Muskego Lakes Family Newsletter
January 27, 2022
Meet the Muskego Lakes Principals
Muskego Lakes Associate Principal
Muskego Lakes Principal
Important Dates Ahead
Title I Parent Info & Feedback Meeting- Feb. 16th at 6pm
MLMS PTO Meeting - Feb 16 at 6:30pm
MLMS Community Day- Feb. 18th
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences- Feb. 24th
Band Solo & Ensemble - March 12th
Musical Tech Week- March 28-April 1st
Lion King Musical - April 2-3rd
Band Concert at MHS PAC - May 19 at 7pm
Choir Concert at MHS PAC- May 24 at 7pm
Dear Muskego Lakes Families,
As we shared last week, we are SO proud that our Parent Satisfaction Survey results increased again this year!
2018-19: Overall 4.25
2019-20: Overall 4.33
2020-21: Overall 4.36
2021-22: Overall 4.41 *This year's result
We are also excited to share that our Parent Satisfaction Survey results put us in the 90th percentile when compared to other schools across the country. That being said, we could not achieve these results without the feedback you provide us. Your perspective and your voice are so important to our success as a school, so we continue to feel grateful for all of your support, care, ideas, input, and investment in our success as a school.
As principals, we take the feedback from the survey to heart. We analyze it to determine our next best steps toward continuous improvement. We collaborate with our building leadership team to celebrate strengths, problem-solve concerns, and generate new ideas. And as your principals, we can assure you we will work hard to make adjustments based on areas you'd like to see us improve.
In addition, we wanted to share some of the comments we received on the survey that we were especially proud of:
“All I know is that my children are loved at Muskego Lakes Middle School. They hear it daily and see it in the way adults communicate with and work with our children. Such a supportive community.”
“The culture of connecting hearts and minds is clearly felt in communications, is intentional and lived out in big and small ways.”
“There is a constant willingness to search for new ways to further improve the school with the goal of supporting students for success.”
“My child is getting the very best education, and I always know my child is safe.”
“The teachers and principals do an excellent job leading by example and making the environment welcoming for all students.”
“My son feels safe and this is the first school that actually cares and does something if bullying occurs.”
“The teachers and principals work very hard to give these kids such a great experience at MLMS. The students have no clue how lucky they are. MLMS is such a great environment for kids to learn and the positivity that spreads across the school each day is felt by kids. They get the good vibes from role models who show up smiling each day when when life around us is hard.”
“Honestly everything.”
“I love the collaborative problem solving approach the school uses in responding to behaviors.”
“I cannot say enough nice things about my son’s experience at MLMS. He has struggled academically in the past but the amount of support he has received in this school has been amazing.”
“The care and concern the staff shows my daughter and her wellbeing has left me speechless.”
“Students track their progress so they know how they are doing, they can tell us how they are doing, and they care so much more when they are part of this process.”
“This is our first year at MLMS as we moved into the District. Even so, it has been easy to see in such a short time that this is a student-centered school. There are so many opportunities for students to be successful, explore their passions, connect with peers, and be exposed to social emotional learning. Social media posts are focused on the whole child which is comforting to know the school truly has my child in their care and we fully trust them.”
“My daughter is thriving at MLMS. We are so relieved to finally have our child at a school where she is noticed, acknowledged, and is finally being academically challenged. She fell through the cracks in other schools but the teachers care so much that doesn’t happen at Muskego Lakes.”
“The teachers treat us with respect and are welcoming and kind. They are all invested in our children and it is evident.”
“My child absolutely loves school. His teachers make learning fun and enjoyable. The staff are absolutely wonderful. And I can tell how blessed the staff is to have such a great “family” to work alongside each day. We can tell that the staff like each other, care about each other, and care about our children. I can’t pinpoint how we know that but we do. If you don’t hear it enough, THANK YOU.”
“The amazing teachers and staff. When extra is needed with academics, social emotional, or anything- there is always more than one person willing to step up, reach out, and support us as a family. This school finds a way.”
“We truly love that our children have the opportunity to go to such a great school.”
“Muskego Lakes is a wonderful school and we are so proud our children get to attend this school. The leadership, teachers, and support staff are incredible! My children love going to school, enjoy their classes, and couldn’t be happier.”
“The teachers are incredible. My son has finally achieved and even surpassed the grade level standards that he was never able to do in our former school district. Love that teachers send extra emails and leave us voicemails about good things they see.”
“My child is normally very anxious in new settings and he was new to ML this year. HIs transition was seamless. When I asked what he likes so much about his school, he said he can tell his teachers actually care about him. We are so happy he is held to a high standard with academics and his conduct. The staff have been so wonderful to work with. And when I entered the building for conferences, I could very clearly sense the positive environment and culture there. It is evident to us as parents.”
