The Bay Window Dream. Aspire. Achieve.
Welcometothe2023-2024SchoolYear
Itismypleasuretowelcomebackourstudents,staff,andfamiliestoanewschool year.Itrustyourtimeawayhasbeenenjoyable,renewing,adventurous,and interwovenwithfunandrelaxation;reinvigoratingyouallforthebeginningofwhat willbeaterrificschoolyear
ItismyhonorandprivilegetoserveastheDistrictAdministratoroftheWilliams BaySchoolDistrict.Ourdistrictservesapproximately650studentsingrades3K–12. Thedistricthasbuiltastrongreputationforprovidinganincredibleeducationtothe childrenofWilliamsBayThroughourgoalsofContinuousStudentAcademic Achievement,AttractingandRetaininghighqualitystaff,FinancialPrudence,and CommunityEngagement,wearebuildingadistrictofexcellenceandinnovationand willcontinuebeingapremierdistrictintheregionandstate.TheWilliamsBaySchool
District Strategic Plan helps to guide our work and ensure that we are preparing our students for the many paths they will take after graduation from Williams Bay High School Whether it is continuing their education in a college or university setting, beginning their journey in a career, or serving in a branch of our military, students are developing the skills necessary to be successful and meaningful contributors to society. Advanced Placement courses, honors courses, college credit bearing courses and courses leading to industry certifications are just a few of the choices students have in our robust curriculum offerings
Remaining fiscally responsible with the funding and resources entrusted to us is of the highest importance to our district. The district has been able to meet and exceed our commitment to the community to be financially stable, but due to declining enrollment, increase costs, and a flawed state funding formula, the district will be faced with a budget shortfall beginning the 2024-25 school year During the upcoming months, the Board of Education and district leadership will utilize a process that involves and engages our staff and community in identifying the needs of the district and the most viable solutions.
Without our community’s support, the Williams Bay School District would not be where it is today. We have extremely engaged parents, who collaborate with our teachers to support their students. Our PTA and Sports Boosters continue to be intimately involved through fundraisers and volunteer hours, to support the work being done inside and outside of our classrooms at each grade level Our local civic organizations and business community are also great advocates and partners, as we continue to develop additional ways for these organizations to participate in the growth and development of our students and for our students to give back to the community. The Williams Bay School District’s goal is to build and strengthen a collaborative atmosphere, dedicated to always working in the best interest of our students We need you as a partner for our district to continue reaching our shared goal of excellence for our students and community We appreciate the important connections being made between our schools, students, teachers, staff, and our overall community.
August 2023
First Day of School! Tuesday, September 5
Dr. William White District Administrator
Mrs. Emily Soley-Johnson Middle/High School Principal
Time for another year to begin! Where does the summer go? It’s something we all hear at the start of each school year. If we think about it, the summer time goes to all the things we love to do! As we think ahead to this school year, it’s time to reflect on all the things we love to do and find a way to get involved in something we love!
The Williams Bay Middle/High School is excited to welcome students back on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The school day starts at 7:30am so be sure to practice your morning routine prior to the first day of school As we kick off the year, encourage your student to check out all the clubs and activities available during our open house on Wednesday, September 6, from 5:00 - 7:30 Now is the perfect time to try something new and discover something they may not have thought about.
This school year, we are all continuing to build relationships with each other Just like our students, we too are excited for a new school year The connections we have made and the new ones we will make, help each of us grow socially and academically Our student DRIVEN Team has been busy this summer planning a fun-filled first day of school and teachers are eagerly preparing for everyone to arrive!
I look forward to welcoming our students back and getting to know families better. Our partnerships make student achievement of their individual goals possible! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions I can be reached at esoley-johnson@williamsbayschool org
6TH GRADE 6TH GRADE
ICE CREAM SOCIAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Wednesday, August 30, from 5:00 - 6:00
This is a great opportunity for students and families to meet our middle school teachers and learn more about what to expect in 6th grade!
School Picture Days
Middle / High School
Wednesday, September 13
Elementary School
Wednesday, September 27
From the Elementary School
As the summer break comes to an end there are many important notes and reminders as you move into the “getting ready for school” mode The Elementary Student Handbook was revised. The handbook is available on the Williams Bay Elementary School website. Please take time to review the student handbook with your child(ren) so all are aware of the revisions to school policies, procedures and routines Please make a special note of the attendance policy as well as the expectation that students will arrive at school on time. Students will be considered tardy if their arrival is after 8:30 AM. Arrival after 8:35 AM will be considered a partial day absence. Also, all treats/snacks should be store purchased with the ingredients clearly marked on the package No homemade treats will be permitted to keep all students safe due to allergies and other possible safety measures
Ali Bond
Elemetnary School Principal
Registration is online only, even if you are a new family or 4K who handed in paperwork.
2023-2024 Family Registration: Registration is online only for all students: returning, new to the district, 4K-5th grade, and 3K programs. 3K is filling up fast so get your registration in as it is on a first come basis. 3K is currently full on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Registration fees can be paid using RevTrak in the Skyward system when they are available this summer Please click on this link for specific instructions regarding registration links: Online Family Registration Information
3K Program Registration should begin by clicking on the Online Family Registration Information Once you gain access to Skyward Family Access, complete registration by clicking on the arrow to the right of the house icon on the top left of the screen. You will then see the “2023-24 3K New Student” tile. Click on that tile to complete the registration If you have questions, please email Judy at jhopkins@williamsbayschool org or call the school at 262245-5571 3K Guidebook: Please click on this link to review the Little Paws 3 Year Old Kindergarten Guidebook
Registration Payment using RevTrak: The link below includes instructions to help you navigate the procedure to set up a RevTrak account which is what is needed to make payments in Skyward.
Fee Payment in Skyward Family Access
There is also a link to RevTrak on the website: Online Payments
To view the fees, log into Skyward Family Access and open the tile labeled “Fees”.
3K program registration and tuition will need to be paid via check made payable to Williams Bay School District Registration is $25 Each ½ day session is $18 Tuition must be paid weekly Please see the Little Paws 3 Year Old Kindergarten Guidebook for more details
Lunch account balances reflect the amount that is in the family account This family amount will show up for each of your children. If an extra lunch is purchased it will be deducted from the family account, not each individual child.
To pay for lunches, log into Skyward Family Access and open the tile labeled “Food Service” Click on the “Pay with RevTrak'' link on the top right of the screen
Milk Fees: Families are welcome to pay for milk for the daily milk/snack break We will send home milk forms with students to obtain information about which students will be taking milk at snack time.
Homeroom teachers will be uploaded into Skyward after registration is complete with fees paid in full or a payment plan is submitted to the WBES office. Homeroom teacher information can be accessed through Skyward Family Access using the “Schedule” tile.
Dr.
Parents will update contact and student information, emergency contact information, medical and health information as part of the registration process using Skyward Family Access, and pay registration fees and other payments using RevTrak which can be accessed through Skyward Family Access. Medical forms should be sent to school with students or brought to school by parents no later than the first day of school. Medication forms are located on the school website and may be brought to school with medication on the first day of school Questions about transportation should be submitted directly to Dousman Transport Co., Inc. Danell Hnilo Craig, Assistant Manager, danellh@dtcbus.com or 262728-2166 ext. 40222.
Families are invited to stop into Williams Bay Elementary School on Wednesday, August 30 to drop off school supplies and meet their teacher(s) during our Open House between 3:456:45 PM. Parents will be able to sign up online for fall conferences this year using Skyward Family Access beginning September 5 Fall conferences will be held Thursday, November 9 from 4:00-7:15 or Friday, November 10 from 8:00-12:00
The first day of school is September 5 We are very excited to welcome students back to school As a reminder, the drop-off circle is at the front of the school (east side) Enter on Theatre Road, and proceed to the circle drive Students should be dropped off between 8:15-8:25 AM. Elementary students cannot be dropped off when middle/high school students arrive unless they are registered for before care. There is no other supervision before 8:15. So, if you have children in both the elementary and the middle/high school and you drive them to school, two trips will be required The buses and parents of children who attend before/after school care, will drop off and pick up students on the west side of the building
Picnic Table Fundraiser
4K-5thgrade8:30–3:30
½day4K8:30–11:15(Parentspickupatthefrontdoors)
3KAM8:30–11:15(Parentspickupatthefrontdoors)
3KPM12:45–3:30(Parentspickupatfrontdoor)Supervisionbeginsat8:15. Studentscanstandintheirdesignatedlinesuntilstaffisonduty Youngerstudents
ElementarySchoolHours: (3K&4K)shouldhaveanadultwiththemuntilstaffisonduty
Four octagon picnic tables were purchased in 20212022 thanks to the generosity of families and partners in the community Students use these tables for outdoor learning, eating lunch outside, and many other activities. We were able to purchase two additional tables with funds that were raised throughout the school year to support the new Gaga Ball Pits and other outdoor activities We are hoping to purchase one more octagon table with the help of the Williams Bay community. If you are interested in donating or contributing money to purchase an additional table or even sponsoring or dedicating a table, please contact Ali Bond at 262-245-5571 or abond@williamsbayschool org The
Williams Bay Elementary School
current cost of each table is $1999 Donations should be made to
Middle / High School
Back to School Open House Night
On Wednesday, September 6th, from 5:00 - 7:30pm we will host our annual Back to School Open House Night This event is an open house format allowing families to meet teachers and visit classrooms from 5:00 - 7:30pm. We will also be showcasing our athletics and activities in the commons. At 6:30pm there will be an informational meeting for any student and their parents in grades 9 - 12 about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award At 7:00pm there will be a meeting for parents of students participating in The Hope Squad as well as an informational meeting for parents of 6th grade students about Outdoor Adventure
Williams Bay Art Fest was July 29th & 30th
Williams Bay Middle & High School Visual Arts & Industrial Technology programs had a booth to display student's work from a variety of courses offered 2023 Senior Ev Duvall was selected & showcased as the Cultural Arts Student Scholarship recipient.
Class of 2024 Senior Trip to Washington D.C.
Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 22, 2024
In May, Williams Bay Elementary students and staff raised $2,058 for the Tree House Child and Family Center in Elkhorn. Students were excited to show off their artwork and raise money to help those in need!
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL DISTRICT PARENTS/GUARDIANS
It is the responsibility of all parents/guardians to keep their demographics updated for all students via Skyward This will assure that you will receive timely correspondence from school administrators and staff through our school messenger program
Welcome to the Bulldog Family!
It is with great pleasure that we extend warm and hearty welcomes to each of our valued additions to our school community. Their decision to join our team brings fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a wealth of talent that will undoubtedly enrich the educational journey we provide to our students
HeatherWatt–WeareextremelyexcitedtohaveMrs.Watt’sfamiliarfaceteachingfull-timeinfive-yearold Kindergartenthisyear Youmayrecognizeherfrombeinginthe3Kroomlastyearandhavingsubstitutetaughtin thedistrictpriortothat Mrs Watt’schildrenalsoattendWilliamsBaySchools
CarynSchaeffer–Mrs.Schaefferwasemployedasathird-gradeteacherinthedistrictonaone-yearcontract duringthe2022-2023schoolyear.Shedidanincrediblejobandweareexcitedforhertoreturnthisyearasathird gradeteacher.SheisagraduateofWesternGovernorsUniversityandcompletedherstudentteachingatCentral DenisonElementarySchoolinLakeGeneva
HannahGrant–Ms GrantwillbejoiningthedistrictastheK-12LibraryMediaSpecialist Hannahhadbeen employedforthepreviousthreeyearsbytheAlbanySchoolDistrictinthesamecapacity.Sheimpressedthehiring committeewithherknowledge,K-12experience,vision,energy,andstudentfocus.
WillWelch–AnotherfamiliarfacerejoiningthedistrictisMr WelchinthepositionofMiddle/HighSchool AssociatePrincipal/ScienceTeacher Mr Welchtaughtmiddleschoolscienceandhighschoolphysicsinour districtfrom2020-2022.Mr.Welchisanavidgolferandalsothoroughlyenjoysalltypesofweightlifting,from bodybuildingtoolympiclifting.Heandhiswifeofsevenyears,Samantha,liveinMilwaukee.
BeckySchicantek–Mrs Schicantekwillbejoiningthemiddle/highschoolasamathteacher Beckyisamotherof atwoyear-oldnamedChip,athreeyear-oldGermanshepherd,Nitro,andasevenyear-oldcat,Butters Her familyracesmusclecarsandinherfreetime,shelikestoread,camp,andcraft Shepreviouslytaughtmathforthe WilmotUnionHighSchoolDistrictandwaspreviouslyemployedbytheKenoshaUnifiedSchoolDistrict.
