Superintendent’s Message
Welcome and thank you for reading our latest community newsletter. The School District of Waukesha is committed to reaching out three times per year in this manner to ensure all stakeholders have the opportunity to read about the many successes of our students, staff and district as a whole.
In this August edition, we are highlighting students and staff, a busy summer of facility improvement projects, and back to school updates prior to students returning to school on Tuesday, September 3.
You will also see that we want to provide opportunities for you to get into our schools and learn more about us!
We are excited to be offering the second edition of Discover SDW beginning in September. We began this monthly series of learning opportunities last year with twenty-one community members in the inaugural cohort. We cover everything SDW and more along with fun networking opportunities and a great breakfast each month. We hope you will consider joining us!
We are also proud to partner with the UW-Madison Extension here in Waukesha County. Whether it be after school tutoring and emerging leaders programming, or volunteering in robust 4-H and youth development programming, the Extension and our school district would benefit from your volunteering and support. You can find additional information on how to get involved on page 11.
We appreciate your support and are excited for what the 2024-2025 school year will bring. As you read, we hope that you too will feel as Waukesha Proud as we do each and every day!
Dr. James Sebert
Environmental Education Summer Campers went on a “Be a Biologist” hike and spotted on the tree a newly emerged Cicada next to its shell. Just one of the fun activities Summer School students can experience!
In education, a new year always brings change, and we are excited to share the changes in administration and school leadership in the School District of Waukesha.
District Administration: Deputy Superintendent Jenn Gennerman has moved to the Teaching and Learning Department. At the same time, former Waukesha West Principal Ryan Patt was named Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Karen Knopf has returned to the district as our Director of Related Services.
School Leadership: Irais Sevilla returns to Waukesha to take on the Assistant Principal role at Horning Middle School. Marlene Figueroa has also returned home to take on the role of Hawthorne Principal. That vacancy was created when Taheréh DeLeón became the Waukesha West High School Principal. We also welcome Patrick Rooney as our new Assistant Principal at Waukesha South High School and Eric Plitzuweit as the Athletic Director at Waukesha North High School.
Jennifer Gennerman
Karen Knopf Marlene Figueroa
Patrick Rooney Eric Plitzuweit
Ryan Patt
I’m thrilled to be working once again with the incredible educators in the School District of Waukesha. Their dedication and talent are truly unmatched. I look forward to reconnecting with our families and collaborating with our school teams to further strengthen our partnership with both families and educators.
- Karen Knopf
I chose to return to the School District of Waukesha because of its commitment to staff development and the success of its students. The district not only provides ample opportunities for professional growth but also fosters an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds are empowered to succeed! With a wide range of programs designed to prepare our students for a global society, I am eager to contribute to and be a part of the great things happening here in Waukesha :)
- Marlene Figueroa
I am delighted to return to the School District of Waukesha, a place that has always felt like home to me. The district’s strong sense of community, supportive atmosphere, and commitment to professional growth make it an ideal environment for both educators and students. I look forward to reconnecting with the families and colleagues who are equally dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
- Irais Sevilla
I am returning to Waukesha because my husband and I want our children to attend the Dual Language Program.
- Hannah De La Cruz
I am excited to return to Les Paul Middle School and I am excited about my new role in special education. I am looking forward to building relationships with new staff and families as well as reconnecting with so many great people who I have worked with before.
- Ryan Green
There are many great things happening in SDW but even more to do and I want to be a part of it. The students, families, staff, and community of Waukesha are what make me want to be an educator here!
- Rose Lenz
The Waukesha community - nothing beats it! In addition Waukesha teachers are amazing and I’m excited to work with the very best educators around!
- Rochelle Kozelek
Football & Cheer photos courtesy of Matt Lewis.
ATHLETICS CONFERENCE UPDATE
The Waukesha South and Waukesha North football teams have moved to the Parkland Football Conference from the Classic 8 for the 2024-25 school year. Both teams are excited for this realignment. The Parkland Conference is a football-only conference that consists of Catholic Memorial, New Berlin Eisenhower, New Berlin West, Wauwatosa East, Wauwatosa West, and West Allis Central.
The Waukesha West football team will stay in the Classic 8, and play Arrowhead, Kettle Moraine, Mukwonago, Muskego, Oconomowoc, and Pewaukee.
The 2025-2026 school year will also bring change. With Waukesha North and Waukesha South moving from the Classic 8 to the Woodland Conference for all other sports. With Waukesha North and South joining the Woodland Conference, it will create a 16-team Woodland with two divisions. Waukesha North and South will join Brown Deer, Cudahy, Greendale, Greenfield, Milwaukee Lutheran, New Berlin Eisenhower, New Berlin West, Pewaukee, Pius XI Catholic, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, West Allis Central, Whitnall, and Wisconsin Lutheran.
Waukesha West will remain in the Classic 8 for all sports and with North and South leaving, the Classic 8 will be adding Oak Creek to the conference.
NEW SEATING AT KEN HOLLUB STADIUM
After nearly forty plus years of use, the Ken Hollub Stadium bleachers were nearing the end of their life. Work began in November 2023 to remove the old and install the new bleachers. These new aluminum bleachers will seat up to 2,300 people on the home side of Ken Hollub Stadium, 650 on the visitor's side, and 400 people on the trackside. They are handicap-accessible and meet ADA requirements.
Collaboration between the students and staff in the Athletics and Tech-Ed departments sparked a fundraiser for our loyal Blackshirts! Together, the departments designed, built and sold hand-crafted benches, each made from sourced materials extracted during the bleacher replacement process.
DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM: offering biliteracy for all students
The School District of Waukesha offers Dual Language programming, where students become bilingual, literate in both languages, and multiculturally competent.
Our Dual Language Program, which begins in 4K or 5K, is designed to foster early bilingualism, literacy, and numeracy in both English and Spanish in our youngest learners. This creates a strong foundation for their academic journey.
While in high school hundreds of Dual Language students engage in Advanced Placement courses, early college programs for college-level Spanish, and technical certification courses in Medical Translation and Interpretation.
At the end of their high school careers, students have the potential to earn the coveted State of Wisconsin Seal of Biliteracy, a certification of full bilingual literacy in both Spanish and English that is recognized in all 50 states, underscoring the practical benefits of our program.
Dual Language Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens 12/1/24. We invite you to apply or attend an informational session for incoming 4K & 5K students on November 13, 2024, December 4, 2024, or January 8, 2025.
To learn more about the Dual Language Program visit: bit.ly/4fHGjIt or use the QR code.
DID YOU KNOW?
How it started
• The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.
Since 2017, 367 SDW students have graduated with the Seal of Biliteracy, and 142 students have received Global Scholar recognition.
VS.
How it’s going
At the end of July, Waukesha South High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Dan Schreier was selected as a featured speaker at the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) 2024 Summer Institute in Minneapolis, MN. There, Mr. Schreier shared his insights and expertise with thousands of educators.
Mr. Schreier began his AVID journey back in 2012 as an AVID elective teacher. When Mr. Schreier was asked why he was so passionate about AVID, he said, “AVID has helped me become a better educator through established systems that help students reach academic and personal goals. I have valued the meaningful relationships with staff, students, and families that have been enhanced through the AVID systems of support. AVID has been a vital part of the daily instruction at South and has allowed me to grow instructionally and professionally.”
To learn more about AVID in the School
Has your student had a teacher or specialist you thought deserved special recognition? Please take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate them by nominating them for a Kohl Fellowship Award today!
Specialists work in special education, gifted and talented, exceptional needs, instructional resource or interventionists, speech-language pathologists, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, school social workers, and instructional media personnel. Staff members whose assignments are or supervisory are not eligible. Additionally, preschool 4K teachers in community-based centers must teach in a 4K program affiliated with an elementary school or school district and must be licensed teachers in WI.
