Notes from the Nest
Welcome Back Information
SLINGER MIDDLE SCHOOL “BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD”
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. It is hard to believe summer is coming to an end and we are already sending you information about the upcoming school year. I hope you were able to enjoy some fun and enjoyable summer activities. The dates and information in this newsletter will identify some important items and answer common questions to help you get the school year and our students’ first day, Thursday, September 1st, off to a successful start.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at (262) 644-5226. Our office hours during the summer are listed on our school website.
Arrival, Bells and Dismissal
- Buses arrive and unload in the lower lot at 7:15. Typically, parents drop-off children in the upper level between 7:00 and 7:25, but if needed, students may be dropped off as early as 6:15. Early arrivers will sit in the cafeteria until the first bell at 7:20, which gives students 10 minutes to get ready and in class by the 7:30 start bell (official start time). The day ends at 2:38, and all students who do not have a scheduled meeting, activity or practice must leave the school right after dismissal.
- Parents are encouraged to have their children ride the bus for the first few days in lieu of picking them up. This will allow students to become acclimated to pick-up and drop-off areas. In the morning, only drop off students in the upper level. Cars should form a single line nearest the building; please plan on pulling up along the sidewalk as far as possible to allow for traffic flow. After school, parents are not allowed to park in the upper level parking lot until all buses have left (2:45). It is advisable to pick up your students in the lower lot after school.
Transportation
GoRiteway Transportation provides bus transportation for the district’s students and will notify each family qualified for busing during the week of August 23rd. If you do not receive route information or have any questions regarding your child's bus transportation, please call GoRiteway at (262) 644-5016
Schedules & Fees
Open Houses
3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
6th Grade Open House: Monday, August 29th
7th & 8th Grade Open House: Tuesday, August 30th
Parents and students may attend the open house any time between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Please go to the respective grade-level floor. Teachers will be in their rooms at this time to answer individual questions and offer any assistance you may need.
Please print your child's schedule prior to coming to Open House as it has class, room and locker information. The school's office will be open should you have any problems printing the information.
Food and Nutrition Information
Beginning in September 2022, the Nutrition Services Department will change back to the way it operated before March 2020:
1. School meals will still be available to students; however, they will not be free to all students. That means that families will need to complete the Free and Reduced-price Family Application to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The students who do not qualify for free or reduced-priced meals must pay full price for lunch; $2.75, reduced price $.40.
2. Thanks to generous donations, our student negative balances for breakfast and lunch have been cleared. This means all students start the 2022-23 school year fresh, with no debt. Please strive to keep your child’s account balance positive!
To check your student’s account balance, complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Family Application, or to access your students ID number, please go to your Family Access Account.
Attendance
One major factor related to success at school is regular daily attendance. We encourage students to be at school on time and prepared for the activities of the day. Wisconsin Act 239 allows parents to excuse their child no more than 10 times during an entire school year (includes vacations). If extenuating circumstances occur, please talk to Mr. Baker, the associate principal.
The student handbook, located in the assignment notebook, elaborates on this as well as school assignments when absent for multiple days (page 2).
Reporting Absences
Attendance is taken at 7:32 every morning so we can accurately verify students who are present. If your child is absent, Mrs. Spaeth starts clearing those absences at 8:00 a.m. by checking voicemail and email messages. Please help with this by reporting your child’s absence as quickly as possible.
1. District Voice Mail System by 8:00 a.m. The automated system to report an absence can be reached by dialing (262) 644-9307. Select “choice one” and follow the voice prompts to report the absence. This system will allow you to report an absence any time of the day or night so you may call and not be concerned if the school’s office is open or closed.
2. Email dawn.spaeth@slingerschools.org by 8:00 a.m. informing her of the absence.
If your child is absent and the school wasn’t notified, Mrs. Spaeth will send you an email requesting verification of the absence. You may respond by email or phone. If the school doesn’t hear back from you, Mrs. Spaeth will call the numbers provided in Skyward in an attempt to verify the absence.
Leaving During The School Day
Slinger Middle School is a closed campus, so students may not leave the school grounds without authorization from the school office during any part of the school day. Students who need to leave during the school day have two options.
1. Parents may email dawn.spaeth@slingerschools.org by 8:00 a.m. (preferred method)
2. Students bring a parent’s written note to the office before 8:00 a.m.
Please include the reason for the early release regardless of the option you choose.
Student Handbook
School Supply Lists
Teresa's Closet
As we approach the 2022/2023 school year, we know how important it is for students and families to start the year with everything needed to be successful! The Slinger community is fortunate to have a non-profit organization, Teresa's Closet, that offers assistance with groceries, gas, prescription medications, school supplies or any other family essentials.
Please contact Angie Wickus (contact information below) or Lisa at 262-644-6669 or email at lisa.kowalczyk@slingerschools.org for any support needed.
Angie Wickus, Director of Special Education & Pupil Services
262-644-9615 x3434
Internet Access
All students will be issued a Chromebook and a cinch bag during the first week of school. Chromebooks will be picked-up by the student in the morning, transported from class to class and returned by the student at the end of the day. Chromebooks will not be transported to and from school.
All Slinger Middle School students have access to the Internet for educational purposes. The district has software in place that is designed to screen out inappropriate sites. In addition, the middle school has software that can assist or guide the student to appropriate sites based upon the area of study. However, it should be noted that these systems are not perfect. Students who misuse the computers or the school’s Internet policy may have their computer privileges revoked. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Lutter or Mr. Baker.
School Pictures
Students will now have their pictures taken in August. We will be holding 2 different options for your child to have their picture taken.
Monday, August 15th, Network Photograph will be at Slinger Middle School from 3:00 p.m. to 7 pm. and again on Monday, August 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a sign up for you to pick a time that works for you.
If you are unable to come to either of these dates, we will have a photographer here on September 6th to do make up pictures.
Your child will receive their student ID for the year when they get their picture taken.
Please click on link to sign up for your time:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48ACAD28A0FCC25-smsstudent
Immunizations and School Health Requirements
State law requires file records of immunizations for each child enrolled in our district. Please notify the school if your child has had any additional immunizations during the past year, including mumps. Forms for the updating of your child’s immunization records are available in the office. Incoming 6th grade students will need one Tdap and a second Varicella in addition to inoculations already received.
Students participating in team sports must have physical exams to meet Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) requirements and will not have to repeat the exams in a given year.
Lockers
Yearbooks
Insurance
Notification of Bus and School Cameras
Slinger School District uses video cameras on school buses to reduce disciplinary problems and vandalism on the bus, thereby allowing drivers to focus on driving. The viewing of tapes to assist in the resolution of student misconduct on buses is limited to bus company personnel, school officials and selected students and their parents. Tapes will not be available for viewing by the general public.
The middle school has cameras in various locations throughout the building. The viewing of tapes is limited to school officials as well as selected students and their parents. Tapes are not available for viewing by the general public.
Athletic Dates/Calendars
Pet of the Week
Pet of the Week is back! If your pet is chosen, your pet and child(ren) will come to the main office on a chosen day (which will be communicated with you ahead of time). Their picture will be taken and rumor is your pet might even get a little treat during his/her visit! Their picture will be shared on our SMS TV's as well as our parent and staff newsletters.
Hard Copies of Mailings
Slinger Middle School
Email: kari.lutter@slingerschools.org
Website: slinger.k12.wi.us
Location: 521 Olympic Drive, Slinger, WI, USA
Phone: 262-644-5226