Richards Family News
January 13, 2025
Dear Richards Families,
Last week, we had the honor of presenting our Richards building goals to the School Board, and I want to take a moment to share my gratitude. Grace Looker, one of our kindergarten teachers, led a morning meeting demonstration with five of her kindergartners, showcasing how we build community and support learning each day. Grace’s opening words, “It’s always a fantastic learning experience when kids become the teachers,” set the tone for a truly inspiring presentation.
Our presentation highlighted Richards School’s building goals:
- Academic Goal: If teachers engage in targeted instruction using student evidence, then students will receive what they need to grow as learners.
- Social-Emotional Learning Goal: If teachers integrate executive functioning skills into their targeted instruction, then students will develop stronger organizational, planning, and self-regulation skills, leading to growth as individuals.
Ms. Looker’s demonstration brought these goals to life, showing how morning meetings are a time to foster classroom community while intentionally teaching executive functioning skills like self-regulation, organization, and planning. Seeing our kindergartners take on the role of teachers was a powerful reminder of the growth happening in our classrooms.
Special thanks also goes to Dr. Sam Purdy and Katie Petersen for sharing how our professional learning and collaborative efforts support these goals. Their contributions highlighted the dedication of our entire staff to student growth.
Lastly, I want to extend my gratitude to the families of the kindergartners who participated. Your support and encouragement help make moments like these possible, and we are so proud of the confidence and leadership your children demonstrated.
This was a proud moment for Richards School, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.
Upcoming No School Days
January 20 – No School 4K–5th Grade
January 24 – Early Dismissal at 11:30am for 5K–5th Grade. No School for 4K.
January 27 – No School 4K–5th Grade
Click here to view the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar.
January Music Concerts - Mark Your Calendars!
5th Grade Band will hold its first concert of the year on Tuesday, January 14th at 7:00pm in the Great Hall. This performance is required for band students. Musicians should plan on arriving no later than 6:45pm, dressed nicely, with instruments and Essential Elements books. The concert is free and open to the public. Band families, please contact Mr. Gard at tom.gard@wfbschools.com if you have any questions.
4th and 5th Grade Concerts: We are looking forward to 4th and 5th grade general music concerts on Thursday, January 30th! 4th grade will perform at 5:30pm (5:15pm arrival) and 5th grade will perform at 6:15pm (6pm arrival). The concerts will take place in Richards Great Hall. Students are asked to dress up for their performance. Please email Mrs. King Driscoll (lauren.kingdriscoll@wfbschools.com) with any questions.
Cindy Nelson Memorial Blood Drive: Richards School, along with the Richards PTO, will be hosting the annual Cindy Nelson Memorial Blood Drive on January 21, 2025. Cindy Nelson was a beloved teacher at Richards and touched many lives through her love of teaching and her long-standing dedication to our school. Throughout her life, Cindy was a consistent supporter of the Blood Center of Wisconsin. We are thrilled to keep that tradition going in her honor. Please find more information and a link to sign up to become a donor in the flyer below.
Coming Soon - the Annual Richards School Learning Fair!
The Richards School Learning Fair is open to any interested student in third to fifth grade. The Learning Fair offers students the opportunity to explore understandings about the world around them through science, math, and history projects. Students may work with partners across classrooms and across grade levels. All work on the Learning Fair is done at home, outside of school.
Our Learning Fair experience is not competitive. Participation can offer a great sense of growth and accomplishment for a child. Project work will be entirely done at home on an independent basis. Students can work as an individual or with one partner, providing both partners share an equal commitment.
Students exhibit their work on a 36” X 48” display board for the fair. Three-sided, free standing display boards are available for purchase at the Office Depot or Winkies. Sample presentations may be seen on the shared slide set linked below.
Here is the schedule:
- January 13th to 24th: Return commitment form/permission slip and project planner with detailed, step by step information on project included. Parent signature is required!
- January 24th to March 11th: Conduct needed research on chosen topic and gather data. Students should use a provided Project Checklist to pace and guide their work during this time.
- March 12th: Learning Fair – Located in the Great Hall
This is an event for all interested students in Grade 3 to 5. Taking part in the learning fair is purely voluntary, and all work on this extra-curricular activity will take place outside of the classroom. Mrs. Jones, Richards Elementary Math Coach/MTSS Coach met with students in Grades 3-5 from January 6th - 13th to provide an overview and required forms for applying to be a part of the experience.
Information about the Learning Fair, added access to applications for the Learning Fair Projects and support materials may be found at our School Website under the Programs Tab - or you may access that site in this link.
Students will have 8 weeks to prepare their Learning Fair Projects and their hard work and new learning will be on display here at Richards Elementary on Wednesday, March 13th, from 4 to 6pm. Questions or concerns? Please contact Mrs. Susan Jones at susan.jones@wfbschools.com.
Student Safety: We cannot emphasize enough the importance of safety before and after school. Please remind your children to always use crosswalks when crossing the street and to avoid running between vehicles, especially buses. These actions are essential to prevent dangerous situations, particularly during busy entry and dismissal times.
Drivers, please exercise extra caution when near the school, keeping an eye out for bicyclists and walkers. Always drop off children on the curb side to minimize the risk of them needing to cross the street unsafely. We ask families to reinforce these safety habits with their children. Together, we can ensure the safety of everyone in our school community. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe.
Valentine’s Day: As this holiday approaches, we invite you to join us in creating celebrations at Richards that are safe, inclusive, and meaningful for all. With over 40 students managing life-threatening food allergies, we ask that Valentines and party treats not include food items. Non-food alternatives like stickers, pencils, or small toys are a great way to share holiday joy while ensuring everyone feels included and safe.
This season, let’s also reflect on ways to celebrate mindfully and sustainably. Consider shifting the focus from party favors to experiences or shared moments—like a classroom book, a holiday-themed game, or a creative craft using recycled materials. Celebrations centered on kindness, compassion, and togetherness not only reduce waste but also model values we hope to instill in our children. Thank you for helping us make this holiday season special for every child at Richards!
4-Year Old Kindergarten (4K) Enrollment Open for the 2025-2026 School Year
4K Online Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open. We are looking forward to welcoming new students and families next fall!
Visit our website for more information about the enrollment process.
Please contact the Richards Office at 414-963-3951 with any questions.
Don’t be Tardy for the Fun Lunch Party ~ Sign up for SPRING Fun Lunch!
Eight "Fun Lunch" dates are scheduled for students in grades K5-5th for the spring semester.
● February 14
● February 28
● March 14
● April 11
● April 25
● May 9
● May 23
● June 6
Fun Lunch may only be ordered on our Membership Toolkit Website. Each Fun Lunch costs $7.00 for orders placed through January 26th, with an increase to $8.00 for orders placed on January 27th or later.
The form will close on February 3rd. Any orders placed after February 3rd must be placed via jacob.wruck@gmail.com
California Pizza Kitchen caters to Fun Lunch with an individual cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, or salad with grilled chicken, ranch dressing, and goldfish crackers. All lunches include carrots, applesauce, and dessert (Oreo cookies or Rice Krispie treat). CPK lunches are peanut-free.
Please select a menu item for each Fun Lunch date. If your child is not participating in Fun Lunch, please complete the form and select “Not Participating on This Day” for any days you are not ordering Fun Lunch, and you will not be charged for those dates. After you have made your menu selections, click “Add to Cart.” The system will not let you proceed unless you have made a menu selection for each date. Repeat these steps for each of your children in grades K5-5. Proceed to check out, even if your child is not participating in Fun Lunch.
We cannot provide refunds or “to-go” orders if your child is not in the building on a Fun Lunch day. If participating presents a financial hardship for your family, please get in touch with Stephanie Haupt in the Richards main office (414) 963-3951.
Questions? Contact Fun Lunch chairs
● Janaki Shah - janaki.y.shah@gmail.com
● Kelly Moore - kellybrookemoore@gmail.com
Reminder: CPK is generously offering a free meal for Richards students dining in with their families. Students participating in the Fun Lunch program will receive a free kid's meal when dining with their family. Please note that the discount is only applicable when students dine with their families, and an adult entree must be purchased for every kid's meal. This offer is not valid with any other discounts or offers (including the CPK rewards program) and is not valid for groups or sports teams.
For additional details please contact committee chair Jacob Haller j.a.haller@gmail.com
Family Night Out: Please note that although this is a PTO sponsored event, you are not guaranteed seats next to other Richards families.
High Interest Day We are in need of presenters for High Interest Day!! High Interest Day is an amazing afternoon where students get to choose unique professions and hobbies to learn about that are presented by relatives, friends and community members in those fields.
WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER?
1. IT’S AN EXCITING AND DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN: This community has so much to offer and Richards Tigers love to learn. High Interest Day is a chance for kids to learn about something entirely new and exciting.
2. ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS: By presenting at High Interest Day you are bringing your expertise and enthusiasm to our students.
3. APPLIED LEARNING: You’re validating our students' interests by showing them the things they’re interested in are valuable and worth pursuing.
I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER. NOW WHAT?
Please fill out THIS FORM by February 14
QUESTIONS? e-mail Katie at katiewortman@gmail.com or Lisa at lisabers@gmail.com
Student Attendance FAQ
The linked document includes answers to frequently asked questions related to student attendance, excused and unexcused absences, make-up work, and more. Please carefully review the linked information. 2024-25 Student Attendance FAQ
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.
January 8 Board Meeting Takeaways
Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm, at Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium. Click here to view the 2024-2025 School Board Meeting dates.
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.
Join Us: Facilities Focus Groups
Our 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:
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!
Music for Munchkins: The Whitefish Bay High School Orchestras present the annual Music for Munchkins Concert on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
In addition to a musical performance, the event will feature fun crafts and a string instrument "petting zoo" from 12:30 to 1:15pm during which children of all ages will have the chance to touch and play the various string instruments, generously provided by Brass Bell Music Store.
The musical performance, Stringman: Into the Stringverse, will begin at 1:30pm. Fifth grade orchestra students from Richards and Cumberland will make a guest appearance during the performance.
Music for Munchkins will be held in the Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium, 1200 E. Fairmount Avenue, Whitefish Bay. Enter through Door 11 of the Music Wing. Admission is free.
Come join the fun and the adventures of Stringman Multiverse!
Check out all of the details in this flyer!
After-School Spanish: The WFB Recreation Department is offering After-School Spanish beginning in February. Click here for more information and sign up details.