To begin the nomination process, visit: bit.ly/3yITmsf
DID YOU KNOW? transportation update
The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, Inc., also has an award category for school principals and administration? To submit a nomination, visit: bit.ly/3AEpX2Y
The district is fully committed to supporting First Student as they work diligently to fill the vacant bus driver positions to meet the transportation needs of our students and families.
The School District of Waukesha needs 76-80 bus drivers for the 2024-2025 school year. When preparing this newsletter, 56 drivers were available for the upcoming school year, leaving approximately 20 additional spots to fill.
First Student has done an exceptional job getting out in the community to fill these open positions. However, we can always use additional community support to spread the word! With wages starting at $24.00 an hour, a sign-on bonus of $4,000, and a guarantee of at least 25 hours per week.
All families have and continue to receive communication regarding transportation.
Families are encouraged to have alternative transportation plans for the beginning of the school year.
WAUKESHA NORTH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
It is a big year for Waukesha North High School, and the celebrations kicked off in June with their 50th Commencement Ceremony on June 8, 2024.
As part of the celebration, the 50th Anniversary Planning Team reached out to North teacher Mrs. Christina Forecki to enlist the support of her Digital Illustration and Graphic Design class to design a logo to commemorate the anniversary. Twenty-one students submitted designs, and sophomore Hannah Wagner designed the winning logo.
Join us in celebrating North High School by attending the 50th Homecoming on September 27, 2024, as well as the official 50th anniversary of the opening of North on January 18, 2025.
Stay updated on the festivities and reconnect with the extended North family by joining the “Waukesha North 50th Anniversary (1975-2025)” Facebook group: http://t.ly/TCPtc.
HIGH SCHOOL BLOCK
SCHEDULE
Beginning in September 2022, a team of district and building administrators, guidance counselors, coaches, coordinators, and teachers began researching and visiting different districts to learn from teachers and students about bell schedules similar to the one being considered by the district.
High school principals discussed potential schedule changes with their parent advisory teams before seeking board approval to transition to a four-period A/B block schedule beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. The proposed schedule guarantees four 90-minute blocks per day, alternating on days A and B, for eight classes each semester to ensure compliance with Wisconsin DPI instructional minutes. With this format, students will continue participating in semester and year-long courses.
Do you or someone you know have a child between the ages of three and six? Early Childhood is a comprehensive program that provides support and resources to the School District of Waukesha students from three to six years of age. During these early learning years, students develop speech and language, social/behavior, fine or gross motor, and adaptive skills at varying times.
To review the developmental milestones for three and four year olds, please visit bit.ly/3AmdyAK or use the QR code.
The district encourages families to attend a screening event even if you have no concerns.
To register your child for a screening, scan the QR code or use the link to pre-register.
Hawthorne Elementary
October 23, 2024
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Pre-Register: https://bit.ly/3RZqCCd
Blair Admin Building
December 11, 2024
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Pre-Register: https://bit.ly/3RXaSj6
Hadfield Elementary
March 19, 2025
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Pre-Register: https://bit.ly/3RXaT6E
North High School: Aarav M., Talan S., Maddy P., Margreta L., Jadyn K., and Addison D.
South High School: Aase M., Harry G., Amalia W., Sanvi V., Jonathan K., Carrie D., Keira B., Samantha S., Samantha H., Ryan B., Colten W., Ananya S., Lauren S., Sophia A., Mikel G., Charles H., Saiakshay V., Dylan I., and Jess K.
West High School: Bryanna P., Natalie B., Abby C., Megan T., Carter K., Nathan M., Bennett W., Joseph H., Megha M., Kai H., Brigid S., Andrew F., Ava S., Isaac G., Laura T., William W., Chloe K., Jeremiah C., Trevor P., Gavin B., Ryan V., Matthew W., Aidan O., Aidan R., and Joshua M. (Not pictured: Samantha D., Alexandros K., Joy S., and Chloe W.)
