Uncategorized – North Lake School District

WAVE 5-31-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

NORTH LAKE SCHOOL BOARD ACCEPTS NLEF GIFT

The new middle school desks have been ordered and will be ready for the new school year. Thank you to NLEF for their support of students’ learning needs and the fine arts program.

A SUMMER ASSIGNMENT FOR PARENTS

The end of any school year tends to have challenges in terms of student behavior. These challenges are normal, and students work through them hopefully learning important lessons along the way. However, I have been especially concerned about student cell phone use lately, especially related to healthy boundaries and responsible choices. I mention this concern as we close out the school year because families will have time to reflect on it over the summer. I intend to maintain the cell phone free school day and always need parental support to accomplish this chief educational goal. More information will be coming in the 2024-2025 Back to School Letter. Meanwhile, parents, please make a point to read this powerful article written by Jonathan Haidt titled: End the Phone-Based Childhood Now : The environment in which kids grow up today is hostile to human development.

I am happy to send a hard copy home – just call the office. Have a safe summer, play outside, and talk to your kids!

NORTH LAKE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

There are three scholarships available to high school seniors who attended North Lake School. These scholarships are awarded annually through the Arrowhead Scholarship Fund.

The 2024 North Lake Education Foundation (NLEF) recipient is Sam Leoni (not pictured).

The 2024 Robert H. & Shirley E. Bentzien Foundation recipients are Faith Knabenbauer and Charlie Andorfer. Aiko Steinlage, a 2023 scholarship recipient, serves as the foundation’s executive director and presented the awards.

GRADUATION FAST APPROACHING

We are all looking forward to the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4th. Rumor has it that Mr. Krieger’s choir will be performing a song or two. Please join us even if you do not have a graduate.

Parents of rising 9th graders, please send a written note to the office indicating early dismissal on Tuesday, June 4th. The rehearsal will be over by 10:00 a.m. and students are encouraged to go home at this time and return by 5:00 p.m. for graduation pictures at the front of the school.

END OF YEAR – STUDENT MEDICATIONS

Parents, please remember to pick up your children’s medications on file in the health room by Thursday, June 6th.

FIELD DAY & FAMILY PICNIC UPDATES

The rising 8th graders are hosting an all school field day on Wednesday, June 5th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thank you Mrs. Wagner for your leadership and organization of this event.

The last day of school is Thursday, June 6th and culminates with the Family Picnic. Join us at 11:00 a.m. for 5th-8th grade or 11:30 a.m. for K-4th grade.

NEW THIS YEAR: K-4th grade parents please pick up your child at their classroom before joining the lunch line. If you have children at different lunch times, please feel free to dine with all ages at 11:00 a.m. Just be sure to check in with the K-4th grade teachers.

It is a North Lake tradition to take your children home following the picnic. Please indicate your plans to your classroom teachers. Keep in mind, it is still technically a full day of school so there will be afternoon bus service if needed.

7TH GRADE FOOD TRUCK EXPERIENCE

As part of the 7th grade Write IT class, Ms. Mays’ students create portfolios for their very own food truck business. Younger students then participate by “purchasing” a set amount across all food trucks. This year’s winner of the food truck experience will be announced next week.

OLYMPIC CLOSING CEREMONY

Thank you to Mrs. Karen Clauer for her leadership with the North Lake School Olympics. Mrs. Clauer gave the 8th grade class a special acknowledgement for being positive role models and a dream class for a gym teacher.

The 2024 podium included:

⭐ 1st Place – Ireland

⭐ 2nd Place – USA

⭐ 3rd Place – Norway

JAMMIN’ WITH JULIA – 5/18/24

Supporting Julia and MPS (Mucopolysaccharidosis IV)

2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION

2024-2025 – SCHOOL CALENDAR

The North Lake School District school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year is located on the North Lake School website, see Calendar/Printable Calendars.

https://northlakeschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NLS-2024-2025-Calendar-Approved-1-17-24.pdf

2024-2025 – ENROLLMENTS

North Lake School continues to attract new students. We have room at every grade level and word of mouth is our best advertisement. If you have a neighbor or friend interested in attending the #1 middle school in the state as well as a Great K-8, please encourage them to call the office and arrange a personal tour. Although the regular open enrollment window has closed, the alternative open enrollment applications period begins July 1st. It’s never too late to be a Laker!

2024-2025 – ONLINE REGISTRATION (SKYWARD)

The District is migrating towards online registration.

➣ This process will begin mid July.

➣ Detailed instructions and links will be communicated through email mid July.

➣ If you have changed your email recently, please make sure to contact the office with your most current email for distribution of online registration materials.

Don’t worry…there will still be an in person Registration Day & Open House on Wednesday, August 21st from 3:00-6:30 p.m. including school pictures and an epic community event!

2024-2025 – SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS

The office will notify you through email when the school supply lists are available on the North Lake School website.

2024-2025 – GET YOUR SHOTS THIS SUMMER!

New immunization information has been released for the upcoming school year. 7th graders now need the meningitis immunization prior to the first day of school.

Make sure to set up your appointments early this summer.

1st Grade - Milwaukee County Zoo Field Trip

4th Grade - State Capitol Field Trip

4th Grade - Old World Wisconsin Field Trip

6th Grade - Milwaukee County Zoo Field Trip

7th Grade Girls Volleyball - 3rd Place AMSAC

North Lake School Results

Arrowhead Grade School Invite - May 15th

Student	Event	Place
Elliot Daugs	Boys 400 Meter Dash	15th
Juliana Daugs	Girls 400 Meter Dash	1st
	Girls 200 Meter Dash	3rd
	Girls High Jump	2nd
Keagen Foerch	Boys 1600 Meter Run	4th
Reid Foerch	Boys 800 Meter Run	11th
Amelia Fulton	Girls 400 Meter Dash	23rd
	Girls 1600 Meter Run	6th
Quinn Fulton	Boys 1600 Meter Run	12th
Matthew Greenhagen	Boys 100 Meter Dash	8th
Mason Roberts	Boys 100 Meter Dash	18th
Zoe Thieme	Girls 100 Meter Dash	10th
Parker Widenski	Girls 100 Meter Hurdles	12th
	Girls Long Jump	22nd

Team Rankings – 11 Events Scored		Place
North Lake School – Girls		8th
North Lake School – Boys		10th

North Lake Track Club Success

at the May 22nd All Comers Meet

Student	Event	Place
Bailey Anderson	Girls 13 – 55 Meter Dash	5th
	Girls 14 – 4×100 Meter Relay	1st
	Girls 13 – Long Jump	6th
Juliana Daugs	Girls 14 – 4×100 Meter Relay	1st
Keagan Foerch	Boys 13 – 1600 Meter Run	1st
	Boys 13 – High Jump	2nd
Parker Foerch	Boys 6 – 400 Meter Dash	1st
	Boys 6 – 200 Meter Run	1st
Reid Foerch	Boys 11 – 800 Meter Run	1st
Amelia Fulton	Girls 9 – 1600 Meter Run	1st
	Girls 9 – 110 Meter Hurdles	1st
Quinn Fulton	Boys 11 – 1600 Meter Run	1st
Matthew Greenhagen	Boys 13 – 55 Meter Dash	2nd
	Boys 13 – 100 Meter Dash	3rd
Skylar Sabre	Girls 14 – 4×100 Meter Relay	1st
Parker Widenski	Girls 11 – 110 Meter Hurdles	2nd
	Girls 11 – Long Jump	5th

Achieving Outside NLS

COLLEGE GRADUATE

Natalie Andorfer (NLS summer custodian) has earned her B.S. in Biology and a minor in Native American Studies & Leadership from UW- Madison and hopes to attend medical school in 2025.

Go Badgers! Go Natalie!

