Richards Family News
November 18, 2024
Dear Richards Families,
As we wrap up another wonderful fall season and prepare for the change in weather, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your commitment to your child's education and the Richards Community is truly inspiring.
We've been fortunate to enjoy an unseasonably warm fall, allowing our students extra time to play and connect outdoors. However, please remember that Richards staff members are not available to supervise the field and playgrounds before school. To help ensure the safety of all our students, we ask that you remind your child(ren) to:
- Follow school rules at all times while on school grounds.
- Arrive at school as close to the start of the school day as possible.
For families with multiple children, especially those with younger siblings, you can choose to have all your children enter the building together through the same door. This can help you better monitor and supervise your children during arrival.
Thank you again for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all.
Friendly Reminder: New Volunteer Process Begins December 3rd
To all our Richards volunteers, thank you for your invaluable support! Starting December 3rd, all volunteers must have 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 clubs where students are present, please complete the volunteer application via the District HR Department at: https://www.wfbschools.com/district/volunteering.cfm. This approval is valid for two years.
Thank you for helping keep Richards a safe and welcoming place for all.
Spirit Day Coming: Pajama Day on Friday, Nov 22!
Upcoming No School Dates
November 27-29 - No School 4K – 5th Grade: Thanksgiving Break
December 2 - No School 4K – 5th Grade: Staff Professional Learning Day
Click here to view the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar.
Incoming 2025-26 4-Year Old Kindergarten (4K) Visits
Whitefish Bay resident families of students who turn four on or before September 1, 2025 are invited to a 4K Overview at Richards Elementary School on Friday, December 6, 2024 at either 8:40am or 1:30 pm.
This event, hosted by Mr. Nelson and Mrs. Petersen, will include a welcome from our 4K Teachers, a short story with our Library Media Specialist and time for Q & A. More information can be found in this flyer.
Please join us! RSVP via this link. Please contact the Richards Office (414-963-3951) with any questions. Help spread the word to neighbors and friends!
Elementary Switch Days: There are many no student days on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year. To provide every student with a balanced experience of Library, Art, Music (including Band and Orchestra), Physical Education, and Spanish instruction throughout the school year, we introduced a "days equalized" calendar.
Tuesday, 11/26, will be treated as a Friday. The reason this is important is specific to students who need to bring an instrument or wear appropriate footwear for physical education. We will give you notice before each switch day throughout the school year.
PRETZEL PICK UP!
If you ordered pretzels during our Milwaukee Pretzel Co. fundraiser last month, pretzel order pick up is this Thursday, 11/21 from 3-6pm at the main entrance of Richards Elementary. Enter through the front doors by the office. You MUST be able to pick up this day or have someone pick up your order. Pretzels must be consumed or frozen the same day. Any orders not picked up will be donated.
Questions? Please reach out to Kristin George at kristincerbins@hotmail.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 13th Board Meeting Takeaways
Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, November 20 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.
Bay Gives Back is hosting its 10th annual Gift Drive for Seeds of Health Elementary School (formerly Windlake) on Milwaukee's southside. We are sponsoring all 275+ students K4-6th grade this holiday season and we need your help! Sign up using this link: Sign Up Link! You will receive an email with specific details including your students name(s), wish list, grade etc. so you can shop accordingly. All gifts must be wrapped, labeled and dropped off by Friday, December 13th at the High School! Share the link, all members of the community are welcome to participate!
If you have questions email BGB at baygivesback@wfbschools.com
Happy Shopping!