DevinServin–Mr ServinwillbeworkingasourMiddle/HighSchoolSocialStudiesTeacher Devintaughtfor threeyearsforthePearlCityCUSD#200inIllinoiswhereishighlyinvolved,includingcoaching Heisagraduate ofBradleyUniversityandplayedhockeywhileincollege Devinalsoenjoysplayingtheguitar,soccer,andis tryingoutgolf!HeisexcitedtorelocatetoWisconsintobeclosertofamily.
ChrisColosimo–Mr.ColosimowillbejoiningthedistrictasSpecialEducationDirectorandSchoolPsychologist. InhislastpositionheservedasaSchoolPsychologistfortheElkhornAreaSchoolDistrictforthepast6yearsand hasover17yearsofexperienceworkingasaSchoolPsychologistbetweenILandWI Previously,Mr Colosimo taughtthirdgradeinMichiganandhastaughtmiddle/highschoolspecialeducationstudentsinMilwaukee.Heis currentlyworkingonhisDoctorateinLeadershipInnovationandContinualImprovement.Hehastwochildren activelyinvolvedinschoolsports.
HillaryMahoney–Mrs Mahoneywillbejoiningthedistrictasasecond-gradeteacher Shepreviouslytaughtin theWheatlandSchoolDistrictandhasbeenactiveinthatdistrict Mrs Mahoney’stwochildrenattendWilliams BayElementarySchool.
KerryHertel–Mrs.Hertelwillberejoiningthedistrictasapart-timethree-yearoldpre-schoolassistant.Youmay recognizeMrs Hertelfromwhenshepreviouslyworkedasafour-yearoldkindergartenteacherformanyyears Sheisexcitedtoreturntothedistrictbutismakingsureshesavestimetospendwithherchildrenand grandchildren.
CathyTheobald–Mrs.Theobaldwillbejoiningthedistrictasapart-timethree-yearoldpre-schoolassistant. Cathyhaspreviouslysubstitutedthroughoutthedistrictandhelpedusoutbyfinishingthe2022-2023schoolyear asalong-termfour-yearoldkindergartenassistant
AmandaLisenby–Mrs.Lisenbywillbejoiningthedistrictasafour-yearoldkindergartenassistant.Shehasserved asalong-termsubstituteonanumberofoccasions,includingapositioninfifthgrade.Sheistheparentoftwo WilliamsBaystudents
CourtneyBiley-Mrs Bileywillbejoiningusasathird-gradeteacher Mrs BileyhasbeenemployedbyGateway TechnicalCollegesince2019,whereshetaughteducationcoursesandadvisedstudents.Shehasalsoworkedasa4K andsecondgradeteacherinRacineforfouryearsanda4KteacheratUniversitySchoolofMilwaukeefortwo years SheresidesinLakeGenevaandislookingforwardtojoiningtheBulldogFamily
NathanEischeid-Mr Eischeidwillbejoiningthedistrictasa4KInstructionalAssistant Mr Eischeidhasa bachelor’sdegreeinearlychildhoodeducationfromUW-WhitewaterandstudenttaughtintheFontanaSchool District.HeresidesinWalworthandisexcitedtoworkinthe4Kclassroom.
NoahMcAlister–Mr McAlisterwillbejoiningthedistrictasa5Kteacher HeisaDecember2022graduateof UW-GreenBaywherehemajoredinEducationandminoredinPsychology Hestudent-taughtatHoweElementary SchoolinGreenBay Mr McAlistersubstitutetaughtduringthespringsemesterandtaughtsummerschoolin Elkhornthispastsummer.
EmilyTerry-Mrs Terryisrejoining(formerlyknownasMs Dean)theWilliamsBaystaffafterobtainingher mastersdegreeinOccupationalTherapy Mrs TerryhasexperienceworkingasanOccupationalTherapistwith Mercyandhasapassionforworkingwithchildren EmilylivesinWilliamsBayandisexcitedtoworkacrossall buildings.
JennyFrank- Mrs.FrankwillberejoiningourBayfamilytoteachSkillsForSuccesstoourelementarystudents. ShepreviouslyworkedinthedistrictasathirdgradeteacherforsevenyearsandhasaBachelorsinsocialwork JennyresidesinWilliamsBay,hastwochildrenandisexcitedtojumpbackintotheelementarybuilding
ClaytonMorrison-Mr.MorrisonwillbejoiningtheWilliamsBaystaffasaMiddle/HighSchoolParaprofessional forthefirst12weeksofschool.HehasaBachelorsinbusinessandsportsmanagementfromMaranathaBaptist University Mr Morrisonwillalsobecoachinggirlsbasketballthiswinter
RobertaPollak-Mrs PollakwillbejoiningtheWilliamsBaystaffasalong-termsubstituteteacherforMrs HudsonuntillateNovember.Shewillthenbemovingintoafull-timeSpecialEducationparaprofessionalposition fortheremainderoftheschoolyear.Mrs.Pollakhasworkedinthedistrictinmanycapacitiesoverthepastseveral yearsincludingsubstituteteacher,long-termsubstituteSPEDAide,long-termsubstituteteacher,andhelpingwith athleticassignments HertwochildrenarebothgraduatesoftheWilliamsBaySchoolDistrict
Williams Bay High School Receives Technical Education Grant
The Williams Bay School District is excited to announce that, with the generous support of Midwest Precision Molding of Lake Geneva, Williams Bay High School was one of seven Wisconsin school districts to be awarded the Department of Workforce Development’s Technical Education Equipment Grants
This grant financially supports educational institutions to acquire modern and industryrelevant equipment for their technical education programs. The belief behind that grant is that by equipping educational institutions with state-ofthe-art tools, machinery, and resources students will receive hands-on training that aligns with the demand of today’s job market.
Midwest Precision Molding graciously donated $8,400 to fulfill the 50% required match to be awarded the grant With the investment, the Williams Bay School District was able to purchase the Amatrol Industry 4 0 Learning System This system delivers classroom-based skill performance assessments evaluating how well a learner performs hands-on skills such as manufacturing metrics, PLC project development, and other skills that directly relate to real-world industrial skills needed in the workforce.
Midwest Precision Molding’s support will allow Williams Bay High School students to receive training in advanced manufacturing practices to prepare for stable careers while they obtain dual enrollment credits, industryendorsed certificates, and technical endorsements on high school diplomas
Midwest Precision Molding has served as Wisconsin’s leading provider of tight tolerance plastic injection molded parts. Their Lake Geneva facility is home to some of the most dynamic equipment arrangements in the Midwest. MPM was designated as a 2023 Future 50 company for the third time by BizTimes Media and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Associations of Commerce Future 50 is awarded to the 50 fastest growing businesses in southeast Wisconsin They are also a proud member of the American Gear Manufacturers Association which is the global network for technical standards, education, and business information.
High School History Club is Seeking New Members
Want to spend the night on a World War II submarine? How about joining a state-championship History Bowl team? The Williams Bay High School History Club has done this and more over the past 23 years. The love of adventure and the love history combine into unforgettable moments that students who participate will never forget.
Recognized as one of the Top 5 History Clubs in the U.S. by the National History Club of America, The WBHS History Club combines, fun, facts and adventure to be the largest extra-curricular club at WBHS with over 100+ members in grade 9 -12 out of a high school student population of around 200
Student-led and student-run, the History Club experience is unique. Activities run year -around and range from keeping Frost Park watered and weed to selling concessions at volleyball and basketball games to. Students sign -up to participate in various History Club Committees ranging from the Culture and Cuisine Committee to the Ancient Native Burial Ground Committee to the Special Events Committee that recognizes 9/11, Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day
Sign-up begins in September prior to the first meeting and ends at the October meeting for the year. The only requirements are that students pay $5 in dues to help defray some of the expenses and some of the adventure cost. Monthly meetings are held during the high school lunch hour so as many students can attend as possible For more information, contact History Club Advisor, Deb Soplanda at dsoplanda@williamsbaschool org
Pictured from left to right: Emily Soley-Johnson, Middle/High School Principal; Jacob White, Technology Education Teacher; Patrick Austin and Larry Austin of Midwest Precision Molding.
Williams Bay Middle/High School 500 West Geneva ST Williams Bay, WI 262-245-6224
Williams Bay Elementary School 250 Theatre RD Williams Bay, WI 262-245-5571
