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






