Richards Family News

Dear Richards Families,

Our Student Council Community Connectors team has been hard at work this year, making a meaningful impact both within Richards and in the greater community. These dedicated fifth-grade student leaders have taken on projects that show kindness, gratitude, and generosity in action.

From creating snuffle mats for dogs at JR’s Pups N Stuff to crafting cozy no-sew blankets for children through Project Linus, they have embodied the spirit of service. Their thoughtful gestures, both completed and still to come, have strengthened our school community in countless ways.

A huge thank you to Ms. Heyman for guiding this incredible group and to the students for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts remind us of the power of small actions to make a big difference!

This same spirit of service is at the heart of another important event happening right now at Richards—the Hunger Task Force Food Drive & Fundraiser, led by our amazing 3rd graders. While they’ve taken the lead, this is truly a school-wide effort to raise money for the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, and we are reaching out with an urgent call for your support! We need your help more than ever.

Did you know that just $15 can provide 30 one-pound bags of nutritious brown rice? Or that $16 can provide 24 cans of green beans? Every financial contribution has a direct, positive impact on families in need, right here in our community.

In years past, Richards School has been the largest single school donor to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, and we are incredibly proud of this achievement. Let’s continue this tradition and show how powerful our school community can be in making a difference for those who need it most. Together, we can help ensure that families have access to the food and resources they need to thrive.

Please consider making a monetary donation today—every dollar counts! You can contribute through the link below; no contribution is too small.

Click here to help us raise $10,000 for the Hunger Task Force!

Thank you for your ongoing support of this important cause. Let’s keep the momentum going and show how the Richards family can make a lasting difference in our community!

Richards School Learning Fair, March 12: Join us for this year's Learning Fair, filled with student projects that delve into interesting Science, History and Math topics. The event is open to the Richards Community, family members and friends on Wednesday, March 12th, from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the Great Hall.

Participant Families: Timely and important 3rd, 4th, 5th grade student participant information is included in this link: CLICK HERE

Spring Parent Teacher Conferences: Spring conferences are held on an as-needed basis. They can be scheduled by either family or teacher request. Conferences will be held for grades 4K through 5th grade on Thursday, March 20:

• 12:30–4:00pm In-Person
• 5:00–8:00pm Virtual

Teachers may recommend a conference if they see a change in achievement based on student progress indicators, behavior, or work habits. Conference scheduling will be done using your Family Access Account from March 3 at 3:00pm through March 6th if a conference is teacher recommended.

Families may also wish to schedule a conference to discuss any new concerns or to receive updates on student progress toward previously established concerns or goals even if they have not received a recommendation from their child’s teacher. This conference signup window is

March 7th through 17th.

Sign Up Instructions

Teachers prepare extensively for conferences, and March 20 is the date allocated for Spring conferences when teachers are not teaching. Teachers are not allowed to schedule conferences outside of this window. If your child’s teacher has any concerns and you are not able to attend on March 20 (in person or virtually), the teacher will send an email with a summary.

Two-household parents/guardians sometimes request separate conferences. This is problematic as the dialogue, discussion, and conclusions in each conference may vary. Therefore, parents/ guardians are asked to attend one conference together and to sign up accordingly. Thank you ahead of time for cooperating with this structure.

Upcoming No School Dates

March 20 - 21: No School 4K – 5th Grade

March 24 – 28: Spring Break. School resumes Monday, March 31.

Wisconsin Forward Exam: Students in grades 3-5 will be participating in the Wisconsin Forward Exam testing in April. More detailed information can be found in this brochure. All testing will take place in the morning. Your help in not making morning appointments on these dates is much appreciated!

In addition, please ensure that fifth graders come to school with their fully charged Chromebook.

• Third Grade: April 1-2 and April 8-10
• Fourth Grade: April 1-2, 4 and April 8-11
• Fifth Grade: April 1-2 and April 8-10

2025-2026 School Year NEW Student Enrollment: 4K - 5th Grade new student enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open.

