students with last names P-Z
Matt Coyle - West students with last names A-G
Jenni Hanni-Schmitz - West students with last names H-P
jhannischmitz@wbsd-schools.org
Nicole Miller - West students with last names Q-Z
Juliana Delgado - Freshmen Transition Coordinator, 504, and Virtual Learning
Michelle Cattelan - School Psychologist