WBHS Family Newsletter

January 2025

Message from Administration

Dear WBHS Families,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and that you had a restful and enjoyable holiday season. As we begin 2025, I want to share some important updates and reminders for the month of January.

Upcoming Exams
January marks the end of the first semester, and semester exams will be held January 15-17. Please encourage your student to stay focused and ask for help if needed.

Exam Exemptions
Students may qualify for exam exemptions based on academic performance, attendance, and behavior. Details about the exemption criteria have been shared with students and families previously, but please see below for more information. Parents/guardians must excuse a student from school using the link below or by calling the attendance office at 262-335-5550.

Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success, especially as students prepare for exams. If your student is absent due to illness or another unavoidable circumstance, notify the attendance office as soon as possible. A reminder that students must check out at the attendance office before leaving school.

New Class Meeting Schedule
As we transition to the second semester, there will be a slight adjustment to the class meeting schedule. This new schedule will only impact Juniors and Seniors, and has been designed to optimize instructional time and support students with an expanded release schedule. Details about the updated schedule are shared below.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ success. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Let’s make 2025 a great year for West Bend High Schools!

Jennifer Potter

Executive Principal

Important Dates

January 6: Classes Resume

January 13:

Mandatory Senior Graduation Meeting (during resource 7:15-7:44 a.m. in the auditorium)
CREW Coffee House Study Session for Freshmen (3:00-5:00 p.m. in the High School Library)

January 15: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for seniors and their families (6:00 p.m. in the East Cafeteria)

January 15-17: Semester 1 Exams (see below for more details)

January 17: End of Semester 1

January 20: No School for Students | Staff Professional Day

January 22: Gearing Up for High School (for incoming freshmen and new to WBHS students in the 2025-26 school year)

January 23:

Course Selection Opens for 2025-26 School Year (7:00 a.m. - see below for details)
Winter Band Concert (7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Auditorium)

January 27: Junior Class Meeting (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium)

January 30: Sophomore Class Meeting (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium)

January 31: Freshman Class Meeting (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium)

Important Reminders & Updates

Semester 1 Exams

As mentioned in previous communications, the Semester 1 exams will occur January 15-17, 2025 (see detailed exam schedule below). Please see below for specific exam details.

Attendance Expectations

All students are expected to attend each exam/project period on their current schedule.

If a student does not have a class during that period (i.e. study hall or off hour, etc.), they should report to their school cafeteria (East students report to East cafeteria; West students report to West cafeteria). After attendance in these areas is taken, passes to other study areas (i.e. library, study group rooms, etc.) can be assigned from the cafeteria supervisor.
Another option for students who do not have a class during a certain period is for their parent/guardian to excuse the student by completing the Semester 1 Exam Absence Reporting Form (the form will need to be completed separately for each student in the family) or by calling the attendance office at 262-335-5550. Students MUST have permission from the parent/guardian to be excused.

Study/Enrichment Sessions

Beginning on Monday, January 6, students have the opportunity to sign up to attend study/enrichment sessions on the morning of each exam day. If you would like to excuse your student from the study enrichment sessions, please complete the Semester 1 Exam Absence Reporting Form (the form will need to be completed separately for each student in the family).
Students who are planning on attending study/enrichment sessions must sign up for the sessions using the Google form that will be emailed to their school email on January 6. Students should complete the form by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9.
Sessions offered include study sessions for classes and enrichment activities linked to content areas. We will also offer study areas for students who would like a quiet place to study on their own prior to their exams.

Busing

All buses will arrive and depart at their regularly scheduled times.

Lunch Service

Students are able to utilize their lunch accounts to purchase grab and go lunches. They may also choose to eat their lunch (purchased or from home) in the cafeteria.

Entering and Exiting the Building Throughout the School Day

Students who enter the building between 7:15 a.m. and the first scheduled exam of the day will need to sign in at the designated school kiosks. Students must have their ID ready when entering the building after 7:15 a.m.
Students will be expected to exit the building utilizing only the main entrances.

Make-Up Exams

Students who are absent during exams will have them rescheduled on January 17. Students who are excused due to work release may utilize the make-up testing center in Room 2701. Students will need to schedule their make-up date and time with classroom teachers.

Parking Lot

A parking pass is not required during the exam days. Students may park in any student-designated parking areas.

Exam Exemptions

As a reward for excellent academic, attendance, and behavior performance, eligible students may exempt up to two final exams for the semester under the parameters listed on the Exam Exemption Form. Exam exemption forms are due to the Attendance Office (Room 1415) no later than January 9, 2025. Printed copies of this form are available for pick up in the Attendance Office or the Main Office.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact the main offices at 262-335-5530 (East) or 262-335-5570 (West).

Class Meeting Schedule

Thank you to our WBSD Way Team and our student Principal Advisory Committee for revising our class meeting schedule for 2025. The new dates for Juniors and Seniors will help offer more opportunities for students to attend Flexi sessions during the class meeting weeks. Additionally, students with expanded release will only need to attend for mandatory resource during class meeting weeks. Please see the new schedule for class meetings below:

January 27 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Juniors
January 30 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Sophomores
January 31 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Freshmen
February 3 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Seniors
February 24 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Juniors
February 27 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Sophomores
February 28 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Freshmen
March 3 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Seniors
March 17 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in regular homebase rooms): Seniors and Juniors
March 20 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Sophomores
March 21 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Freshmen
April 21 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Juniors
April 28 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Seniors
May 1 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Sophomores
May 2 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Freshmen
May 19 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in regular homebase rooms): Seniors
May 27 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Juniors
May 28 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Sophomores
May 29 (7:15-7:44 a.m. in the Auditorium): Freshmen

Communication to Families

In the West Bend School District, the vast majority of our students meet school behavioral expectations every day. Unfortunately, there are some incidents that occur that have the potential to negatively impact our students, staff, and community members in some way. When this is the case, we work to ensure that timely and accurate communication to families occurs.

