The Weekly Update

You're invited to an Open House to learn more about the West Bend School District's upcoming facilities referendum. This event will provide detailed information on the district's vision for the future, focusing on facilities that are:

• Safe, secure, and accessible

• Welcoming, well-maintained, and operationally efficient

• Adaptable to evolving student needs

Date and Location:

• Wednesday, September 18, 2024 (Tonight)

• West Bend East High School Cafeteria (Please park on the east side of the building)

Drop in anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. to explore key aspects of the referendum, including building closures, grade-level reconfiguration, capital maintenance projects, and financial details. There will be no formal presentation; instead, the open house format allows participants to engage directly with administrators and representatives from the district’s financial, architectural, and construction partners. This is an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the proposed design and construction phases at your own pace. Tours of the High School will be available at 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend tonight’s event, the next Open House will be held Monday, October 14 at Jackson Elementary gymnasium, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, check out the website at: wbsdreferendum2024.org.

The State of Wisconsin has notified schools of fake Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram school shooting threats circulating throughout school communities across multiple states. Schools in Wisconsin have been impacted by these anonymous threats. Please talk with your child(ren) and reinforce that they should not be sharing or circulating these.

The threats appear to be part of a “threat wave,” where multiple schools receive the same, or very similar, messages. Please remind your children to report concerning content instead of reposting it. Students and family members can use the two tiplines described on our website.

Speak Up is an anonymous reporting system designed to give students, parents, and staff the ability to share concerns about safety, bullying, discrimination, or any behavior that may affect the well-being of our school community. Whether it's a peer who is being mistreated, a potential safety issue, or something that simply doesn’t feel right, Speak Up provides an easy and confidential way to communicate your concerns.

Please report any threats, concerns about student safety or well-being, or a safety issue in the schools, buses, or events via email (speakup@wbsd-schools.org) or text/call (262-357-3530). Link to website.

The West Bend School District Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing will take place on Monday, September 23 at the Silver Lining Arts Center at the high schools. Residents can begin check-in and verification of residency (please bring a state-issued ID for proof of residency) at 6 p.m. The budget hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. and the annual meeting at 7 p.m.

The safety of the student-athletes involved in the East High School football program is the first priority for the athletic department and coaching staff. After the team sustained a large number of injuries, the home varsity game against Homestead High School on Friday, September 20 has been canceled. However, the JV2 football game versus Homestead scheduled for Thursday, September 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the East home field will still take place.

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has updated its programs to include the Teacher Fellowship Program and Principal Leadership Award.

• Teacher Fellowship Award: Recognizes teaching excellence and innovation in Wisconsin. Each of the 100 selected teachers and their schools will receive a $6,000 grant. Nomination deadline: November 14, 2024.

• Principal Leadership Award: Recognizes leadership excellence, innovation, and support for student achievement and staff development in Wisconsin. Each of the 17 selected principals and their school will receive a $6,000 grant. Nomination deadline: October 3, 2024.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation website: https://www.kohleducation.org.

Congratulations to East High School senior Evelyn Wolfe and West High School senior Samantha Eckert on being named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists.

There are more than 16,000 semifinalists from around the country competing for nearly $26 million in scholarship funds, which will be awarded to 6,870 students. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of competition. Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

There are various events and activities available on the WBSD’s Community Bulletin Board!

Jackson Rec Glo Run

Good News Club Afterschool Program

YMCA Swim Lessons for WBSD Students

4C Family Center Playgroups

Bill of Rights Day Event

Bill of Rights Essay Contest

Kettle Moraine Symphony Performance

Roots and Branches Event

Fiesta Latina 2024

The Hub Coffee Class

Cub Scout Pack 3796

Sturgeon Fest

Try Hockey for Free