January 2025 District Newsletter

✨ Click the play button below to view a video message from Dr. Foeckler:

Dear Families,

As we step into a new year together, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts and achievements that help to shape our school community. The success of our District is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our students, staff, and families who strive daily to make our schools an Exceptional Place to Learn, Work, and Engage. I am excited to share with you some highlights that reflect both our shared accomplishments and our ongoing dedication to personal growth and educational equity.

State Report Card: Celebrating an Exceptional Place to Learn

With the start of a new year, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate the exceptional learning that takes place across all of our District schools, due to the hard work, persistence, and dedication of students, staff, and families.

An exciting celebration of the past year is that the Whitefish Bay School District received a rating of Significantly Exceeds Expectations [94.3] on our most recent state report card through the Department of Public Instruction, achieving the highest ranking among all Districts in Wisconsin. Additionally, all four of our District schools received the same high distinction.

It is true that the school and district report cards are only one measure of the success of our schools; in fact, some of our district’s greatest achievements cannot be captured quantitatively. Nevertheless, these report cards should be a source of pride for all members of our school community because they are one indicator among many that The Whitefish Bay School District is An Exceptional Place to Learn.

Should you have any questions related to the District or School Report Cards, please reach out to Mr. Mike O’Connor, Director of Teaching and Learning Services, at mike.oconnor@wfbschools.com.

Educational Equity and Excellence: Personal Growth

I recently had the opportunity to visit Ms. Middendorf's and Mr. Trask's physical education course at the Middle School. Eighth grader, Nevie, shared how the use of heart rate monitors during physical education class promotes personal growth by meeting each individual where they are in terms of ability and fitness levels. Not only do the heart rate monitors track activity, but they also help students learn accountability and focus on their personal growth through the lens of educational equity and excellence, as outlined in our Focus Plan. I would like to thank Ms. Middendorf, Mr. Trask, Nevie, and all of the eighth grade physical education students for inviting me into their classrooms to share their experiences.

As we continue to move forward together, I am inspired by the dedication and partnership that make our schools a place of excellence and opportunity for all students. Your ongoing support, curiosity, and engagement play a vital role in our collective success. Whether celebrating district-wide achievements or individual milestones, our shared commitment to educational equity and excellence fosters an environment where every student can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Here’s to another year of growth and achievement!

Your Partner in Education,

Jamie

The 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. The sign up list will close on January 17th.

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!

Come hear about each one of our school’s continuous improvement efforts at each of the Annual School Reports. All School Reports will take place at the High School LMC at 7PM.

Each of our schools has developed and refined a school improvement plan aimed at ensuring an aligned and collective commitment around all students' learning and growing in a supportive and caring environment.

• Richards, January 8, 2025
• Whitefish Bay High School, February 12, 2025

Over the past few weeks, the School Board had the opportunity to hear from students and staff at both Cumberland and the Middle School.

Highlights from the Cumberland team report include ELA and Math data, school goals related to the District Focus Plan, school celebrations, and professional learning.

The Middle School team shared about school goals, creating paths to proficiency, an aligned approach to literacy, mastery goals and metacognition, and school celebrations.

Many thanks to these outstanding presenters for sharing their learning experiences with board members!

The Fine Arts Assembly was held on December 13th at the High School. The assembly included choir, orchestra, and band performances, showcases of student art, and featured student-composed music.

Four distinguished WFBHS alumni were also inducted into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the assembly. Congratulations to inductees:

• Steve Chicorel - Class of 1977
• Jason Schackter McKinney - Class of 1996
• Wendy Richman - Class of 1997
• Liza (Goldberg) Wiemer - Class of 1983

Pictured: Inductee Steve Chicorel, Inductee Liza Wiemer, Former Educator Mr. Frank Laycock, and Inductee Jason Schackter McKinney outside the Frank Laycock Auditorium ; High School band performance.

This time of year, we remind our school families of the importance of winter weather safety for pedestrians in the community.

Student and child safety is a priority for the School District of Whitefish Bay. At home, in the community, to and from school, and while at school, we as a school community share the collective responsibility to ensure our loved ones are safe.

In cold weather, it can be easy to rush and overlook safety measures when walking in the community. Before you set out, it's important to prioritize safety and review some basic safety measures to consider.

1. Prepare by checking weather and light conditions. Wear appropriate footwear with good traction and wear warm socks to keep your feet warm on your journey. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and bright colors, especially when walking early or late in the day, so that drivers are more likely to see you.
2. Stay attentive while walking to minimize risk while out and about in the community and while traveling to and from school. Avoid distractions such as looking at phones which could take attention away from your surroundings.
3. Use sidewalks and crosswalks, always following traffic signals, and look both ways before crossing the street. Crossing in the middle of the block or walking against a red light poses dangers to both pedestrians and drivers.
   

Staying focused and following these reminders can help everyone travel safely throughout the Village, while reducing the risk of accidents and injury.

A Collective Responsibility: We believe that safety is a collective responsibility. All staff, students, parents, and community members play an important role in ensuring all are safe. Should you or your student(s) see or hear anything concerning, please do not hesitate to contact your school's principal, the District Office, or the Whitefish Bay Police Department immediately. We would rather err on the side of caution and safety than be sorry for not investigating a concern.

The School District of Whitefish Bay is hiring a Paraprofessional II (Full-time, 7 Hours/Day) at Richards Elementary School! This position assists in supporting students with a range of needs, including helping students access learning in multiple settings.

The successful candidate is flexible, student-centered, and interested in developing new skills and knowledge. The successful candidate also must be available to work from approximately 7:35 AM to 3:05 PM, following the school year calendar.

If you are interested in learning more about this amazing opportunity to serve the students, staff members, families, and community members of Whitefish Bay, please contact Chad Nelson, Principal at Richards Elementary School, at (414) 963-5111 or chad.nelson@wfbschools.com. Ready to apply? Click here to submit your application!

The School Board and School District invite you to attend School Board Meetings. Board meetings begin at 7PM in the High School Library Media Center, unless noted otherwise.

• January 8 -- Regular Business Meeting with the Richards School Report
• January 29 -- Committee Meetings

Subject to change. Please view BoardDocs for up to date meeting notices and agendas.

Curious about what is discussed at School Board Meetings? Linked below, you'll find key takeaways from the most recent School Board Meetings. Additional information can be found in BoardDocs.

• December 11 Board Meeting Takeaways

Cumberland students were learning alongside their classroom buddies! See more photos.

Richards 5K students were programming with Cubetto in the Library Maker's Space! See more photos.

Major General Paul Knapp visited the Middle School's Aviation Club to discuss his career as a pilot for the Air Force. Students enjoyed hearing about the various jets he has flown and trying on a helmet. See more photos.

High School students had an exciting day of celebration prior to winter break. Hot Chocolate with the Principal is always a favorite for students and staff alike! Later in the day, High Schoolers were treated to a celebration of art during the Fine Arts Assembly. See more photos.

Activities Newsletters are shared throughout the school year on the High School's website. Check back frequently to stay up to date with athletics and activities! Read More.

Do you have good news to share with the school district? We would love to hear from you.

Email: districtnews@wfbschools.com
Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/
Location: 1200 East Fairmount Avenue
Phone: 414-963-3921
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFBSchools/