WBHS Family Newsletter
September 2023
Dear WBHS Families,
Welcome to the September edition of our school newsletter! The staff at the high school are so excited to kick off a new academic year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement.
Back-to-School Success
Our first week back in school has been filled with enthusiasm and determination. It’s so great to see our students reacquainting with friends, excited about their classes, and contributing to building our positive school culture.
School Safety Remains a Priority
The safety and well-being of our students and staff continue to be our top priority. We are diligently working on the teaching and reteaching of safety protocols for our staff and students. We are also beginning our safety practice drills each month. We are required monthly to participate in a fire drill. Additional drills updates will be sent to you throughout the year to make sure you are informed of the work we do to keep your child safe.
Stay Connected
Stay updated on school news, events, and announcements through our website and social media channels. You can find our information linked at the bottom of this newsletter.
I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all our families for your continued support and commitment to our school. We had a huge turnout for our Freshman Mini-Day and Open House. I look forward to a year of growth, success, and memorable moments for our entire school community this 2023-2024 school year!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Potter
Executive Principal
West Bend High Schools
Important Dates:
September 8 (5:00-7:00 p.m.): Frosh Fest
September 10 (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.): 9th Annual Butterfly 5K Run/Walk
September 18th (7:15-10:23): PreACT testing for 9th and 10th grade
WBSD Way Expanded Release Pass
As part of our ongoing efforts to foster a positive and engaging learning environment, we are excited for our Junior and Senior students to be able to earn the WBSD Way Expanded Release pass for their outstanding behavior, attendance, and dedication to learning.
We understand the importance of acknowledging and celebrating students who consistently exhibit positive behavior, engagement, and participation. This privilege aims to encourage students to actively and positively contribute to the schoolwide culture and their own learning experience.
To qualify, Juniors and Seniors must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
Have 1st period, 7th period, or consecutive study halls and lunch periods off (students may also request only Period 0 off Tuesday through Friday)
Be on track to graduate
Maintain a C or higher in all classes at all reporting periods
Attend all scheduled classes
Attend Mandatory Monday homeroom unless excused
Exhibit positive behaviors (no major behavior referrals at any time)
Be up to date on all fees with the bookkeeper
In addition, students may not request a teacher or class change in an effort to receive a release pass that could negatively impact their academic performance or standing.
Students who receive this pass not only will exhibit positive behavior in our school and community, but also foster a sense of responsibility and ownership in their learning journey. As parents, your support in reinforcing these expectations will be greatly appreciated.
Juniors and Seniors will receive copies of the pass beginning the first week of school in their homeroom. Students who qualify for WBSD Expanded Release Pass will be able to begin using the pass the week of September 18th, 2023.
The information in this communication does not pertain to students who receive passes for academic or work related purposes (EMT, CNA, Youth Apprenticeship, etc). Please direct any questions in regards to academic or work related passes to Brenda O’Brien in the Career Readiness Center at 262.306.4603.
PreACT Testing - September 18
All 9th and 10th grade students will take the Pre-ACT Assessment on September 18th. Testing will begin at the start of the day and conclude at the end of period 3 (10:23 a.m.).
September 18th is a mandatory day for all Juniors as well. They will be offered the opportunity to tour some local businesses (with parent permission), take the ASVAB career planning tool, or participate in workshops/study time at the high school.
Seniors who qualify for the WBSD Way Expanded Release Pass will be able to use their pass to arrive at the conclusion of testing (10:23 a.m.) and report to their 4A class. All other seniors will be offered the opportunity to tour some local businesses (with parent permission), take the ASVAB career planning tool, or participate in workshops/study time at the high school.
Further communications will come next week. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s administrator or counselor.
Counseling Office Updates
Welcome Back from the Counseling/Student Services Office! Here are the staff available to support students at WBHS:
East Counselors
- Kara Phillips: Last names A-G
- Stephanie Stuve: Last names H-O
- Kris Kemp: Last names P-Z
West Counselors
- Matt Coyle: Last names A-G
- Jenni Hanni-Schmitz: Last names H-P
- Nicole Miller: Last names Q-Z
East & West Counselors, Support, & and Psychologists:
- Juliana Delgado: Counselor for Virtual Students & Freshman Transition
- Michelle Cattelan: School Psychologist
- Kurt Lichtenwald: School Psychologist
- Jacquelyn Gumtow: 504 Support
Counseling Support Staff:
- Paula Corzett: Counseling Secretary/Registrar
- Stacey Geil & Anne Molineu: Counseling Receptionists
Counseling Appointments:
Students can make appointments with their counselor by going to their counselor’s youcanbookme site. This can be found on the HS webpage (West/East) or in the student’s “Class of” Canvas page where they can just click on their counselor’s name to make an appointment. There are also cards in the counseling office that a student can pick up with the information on it. Please make appointments only when you DO NOT have a class (study hall, lunch, before/after school…).
Career Readiness Center Updates
The Career Readiness Center (formerly known as the College and Career Center) has a new name and look this year. Stop in and introduce yourself to Ms. Barnes, the Scholarship Coordinator and Career Readiness Support, who will be assisting students in the Career Readiness Center. Ms. O’Brien is in room 2417 (near the Nifty Nibble). Ms. Barnes and Ms. O’Brien look forward to supporting students planning for life after high school!
Helpful Links for Families
WBHS Contact Information
Address:
1305 E. Decorah Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone Numbers:
(262)335-5530 (East Office)
(262)335-5570 (West Office)
(262)335-5550 (Attendance)
(262)335-5580 (Counseling Office)
Athletics Websites: East | West
Administration
Jared Kiesow- E/W Assistant Principal Grade 9
jkiesow@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5587
Laura Krause-Emerick- East Assistant Principal Grades 10 - 12
lkrauseemerick@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5571
Dave Riley - West Assistant Principal Grades 10 - 12
dsriley@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5532
Susan Saric - E/W Assistant Principal
ssaric@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5569
Dave Uelmen - Associate Principal
duelmen@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5592
Jennifer Potter- Executive Principal
jpotter@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5629