What academic support is available? 

Students have access to two excellent academic resources:

  • ISHP (Individual Student Help Period) every school day from 11:55 a.m.–12:24 p.m., when teachers are available for extra help, questions, make-up work, and academic support.
  • Writing Lab, where students can schedule a 15-minute one-on-one session with an English teacher for help with writing assignments. Students typically visit the Writing Lab during Study Hall. If they don't have a Study Hall, they may schedule a visit during English class.

Does ISHP really help? 

Absolutely! ISHP is one of WFBHS's most valuable academic resources. Note: Freshmen must attend ISHP twice per week during the First Quarter.  

 

Students use ISHP to:

  • Ask teachers questions
  • Make up quizzes, tests, or labs
  • Get help before exams
  • Study with classmates
  • Complete homework

Students get the most out of ISHP when they arrive with specific questions. If more support is needed, talk with your teacher or counselor about additional resources.

 

Which classes can Freshmen take?

Students can find all courses available to them in the Academic Handbook.

 

Should my student take AP classes?

AP classes are encouraged for students who have a genuine interest in the subject. Approximately 70% of WFBHS graduates earn a qualifying AP score on at least one exam.

 

As a general AP guideline:

  • Most students take 1–3 advanced courses at a time.
  • Taking too many AP classes should never come at the expense of health, activities, or overall well-being.
  • Your student's counselor is an excellent resource when planning a balanced schedule.

How do I know which math level is right?

Math placement should reflect your student's strengths, learning style, and overall course load. Advanced math courses move at a faster pace and include daily homework. Note: There is an opportunity for students to double up on Geometry and Algebra. Consider the demands of all classes when choosing a level.

 

How much homework should students expect? 

Homework is expected in most high school courses. The amount may vary depending on electives, Study Hall, and how students use ISHP.

 

While it varies by student and schedule, WFBHS students average:

  • 3–3½ hours of homework per day
  • About 2 hours completed outside of school

Should my student take a Study Hall? 

Study Hall often provides valuable time to complete assignments, reduce stress, and stay organized. If your counselor recommends a Study Hall, it's worth considering, especially during semesters with demanding coursework or extracurricular commitments. Every student's schedule is different, so balance is key.

 

Should I contact my student's teachers? 

Whenever possible, encourage your student to communicate with teachers first. Learning to advocate for themselves is an important high school skill. However, if concerns continue or additional context is needed, don't hesitate to email. Teachers value partnering with families.

 

 

When do sports begin and when are tryouts?

Visit the Athletics and Activities page for current schedules, tryout dates, and coach contact information.

 

If your student plans to participate in athletics:

  • Complete athletic registration in Skyward Family Access
  • Submit a current physical before tryouts
  • Schedule summer physicals early if participating in a fall sport 

How can I get my child involved?

Getting involved is one of the best ways to make friends, build confidence, and feel connected at WFBHS. With more than 75 clubs, activities, and student organizations, there's something for everyone at WFBHS.

 

A great place to start is the Activities Fair, held during the start of the school year. Students can meet club leaders, coaches, and advisors and explore the many opportunities available.

 

Additional resources include:

Joining a club or activity is a great way to:

  • Meet new friends
  • Discover new interests
  • Connect with staff
  • Build leadership skills
  • Be part of the school community

How can parents/guardians get involved?

Parents play an important role in supporting the WFBHS community. In addition to the WFBHS Parent Association, families can get involved with:

  • Duke Pride
  • Music Parents Association
  • Theater Friends
  • Team and activity-specific booster clubs

These organizations offer many opportunities to volunteer, support students, and connect with other families. To learn more, visit the district web page. 

 

Can students balance sports, activities, and academics? 

For most students, yes! Athletics and extracurricular activities help students build friendships, leadership skills, time management, resilience, and school spirit.

 

Balance is important, especially during busy seasons. Encourage your student to plan ahead, stay organized, and communicate if they're feeling overwhelmed. A Study Hall can be especially helpful during demanding athletic seasons, and students with early release schedules should consider how missed class time may affect their workload.

 

What is Best of the Bay?

Best of the Bay is one of WFBHS's favorite Homecoming traditions, celebrating the school's clubs, activities, and athletic teams.

 

The week includes a parade, pep rally, fun competitions, and creative costumes. Seniors in participating clubs, teams, and activities create themed costumes for underclassmen to wear on the Friday of Homecoming Week. The best way to experience Best of Bay? Join a club, team, or activity!

 

When are yearbooks distributed?

Yearbooks are distributed in late summer before the start of the following school year.

 

 

Do most students stay on campus for lunch?

Although WFBHS has an open campus, many students (especially freshmen and sophomores) stay at school for lunch. Freshmen are expected to attend ISHP at least twice each week, so they should not plan to leave campus every day.

 

Lunch is often used for:

  • ISHP
  • Club meetings
  • Studying
  • Spending time with friends in the Link or cafeteria 

If your student chooses to leave campus, consider:

  • Where they'll be eating
  • Whether an adult will be present
  • Who is driving

Some families enjoy having students home for lunch occasionally, while others encourage them to stay on campus to build friendships and stay connected. If you're concerned your student is becoming socially isolated, reach out to their counselor.

 

How can parents get involved?

There are many ways to support the WFBHS community while meeting other families. Consider joining:

Volunteer opportunities range from serving on a board to helping with events, Senior Nights, fundraising, Spirit Wear, and team communications.  

   

What should students wear to Homecoming? Does they need a date? 

Homecoming attire is typically semi-formal. Many students wear dress shirts and ties, cocktail dresses, or dressy casual outfits. (Converse with dresses has become a popular tradition!) A date is not required. Many students attend with a group of friends.

 

I am worried about vaping, drug use, and drinking. What should I know?

Talk openly with your student about the health risks and school consequences of substance use. Violations at school events may result in suspension, loss of athletic or activity eligibility, and possible police involvement. 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.

 

The Whitefish Bay Police Department's Community Liaison Officer, Dave Hryniewicki (Dave.Hryniewicki@wfbschools.com), is an excellent resource for families with concerns. It's also helpful to:

  • Know where your student is spending time.
  • Communicate with other parents about gatherings.
  • Remember that choices made today can have lasting consequences, including on social media. 

What activities are available outside of school? 

Many students enjoy activities outside of WFBHS, including:

  • Dance
  • Rugby
  • Martial arts
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Part-time jobs

These opportunities help students develop friendships, confidence, and time management skills. Several WFBHS athletic programs also welcome students without making cuts.

 

My student seems to be struggling emotionally. What should I do?

Don’t wait to ask for help. Your student's counselor or the Administrative Staff are excellent resources and can connect your family with additional support. You're not alone, and reaching out early can make a meaningful difference.

 

Need guidance?
Your student's counselor is one of the best resources at WFBHS. Whether you have questions about academics, social concerns, scheduling, or emotional well-being, don't hesitate to reach out. They're here to support both students and families.

 

 

How do exam exemptions work?

The complete Exam Exemption Policy is available in the online Student Handbook.

 

To be eligible for an exam exemption (all semesters except second-semester seniors), students must:

  • Be enrolled in at least six classes that require semester exams
  • Have no unexcused absences
  • Have no disciplinary referrals
  • Have no semester grades below a C- at time of administrative grade post

If those requirements are met, a student may be exempt from one semester exam, provided the class also meets these criteria:

  • The exam is not project-based or started before the scheduled exam period.
  • It is not a year-long course for which the first-semester exam was already exempted (unless covered by the second-semester senior exemption policy).
  • The student has a B or higher in the class at the time of administrative grade post.
  • The student has no more than seven excused absences in that class (excluding school activities and religious observances). Medically excused absences count toward this total.

Where can I find the Student Handbook? 

The Student Handbook is located in the front of every student's Academic Planner, which is handed out on the first day of school. It also contains important school policies and procedures and is available online.

 

What school supplies does my student need?

Students receive their textbooks during registration. For the first day of school, students should bring:

Many teachers allow students to choose the organizational supplies that work best for them, especially in the upper grades.

 

What is the Attendance policy?

For complete attendance procedures and policies, please refer to the Student Handbook. Students are considered absent for a full day if they miss four or more class periods. Absences of fewer than four class periods are considered partial-day absences and do not count as a full-day absence.

 

Parents or guardians may excuse up to 10 full days of absence each school year. A medical note allows a full-day absence to be coded as medically excused, which does not count toward the 10-day limit.

 

To report an absence, notify the school no later than the day of the absence by phone (414-963-3993), written note, email (Lori.kimmel@wfbschools.com), or in person. Be prepared to provide:

  • Student's full name
  • Date of absence
  • Reason for the absence
  • Expected return date

Unreported absences are recorded as truant and cannot be cleared after 15 school days. Students with any unexcused absences are not eligible for exam exemptions.

 

 

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