Wales Elementary

PERFORM ALUMNI MAKING BROADWAY DEBUT!!! Thatcher Jacob, Class of 2025, will make his Broadway debut as Walter Henderson in Stranger Things: The First Shadow! Thatcher had many wonderful accomplishments while at KM, including participating in the National Next Narrative Monologue Contest at the Apollo Theater. We can't wait to see him thrive on Broadway!

KM SHOWCASE/4K FAIR HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS OF ALL AGES!!! About 150 families signed up to attend the KM Showcase and 4K Fair. The 4K-12 event brought families together from throughout the region for an evening centered on exploration, connection, and opportunity. With attendance surpassing previous years, the event provided a welcoming environment for those considering educational options for their children. Guests met directly with teachers, administrators, and students while touring our high school and learning about academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services. One family described the experience as “So beyond what we expected when we signed up. We were able to register both of our children and sign them up for a bunch of clubs and sports teams. The tour was amazing.… We are blown away.” Others discovered options they hadn’t previously considered. A homeschool parent shared, “I did not realize our daughter could be taking advantage of partial attendance or even virtual enrollment. This opens up so many options for us as a family and also for her socially.” For families just beginning their school journey, the event offered reassurance and excitement. One 4K parent said they were “grateful for the child care area and enjoyed meeting teachers and learning about the different 4K programs.” They enrolled in our Forest 4K program and left feeling confident about the year ahead knowing that wrap care and transportation would be available. Hands-on STEM displays, vibrant arts programs, and conversations with students helped bring learning to life. One parent whose son had just applied to KM Global was excited to learn he can schedule courses in all of our high schools. Their son “is very interested in business and marketing, but is also creative and was interested in some of the offerings through Perform. That flexibility will allow him to pursue both and makes our choice much easier." As the evening concluded, families left not only with information, but with a sense of belonging. We wish to extend a special thank you to Culver’s for providing boxed meals; our early childhood team for facilitating the child care area; and to the many staff, students, and community members whose dedication made the showcase such a meaningful success.

KM SHOWCASE AND 4K FAIR TOMORROW NIGHT FROM 5:30-7PM!!! This 4K-12 enrollment fair and community open house is open to all residents and non-residents. Talk with administrators, staff, and students from all of our KM Schools! Get a personalized tour of the KMHS Campus, including all of our career pathways and subject areas. Watch video tours of our other Schools! Learn more about 4K-12 programs, curriculum, and offerings! Get information on the many athletic teams, clubs & activities that make us ONE KM!! To learn more about the incredible opportunities available in the Kettle Moraine School District... RSVP NOW for the showcase with our Google form: kmsd.edu/rsvp or the 4K fair at https://forms.gle/QRTs3PJ1PJdxAXa47.

MAGEE AND WALES FRIENDSHIP NIGHT!!! All Wales, Magee, and Explore families are invited to join us at Wales Elementary on February 11, from 5-6pm in the Wales art room for crafting and friend-making as we work towards uniting our school communities! RSVP to schultzr@kmsd.edu.

CUSHING 4K OPEN HOUSE MAY 6 5-6PM!! Explore classrooms, try fun centers, meet our staff, and learn more about our 2026–27 4K program. This event is great for families new to the district, new to Cushing, or anyone interested in learning more. Please complete our RSVP form if you plan to join us! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HLpMbDTpFV-76ZNVymOnTHZbaFA-lq_YFctJg4YiCNI/viewform?edit_requested=true

MATH 24 RECAP!!! On January 27th, the atmosphere was electric as students from grades 4-7 gathered to showcase their mental math mastery at our annual district-wide Math 24 Tournament. After a morning of demonstrating the mastery of mental math at its finest, we are proud to announce the students who made it to the top Grade Level Champions. The following students placed in the top six for their grade and have earned an invitation to the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network (SLALN) Regional Tournament this February. Grade 7: Evan G, Aaron, Bryce H, Dax, Jordan S, Leo K, Levi (Alt). Grade 6: Aidan H, Logan R, Sawyer T, Parker H, Max W, Tatum E, Lucas B (Alt), Andrew C (Alt). Grade 5: Hunter H, Beckett V, Carter G, Alivia B, Sadie B, Landon B, Jonathan A (Alt), Cameron N (Alt). Grade 4: Eloise H, Cavin, Hunter H, Max S, Hanna K, Ruby R, Shay (Alt), Weston (Alt).

ALL ELEMENTARY EVENTS!!! As part of our restructuring, we have been encouraging elementary families to attend events at any of our schools. Participating in events at other elementary schools will allow students and families to explore our campuses, make new friends and learn more about what the district has to offer. We have a number of fun events coming up in February! Our PTOs are also working together with district administration to coordinate additional larger event(s) for elementary families in late spring or summer. A survey will be sent out in the coming weeks to gather interest and gain insights from families on how we can bring our schools together and make this transition a positive one.

RSVP NOW FOR THE KM SHOWCASE – FEBRUARY 18TH FROM 5:30-7PM @ KMHS. THIS 4K-12 ENROLLMENT FAIR & COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS/NON-RESIDENTS. Talk with administrators, staff, and students from all of our KM Schools! Get a personalized tour of the KMHS Campus, including all of our career pathways and subject areas. Watch video tours of our other Schools! Learn more about 4K-12 programs, curriculum, and offerings! Get information on the many athletic teams, clubs & activities that make us ONE KM!! To learn more about the incredible opportunities available in the Kettle Moraine School District... RSVP NOW with our Google form: kmsd.edu/rsvp. You can also order dinner from Culver's through the link in this form.

ALL ELEMENTARY EVENT SURVEY!!!! We are conducting a survey of elementary families to determine their interest in All Elementary Events prior to the coming school year. Participating in events at other elementary schools gives students and families the opportunity to visit our campuses, connect with new friends, and learn more about the many programs and experiences our district offers. Our PTOs are partnering with district administration to plan shared events for all elementary families. This survey will help us understand interest and gather feedback on ways we can bring our school communities together and support a smooth, positive transition for 2026–27. Please complete the survey by 2/27 at https://forms.gle/ELWv8WQcTZ9huypa9.

DISCOVER CUSHING - BE A STAR!!! New to the Cushing community or thinking about enrolling at Cushing Elementary? We’d love to meet you! Join us for an informal tour and information night on Wednesday, March 4 at 5PM. This is a relaxed, welcoming opportunity to: Explore our school and see our learning spaces up close. Ask questions about Cushing and the upcoming school year. Meet our staff and start building connections before school begins. Whether your child is already enrolled or you’re just beginning to explore what makes Cushing such a special place, we can’t wait to welcome you and share our school community with you. RSVP today to let us know you’re coming at www.kmsd.edu/cushing-rsvp. We hope to see you there!

KM EXPLORE INFO NIGHT JANUARY 21ST @DOUSMAN ELEMENTARY!!! KM Explore focuses on meeting the individual needs of all students by creating social capital and having our staff, families, and community partners support what kids need. We foster a growth mindset where it is okay to fail or make a mistake. That’s part of the process of learning. We want students to develop the habits that are going to make them successful citizens, such as persistence, managing impulsivity, and listening with empathy and understanding. Relationships are very important and we hope they will have the tools that are going to help them take the next step. If this supportive, hands-on, student-driven, learning environment matches your student, we encourage you to attend our information night. We will offer a new family information presentation at 6:00pm. There will also be a meet and greet with our teachers and Director Dr. Nies at 6:30 for all new and existing families, as well as an opportunity to visit our new location. All elementary students are welcome to enroll in KM Explore and busing will be provided for any district resident who chooses this learning environment. For more information, contact niesjustin@kmsd.edu!

FREE PRESCHOOL SCREENINGS!!! March 13th from 9:00am-12:00pm at Dousman Elementary, KM will be holding a free preschool screening facilitated by the District's Early Childhood Team. Children participate in a variety of play-based activities to assess communication, gross and fine motor skills, social/ emotional development, and pre-academic skills. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, or simply want to gain a better understanding of how they are doing, Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7AWbvjzEH7xAWxKEdy00MibPc0hZomIPGwxX-OEc1bL6AgQ/viewform or contact Sarai Wittig wittigs@kmsd.edu with questions. This is a great opportunity to determine if your child would qualify for early childhood services in the district.

ENROLL NOW OR SCHEDULE A TOUR!!! We offer custom tours at all of our schools, and they are a great way for potential students and their families to explore the many wonderful options we offer academically, culturally, athletically, and socially! So visit our website at www.kmsd.edu and click the tour button, or if you are ready to join KM, click the enroll button at the top to get started. Registration for NEW students for the 2026-2027 school year is open for all KM Residents and Non-Residents. Current students are automatically advanced to the next grade level, including 6th and 9th grade students.

FAMILY GIFT DONATIONS!!! Wales Family Dental stopped by Wales Elementary to donate presents for families at our school. We are so grateful for their generosity and community partnership!

FREE PRESCHOOL SCREENINGS!!! March 13th from 9:00am-12:00pm at Dousman Elementary, KM will be holding a free preschool screening facilitated by the District's Early Childhood Team. Children participate in a variety of play-based activities to assess communication, gross and fine motor skills, social/ emotional development, and pre-academic skills. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, or simply want to gain a better understanding of how they are doing, Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7AWbvjzEH7xAWxKEdy00MibPc0hZomIPGwxX-OEc1bL6AgQ/viewform or contact Sarai Wittig wittigs@kmsd.edu with questions. This is a great opportunity to determine if your child would qualify for early childhood services in the district.

AUTHOR VISIT!!! We are thrilled to share an exciting event that took place in our KM elementary libraries this month! Our K-3 grade students had the wonderful opportunity to meet best-selling author Diane Nienas. She shared her children's book series, Living Life with Leo and the adventures of her son, Leo, a boy who uses a wheelchair. Students were encouraged to celebrate differences, embrace challenges, and lead with kindness. Her books can be purchased on Amazon. We also have them available for book checkout in our school libraries. This event was organized by the district library media specialists who work to promote the love of reading to our students. Later in the year, students in grades 4-5 will have their own author visit.

KM EXPLORE INFO NIGHT JANUARY 21 @DOUSMAN ELEMENTARY!!! We will offer a new family information presentation at 6:00pm. There will also be a meet and greet with our teachers and Director Dr. Nies at 6:30 for all families, as well as an opportunity to visit our new location.