The Weekly Update

There are still appointments available to give blood at the West Bend High Schools Student Council Blood Drive on Thursday, December 12 in the south gym. Help the community by giving blood and also support these hardworking students who have put in many hours to organize this event. Their goal this year is to collect 300 units! The drive is open from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm. Schedule an appointment: https://donateblood.versiti.org/.../drive_schedule/11537343.

East and West freshman students were given an important presentation last week on the many dangers of distracted driving. West Bend School District Nurse Amy Braeger partnered with the West Bend Fire Department, Froedtert Health, and Children’s Wisconsin to deliver the “What Do You Consider Lethal?” program. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Impact Teen Drivers, highlights the alarming statistic that inattentive and reckless driving remains the leading cause of teenage fatalities in the United States, claiming more than 4,000 lives annually.

Students can now access the applications for supporting information for the many local scholarships available for post-secondary education. The annual Scholarship Kick-Off event on December 2 reviewed the process for applying for one or more of the scholarships. Those who could not attend the event can contact Amy Barnes in the Career Readiness Center at 262-306-4637 for details. Access the applications and more on the East or West website.

Thanks to COLUMNS and other generous organizations and families in this community for awarding more than $900,000 each year in scholarships.

If your family is moving within the West Bend School District, it is very important to complete a change of address form with us as soon as you have proof of residency. Please review the details and complete the form: https://www.west-bend.k12.wi.us/District/14834-Untitled.html.

Students in Washington County in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the 2025 Conservation Poster Contest using the theme “Home is Where the Habitat is.” Entries are due Friday, January 10, 2025 at the County Land Conservation Office of Washington County in West Bend. Contact Stephanie at 262-335-4804 or stephanie.egner@washcowisco.gov for more information. Entry forms are available at https://bit.ly/ConservationPosterContest.

During the regular West Bend School Board meeting on December 2, the board approved the consent agenda. The consent agendas included minutes from previous board meetings, contracts, resignations, retirements, board liaison assignments to the negotiations team, and disbursements posted.

During the meeting, the Canvass Report from November 5, 2024 Election and Superintendent's Report were given. There was a discussion on Recommendation to Re-Name Courses Currently Named English as Second Language. A report was given on the latest DPI School Accountability Report. The presentation showed scores and explained how the DPI Report Cards are created, including how each school student enrollment is unique; therefore, the state places different weights on Priority Weight Areas in the report card to calculate each individual school's rating.

The West Bend Schools use the data on targeted performance areas and outcomes to inform all School Improvement Plans, including goal setting and action steps on school-developed strategies. “These school accountability report cards are a resource we use to examine our strengths and areas for improvement, we will closely review all the data to continue our efforts,” said Jen Wimmer, superintendent. To review the Wisconsin DPI report cards, go to the website.

Jessica Tortomasi, a reading interventionist at Badger Middle School, was recently honored as an Outstanding Educator by WEA Member Benefits. This award honors the exceptional contributions of Wisconsin public school educators by seeking to amplify the voices of those shaping the future of Wisconsin’s students by highlighting the people who go above and beyond in their roles. Read more about Jessica and the award: https://www.weabenefits.com/outstanding-educator/.

There are various events and activities available on the WBSD’s Community Bulletin Board!

Events and Fundraisers:

Columns Holiday Pops Concert Tickets

Wash. County Caregiver Coalition Holiday Respite Services

Volunteer Center Giving Tree

Kettle Moraine Symphony Christmas Concert

Cub Scout Pack 3796

Just Us of Washington County Event

Cub Scouts Pack 3787 Blanket Drive

Athletics:

West Bend Little League Registration

West Bend Swim Club Information

Ski/Snowboard Club for West Bend Students

Boys & Girls Club 1st and 2nd Grade Basketball

East Dance Team Clinic for Kids

YMCA:

YMCA Swim Lessons for WBSD Students

YMCA Winter Programs, Holiday Events, and More

Services:

Good News Club Afterschool Program