Waubesa Weekly
December 15th, 2024
December 19- 4th Grade Bartering Day
December 23rd- PD Day- no school
December 24th- January 1st- Winter Break, No School
January 2nd- School Resumes
January 7th- 5th Grade Field Trip- Mr. Wells & Mrs. Lackey; Ms Eversoll & Mr. Grenzow
January 8th- 5th Grade Field Trip- Mr. Garvey & Ms. Coats; Mrs. Wilson & Ms. Price
Hello Waubesa Families,
As we reflect on the first four months of the school year, we are incredibly grateful for the terrific students, staff and families here in McFarland. We appreciate and value your ongoing partnership as we continue our journey to support your students. Your engagement is evident from the high attendance during the recent Fall Conferences, Family Fun Night, 3rd Grade Fall Showcase, 5th grade Dec. 12 Orchestra Performance, August Welcome Back Event and many more examples - Thank You!
As we approach winter break, it’s a good reminder that the anticipation of a longer break can cause some unexpected feelings. Many kids say they’re excited for a long break from school, yet the break in routine and consistency can be anxiety producing for many of our students. If you notice an uptick in behavior, emotions, or any out of character moments for your student(s), take a moment to listen or dig deeper. This same feeling can apply at the end of the winter break as students prepare to transition back into school routines. If you notice any of these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher(s) and/or student services staff so we’re more aware and able to support them.
As always, if you have any questions or suggestions throughout the school year, we encourage you to use this form. We appreciate hearing directly from families when they have questions or concerns; thank you.
Thank you for your continued support. Soaring Higher Together!
Corey Shefchik: Principal
Brooke Hauser: K-5 Associate Principal
School Avoidance: If your student is having a hard with the transition back to school, please do not hesitate to reach out to Student Services. We are here to help support both you and your student! You can reach out to Emily Gierl at gierle@mcfsd.org for this as well.
Waubesa Student Services Team (website)
Casey Popowski: School Counselor, 3rd and 4th grade Lifeskills Teacher
Casey Ruhland: School Counselor, 5th grade Lifeskills Teacher
Kayla Gauwitz: School Psychologist
Emily Gierl: School Social Worker
As a reminder please make sure your students have proper gear for outside. This would include but not limited to a coat, boots, mittens, hat, etc. It is suggested to have a back up pair of socks and/or shoes in their cubby if needed. The office can not provide gear for students who occasionally forget the essential items. If you are in need of gear for winter please email Emily Gierl our School Social Worker at gierle@mcfsd.org.
WIS is currently asking for the following donations:
- Gum: any flavor any amount! Used as a regulation strategy for some students.
NEW! We are also revamping our regulation spaces in our classrooms and are looking for a few supplies for our teachers. Amazon orders can be sent to Kayla Gauwitz- 5605 Red Oak Trail, McFarland.
Please drop any donations in the front office labeled with "WIS Student Services."
Cold and Flu Season
With the cold and flu season in full swing, please review our Guidelines for sending your child to school. Remember, if your child is sick please keep them home and seek medical evaluation as needed. Students will be sent home with the following symptoms:
Temperature above 100.4°F
Vomiting or diarrhea
Frequent uncontrollable cough
Your child should remain at home until fever, vomiting/diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours without the use of medication. If they have been prescribed antibiotics, please see the MSD Health Services Handbook and DHS Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Disease guidelines for when they may return to school. As well, please notify the School/Health Office if your student has tested positive for a communicable disease such as: Pneumonia, Influenza/Flu, RSV, Covid 19, Strep Throat, Pertussis (Whooping Cough).
Thank you for your partnership as we work to keep our students and staff healthy and safe each day!
Food Allergies
Does your child have a food allergy? Reminder, if they take hot lunch please visit NutriSlice for menu/ingredient information. Menus are subject to change based on product availability but families will be notified in advance. Please reach out to School Nutrition with any questions.
If your child has a Life Threatening Food Allergy and EpiPen Prescription please send their Epipen to school. This can be kept in the health office or if your student is in grades 6-12, they can self carry it. All prescription medications, including emergency medicine, must have an MD order and Parent Signature, even if self-carrying. Consent forms are required every year and are available here, in the health office and on the District website. An Emergency Health Plan is then created and shared with all staff, including the Kitchen staff. Please reach out to Health Services with questions.
Medical Attendance
Is your student missing school due to illness, injury or health-related appointments? Providing a medical note or appointment card will prevent these types of absences as counting towards your students' allotted 10 days of excused absences for the school year. Please reach out to District Nurse, Stephanie Peplinski at Peplins@mcfsd.org or wisattendance@mcfsd.org if you have additional questions about this process. You can also find more information about absences and attendance in the WIS parent handbook located on the school website.
