Wauwatosa West Updates

Last week our choir performed three shows in our planetarium. The performances were stunning. It is also exciting see the cross-curricular collaboration between Ms. Melcher (choir) and Ms. Stahler (Science). The displays and transitions were planned and executed by our Astronomy students.

As students review their semester II schedule they may notice that there are changes to their teacher in some year-long courses. We know that the relationship between a teacher and their students is a cornerstone to success in the classroom and our teachers are skilled at developing those relationships. These changes are not ideal and we will continue to work to improve scheduling to minimize those changes. When the schedule is built we have prioritizes student course selection to maximize students getting the courses they selected that align with their academic plan. The volume of semester courses forces the system to make the changes in other courses. We will continue to work to improve our process to minimize these changes.

Our teachers will work early in the semester to maintain a strong classroom culture so students feel welcome and classroom norms are respected. Thank you for your patience with the changes and as we continue to refine our scheduling process.

Check Your Schedules for Semester II

Due to changes in class sections and staffing your schedule may be different for Second Semester from what you saw prior to the end of exams.

• Log into Infinite Campus on your phone or computer

• Click on the refresh icon

• Save your new schedule either as a download or screenshot

Students must follow the updated schedule shown in Infinite Campus. If you have questions you can make an appointment with your School Counselor, but until you have that meeting you MUST follow the schedule listed.

Our Fall production of Frozen was nominated for Jerry Awards in 16 categories this year including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Orchestra. The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs, encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools

You can see all of the nominees in the image below. Congratulations and good luck to our Trojan Thespians.

The Wauwatosa West Scholarship Foundation (WWSF) was established in 2004 by a group of volunteer parents to recognize and award scholarships to graduating Wauwatosa West students with post-secondary plans. For each of the past several years they have awarded ten, $1000 scholarships at the West Local Scholarship Awards Night. Please consider attending their wonderful community event and annual fundraiser with through the flyer portrayed below. You can also learn more and make a direct donation on their website linked here.

AAH Student and Family Assistance Program has created a free 4-part webinar series, “Things We Wish Grown Ups Knew,” that highlights current trends of school-aged children that impact both their academic and home life. The first webinar in this series will be held on February 6, 2024. It will focus on the benefits of sleep and offer tips for parents/guardians to help ensure that their children are getting enough sleep. Please click here for more information and to register to attend.

Our intention at West is to maintain a school where all students and families feel welcome and connected. The Multi-Ethnic Parent Association (MEPA) is partner in that effort. MEPA is a diverse, parent-led organization that increases cultural awareness throughout the District, supports academic achievement, fosters social-emotional growth, increases opportunities and experiences and creates a space that allows families to work collaboratively to advocate for their children. Join MEPA for their next meeting on Thursday, January 25 from 6-7 p.m. at the Fisher Administration Building (12121 W. North Avenue) in Conference Room C. Please use this link to RSVP.

Department of Health Services-Information about Self-Harm

As students begin the spring semester, the Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of Wisconsin Emergency Department data from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program that shows young people experience large increases in self-harm injuries at certain times of the year, including when school resumes after the winter holidays. Click here to learn more.

Families and students are encouraged to take advantage of our free Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP), which offers students and families up to six goal-focused confidential professional counseling, consultation, or intervention sessions per family member, per issue to address personal, family or environmental factors that impact academic performance or personal well being. Additionally, Care Solace is a helpful resource that helps to connect families with health service providers. To learn more about each of these resources, click on the hyperlinks above.

Mental Health Webinar

NAMI Basics is a 6-session virtual education program for parents, caregivers and other families who provide care for youths who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others. The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you’re going through because they've been there too. Click here for more information or view this flyer.

Discover support and resilience at Wauwatosa School District's second annual Inclusion Resource Fair on February 21, 2024. Join us for an evening of hands-on activities, informative workshops, and a community dedicated to the support and inclusion of those with disabilities, mental health and more. This event is free of charge, open to the public and welcomes those of all ages and abilities. Click here for more information.

Wisconsin Forward exam in Social Studies will be done during class within the state mandated test windows (March 18-22 and April 1-5)

March 19 all 9th-12th graders will be taking the Pre-ACT test (9th and 10th) or the ACT test (11th) as required by the DPI. Seniors will be excused from school that day.

It will be important for the future of Wauwatosa West that our families stay engaged with the Board and the work of the Tosa 2075 Task Force.

The Tosa 2075 Task Force will meet again on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. at Underwood Elementary School. The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 9 was canceled due to inclement weather. As always, members of the community are strongly encouraged to stay informed about the Task Force’s activities by reviewing materials, meeting agendas and recaps on the Task Force web page.

The Board of Education’s Engagement Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Wauwatosa East library. The theme of the meeting is academic culture, and members of the community are encouraged to attend to learn about the steps District leaders are taking to enhance the academic culture in our schools.

New student enrollment is now open to the community! Please visit our Enrollment web page to learn more and begin the enrollment process.

The Board of Education’s Legislative Advocacy Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Underwood Elementary School. The Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) will be a guest at this meeting, and community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about ways to support their public schools.