In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
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Whitnall Middle School Message |
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December 18, 2020
Hello WMS Families,
We are nearing Winter Break and so far we've experienced relatively mild temperatures, so students have been getting out for lunch recess and enjoying the fresh air and a break from the mask. The plan is to continue outdoor recess throughout the winter, so please encourage your child to dress for the weather.
Leading up to the break, we've definitely missed the concerts and school performances, which helped to put us in the holiday spirt. Thanks to our WMS Student Council, we have a couple dress up days planned next week.
December 21 - Spirit Day - Pajamas's
December 22 - Spirit Day - Christmas Attire
With fall sports wrapping up, we'd like to congratulate our athletes for a great season. See the athletics section in this newsletter for information about boys basketball and the WMS dance team.
Wishing everyone a great start to the holiday season!
Sincerely,
Chris D'Acquisto, Principal WMS
Ryan Relich, Assistant Principal WMS
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December 21 - Spirit Day - Pajamas's
December 22 - Spirit Day - Christmas Attire
December 23 - Jan 1 - Winter Break
January 13 - PTO Eat and Earn Noodles
January 18 - Staff Development No School
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Virtual Learning Resources |
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Does your child's device need repairs?
The technology department is offering additional, evening times for students and families to swap out devices for repairs. Monday, November 16 and Monday, November 23 from 3:30-5:30 PM, the team will be available to swap out devices at the high school’s main entrance. Prior to coming, please submit a Help Desk Ticket by visiting https://helpdesk.whitnall.com/portal.
If at any time during instruction you are not able to access the classroom link, or lose access during instruction please contact the WMS main office at 414-525-8660 or [email protected] .
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The Whitnall Middle School day begins at 7:50. Student should be in classrooms at that time. WE have had a significant increase in the amount of students not arriving to school on time. Being tardy and or absent to class is a lost opportunity for students to learn. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. If your student has had excessive tardies or absences it will be addressed according to the attendance policies. Please reference the WMS Student Handbook
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Last chance to pick your yearbook image online - deadline is Monday, December 21, 9 AM. At this time, please select your yearbook portrait online from the multiple pictures taken this year if you have not already done so. Your images can be found by using the link emailed to you previously by Visual Image Photography ([email protected]), or by searching for your student at vipis.com (student ID needed). If you’re unable to view your image please contact VIP at [email protected], since a VIP image is needed to be included in the yearbook. If you do not select an image by the date above, your image will automatically be selected for you. There is no deadline to order photos.
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Canvas and Infinite Campus |
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Hello Whitnall families,
We just wanted to remind you that you can continue monitoring your children's daily progress and communication from teachers through Canvas. Canvas allows parents to view course content, student work and teacher feedback for all of their students with one login.
Infinite Campus is continuing to be used for progress reporting, attendance, and district messaging.
The Whitnall website provides online tutorials that can help families better understand how to navigate our online platforms. Please see the links below for more information:
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Student Family Assistance Program |
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A healthy home and family life helps to nurture academic excellence. To promote healthy homes, minds and families, Whitnall is continuing to offer the Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP) to all K-12 students and families. The SFAP is a free and confidential benefit, paid for by the school district, to help your family create a healthy, supportive home environment and develop strategies to overcome various life challenges. The SFAP offers direct counseling and consultation with licensed professionals using a family systems approach.
The SFAP offers families (up to) six consultations per issue. While many concerns can generally be resolved within the SFAP services, SFAP counselors will help connect families to additional community resources and/or insurance-based providers if they are needed.
To learn more about these services, please refer to our district webpage or call Aurora SFAP at 800-236-3231. You can also reach out to the Pupil Services staff at Whitnall Middle School for more information.
Courtney Fleischman - School Social Worker - (414) 525-8655
Nicole Lussier - School Psychologist - (414) 525-8795
Jim Gableman - School Counselor - (414) 525-8654
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Boys basketball tryouts for 7th and 8th will start Jan 4th. You will need to be registered and have a current physical on file BY Dec 21st. Any questions please see Ms Sobush in guidance
WMS Dance is back and ready to roll! Please complete the following google form if you are a 6th, 7th or 8th grader interested in being a part of the Whitnall Middle School Dance Team! Please do so by Sunday, December 27th! All dancers MUST have a current physical on file with the office to participate. If you have any questions please email [email protected] - More information about the season will be sent out on Sunday, December 27th to all who complete the form. https://forms.gle/cymmYWSksS4Cfw6N8
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Student Absences: .
Please report your students absence to the school by 8:00 a.m. You may use the Absence Reporting Form or call the attendance line at 414-525-8650. .
No call and no note will result in the absence being recorded as truancy. If a student has a medical/dental appointment, we encourage you to provide an excuse from the provider.
Appointments/Planned Absences
If your student has an appointment, special event, leaving early, etc. Please contact the office prior to the event so we can have your student waiting for you in the office. You may use the Absence Reporting Form or call the attendance line at 414-525-8650. . If the student will be gone more than two days, please utilize the Planned Absence Form
Pick Up & Drop Off Information
As shared previously - busing and car drop-off/pick-up have been adjusted to decrease congestion near the Edgerton intersection where many students cross. While it may take some time to adjust we appreciate your patience with us and one another.
The map attached HERE shows an aerial view of the drop off.
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EAT AND EARN EVENTS:
January 13, 2021 Noodles
February 2021
Kelly Peters- President
Jennifer Radke - Vice President
Rebecca Freek - Treasurer
Your comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome and we're always looking for new faces. You can send us a message at [email protected]
We also encourage you to like our Whitnall Middle School PTO Facebook page.
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Please use the following information to determine whom to contact for different questions. If you have any questions on how to direct you call/questions please contact Ms. Dawn Jones, WMS Secretary at 414-525-8660.
Chris D'Acquisto Principal
414-525-8652
Ryan Relich Assistant Principal
414-525-8663
Building Daily Operations and Events/Teaching and Learning
Primary Contact: Chris D'Acquisto Email
Student Attendance and Behavior
Primary Contact: Mr. Ryan Relich Email
School Counselor
James Gableman
414-525-8654
School Psychologist
Nicole Lussier
414-525-8795
School Social Worker
Courtney Fleishmann
414-525-8655
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Whitnall Employment Opportunities |
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Did you know that you can find employment opportunities at Whitnall through WECAN and daily substitute opportunities through Teachers On Call? Consider taking a look at what's available!
(Athletic Coach, Custodian, Food Service, Kitchen Worker, Noon Hour Supervisor, Paraprofessional)
(Educators and Paraprofessionals)
(Educators/DPI Licensed Positions)
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Whitnall Middle School | 414.525.8660 | [email protected] | h ttps://www.whitnall.com/schools/middle/
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