“The level of emotional support is amazing. If there is an issue in the community, school, classroom, or personal, I know that the staff are there to support my child. The outpouring of support for all students is incredible to see.”
“The school has my full trust.”
“Amazing teachers. Positive environment. Awesome learning opportunities.”
“PBIS is solid making expectations clear and predictable. Test scores are high. Social media spreads positivity.”
“Teachers at this school are absolutely amazing and extremely supportive.”
“The teachers are invested in the kids development and truly want to see them succeed.
“I’ve never second guessed that the school is doing what’s best for my children.”
“The school has done an incredible job matching my child to teachers that help her learn best.”
“My child has his own learning path in the classroom. He knows what is expected of him, is able to pursue learning goals beyond where the class is at, and has grown more this year than any other school he’s been in.”
“The staff give 100% and it shows.”
“The school has somehow figured out how to create a connected community among students between kids. They see this modeled from the staff too. This school and the focus on the culture there is top notch. The school truly has our child’s best interest in mind always.”
“The environment at Muskego Lakes is uplifting and conducive to learning. The level of communication is outstanding. I trust decision making at all levels. I can only imagine the sheer amount of decisions that have had to be made the past two years. I am continually impressed by the leadership, management, and organization at this school. I’m so fortunate to live in a district with such a top notch public school.”
“Our children have nothing but good things to say about the school and all of their teachers.”
“I absolutely love Muskego Lakes Middle School. My child is thriving and has the best teachers anyone could ask for. My child loves going to school as a middler schooler and loves all of the teachers. That is not how my middle school experience was but I’m so glad she is having this experience.”
“The constant communication and approachable staff at all levels has allowed my child to take responsibility for his learning and that has made all the difference.”
“The staff are incredible. I appreciate all they do to care for students and help them develop into caring, kind, and educated young adults.”
“This school shows care and compassion for not just students but families.”
“The staff are so flexible and adjust to how he learned best. I love the way the school is consistent in its approach to bullying and addresses problems with students swiftly and effectively.”
“All the staff and those responsible for caring for our kids. We as parents thank you for your continued efforts managing these crazy times!”
“The staff at MLMS have been nothing short of amazing. We as parents are new to middle school and yet feel so confident sending out child to school knowing they are treated with respect, kept safe, and feel loved and nurture by staff as if they are their own.”
“Whenever I’ve been in the building it always looks clean and well-maintained. I can’t even imagine the extra layers of responsibility the pandemic has created but THANK YOU!”
“My kids absolutely love it there.”
“I feel like so many staff do such a great job. MLMS is a special place.”
“I couldn’t possibly narrow it down but we have been very, very pleased with the teams, the staff, the environment, the community- grateful!”
“Our children are challenged to be their best every single day.”
“I love the way the school approaches behavioral issues.”
“Amazing communication between school and home. I always know what is coming up for my child’s learning, school events, and love the social media photos and positive messages. All together it is so powerful and makes us feel part of what is going on there.”
“My child is loved in this school.”
Thank you for your continued support, input, and partnership.
With Love,
Rachel Rydzewski & Nancy Pasch
Muskego Lakes Principals
Spring Parent Teacher Conferences Sign Up Coming Soon!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders
The safe arrival and departure of our students is the main focus of our pick-up and drop-off procedures. We ask all Muskego Lakes families to do their part by:
- Reduce speeds (10mph or less)
- Be patient and stay in the drop-off/pick-up line. Impatience can cloud judgement and cause accidents.
- When students are dropped off, they should exit on the curb side of the car only.
- When students are picked up, they should enter vehicles on the curb side of the car only.
Homework Center at Lunch
This week we launched our homework center during lunches! Students were introduced to the program in homeroom on Monday and can access it during lunches daily. We've had quite a few students already using the space with our staff at each lunch hour. Students need a pass from a classroom teacher to go to the homework center, so if you feel that this might benefit your child, encourage them to reach out to their teachers to get a pass.
What is the Homework Center?
A quiet space where students can access during their lunch hour to accomplish any task from a class. In addition, there will be a staff member present who can help answer student questions about work that they are stuck on.
Reasons Students Might Visit the Homework Center:
- The student is struggling with an assignment or studying for an upcoming assessment and would like some extra help.
- The student wants a quiet, focused space to work or read.
- The student cannot stay after school to attend our afterschool Homework Club or have extra-curricular activities after school.
- Homeroom isn't quite enough time to finish your work.
- The student is looking for someone to give them a little more guidance on a specific task.
