Whitman Family Newsletter
Every Student. Every Day. Every Step of the Way.
Principal’s Corner
Happy October, Whitman Families!
Happy Fall! As the leaves begin to change and we settle into the rhythm of the school year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and engagement in your child’s education.
Thank You for an AMAZING Conference Turnout!
A HUGE thank-you to our families for the incredible turnout at Parent-Teacher Conferences! We had 368 families attend, and the response was so strong that four of our six core content teams (houses) completely filled their schedules and ran out of available spots. It was wonderful to see so many families connecting with our teachers and working together to support student success!
If your family was unable to attend due to limited availability or scheduling conflicts, please reach out to your child’s teachers to arrange a time to connect by phone over the next week or two. We want every family to have an opportunity to ask questions, discuss student progress, and connect with our team. Teacher contact information is included below.
Stay Connected to Your Child’s Progress
As we move through the school year, I encourage you to check your child’s academic progress regularly through Infinite Campus. Staying informed about grades, assignments, and progress allows us to celebrate successes and address concerns early. Please remember that you can contact the school at any time with questions, concerns, or requests for support. We value open communication and are committed to partnering with you every step of the way.
Join Me for The Wolverine Parent Connection!
Please join me on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 8:15–9:00 a.m. for The Wolverine Parent Connection! This is an opportunity to share your ideas, provide feedback, ask questions, and explore ways you would like to contribute to and strengthen the Whitman community.
If you plan to attend, please complete the RSVP form below.
Thank you for your flexibility, engagement, and continued partnership. We are fortunate to have such a supportive Whitman community, and I am grateful for the trust you place in us each day.
Together, WE Grow—Every Student, Every Day, Every Step of the Way!
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ySxeV_Ks0r0GQXmI7pCUtobV6qgATQ9KYuvVzYfUhqk/edit
Stay in Contact
6th Grade Advisors
Ms. Thusius — thusiuch@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Plewa — plewaje@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Steiner — steineam@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Pollack — pollackr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Kubiak — kubiakam@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Sherry — sherryje@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Halstead — halstero@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Fey — feytr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
7th Grade Advisors
Ms. Novitski — novitsma@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Eckhardt — eckharbr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Condon — Condonbr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Panella — panellmi@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Fritz — fritzsh@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Lilyquist — lilyquja@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Guillen — guillejo@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Krupa — krupaja@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
8th Grade Advisors
Ms. Kolstad — kolstaja@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Scott — scottme@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Cohen — cohenma@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Burley — burleyre@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Zyppie — zykanel@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Fischer — fischean@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Kitzerow — kitzerbr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Summers — summerjo@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Special Education Case Managers
Ms. Rouf — roufan@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Kratochwill — kratocka@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Dietsche — dietscad@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Myers — myerssa@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Berry — berrych@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Cook — cookka@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Thein — theinlu@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Allied Arts
Ms. Larsen - larsenja@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Kraft - kraftty@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Russell - russelsh@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Dubnicka - dubnicth@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Cleveland - clevelma@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Ours - oursmi@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Ankerberg - ankerbje@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Sienkiewicz - sienkich@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Hull - hullty@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Ms. Burg - burgch@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Hansen - hansenku@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Dombrowski - dombrosc@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Messina - messinne@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. DeValk - devalkry@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Mr. Kocovsky - kocovsst@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Around Whitman
Chromebook Use & Technology Expectations
We have recently seen an increase in inappropriate Chromebook use at Whitman. To address this, we are reimplementing our Technology Violation Response Framework from last year to help monitor Chromebook use, reinforce expectations, and ensure that school devices are being used appropriately.
Students are expected to use their Chromebooks appropriately both at school and at home during non-school hours. Inappropriate use may include accessing websites that are not academically necessary, searching for explicit or inappropriate content, listening to music with explicit lyrics, accessing games or other non-academic content, or otherwise using the device in a way that does not align with school expectations.
GoGuardian allows us to identify and monitor inappropriate Chromebook activity. When a concern is identified, administration will document the activity and share information with families, along with a reminder of expectations and the steps that will be taken if concerns continue.
Our response framework is as follows:
1st Incident: Warning only. The student meets with administration to review expectations and appropriate Chromebook use.
2nd Incident: The student is placed on the “AP Scene” in GoGuardian for the remainder of the school year. This allows for increased administrative monitoring and restricts access to certain non-essential websites, such as games.
3rd Incident: Continued GoGuardian monitoring and Limited Access for one week.
4th Incident: Continued GoGuardian monitoring and Limited Access for one month.
5th Incident: Continued GoGuardian monitoring and Limited Access for the remainder of the school year.
6th Incident: The student's Chromebook is confiscated and held for the remainder of the school year.
For reference, the “Limited Access” status that would be applied after the 3rd incident is very restrictive. While it allows students to access websites that are strictly academically appropriate it can cause frustration when students are tasked with completing research projects as it does not allow them to access search engines such as Google. As such, we work hard to avoid this option outside of situations where it becomes essential.
Our goal is not simply to restrict access, but to help students develop responsible and appropriate technology habits that support their learning.
The Whitman Way
Introducing the Wolverine Award!
Whitman is excited to introduce the monthly Wolverine Award, celebrating students who exemplify the Whitman Way through positive behavior, leadership, kindness, and respect for others. Each month, two students from each grade level, one from A House and one from B House, will be recognized for the positive impact they make on our school community.
We look forward to celebrating our first Wolverine Award recipients on Friday, October 30! This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the students who help make Whitman a welcoming, positive place to learn and grow.
Wolverine Harvest Party!
To continue encouraging positive hallway behavior, students will work toward having one or fewer tardies from October 19–30. Students who meet this goal will celebrate with a Wolverine Harvest Party in their classrooms during the final 30 minutes of the school day on Friday, October 30! Students may bring candy and enjoy free time. Thank you for supporting our students as they work toward this goal!
The Learning Connection
Encouraging Reluctant Readers at Home
If your middle schooler is reluctant when it comes to reading, you’re not alone. Below are a few simple moves that might help grow their joy for reading.
Let them choose: Graphic novels, sports articles, magazines, etc. all count towards building reading skills. Audiobooks are another great way to enjoy stories, language, and ideas.
Keep it short: Even a few minutes of reading is a great place to start. Find moments that work for your family.
Read together: Set a time when everyone in the house reads so it feels like a family event, not a chore. Everyone can choose their own reading material or you could even read a book together.
Ask low-pressure questions: “What was the most surprising part of what you read?”, “What were you picturing in your head when you read that?”, “What do you think might happen next?”. Share your own thoughts too so reading feels like a conversation, not a quiz.
Small, consistent moments build confidence and joy.
Growing Well
Navigating situations and conversations with your child can be challenging at times. Many parents are facing the same struggles but stay hopeful. Learn about how to help your child through some of their challenging moments in this resource: Am I doing this right?
Counselor Connection
Recent events in our community and world may bring up questions, worries, or big emotions for middle school students. We encourage families to check in with their children and remind them that trusted adults are available to help. If you have concerns about your child or your family needs additional support, please reach out to Whitman Student Services. We are here to help connect you with resources, including the Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP), Care Solace, and our list of Emergency Resources for Families. You don’t have to navigate difficult times alone!
Additional Resources for Parents
Helping Children Cope With Loss, Death, and Grief
TALKING TO ADOLESCENTS ABOUT DEATH: A Short Guide for Parents
Additionally, if you have an 8th grade student and have not completed your Academic and Career Planning Conference, please reach out to your student’s counselor to schedule an appointment.
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Student Services Contacts
School Counselors:
Ginny Dubinski: Serving Students and Families With the Last Name: A-G
Phone: 414-773-2628
Lisa Gerlach: Serving Students and Families With the Last Name: H-O
Phone: 414-773-2626
Ryan Zierath: Serving Students and Families With the Last Name: P-Z
Phone: 414-773-2627
School Social Worker:
Meredith Welch: All Students and Families
Phone: 414-773-2677
School Psychologist:
Jeff Ludowissi: All Students and Families at Whitman Middle and Jefferson Elementary
Phone: 414-773-2621
A Message from the Whitman PTA
Come and Join us!
We are looking forward to another great year here at Whitman and would love to have you join us in the PTA - it's not too late!
Join today for access to the latest news and events happening at Whitman.
A membership does not require a large time commitment -
It helps support our school community and enhances our voice and commitment to Whitman staff and students.
To become a member of the Whitman PTA - just click HERE!
$20 per individual membership
We had a great turnout at the 1st meeting and would love to see that again!
Our 2nd meeting of the year is coming up
Tuesday, October 13th, 6:30pm, School library
Hope to see you there!
Reach out with any questions
PTA Fundraiser - Wauwatosa Village Passport
The Village Passport is your ticket to savings in the Village of Wauwatosa in 2027. This exclusive coupon book is packed with valuable coupon offers good at 27 of your favorite Village businesses and events. The Passport includes more than $700 worth of discounts, and it pays for itself in just 1-3 uses. Passports make great holiday gifts for teachers, service providers, friends and family! Each business's discount can be used one time. Discounts are valid beginning January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. Pre-order today! Fundraiser runs through November 2nd; passports arrive late November.
Picture Retake Day Thursday 11/5
Winter Sports
Clubs & Activities
Cross Country Schedule
Girls Basketball Schedule
October News
No School for Students - Friday 10/2/26 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tosa Middle School October M.I.X. Event (@ Montessori) Friday - 10/9 7:00 pm - 9:00pm
Whitman PTA Meeting - WMS Library -Tuesday -10/13/26 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday 10/15 12pm - 8:00 pm Friday - 10/16 - 8:00 am - 12pm
Choir Fall Concert (@ West High School) Thursday 10/22/ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Game of Tiaras Fall Play Friday 10/23 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday 10/24 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts Monday -10/26 3:30 pm - 5:00pm & Tuesday 10/27 3:30 pm - 5:00pm
7th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts - Wednesday -10/28 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm Thursday 10/29 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Homework Club
ATTENTION: There will be NO homework club this year after school. Please make arrangements for your student to be picked up at 3:30pm. And Wednesdays at 2:30pm. Students will have to be off of the premises by 4pm
Thank You
