The Weekly Update #4
April 24, 2024
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- West Bend School District is Innovation Award Winner
- Last Chance…For Now: Community Conversation on Facilities is April 25
- Dolphins Shows are This Week
- Don’t Let Any Grads Go Empty Handed
- Mini-Grant Applications Due on May 3
- WIAA Board of Control Makes Decision
School Board News
- Recap of April 22 Meeting
Student and Staff Achievements
- Volunteer Center of Washington County Award Winners
- Student Council Members Earn Awards
- Students Place at State SkillsUSA Competition
West Bend School District is Innovation Award Winner
Moraine Park Technical College awarded the West Bend School District its Innovation Award during its Business Partner Recognition Program event. The West Bend High Schools have partnered with MPTC for a large number of dual-credit courses and other innovative opportunities such as the EMT and firefighting training classes.
Last Chance…For Now: Community Conversation on Facilities is April 25
Thursday, April 25 is a Community Conversation on Facilities at the West High School Cafeteria at 6 p.m. This meeting will follow the same format as the April 16 meeting, with attendees examining and discussing potential capital improvements solutions. RSVP using this link. Or, email wbsd@wbsd-schools.org or call 262-306-4800 to RSVP. (People who completed the RSVP for the April events at the same time as the February events do not need to complete it again.)
The WBSD website features detail from the long range facility planning process.
Dolphins Shows are This Week
The high school students who are part of the Dolphins synchronized swim team have been training for weeks to present their World Tour shows this week. The shows are on Thursday, April 25, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. There is another show on Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m. Purchase the tickets on GoFan. Adults are $12, students $10, seniors $8, and kids under age 5 are $6.
Mini-Grant Applications Due on May 3
In partnership with the West Bend Schools, the West Bend Public Schools Foundation invests in student learning and classroom achievement by providing additional funding in the Arts, Innovation, and Fitness. The West Bend Public Schools Foundation invites West Bend School District students, staff, and families to submit applications for mini grants to support projects . All mini grant applications are due on Friday, May 3. Complete this application.
Don’t Let Any Grads Go Empty Handed
Grad Grams are a FREE way to recognize and celebrate graduating seniors from East and West. Because the goal is to have at least one Grad Gram for each graduating senior, make sure you complete those grams! Complete this electronic form on the WBSD website or download a Grad Gram from the same webpage to handwrite a note (these can be turned in to any school). All Grad Grams are due by May 22.
WIAA Board of Control Makes Decision
The WIAA Board of Control voted against the appeal of West Bend East and West High Schools to remain in the North Shore Athletic Conference. Therefore, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, East and West will be part of a newly-formed and yet-to-be-named conference with Kewaskum, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Plymouth, Port Washington, and Sheboygan South. Football and a couple other sports (which are co-op status because they include other schools) are not affected.
School Board News
Recap of April 22 Meeting
At its regular meeting on April 22, the West Bend School Board recognized students who placed at the SkillsUSA State Competition as well as the advisor, Mike Bentdahl, who was named the Wisconsin SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year. After reports from the Curriculum Committee and superintendent, the board held discussions about out-of-country trips for French and orchestra; review of board operations; school board meeting calendar for 2024-2025; board officers, terms, and election; and board committee and delegate assignments.
The board took action on out of state travel: debate/forensics and honors wind ensemble; 2024-2025 staffing plan; 2024-2025 certified staff contract renewals; and revenues and expenditures in the aggregate through March 31, 2024.
If you are interested in reviewing the details of the meeting, see this tutorial on how to access the agenda with links to the supporting documents. Videos on the meetings are available on YouTube.
Student and Staff Achievements
Volunteer Center of Washington County Award Winners
The Youth Impact Club at East and West High Schools was recently awarded the Washington County Volunteer Center Champions of Change Judge's Choice Award for its extensive work in the schools and community in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The advisors are Jackie Schmoldt and Melissa Hoogester.
East science teacher Skip Clark received the Inspire Award at the same event in recognition of his efforts as student council advisor for planning the high school Charity Week. Skip, along with Alex Ehlke and Randy Reysen, are dedicated student council advisors who work with students on this event to bring awareness and funding to local organizations.
Student Council Members Earn Awards
Members of the East and West High School Student Council brought home several awards at the Wisconsin Association of Student Councils State Conference and Competition. Results include:
Cate Stram and Gabe Bestul - Gold Medal for Creative Marketing
McKennah Orth - Gold for Best Project (Charity Week)
Natalie Walter - Gold for Best T-shirt Design
Quinlin Ehlke, Joaquin Ovalle, and Reed White - Gold for Digital Scrapbook
Mackenna Steiner - Gold for Digital Media
In addition, Gabe Bestul was voted Region 4 Student Council president.
Students Place at State SkillsUSA Competition
Eleven students from East and West High Schools placed at the SkillsUSA state competition earlier this month.
Zach Church and Seth Deming took first in Digital Cinema Production
Lilly Harter-Pokorny and Alexandria Hanrahan took second in Digital Cinema Production
Greyson Degroot, Traynor Gieryn, Alex Lukaszewicz, and Jose Rodriguez took first in Video News Production
Noah Mintie took third in Extemporaneous Speaking
Lauren Daute and Olivia Rahlf took third in Television (Video) Production
Community Connections
Community Bulletin Board
There are various events and activities available on the WBSD’s Community Bulletin Board!
Athletics
Spring Mini Soccer - FC Wisconsin
Fall Mini Soccer - FC Wisconsin
West Boys Basketball Summer Clinics
West Girls Volleyball Camps
West Bend Track Camp
East Girls Volleyball Camps
Discounted Swim Lessons for WBSD 2nd Graders
Learn to Skate with KMFSC
Learn Hockey Skills
East Girls Basketball Summer Camps
East Basketball Sweat Equity Basketball Skills Clinics
Other
Dolphins Synchronized Swim Performances
YMCA Splash Bash
YMCA Summer Program Registration
Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Fundraiser
Big Brothers Big Sisters Putt Putt Palooza Event
MOWA Family Fun Events
MOWA Summer Youth Workshops
Kettle Moraine Symphony Concert
Tower Heritage Center Teen Leaders Program
Joining Girl Scouts Information
Lead Poisoning Information from Health Dept.
Host an Exchange Student
Help Others Get Connected
This weekly West Bend School District Update is available to community members. Help spread the word by letting friends and neighbors know they can sign up to receive the newsletter via email by subscribing using this link. It can also be found on our website under the Stay Informed tab.