June Dates to Remember

3

8th Grade Field Trip to the Kalahari – 8:00-5:00 pm

5th-6th Grade Picnic – 9:00-2:30 pm

4

8th Grade Graduation – 5:30 pm in Big Gym

5

Field Day – 12:00-2:00 pm

6

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Family Picnic – Grades 5-8: 11:00-11:30 am

Family Picnic – Grades K-4: 11:30-12:00 pm

19

School Board Meeting – 5:30 pm – Conference Room

July Dates to Remember

17

School Board Meeting – 5:30 pm – Conference Room

mid July

Online Registration – Information will be emailed to parents

31

Online Registration Deadline

August Dates to Remember

21

Registration Day & Open House – 3:00-6:30 pm – MPR

School Board Meeting – 5:30 pm – Conference Room

A Note from Ms. Meister

Hello Summer!

Prevent “summer slide”, the loss of skills and knowledge students worked so hard to gain this year. Don’t stop reading.

The lazy days of summer are the perfect time to enjoy a good book, keep reading skills strong, and continue to build vocabulary.

The Town Hall Library invites all our North Lake School families to participate in their summer reading program. Stop by, sign up, and check out some good books.

More information can be found here: https://www.townhalllibrary.org/thl-summer-2024/

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of another school year! We sure will miss our 8th graders and look forward to welcoming a new class in the fall!

I wanted to celebrate our recent “Pay It Forward Day”. Our group hosted 49 North Lake students and they accomplished the following:

Created SIX Doctor Care Kits that will go to local hospitals
Made suncatchers that will go to local nursing homes to brighten people’s days
Tied SIX blankets that will go to the Ronald McDonald House for residents staying there
Drew and created inspirational sayings that will be tied in our community. Look for them around town!
Colored beautiful pictures that will go towards “Spreading a Smile”
And…ate lots of snacks! 🙂

It was a terrific day – big thanks to Addison, Hadley, Parker, Haley, Ava, Reese, Mairead, Kennedy, Maya and Fiona for your inspiration and hard work! You are making a difference in this little part of our world.

If your family would like to make a difference – check out this website for ideas!

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

As always, please continue to let me know if you’d like any more support for your child throughout the remainder of the year or looking into next year. Enjoy your summer!

Jill Lesch

School Counselor

lesjil@northlakeschool.org

WAVE 5-17-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

NEW SERVICE CLUB AT NLS

The 7th grade boys have been inspired to start a service club. All 7th grade boys will participate in the club during school hours and hopefully, leave a long lasting, Class of 2025 legacy in the North Lake Community. The leadership group is pictured below and the club is called FOOD FELLAS. FOOD FELLAS is partnering with the North Lake Food Pantry and hopes to fill the shelves with needed items for the summer.

FOOD FELLAS’ food drive information coming soon!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Thursday, June 6th will be the North Lake School Family Picnic. Please RSVP by May 23rd.

Scheduled start times for student lunches:

Grades 5-8: 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Grades K-4: 11:30-12:00 p.m.

Parents, please feel free to take your child home with you after the picnic by letting your classroom teacher know. Although it is scheduled as full day of school, the majority of students go home early with their parents. There will be bus service for those who need it.

Flyers were sent home with students this week and can be found at the end of the WAVE and in the WAVE attachments.

DRESS CODE

Weather is getting warmer but that does not mean midriffs and bottoms should be shown! Please review the NLS dress code found in the Parent-Student Handbook with your middle school child and go shopping if your child has outgrown his or her clothing. Dress code violations are usually handled with a verbal warning but repeat violations will result in a behavioral referral.

8th Grade Volleyball Champions

5th & 6th Grade Volleyball - 3rd Place

NLEF Teacher Appreciation

North Lake Track Club Success

at the May 8th All Comers Meet

Student	Event	Place
Bailey Anderson	Girls 13 – 100 Meter Dash	9th
	Girls 13 – 100 Meter Hurdles	2nd
	Girls 13 – High Jump	4th
	Girls 13 – Long Jump	3rd
	Girls 14 – 4 x 100 Meter Relay	1st
Elliot Daugs	Boys 11 – 110 Meter Hurdles	1st
	Boys 11 – High Jump	1st
	Boys 11 – 400 Meter Dash	4th
	Boys 11 – Long Jump	10th
Juliana Daugs	Girls 13 – 400 Meter Dash	1st
	Girls 13 – High Jump	1st
	Girls 13 – Long Jump	4th
	Girls 14 – 4 x 100 Meter Relay	1st
Aly Eckstein	Girls 13 – 100 Meter Hurdles	1st
	Girls 13 – Long Jump	1st
Keagan, Foerch	Boys 13 – 1600 Meter Run	1st
Parker Foerch	Boys 6 – 400 Meter Dash	1st
	Boys 6 – 200 Meter Dash	1st
Reid Foerch	Boys 11 – 100 Meter Dash	12th
	Boys 11 – 800 Meter Run	1st
	Boys 14 – 4 x 100 Meter Relay	1st
Amelia Fulton	Girls 9 – 1600 Meter Run	1st
	Girls 9 -110 Meter Hurdles	1st
Quinn Fulton	Boys 11 – 1600 Meter Run	1st
Matthew Greenhagen	Boys 13 – 55 Meter Dash	1st
	Boys 13 – 100 Meter Dash	2nd
Skylar Sabre	Girls 13 -100 Meter Dash	12th
	Girls 13 – 100 Meter Hurdles	6th
	Girls 13 – Long Jump	12th
	Girls 14 – 4 x 100 Meter Relay	1st
Parker Widenski	Girls 11 -110 Meter Hurdles	1st
	Girls 11 – Long Jump	13th
	Girls 11 – Javelin Throw	9th
Will Widenski	Boys 5 – 55 Meter Dash	2nd
	Boys 5 – 100 Meter Dash	1st
	Boys 5 – 400 Meter Dash	1st
	Boys 5 – Long Jump	2nd
	Boys 5 – Javelin Throw	2nd

May Dates to Remember

17

4th Grade Field Trip to Old World Wisconsin – 8:40-2:00 pm

23

1st Grade Field Trip to Milwaukee County Zoo – 8:45-2:00 pm

24

NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL WEEKEND

27

NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED

29

Stop the Bully Magic Show – 8:00-9:00 am

31

Neon Day

7th Grade Field Trip to Vietnam Wall & Mini Golf – 8:15 -2:00 pm

June Dates to Remember

3

8th Grade Field Trip to the Kalahari – 8:00-5:00 pm

4

8th Grade Graduation – 5:30 pm in Big Gym

5

Field Day

6

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Family Picnic – Grades 5-8: 11:00-11:30 am

Family Picnic – Grades K-4: 11:30-12:00 pm

A Note from Ms. Meister

Testing Update:

The Wisconsin Forward exam testing in grades 3-8 has been completed. We expect to receive the results in late July. Students and their families will receive a printed report in the fall.

End of year i-Ready testing for reading and math in grades 1-8, Literacy Tasks for grades K-2 and writing assessments in grades K-8 will be completed in the coming weeks. Classroom teachers will have results by Monday, June 3rd.

As always, please feel free to contact your child’s teachers or me with any questions.

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I wanted to share some resources with you that might be helpful as you help your children navigate big emotions or mental health struggles.

NAMI: National Alliance for Mental Health

Resources for parents, caregivers, and those struggling with mental health conditions

Sesame Street Workshop:

Great resources to talk about emotions with your kids
This helps with the importance of normalizing talking about emotions.

Mental Health Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic:

Next spirit day 5/31

Neon Day

As always, please let me know if there are any ways that I can support your child!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

WAVE 5-3-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

STILL RIDING THE REFERENDUM WAVE

The North Lake School Board awarded the “Say Yes” committee with the North Lake Community Service Award on April 24th. This parent led team of go getters was organized by Caitlin Schweitzer and Melanie Dundon. These lady leaders truly did this for the kids.

BUS RATE REDUCTION

Good News! If you are an open enrolled student to North Lake School and live near an existing North Lake School bus stop, you may ride the bus at a much discounted rate. The North Lake School Board approved the following private pay transportation fees for the 2024-2025 school year.

