What kind of academic support is available?
The academic support available to all students are ISHP (Individual Student Help Period) and the Writing Lab. ISHP runs daily from 11:55am-12:24pm. Every teacher must be available in their classroom to answer student questions. This resource amounts to 2.5 hours/week of available help to students at a mutually available time with their teachers. The Writing Lab is located in the English department and is staffed by English teachers. Students sign up online (teachers will share the new link when classes begin) for a 15-minute slot to work one-on-one with an English teacher on their paper.
What do you think of ISHP and does it help your children?
ISHP can be a great help to students in a number of different ways! It is a huge resource for students to self-advocate with teachers, make up tests, make up labs, etc. 9th graders are required to attend ISHP 2x/week. Difficult classes can sometimes be crowded with students. If your student wants to make the most of ISHP, it is best to approach the teachers with specific questions. If your student is shy, they may find it easier to write out the question and come with a question in hand. ISHP cannot take the place of studying and homework, but the teachers can respond to specific questions or help a student with a strategy for reaching their desired goal. Some students choose ISHP to gather in classrooms and study together, which can be helpful. Other students gather in classrooms that are less crowded just to do homework. If your child is having difficulties understanding any of the material, your student will probably need more assistance than what can be provided in ISHP.
When is the Writing Lab supposed to be used?
The Writing Lab should be used during a student's Study Hall. If a student does not have a Study Hall, they may sign up during their English class.
Do you have a list of tutors? How do I contact them?
The High School cannot release a list of tutors, but has worked with the Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation in the past to house a list of tutors and we will again see if that is an option. You can also contact Parent Association members for possible contacts.
Which classes are Freshmen eligible for?
Students can find all courses available to them in the Academic Handbook.
How many kids take AP classes? Should I push my child to do this?
As a benchmark, about 68% of our students graduate having passed at least one AP class by earning a 3 or above on their exam. We encourage students to take AP classes in areas of high interest. Most students take at least one stretch class (AP, PLTW, etc.) in each of their junior and senior years. 2-3 AP classes at a time seems to be plenty for most high school students. For a small few, taking more than 3 AP classes at a time is possible, but no student should do this if it compromises their health, forces them to quit a team or activity that they enjoy or is too stressful for them to handle. Your counselor is a great resource. Reach out to them with any questions!
I am concerned about Math placement. What do I need to know about the different levels of Math?
Math can be challenging and it’s important that your student understands their strengths and opportunities as a learner. The advanced classes move at a much quicker pace than the other classes, and there is homework each day. Choosing a Math class within the context of your other six classes is important so that students can be mindful of their overall capacity.
How much homework should my child be doing at night?
School Board Policy states that “It is a general expectation that high school students will have homework in most or all of their courses, and homework should be expected on a daily basis. Homework is considered an extension of classroom instruction; it is not work required for its own sake. The type of homework will vary widely across subject areas and should be considered of equal importance regardless of the nature of the assignment or subject. Homework assignments should be within the knowledge and ability level of the student, yet should also provide meaningful challenge. While there is no established guideline for the amount of time that should be devoted to homework at this level, it is noted that Whitefish Bay High School students spend an average of three to three and one-half (3-3½) hours on daily homework assignments, with about two (2) hours of that being completed outside of school hours." This can also be contingent upon a student's chosen electives and the use of a Study Hall/ISHP.
My counselor recommended a Study Hall, but my child insists on wanting to take an additional class. Should I let them?
It is always a good idea to consider the advice of your child’s school counselor as they have a very clear lens as to what will be a manageable and beneficial schedule for the students. At the same time, if your student is highly motivated, you need to listen to them as well. The load of coursework can ebb and flow throughout the semester, students find study hall to be a productive and focused time to get their work done and manage the load. There is a lot to manage in High School and having time to regroup is essential. Consider extracurricular activities that your child is involved in and consider a Study Hall during the semester of greatest time demands.
Should I email teachers if I am concerned?
The High School years are a good time to help students with independence, so encourage them to meet with their teachers first. Sometimes a good first step is helping your student craft an email to the teacher. Of course, if that does not get the results/clarification needed, follow up with an email to the teacher. If there are other issues that your child is not sharing, email the teacher. Teachers want to partner with parents as proactively as possible!
When do sports begin and what are dates of tryouts?
Visit Athletics and Activities and reach out directly to the coach/advisor listed. Take a look at the schedules link and typically all the dates for tryouts are indicated on the calendar. If your child plans to get involved in athletics, you can find the forms in the Family Access on Skyward. Get them in early! An updated physical exam must be completed before tryouts. Schedule an exam over the summer before August if your child plans to participate in a Fall Sport! The list of athletic offerings by season can be found here.
How can I get my child involved in activities?
There is an Activities Fair in the Fieldhouse during the first week of school. This is a great opportunity to connect with advisors and Captains/Presidents of various student organizations. You can also check out the Activities page on the website that includes both a Virtual Activities Fair as well as an Activities Guide that lists most all of the activities that will be active in a given year. Skim the Daily Announcements and the Athletics & Activities Newsletter, especially in September, to help remind your student of upcoming meetings and events. Lastly, the Activities Director is also a great resource if you need further guidance! Signing up for a club is a great way to:
- Make new friends
- Have fun
- Connect w/ Whitefish Bay Staff
- Find your passion
- Be active in the school community
- Engage in healthy competition
As a parent/guardian, how do I get involved?
In addition to the WFBHS Parent Association, you can also join other groups that support the High School, such as: Duke Pride, Music Parents Association and Theater Friends. To learn more, visit the district web page. Other activities may also have individual booster clubs.
Are sports and school too much to handle?
Sports or any extra activity are great for your child to be involved in for so many reasons such as socialization, leadership, time management, physical activity, resilience and the creation of great memories. As with everything there needs to be balance. There are tough days when sports and school can be too much so it’s best to always plan ahead. Encouraging your students to get involved and being ready to help them with time management early is a good strategy. If they decide it’s too much, they can base that decision on experience. Having a Study Hall during the most intense athletic season is always helpful. Also, consider that students may have early release schedules during 7th Hour that cause them to miss class.
What is Best of Bay and how should my child participate?
Best of Bay is a school spirit day/event centered around school activities, clubs and teams. A parade is held, as well as a pep rally with teachers and students participating in fun challenges like a tug of war between Juniors and Seniors. Seniors from participating teams, activities and clubs can make costumes for younger members that will be worn the Friday of Homecoming Week. Usually Seniors make costumes using a central theme and each grade level within their club has a costume that relates to it. The best way to participate in Best of Bay is to join a club, activity or team!
When do students receive their yearbooks?
The yearbook comes out in the late summer before school begins for the next school year and it covers the entire ten-month school year. It is done this way so that students involved in spring programs see themselves at the same time as other students.
Do most kids go home for lunch? Eat at school?
Whitefish Bay is an open campus but the majority of students stay on campus, especially in grades 9-10. Knowing your student and what your family is comfortable with are key. Some students like or need quiet time, others do not. Some students live close by, others are further. There are many things going on at lunch including ISHP, club meetings, and friends who like to gather in the Link, cafeteria, etc. so staying on campus encourages involvement. For many students, where they decide to eat depends on the day and what is going on in their lives academically. 9th graders should be attending ISHP at least twice a week, so they should not be coming home for the full period every day. Some things to consider about open campus:
- Do you know where your child is eating if they leave campus?
- Are you okay with them going to your house or a friend’s house if there are no parents home?
- Who is driving?
Having your student home at lunch can provide a nice opportunity to connect, have lunch together and listen to what’s on their minds, but many parents work. Sometimes small groups of kids like to get together for lunch when an adult is home and that’s neat too. Offering to have your child’s friends over for lunch is a great way to get to know their friends. If you are concerned your child may be isolating themselves socially by coming home everyday, reach out to your child’s counselor, they are an excellent resource and sounding board.
How can parents get involved at school?
An easy way to get involved is to join one or more of the groups that support the School Administration (WFBHS Parent Association), Athletics (Duke Pride) and Performance Arts (Music Parents Association and Theater Friends). Some athletic teams also have their own booster clubs. These organizations are always looking for volunteers to join the boards and help with a variety of activities. Many athletic teams, theater productions and other extracurricular clubs need parent managers and volunteers to help with communication, Senior Nights, Spirit Wear sales and other fundraising.
Do you know if I could have my child talk to a Junior or Senior about their experiences?
This could be possible. A suggestion is to work through your counselor. They can help facilitate a conversation with a Junior or Senior who might have similar interests/experiences.
What do students wear to Homecoming? Does my child need a date?
Typically students wear a dress shirt, tie and nice pants or cocktail-type dresses. Some choose to wear high heels, but Converse have been trending with the dresses. Your child does not need a date. Many students travel to the dance in groups or with one or two friends.
I am worried about vaping, drug use, and drinking. What do I need to know?
There is much to lose if students involve themselves in this behavior. At a school-related event, it will likely lead to a 3-day suspension and if it’s a violation of the Activities Code, students will lose 20% of their season. A police referral may be made. If you are worried, a wonderful resource is Dave Hryniewicki at the Whitefish Bay Police Dept. Dave is the Community Liaison Officer and takes the lead on most juvenile concerns and can be a wonderful proactive resource for parents. Dave has a school email (Dave.Hryniewicki@wfbschools.com) or you can reach him by calling the Police Department non-emergency number.
It is important to remind students about the consequences of their decisions. Their choice to try vaping, drinking, or drugs could result in severe consequences for their health and the loss of privileges. Another reminder is that everything seems to end up on social media.
Watch who your students associates with and make sure you are talking to other parents about where your children are gathering to socialize. Remember to reach out and speak to the parent verbally if possible to confirm your student’s social activities.
What are some clubs outside of school to offer to my child?
Dance studios, rugby, faith-based organizations and martial arts studios are popular with students. Some students like to get a job and find the benefits of time management, socialization, etc. there. If your child enjoys sports, many sporting activities at Whitefish Bay High School typically do not cut students.
I am starting to see signs that my student is struggling emotionally. What should I do?
Don’t hesitate to call your child’s counselor or the Administrative Staff. Don’t be afraid to be honest – too often families feel alone in these situations, and know that you are not. There are many resources available, and the school can help families in finding relevant support/solutions.
Please tell me more about the exam exemption and what my child needs to do to achieve this?
The Exemption Policy is found in the Student Handbook online. The base criteria for all semesters except semester 2 seniors includes:
- Enrolled in at least six classes that require a semester exam.
- No unexcused absences
- No disciplinary referrals.
- No current semester grade less than C- (at time of administrative grade post).
If #1-4 are met, the semester exam for one class may be exempt provided the following class criteria are met:
- Work on the exam does not begin prior to the scheduled exam period. (For example, a project based exam.)
- Not a year long class for which the first semester exam has already been exempted (may be waived via second semester senior exam exemption criteria).
- Current semester grade B or higher (at time of administrative grade post).
- No more than seven excused absences (aside from school related activity or religious observation) in the class that is being exempted. This includes medically excused absences.
Where is the Student Handbook located and what can I find in it?
The Student Handbook is located in the front of every students’ Academic Planner which is handed out on the first day of school.
What does my child need in terms of school supplies for the first day of school?
Your child can pick up their textbooks during registration. Additionally, they will need the books required for their English class and there is a Supply List for Core Classes.Your student will want to bring a few pens or pencils and a notebook on the first day of school. Note: many teachers allow student discretion, particularly as they get older.
What is the Attendance policy?
Missing four or more class periods in one day is considered a full day absence. The state of Wisconsin allows parents/guardians to excuse their student for up to 10 full days per school year. Providing a medical note for a full day absence allows absences to be coded as medically excused (M-ME in Skyward). Medically excused absences do not count towards the state allotted 10 full days. Any absence in a day that is less than 4 periods is just excused, but does not count as a full day of absence.
To excuse an absence, parents/guardians must provide the office with their student’s full name, date of the absence, reason for the absence and anticipated date of return. Notification must be made not later than the day of the absence either by phone, a signed and dated written statement or in person. Messages may be left at any time via phone at 414-963-3993. Absences that are not reported before the end of the school day will be recorded as truant. Unexcused absences will be coded as a truancy until the absence is cleared. Absences cannot be cleared after 15 school days. If a student has any unexcused absences, they are unable to participate in an Exam Exemption. Additional details are included in the Student Handbook.
