Richards Family News
December 3, 2024
Dear Richards Families,
We hope this message finds you refreshed and ready to dive into the last stretch of 2024! Before the break, we had the joy of coming together for some celebrations that highlighted the gratefulness of our Richards community. It was a reminder of the many things we have to be grateful for—our amazing students, supportive families, and dedicated staff.
As we move forward, let’s carry this gratitude with us and continue to build on the successes we have achieved together. Thank you for being an integral part of what makes Richards so special. Here’s to a strong and joyful close to the year!
New Volunteer Process Begins Today: December 3rd
To all our Richards volunteers, thank you for your invaluable support! As of December 3rd, all volunteers must have their approved volunteer card upon check-in. This step helps us ensure student safety in alignment with our Focus Plan.
Who Needs a Volunteer Card?
If you’re volunteering in classrooms, chaperoning field trips, or involved in PTO clubs where students are present, please complete the volunteer application via the District HR Department at: https://www.wfbschools.com/district/volunteering.cfm. This approval is valid for two years.
Thank you for helping keep Richards a safe and welcoming place for all.
Incoming 2025-26 4-Year Old Kindergarten (4K) Visits - December 6, 2024
Whitefish Bay resident families of students who turn four on or before September 1, 2025 are invited to a 4K Visit at Richards on Friday, December 6, 2024 at either 8:40am or 1:30 pm.
This event, hosted by Mr. Nelson and Mrs. Petersen, will include a welcome from our 4K Teachers, a short story with our Library Media Specialist and time for Q & A. More information can be found in this flyer. Please join us! RSVP via this link. Contact the Richards Office (414-963-3951) with any questions. Help spread the word to neighbors and friends!
CHESS CLUB
REGISTER HERE: Registration ends December 15th.
For any questions please feel free to reach out to Maya Ceniceros and Rachel Adar at: mvceniceros14@gmail.com and rachel.adar@wfbschools.com
High Interest Day is a vibrant event that is loved by the entire Richards community!
While we are staying on as this year's Chairs, we are looking for 1-2 volunteers who would like to take a more active role in planning this year's event and potentially lead in future years. We've loved bringing this event to life, but we also think it could benefit from fresh eyes and new leadership at some point!
If interested, please let us know ASAP. This is not a crazy time-intensive role but there are a couple time periods where things are busiest [mid-March-mid April (excluding Spring Break) with a little prep work mid December]. Types of tasks you would be helping out with may include:
- Corresponding with past year's presenters and soliciting new presenters (if need be) [this will take place soon, before the end of the year]
- Liaising with the school - typically Chad Nelson and Katie Peterson - to coordinate details and provide necessary information to the teachers and student body
- Richards Family News + social media (FB/Insta) messaging
- Creating "course guide" for students to review the session options/info
- Assigning courses to students (we primarily use an online program for this)
- Assembling day-of name tags for each student
- Being present "day-of" to sit back and enjoy watching all of your hard work come to life.
Thanks for reading and we hope to hear from you soon!
Katie Walsh (katiewortman@gmail.com) and Lisa Taub (Lisabers@gmail.com)
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.
November 20 Board Meeting Takeaways
Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, December 11 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.
Join Us: Facilities Focus Groups
Our district is working to develop a plan to ensure our facilities are best suited to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community. Based on feedback from our community and our district’s goals, we’re focused on developing ideas around collaborative spaces and modernized learning environments. We invite you and your family to share their thoughts with us through the opportunities outlined below:
Student Focus Groups
Your student’s perspective is essential as we plan improvements to support your academic, social, and future goals. We want to hear your student’s ideas on how updates to classrooms, common areas, and other school facilities could enhance their experience at their school.
Please let us know if you would like your child (grades 3 - 12) to participate in a focus group by clicking here to add their name and your agreement to allow them to participate in the group during the week of February 24-28. The focus group will include 5-7 students and be about 15-20 minutes long with a facilitator and notetaker. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Jamie Foeckler, jamie.foeckler@wfbschools.com, 414-963-3901.
Community Member Focus Groups
We are excited to invite you to participate in a focus group as we develop a plan to ensure our facilities best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community. Your insights are invaluable as we evaluate the condition of our school buildings, evolving educational practices, projected enrollment trends, and other factors to shape recommendations for repairs and updates to facilities to the school board and administration.
The focus group will occur during the week of February 24-28 and will last approximately 15-20 minutes, facilitated by a leader/notetaker. If you would like to participate, please click here to confirm your participation. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Dr. Jamie Foeckler, jamie.foeckler@wfbschools.com, 414-963-3901.
Thank you for your support in improving our schools!
