Wauwatosa School District

While it would be possible to make substantial cuts to close our current funding gap, these cuts would adversely impact the student learning experience in significant ways.

Further, the community survey conducted in March and April 2024 indicated that it does not support cuts to social-emotional support services, teaching staff, elementary school specials, or middle and high school athletics, fine arts, and electives.

On the ballot November 5 will be both an operational referendum and a capital referendum. Learn more and browse answers to additional frequently asked questions: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/page/2024-referendum

Wauwatosa West High School students will be featured in the new PBS documentary series, “Citizen Nation.” It will premiere Tuesday, October 8 at 8:00pm on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS App. 🎬

The four-part series follows teens from across the United States as they compete in the “We the People” civics competition. Don't miss this inspiring story of young leaders coming together from diverse backgrounds! 🎓🇺🇸

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtKY56ok6pw

PBS: Public Broadcasting Service Watch full episodes of your favorite PBS shows, explore music and the arts, find in-depth news analysis, and more. Home to Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, NOVA, PBS Newshour, Masterpiece and many others.

Congratulations to Lauren Roznowski Hayden on receiving the prestigious Fulbright Distinguished Educator Award! 🎓🌟

This summer, Ms. Roz spent six weeks in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, working with teachers and students at Victoriano Lopez Escuela de Musica on best practices in ensemble teaching. The experience wrapped up with a beautiful concert, titled “United by Music.” 🎶

Her students in San Pedro Sula and Wauwatosa exchanged letters and hope to continue this meaningful connection throughout the school year! 🌍❤️

Wauwatosa East High School seniors came together to celebrate one of our own—Paralympic gold medalist Hailey Danz, Class of 2009! 🏅

We’re so proud of her incredible achievements and the inspiration she brings to us all.

Like many school districts statewide, the Wauwatosa School District is facing financial challenges due to factors largely out of our control.

In Wisconsin, a state-imposed revenue limit restricts the amount of money school districts can receive through state aid and local property taxes.

Expenses are on the rise, affecting all aspects of our district’s operations. This is especially true in areas like mental health and special education, where the District does not receive enough funding to provide state- and federally mandated services for our students.

The District plans to use its fund balance to fill the budget gap for the 2024-25 school year. Beyond that, we must either significantly reduce expenses or seek additional revenue to balance the budget.

One of the two questions on the ballot November 5 is a proposed operational referendum. Learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/page/2024-referendum

Catch the excitement of our festive first day back at Underwood Elementary School! 🎉

Check out the awesome coverage by WISN 12 NEWS:
https://bit.ly/4gtEnUq

Underwood Elementary hosts red-carpet welcome for Wauwatosa students Wauwatosa’s Underwood Elementary created a festive atmosphere with a red-carpet-themed welcome-back celebration for students.Subscribe to WISN on YouTube now...

Today is the first annual National GED Day, recognizing GED achievements and brighter futures through education! The power of a district having an approved GED Option #2 (GEDO #2) Program is that passing the GED tests helps document competencies and accrue credit, and a student earns an actual district diploma.

The Wauwatosa School District is proud of the students like Ethan (pictured here) who obtain their diploma through our GEDO #2 program, and we look forward to watching their continued success in the future.

This summer, Wauwatosa School District educators took part in multiple sessions to dive into our new elementary English Language Arts (ELA) resource, Benchmark Advance! 📚✨

Led by Elementary ELA Coordinator Brenda Jones, staff from all roles—teachers, administrators, and support staff—engaged in valuable learning. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 93% saying the training enhanced their understanding of ELA priorities, and 92% feeling more confident about the new curriculum.

Thank you to our dedicated staff for their commitment to ensuring a successful rollout of Benchmark Advance this school year!

REMINDER: All Wauwatosa School District families and community members are invited to join us on October 6 from 1:00 to 4:00pm in the Firefly Room at the library! 🎥

In partnership with the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, we will be screening the Netflix documentary “Crip Camp.” This inspiring film showcases a groundbreaking summer camp that empowers teens with disabilities to build a movement for greater equality. We look forward to seeing you there!

We’re so proud of Sabrina Massey, one of our dedicated teachers from Vel R. Phillips School, who has been invited multiple times to attend and help lead the Science Camp for teachers through the Wisconsin Institute for Next Generation Science. 🔬

Her commitment to advancing science education and inspiring fellow educators is truly remarkable! 👏

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Together with referendums that were held earlier this year, the number of school referendums in 2024 will be almost three times the number held in 2023."

This list includes Wauwatosa School District, where voters will consider a $60 million facilities referendum and a $64.4 million non-recurring operational referendum on Tuesday, November 5.

A subscription to the Journal Sentinel is required to view the full story.

The number of Wisconsin school referendums this year is up – way up. Here’s why. A number of factors are coming together to create difficult financial decisions for many school districts. The result? More referendums.

We were thrilled to welcome Dr. Darrell Williams, Assistant State Superintendent for Libraries and Technology, to Lincoln Elementary on the first day of school! 🌟📚

His message to our students and staff: “Libraries are the most important places in our schools and communities. They allow readers to go everywhere, without going anywhere, all by reading books.”

Thank you, Dr. Williams, for inspiring us all!

