Richards Thursday Folder
May 16, 2024
Dear Richards Families,
As the school year draws to a close, we pause to celebrate the retirement of some of our most cherished staff members. These dedicated educators have poured their hearts into Richards and our students, leaving their mark on both our school and community.
We are incredibly grateful for their inspirational presence and unwavering commitment over the years. While they will be dearly missed, their influence will continue to shape Richards for years to come. We extend our heartfelt wishes for all the best in their well-deserved next chapter!
Mary Zuba (Special Ed Paraprofessional, Richards Elementary School)
We are honored to celebrate Ms. Mary Zuba. Throughout her career at Richards, she has worked in nearly every classroom, supporting and teaching many children. Known for her encouragement, support, helpfulness, and even her singing, Mary has made a lasting impact on our students. Thank you, Mary, for your dedication and contributions to our Richards students and families!
Michelle Mooney (First Grade Teacher, Richards Elementary School)
During Michelle’s career in Whitefish Bay, she has positively impacted the lives of numerous children and families. She is known for always knowing what is best for kids. Among Michelle’s qualities, her dedication to children, colleagues, Richards and the School District stands out. Michelle works exceptionally hard to ensure that Whitefish Bay is an exceptional place to learn and work. She has dedicated herself to contributing to many different committees and has championed the sunshine role at Richards. Michelle is always known for staying on top of the latest educational research and practices, and then using this knowledge in her classroom. Thank you for your dedication to our Richards family!
Sara Alter (Third Grade Teacher, Richards Elementary School)
During Sara’s career in Whitefish Bay, she has made an impact on children, families, and in the community. Sara’s love of teaching and learning is evident each and every day in her work with children. Sara is known for being “all in” on everything that she does. On this note, she has been a committed member of nearly every team at Richards and has participated on a wide variety of district committees. Sara has also been a role model and mentor to many colleagues. Thank you for your dedication and the impact that you’ve had on our Richards family.
Michelle Johnson (Crossing Guard at Day Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd.)
Michelle has worked for the School District of Whitefish Bay for 25+ years and is retiring this June. We’re honored to include this special message from Michelle: Thanks to all of my former and present families and kids who have made me feel special ~ kept me warm when it was freezing outside whether it was a cup of java, hand warmers, socks, boots etc…… Or in the warmest of warm weather with a lemonade, sunglasses, or water. I will miss you all! Ms. Michelle
Lyle Greivell (Crossing Guard Coordinator, School District of Whitefish Bay)
Lyle has been the Crossing Guard Coordinator in Whitefish Bay for 28 years. Lyle is often seen checking in at each crossing guard-staffed corner, working hard to provide a safe environment for our students as they travel to school. Thank you, Lyle, for your dedication to our community! We wish you all the best in your retirement!
The Richards Fine Arts Festival is fast approaching on Thursday, May 30th, and we couldn't be more thrilled. This wonderful event, organized by our dedicated Encore teachers in Art, Library, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education, promises an afternoon of fun including lunch on the lawn, art, music, and dance.
This year's theme, "A 'Day' at the Museum," adds an exciting twist. Each grade level will present a unique museum exhibit, with a special Richards History Exhibit and an impressive Art Show rounding out the experience. We're eager to showcase the incredible talents of our students and celebrate their creativity.
To ensure we're prepared for your attendance, we kindly request that all families RSVP via the provided LINK by May 20th.
For further details and the event schedule, please visit the Richards Fine Arts Festival please see below. Additionally, here are some essential logistical reminders:
Parent setup on May 30th may begin at 10:30 am to allow for student recess to run up to that point on the field. Any set up prior will need to be removed for recess and the spot will not be saved.
We ask that there are no food deliveries to the school for the lunch on the lawn.
During the lunch hour, students and children will stay with their grownups at all times, adhering to school rules. Playground play will not be permitted, and students and children must not be left unattended.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to sharing this memorable day with you!