To maintain transparency and establish accuracy, below are details on how and when a school communicates about these behavioral situations:

Immediate Safety Measures. When an incident occurs, school administrators and staff act promptly to address the situation, de-escalate any risks, and involve appropriate support, including security or local authorities if necessary. Our administration, oftentimes partnered with the West Bend Police Department, takes time to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Communication Timeline. We communicate with families directly involved in the incident as soon as possible. If the situation rises to the level described above, we will send a general notification to families of students in that school to keep everyone informed.
Privacy and Sensitivity. Protecting the privacy of students and families is the law. While we may share general information about an incident, specific details about individuals or school based discipline will not be disclosed. Please remember that while we cannot share detailed discipline information, this does not mean that disciplinary measures are not taken.
Encouraging Open Dialogue. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment. If you or your child has questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the school office.

More detailed information on behavior expectations and disciplinary actions is available in the West Bend School District Student and Family Handbook beginning on page 31. Thank you and please contact an administrator with questions.

Class of 2025 Graduation

Graduation for the East and West High Schools Class of 2025 will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in the high school fieldhouse. The West ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. The East ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, there will be a mandatory Senior Graduation Meeting during resource (7:15-7:44 a.m.) in the WBHS auditorium with our representative from Jostens. All graduates are required to attend this meeting.

Student Diplomas will be ordered for all 2025 graduates by February 28 using their name as it appears in Skyward Family Access. If your student’s name is incorrect in Skyward, please reach out to your student’s counselor to assist with having their name updated.

There will be a detailed Graduation Newsletter sent to all Class of 2025 graduates and their families in mid-January.

Attention Sophomores & Juniors:

The Washington County Youth Leadership Board is looking for new members! This program is designed to engage high school students in leadership development and give them first hand exposure to local government.

Applications close on January 31st, so make sure to get your application in before the deadline!

https://bit.ly/washcowisco-ylb

*Click the upper right corner of the images to enlarge.

Bridging Brighter Smiles at WBHS

Bridging Brighter Smiles is holding their next dental clinic WBHS on January 14 & 15.

Professional Dental Services Provided Right at School Include:

Teeth Cleaning
Oral Health Education
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Referral Assistance
Oral Screening
Dental Sealants
Fluoride Varnish
Sealant Retention Check

Forward Health (BadgerCare) Accepted!

(Other Private Dental Insurance Not Accepted)

To enroll, please fill out the enrollment form at this link or scan the QR code on the flyer!

*Click the upper right corner of the image to enlarge.

Senior Photo Information

Senior Photos are due by January 10, 2025. Please review these directions and guidelines for submitting your photo.

New this year, senior photos will be submitted directly to Jostens (our yearbook company). Here are the links to submit your photo:

East: https://photos.jostens.com/YD6U8N
West: https://photos.jostens.com/6JEYX7

*Click upper corner of photo to enlarge.

Counseling Office Updates

Happy New Year! We hope that the holiday season was rejuvenating for you and your family.

Coming soon, students will be choosing their courses for the 2025-26 school year. More information and detailed instructions will be emailed to both students and parents/guardians. Students will enter their courses online through skyward during the window of January 23rd - February 7th. Students and parents will receive an email with course selection materials and directions on January 23rd. Additionally, all freshmen and sophomore students will receive a hard copy of their transcript during resource on January 27th. All juniors will receive a personalized email with their transcript, course selection materials, and notes from their counselor.

Students will benefit from reviewing the Course Planning Guide with their parents and/or guardians. The Course Planning Guide includes course descriptions, graduation requirements, opportunities for recognition and valuable information about planning for the future. The Course Planning Guide is available on the high school websites and in each student's Canvas account.

For any questions about course sequencing, students are encouraged to talk with their teachers or counselor. Parents, please reach out to your child’s counselor with any questions.

Any student interested in virtual learning (either full time or hybrid) should fill out this 25-26 WBVA Request Form as soon as possible in January.

Thank you for partnering with us!

West Bend East and West Counseling Department

Career Readiness Center Updates

FAFSA Event at WBHS

West Bend High Schools will be hosting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) event on Wednesday, January 15 beginning at 6:00pm in the East cafeteria. Plan to attend this event if you would like assistance completing the FAFSA form. This is the form a student needs to complete to apply for financial aid, such as grants and loans, to help offset the costs of attending college.

Please bring the documents listed here with you to this event.

Attention Families of Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors

Interested in learning how students can earn credit for working? Join the Youth Apprenticeship information meeting on January 22, 2025 in the auditorium beginning at 7:00pm (following the Gearing Up presentation). The Youth Apprenticeship program is an opportunity for juniors and seniors to earn high school credit, be paid for work, and possibly have a shortened school day to accommodate work schedules. All current high school students and their families are encouraged to learn more about how to enroll in a Youth Apprenticeship or learn how to plan for one during their junior or senior year.

Resume Writing Workshops

Resume writing workshops will be held in the Career Readiness Center starting after winter break. The following dates and times have been scheduled:

January 28 from 7:15 - 7:45 a.m.
February 6 during all lunch periods
February 21 from 7:15 - 7:45 a.m.

Students should register on the CRC Events page if they plan to attend.

WBSD Way Team Updates

WBSD Way Team Parent Survey

The WBSD Way Team strives to create a positive school environment through our four pillars: we are respectful, we are responsible, we are safe and we are ready. We are seeking family input to help improve our sense of community. Please take a minute to provide the WBSD Way team with anonymous feedback.

WBSD Way Family Feedback Survey