Congratulations to Wauwatosa's very own National Merit Scholarship semifinalists! 🎉 On September 11, three high school students—John Eash-Scott and Lilliana Ruggini from Wauwatosa East High School, and Louis Schauer from Wauwatosa West High School—were named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Read more:

Wauwatosa High School Students Named Semifinalists, Commended Students in 2025 National Merit® Scholarship Program On September 11, three Wauwatosa high school students - John Eash-Scott and Lilliana Ruggini (...

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience of our nation on September 11, 2001. Let us never forget the importance of unity and compassion. 🇺🇸

The proposed capital referendum does not commit the District to a JK-6 or 7-12 model. How and where the students are grouped for learning purposes remains a topic of conversation in our community and has not yet been determined by the Board of Education.

An ad hoc committee will be convened in fall of 2025, and members will deliver recommendations regarding the secondary school configuration to the Board of Education by January 2026.

Learn more about the proposed referendum questions on the ballot November 5: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/page/2024-referendum

If you're caring for a child facing mental health, emotional, or behavioral challenges, NAMI's Supporting Parents + Family Members of Children Under 18 program could be a valuable resource for you. Remember, you're not alone. 💚 Learn more: namisoutheastwi.org

Two students from Wauwatosa East High School and two from Wauwatosa West High School will be selected as non-voting student representatives to the Board of Education!

This role gives students a voice in discussions and decisions impacting their education. The application deadline has been extended to 9:00am on Monday, September 16.

Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4e2ekBK

On August 27, the Wauwatosa School District proudly honored 26 outstanding staff members with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award during our annual Opening Day convocation! 🎉

These dedicated individuals were recognized for going above and beyond, demonstrating exemplary service and making a lasting impact on our community.

Each year, families, colleagues, and students nominate staff members who embody excellence and dedication. We’re grateful to have such incredible people shaping the future of our students!

Read more: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/article/1736847

Congratulations to Hailey Danz, a proud Jefferson Elementary, Longfellow Middle School and Wauwatosa East High School alum, for striking gold with an incredible para triathlon performance in Paris! Your determination and skill inspire us all. Way to go, Hailey! 🌟🥇

Hailey Danz strikes gold with incredible Para triathlon performance in Paris | NBC Sports American Hailey Danz topped the women's PTS2 to claim her first Paralympic gold medal, while teammate Allysa Seely won bronze. Danz took silver in both Rio a...

Join us for “The Sun: Our Living Star” at the Wauwatosa West High School Planetarium! 🌞

Wednesday, September 11, 6:30-7:30 pm
Sign up: https://bit.ly/3Z5aUtn

Friday, September 13, 6:30-7:30 pm
Sign up: https://bit.ly/4dJw3Og

This show is perfect for kids 5th grade and up, as well as adults! Dive into the mysteries of our sun and enjoy stunning, never-before-seen images of its surface in an immersive full-dome experience. We look forward to seeing you there!

REMINDER: All Wauwatosa School District families and community members are invited to join us on October 6 from 1-4 pm in the Firefly Room at the library! 🎥

In partnership with the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, we will be screening the Netflix documentary “Crip Camp.” This inspiring film showcases a groundbreaking summer camp that empowered teens with disabilities to build a movement for greater equality. We look forward to seeing you there!

Did you know you can access Infinite Campus from your phone or tablet? Stay connected with your student’s progress anytime, anywhere with the Infinite Campus app. Download it from your app store today and stay informed!📱💡

In an effort to ensure each of our students has access to healthy meals, all families are asked to complete the 2024-25 Household Application for Free and Reduced School Meals here: https://bit.ly/3ZajCa2

While some families may not have qualified in the past, federal guidelines have changed, and your child/children may now be eligible. Please also note that if your family’s financial situation changes during the school year, this form may be resubmitted to determine eligibility.

On Tuesday, November 5, our community will vote on two referendum questions for the Wauwatosa School District.

Question #1 is a non-recurring operational referendum. It asks voters to approve raising the District’s revenue limit by $16.1 million per year, beginning with the 2025-26 school year and ending with the 2028-29 school year.

Question #2 is a capital referendum. Our community is being asked to provide a total of $60 million over 20 years to allow the District to address deferred maintenance at our elementary schools, and ADA standards at our elementary and high schools.

We invite you to learn more about the District’s operational and facility needs, along with the proposed solutions on the ballot this November: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/page/2024-referendum

Parents and guardians: If you want to feel more confident and less stressed in guiding your child's behavior, we have great news! You now have access to four FREE online programs through the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program.

Take advantage of this incredible resource and foster a positive parenting experience for your family! 👪🌟

Wauwatosa Montessori School staff proudly share their 'whys' for being in education and their heartfelt messages for students! These dedicated educators are excited to welcome our amazing students! 🌟📚

It was an exciting morning in Wauwatosa as our schools welcomed students back for the 2024-25 school year! 🥳

Happy First Day of School! Wauwatosa, we’re thrilled to welcome our staff and scholars back for the 2024-25 school year! Let’s make this year a fantastic one filled with learning, growth, and success. 🌟🎒

Wauwatosa Schools wishes everyone a happy and restful Labor Day! Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of all workers, especially our amazing staff and community. Enjoy your well-deserved day off! 🌟We’ll see you tomorrow for the first day of school!

Congratulations to John Batory, Caleb Hoze, Sadie Knie, and Messiah Washington from Wauwatosa West High School for their outstanding success in the Scholastic Writing Awards competition!

These awards recognize excellence in writing, with Gold Key winners advancing to the national competition in New York. 📚🏆