Richards Family News

Dear Richards Families,

We hope you all stayed warm and found some time to enjoy the winter wonderland after all the snow! It was certainly a reminder of how unpredictable Wisconsin weather can be.

We also want to take a moment to express our gratitude for our amazing Richards staff and families. Last week’s Open House was a wonderful showcase of student learning and the strong sense of community that makes Richards so special. Thank you for taking the time to engage with your child’s learning and celebrate their growth—it means so much to them and to us.

And if that wasn’t enough, we rolled right into Valentine’s celebrations, bringing even more joy and connection to our students. These moments, big and small, help create a school environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn.

Thank you for being a part of what makes Richards such a special place!

2nd and 3rd Grade Concerts, This Wednesday February 19: We are looking forward to the 2nd and 3rd grade general music concerts tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19! 2nd grade will perform at 5:30pm (5:15pm arrival) and 3rd grade will perform at 6:15pm (6:00pm arrival). The concerts 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.

Wisconsin Forward Exam: Students in grades 3-5 will be participating in the Wisconsin Forward Exam testing in April. More detailed information can be found in this brochure. All testing will take place in the morning. Your help in not making morning appointments on these dates is much appreciated!

In addition, please ensure that fifth graders come to school with their fully charged Chromebook.

• Third Grade: April 1-2 and April 8-10
• Fourth Grade: April 1-2, 4 and April 8-11
• Fifth Grade: April 1-2 and April 8-10

School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, February 17-21: The Richards School Community would like to recognize the dedicated crossing guards who help our students safely cross the busy intersections on their way to and from school.

Thank you to Steve, Barb, Billy, Carlos, Jamie, Max, Pat, Rebecca, Glen, and Chris for your hard work supporting and ensuring that our students safely cross these busy corners!

The Lost and Found is chock full of lost items! It will be displayed in the main lobby through Monday, February 24. Students and families are encouraged to check the tables to claim any items. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

2025-2026 School Year NEW Student Enrollment: 4K - 5th Grade new student enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open.

Visit our website for more information about the enrollment process.

Currently Enrolled Students: Current students are not required to re-enroll. Families of current students will complete Online Registration in August prior to the upcoming school year.

Students Not Returning: If for any reason, your child(ren) will not be returning to Richards next year, please contact our office at 414-963-3951 or by email at: stephanie.haupt@wfbschools.com

Enrollment Questions? Contact the Richards Office at 414-963-3951.

Richards Coin Drive Challenge!

We’ve begun the Coin Drive Challenge to help raise funds for our New Playground Expansion—and we need your help! From February 13-21, students can bring in spare change to fill their grade’s Coin Collection Jar near the office.

How it Works:

● Coins Add to Your Grade’s Total! Drop coins into your grade’s jar to help build up your donation amount.

● Paper Money Takes Away! Want to shake up the competition? Any paper money added to a jar will subtract that amount from the grade’s total (e.g., a $1 bill removes 100 cents!).

The grade with the most money at the end wins a prize! So, gather your spare change, strategize wisely, and let’s make this the most exciting Coin Drive yet!

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.

The Food Drive is HERE!

We’re excited to kick off our annual Food Drive and Fundraiser hosted by the 3rd-grade class to benefit the Hunger Task Force! The drive will run from February 10th to March 7th, and we are asking for your help in bringing in non-perishable food items to support families in need across Milwaukee. Donate 'food' virtually here.

We are also hosting a school-wide competition. The grade with the most food donations will win an extra recess, so let’s make this a fun and friendly challenge! Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the Hunger Task Force and continue Richards' proud tradition of generosity. Over the past 20 years, we’ve donated more than any other elementary school in Milwaukee, and we’d love to keep that streak alive!

Thank you for your support. Let’s work together to make a positive impact in our community!

Pasta for a Purpose: A Benefit Dinner Supporting the Hunger Task Force

Get ready to catch the wave of giving at the Pasta for a Purpose beach-themed benefit dinner on March 6th! The Richards 3rd Grade class is hosting this fun-filled event to support the Hunger Task Force. For just $12, enjoy a pasta dinner with salad, bread, and bottled water, catered by Rosati's-Bay View. There will be a tide of games with prizes, a raffle drawing, and a bake sale!

Help us reach our $10,000 goal and continue Richards' tradition of generosity—we've proudly donated more than any elementary school in Milwaukee over the past 20 years!

Tickets can be purchased through the Richards PTO Membership Toolkit. Come join us for a splash of fun, food, and community spirit!

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 29 Board Meeting Takeaways

Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, February 26 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

Whitefish Bay MPA Summer Music Grant – Apply Now!

The Whitefish Bay Music Parents Association (MPA) is excited to support our young musicians through our Summer Music Grant Program!

Who’s Eligible?

• Students entering grades 6-12 next year
• Must participate in orchestra, band, and/or choir at school
• Parents/guardians must be current MPA members

What’s Covered?

• A $100 Summer Grant (or the cost of the activity if less)
• Can be used for a summer music clinic, class, or camp (not private lessons)

We encourage all students to keep the music going this summer with camps and clinics!

Apply now and take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

Whitefish Bay High School Theater Presents: Mamma Mia!

ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island and includes a large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit and ultimate feel-good show!

Come join us for a night of live theater that will leave you dancing in the aisles!

• When: 7:00 on February 28th, March 1st, 7th, & 8th as well as 2:00 on March 2nd
• Where: Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium
• Tickets: $20 for Adults, $15 for Senior Citizens, & $10 for Students
• Ticket Information: WFBHSTHEATER.COM

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/