$150 – One Way AM Route

$150 – One Way PM Route

$300 – Round Trip – AM/PM Routes

School Safety

TWO IMPORTANT RULES

School safety is always of the upmost importance at North Lake School. The top 2 school safety rules include:

Know who is in your building
Lock the doors (exterior and interior)

The office uses the Raptor Visitor Management System and monitors security cameras. The night custodial team plays a pivotal role in school security outside of regular school hours.

THE NEED TO REPORT BULLYING

It is that time of year in the school year when thoughts turn to summer and people’s patience wanes. May can be a marvelous month for students and staff when communication is clear and consistent. If you have concerns about your child being bullied, please refer to the 2023-2024 North Lake School Student/Parent Handbook. Here is an excerpt from the handbook to help families with reporting.

Reporting Harassment and Bullying Incidents:

To help us effectively communicate in these unfortunate situations, we have posted a Harassment/Bullying Reporting Form on our school website page at www.northlakeschool.org. Click on Communications, Forms & Links to access the form. Students and parents should fill out a copy of this form and send it to our school or guidance office ASAP if any of the above incidents occur to any of your family members. We also would like to have printed copies of any cyber bullying incidents to assist us in the processing of the situation.

The North Lake School staff including your child’s teachers, Mrs. Lesch (school counselor), and Dr. Ackley are willing to stop any unkind behaviors with your help.

THE EVILS OF VAPING

Did you know that today’s cannabis contains 16.24% THC vs. yesterday’s cannabis contained 2.4% THC?

This increase in potency affects the cortical layer of the brain. The cortical layer of the brain is responsible for forming connections that are used in emotions and relationships. Research shows a significant cortical thinning in teen brains containing THC and an increase in mood disorders.

Information is power as we get ready to graduate yet another class from our great K-8!

Parents, please talk to your kids about vaping and the strong marketing campaign causing youth addiction. Now is a good time to review after our showings of Screenagers in January.

Source: “SCREENAGERS 3 “

DRESS CODE

Weather is getting warmer but that does not mean midriffs and bottoms should be shown! Please review the NLS dress code found in the Parent-Student Handbook with your middle school child and go shopping if your child has outgrown his or her clothing. Dress code violations are usually handled with a verbal warning but repeat violations will result in a behavioral referral.

NLEF Teacher Experiences...

Chick-fil-A with Dr. Ackley & Mrs. Bickel

5th & 6th Grade BizTown

North Lake Track Club Success

at the 4-24 All Comers Meet

Student

Event

Place

Bailey Anderson

Girls 13 – 100 Meter Dash

Girls 13 – Long Jump

15^th

6^th

Mila Anderson

Girls 5 – 55 Meter Dash

Girls 5 – Long Jump

Girls 5 – Discus Throw

Girls 5 – Javelin Throw

2^nd

1^st

Elliot Daugs

Boys 11 – 100 Meter Dash

Boys 11 – 100 Meter Hurdles

Boys 11 – High Jump

Boys 11 – Long Jump

Boys 11 – Javelin Throw

11^th

4^th

2^nd

16^th

7^th

Juliana Daugs

Girls 13 – High Jump

1^st

Keagan Foerch

Boys 13 – 1600 Meter Run

Boys 13 – High Jump

1^st

2^nd

Parker Foerch

Boys 6 – 400 Meter Dash

1^st

Reid Foerch

Boys 11 – 800 Meter Run

5^th

Maya Forsterling

Girls 8 – 110 Meter Dash

Girls 8 – Long Jump

1^st

3^rd

Skylar Sabre

Girls 12 – 100 Meter Hurdles

Girls 12 – Long Jump

3^rd

15^th

Therese Shanahan

Girls 10 – 55 Meter Dash

Girls 10 – 110 Meter Dash

11^th

10^th

Ariana Strommen

Girls 10 – 800 Meter Run

2^nd

Parker Widenski

Girls 11 – 110 Meter Hurdles

Girls 11 – Long Jump

Girls 11 – Javelin Throw

1^st

14^th

7^th

May Dates to Remember

3

8th Grade Field Trip to Finance Park – 8:15-2:00 pm

6

Teacher Appreciation Week

AMSAC Girls Volleyball Tournament at AHS – May 6-11

7

Teacher Appreciation Week

4th Grade Field Trip to Madison – 7:30-2:15 pm

8

Teacher Appreciation Week

9

Teacher Appreciation Week

10

Teacher Appreciation Week

NLS Spirit Day

13

3rd Grade Field Trip to Discovery World – 8:00-2:15 pm

Culver’s Night 5:00-8:00 pm

14

Blood Drive – 2:00-6:00 pm

15

School Board Meeting – 5:30 pm Conference Room

17

4th Grade Field Trip to Old World Wisconsin – 8:40-2:00 pm

23

1st Grade Field Trip to Milwaukee County Zoo – 8:45-2:00 pm

24

NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL WEEKEND

27

NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED

29

Stop the Bully Magic Show – 8:00-9:00 am

31

Neon Day

7th Grade Field Trip to Vietnam Wall & Mini Golf – 8:15 -2:00 pm

A Note from Ms. Meister

FORWARD EXAM Testing Update:

The Wisconsin Forward exam testing in grades 3-8 has been completed. We expect to receive the results in late July. Students and their families will receive an individual student report in the fall.

Thanks again to the Student Leadership Team for distributing healthy brain food snacks to all!

North Lake School was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s newest study of elementary-school-aged students called Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2023-24.

The ECLS program has helped improve children’s educational experiences. This national study will provide insights into the experiences of children whose early lives were shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A big THANK YOU to Mia Stremcha and all the book fair volunteers. The excitement it generates around books and reading is priceless! Another great literacy program promoting success!

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Nancy Meister

262-966-2033 Ext. 134

meinan@northlakeschool.org

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

I’m excited to tell you about an event coming up this month. There is a fun story behind it! In 2018 a sweet group of girls decided that they would like to plan an event that helped others. They created “Pay It Forward Day” which was a huge success. Fast forward to 2024 and one of our alumni, Addison McAdam, reached out and wanted to recreate this experience for our current students. She recruited some 5th and 6th graders, and we are ready to host another Pay It Forward event! Here are the details. Students have received permission slips – they are due on May 7th.

Pay It Forward Day

What: This is a student led community service event planned by some 5th grade

students.. All students are invited to attend!

Date: 5/17/24

Time: 2:30-4:45 pm

Needs: Parent volunteers to help students run stations

Donation items for care kits: hot cocoa bombs, coffee pods, comfy socks/slippers, or any other fun relaxation items that an adult might enjoy!

Thank you for your support in building our school community of service and helping others! Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to help out.

As always, please let me know if there are any ways that I can support your child!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

lesjil@northlakeschool.org

WAVE 4-19-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

UNIQUE CELESTIAL EXPERIENCE

Shout out to our glowing partnership with the Town Hall Library. The 5th and 6th grade students had a stellar experience viewing the solar eclipse at the Town Hall Library. The event drew 140 eager participants, and they enjoyed Eclipse Super Stuffed Oreos and Capri Suns. The 5th and 6th grade students were beaming with excitement to participate in this once in lifetime experience.

I am very appreciative of Mrs. Ruck making an effort to stay connected to our community and collaborate with Mr. Kaczor’s science class and Miss Emily, Youth Librarian. Mrs. Ruck also serves on the Town Hall Library Board and is a shining example of going above and beyond the stars!

COME TOGETHER

The successful operational referendum sustains the superior education experience found only at North Lake School. For example, the Lakers Manufacturing Experience will be offered to grades 5-8 for the 2024-2025 school year. Rising 7th and 8th graders should have returned their elective selection sheet by today. The fine arts department will continue to thrive, and Pop Rock Piano, Choir, and Art will remain elective experiences for students.

MRS. APEL’S OFFICE SUBSTITUTES

The Apel family’s clothesline is getting longer. Baby Boy Apel will arrive next week. We wish the growing family health and happiness.

Mrs. Apel’s health room and office duties will be shared by Mrs. Becky Dorrow and Mrs. Kathryn Daugs. We have planned for this transition with shadow days but still ask for your patience with these changes in the office. Please continue to notify the office of attendance by telephone or email to officesub@northlakeschool.org. Reach out with any questions or concerns.

DRESS CODE

Weather is getting warmer but that does not mean midriffs and bottoms should be shown! Please review the NLS dress code found in the Parent-Student Handbook with your middle school child and go shopping if your child has outgrown his or her clothing. Dress code violations are usually handled with a verbal warning but repeat violations will result in a behavioral referral.

FATHERS,

ENJOY YOUR DAUGHTERS

AT TONIGHT’S

FATHER (OR SPECIAL GUEST) /

DAUGHTER DANCE!

KNOW AN ADULT WHO WANTS TO WORK?

North Lake School is desperately seeking an Assistant Night Custodian. The position has flexible after school hours. Please contact the office for more information.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

If you or your neighbor knows of a rising five year old kindergarten student, please contact the school office so that we can plan for the upcoming school year. We are currently enrolling resident and open enrollment students for the 2024-2025 school year in all grades, 5K-8th.

TEACHER REQUESTS

There is only one way to make a teacher request for the upcoming school year. You need to put your request in writing (e-mail is fine) to me, Dr. Liesl Ackley. I am happy to honor requests whenever possible, but it is important that the requests are received in a timely manner. Requests must be made by Wednesday, May 1st. It is very difficult to accommodate requests during the summer or at the start of the school year for many reasons.

NLEF Teacher Experiences...

Pizza & Pictionary

NLS Olympic Opening Ceremonies

North Lake Track Club Success

at the 4-15 All Comers Meet

Congratulations to the following athletes.

Name Event Place

Bailey Anderson Girls 13 100 Meter Dash 4th

Mila Anderson Girls 5 55 Meter Dash 2nd

Girls 5 Discus Throw 1st

Elliot Daugs Boys 11 55 Meter Dash 20th

Boys 11 100 Meter Dash 18th

Juliana Daugs Girls 13 400 Meter Dash 1st

Keagan Foerch Boys 13 1600 Meter Run 1st

Parker Foerch Boys 5 400 Meter Dash 1st

Reid Foerch Boys 11 400 Meter Dash 10th

Boys 11 200 Meter Run 3rd

Maya Forsterling Girls 8 55 Meter Dash 1st

Girls 8 110 Meter Dash 1st

Amelia Fulton Girls 9 100 Meter Dash 2nd

Girls 9 200 Meter Run 2nd

Quinn Fulton Boys 11 1600 Meter Run 3rd

Matthew Greenhagen Boys 13 55 Meter Dash 3rd

Boys 13 100 Meter Dash 4th

Skylar Sabre Girls 12 100 Meter Dash 12th

Girls 12 100 Meter Hurdles 2nd

Therese Shanahan Girls 10 110 Meter Dash 4th

Girls 10 55 Meter Dash 6th

Ariana Strommen Girls 10 400 Meter Dash 2nd

Girls 10 800 Meter Run 2nd

April Dates to Remember

22

Environmental Awareness Day

Book Fair April 19-25

6th Grade Field Trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo – 8:45-2:00pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – Swallow vs NLS at Lake Country -5:20pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Lake Country at Lake Country – 6:10 pm

23

Book Fair – April 19-25

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – Merton vs NLS at NLS – 4:30pm

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at NLS – 6:10pm

24

Book Fair – April 19-25

AMSAC Boys Volleyball Tournament at AHS – April 24 -25

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – Lake Country vs NLS at NLS – 4:30pm

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at NLS – 6:10pm

25

Book Fair – April 19-25

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Erin at Erin – 4:30pm

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Swallow at Erin – 5:20pm

26

Arbor Day

Color Day

29

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – Lake Country vs NLS at Lake Country – 4:30pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at Lake Country – 5:20pm

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

We do many activities to help our students become productive, kind, responsible and respectful members of our community. We were excited to add to our activities this year with the Lead With Me program. During their time together the students in this group learned about what it takes to be a leader, what kind of leader they are and how they can use their leadership skills to help our community. They heard from community leaders including our own Mrs. Tarkowski, local business leaders and student leaders. What a great experience for these students!

A big thank you to Mrs. Kent who facilitated this experience for our students.

As always, please let me know if there are any ways that I can support your child!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

WAVE 4-5-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

On behalf of the North Lake School Board, I would like to thank the district taxpayers for the approval of the April 2nd Operational Referendum. The entire North Lake School and Lake Country Kindergarten Preschool teachers and support staff are overwhelmingly grateful for the continued support of our GREAT K8!

The open enrollment window closes on April 30th at 4:00pm. There continues to be space at every grade level and word of mouth is always the best advertisement. I am happy to give a personal tour to any interested family. Tours can be scheduled by email – acklie@northlakeschool.org, phone or text – 262-422-9220.

IT SECURITY AND WEBSITE EMAILS

Parents received the necessary contact information for school staff in the Student/Parent Handbook given out at registration. School board member contact information can be obtained through the office. School board and school staff emails are not listed on the district website because email compromise is the #1 cause of data breaches in the world.

According to Mr. Chad Edstrand, IT Director, “Email addresses don’t have to be accessed by a person viewing our website, they’re often scraped by bots, which add those email addresses into phishing campaigns, some more advanced than others, including spear phishing attacks that aim to go after the school board, the superintendent, the IT director, the manager of business services, teachers, and more. I see and thwart these attempts everyday.”

Mr. Edstrand takes his responsibility to protect your child’s data at North Lake School very seriously and limits exposure by not including this information on the website.

You’re Welcome!

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

If you or your neighbor knows of a rising five year old kindergarten student, please contact the school office so that we can plan for the upcoming school year. We are currently enrolling resident and open enrollment students for the 2024-2025 school year in all grades, 5K-8th.

TEACHER REQUESTS

There is only one way to make a teacher request for the upcoming school year. You need to put your request in writing (e-mail is fine) to me, Dr. Liesl Ackley. I am happy to honor requests whenever possible, but it is important that the requests are received in a timely manner. Requests must be made by Wednesday, May 1st. It is very difficult to accommodate requests during the summer or at the start of the school year for many reasons.

State Forensics WIN!

The 2024 MLFA Forensics State Tournament was an absolute blast with over 70 schools competing on March 16! Nine of our outstanding Lakers poured their hearts into their performances, ultimately clinching the third place trophy in the fiercely competitive Medium School category.

Eloise Radtke, Ellie Rogers, Olivia Rohiff, Zoe Thieme and Olivia Alavarado performed remarkably, each receiving Blue Ribbons in both Round 1 and Round 2.

Maddie Nies and Grace Robinson both secured a spot in the Power Round, earning medals.

Taylyn Curci snagged a second place trophy in the humorous solo category.

McKenzie Wood received a first place trophy in the serious solo category.

As Coach Lindsey shared, “These students truly exemplified excellence and passion in their performances – I am so very proud of them.”

Go Lakers!

April Dates to Remember

8

Culver’s Night – 5-8pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – Richmond vs. NLS at Richmond – 4:30pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – Merton vs NLS at Richmond – 5:20pm

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs. Stone Bank at NLS – 4:30pm

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Merton at NLS – 6:10pm

9

Prisoner of War Remembrance Day

10

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Stone Bank at NLS – 4:30pm

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Lake Country at NLS – 6:10pm

11

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – Erin vs NLS at NLS – 4:30pm

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – NLS vs Swallow at NLS – 6:10pm

12

American’s Creed Day Observance

Hawaiian Day

15

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Lake Country at NLS – 4:30pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – North Shore vs NLS at NLS – 6:10pm

16

5th Grade Field Trip to Biz Town – 8:25-2:15pm

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Merton at Merton – 4:30pm

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Swallow at Merton – 5:20pm

17

School Board Meeting – 5:30pm Conference Room

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – Lake Country vs. NLS at Richmond – 5:20pm

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – Richmond at Richmond – 6:10pm

18

4K Screening for 2024-25 school year

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Stone Bank at NLS – 4:30pm

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at NLS – 6:10pm

19

Patriots’ Day

Book Fair April 19-25

NLEF Father/Daughter Dance 6:30-8:30pm

22

Environmental Awareness Day

Book Fair April 19-25

6th Grade Field Trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo – 8:45-2:00pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – Swallow vs NLS at Lake Country -5:20pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Lake Country at Lake Country – 6:10 pm

23

Book Fair – April 19-25

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – Merton vs NLS at NLS – 4:30pm

8th Grade Boys Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at NLS – 6:10pm

24

Book Fair – April 19-25

AMSAC Boys Volleyball Tournament at AHS – April 24 -25

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – Lake Country vs NLS at NLS – 4:30pm

8th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at NLS – 6:10pm

25

Book Fair – April 19-25

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Erin at Erin – 4:30pm

7th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs Swallow at Erin – 5:20pm

26

Arbor Day

Color Day

29

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – Lake Country vs NLS at Lake Country – 4:30pm

6th Grade Girls Volleyball – NLS vs North Shore at Lake Country – 5:20pm

A Note from Ms. Meister...

Friendly reminder to look FORWARD to the FORWARD exam. Wisconsin statewide testing will take place in April for North Lake School students in grades 3-8.

Grades 3, 4, 5, 6: April 15th to April 19th

Grades 7, 8: April 8th to April 19th

One or more subtests may be administered daily during the identified time frame, and it is very important that your son or daughter be in school during this time.

The Informational Brochure for Families provides more information about the assessment.

The Leadership team will help kick off testing for each grade level by providing each student with a healthy brain food snack. Thank you student leaders!

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher/s or

Nancy Meister

(262)966-2033

meinan@northlakeschool.org

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

As part of the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling standards, one of the lessons that I do at each grade level is safety and protective behaviors. We talk a lot about who our trusted adults are, when it is time to tell them about something uncomfortable or scary, and how to be safe.

We will be doing these lessons in most grade levels in the next few weeks. We will also be doing our Human Growth and Development lessons in grades 5,6, and 8. Stay tuned for more specific information and timing for Human Growth and Development.

Here is how protective behaviors are addressed at each grade level:

Kindergarten: Safe/unsafe secrets, identifying trusted adults

1st grade: Safety rules and identifying a support network of trusted adults

2nd grade: Privacy circles and identifying safe adults to talk to in various situations

3rd grade: Assertive communication/saying “no” when situations make you uncomfortable

4th grade: Identifying what is appropriate/safe to share with others digitally and in person

5th grade: Support network – who to talk to and when

6th grade: Healthy relationships, when to tell an adult

7th grade: Healthy relationships, when to tell an adult

8th grade: Healthy relationships, types of abuse, when to talk to an adult

If you have any questions about this part of the curriculum, please contact me so that we can talk about it. These are topics that are important to talk about at home, also!

As always, please let me know if there are any ways that I can support your child!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

WAVE 3-15-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

APRIL 2ND REFERENDUM UPDATE

The North Lake School facility is in excellent condition. The referendum dollars would be dedicated to daily operations, not facility improvements. This distinction is important for taxpayers to know. The North Lake School Board has demonstrated good stewardship of local dollars on behalf of the students and community.

As an FYI, early voting begins on March 19th. Please visit the Town of Merton’s website for more information about the election.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

If you or your neighbor knows of a rising five year old kindergarten student, please contact the school office so that we can plan for the upcoming school year. We are currently enrolling resident and open enrollment students for the 2024-2025 school year in all grades, 5K-8th.

TEACHER REQUESTS

There is only one way to make a teacher request for the upcoming school year. You need to put your request in writing (e-mail is fine) to me. I am happy to honor requests whenever possible but it is important that the requests are received in a timely manner. Requests must be made by Wednesday, May 1st. It is very difficult to accommodate requests during the summer or at the start of the school year for many reasons.

SOCCER GOALS

Our Athletic Director, Ashley Tarkowski, has ordered Touchline Striker Portable Soccer Goals. These goals should be ready for students after spring break. The NLS co-curricular fund is still accepting donations for these amazing nets.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

Information for ordering the 2023-2024 North Lake School yearbook is now available. Yearbooks are $14.50 each, and payment is made directly to Empire Photography via the yearbook store. Orders may be placed through the yearbook store link below or QR code located at the end of the WAVE.

https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/northlakeschool

All North Lake School students including Lake Country Kindergarten, 3K and 4K, will be featured in the yearbook. The last day to order your 2023-2024 yearbook is April 1st, but don’t let the date fool you. April 1st is the first day back from Spring Break, so order prior to leaving for Spring Break. If you are unsure if you ordered yearbooks in September with school photos, please contact the office.

Fluid Power Challenge 2024

Last week, some of our North Lake students competed against approximately 50 other teams in the Fluid Power Action Challenge sponsored by the National Fluid Power Association at WCTC.

Prior to the competition, the students spent a day in February at WCTC to learn about fluid power and hydraulics as well as build prototypes. They then spend the next month here at North Lake creating their portfolios and building another prototype to practice with. On competition day, they used their portfolio which included their plan and sketches to construct another prototype within a certain time limit and move items.

The Red Cranes team was composed of Allison Guiser, Gigi Piculell, McKenzie Wood, and Jessie Woodard which earned a third place finish in the portfolio section of the competition. The Poseidon team was composed of Quinn Fulton, Samuel Stremcha, Taylor Van Slett, and Charlie Wagner which earned a third place finish in the design and operation portion of the competition. The Dragons team was composed of Matthew Greenhagen, Bobby Jones, Cole Ruehlow, and Patrick Shanahan which also competed.

All of these students gave up many hours of their own time to prepare for this competition and did an amazing job throughout the process. During the entire process, they learned a lot of new things but also practiced skills they will use throughout their lives. All of these students represented North Lake very well, and we are very proud of them!

NLS Forensics Team Heads to State!

Over the course of 12 weeks, Forensics team members had fun together, developing and improving their speaking skills while taking home ribbons, medals, and even a second place trophy for our school.

This weekend, nine of our students will go on to compete among the top scoring/medaling students across 70 schools at the 2024 State Championship Tournament.

Please join us in wishing them the best of luck!

Olivia Alvarado (8) – Humorous Solo Act

Taylyn Curci (8) – Humorous Solo Act

Maddie Nies (6) – Humorous Solo Act

Eloise Radtke (6) – Demonstration

Grace Robinson (8) – Serious Solo Act

Olivia Rohlffs (8) – Non-Original

Ellie Rogers (8) – Impromptu

Zoe Thieme (6) – Humorous Solo Act

McKenzie Wood (8) – Serious Solo Act

5th Grade Basketball Celebration

Good Luck at State Haase Family!

March Dates to Remember

15

AHS Spirit Day

K-4 Spring Visual & Vocal Arts Concert – 5 p.m.

18

The Great Hunger in Ireland Observance Day

GREEN DAY

20

School Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m. in Library

Referendum Meeting following Board meeting – 6:30 p.m. in Library

8th Boys’ Volleyball – Merton vs. NLS at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

8th Boys’ Volleyball – NLS vs. North Shore at NLS – 6:10 p.m.

21

6th Grade Girls’ Volleyball – NLS vs. Swallow at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Girls; Volleyball – North Shore vs. NLS at NLS – 6:10 p.m.

22

End of 3rd Quarter

25

NO School – Spring Break – March 25-29

A Note from Ms. Meister...

Looking ahead…thinking FORWARD

North Lake students in Grades 3-8 will be participating in the Wisconsin Forward Exam assessment during the statewide testing window, March 18th to April 26th. State assessments, including the Forward Exam are required by both State (Wis. Stat. § 118.30) and Federal ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) (Every Student Succeeds Act) Law.

Our students will be taking the assessment following Spring Break during the week of April 15th to 19th. Each student is required to have wired headphones for this testing.

The assessment tests students in the areas of English/Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in grades 4 and 8 will also be assessed in the areas of Science and Social Studies. One or more subtests may be administered daily during the identified time frame, and it is very important that your son or daughter be in school during this time. Students not in school on the scheduled testing days will be scheduled for a make-up test prior to the close of the testing window.

The assessments measure the knowledge and skills students should have for their grade level. Students’ performance on the assessment will not affect any of their current grades. Please encourage your child to take the test seriously and do the best they can. The results of these tests will be used to help school staff make determinations regarding services to best support students.

The Information for Families brochure gives more information about the assessment. Once again, it is very important that your son or daughter be in school during this time.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or Nancy Meister.

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

We have been talking about careers in many classrooms. Getting this conversation started early helps us to explore SO many possible careers, connect school skills to work skills, and think about ways that we can be happy, successful, productive members of our communities. Our motto is “Exploration, not Declaration”. Our job is to keep our minds open to so many possibilities.

Students in grades 6-8 create a Xello Academic and Career plan. They can share their profiles with you on the Xello website. These profiles will follow them into high school to help direct them for decisions they will be making for their futures.

In 8th grade, we take our students to explore technology, manufacturing, and health care fields at events sponsored by the Waukesha County Business Alliance. These are great hands-on opportunities to explore!

As always, let me know if there is anything I can do to support your child.

Jill Lesch

School Counselor

lesjil@northlakeschool.org

WAVE 3-1-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

PARKING LOT SAFETY

There are many benefits to the community partnership between North Lake School and Lake Country Kindergarten Preschool including communication. LCK recently conducted a parent survey and received feedback about parking lot safety. This message should serve as a reminder to all NLS and LCK parents. Please adhere to the Parking Lot Rules.

SLOW DOWN as children are present
Highway VV is EXIT ONLY – Enter the parking lot via Park Road
STAND on the sidewalk to greet your child
WALK with your child to your parked vehicle
Students will meet parents in the carline in the CONE ZONE

HAMMER TIME

I recently met with the 5th and 6th grade classes to discuss the basic safety rules of cell phones. I held up a hammer to symbolize the many problems associated with cell phone and social media usage for this age group. As a resource, I used Common Sense Media for our discussion and Q & A.

We HAMMERED OUT:

WHEN?

All students should not use cell phones during the North Lake School day.
Cell phone use is permitted on school buses but should be limited to music or games only.

HOW?

Students should always ask permission before snapping someone’s picture, taking a video, or sharing anything!

WHAT?

Students should think before posting something and not share private information.
Students should know that once something is posted online, anyone can share it.
Youtube, as an example, could expose your child to unsafe content such as nudity, violence, and drugs.

WHY?

Taking pictures or videos (especially unflattering ones) can be used to publicly embarrass a classmate.
Poor cell phone choices at home can impact the educational learning environment at school.
Parents and North Lake School have different rules for cell phone use which causes confusion for kids.
Cell phones are powerful devices which may cause damage and destruction in our students’ lives without proper social media boundaries/permissions.

8TH GRADE STUDENT GRADUATION PLANNING COMMITTEE

It is that time of year to start planning for the 8th grade graduation ceremony on June 4th at 5:30 p.m. For over two decades, the 8th grade class has planned their graduation ceremony with administration. I am looking forward to hosting the first student planning session on Friday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. in the conference room.

The committee will meet every Friday during the lunch hour until graduation. It is always a pleasure to work with the future graduates and their unique ideas that reflect their class.

ART SHOW SNEAK PEAK

The Visual & Vocal Art Shows are approaching on March 14 (5th-8th) at 6 p.m. and March 15 (K-4th) at 5 p.m.

If you would like a sneak peak at your child’s artwork you may scan the QR code below. Mrs. Lyons was able to include all 333 students’ artwork in this beautiful slideshow.

The April 2nd operational referendum dollars will sustain exceptional educational programming like art and music at North Lake School.

TRACK AND FIELD CLUB

The North Lake Track Club will once again partner with the Merton Area Running Club to offer an exceptional track and field experience for Kindergarten through 8th grade runners.

The 2024 website and registration link below is now open. Merton Area Running Club

Come on out and meet Coach Jill Bradley!

YEARBOOK ORDERS

Information for ordering the 2023-2024 North Lake School yearbook is now available. Yearbooks are $14.50 each, and payment is made directly to Empire Photography via the yearbook store. Orders may be placed through the yearbook store link below or QR code located at the end of the WAVE. Students will also be bringing home the flyer today.

https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/northlakeschool

The last day to order your 2023-2024 yearbook is April 1st, but don’t let the date fool you. April 1st is the first day back from Spring Break, so order prior to leaving for Spring Break. If you are unsure if you ordered yearbooks in September with school photos, please contact the office.

SINGING IN THE SUNSHINE – 2ND GRADE

March Dates to Remember

2

NLEF Casino Night – 6:30-10:30 p.m.

4

Casimir Pulaski Day

Read Across America – March 4-8

AMSAC 7-8 Boys Basketball Tournaments – March 4-9

7th Grade at Swallow

8th Grade at Richmond

8

Team/Group Photos – 9:30-2:30 p.m.

11

Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball Practice Begins

Culver’s Night – 5:00-8:00 p.m.

14

5-8 Spring Visual & Vocal Arts Concert – 6 p.m.

15

Green Day

K-4 Spring Visual & Vocal Arts Concert – 5 p.m.

18

The Great Hunger in Ireland Observance Day

20

School Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m. in Library

Referendum Meeting following Board meeting – 6:30 p.m. in Library

8th Boys’ Volleyball – Merton vs. NLS at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

8th Boys’ Volleyball – NLS vs. North Shore at NLS – 6:10 p.m.

21

6th Grade Girls’ Volleyball – NLS vs. Swallow at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Girls; Volleyball – North Shore vs. NLS at NLS – 6:10 p.m.

22

End of 3rd Quarter

25

NO School – Spring Break – March 25-29

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

During Guidance in the next couple of weeks we will be doing acts of kindness. Random Acts of Kindness Day and the Great Kindness Challenge happened recently nationwide so we are going to join the fun! We will be doing things internally here at school to spread smiles, and I’d love it if you would continue the efforts at home. Students will be given the opportunity to complete a kindness checklist at home too.

Our next spirit day will be GREEN day on March 15th. Spirit winners from 2nd quarter were Emery, Ellie and Landen. Congratulations!

Please join us in spreading a little kindness! I’d love to hear about it from you or your child! Send a note or a picture and we’ll make sure to recognize the efforts to make the world a better place, one person at a time.

Take care-

Jill Lesch

lesjil@northlakeschool.org

WAVE 2-15-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

SCHOOL SAFETY

There are two important factors related to school safety.

#1 THE BUILDING

#2 THE STUDENTS

In terms of #1, the exterior and interior school doors must be locked at all times, and the office must know who is in the building at all times.

In terms of #2, students’ well-being and student relationships must be closely monitored by teaching staff. In a small K-8 school like ours, knowing the kids and involving the parents contribute to a secure environment.

I strongly encourage families to continue reporting facilities or student concerns as they arise. As a reminder, the Bullying and Harassment form can be found here or on the North Lake School website by selecting Parents – Important Resources – Bullying and Harassment form.

Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to the North Lake School staff. We want to work with parents to maintain our safe and successful learning environment.

Finally, in the unlikely event of a lockdown (drill or real time), you will receive communication from the office to keep you informed at all times.

The 2023-2024 core value is CHANGE. “We are able to adapt to the constant in both education and life in general because we expect it and will work in partnership to overcome any and all obstacles and adversity together.” The school theme which expresses this value in kid terms is: “COME TOGETHER”. There is no obstacle that our close-knit school community cannot overcome.

REFERENDUM INFORMATIONAL MEETING

The first of three meetings will be on Wednesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the North Lake School Library. Please bring your neighbor and give him or her a ride to school. The presentation should be under 30 minutes and will answer the following quiz questions.

NLS Referendum Quiz:

What question will appear on the ballot?
What will the funds be used for?
What is my tax impact?

Answer Key:

A. “Shall the North Lake School District, Waukesha County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $850,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes to sustain operational costs?”

B. The funds will not restate the 2023-2024 school year cuts totaling just under $500,000.

These funds would cover ongoing costs for the day-to-day operation of the district and address the increased costs for items like transportation, utilities, and special education, as well as the district’s reduction in state aid.

The funds may restate two important part time positions: Reading & Tech Ed.

If the referendum is approved, the district will be able to avoid devastating cuts which will significantly affect student learning in 2024-2025.

C. An approved referendum would have an estimated property tax impact of $1.06 in year one, $1.00 in your two, $0.93 in year three, and $0.88 in year four for every $1000 of assessed property value.

Extra Credit: Vote on April 2nd

SCREENAGERS – TONIGHT – 4 PM LAKERS LIBRARY

Keep the communication open with your kids about their activities. Please consider joining us for the third sequel of Screenagers today at 4:00 p.m. in the Lakers Library. You are guaranteed to learn something new and unexpected in less than 50 minutes.

SOCK DRIVE UPDATE

Kindergarteners have tallied the 100th day sock drive. A total of 321 pairs of socks were donated to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Hope House, and Sojourners Family Peace Center.

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL – KINDERGARTEN

LITERACY LIGHTS THE NIGHT – A SHINING SUCCESS!

February Dates to Remember

15

11:30 Dismissal – No Lunch

Parent Teacher Conferences – 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Screenagers Presentation – 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Lakers Library

16

No School – Midwinter Break

19

Non Student Day – Midwinter Break

20

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Erin at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Richmond at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Stone Bank Red at NLS – 6:30 p.m.

21

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at North Shore Green – 4:30 p.m.

School Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m. Conference Room

Community Referendum Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Conference Room

22

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Richmond – 5:30 p.m.

23

Sports Day

26

AMSAC 5-6 Boys Basketball Tournaments – February 26 – March 2

5th Grade at North Lake

6th Grade at Lake Country

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

It’s hard to believe that we are quickly approaching our second set of Parent/Teacher conferences for this school year. Please come and visit me during conferences! We are a team, and I’m here to help support your child.

What are some ways that I can help you support your child?

Discuss high school transition
Provide parenting resources
Help your child set some second semester goals and help with accountability
Brainstorm study skills strategies for success
Provide community resources as needed
Lend an ear regarding other social, emotional or academic concerns

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help your child find success academically, socially, and emotionally. We are all in this together!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

lesjil@northlakeschool.org

WAVE 2-2-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

APRIL 2ND REFERENDUM FAQs

What is the actual question on the April 2nd ballot?

Shall the North Lake School District, Waukesha County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $850,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes to sustain operational costs?

What will an approved referendum pay for?

An operational referendum will maintain the existing educational programming which includes school staff and benefits as well as rising costs for utilities, transportation, and special education.

Why is the amount lower than last spring?

The operational referendum amount is lower because the District cut just under $500,000 in the 2023-2024 school budget. The District would not reinstate the cuts with the exception of two very part-time teachers (Reading and Tech. Ed). The District also received a slight per pupil increase for the 2023-2024 school year of $81,000. Finally, open enrollment continues to be a healthy revenue source for North Lake School.

How will an approved referendum affect my taxes?

The tax impact is only an estimate at this time. However, families with a home value of $400,000 could expect a tax impact of $1.16 per day for the first year.

Why is the referendum important to our community?

The operational referendum is important for our community because it upholds the values and traditions North Lake is known for, protects your property values, and supports town businesses. The school is the heart, and the students are the soul of our local, rural community.

Where can I find out more information on the referendum?

You can visit northlakeschool.org and attend a community meeting on February 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Lakers Library or February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at the Town Hall Library.

100 DAYS ~ 100 SOCKS

Please join us in celebrating the 100th day of school on February 9th by donating new socks for the homeless. There is a table next to the office to collect sock donations. Thank you, Mrs. Diane Cull, for the suggestion and delivery to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Hope House, and Sojourners Family Peace Center.

The kindergarten classes will count and tally the socks in groups of 10. Updates to follow in the next WAVE.

Screenagers LAST SHOWING – 2/15/24 @ 4pm in Lakers Library

This is a special invitation for all North Lake parents, especially those in our lower school (4k – 4th grade) to join us for the last showing of Screenagers 3. It is not too soon to learn about tech addiction, violent video games, and digital safety.

Cute Kid Story: It was dismissal time, and I needed to confirm an afterschool plan.

I asked a 5 year old, “What is your father’s phone number?”

He happily replied, “1992.”

This answer gave me pause, and Mrs. Giesie clarified that the number was probably the passcode to the parent’s phone. This interaction caused me to reflect on the impact of technology in the daily lives of our littlest learners, AND why parents need to see Screenagers.

BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

Our Dousman Transport drivers are committed to safely driving our students to and from school each and every day. They work to develop good relationships with their students, parents, and school staff.

Additionally, these dedicated individuals often need to work through difficult driving conditions, while continuing to focus on safety. Please take a moment to thank your child’s bus driver during the week of February 12-16.

LITERACY LIGHTS THE NIGHT – FEBRUARY 8TH

We are all looking forward to the 13th Annual Literacy Lights the Night and meeting our keynote speaker, Mr. Greg Budzien. Mr. Budzien will share his recent publication, Tea for Three. Miss Wartman has done a good job organizing this popular event. Join us whether you are a reader or not, February 8th at 5:00 p.m. in the big gym.

FORENSICS TEAM

The North Lake Forensics Team did an incredible job at their first meet last week at Central Middle School in Hartford. Over 100 students hailing from various schools across southwest Wisconsin participated in the event. Our Lakers secured six first-place blue ribbons, four second-place red ribbons, and garnered two bronze medals, one silver medal, and one gold medal across three categories overall. We are looking forward to our next meet on February 9^th. Go Lakers!

COSMIC LAKERS

Congratulations on the first of two 6th grade Cosmic Lakers Dance Squad performances. This student led club is a huge success and supported by parents including Coach Renee Nies.

NLEF Mother Son Duckpin Bowling

February Dates to Remember

1

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Lake Country Blue at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Merton White at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

5

Open Enrollment Applications Period Begins – February 5-April 26

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – North Shore Green at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Erin at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

6

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Swallow Black – 4:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Swallow Gold – 5:30 p.m.

7

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at North Shore White – 4:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Merton White – 5:30 p.m.

8

Literacy Lights the Night – 5:00-6:30 p.m.

9

Pajama Day & Stuffy Day

12

Bus Driver Appreciation Week – February 12-16

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Merton Blue – 6:30 p.m.

Culver’s Night – 5:00-8:00 p.m.

13

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Stone Bank -4:30 p.m.

14

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at North Shore Green – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Swallow Black – 5:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Merton Blue – 5:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at North Shore White – 5:30 p.m.

15

11:30 Dismissal – No Lunch

Parent Teacher Conferences – 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Screenagers Presentation – 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Lakers Library

16

No School – Midwinter Break

19

Non Student Day – Midwinter Break

20

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Erin at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Richmond at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Stone Bank Red at NLS – 6:30 p.m.

21

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at North Shore Green – 4:30 p.m.

School Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m. Conference Room

Community Referendum Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Conference Room

22

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball – NLS at Richmond – 5:30 p.m.

23

Sports Day

NLEF Family Bingo Night

26

AMSAC 5-6 Boys Basketball Tournaments – February 26 – March 2

5th Grade at North Lake

6th Grade at Lake Country

A Note from Ms. Meister...

Come together! The partnership we build together between school and family is important for student success. Parent/Guardian and Teacher Conferences are a great way to share information about your child and get information from teachers about their academic performance and progress.

North Lake School conferences will be held on Thursday, February 15th from noon to 8:00pm with a teacher dinner break from 4:30 to 5:00pm. Click on the name/s below to sign up. We look forward to seeing you at school.

