The West Way (Volume 4 | Issue 15)
2026 Retiree Breakfast
We loved welcoming our retirees back for our 4th Annual Retiree Breakfast this week! It was a wonderful morning filled with smiles, laughter, reminiscing and reconnecting with familiar faces.
Our retirees have played an incredible role in shaping WAWM, and we are so grateful for the dedication, care and lasting impact they’ve made on our students, staff and community. Once a part of The West Way, always a part of The West Way! Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
FLW Science: Exploring the Microscopic World
Students in Mr. Gaza’s classes explored the microscopic world last week as they learned how to use a microscope! After practicing with prepared slides, students took their learning a step further by preparing their own cheek cell slides using ethylene blue stain. They also created wet mounts to observe microorganisms in pond water collected from Greenfield Park. This hands-on experience gave students the opportunity to put their scientific skills into practice and discover the fascinating details of the world around them!
Department Download: Human Resources & Employee Engagement
Finding and retaining talented, dedicated employees is essential to the success of our schools. Across West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, our staff members make a difference every day by supporting students, strengthening our school communities, and helping every learner reach their potential.
Our Human Resources team is continually working to fill open positions and connect qualified candidates with opportunities throughout the district. From classroom teachers and special education professionals to educational assistants, substitutes, and support staff, these roles are vital to meeting the needs of our students and school communities.
Recruiting is an ongoing effort, and our Human Resources team uses a variety of strategies to reach prospective employees. These efforts include partnering with education-focused recruiting resources such as WECAN, sharing openings through job boards and recruiting platforms, participating in local and regional career fairs, and building relationships with colleges and universities to connect with future educators.
Human Resources also works closely with school leaders and hiring teams to identify staffing needs and find candidates who will make a positive impact in our buildings. Employee and community referrals are another valuable way to connect with individuals who may be a great fit for WAWM.
There are many ways to build a career in education, and not every position requires a teaching license or previous school experience. Whether someone is an experienced educator, a recent graduate, or exploring a new career path, WAWM offers opportunities to contribute to our schools and community. Community members can help support these recruiting efforts by sharing job openings with friends, family members, neighbors, and others who may be interested in joining our team.
Visit our employment resources to learn more about available positions and apply:
- View Current Job Openings: Current Job Openings
- Apply for a Position: WECAN Job Opportunities
Meet Lucky Jack!
Mrs. Zabkowicz’s first graders at General Mitchell Elementary brought their learning to life after reading Pumpkin Jack! Students created a new classroom friend and are excited to observe the science of decomposition firsthand as Lucky Jack changes over the next several months. What a fun way to bring science and literacy together!
Community Partner: Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Every child deserves a safe, comfortable place to sleep. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children who do not have a bed of their own by providing beds and bedding at no cost to eligible families.
We were proud to welcome Sleep in Heavenly Peace to our Back to School Bash this past summer, where they connected with families and shared information about the important work they do. We are grateful to have them as a community partner and appreciate their commitment to supporting children and families in our community.
Through the work of volunteers and community supporters, Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and delivers beds to children who need them. This support helps families provide a comfortable sleeping space for their children and helps ensure more children have the opportunity to get the rest they need to learn, grow and thrive.
Families with children ages 3–17 who do not have a bed or have an inadequate sleeping arrangement may be eligible to receive assistance. To request a bed, a parent or legal guardian can complete the online application through Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
To apply:
Visit shpbeds.org/apply.
Enter your zip code to determine whether your area is served by a local chapter and whether applications are currently being accepted.
Complete the online application and provide the requested contact information
Eligible families must live within a participating chapter's service area. Beds are provided at no cost, based on eligibility and availability. Submitting an application does not guarantee a bed, and families should watch for follow-up communication from the organization.
Families who need assistance are encouraged to explore this resource and share it with others who may benefit. We are thankful for community partners like Sleep in Heavenly Peace who help ensure more children have a comfortable place to rest and are ready to learn each day.
Anatomy in Action at Central!
Students in West Allis Central High School’s Human Anatomy class took a hands-on approach to learning this week! Using bananas to simulate a dissection and perform an autopsy, students practiced techniques and applied their knowledge of anatomy in a creative, engaging way. Who knew bananas could make such great teaching tools? Way to go, Bulldogs, for bringing science to life!
Nominate an Educator of the Month
What's Happening This Month?
Find all district and school calendars here.
Join us for our upcoming Non-School Day Camps at Mitchell Elementary!
We have three exciting themed days planned, starting with Halloween Fun on October 30, Sports Day on November 2, and Under the Sea Adventure on November 3! Campers will enjoy fun crafts, gym games and other exciting activities that go along with each theme.
Camp will run from 7am-5:30pm with lunch and snacks provided each day, We can't wait for all the fun adventures ahead! To register, please call 414-604-4900 OR 414-329-6600 or visit wawmrec.com/NSDC today!
Click here for information on upcoming School Board Meetings.
Community members interested in receiving our meeting notices can be added to the list by emailing their contact information to Sarah Shepherd (shepherds@wawmsd.org).