Volume 3 | Issue 16 | December 7 , 2018
District News
Focus on the Good: A Message from the Superintendent
Last evening, we held a Parent Learning Academy focused on increasing rigor in the district. We were so pleased with the turnout and the positive conversation. Thank you to Lynn LeRoy, Director of Teaching and Learning, for presenting information about changes that were implemented this year and planned changes for next year to continue to build a system that supports academic rigor and student learning. You can click here to view the presentation which highlights some of the achievement data and summarizes the changes.

Over the past several weeks, we have held various meetings to gather and share information. I have been reminded by our students, staff, and parents that while we are focused on continuous improvement, there are a lot of good things happening at Whitnall and we have to remember to celebrate those as well. The number one comment I hear (and I couldn't agree more) is that we have great  teachers here at Whitnall who really care and want to do the right thing. We have great students and parents, also. Events such as our WHS National Honor Society collecting toys to support the Holiday Sharing Project, a new WMS math club with over 40 students attending, WMS Spanish students teaching our K4 students are just a small sampling of all the good things going on at Whitnall. Along our improvement journey, we need to stop and turn around to acknowledge what has been accomplished. Thank you, everyone, for the reminder.  
Friday, December 21
Due to a necessary inservice day for WHS teachers, we will not be holding classes for WHS students on Friday, December 21.  All other students will have a regularly scheduled day of school on this day.
Closings
As we enter the winter months, we would like to remind families of our closing procedures. You can find that information on our district website under Families > Closings. If you would like to review the information now, the page is linked here .
Board Agenda | December 10
Interested in the items being considered at the next board meeting? Check out the agenda for December 10 on our Agendas & Minutes page .
Hales Corners Recreation Indoor Basketball
Click here for information on the Hales Corners Recreation Department's indoor basketball program!
Whitnall High School
AP Spanish Drive
The AP Spanish classes are currently holding a drive for the families of the 16th Street Clinic. Stork’s Nest is the family outreach program of the clinic that they are collecting items for. The AP Spanish classes at Whitnall have been the primary providers for the last ten years. We highly encourage you to contribute anything that you can - every dollar and item counts.

Besides monetary donations, they are also collecting items such as cultural foods (onions, cans of tomatoes, garlic, and dried beans and rice), baby care and clothing items (hats, mittens, sleepers, and onesies), and toys and books for children. In addition, they welcome any diapers and baby wipes. They are accepting new and gently used items only. Donations may be dropped off in the high school office or brought to room 222, Señora Brand’s classroom. You may donate until Tuesday, December 18. 

The students are looking forward to practicing conversational Spanish skills by talking with the families at the clinic. This is a great way to learn more about different cultural backgrounds, family traditions, and holiday celebrations. 

Thank you for supporting the AP Spanish classes' hard work! ¡Gracias!
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.
2018 WHS Christmas Ornament
Looking for a unique holiday gift? Would you like to show support for your school? The Whitnall High School Athletic Department has the right item to meet your school spirit and holiday needs! For only $15, you can order an unbreakable Whitnall Falcon ornament and help your favorite team raise money to benefit the student athletes. Cash or checks will be accepted at the WHS Athletic Office upon the pick up of your ornament(s). We will be accepting orders from November 19th until December 10th. Please make checks payable to WHS Athletics. Thank you for your support! All submissions are final. Order Form.
Club Photo Day
Please remember that Club Photo Day will take place on Thursday, December 13.
Booster Club Updates
The Whitnall Falcon Booster Club took a break from our monthly board meeting for the holiday; however, that doesn't mean we are not working hard to make great things happen this year! 

Calling all JUNIOR Parents!  We need YOU ALL! We are starting to plan Post Prom for this year! We want this to be something that EVERYONE will be excited to attend! We need your input and help planning this. Please reach out to Nicole Bartkowiak or Jenny Carney, who is currently taking the lead on this. She can be reached by email at [email protected] !

Casino Night:  Mark your calendars! Casino Night is back for the 2nd year! Save the date: April 27th at Root River Banquet Hall! This truly is a fantastic event. You won't want to miss it! Early ticket deals will be for sale after the new year! Click here for the flyer!

* We are still looking for volunteers to help plan this event. Please email Don Trimboli, who is the Lead Chairperson for this event at [email protected] if you are willing to help! No amount of help is too small! 

The next WFBC board meeting is January 8th at 7 PM in the WHS Library! 

Whitnall Middle School
New Toy Drive & Winter Dance
WMS Student Council is supporting a new toy drive December 12, 13, and 14. Drop off a new toy during these days and get a discount on the winter dance! The WMS Winter Dance is December 14.
Winter Sports
Just a reminder that our winter sports season has started! Boys basketball, wrestling, and our dance team are in full swing! At each home game, our WMS PTO has a concession stand for those that need a quick snack!
Edgerton Elementary
Fundraiser Pick Up
If you participated in the Kringle/Marcus Theatres fundraiser, the pick up will be on Wednesday, December 12 from 3 - 6 PM in the Edgerton lobby. Please make arrangements to pick up your order during this time. Thank you!
Winter Concerts
Our Grade 2 and 3 winter concerts are coming up soon! The students have been working hard and are looking forward to performing for family and friends. The Grade 2 concert is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19 and Grade 3 is Thursday, December 20th. Both concerts will be at 6 PM in Edgerton’s Main Gym.
Holiday Toy Drive
Edgerton Elementary Student Council is sponsoring a toy drive for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin from December 3 - 14. The toy drive supports patients during the holiday season and throughout their stay. The donations will be delivered to the hospital by student council members and advisors. Items are then distributed to patients by hospital staff. All donated items must be new. Click here for more information about the types of items that are needed. Thanks for sharing in the holiday spirit of giving!
Hales Corners Elementary
Construction Update
Our students are adjusting so well to using the east playground for all recess periods including the combined grades lunch recess. We experienced the REAL groundbreaking this past week when foundation work began. As one fourth grader shared, “Having a front seat to the construction project is pretty cool!”
Winter Concerts
The winter concerts are here! On Thursday, December 13, we welcome family and friends to the 2nd grade concert at 6 PM and the 3rd grade concert at 6:45 PM.
After School Enrichment
Looking for after school enrichment programs? Let’s Code It , Stage Stars and Chess Scholars are registering now for programs beginning in February.
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found table is filling up by the day. Please stop by to find any missing items!