Help Need to Plan 8th Grade Graduation
Donations Needed: Old Bedsheets and Pillowcases
Health Education Series for Parents
Muskego-Norway Schools invites you to participate in a three part parent education series on the prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions in youth. Click HERE To learn more about this educational series.
All presentations will be held at the Performing Arts Center, located on the south end of Muskego High School at 6pm. Additionally, presentations will be recorded and shared on the District’s website.
Your Choice, Wake Up Call: Learn to Spot the Signs of Alcohol and Drug Use
Parents, grandparents and staff are invited to attend an eye-opening presentation taking place on Tuesday, February 22 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Muskego Performing Arts Center. This event is sponsored by Muskego Norway School District, Rosecrance and Your Choice to Live, Inc.
The rise in the use of vaping devices and other substances among youth is a growing concern. Are you familiar with carts? Dabs? Box mods? If you have young people in your life, you should be.
The Wake Up Call presentation, a program of Your Choice, provides practical information on current drug trends, a walk-through of a teens' bedroom with more than 20 red flags that could indicate substance abuse, and proactive parenting strategies to keep your child substance free.
The presenters, both with lived experience, combine their personal stories, experience working with students and families, and sharing things they wish they would've known into an engaging, real and unique presentation. This presentation is a MUST SEE for parents, grandparents, teachers, community members and other adults who are influential in the lives of youth.
Attendees will also receive a Your Choice Handbook, which is a 30+ page comprehensive resource guide with current drugs trends, signs of abuse, hiding places and relevant paraphernalia, parenting tips and resources all in one place.
*This event is for adults only (21 years of age and older).
Register for this free event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wake-up-call-presentation-muskego-norway-school-district-tickets-246720837667
For questions about this event, please contact a Ashleigh at ashleigh@yourchoiceprevention.org.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Ashleigh Nowakowski, Executive Director, Your Choice to Live, Inc. - Ashleigh Nowakowski has been working in the substance abuse prevention field since 2009. Her work includes speaking in middle and high schools, educating parents, teachers and community members and working with high-risk youth. Ashleigh entwines her personal experience of living with a sibling’s substance use disorder into all of her presentations. She is passionate about preventing young people from going down a path that could have negative impacts on their life. Ashleigh has her Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Katie Morrow, Prevention Education Specialist, Your Choice to Live, Inc. - Katie Morrow is a prevention education specialist who has been working in the substance abuse field since 2009. She has worked in a variety of roles in this field including prevention, direct care, development and community organizing. She has a Master’s in Public Administration from Marquette University. Being in long-term recovery since 2007 gives Katie a passion for recovery and prevention. Katie enjoys sharing her story in hopes that it will help others from going down the path that she did.
Mid-Week Munchies for Staff at MLMS
Considering Joining the Muskego Lakes PTO!
MLMS PTO Meeting Dates for 2021-2022
- February 16, 2022 @ 6:30pm
- March 16, 2022 @ 6:30pm
- April 20, 2022 @ 6:30pm
- May 18, 2022 @ 6:30pm
Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin
Our staff at Muskego Lakes take threats seriously. We are grateful for our partnership with students and parents as they continue to be invested in their school culture as we all work together to keep our schools safe. We encourage all families to talk about how a child should respond to any threat or concern, regardless of the source or legitimacy. If a student or parent is not comfortable going directly to a district staff member, they can use Wisconsin's Speak Up, Speak Out that will notify a school administrator and/or police authorities immediately. Speak Up, Speak Out! Speak Up, Speak Out is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety.
You may make a report by visiting the website, using your smartphone by downloading the SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT app from the Apple Store and Google Play, or by calling 1-800-MY-SUSO-1 to speak to a resource center analyst.
COVID-19 Important Information
- To opt into this program, please complete our online form by clicking here.
- Please to submit the follow form if you, your child, or anyone in your household has been exposed to and/or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. (Form: COVID-19 SYMPTOM OR STATUS NOTIFICATION FORM. After completing the form, someone from Health Services will be in touch with you about next steps.
Parent COVID-19 FAQ
- You can find any and all information related to COVID-19 and our response in the PARENT COVID-19 FAQ. Please take a look there before reaching out to the Health Services team.
For all other questions related to COVID-19, please refer to the MNS Health Services website for the latest health information including but not limited to COVID-19 guidelines, Illness and Injury guidelines, Immunizations, Forms, and other useful information.
Muskego Lakes Middle School
Website: https://www.muskegonorway.org/schools/muskegolakes/
Location: W124 S8009 North Cape Rd.
Phone: 262-971-1860
Twitter: @MLMSmuskies