District Newsletter
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
District Administrator Message
My name is John Thomsen and it is a pleasure to serve as the District Administrator for the School District of Whitefish Bay.
On behalf of the School District and School Board, we wish you all a happy and healthy 2023!
In this e-news, we will share information on Bay Gives Back activities, winter safety suggestions, school updates, and more.
On behalf of our students and team members, thank you for your ongoing support.
- Dr. John W. Thomsen, District Administrator
Feature Story: Bay Gives Back
Bay Gives Back is a service-based organization with the goal of helping the school, the community, and the Greater Milwaukee area. The group certainly did so through their fall and early winter activities!
- Food Drive: Bay Gives Back coordinated a food drive in which 7,500 pounds of food were collected for Kinship Community Food Center in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood. Over 150 students volunteered during the month-long event!
- Thanksgiving Dinner Drive: With the help of the Whitefish Bay School Community, Bay Gives Back was able to sponsor 50 families by providing them with all of the fixings they would need to make a Thanksgiving meal. BGB partnered with Cass St. Elementary to support their families in need.
- Winter Blood Drive: Bay Gives Back partnered with HOSA to host Versiti Blood Center for the winter blood drive in December. Sixty-one units of blood were donated to benefit local hospitals for those in need of blood.
- 8th Annual Holiday Gift Drive: Bay Gives Back hosted their 8th annual holiday gift drive, benefitting Seeds of Health Elementary School. 280 students in grades 4K-8 were sponsored by Whitefish Bay School Community members.
Bay Gives Back is keeping the momentum going in 2023! They are planning a children's book drive to establish three Little Libraries in the city of Milwaukee.
Congratulations on these successful events and many thanks to all for demonstrating the spirit and pride that is uniquely Whitefish Bay!
School Reports
Come hear about each one of our school’s continuous improvement efforts at our Annual School Reports. All School Reports will take place at the High School LMC at 7PM. We encourage and nurture a growth mindset for each and every one of our learners in the process of learning and growth over time. We also encourage each and every one of our team members to maintain the same mindset and approach to their work.
In the same way, each of our schools has developed and refined a school improvement plan aimed at ensuring an aligned and collective commitment around all students' learning and growing in a supportive and caring environment.
- Whitefish Bay Middle School School Report, January 11, 2023
- Richards School Report, February 8, 2023
Join Our Team!
The need for substitute teachers is at an all-time high!
Whitefish Bay School District is seeking substitute teachers, substitute paraprofessionals, and staff members. We invite you to apply to be a part of the Whitefish Bay School District Team!
Visit the link below to learn more about our open positions, substitute teacher training options, and the application process.
Applications can be submitted through the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network, or WECAN.
Winter Weather Safety & A Collective Responsibility
This time of year, we remind our school families of the importance of winter weather safety for pedestrians in the community.
Student and child safety is a priority for the School District of Whitefish Bay. At home, in the community, to and from school, and while at school, we as a school community share the collective responsibility to ensure our loved ones are safe.
In cold weather, it can be easy to rush and overlook safety measures when walking in the community. Before you set out, it's important to prioritize safety and review some basic safety measures to consider.
- Prepare by checking weather and light conditions. Wear appropriate footwear with good traction and wear warm socks to keep your feet warm on your journey. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and bright colors, especially when walking early or late in the day, so that drivers are more likely to see you.
- Stay attentive while walking to minimize risk while out and about in the community and while traveling to and from school. Avoid distractions such as looking at phones which could take attention away from your surroundings.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks, always following traffic signals, and look both ways before crossing the street. Crossing in the middle of the street or walking against a red light pose dangers to both pedestrians and drivers.
Staying focused and following these reminders can help everyone travel safely throughout the Village, while reducing the risk of accidents and injury.
A Collective Responsibility: We believe that safety is a collective responsibility. All staff, students, parents, and community members play an important role in ensuring all are safe. Should you or your student(s) see or hear anything concerning, please do not hesitate to contact your school's principal, the District Office, or the Whitefish Bay Police Department immediately. We would rather err on the side of caution and safety than be sorry for not investigating a concern.
Fine Arts Assembly & Hall of Fame Inductees
The assembly included choir, orchestra, and band performances, showcases of student art and woodworking, and featured student-composed music.
There were also three distinguished WFBHS alumni who were inducted into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the assembly. Congratulations to:- Julie Bamberger-Roubik, Suzuki Educator and Performer - Class of 1990
- Michael Werwie, Writer and Producer - Class of 1999
- Adam McKinney, Dancer, Choreographer, and Activist - Class of 1994
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
January 11 -- Regular Business Meeting
January 25 -- Committee Meetings
Subject to change. Please view BoardDocs for up to date meeting notices and agendas.
Cumberland: Celebrating through Music
Richards: Computer Science Education Week
Middle School: School Spirit!
Sixth grade cheer club made their debut at a 7th grade boys basketball game in December.
High School: Hot Chocolate and Holiday Music
High School: School Report
High School: Activities Newsletter
Contact us
Email: districtnews@wfbschools.com
Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/
Location: 1200 East Fairmount Avenue
Phone: 414-963-3921
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFBSchools/