Volume 3 | Issue 18 | December 21 , 2018
Please note that there will no Connect next week, due to the holidays. The next issue will be on January 4.
District News
Profile of a Whitnall Graduate Focus Groups
As part of our continuous improvement journey, we are developing the Profile of a Whitnall Graduate to ensure that our graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for success after high school. There is a body of research that provides a foundation, but we know that each district is unique and we value the input of our Whitnall community. In June of 2017, we gave a quantitative survey related to this to our community. In order for us to obtain qualitative information and clarification, we are holding focus groups with Whitnall alumni, parents of Whitnall alumni, and the business and civic community. Parents of Whitnall alumni from the Classes of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 received an email to forward to their child about the focus groups, in addition to information about the alumni parent focus group.
 
Due to preparations and space, we are asking that participants sign up in advance. Location will be provided to participants after registering. Click on the link by the corresponding group to register. If you have questions, please call the district office at 414-525-8411.
 
Whitnall Alumni Focus Group  (Classes of 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) [4 dates]
Thursday, January 3: 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM
Wednesday, January 9: 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM
Click here to register for a Whitnall Alumni Focus Group
 
Whitnall Alumni Parent Focus Group (Classes of 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Monday, January 7: 6:30 PM
Click here to register for the Whitnall Alumni Parent Focus Group
 
Whitnall Business and Civic Community Focus Group
Tuesday, January 8: 6:30 PM
Click here to register for the Whitnall Business and Community Focus Group
District Office Holiday Hours
The district office will be closed the week of December 24 and will reopen again on January 2.
The 2019-20 Calendar
The 2019-20 calendar was approved by the board on Monday, December 17. The exact dates and times of the fall and spring conferences have not yet been determined.
Infinite Campus
Please be aware that, due to some hardware upgrades, Infinite Campus will be unavailable to all users (students, parents, and staff) on Saturday, December 28, 2018, between 6:30 AM and 12:00 PM. This will affect both the web portal and the mobile app. Thank you for your understanding.
Board Brief | December 17
Board briefs are simple summaries of our board meetings. Without having to labor through or wait for the comprehensive board minutes, you can access what changes the board approved at each of their meetings! The latest board brief (for the December 17 meeting) has been posted. Check it out on the right sidebar of our Agendas & Minutes page.
Whitnall High School
Final Week of the Semester
The final week of the semester will be full days of school. There will be no modified schedule or early release during the week of January 14th. A complete schedule with the close of semester coursework will be provided shortly.
Whitnall Middle School
Winter Concert Series
Thank you to all of the families that came to our Winter Concert Series held at Whitnall High School. We had nearly a sold out house at each event! Special congratulations to our students that participated in our band, choir, and/or orchestra - talent rich in all three areas!
PTO Meeting
January 9 from 7 - 8:30 PM will be our next PTO meeting. The WMS guidance counselor, school psychologist, and social worker will be in attendance to talk about their roles as well as upcoming events.
Current 6th & 7th Grade Students
Now is the time to start thinking and talking about courses for the 2019-2020 school year! In mid January, we will be getting registration information out with class selections happening in early to mid February.
Electives Showcase
January 31 is the WMS Electives Showcase from 6 - 7:30 PM! Come meet our electives staff, and be ready to participate!
8th Grade Transition Night
On January 24, WMS along with WHS will be holding a transition evening from 6 - 7:30 PM at Whitnall High School. More details to follow after winter break, but please add to your calendar!
Edgerton Elementary
After School Enrichment Opportunities
Several organizations will be offering after school classes at Edgerton Elementary beginning in January 2019. Click on the links below for more information.

Cub Scout Service Project
Edgerton’s Cub Scout Pack 574 is sponsoring a shoe drive for the Soles4Souls Foundation. Soles4Souls creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Their vision is to disrupt the cycle of poverty. From January 2 - February 1, please consider participating in this program. Bring your gently used shoes of any kind to Edgerton’s school lobby. There will be labeled bins to collect the shoes. For more information, visit https://soles4souls.org/gogreen/ . Give Shoes. Give Love. Go Green!
Hales Corners Elementary
Construction Update
Excavation for drainage tile was underway as the week began but seeing the first loads of concrete arrive really got us excited. Pouring concrete for the footings and footing walls for the courtyard is underway!
Music in the Morning
Holiday music greeted our students this past week. The orchestra students, along with staff members, played on Wednesday and the band students and staff performed on Thursday. We have a lot of talent at HCE!
Reminder!
Plan to wear your I am Unique community t-shirt on Friday, January 4.