Cumberland Family News

Last night, we had the privilege of watching 4th and 5th graders perform. Cumberland's music and PE programs are each strong, and because it is the way Cumberland staff do the work, we can lose sight of how rare it is for two separate disciplines to work hand in hand like this. Seeing students dressed up with excited glows on their faces is priceless. It is possible that what I love more than anything is the students' enthusiasm for the entire performance, from singing and playing instruments, to the finale of a dance. Students will not soon forget this feeling of well earned pride, and the gratification of a performance done to the highest level possible.

One of the values included on our refreshed Focus Plan is Educational Equity and Excellence. Tonight's performance exemplifies these values, providing high expectations for all, along with access through varying levels of supports for all students across the broad spectrum of interests, development and current learning.

Class photos: Students will bring home class photos today. If you have any questions about your child's photo, please contact ashleyabrmsn@gmail.com.

Two reminders: Please do not send student snacks or lunch in glass. Again this week, a glass container fell to the floor during lunch, creating a dangerous situation with a packed lunch room. Also, we are to get some real winter temperatures Thursday this week. Students should bring outside clothes for a 25 minute recess. We go out to recess when the wind chill is above zero. Please contact Principal Heffron to seek scholarship support to provide these outside clothes.

Warm regards,

Jayne Heffron and Rebecca Salomon

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released School Report Cards last week. Cumberland is proud to again receive a rating of Significantly Exceeds Expectations!! Please view a letter about the Report Card below. This is just one data point, but there is much to celebrate in our students' growth and achievement.

Since it's almost the end of 2024! The Fifth grade Spirit Team has

come up with an idea! On Friday, December 20th there will be a spirit day

called “Sweet end to 2024.”

The idea is, if your favorite treat is oreos... dress in black and white!

Or maybe you have candy cane pajamas—wear them! Love cotton candy?

Wear pastels! Have fun and get creative!

Just some quick reminders, don't wear slippers, and make sure your

outfit is appropriate and is not a distraction. Also, with the chilly weather

make sure they are snuggly and comfy!

Can't wait to see all those amazing ideas!

From the Cumberland Spirit Team

December 23- January 3 : Winter Break -- No School

4-Year Old Kindergarten (4K) Enrollment Open for the 2025-2026 School Year

4K Online Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year opens on Monday, December 9, 2024. Visit our website for more information about the enrollment process.

Historically, there has been more interest in the morning session than there are seats available in classes. Therefore, a lottery system determines those who will be enrolled in the morning session.

In order to be included in the lottery drawing for the morning session, families must complete an online Enrollment Application and indicate your preference for the morning session. This process includes uploading required Immunization and Residency Verification documents to the application and presenting your student’s birth certificate to Cumberland's main office in person before noon on Friday, January 10, 2025.

To all Cumberland volunteers; thank you for your invaluable support! Starting December 3rd, all volunteers must show their approved volunteer card upon check-in. This step helps us ensure student safety in alignment with our Focus Plan.

Who Needs a Volunteer Card?
If you’re volunteering in classrooms, chaperoning field trips, or involved in PTO after school clubs where students are present without family adults, please complete the volunteer application via the district HR Department Volunteer process link. This approval is valid for two years.

Cumberland's MKE Bucks Night Out! Join your Cumberland friends at Fiserv Forum to see the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Philadelphia 76'ers on January 19th at 6pm! Find all the information you need here! Please use this link https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/CPTO25 to purchase your tickets! Ticket orders must be received by Friday, December 20th. All tickets will be delivered digitally via email and the Bucks app. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lior Colton at Lior.Colton@bucks.com or 414.908.3773.

We need Volunteers for Lunch Composting! Thank you to everyone who has volunteered this year! We are looking for volunteers for December and January! Please sign up using the link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DAAA82BAAFAC07-53027526-daily

The Cumberland Lego Club is taking a break in December, but returning in January! Keep an eye out for the new sign-up links on December 16th. Lego club is free and open to grades K5-5th. The goal of the club is to provide a fun setting for kids to play Legos with their classmates. If you have a Lego-loving child and are interested in volunteering (or have questions), please reach out to: cumberlandlegoclub@gmail.com. Volunteers will need to complete a brief safety training and background check. More information about student sign-up for the club coming soon!

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

• Sign-up to host a table by December 18 (see item #1 below)
• Sign-up to help out at the event (see item #2 below)
• Add the event to your calendar and prepare for an immersive experience (see item #3 below)
• Don't plan to host a table? We still want to showcase, photograph and celebrate your culture. On event day, get dressed in your cultural garment and/or accessory. Garments of our heritage, even if we wear them on special occasions only or never :-), can still serve as a visual reminder of our culture. (see item #4 below).

1. HOST A TABLE: Sign-up to host a table and teach us about your family's culture and traditions. Your role as a table host is to engage students in an activity that teaches them about a tradition or custom that is practiced or observed in your culture. The activity or activities must be school-appropriate. The length of your table is approximately 6 feet. Table hosts may provide commercially pre-packaged snacks only at the event. The packaging must include the list of ingredients. Complete our sign-up form no later than December 18.

2. VOLUNTEER TO HELP: We need volunteers to help with overseeing pizza service, distributing passports to all kids at the door of the event, etc. Hours are between 4:30 - 6:30pm. Send Deidre Beadle an email at deidrebeadle@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.

3. BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE EVENT: Save the date: 1/30/25 @ 5pm - 6:30pm - Immerse yourselves in all the unique ways that families at Cumberland celebrate their cultures. There will be approximately 17 cultures represented from the US and other countries. It will be dinner time, so pizza will be available.

4. SELECT A GARMENT OR AN ACCESSORY WITH YOUR CHILD THAT REPRESENTS YOUR CULTURE AND HAVE THEM WEAR IT TO SCHOOL AND/OR THE EVENT: Select a school-appropriate garment or accessory that your little cougar can wear to school on Thursday, January 30 to celebrate your family’s culture. We are inviting ALL families and staff to do so, whether your familial heritage is from the US - Northeast, South, Midwest, Pacific Northwest or another country. This is optional of course.

EVENT COMMITTEE + CONTACT INFORMATION

Deidre Beadle deidrebeadle@gmail.com

Christiana Mooney mooneychristiana@gmail.com

Ruta Puistomaa ruta.puistomaa@gmail.com

LIKE, Follow, and Update your Family Information!

 Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page- Cumberland PTO

 Please visit the PTO website for all PTO updates at www.cumberlandpto.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.

November 20 Board Meeting Takeaways

Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, December 11 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.

• Meeting dates located under featured tab/documents
• Agendas located under featured or meeting tabs

WFB Public Education Foundation Annual Pledge

The WFB Public Education Foundation’s 2024 Annual Fall Pledge Drive kicked off on October 9th! The Foundation provides immediate support to Whitefish Bay Schools and helps fund innovative educational projects, continuing teacher education, student scholarships and provides emergency funding.

Your donations are vital to the District’s long-term growth and success. With your support, we can help ensure continued academic, artistic and athletic excellence.

The campaign takes place October 9 – December 31. Show your support for our students and our schools by donating at www.educatethebay.com TODAY!

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!

Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/schools/cumberland/
Location: 4780 North Marlborough Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Phone: 414-963-3943
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFBSchools/