Wauwatosa West Updates

It is exciting to see our students taking more responsibility for their learning in partnership with teachers. This week a came across Ms. Moertl with the students in the photo. We were fortunate to have Ms. Moertl join us from Whitman Middle School. In this photo she is using an element of the workshop model of teaching common at other levels. Using data from their formative assessments and student input through a form, Ms. Moertl is teaching a mini lesson with all students on a concept that they have identified as an area for improvement.

In another Math classroom I was able to see Ms. Wadhams had students present their own reflections on themselves as mathematicians. Students identified strengths, shared samples of their work and identified a goal to take the next step as a learner. It was moving to see students take ownership and build confidence in themselves. That is how they become lifelong learners. That is how students can thrive at West.

Please join members of the Division of Pupil + Family Supports at the Wauwatosa East theater on Wednesday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m. for an informational presentation to get to know the Mental Health Specialists at the secondary schools and learn more about how they support students. The event will conclude with a presentation about school anxiety and refusal by Rogers Behavioral Health Clinicians. View this flyer for more information.

Tardiness continues to be a significant problem at Wauwatosa West. It is not uncommon that nearly 10% of our students are late to first hour alone. This is a barrier to the success of our students and our school. We will continue to work toward a multi-prong approach with our students.

1. We will continue to communicate the importance of timeliness and the expectation with our students.

2. We are developing a positive incentive for attendance and timeliness for the month of November that will be communicated soon.

3. We will use the consequences below to enforce our expectations with students. Please help us by re-enforcing the importance of timeliness with your child.

We are proud to partner with the Educational Theatre Association, Music Theatre International and Disney Theatrical Group to produce this pilot production. We are grateful to have received this honor, thanks to our talented students and dedicated staff. We are equally proud of our supportive community. All tickets are sold out for the entire run; our students will perform for a packed house.

We’re ready to take Wauwatosa by (snow)storm! See you in Arendelle! #tosawesttheatre #varsitytheatre #tosawest #tosaproud #UsofFrozen #loveisanopendoor

Enjoy this feature on CBS58 to hear more about our upcoming production.

We are fortunate to have exceptional student leaders at West that would be great candidates for the Senate Scholar Program.

The Senate Scholar Program is an intensive week-long educational program offered by the Wisconsin State Senate. Admission to the program is highly competitive and is limited to 33 academically exceptional high school juniors and seniors from around Wisconsin. Each Senate Scholar receives a hands-on, up-close view of the Legislature’s role in our democracy.

Senate Scholars gain experience in such diverse areas as policy development, constituent relations, and processing legislation by working with Senators, legislative staff and University of Wisconsin faculty. Interested students should click here to learn more and submit an application. Applications are due by November 17, 2023.

The Division of Academic Performance will be reviewing 1-12 World Language programming in order to help us to realize progress toward Strategic Objective 1.1- Review curriculum, instructional resources, programming, and assessments to ensure alignment with the academic goal statement. As named previously, a formal audit will be conducted to help us understand and elevate the current state of the World Language curriculum in the Wauwatosa School District. This audit is being conducted by Donna Clementi, Ph.D. and you can view her

To deepen our auditor’s understanding of World Language in the Wauwatosa School District, it is important for her to hear from our families.

If you could please complete the linked survey below by Monday, November 6th, our auditor would greatly appreciate your perspective. Your feedback will be confidential and synthesized only by Dr. Donna Clementi.

World Language Survey

Thank you again for your time and voice in this review process. Linked here is additional information on the Wauwatosa School District 7-Year Curriculum Cycle.

On Sunday, November 12 from 4-6 p.m., learn about four teens’ experiences with mental health and other challenges at a TED Talk-style presentation that also features resources and a dessert buffet. Click here to view the event flyer or RSVP at www.wishuknew.org.

To deepen our auditor’s understanding of Social Studies in the Wauwatosa School District, we would like to extend an opportunity to hear from our families. Dr. Melissa Gibson will be present for focus group sessions on Thursday, November 16 at the Fisher Administration Building, in conference room C. This is a great opportunity to share ideas and provide feedback around the current state of Social Studies programming within the District. Your input and insights are valuable!

Recommended time frames for this discussion are as follows:

• JK-5 families: 5-5:30 p.m.

• 6-8 families: 5:30-6 p.m.

• 9-12 families: 6-6:30 p.m.

Virtual on Zoom: 6:30-7 p.m.

The next WSD Parent University professional learning session, Promoting Early Literacy Strategies, will take place on Tuesday, November 14, from 6-7 p.m. at the Fisher Administration Building, Conference Room C. Please RSVP by completing this form.

Members of the community are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on the Tosa 2075 Task Force’s activities by reviewing materials, meeting agendas and recaps on the Tosa 2075 Task Force web page. The Task Force will meet again on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.