The Weekly Update

The recent tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison has deeply affected many in our community. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating event. We recognize that children, teens, and adults process such news differently. To support our students, counselors are available in all school buildings.

Families can also find helpful tools and information on the district’s website, West-bend.k12.wi.us, under the Families tab, and the Mental Health Guide and Resources page.

As a reminder, if anyone sees or hears something concerning safety, please follow the “See Something, Say Something” principle by informing a trusted adult or law enforcement. Review the safety information on our website. Tips can also be submitted through the Speak Up for Safety and Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin platforms.

The West Bend School District is pleased to announce that Lenny Hanson has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent. Hanson, who has served as the district’s Director of Human Resources since 2019, will now oversee finance and operations, which includes the business office, budgeting, nutrition services, transportation, and human resources. Hanson was most recently the district’s Director of Human Resources and was Principal of Jackson Elementary School for four years.

This transition will take place in January 2025 following the departure of Andrew Sarnow, whose contributions to the district are deeply appreciated. Hanson’s promotion ensures seamless transition and continuity in advancing the district’s priorities.

The dates for Summer School 2025 were approved by the West Bend School Board recently. They include:

Current grades 4K-7: Monday-Thursday June 16-July 10

Current grades 8-12 in-person: Monday-Thursday June 16-July 17

Current grades 8-12 virtual: Monday-Friday June 10-August 1

Registration is completed in Skyward and will be open on Monday, March 17 for current grades 4K-7 and Monday, March 10 for other grades. Much more information on Summer School will be featured in this newsletter in future weeks.

Two seats on the West Bend School Board will be on the ballot for the Spring Election on April 1, 2025. (If a primary is required, it is held on February 18, 2025.) If interested in running to be a member of the West Bend School Board, a Campaign Registration Statement and a Declaration of Candidacy must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 7, 2025 in the office of the school district clerk at the Education Service Center, 735 S. Main Street, West Bend. Review the details and access forms on the website.

The West Bend Student Council’s annual blood drive themed, “Sink your Teeth into Saving Lives” on Thursday, December 12 collected the most pints of blood in a single six-hour blood drive ever! You could say the students, staff, and community “attacked” the goal and were able to beat it by collecting 351 pints of blood for Versiti-Blood Center of Wisconsin.

Our thanks to the many community members, students, and staff who donated blood. The students worked very hard on the event, planning for every detail including a theme, gift bags for donors, promotion, and gathering donations. Many thanks to the following businesses for their donations:

Alpha Custom Apparel
Chick-Fil-A
Cousin’s Sub
Culver’s
Domino’s Pizza
Dunkin Donuts
Eaton’s Fresh Pizza
Kettle Moraine YMCA
King Pin Bowl
Little Ceasar’s Pizza
Nifty Nibble
Papa John’s Pizza
Panera Bread of West Bend
Sendik’s Food Market
Versiti - Bloodcenter of Wisconsin

Enrollment for the Early Learning Program for the 2025-2026 school year begins in January 2025. If your family or others you know are reviewing 4K programs, please know that the West Bend School District's free 4K uses the highly-regarded play-based learning model.

In this learning model, what may seem like play time, is actually learning. Play-based learning has been linked to the development of several important learning skills such as collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, and creative innovation. To learn more about the Early Learning Program, please go to the website.

There are several open jobs in the West Bend School District, including school health room professional, van driver, athletic coach, aide, and more. Please go to the job listings page to review the openings and apply. If you are not interested, please share this information with anyone you know who may be looking.

During its regular meeting on Monday, December 16, the West Bend School Board approved the consent agenda including minutes of the December 2, 2024 Regular Board Meeting and Executive Session, contracts, resignations, retirements, School Emergency Operations Plans, Family Savings Plan Agreement, Stop Loss Insurance Agreement, recommendation to rename courses currently named English as Second Language, and revenues and expenditures in the aggregate through November 30, 2024.

The board heard reports from the Curriculum Committee and superintendent, and discussed the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly Proposed 2025 Resolutions and referendum financing. Finally, the board took action on the 2025 Summer School Program.

If you are interested in reviewing the details of the meeting, see this tutorial on how to access the agenda with links to the supporting documents. The video of the meeting is also available.

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

Events and Fundraisers:

Kettle Moraine Symphony Christmas Concert

MOWA Family Fun Events

MOWA Winter Week December 26-29

Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sakes

Trails Aglow Evening Hikes at Riveredge

Athletics:

West Bend East Basketball Youth Night

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

YMCA:

YMCA Swim Lessons for WBSD Students

YMCA Family Night

YMCA New Year's Eve Bash

Other:

Menomonee Falls Children's Choir

Informational Meeting on Girl Scouts

Good News Club Afterschool Program