Visit our website for more information about the enrollment process.

Currently Enrolled Students: Current students are not required to re-enroll. Families of current students will complete Online Registration in August prior to the upcoming school year.

Students Not Returning: If for any reason, your child(ren) will not be returning to Richards next year, please contact our office at 414-963-3951 or by email at: stephanie.haupt@wfbschools.com

Enrollment Questions? Contact the Richards Office at 414-963-3951.

Reminder: Pasta for a Purpose Benefit Dinner – March 6!

Catch the wave of fun at the Pasta for a Purpose Benefit Dinner this Thursday, March 6 from 5:30-7:00pm in the Great Hall! The whole family will have a blast—enjoy delicious pasta catered by Rosati's-Bay View, beachy games with prizes, a raffle drawing, and a bake sale full of sweet treats. Don’t forget to bring cash for all the fun! (If you haven't bought an advance ticket, you can purchase at the door for $12/meal!) See you there!

Final Push! Help Us Reach Our $10,000 Goal!

Our Hunger Task Force Food Drive & Fundraiser is nearing its end this Friday, March 7, and we need your help to hit our $10,000 goal! The 3rd grade class has worked tirelessly to support this cause, but we can’t do it without your generosity.

Let’s make Richards School the largest donor in the Milwaukee area and show our community spirit! Every dollar counts and every donation brings us closer to making a real impact.

Donate 'food' virtually here: https://www.hungertaskforce.org/give/richards-elementary-school-pto/

Thank you for your support! Let’s finish strong!

Admirals Family Night Out

Please note that although this is a PTO sponsored event, you are not guaranteed seats next to other Richards families.

New Playground Fundraiser

We are on a mission to raise $300,000 to expand and improve our school playground—and we can’t do it without you! This incredible project will be funded exclusively through the support of our families, friends, and the community, and the faster we raise the money, the sooner we can break ground.

We also encourage families to reach out to businesses, friends, and relatives who may want to contribute. Every dollar helps, and donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized with a plaque at the playground.

Donate online at: richardsplaygroundwfb.com
Questions? Contact us at: richardsptowfb@gmail.com

Bucks Family Night Out: Please note that although this is a PTO sponsored event, you are not guaranteed seats next to other Richards families.

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.

February 26 Board Meeting Takeaways

Next School Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 12 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

Whitefish Bay MPA Summer Music Grant – Apply Now!

The Whitefish Bay Music Parents Association (MPA) is excited to support our young musicians through our Summer Music Grant Program!

Who’s Eligible?

• Students entering grades 6-12 next year
• Must participate in orchestra, band, and/or choir at school
• Parents/guardians must be current MPA members

What’s Covered?

• A $100 Summer Grant (or the cost of the activity if less)
• Can be used for a summer music clinic, class, or camp (not private lessons)

We encourage all students to keep the music going this summer with camps and clinics!

Apply now and take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

Whitefish Bay High School Theater Presents: Mamma Mia!

ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island and includes a large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit and ultimate feel-good show!

Come join us for a night of live theater that will leave you dancing in the aisles!

• When: 7:00pm on March 7th & 8th
• Where: Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium
• Tickets: $20 for Adults, $15 for Senior Citizens, & $10 for Students
• Ticket Information: WFBHSTHEATER.COM

The WFB Public Education Foundation is participating in Give-Education Day on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. It is a 24-hour donating event to support K12 education foundations. Help us make a lasting impact on the lives of students, teachers, and schools in your community!

Every contribution counts, no matter the size. By donating, you’re helping to fund our K12

programs, resources, and opportunities that empower our students to make the most from their

time in school.

We invite you to join us on March 5th (or before!) at

https://www.give-education.com/organization/Whitefish-Bay-Public-Education-Foundation and help us transform education—one donation at a time. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our schools!

Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/schools/richards/
Location: 5812 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Phone: 414-963-3951
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFBSchools/