WFBMS FAMILY NEWS
September 3, 2024
Greetings Families!
Happy first day back to school! It has been a fantastic day with learners in the building.
Despite looking a bit overwhelmed at the outset, the sixth graders slowly grew in their confidence over the course of the day as they practiced their combination locks, navigated the building, and got to know their teachers.
The seventh graders returned self-assured and several were seen helping new learners navigate their day.
The eighth graders as a whole set a positive example from the first bell to the last, taking their role as leaders in the building seriously.
In my tenth year as an administrator, I can honestly say I have never had such a positive and energetic start to the year, which is a credit to the staff, learners, and families of the middle school all working together. A personal highlight was walking into the eighth grade orchestra and hearing them sight read Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand for the first time. Given their first attempt, I cannot wait to see how that piece develops over the course of the year.
Thank you for your partnership as we embark on another successful school year together.
Best,
Geoff Pontus
Mark Your Calendar!
- Tuesday, September 10- School Pictures
- Friday, September 27, 7 - 9 PM 6th Grade ONLY The Mane Event- An Evening of Fun for 6th Grade Lions (see the details below)
School Picture Information
School picture day will be held on September 10th . Afterwards, you’ll be able to select your image for your yearbook and purchase any portraits, and all orders will be delivered to your home. To view and order photos from Picture Day click on the link and fill in the information needed: https://www.vipis.com/group/a2f4125e/whitefish-bay-middle-school . Or, you can search for them at vipis.com shortly after photos are taken. If you need further assistance, contact VIP at support@vipis.com.
Attention 6th Graders: Save the Date!
Join us on Friday, September 27th from 7-9pm at Whitefish Bay Middle School for The Mane Event: An Evening of Fun for 6th Graders, hosted by the WFBMS PTO.
The Mane Event is an opportunity for all WFBMS 6th graders to hang out with friends, play games, and have fun! The Mane Event is only for 6th grade students.
It’s $5 at the door to get in, cash only please. Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase.
More details coming next week about the event and how families can help out!
Join the PTO
We are excited for a new school year! If you haven’t already, we invite you to create an account in Membership Toolkit and join the PTO to gain access to our online school directory. Both steps can be completed at https://wfbmspto.membershiptoolkit.com. Your MTK account is free and ALL Middle School families need a Membership Toolkit account. If you already have a MTK account, please consider making a donation to the PTO!
Follow us!
The start of the school year is upon us! Don’t forget to like, follow, and bookmark all of the WFBMS PTO accounts to stay informed!
Instagram: @WFBMSPTO
Facebook: @WFBMSPTO
The WFBMS Spirit Wear Shop is Open!
All spirit wear orders are placed online and shipped directly to your home. Popular brands include Puma, Nike, Under Armour, and North Face. Shop Now!
Visit the WFBMS online store by clicking here or click on Spirit Wear on the WFBMS PTO website.
Football Game Behavioral Expectations
Please click on the link to read the District's behavioral expectations during home football games.
Music Parents Association
The Fall Open Music Parents Association (MPA) meeting will take place on September 23rd in the HS band room at 7pm. This is for all MPA members and prospective members. All are welcome! Please join us! 100% of your membership fee goes directly to the music departments at all WFB schools. We fund grants for summer camps, new instrument purchases, sound equipment, guest clinicians, senior scholarships, music stands, sheet music, travel stipends and much more! Join here:
https://wfb-music-parents-association.square.site/
The MPA needs help at the concessions stand this fall. Bring your middle school student and learn the ropes! Meet new people and rock out with us during the high school games and matches. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948ACA62BAA8-50402978-fall#/
From the Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation
Bring your friends and family to the bank, Saturday, September 7th from 10 - 1, and enjoy Paul's Smokehouse & BBQ. A portion of the food proceeds will go towards Nuss Grant, and Town Bank will match all food items sold up to $2,000. A special thanks goes out to Paul's Smokehouse & BBQ for the food donation!
New Immunization Requirements
The Department of Health Services has updated immunization requirements for school-aged children. These requirements for school-age children will go into effect at the beginning of the 2024–2025 school year. If your family is interested in signing a waiver, please contact your healthcare provider or the district nurse.
Changes include:
- Meningococcal (MenACWY-containing) vaccine has been added as a requirement for students entering seventh grade, and a booster dose for eligible students entering 12th grade.
- If a child has had chickenpox, a parent report of chickenpox disease is no longer acceptable for exemption from the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine requirement. Children must have a diagnosis of chickenpox from a qualified health care provider (M.D., D.O., N.P., or P.A.) to be exempt from this requirement, however existing exemption options still apply.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services website includes additional information. We encourage you to contact your healthcare provider if you have specific questions, or to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
Upcoming School Board Meetings:
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.
Board Meeting Takeaways
Curious about what is discussed at School Board Meetings? Linked below, you'll find key takeaways from recent School Board Meetings.