Whitman Middle School
WATCH US GROW! Family Newsletter: December 19th, 2024
A Note from the Principal
As we move into this wintery last day of school before break, I want to thank you all for sharing your most precious young people with us and for continuing to partner with us for their success. I hope that you find peace and care in the upcoming year, and I look forward to working with you in the new year to achieve the highest standards of success for your students.
Happy Holidays,
Sarah Dianich, Proud Whitman Principal
Upcoming Important Dates
DECEMBER
- Monday 12/23/24 through Wednesday 1/1/25 Whitman Winter Break: No classes for students
- Tuesday 12/31 is the deadline to submit videos to mlkspeechcontest@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
- Thursday January 2nd Classes Resume
- January 13th–17th STAR Reading & Math Testing
- Tuesday 1/14/25 6:30-8:00 - Whitman PTA Meeting in the Library
- Wednesday 1/15/25 6-8pm - Whitman Lights on Tosa Event: 5th Grade Info. Night
- Thursday 1/16/25 5-8pm Mex Avenue WHITMAN PTA Fundraiser - Code: Whitman PTA
- Monday 1/20/25 - No Classes for Students - MLK Day
- Friday 1/24/25 - Last day of Semester 1
- Sunday, 1/26/24 - LEADERS Committee Winter Get-Together @ Whitman (more info on flier below)
- Monday 1/27/25 No Classes for Students - Record Keeping Day
8th Graders - Whitman to West High School Transition Information for 24-25
- Monday January 6 - 6th period Tosa West counselors visit all 8th graders.
- Wednesday January 8th 6:30pm WAUWATOSA WEST HIGH SCHOOL COURSE INFORMATION NIGHT FOR THE CLASS OF 2029.
- Tuesday January 14th Whitman counselors help 8th graders enter high school classes in Infinite Campus during ELA classes.
- Friday January 17th Students review and hand in signed course selection sheet with TW counselors during English classes during hours 3,4,6, and 7.
WEB Leaders Reporting On What's Happening at Whitman Middle School
Great Things Happening at Whitman
Student Council Spirit Days
Dressing for the Decades!
Mix and Match Day!
Self Portaits in 8th Grade Art
Students in 8th grade art have been working hard to complete their realistic self portraits inspired by the work of Amy Sherald, Gee's Bend Quilters, and Kehinde Wiley. If you see these students give them a congratulations for completing this project through with confidence and determination! :)
Opportunities for Whitman Students and Caregivers
Dear Whitman Students,
I hope this message finds you well! The Wauwatosa School District is excited to announce an upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest.
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the Wauwatosa School District invites all students to reflect on Dr. King’s life, legacy, and his impactful “I Have a Dream” speech. We want to hear how Dr. King’s Dream is alive in your life today – more than 60 years later. This is your chance to share your thoughts, experiences, and personal interpretations of his message
To participate: Create a 30-60 second video sharing how Dr. King’s dream is reflected in your life, or how his “I Have a Dream” speech has impacted you.
The video should express your personal connection to Dr. King’s message of equality, justice, and hope.
Submit your videos to mlkspeechcontest@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us by Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Please include your name and grade level in the subject line of your email
Prizes and Recognition
Winning videos will be showcased in a district-wide video tribute to Dr. King.
All winners will receive a certificate of appreciation and will be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
The video tribute will be shared on social media on January 20, 2025, and shown in schools on January 21, 2025.
Whether you are experienced in public speaking or new to the stage, this contest will be an excellent platform to express your ideas and engage with your peers. All students are encouraged to participate.
If you have any questions or need further details, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Russell in room 109. We look forward to seeing the great speeches you’ll present and wish you the best of luck as you prepare!
Warm regards, Ms. Russell Room 109
Holiday Season Community Resources - Check Them Out!
For Community Resources during the Holiday Season check out this list: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Rn68YYE5QYga_rEJO030Bf44RFLWELtCWKwPQtT06s/edit?tab=t.0
Emergency Resources for Students and Families
Quick Links to School Information
- Who's Who at WMS
- Student Handbook
- Reporting an student absent, late or leaving early in Infinite Campus.
- Advocacy Request Google Form
- Open House Presentation
- School Safety Information
- Picture Day Ordering Details
- Supply List
- Online Lunch Payments in Infinite Campus -Translations in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Hmong
- Nutrislice: Breakfast + Lunch Menus
- Free + Reduced Meal Application
- Medical Forms
- Join the PTA
- WSD Liaisons for Parents of Children with IEP
Office Contacts and Reminders
Main Office Phone: (414)-773-2600
Attendance Line or Use Infinite Campus: (414)-773-2602
Attendance and Early Dismissal Email: Angela Radaj
Assistant to the Principal, Teachers, and Staff: Jeanne Jarecki
(414) 773-2606
Administrative Assistant to the Associate Principal, Guidance, and Deans: Laticia Campbell
(414) 773-2605
Health Room Clerical Aide: Deanna Knasinski
(414) 773-2606
Chromebook Chargers Policy and Replacements
All students are responsible to turn in a Dell charger at the end of the year or a $40.00 fee will be placed on their account for a replacement. NOTE: Cheap chargers from amazon are not accepted. To purchase a OEM Dell replacement from amazon please use this link: https://a.co/d/iT6Go19
Dean Corner
Headphones in the Classroom
Despite what students might say, headphones/earbuds are not an appropriate fashion accessory in a school or professional setting. As such, students will be instructed to put them away while in class and they should remain away unless students have been given the instruction to use them for essential and educational purposes. Refusal to follow this expectation will result in a referral for a Technology Violation and consequences will be be determined in accordance with our district's Disciplinary Framework.
Counseling Corner
Please enjoy the most recent edition of the Whitman Student Services Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/qz3x40
For scheduling issues or student concerns please contact Student Services:
Virginia Dubinski - Supports Students whose last names begin with A - G
414-773-2628 dubinsvi@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Lisa Gerlach - Supports Students whose last names begin with H-O
414-773-2626 gerlacli@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Don Devine - Supports Students whose last names begin with P-Z
414-773-2627 devinedo@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mia Tatum-Crider Mental Health Specialist 414-773-2726 tatummi@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Lindsey Skaife School Psychologist 414-773-2634 skaifeli@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Zoey Reinhardt-Youth Mental Health Social Worker 262-202-9864 reinhazo@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
PTA will meet in the Library the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00pm.
*****No December Meeting******
Tuesday January 14 10, 2025 - 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday February 11, 2025 - 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 - 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday April 8, 2025 - 6:30-8:00p
Tuesday May 13, 2025 - 6:30-8:00p
PTA - Parent Teacher Association and Fundraisers
PTA will meet in the Library the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00pm.
Tuesday January 14 10, 2025 - 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday February 11, 2025 - 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday March 11, 2025 - 6:30-8:00pm
Tuesday April 8, 2025 - 6:30-8:00p
Tuesday May 13, 2025 - 6:30-8:00p
Thanks to everyone who ordered or dined at Corner Bakery!
Whitman school did great! The school brought in $873.42 in sales and we will be donating the following: Donation Amount: $174.68
Get Involved - Clubs
Ski and Snowboard Club Tickets/Spirit Wear Collection Link
Registration is now open! Head to the WHITMAN SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB WEBSITE TO GET REGISTERED
The First Trip is This Friday 12/20/24 - Tickets are available in the Library before and after school.
Whitman Spirit Wear Collection Link
If you are looking to add to your Whitman spirit wear collection I have it here for you. This year's club apparel has some throwback flair. Check out the clubs online store and get your orders in!
Blue and black will items will have a white logo and grey and white item's logo will be Whitman blue.
The store closes 12/23/24 and the items will be delivered after the winter break.
Black Student Union Club
Mr. DeValk and Ms. Campbell are the 24-25 BSU Advisors which meets the third Thursday of each month from 3:40-4:25 in room 114. Dec 19, Jan 16, Feb 20, March 20, April 17, May 15th.
