Dr. Ackley’s Message . . .
TOGETHER WE CAN
It has been a happy, smooth start to the 2022-2023 school year. The students have settled in and seem to be enjoying themselves and their teachers. We are extremely lucky to have the high quality, experienced group of professionals serving our North Lake School Community. There is no obstacle that we cannot overcome. I encourage parents to reach out to me at any time to problem solve, provide support, and/or make a change in your child’s educational programming. I am here to listen and am happy to do so.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Karl Ashenfelter, Director of Buildings and Grounds, and I have spent time improving our school safety plan. We recently met with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and EMC Insurance Company to conduct school security assessments. It is crucial to review the response plan, inspect the physical building, and provide teacher training annually. The two top things we can do to keep our school safe are: #1 LOCK ALL DOORS (exterior & interior) and #2
IMPLEMENT VISITOR PROTOCOLS (know who is in the building).
These priorities are part of maintaining a safe school setting for students. There are many other enhancements that we have implemented and I am happy to discuss those offline with parents. Parents…you are our partners in these priorities and “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!” We have to work together and keep all of our eyes open. Finally, we will conduct an announced school safety drill in September to remain compliant and to practice response to a threat.
STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM~SKYWARD
Thank you families for your patience as we get closer to opening the family access portal for our new student information system – Skyward. We are currently transitioning from Tyler SIS to Skyward. In the near future, you will receive your login information via an email from Skyward. You will need to set up your access in the Skyward system. We know you will be pleased with all the bells and whistles with Skyward. Meanwhile, please continue to send cash or check for lunch payments to the office.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
We experienced amazing generosity from the Brian & Jamie Rothe Family (new to NLS). They have donated mountains of Milwaukee Tools and universal batteries with a storage mount. The highlights include orbital sanders and routers which will enhance the ring toss games while teaching new skill sets. I invite any parent to call me and check out the LAKERS MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE up and running Monday-Friday in the mornings. You will be amazed! The next step in expansion includes improved storage solutions such as a garage cabinet system for tools and material donations such as wood, metal, and plastic for the laser engraver.
SEVENTH GRADE GIRL SCOUT TROOP #6380
In June, North Lake School and Merton Primary School were the beneficiaries of a Silver Award Take Action Project. Congratulations on this achievement to the girls of North Lake/Merton Troop #6380: Breanna Reed, Emily Adams, Isabella Agnello, and Lilly Bennett. The school board was pleased to receive six beautiful benches built by the troop and installed in the courtyard. These benches will provide flexible workspace outside for students and staff. The school board is still surprised that cookie money paid for it all. Wow, wonderful work!
Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you to our fabulous farm kitchen for hosting all the grands today!
September Dates to Remember
12
Culver’s Night 5:00-8:00 p.m. Hartland Location
15
Staff Meeting 2:45 p.m. (No learning lab)
16
“A” Friday
Arrowhead Grade School Cross Country Run
17
North Lake Harvest Fest
21
NLEF Fun Wisconsin Day
Budget Hearing 5:30 p.m. followed by Annual Meeting & September Board Meeting
23
“B” Friday
8th Gr. Marching Band Night at Arrowhead 4:30-8:30 p.m.
27
Picture Retake Day
30
“A” Friday
Learning Lab
Our school library and computer lab are now open Monday through Thursday from 7:00-7:30 a.m. and 2:35-4:00 pm. This is a community project and we welcome students, parents, and guardians to join us in the school library for homework help and computer usage. This program is not for childcare. It is open for specific study and research purposes. Students younger than 4th grade must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are asked to pick up their children promptly at 4:00 p.m. at Door G.
Arrowhead Grade School Cross Country Run
Friday, Sept. 16
The link to register 1st through 8th grade students for the Cross Country run can be found on the “Student” page of the North Lake School website. Please register by Wednesday, September 14th. Details about the run can be found in the flyer that is being sent as an attachment to the Wave.
Please note: No registration is needed for students in 5K and younger. They just show up to the starting line.
LEGOS WANTED!
Next time you clean out your child’s toy room, please send Legos our way.
We need Legos for the big Lego wall recently installed in the Lower Maker Space. Put a smile on little Lakers’ faces with Legos.
Counseling Corner
Hello North Lake families!
It’s been a great start to the school year. We’re seeing lots of smiles!
Each year, I like to remind families and students of my role here as School Counselor. I am here as an advocate for students and a support for families and teachers. I see all students throughout the year as I deliver Developmental Guidance and Health lessons. Students will also have opportunities to take part in small groups on various topics, as well as to request to see me individually. I am here to be a resource for you, also! If you have questions or concerns about your child socially or emotionally, please let me know! If you do NOT want your child to meet with me individually, please let me know that in writing as soon as possible.
We’ve been spending time this week as a school reviewing the expectations of the Wave Way. You can find these resources under the “PBIS” section of the North Lake website.
Our Leadership Group spent time together before school started planning for this year. I will update you more on that, but wanted you to know that we have planned our first spirit day already!
WISCONSIN DAY
9/21/22
Wear your favorite Wisconsin-themed apparel!
We are excited for a great school year at North Lake! 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
