A New Year Brings Something New At Every School

Thursday marked the beginning of a new school year for thousands of students in the Menomonee Falls School District.

While the students were away from the classroom enjoying a summer break, administrators and district staff at every school were busy getting the schools ready for their return.

And in each of the six schools in the across the district, there’s something new and fresh in store for the students.

MFHS Principal Dr. Gary Kiltz said it’s going to be an “exciting year” for secondary students in Falls. This year marks the launch of several programs to enhance learning at the school.

The is once again starting up, which is a three-year integrated program that prepares a group of about 30 to 40 students for careers in the healthcare industry. The program is a course path that incorporates relevant classroom instruction to ensure students are ready for the transition into college education.

A pilot hybrid program for AP Psychology students will be available for students this year. The class will mix both in-classroom instruction with web-based instruction, which is similar to many classes taught at the collegiate level.

“We are very excited to see how this will work in its first year,” Kiltz said.

Lastly, a Best Buddies program will begin at MFHS. In this program, students serve as buddies to other students with cognitive or developmental disabilities to help them stay more involved in school functions. The students will pair up and head out to dances, sporting events and get-togethers with friends to make sure they feel more involved.

“It’s a program to ensure we are building an environment here that is inviting to all types of students,” Kiltz said.

This year, North welcomes new Associate Principal Scott Marty to their team. Marty, who is not related to former Falls Superintendent Keith Marty, moved from a district in Florida to join the team at North.

“He’s a gentle giant and a very intelligent man,” said North Prinicipal Dr. Tabia Nicholaus. “He has a passion for serving middle school students, and fits in very well here.”

This also marks the first full year that the community can monitor the stats of the new solar panel array, which was installed last year. Residents can view real-time data illustrating the amount of power being generated at any point during the day. Students will incorporate the data into science activities in the classroom.

Essential to the academic success of students at every school is a well-equipped library. At Ben Franklin, students can cozy up with a book inside a newly renovated library.

The library includes a media center that can fit two classes, and the other half is the traditional library with a Smart Board on the wall.

“We’re hoping that it is really the next step for us now that the library is very inclusive of the technology skills students will need,” said Principal Kathy Marks.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Hoops Night event, which will be held in April. The event has raises money for improvements at the school that wouldn’t be possible in the budget. The Hoops Night events has funded new playground equipment, a rock climbing wall in the gym, and Smart Boards in the classroom.

“It’s a real accomplishment for the community that this event has been so well received for 10 years,” Marks said.

It’s never too early to start thinking about college and post-secondary plans. At Riverside, they are getting kids in that mindset from an early age and will expand their college readiness program at the school this year.

“We believe every child should be educated in a way that enables them to attend college,” said Principal Scott Walter.

Last year, students were linked with pen pals from various universities including the Ohio State alumni program. Collegiate representatives visited classrooms, and fifth-grade students also visited Marquette.

Walter hopes to increase the number of relationships with universities to deepen the program at the school this year. Teachers are also working on evaluating what it means to be college ready at the various grade levels.

“We’re getting there, and we’ve been able to establish some good relationships with other colleges,” Walter said.

This year, every Shady Lane classroom will now have a Smart Board. The first half of classrooms received their boards last year, and the second half were installed this year.

In addition to new Smart Boards, the entire lower level of the school was completely remodeled from inside and out. New electrical, walls, flooring, paint were all incorporated into the refurbished lower level. The lower level includes computer labs, the library as well as art and music classrooms.

Parents are invited to view the fresh lower level during from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 8 during an open house at the school.

Valley View is joining the rest of the district in implementing its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. In simple terms, this is a proactive approach to ensuring good student behavior at schools.

Rather than taking a reactive approach, teachers will demonstrate proper behavior and teach the ground rules and expectations of students during kick off ceremonies that occurred at most schools Thursday.

At Valley View, the theme this year is “We RRR the Jaguars!” The three “Rs” stand for respect, responsibility and ready.

Students of all ages will also continue volunteering at Linden Grove elderly care facility.