- Purpose: BSUs promote cultural diversity, empower students, and provide a space for students to celebrate Black culture
- Activities: BSUs may organize events, community service, and outreach programs
- Membership: BSUs are open to students of all races and backgrounds
- Leadership: BSUs develop leadership within the Black community on campus
- Please be mindful students/teacher and staff walking in the parking lot before and after school. Cars should not stop on the driveways at anytime, please pull in to parking spots there are always many available.
- For safety reasons, there is to be no loitering (to linger idly or aimlessly) of students in the school building or on school grounds after their daily programs are finished. Students must leave the school grounds no later than 3:50p.m. (2:50 on Early Release Wednesdays) unless they are attending a school-sponsored, supervised activity, or they have a scheduled appointment with a teacher.
- Students must also be picked up right after clubs and sports.
- Homework Club ends at 4:15 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 3:15 on Wednesday
- Art Club ends at 4:30
- Best Buddies ends at 4:30
- BSU ends at 4:25
- Cooking Club - ends at 4:15
- Dungeons and Dragons ends at 5:30
- Destination Imagination ends at 5:15
- Games Club ends at 4:15
- German Club ends at 4:30
- GSA ends at 4:15
- Small Engines Club ends at 5:00
- Science Club ends at 4:15
- WEB Leaders ends at 3:00
- Wrestling practice ends at 5:30
- Boys Basketball practice ends at 4:30
Winter Athletics Links, Forms, and Schedules
Opportunities Around Town and Tosa Recreation
We wanted to make you aware of some unique recreation opportunities for your child(ren). We still have a few spots remaining in our Camp Caring that is Friday, December 27th.
Students will have the opportunity to serve a meal they cook at PathFinders in Milwaukee. It is for 6th - 8th graders and we have approximately five spots remaining in this wonderful camp that teaches the students the importance of volunteerism.
Also don't forget about No School Days! We have you covered, as we have two in January and two in February. We have some spots remaining in those. We have attached information for your convenience. You can also view them in our Winter/Spring Activity Guide which is on our website at www.tosarec.com.
Get yourself set so when you come back from break,you don't have to stress about finding something for them to do those days.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful Holiday Break,
Wauwatosa Recreation Department
GET OUT. PLAY. LEARN
Jennie Cottam - Recreation Program Coordinator
Wauwatosa Recreation Department
(414) 773-2906 - www.tosarec.com
Strength, Agility, and Speed (S.A.S) Program at Wauwatosa West
We are thrilled to invite 8th-grade athletes at Whitman Middle School 8th Graders to participate in our Strength, Agility, and Speed (S.A.S) program at Wauwatosa West High School. This program is designed to help young athletes build foundational skills, improve their overall athleticism, and prepare for the demands of high school sports.
Attached is a form with all the details about the program.
Best regards,
-
Kadeem Batts
Athletic Director
Wauwatosa West High School
Phone: (414) 773-3014
Address: 11400 W. Center St, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Advocacy Request
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Advocacy Request
If you have any concerns related to diversity, equity, inclusion, or accessibility, please contact Ms. Sheena Russell, your DEIA Advocate. At Whitman Middle School, our goal is to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and included in their learning environment.
or email Ms. Russell at
Visiting the School - Caregiver Shadow
Caregivers may request to shadow their child during the school day. All requests must be made and approved to school administration via email or phone call.
Students with last names A-M Mrs. Wojciechowski Email: wojciech@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Students with last names N-Z Mrs. Dianich Email: dianicsa@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Technology and Infinite Campus
Infinite Campus is a web-based student information system (SIS) that schools use to manage student data. It can include information such as grades, attendance, schedules, assessments, and enrollments. Parents and guardians can access their child's information through a secure parent portal or app. The goal of the portal is to improve communication and partnership between parents and teachers.
If you do not have an Infinite Campus account, please click here for instructions on how to create one.
If you have forgotten your login or password, please complete a HelpDesk ticket.
Need help or if you do not have access to a computer, tablet or internet please feel free to come to Whitman to utilize a chromebook.
Social Media Links
Whitman Middle School
Main Office: 414-773-2600
Website: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/Whitman
Location: 11100 West Center Street, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
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