Upcoming No School Dates
May 24 - No School 4K. Early Dismissal at 11:30am 5K - 5th Grade
May 27 - No School 4K - 5th Grade
June 13 - Last day of school for 4K
June 14 - Last day of school 5K - 5th Grade
With the end of the year approaching, please note the following information:
May 20-24: Last week for students to check out school library books.
May 28: All books due back to the Richards Library. Reminder slips will be sent home for any overdue materials.
2024-2025 School Year
NEW Student Enrollment: 4K - 5th Grade new student enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Visit our website for more information about the enrollment process.
It is not necessary for current students to re-enroll. Families of current students will complete online registration in August. Specific registration details will be shared this summer.
Is your student NOT returning for the 2024-25 School Year? Another important part of our planning for next year is to project as accurately as possible our student enrollments. Please notify the Richards office if your child will not be returning to Richards next year. (Stephanie.Haupt@wfbschools.com) Thank you!
The 2024-2025 School Year Calendar is linked below for family reference.
Winkie’s School Tools: Get ready for next school year! Families have the option of purchasing school supplies through Winkie’s, with a percentage of sales donated back to Richards. Orders placed this spring will be available for pickup at Winkie’s in August. The School Tools Order Forms are linked below and can be returned to Winkie’s or to Richards by June 1. Questions? Contact Winkie’s at 414-964-2130 or Richards at 414-963-3951.
Richards Spring Clean-Up
Please join us for the spring clean-up of Richard's gardens and grounds. We'll be raking, weeding and pruning, so please bring your gardening gloves and rakes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For questions, please reach out to Emily Bandsma at ecbandsma@gmail.com.
Sign up HERE.
Compost Crusader Fundraiser
We are extending the compost soil fundraiser through Compost Crusader. Currently, we've sold enough bags to support two months of our Fun Lunch composting program. Each 35lbs bag is $18 with $4 for each bag sold coming back to the school. Deadline to order is now May 31. For any questions, please reach out to Emily Bandsma at ecbandsma@gmail.com.
Volunteers needed!! FINE ARTS FESTIVAL is looking for volunteers! Please sign up to volunteer by clicking this LINK.
THANK YOU Richards Families!!!
The Richards PTO Staff Appreciation Week Committee would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the Richards Families who generously donated to Staff Appreciation Week. With your donations, and the support of the PTO and local businesses, we were able to shower our wonderful teachers, staff, and crossing guards with surprises all week long! Some highlights included lunches catered by Jimmy Johns, Jet’s Pizza, Corner Bakery and California Pizza Kitchen; delicious pretzels from Milwaukee Pretzel Company, and sweet treats from Insomnia Cookies and Dunkin’ Donuts. We also decorated the bulletin board with the artwork your children completed … check out the PTO social media pages for photos! A lot of excitement came with the daily sweepstakes as well. With your generous donations, we were able to hand out 25 baskets filled with great gifts! This was all made possible with donations from families and local businesses – thank you!
Room Parent Sign Up Open
Are you looking to become more involved at Richards next year? Consider being a Room Parent! The main responsibilities includes providing communication from the PTO to classroom families via Membership Toolkit, coordinating teacher gifts on behalf of the classroom, and assisting the teacher as needed. Sign up is available now by clicking HERE. Questions? Contact Lindsay Weber at lindsayruth.weber@gmail.com
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.
School Board Meeting: May 22, 2024: 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
WFBHS Grad Grams: Who do you know who is graduating from WFBHS this year? Your sitter? Your neighbor? The kids you coached in soccer? Send them each a Grad Gram message! Create a note that will be bound in a special book for each senior and delivered at graduation practice. The WFBHS Parent Association is taking orders for Grad Grams through June 3. Please see the order form below to participate in this fun tradition that is a highlight for our WFB seniors.
From the Rec Department: Summer Fun with Mathematics! Join Mrs. Eyers, Richards third grade teacher and Susan Jones, Richards Math and MTSS Coach for two fun summer sessions focused on Mathematics. Sessions for Grades 2-3 and 4-5 and will offer a chance to both enhance mathematical thinking and to review concepts and prepare students for the return to school in August. See the WFB Recreation Brochure to register your child today. Find more details linked below.