UW EXTENSION & 4-H Partnership
The district continues to grow a strong partnership with the UW-Madison Extension in Waukesha County. We would love to have you if you are interested in how to be involved with our students and staff via this partnership! The 4-H Extension has numerous opportunities within our collaborative 4-H and Youth Development programming. For more details, visit their website at waukesha. extension.wisc.edu or call the Extension Office at (262) 548-7770.
Congratulations
Congratulations are in order for the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium! For the second year in a row, it has been named one of Milwaukee Magazine’s 2024 Best of the Burbs in the attractions category.
The planetarium staff is proud to receive this repeat accomplishment and would like to thank all of their visitors who voted for them.
If you have never been to the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and would like to learn more visit bit.ly/4fJYZap or use the QR code.
DATES TO REMEMBER
12/1 2025/2026 Enrollment Opens
12/2 Horning MS - Class of 2032 Open House
12/3 Butler MS - Class of 2032 Open House
12/4 Les Paul MS - Class of 2032 Open House
12/9 West HS - Class of 2029 Open House
12/10 North HS - Class of 2029 Open House
12/11 South HS - Class of 2029 Open House
11/14 4K & K Dual Language Information Night 4K & K Dual Language Information Night 1/8 4K & K Dual Language Information Night
SENIOR PASSES
The Board of Education invites School District residents who are 62 years of age or older to attend school activities free of charge.
Passes are available at the Blair Administration Building at 301 Hyde Park Dr., Waukesha, WI 53188. A driver’s license or ID card must be presented to prove residency and age. Passes are good for most athletic activities. Special events, including WIAA toouments and events where there are reserved seats (art, drama, music), are excluded.
Our Fine Arts students are excited about the three auditoriums’ facelifts and updates. Waukesha North, South, and West all had some TLC this summer. New paint, flooring, seating, and some lighting changes, to name a few things.
If you’ve never experienced the magic of a play or musical in one of our high school auditoriums, now is your chance! With the recent updates, we have a new seat with your name. Take advantage of the opportunity to be among the first to enjoy our fall and winter productions in these revamped spaces.
SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
A Mid Summer Nights Dream
November 14 - 17, 2024
Mean Girls
February 19 - 23 , 2025
Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line
bit.ly/4fKH3wb
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Puffs
November 14 - 17, 2024
Little Shop of Horrors
February 13 - 16 , 2025
Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line bit.ly/4dGqZtN
Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
November 7 - 10, 2024
The Play that Goes Wrong
January 10 - 12 , 2025
Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line bit.ly/3X29s9W
The West End Players are one of 29 schools nationally awarded with the opportunity to perform the new high school edition of this hit Broadway play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tickets on sale now! DID YOU KNOW?
Flooring
Hawthorne,Heyer, Meadowbrook, Prairie,SummitView, LesPaul,North,and WestHighSchoolall hadflooringprojects completed.
Tennis Courts
The Lowell Tennis Courts were a joint project with the City of Waukesha. Work was completed in mid-April, and a grand opening was held on April 15, 2024.
Gym
Heyer,Meadowbrook, PrairieandSummit ViewElementary Schoolsallhadtheir gymfloorsresurfaced andsealed.
HVAC
HVAC upgrades were completed at Hawthorne, Lowell, STEM: schools,Elementary and STEM: Saratoga, North, and West High Schools.
Prairie Elementary had AC installed, and South High School added AC to the field house, weight room, and trophy hall.
Safety and enhancementssecurityweremade by installing Verkada video cameras and door access in all buildings.
RoofRepair
Lowell,Prairie,and WestHighSchool completedroof repairsorreplacement dependingonthe needateachbuilding.
Lot
HillcrestRepairs Elementary, East,andNorthHigh toSchoolshadrepairs theirparkinglots,and some areaswereresurfaced.
NewSurface Paint:Hillcrest,SummitView,LesPaul,and WestHighSchoolare allsportingbrightly paintedlinesinlotsor playgroundareas.
301 Hyde Park Ave. Waukesha, WI 53188
Current Resident
