In the Middle
Whitnall Middle School Family Newsletter
Whitnall Middle School Message
January 29, 2021

Hello WMS Families,

We are off to a good start to our second semester as students settle in to a new schedule and routine, and in some cases, a change in their instructional model (virtual or in-person.) We're reminded how flexible our students have been throughout this pandemic and we thank them for their hard work and perseverance. Wishing everyone well as we move through the month of February!

Current WMS 8th grade families and students are invited to the virtual WHS Expo on February 3rd. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the high school and all that is offered. Check out the flyer.

Mark your calendars for March 25th for the WMS conferences from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Conferences will once again be held virtually and by appointment invitation (from staff.) You are always welcome to contact staff about setting up a conference time if an appointment is not required.

We want to thank our WMS Student Council for continuing to find ways to offer fun events for students to participate in, even through the pandemic. It looks like many students registered to participate. We hope the second virtual social event, the Bucks Game Google held on January 29, is a success.

Sincerely,
Chris D'Acquisto, Principal WMS
Ryan Relich, Assistant Principal WMS
Upcoming Dates
February 3 - WHS Expo for WMS 8th Graders/Incoming Freshmen 5:00
February 9th - PTO Eat and Earn 4 - 8 Chipotle
February 10 - PTO Meeting
February 15 - No School Staff Development
March 25 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Masks and Water Bottles
  • Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle every day to school. The middle school office sells Whitnall Water Bottles for $3.00 which supports the WMS PTO. Our water fountains are equipped with a touchless, sensor activated bottle filler.  

  • Please remind your student to come to school with their mask. If possible, be sure your child has an extra mask in their backpack or locker if needed.

  • Please check to make sure your child's mask fits properly. We are asking that students wear their mask properly and that it covers their nose, mouth and chin.
WHS Expo for WMS 8th Graders
Current WMS 8th grade families and students are invited to the virtual WHS Expo on February 3rd. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the high school and all that is offered. Check out the flyer.
Box Tops Collection
If you've been shopping online for groceries lately, you can still earn BoxTops for your school, even if you don't have a paper receipt. Scanning tip: You can use the "Give Credit" feature in the BoxTops app to give credit to a specific child, teacher or classroom every time you scan a receipt. Just look for the star button!
FEBRUARY BOX TOPICS: Love My School Sweeps is returning in February! See all the ways to earn for your school next month and share with friends on social media.
Athletics
Volleyball season is right around the corner. If you are a 7th or 8th grade girl interested in trying out you will need to be registered and have a current physical on file by Feb 10th. Any question please see Ms. Sobush in guidance.
Canvas and Infinite Campus
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:
1. Canvas


School 'Stuff'

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.

Virtual Learning Resources
WMS In-Person Student (Temporarily Virtual)
Co-curricular activities will continue at WMS. Informational letter here
Does your child's device need repairs? 
Please contact https://helpdesk.whitnall.com/portal to arrange for a loner device. With advance notice, device swap out could take place at the same times as device pick up.

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] .
 
Please refer to this informational letter regarding attendance reporting for distance learners.
**If your student will be absent for all or part of any scheduled distance learning day please report absence via this link.

PTO
EAT AND EARN EVENTS:
February 9, 2021 Chipotle

UPCOMING MEETINGS:
February 10
March 10
April 14 (Slate of Candidates)
May 12 (Election)
June 9


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.
WMS Leadership
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
Whitnall Employment Opportunities
Whitnall Middle School open positions:
Food Service Kitchen Helper. 4 hours per day.
Noon Hour Supervisors
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)
Whitnall Middle School | 414.525.8660 | [email protected] | https://www.whitnall.com/schools/middle/