Superintendent’s Message Long-Range Planning: Optimizing Our Future Community Spotlight: Waukesha Education Foundation
TEACHING & LEARNING
Waukesha Transition Academy Early Learning: Screening Opportunities
Homeschool Opportunities
AP Course Highlights
A Look at Staff Professional Learning Opportunities
Parent Technology Sessions
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome and thank you for reading our first newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year. Our team takes great pride in sending these newsletters to all of our School District of Waukesha (SDW) constituents We are eager to kick off the school year, which is truly the most exciting time of year for educators
In this fall edition, we are highlighting all things Waukesha as it relates to our amazing students, staff members, and programs It's our privilege to ensure that you have the opportunity to read about the many successes we have across the School District of Waukesha.
We’re excited to launch the third cohort of Discover SDW this September! This monthly series offers engaging learning opportunities for parents and community members interested in deepening their understanding of the School District of Waukesha Each session features a unique theme, opportunities to connect with others, and a delicious breakfast. We invite you to join us and be part of the experience!
This edition will also highlight the Waukesha Education Foundation (WEF) The Waukesha Education Foundation provides scholarships to students and grants to teachers each year that are profoundly impactful. The organization works tirelessly to support the SDW and for that, we could not be more grateful
We have been engaged in a long range planning process called Optimizing Our Future, dating back to March. We had a great summer of gathering input from our parents, staff and community members You can read more about the entire process and what comes next on pages 2 and 3
We appreciate your continued support and hope you’ll join us for one of our high school plays or musicals listed on the back page. Just attend one, and you’ll be hooked! Our students are incredibly talented and guided by dedicated teachers and staff.
Events like these are a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication, and spirit in our schools just one of the many reasons we’re Waukesha Proud
Happy reading and enjoy the Fall!
Dr. Jim Sebert Superintendent of Schools School District of Waukesha
LONGRANGEPLANNING LONGRANGEPLANNING
The School District of Waukesha’s primary objective is to provide the students and families in Waukesha with access to high quality education The District is proud of our long history of academic achievement and the exceptional work of our teaching and district support staff We look to continue this tradition by providing the finest educational opportunities to support our students. To maintain this level of service and opportunity year over year, the District is always looking at where and how to best deploy the resources we have available.
We have long prided ourselves as being a District that embraces financial stewardship to the constituents of our communities. New schools were built as recently as 1993 to address increases in enrollment, which peaked at over 13,000 students in 2012-13 Today, though, our enrollment has dropped and hovers around 10,500 students, of which 9,675 students attended our brick and mortar facilities in 2024-25 With a total SDW capacity of 14,232 seats, that leaves us with 4,557 open seats and we continue to decline about 2% in student enrollment per year.
The School District of Waukesha is not alone when it comes to sustained declining enrollment Enrollment projection studies are completed every four to five years by the Wisconsin Applied Population Lab at UWMadison and show a projected decline across the state in the coming decade. The majority of school districts in Wisconsin and across the country are grappling with the problem, which is driven by larger societal population changes Higher education is also facing the same challenge as evidenced by the recent closures of Cardinal Stritch University and UWM at Waukesha. There are numerous resources on our District website related to the decline in birthrate and scho l t d t
The challenges in enrollment have, in turn been able to manage those pressures thro our educational delivery systems, facility f in recent years, along with limits on those and the District faces an annual structural
Despite these challenges, we remain com educational options We will also continue our staff To ensure we live up to those co needs to be part of the conversation for th
To that end, capacity reduction targets of were created as possible ways to reduce b can be found on our District website: bit.ly
These options were presented during Phase II of this process to allow our stakeholders to provide input and feedback These plans are not final and we utilized the summer to gather insights on perceived strengths, concerns, and suggestions for enhancement The District hosted 26 sessions for parents, staff and community members this summer along with providing an online survey option as well Over 1,000 individuals engaged by signing up or completing the survey, and we appreciate this level of involvement. You can view the feedback received on our District website as well.
What’snext?
We used the month of August to evaluate the input gathered from parents, community, and staff. We aim to present a final recommendation to the Board of Education in the coming months Depending on the recommendation, there may be a need to gather further input from our stakeholders this fall Below is a review of the overall process, and we thank you for your support of the School District of Waukesha as we plan for a sustainable future.
Hold public information sessions on District-wide SDW enrollment and our objective for the 2025 calendar year
Refinement of final plan proposal(s) along with internal and external communication/input sessions.
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
COMMUNITYSpotlight Spotlight
The Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. (also known as WEF) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit that provides classroom grants to educators and scholarships to students within the School District of Waukesha While they are partners with the district, they operate independently With one staff member and a volunteer board of directors, the WEF does some amazing work!
Since its inception in 2002, WEF has granted over $558,000 to support projects and initiatives that directly benefit the students of the School District of Waukesha and over $380,000 in scholarships and awards Through fundraising efforts such as the annual WEF Golf Outing and the Evening for Education event, WEF relies on donations from the community to further the educational experiences of School District of Waukesha students.
Join Them in Making a Positive Impact!
Are you interested in supporting students and educators? Scan the QR code to let WEF know how you would like to get involved!
Become an event sponsor
Businesses and individuals can receive exposure while supporting WEF’s special events Several levels are available and vary by event
Donate a raffle or auction item
Event tickets, gift cards, vacations, sports memorabilia, certificates for services and more are all welcome as donations for WEF’s events
Create a scholarship
Support high school seniors and their postsecondary plans Contact WEF to explore options for this impactful giving opportunity
Volunteer at an event
Share your time and help make their events go smoothly! Sign ups are typically available 1 month in advance
Annual Sponsorship Program
Businesses and individuals are invited to be partners in education and support our mission Sponsorships range from $1,000$5,000 annually
Become a Classroom Connect Donor
Support the classroom grant program with a minimum $6,000 donation. These innovative grants directly impact students
The Waukesha Transition Academy (WTA) is dedicated to supporting young adults with disabilities as they take the next step toward independence Serving students aged 18 to 21, WTA offers a dynamic, community-based program designed to prepare students for life after high school, with a focus on work readiness, life skills, and independent living.
The academy's strength lies in its real-world approach Through individualized programming aligned with each student’s Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP), students engage in hands-on learning experiences that reflect their personal goals, interests, and abilities. These experiences include school-based jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships, and community work placements
Each student's work placement is meticulously chosen based on a combination of transition assessments, instructor observations, and evaluations of work readiness skills. These data points help identify the student's strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that placements are both meaningful and appropriately challenging
In addition to workplace experiences, students participate in classroom modules focused on essential soft skills such as communication, time management, and self-advocacy Life skills training covering areas like cooking, budgeting, and navigating transportation further aids in achieving greater independence.
WTA’s success is built on robust community partnerships The program collaborates with organizations such as the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Aging and Disability Resource Center, Special Olympics, and Independence First to provide services, training, and resources to young adults with disabilities.
Notable community work experience sites include the Hope Center, YMCA, ReStore, Quad Graphics, and CARE Animal Rehabilitation These partnerships offer students the chance to develop employability skills in practical,
ween high school and adulthood, helping young to thrive
The School District of Waukesha provides a developmentally appropriate environment for your child to grow socially and academically. Our classrooms cater to any student’s needs, offering dual, all-day, half-day, community partner sites, multi-age classes, and the flexibility to move! Have your child join the play and see how much fun they can have learning every day!
For more information check out our website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/page/4k-welcome
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) within the School District of Waukesha is a pre-school based program that implements IEPs for our youngest learners (ages 3 - 5) We utilize various models to serve our most significantly impacted students
If you have concerns or questions regarding your child’s development, please feel free to reach out to the Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, Sara Rear, or register for one of the screening dates at bit.ly/4jbY0jK or scan the QR code.
Advanced Placement
The School District of Waukesha is proud to offer 29 Advanced Placement courses. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in the following subject areas:
AP courses allow high school students to take college-level courses and exams administered by the College Board By achieving a passing score (often a 3 or higher), students can earn college credit or advanced placement at university, potentially saving on tuition costs and allowing them to skip introductory courses. AP courses also foster critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students for rigorous courses in higher education
SDW believes effective professional development for teachers is a cornerstone of a supportive and thriving educational environment When school leaders invest in high-quality, relevant, and ongoing training, they equip teachers with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of modern classrooms By providing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and the exploration of new teaching methods, leaders demonstrate a commitment to their teachers' success. This support throughout the district translates directly to the classroom, where empowered teachers feel more prepared to address diverse student needs, manage classroom dynamics effectively, and create engaging learning experiences.
SDW is proud to offer a strong professional development program that builds a foundation of trust and respect, making teachers feel valued and supported in their vital role. Educators in the School District of Waukesha have a wealth of professional learning opportunities to refine their instructional practices so all students learn and grow SDW is committed to supporting new teachers and veteran educators.
District educators can access our 2025/2026 Professional Development Catalog on the district website under “Teacher Resources.”
for Educators for Educators
CONTRIBUTINGTOTHEPROFESSIONOFEDUCATION
When our profession is valued and supported, it attracts and retains talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the next generation, ultimately strengthening schools and communities.
SDW collaborates with colleges in the state to support future teachers as they earn their college degree and teacher licensure. In the School District of Waukesha, it is not uncommon to see college students working with students for their practicum hours and student teaching experience The support does not end there; each year, educators on their leadership journey work closely with district staff as they pursue higher-level degrees and/or licensures for principalship or director of curriculum positions.
Nicole Zeroth, 4K teacher at Banting Elementary, joined the district-supported educational leadership cohort at Carroll University this past year. She along with four other educator interns, has had high-level learning about curriculum this summer
Nicole encourages others to seek out leadership opportunities in their building, as well as to learn about district-supported educational opportunities for staff.
The SDW leadership truly embraces the development of leaders, providing a deep understanding of curriculum development, along with more experiences than I could have imagined.
As part of the Waukesha One 1:1 iPad program, every student in our district has access to powerful tools for learning, creativity, and connection However, we understand that when the iPad comes home, it can bring questions, concerns, and curiosity.
That’s why we’re launching the Waukesha One Family Learning Series—a new set of learning opportunities designed specifically for families.
Through a combination of in-person evening sessions and on-demand video resources, we’ll explore how technology is used to support student learning, how it’s managed to ensure safety, and how families can promote healthy and balanced digital habits at home.
Join us as we explore:
What the Waukesha One program is and how it supports learning
How we protect and support students online through tools like Securly
How to set screen time limits and build digital routines at home
How your child uses tools like Book Creator, Notability, and Clips to learn and create
How to promote digital wellbeing, balance, and focus in a 1:1 world
Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of how to make technology meaningful, manageable, and empowering for every student
All sessions will be held at the Blair Administration Building, 301 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188. Registration is not required
Waukesha North remains in the Parkland Conference for football and moves into the Woodland Conference for all other sports
Visit their new athletic website: bit ly/nhsactath
Waukesha South remains in the Parkland Conference for football and moves into the Woodland Conference for all other sports
September 25......5:30 - 6:30 PM November 5......5:30 - 6:30 PM
January 21 5:30 - 6:30 PM
February 4 5:30 - 6:30 PM
April 15......5:30 - 6:30 PM
Visit their new athletic website: May 6......5:30 - 6:30 PM
Waukesha West remains in the Classic 8 for all sports.
Visit their athletic website: westwolverines.com bit ly/goblackshirts
SENIOR ACTIVITY PASSES
The Board of Education invites school district residents aged 62 or older to attend school activities free of charge.
Passes can be obtained at the Blair Administration Building located at 301 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188.
To verify residency and age, a driver's license or ID card must be presented.
These passes are valid for most athletic activities; however, special events, including WIAA tournaments and events that require reserved seating (such as plays and musicals), are excluded.
Homeschooled students are permitted to attend up to two courses per semester at a public school in the District, provided they meet the minimum admission standards for the course and space is available Families residing in the District may choose from both online and in-person instruction To learn more, contact our enrollment office at (262) 970-1024 or enrollment@waukesha.k12.wi.us.
VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
While many parents have found success in home-based education, eAchieve may offer the right fit for families looking to supplement their schedule or challenge their students as they prepare for graduation or college. Families residing both within and outside the District can choose to attend up to two courses per semester via our virtual school, eAchieve Academy For additional information call 262-970-1069 or email jwest@waukesha k12 wi us
HORWITZ-DEREMERPLANETARIUM
The Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium is a valuable learning extension. While the majority of visitors are school groups for field trips, they have become a popular destination for homeschool families and alternative education programs Its immersive shows offer an engaging, interactive way to explore science and the natural world Each program is designed to spark curiosity while supporting academic goals, with many aligned to state and local standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
With its unique blend of education and inspiration, the planetarium continues to be a trusted resource for enriching science learning beyond the classroom.
To learn more about the planetarium visit their website: https://bit ly/hdplanetarium
eAchieve is offering all WI school districts the opportunity to join the eAchieve Consortium. The consortium is a collaborative partnership between the SDW and another school district The SDW enables other districts to offer their students a fulltime virtual learning option via eAchieve Academy, while students remain enrolled in their home district. This partnership provides students with:
A flexible, full-time virtual education tailored to each student’s individual needs
Continued eligibility for WIAA athletics and extracurricular activities in their resident district
Access to a broader range of courses
The opportunity to graduate with a diploma from their home high school or district, upon meeting local graduation requirements
Districts that are part of the eAchieve Consortium maintain enrollment of students, and pay a discounted per-pupil cost significantly lower than the open enrollment rate
To learn more about the eAchieve Consortium, please get in touch with Principal Jason Smith at (262) 970-3766 or jsmith@eachieve.com.
Discover Discover
DISCOVER SDW
S S
D DW W
The School District of Waukesha The School District of
Discover SDW is a program designed to provide community members the opportunity to deepen their knowledge regarding the mission and strategic priorities of the School District of Waukesha The purpose is to build capacity and connection throughout our school community.
Why join Discover SDW? Throughout this nine-month program, participants will obtain a foundational understanding of district operations, leadership principles, and governance, as well as become more active participants in our schools Participants are asked to commit to the full ninemonth series
Each session features networking opportunities, presentations by a variety of district leaders, and breakfast.
DATES & TOPICS - 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR
September 19 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
October 10 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
November 21 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
December 19 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
January 16 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
February 20 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
March 20 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
April 17 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
May 15 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
LOCATION
District Overview: School & Community Relations
District/State Budgeting & Funding
District Governance & Legislation
Teaching & Learning
Student Services & Special Education
Technology
District Facilities, Safety, and Security
Human Resources
Program Highlights: Early Learning, Dual Language, and Waukesha MADE
Blair Administration Building, Rm 111 301 Hyde Park Ave. W k h WI 53188
APPLY TODAY!
We are accepting a through September 1
Visit bit ly/discovers below
QUESTIONS?
Contact Mary Jo King
262-970-1028 or mking@w
CURRENTRESIDENT
WeHaveASeatWithYour
Save the date and watch a performance you will never forget. Shows, dates, times and locations of our high school musical and play productions are below
10/10 - 10/12 Murder on the Orient Express West High School
11/13 - 11/16 The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
11/13 - 11/16 To Be Announced
South High School
North High School
12/12 - 12/14 Pride, Prejudice, and the Undead West High School
11/19 - 11/22 Damn Yankees
02/25 - 03/01 Big Fish School Edition
North High School
South High School
03/12 - 03/15 Hadestown West High School
04/30 - 05/03 The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered
