Good afternoon, Whitman Families -

We have had a wonderful fall at Whitman, celebrating our growth in student safety, behavior, and attendance. Our staff and students have enjoyed multiple incentives, including the much-loved staff vs. students kickball games and grade-level assemblies. We have much to be proud of and work yet to do.

As we work to measure our continuous improvement efforts, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Report Card is one data point that we analyze. DPI is required by state statute (Wis. Stat. 115.385) to generate a school report card and a district report card for every publicly-funded school and district in the state of Wisconsin. The report cards are intended to help schools and districts use data to celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement to prepare students for their futures. DPI’s public report cards can be found on the DPI’s website. You can access our school’s report card here.

The current school report card is based on data from the 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 school years.

The report cards measure and provide a score in four priority areas:

• Achievement - measures proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math on the annual state assessments and uses three years of data
• Growth - measures year-over-year progress in ELA and Math achievement and uses three years of data
• On-Track to Graduation - components for On-Track to Graduation use lagged data from 2021-2022 and absenteeism scores use three years of data.
• Target Group Outcomes - outcomes for students in the bottom 25% of the school (or district) and use up to three years of data.

The scores from these key areas are aggregated into an overall accountability score using a weighted average that takes into account the percentage of economically disadvantaged students in the school. Schools with a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students have a greater weight given to Growth and less weight given to Achievement. Conversely, schools with a low percentage of economically disadvantaged students have a greater weight given to Achievement and less weight given to Growth. The overall accountability score is articulated as a number between 0 and 100, and it is displayed on the front page of the report card.

Please note that the overall accountability score does not reflect a “percent correct” and is not aligned with traditional 0-100 grading scales. Based on the score, a school receives one of five rating categories, from Fails to Meet Expectations to Significantly Exceeds Expectations. Each of these categories corresponds to a number of stars, from one (Fails to Meet Expectations) to five (Significantly Exceeds Expectations).

The overall accountability score is the only number on the report card that is weighted; individual priority area scores for Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes and On-Track to Graduation are not separately impacted by weighting.

This year, Whitman earned an accountability score of 61.9, which puts our school in the “Meets Expectations” category. This category corresponds to three stars.

I have taken time to thoroughly review our school’s report card, and I would like to note the following important takeaways:

1. Our overall score went up by 1.8 points. We are growing toward “Exceeds Expectations.”
2. Achievement remained at 58: the same or higher than 41.6% of 6-8 schools in the state. Academic achievement is an identified growth goal for Whitman.
3. Growth: went up 4.7 points; the same or higher than 53.0% of 6-8 schools in the state; over 20% higher than last year.
4. Target Group Outcomes: went up 4.7 points; the same or higher than 28.3% of 6-8 schools in the state. Whitman continues our goal to grow our lowest-performing students (target group) and dispel disproportionality.
5. Chronic absenteeism and achievement are inextricably linked, thus Whitman continues to address absenteeism proactively, raising our attendance rate 6.8% since 2022-23.

I want to share this information because it helps to illuminate some of our successes and pinpoint areas of focus for our school. However, as DPI stresses, these report cards are just a single point of data that we use to assess our continuous improvement efforts.

I look forward to continuing to share with you data that we will use to measure our growth and the achievements of our students.

In Partnership,

Sarah Dianich

Have a lovely weekend!

Hello Whitman Community,

I am pleased to share with you the results of our recent staff and student surveys. As our leadership team reviewed this data, we have identified the following highlights and areas for growth and will plan for continued improvement throughout the 2024-25 school year.

After continued growth over the past two years, we are very excited that our student positive responses are the highest we’ve seen yet! Our staff and students have worked hard to get here, and we could not have done it without your partnership! We cannot wait to see how far we can go this school year. #watchusgrow

Student Survey

• I know what to do if there is a safety emergency at my school: 95.2%
• My school offers a good variety of activities.(i.e. sports, clubs): 92.2%
• My school treats all people with all different backgrounds and fairly: 85.4%
• I feel welcome in my school: 90.7%
• My teacher(s) care about me: 89.9%
• I feel safe in my school: 90.2% (previous school growth goal - 74% growth from Fall 2022!)
• Students at my school support each other's learning: 62.7% (new school growth goal)

Staff Survey

• I regularly collaborate with my peers: 96.4%
• My administrator(s) provides me with effective feedback to help me grow: 78.2%
• The work of the teams I am on directly ties to school improvement efforts: 85.5%
• I enjoy coming to work each day: 76.4%
• The staff trust each other: 76.4%
• I feel valued by my principal: 81.8%

Thank you to all who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback is valuable and has informed the development of our School Growth Plan. I look forward to sharing additional information about our School Growth Plan this year.

If you have any questions about the survey results or the School Growth Plan, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

In Partnership,

Sarah Dianich, Proud Whitman Principal

• 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

• Caregiver Shadow Expectations

• Volunteer Information and Application

• 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

Upcoming:

• Week of 11/18-11/22 Food Drive - Donate food to your advisory class. Any nonperishable food items appreciated! The goal for each grade level is 100 jars of peanut butter and 100 boxes of mac and cheese!
• Thursday November 21st 3:40-4:25 - First BSU Meeting in Room 114 with Advisor Mr. DeValk
• Friday November 22, Student Council Sponsored Spirt Day - Dress Like a Twin.
• Wed.-Fri. November 27-/29, No School for Students - Thanksgiving Break - No Newsletter this week.

PTA will meet in the Library the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

• PTA Facebook Page

• Join the PTA

Tuesday December 10, 2024 - 6:30-8:00pm

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

On Wednesday, December 4th the delicious and generous Corner Bakery Cafe (11500 W Burleigh St) is donating back 20% of Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery & Pick up orders to support a great cause -- Whitman Middle School PTA!

On behalf of Whitman Middle School PTA, you’re invited to join us and eat out, not only in support of the organization, but to show one of your Wauwatosa restaurants some love too!

We ask that you RSVP here: https://grouprai.se/e287394 (even if you’re not completely sure) so Corner Bakery Cafe knows roughly how many orders to expect & so you have access to all the event details.

We hope you can make it, and please feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and family. Thanks in advance for your support!

MOD Pizza Fundraiser Raise Some Dough
Organization Name: Whitman PTA -10:30 am to 10pm
Fundraiser Date: December 18, 2024
Address: 7470 W State St Wauwatosa, WI 53213 or order Online https://modpizza.com/
Fundraiser code: MODGIVES25

Whitman PTA will receive 25% of fundraiser sales during this fundraiser. Participate on Dec 18, 2024 10:30 am to 10pm. Online https://modpizza.com/ use the code MODGIVES25 or by visiting this MOD location 7470 W State St Wauwatosa, WI 53213 and showing this fundraiser flyer or mentioning the fundraiser Whitman PTA at checkout.

Starting in November, we will be making a few changes to the way in which we address student tardies while also continuing to support the student and build the necessary skills to help them get to class on time every day. Please note that for the purposes of these interventions we will not be looking at or discussing tardies to 1st hour as we understand that these are often not within the control of the student. Instead we are only monitoring student tardies to 2nd through 7th hour.

Please review the following outline of interventions...

4 Tardies in a Month: Notice of Excessive Tardies Letter will be sent home via email & the student will meet with Mr. Cantwell to discuss their tardies and any supports they might need in order to prevent continued tardies.

8 Tardies in a Month: 2nd Notice of Excessive Tardies Letter will be sent home via email & the student will attend a meeting (led by the Dean of Students) during lunch/recess to discuss and develop skills/mindsets that will help them get to class on time every day.

12 Tardies in a Month: Student will be referred to our Student Success Team to review their academics, behavior and attendance in order to purposefully develop an individualized support plan for them. The Dean of Students will call home to review these plans with parents/guardians. Additionally, the student will be prohibited from attending or participating in any extracurriculars for the remainder of the month.

16 Tardies in a Month: An IN PERSON MEETING will be held with the student, a parent/guardian, their counselor and the Dean of Students to discuss the continued tardiness.

24 Tardies in a Month: An IN PERSON MEETING will be held with the student, a parent/guardian, their counselor and the Principal/Associate Principal to discuss the continued tardiness.

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.

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

New this year!

Guardians are now required to use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to report student absences, late arrivals or early departures. If you need help navigating the new software or have another question or concern regarding attendance, please call 414-773-2602, voicemail is available 24 hrs.

• Click here for Infinite Campus Instructions.
• For Early Pick-up : Please provide as much advance notice as possible.

Remember, students are allotted 10 parent excused absences per school year excluding medical appointments. If your child is absent for any period of the day due to a doctor/dentist appointment, please provide a medical excuse with dates and appointment times.

Please remember that school policy does not allow for outside food orders to be delivered to the building or outside food to be brought into school that is not in a lunch bag. This is both a safety and disruption concern.

We have also seen some birthday treats coming into the building. Please refrain from this practice - we have many students with food restrictions. We appreciate wanting to celebrate your child's birthday, but unlike elementary school, there is not just one class that your student can share treats with. The result is then a student giving treats to select people and causing disruption in that space as well as extra mess for our custodial staff.

Thank you!

24-25 VIP Yearbook Retake and New Photos Staff and Students will be taken on Thursday, November 7th from 7:30am – 12:00pm

View your School Portraits, and select your yearbook/class picture before Retake Day!*

• After Photos are Taken you have until Nov 15 to select a pose for the yearbook.

• To view your student’s school portraits look for an email sent to you by “Visual Image Photography”, or go to vipis.com (student ID number may be required)

• Retake photos will be added to your online image gallery about a week after photo day

• If you have any questions, please email support@vipis.com

Registration is now open! Head to the WHITMAN SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB WEBSITE TO GET REGISTERED

Click Here to Register.

The Black Student Union Club will resume this year with the first meeting on Thursday 11/21/24 in room 114 with Advisor Mr. DeValk. Students should check their emails for a sign up email.

What is BSU?

BSU is the Black Student Union, a student-led organization that advocates for and celebrates the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. There are chapters across the country at public and private K-12 schools and college campuses:

• 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

24-25 Whitman Ski and Snowboard if you missed the informational meeting check Whitman Ski and Snowboard Club Website: https://sites.google.com/wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/whitmanskisnowboardclub/home

Advisors: Mr. Kitzerow 414-773-2754 or kitzerbr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us

Ms. Scott 414-773-2685 or scottme@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us

• 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
• 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

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.

Advocacy Request Google Form

or email Ms. Russell at

russelsh@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us russelsh@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us

Please enjoy the second edition of the Whitman Student Services Newsletter:https://secure.smore.com/n/09e2j

For scheduling issues or concerns please contact your counselor.

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 Specialist414-773-2726 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

Please enjoy the September edition of the Whitman Student Services Newsletter:

https://secure.smore.com/n/f8w94

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

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.

• Infinite Campus Login

• 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.

From the shimmering icicles of Elsa ice palace to Hades’ underworld… Tosa West is ready to deliver another outstanding musical performance! Tosa West Theatre invites you to our fall musical, Hadestown: Teen Edition. Tosa West is proud to be among the first high schools in the country to bring Hadestown: Teen Edition to the stage.

Interested in attending? Get your tickets here!

TICKET DETAILS:

• All seats are reserved.
• The email subject will be - Your Order Confirmation and Tickets to Hadestown: Teen Edition

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES:

• Friday, November 15 at 7pm
• Saturday, November 16 at 7pm
• Sunday, November 17 at 2pm
• Thursday, November 21 at 7pm
• Friday, November 22 at 7pm
• Saturday, November 23 at 7pm

Not able to attend? Consider making a donation here. If you’re able, we’d greatly appreciate a donation as a reflection of your recognition of the standard of excellence that continues to be displayed by Tosa West Theatre.

Thank you!

Mr. Steffan

Tosa West Theatre Director

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Attendance: 414-773-2602

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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