Richards Family News

Dear Richards Families,

Last week’s Fourth Grade Wax Museum was truly remarkable! Our fourth graders captivated their audience by bringing historical and contemporary figures to life with their insightful research and creative presentations. A big thank-you to the fourth-grade teachers and families for making this event such a success. Be sure to ask our fourth graders about their experiences—they have wonderful stories to share!

Here’s a quick story to brighten your day: while chatting with a parent, I mentioned, “We’ve got roaches in 3rd grade.” Their alarmed expression quickly turned to relief when I clarified, “HISSING cockroaches… for Science!” Context really is everything! A huge shout-out to our third-grade team for embracing this adventurous learning opportunity. Your courage and creativity made it a unique experience for students.

Elementary Switch Days: There are a number of No School Mondays and Fridays throughout the year. To provide every student with a balanced experience of Library, Art, Music (including Band and Orchestra), Physical Education, and Spanish instruction throughout the school year, we introduced a "days equalized" calendar.

Wednesday, 1/29, will be treated as a Monday. The reason this is important is specific to students who need to bring an instrument or wear appropriate footwear for physical education. We will give you notice before each switch day throughout the school year.

4th and 5th Grade General Music Concerts: This Thursday, January 30th!

• 4th grade performs at 5:30pm (5:15pm arrival)
• 5th grade performs at 6:15pm (6:00pm arrival)

Families are invited to attend the concerts, which will take place in Richards Great Hall. Students are asked to dress up for their performance.

Please email Mrs. King Driscoll (lauren.kingdriscoll@wfbschools.com) with any questions.

Save the Date! Richards Open House will take place the evening of February 13. More details coming soon!

Valentine’s Day: As this holiday approaches, we invite you to join us in creating celebrations at Richards that are safe, inclusive, and meaningful for all. With over 40 students managing life-threatening food allergies, we ask that Valentines and party treats not include food items. Non-food alternatives like stickers, pencils, or small toys are a great way to share holiday joy while ensuring everyone feels included and safe.

This season, let’s also reflect on ways to celebrate mindfully and sustainably. Consider shifting the focus from party favors to experiences or shared moments—like a classroom book, a holiday-themed game, or a creative craft using recycled materials. Celebrations centered on kindness, compassion, and togetherness not only reduce waste but also model values we hope to instill in our children. Thank you for helping us make this holiday season special for every child at Richards!

Richards 5th Grade Student Council presents Student Council Highlights Issue Four.

4-Year Old Kindergarten (4K) Enrollment Open for the 2025-2026 School Year

4K Online Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open. We are looking forward to welcoming new students and families next fall!

Visit our website for more information about the enrollment process.

Please contact the Richards Office at 414-963-3951 with any questions.

Fun Lunch Updates: This upcoming Friday, January 31, is our next Fun Lunch!

Spring Fun Lunch Price Increase!

Starting Monday, January 27th, the price for Fun Lunch increased.

How to Order:
Fun Lunch can only be ordered through our Membership Toolkit Website. Click the link below to place your order. You can also find the order form under the STORE section in the MTK app.

Membership Tool Kit - ORDER FUN LUNCH

Pricing:

Orders placed by January 26th: $7.00 per lunch

Orders placed on January 27th or later: $8.00 per lunch

The order form will close on February 3rd.

Late Orders:
Any orders placed after February 3rd must be submitted via email to jacob.wruck@gmail.com

Questions?
Please contact the Fun Lunch chairs:

Janaki Shah: janaki.y.shah@gmail.com

Kelly Moore: kellybrookemoore@gmail.com

High Interest Day We are in need of presenters for High Interest Day!! High Interest Day is an amazing afternoon where students get to choose unique professions and hobbies to learn about that are presented by relatives, friends and community members in those fields.

WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER?

1. IT’S AN EXCITING AND DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN: This community has so much to offer and Richards Tigers love to learn. High Interest Day is a chance for kids to learn about something entirely new and exciting.

2. ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS: By presenting at High Interest Day you are bringing your expertise and enthusiasm to our students.

3. APPLIED LEARNING: You’re validating our students' interests by showing them the things they’re interested in are valuable and worth pursuing.

I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER. NOW WHAT?

1. Please fill out THIS FORM by February 14

2. QUESTIONS? e-mail Katie at katiewortman@gmail.com or Lisa at lisabers@gmail.com

Bucks Family Night Out: Please note that although this is a PTO sponsored event, you are not guaranteed seats next to other Richards families.

Admirals Family Night Out: Please note that although this is a PTO sponsored event, you are not guaranteed seats next to other Richards families.

Join Our Fundraising Team! We’re forming a Playground Fundraising Committee to help raise money for our school playground expansion, and we need your help! Volunteers will assist with:

● Brainstorming creative fundraising ideas

● Promoting fundraisers

● Reaching out to local businesses for support

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a big impact on our school community. If you're interested in joining, please contact Brigid Ingram and Christina LeBlanc at brigid@gmail.com or christinatjones@gmail.com. Let’s create an amazing space for our kids to play and grow!

Food Drive Fundraiser

The 20th Annual Food Drive and Fundraiser hosted by the 3rd Grade is coming soon! Support the 3rd grade class’s goal of raising $10,000 for the Hunger Task Force this year. Join us for the Food Drive (Feb 10–Mar 7) and the Pasta for Purpose Benefit Dinner on March 6, catered by Rosati’s - Bay View. Let’s come together to make a difference in our community. Tickets will be available starting February 3 through Membership Toolkit.

SAVE THE DATES!

More information to come on these upcoming PTO events, but get them down in your calendar now, so you don’t miss out!

February 27th: Cultural Night

Student Attendance FAQ

The linked document includes answers to frequently asked questions related to student attendance, excused and unexcused absences, make-up work, and more. Please carefully review the linked information. 2024-25 Student Attendance FAQ

School Board Meeting Takeaways: Curious about what is discussed at School Board Meetings? Linked below, you'll find key takeaways from the most recent School Board Meeting. Additional information can be found on the Board of Education website.

January 8 Board Meeting Takeaways

Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm, at Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium. Click here to view the 2024-2025 School Board Meeting dates.

The community is welcome to attend School Board meetings to gain a better understanding of School District business and the role of the School Board. The public is also invited to address the Board during the public comment portion as indicated in Board meetings. Meeting agendas are posted within BoardDocs two days preceding each meeting.

• Meeting dates located under featured tab/documents
• Agendas located under featured or meeting tabs

Music for Munchkins: Whitefish Bay High School Orchestras present the annual Music for Munchkins Concert on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

In addition to a musical performance, the event will feature fun crafts and a string instrument "petting zoo" from 12:30 to 1:15pm during which children of all ages will have the chance to touch and play the various string instruments, generously provided by Brass Bell Music Store.

The musical performance, Stringman: Into the Stringverse, will begin at 1:30pm. Fifth grade orchestra students from Richards and Cumberland will make a guest appearance during the performance.

Music for Munchkins will be held in the Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium, 1200 E. Fairmount Avenue, Whitefish Bay. Enter through Door 11 of the Music Wing. Admission is free.

Come join the fun and the adventures of Stringman Multiverse!

Check out all of the details in this flyer!

After-School Spanish: The WFB Recreation Department is offering After-School Spanish beginning in February. Click here for more information and sign up details.

Mark your calendars! Tickets for WFBHS Theater's winter musical, Mamma Mia!, go on sale SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st. Tickets are going to sell FAST, so make sure you go to our website WFBHSTHEATER.COM on Saturday, February 1st at 8:00am to get the best seats to see this iconic show!

Check out our flyer for more details!

Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/schools/richards/
Location: 5812 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Phone: 414-963-3951
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFBSchools/