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๐ MARK YOUR CALENDAR: UPCOMING EVENTS ๐ |
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May 1 - 14 - Forward Exam (grades 3-8; 10)
May 1 - 14 - DLM Assessment (grades 3-11)
May 3 - 27 - PALS Form B (grades JK + SK)
May 10 - District Purchase Art Award Reception (6 pm)
May 10 - 27 - Spring MAP testing (grades SK-12)
May 10 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
May 24 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
May 26 - Employee Recruitment Fair (5 pm)
May 28 - No classes (JK-12)
May 31 - Memorial Day; no classes (JK-12)
June 4 - Last day of school (grade 12)
June 6 - 11 - EFW RUSH for Education Walk/Run
June 11 - Last day of school (JK-11)
June 12 - Commencement ceremonies (East - 11 am; West - 2 pm)
June 14 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
June 28 - School Board Meeting (7 pm)
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๐ฉ A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP ๐ฉ |
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Hello Wauwatosa Community,
My name is Demond Means and I'm proud to serve as the Wauwatosa School District Superintendent, effective July 1, 2021.
In lieu of a written introduction, I've created a video that gives a little insight into who I am, what I believe in and my immediate goals as Superintendent.
I look forward to getting to know you, building relationships and working together to achieve greatness in Wauwatosa.
Yours in Education,
Dr. Demond Means
Incoming Wauwatosa School District Superintendent
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โญ๏ธ STAFF SPOTLIGHTS โญ๏ธ |
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You're the bomb! ๐ฃ๐ฅ
๏ปฟThe individuals pictured were just some of the staff members who were recognized as part of our recent "Our Staff is the Bomb!" initiative. Staff members nominated their exceptional coworkers, and one person per building was selected to receive a certificate, branded mug and delicious hot chocolate bomb. Our Assistant Superintendents hand-delivered these items to show their appreciation during this challenging year.
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Congratulations to Steve Birney, Program Coordinator at the Wauwatosa Recreation Department. Steve is celebrating 20 years in the Wauwatosa School District this year. During his time in Tosa, Steve has made a name for himself as someone who asks his teammates if they need help - and he always follows through! Steve is a great listener when colleagues need to get support or talk through problems, and he always makes the day better with a Seinfeld quote! In pre-pandemic days, Steve attended many Widespread Panic concerts. He graduated from Wauwatosa East High School, and he has two rescue dogs: Greta and Ophelia. Congratulations on 20 years, Steve! |
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๐ธ PHOTO OF THE MONTH ๐ธ |
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Fourth and fifth grade students and staff at Washington Elementary School - along with Mayor Dennis McBride, representatives from the City of Wauwatosa and our District Buildings & Grounds Crew - celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 30 by planting a tree near the 68th Street entrance of the school. We'd like to give a special thanks to the City of Wauwatosa for donating the new tree, and to students Adeline Lenz, Aidenn Riepenhoff, Lyric Alexander-Green and Brynn Noe for sharing what Arbor Day means to them during the celebration. |
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Superintendent Search Update: Welcome Dr. Demond Means! |
The Wauwatosa School Board has named Dr. Demond A. Means as the next superintendent of the Wauwatosa School District.
Dr. Means, who will begin serving the district on July 1, 2021, is an experienced and innovative educational leader with a passion for addressing achievement gaps, seeking continuous improvement and cultivating relationships to positively affect student learning.
๏ปฟThroughout his career, Dr. Means has spearheaded major change initiatives - often during difficult transitions - using open communication, effective conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving to achieve ambitious goals for the schools and districts under his leadership.
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Wauwatosa West High School Receives $25K Fab Lab Grant |
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded Wauwatosa West High School a $25,000 state grant to fund equipment for a fabrication laboratory, also known as a โFab Lab.โ
Fab labs are open-concept, high-tech workshops that use the latest equipment, including computer-controlled manufacturing components like 3D printers, laser engravers and computer numerical control routers. Having these additions at Wauwatosa West will help equip students with essential skills for the 21st centuryโs global economy by supporting science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education, while also preparing students for the manufacturing jobs of the future.
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Transforming a School: A Case Study of the Vel R. Phillips School |
The Vel R. Phillips School is unlike any other school. As a part of the Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center, its students are placed in secure detention. Many are awaiting court decisions that could severely impact their lives.
But, according to special education teacher Bekki Crowley and school social worker Amandla Daniels, the Vel R. Phillips School does have a lot in common with every other school. There are class periods, curriculum and learning objectives and the teachers and students show up every day to put in the work.
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Longfellow Middle School Theater Presents "100 Years of Broadway" |
Longfellow Middle School Theater presents โ100 Years of Broadway,โ a musical revue that celebrates the first 100 years of Broadway Musicals. Grab your mask, attend a live performance and enjoy familiar songs from some of your favorite Broadway musicals. Dates are Friday, May 14 at 7pm; Saturday, May 15 at 4 pm; Friday May 21 at 7 pm; and Sunday May 23 at 3 pm. The show is one hour long with no intermission. All COVID-related safety protocols will be followed. Saturday performances will be live streamed and can be viewed for a small fee. Contact Jay Reinke at reinke@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us for tickets and the live stream address or stop by the school office for a ticket order form. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and $3 for children 5th grade and younger. Teachers receive 2 free tickets upon request.
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Wauwatosa West High School Orchestra Presents "Panic at the Symphony" |
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Join the Wauwatosa West High School Orchestra for Panic at the Symphony. Including selections by Black Violin, Panic! at the Disco, Stravinsky and more, this exciting event will take place at 7 pm on Monday, May 24 at the Hart Park Rotary Stage. The event is free to attend and you must bring your own chairs/blankets. |
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Just Announced: The Canvas Banner Design Challenge |
During the month of May, the Wauwatosa School District is giving students the opportunity to create and design a banner for their schoolโs 2021-2022 Canvas course homepage!
All submissions are due by 4 pm on Monday, May 31.
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USDA Food Service Extension |
We are pleased to share that all students in the Wauwatosa School District will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch during the 2021-22 school year!
Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the extension of the National School Lunch Program through June 2022. This program provides children 18 years of age or younger with a free regular school breakfast and lunch on school days, regardless of their Free or Reduced status.
Students may continue to purchase a la carte items, seconds and milk, which will be charged to the family's account. If you have any questions, please contact the Food Service Department at (414) 773-2635.
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In her last blog of the school year, Tosa United Coordinator Kenda Roman helps readers develop a framework for changing behaviors - and celebrating small wins!
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High School Students Earn Recognition in National We the People Competition |
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Last month, students on the American Public Policy Special Emphasis (APPSE) team at Wauwatosa West achieved a fourth place finish at the national We the People: The Citizen and Constitution National Finals competition - the highest placement for a Wauwatosa team in the history of the district. Students on the Wauwatosa East team received a Divisional Award for their performance.
Students in APPSE classes at Wauwatosa East and West High Schools competed virtually in the national We the People competition. The Wauwatosa West team was announced as one of the top 12 teams who would compete for the National Championship, and the West team was eventually named the fourth place finisher in the nation, out of 48 total schools.
The team is made up of 11th grade Juniors only, whereas the majority of other teams included Seniors. Members of the team include: Layla Allen, Sarah Anderson, Ella Archambo, Leah Bjorgo, Jenna Boekenhauer, Miles Coppage, Zoe DelVecchio, Catherine M DiCastri, Nora L Engbring, Lea A Guttormson, Mackenzie R Jacobi, Andrea Justin, Cooper Krause, Tricia J Kroll, Rachel Leveille, Emily Linehan, Donovan McGann, Ronan M Piontek, Ryan L Reynolds, Nora A Rommelfanger, Marissa M Rueda, Justin J Schmidt, Elizabeth Schuldt, Ella P Schwantes, Alivia L Smith, Benjamin Soboleski, Adele L Steliga, Serena E Stern, Jude B Whale and Savannah B Williams. The team is coached by Chad Mateske.
The Wauwatosa East team earned its Divisional Award (Division C) after securing a wildcard spot in the national championship. Members of the team include: Aidan Anich, Madeline Bartz, Greta Dietzler, Gabriela Duarte, Nadia Eull, Nathan Foley, Julia French, Meera Gajria, Owen Gendrich, Audrey Georg, Sophia Heffner, Alex Joseph, Mason King, John Koch, Micah Korb, Abby Loeffel, Isabel Margerie, Claire Nistler, Lidia Perez, Anya Ranft, Anneke Shiller, Lamar Smith, Kidron Staples, Norah Tait, Stella Vermeulen, Ryan Westphal and Lauren Wunderlich. Teaching assistants are Audrey Andera, Grace Hudson-Mairet, Ella Laatsch, Isa Lentz, Jack Stuart and Nora Tanel. The team is coached by Taylor McDaniel.
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Wauwatosa High School Students Announced as Jerry Awards Semi-Finalists |
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LaDerrious Jones (Wauwatosa East) and Ryann Schulz (Wauwatosa West) have both been named semi-finalists for the Jerry Awards - a high school musical theatre state competition. Both Jones and Schulz will perform in June for a chance to represent Wisconsin at the national competition: the Jimmy Awards in New York City. |
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Music to Your Ears: State Solo + Ensemble Festival Qualifiers Announced |
Last month, Wauwatosa high school students participated in the Wisconsin School Music Association's District Solo & Ensemble Festival. This year, the festival was held entirely online. Students recorded themselves at home and submitted to adjudicators for a rating and feedback.
The Wauwatosa School District is delighted to celebrate the students who have qualified for the State Solo & Ensemble Festival, which will be held virtually this month.
Orchestra
Karl Beck (West), Maydine Bellot (East), Kevin Brzycki (East), Tony Camacho (East), Sofia Castagnozzi (East), Autumn Cortright (East), Lauren Cortright (East), Caradoc Crandall (East), Evan Decker (East), Isaac Ganger (East), Nathan Foley (East), Olivia Gorr (East), Ben Granger (East), Will Halm (East), Dea Hernandez (East), Grace Hudson-Mairet (East), Arthur Johnson (East), Jenna Johnson (East), Maeve Kaufman (East), Hannah Lough (East), Anna Lowe (East), Aidan Matthai (East), Grant Matthai (East), Aubrey Moore (East), Richie Nickel (East), Lydia Omernik (East), Jack Peterson (East), Elliot Richer (East), Grace St. Denis (East), Gwen Tuffnell (East), Jared Weber (West), Kelly Weber (West), Lauren Wunderlich (East) and the East Fiddle Ensemble.
Band
Alex Howen (East), Lily Knaack (East), Issac Norman (East), Ben Skrade (West), Brandon Zavaleta (East), East Percussion Ensemble and East Jazz I Ensemble.
Choir
Elisabeth Adam (West) and Erynn Hertzfeldt (East).
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Wauwatosa East Forensics Team Takes Fourth Place in State Tournament |
Last month, the Wauwatosa East Forensics team took 4th place in Division 2 of the WFCA State Tournament. The team is comprised of 21 members (which is especially impressive, as a full team is typically made up of 25 entries). With more than 70 schools and 700+ students in attendance at this tournament, these students' accomplishments should be celebrated.
In addition to their 4th place Division 2 finish, the following individual members also received recognition:
Cayden Anderson - Special Occasion Speaking (1st place, state champion)
Ava Beisenstein - Moments in History (6th place)
Members of the Wauwatosa East Forensics Team include: Vivi Andersen, Cayden Anderson, Elyse Bartz, Ava Beisenstein, Hannah Cates, Audrey Catlin, Autumn Cortright, Nathan Foley, Maeve Kaufman, Bea Lazarski, Ali Meisinger, Tess Murrah, Richie Nickel, Abby Penegor, Luli Perez, Kate Pluta, Maddie Ruzicka, Annie Shiller, Lauren Underberg, Rosie Villa, Annabelle Wilson and Isabella Wishnie. The team is coached by Jon Balcerak and Chelsea Drenning.
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Wauwatosa East Jazz Ensemble Performs in Georgetown Jazz Festival |
Wauwatosa East High School's Jazz Ensemble I participated in the Georgetown Jazz Festival hosted in Georgetown, Texas.
Through the power of Zoom, students participated in this incredible festival, taking place over 1,200 miles away.
Several students were recognized for their performance, and the following musicians were recognized as outstanding soloists:
Stuart Goldsmith - Tenor Sax
Arthur Johnson - Piano
Micah Korb - Guitar
Will Martin - Drum Set
Jacob Mosey - Trombone
Arnold Ramos - Trumpet
The Trumpet section was also recognized as 'outstanding section'. Trumpet players include Margo Nicholds, Colin MacKelly, Arnold Ramos and Kaelie Shea.
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Students Expand Skillset with Real World Projects |
Tech Ed students at Wauwatosa East High School have been putting their skills to work by building half-bathrooms. Progress is being made quickly, and students will continue to put the finishing touches on this project through mid-May, before disassembling prior to the end of the school year.
This project is the basis for the new Skilled Building Trades LAUNCH program that will be available for students next year. Additionally, East High School recently applied to become a Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness Program from the WI Department of Workforce Development - a rare certification for any high school to have!
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Wauwatosa East Educator Honored with Wisconsin Technology Education Association, Inc. Flexible Teaching Award |
Congratulations to Wauwatosa East Tech Ed teacher Craig Griffie, who has been honored with the Wisconsin Technology Education Association's Flexible Teaching Award.
The WTEA provides professional development for classroom instructors and proactive leadership in advocating the advancement of technology education by promoting relevant curriculum, communicating information and networking with leaders in education, business and industry.
Nominees for the โFlexible Teaching Awardโ were instructed to create an electronic portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in five categories including preparation, lesson/lab, creativity, engagement and movie/slideshow.
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Wauwatosa School District Receives Best Communities for Music Award |
For the third consecutive year, the NAMM Foundation has awarded the Wauwatosa School District with its Best Communities for Music Education Award. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education award recognizes teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who provide music access and make music part of a well-rounded education for children.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, WSD staff answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
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Reopening Web Page Receives Award of Excellence from Wisconsin School Public Relations Society of America |
WSPRA presented the Spectrum Awards on April 7-8, 2021 at its annual conference, which was held virtually this year. Spectrum Awards recognize high-quality public relations efforts produced by or on behalf of Wisconsin school districts. This year, this statewide competition honored 52 school districts with awards.
WSPRAโs Spectrum Awards are judged by members of other school public relations associations throughout the United States, including from Illinois, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Texas, Alabama, Arizona, and South Carolina. All entries were judged on a 30-point scale in six areas: goals and objectives, research and planning, execution and evaluation, results, language, and design.
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๐ฐ EXTRA! EXTRA! WSD IN THE NEWS ๐ฐ |
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๐ง CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ๐ง |
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Each month, we post updates on active construction projects related to the 2018 facilities referendum and capital improvements. Find the most recent updates below. |
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Wauwatosa School District | 12121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Ph: (414) 773-1000 | www.wauwatosaschools.org
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