Kindergarten: Mrs. Giesie Mrs. Toczyski

1st Grade: Mrs. Tarkowski Miss Wartman

2nd Grade: Mrs. Brittnacher Mr. Ray

3rd Grade: Mr. Budde and Mrs. Kudis

4th Grade: Sign up with your child’s homeroom teacher**

Mr. Byrne Mrs. Flannery

5th and 6th grade: Sign up with your child’s homeroom teacher**

Mrs. Andorfer Mr. Kaczor Mrs. Richman Mrs. Ruck

7th and 8th grade: Sign up with the teacher(s) of your choice

Miss Mays Mr. McConville Mrs. Minor Mrs. Wagner

Special Education, Specials and Elective teachers: Mrs. Clauer (Phy. Ed.), Mr. Krieger (Music), Mrs. Lesch (School Counselor), Mrs. Lyons (Art), Mrs. Westcott and Mr. Wood will all be available for drop-in visits. Feel free to stop by their classroom or office.

**Grades 4-6**

If you would like to meet with teachers in addition to your child’s homeroom teacher, please contact that teacher directly to schedule a time slot.

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

After watching Screenagers with our 6th – 8th graders I have had the opportunity to discuss it with my 8th grade Health classes. What great insight these kids have! Here are some questions that you could talk about with your children (of any age).

How can you handle big emotions in a safe way?
What do you think leads kids to make unhealthy choices?
What is your plan if you are confronted with a choice that you know isn’t good for you? What will you do and say? Who can help?

We will be giving you one more chance to see Screenagers on our conference day. I know you will find it worth your while! Please join us at 4:00 p.m. in the library.

Another interesting resource: Meta’s New Messaging Rules to Keep Our Kids Safer Online

Some good information here about how to help YOU make sure your kids are safer online

Next Spirit Day: 2/9

Pajama and Stuffy Day!

As always, please let me know if there are any ways that I can support your child!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

WAVE 1-18-24

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

THE NEED IS REAL!

The North Lake School Board approved an operational referendum question that voters will see on the April 2, 2024 ballot. If the referendum passes, the District will be able to exceed its revenue limit by $850,000 per year for the next four years.

Although the District made almost $500,000 in budget cuts for the current school year, the exceptional educational experience here remains intact. It is truly quite amazing that daily operations seem unaffected, but the financial need is real. The school staff has gone above and beyond to ensure a successful school year and strives to put children first. However, the broken state funding model still exists and does not provide adequate tax dollars to the district.

To learn more, please attend an upcoming informational meeting, read the attached MESSAGE TO FAMILIES, and visit the North Lake School website. See these attachments at the end of the WAVE and in the Community Bulletin Board.

SUE SCHULTZ – 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

The Wisconsin Association of School Boards awarded Sue Schultz a special recognition of 30 years of service to Wisconsin public school students, specifically those who attended North Lake School. The recognition was presented at the January 17th Board meeting and celebrated with the school community.

DO YOU USE THE MYVIEW APP TO TRACK THE BUS?

After all the excitement on Tuesday, January 16th, a parent suggested that I remind families about the MyView app. This app allows you to track your child’s bus in real time and can be very helpful on inclement weather days. The only caveat is that the app is attached to the bus, so it will not work if a substitute bus is used.

Read this recent testimonial from a mother of three. “I love it and encourage everyone to use it. I use it every day, so we know how much time we have to get our %$@! together. When we see her turn south at Monches Park, I turn into a drill sergeant.”

You can find the information on the MyView app at the end of this WAVE or in the Community Bulletin Board. You must reference the code listed when setting up the app.

LAKE COUNTRY OPTIMISTS

TRUE GRIT AWARD

Carter Curler

2023-24 Winner

SNOW DAY MAKE UP?

North Lake School builds time into our board approved calendar for school cancellation days. Generally, unplanned days off of school will not be virtual or will not need to be made up. Be comforted with the consistency of North Lake School’s calendar. This is the time of year when teachers see the most growth in student learning.

SCREENAGERS – RESCHEDULED

Screenagers has been rescheduled. North Lake parents are invited to attend the North Lake student showing for 6th grade on Friday, January 26th at 1:30 p.m. in the Lakers Library.

For your planning purposes, the film is approximately 51 minutes long. This film is appropriate for 6th through 8th grade students and their parents. Seventh and eighth grade students will also be viewing Screenagers during their health classes on January 26th.

January Dates to Remember

18

End of 2nd Quarter

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Erin – 5:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Lake Country – 4:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Lake Country – 5:30 p.m.

19

No School – Inservice

22

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Swallow – 4:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

23

Literacy Night Writing Workshops – Focus on editing and illustrating

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys Basketball at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

25

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Lake Country – 5:30 p.m.

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 6:30 p.m.

26

Screenagers Presentation – NLS 1:30-2:30pm

28

Mother/Son Event at NLS – 12-2pm (Bowling)

30

Literacy Night Writing Workshops – Focus on completing the final copy

5th Grade Boys’ Basketball at North Shore – 4:30 p.m.

6th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

31

7th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 4:30 p.m.

8th Grade Boys’ Basketball at NLS – 5:30 p.m.

Counseling Corner

Hello North Lake Families!

In light of our upcoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade screenings of Screenagers: Under the Influence, I thought I’d share some of the things that we work on and resources we use here at school to encourage students to make healthy choices and have information to make good decisions around drugs and alcohol.

Primary Grades (K-4): Focus on making good choices, being assertive and sticking to what you know is right, decision making model of considering consequences of choices

Middle School (5-8): Continued focus on how to handle peer pressure, discussion of healthy ways to manage emotions, direct information about consequences of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use

In 8th grade we utilize some outside resources including the Addiction Resource Council. This group comes in for 5 lessons with the 8th graders focusing on peer pressure, vaping, alcohol, marijuana and opioids.

What types of things can you do preventively at home?

Start early working on healthy coping strategies and confidence building
Educate yourself about the substances that are out there and what to look for
Have (and stick to) consistent expectations and consequences for all things. This will help your kids to know that you will follow through and gives them one more reason to say no when their choices can have big consequences. Don’t start with this in 8th grade! Start with consistency when they are young. Believe it or not – they crave the boundaries even when they resist them.

Let me know if you’d like more resources or information about how we approach this topic here at school.

As always, please let me know if there are any ways that I can support your child!

Take care-

Jill Lesch

Category: Uncategorized

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION

1st Grade - Milwaukee County Zoo Field Trip

4th Grade - State Capitol Field Trip

4th Grade - Old World Wisconsin Field Trip

6th Grade - Milwaukee County Zoo Field Trip

7th Grade Girls Volleyball - 3rd Place AMSAC

North Lake School Results

Arrowhead Grade School Invite - May 15th

North Lake Track Club Success

at the May 22nd All Comers Meet

Achieving Outside NLS

June Dates to Remember

3

4

5

6

19

July Dates to Remember

17

mid July

31

August Dates to Remember

21

A Note from Ms. Meister

Counseling Corner

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

8th Grade Volleyball Champions

5th & 6th Grade Volleyball - 3rd Place

NLEF Teacher Appreciation

North Lake Track Club Success

at the May 8th All Comers Meet

May Dates to Remember

17

23

24

27

29

31

June Dates to Remember

3

4

5

6

A Note from Ms. Meister

Counseling Corner

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

School Safety

NLEF Teacher Experiences...

Chick-fil-A with Dr. Ackley & Mrs. Bickel

5th & 6th Grade BizTown

North Lake Track Club Success

at the 4-24 All Comers Meet

May Dates to Remember

3

6

7

8

9

10

13

14

15

17

23

24

27

29

31

A Note from Ms. Meister

Counseling Corner

Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .

NLEF Teacher Experiences...

Pizza & Pictionary

NLS Olympic Opening Ceremonies

North Lake Track Club Success

at the 4-15 All Comers Meet

April Dates to Remember

22