Each year, families are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education through organizations that strengthen our school communities and equip our students to thrive as passionate, productive, and creative citizens. The engagement of parents and guardians encourages our students and maximizes our schools’ success throughout the year. Volunteering is also a great way to network with fellow families and community members, while building relationships with school and district staff.
Below are some of the opportunities that exist for you to get engaged. Once you’ve found your interest and passion, please be sure to complete the required Volunteer Application.
School-Level Opportunities
Elementary Classroom: Ask your child’s elementary teacher how you can get involved in their classroom to help directly impact your child’s and their classmates’ education.
School Library: Volunteer in your child’s school library to help the hub of the school run smoothly. To get involved, reach out to our Elementary Library Coordinator or your school’s library media specialist.
PTO/PTA/PTSA: Each school has a Parent Teacher Organization, Parent Teacher Association or Parent Teacher Student Association that helps to support school-specific initiatives throughout the year including fundraisers and activities for students. Visit your school’s website to learn more about your PTO/PTA/PTSA.
High School Booster Clubs: High School Booster Clubs help target specific interests in sports and the arts. Please visit the following School Engagement Opportunities web pages for more information.
District-Level Opportunities
Curriculum Council: Curriculum Council is a district committee composed of members with expertise and interest in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The council shall have representation from administration, teachers, parents, and community members. The purpose of the council shall be to provide the members of the Division of Academic Performance with input and feedback from their respective perspectives regarding work being done within the Division around curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices throughout the District. The council will meet on the 4th Monday of every month at the Fisher Administration Building from 4:30-6:00 unless otherwise communicated. Regular attendance is preferred to ensure continuity of the work. If you are interested in serving on the council, please complete this Google Form on or before Friday, September 15th at 4:00.
Education Foundation of Wauwatosa (EFW): The EEF is a non-profit organization that aims to promote excellence, innovation, and opportunities in Wauwatosa public schools by raising and awarding money for educational initiatives, which enhance and enrich learning experiences for all students.
External School Safety Committee: The Division of Pupil and Family Supports (DPFS) is looking for parent/guardian volunteers interested in joining the external School Safety Committee. This committee is a forum to learn more about the strategies being used to maintain safe schools. The committee will focus on reviewing and enhancing existing safety protocols, discussing proactive and responsive discipline and behavioral strategies and programs, and will serve as an avenue to receive parent/guardian feedback. The committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. All meetings will be in person at the Fisher Administration Building. Please complete this form if you are interested in serving on the external School Safety Committee. The DPFS will review all applicants and determine composition of this committee to ensure a diverse range of perspectives while maintaining an appropriate and manageable number of committee members.
Family Academic Advocacy Committee: In response to feedback from families, the Wauwatosa School District is launching a Family Academic Advocacy Committee. This non-governing committee will partner with the Division of Academic Performance to help build a culture of academics and raise rigor for all students. Topics of discussion may include celebrating academic success, parent-teacher conferences, parent playbooks, volunteer opportunities to support academic excellence, study skills and more. The committee will meet approximately once a month for one hour. If you are interested in joining, please complete this form. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Nicole Marble, Chief Academic Officer (marbleni@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us) or Alicia Bartz, Parent Lead (aliciabartz@gmail.com).
LAUNCH: LAUNCH is a collaborative program with local businesses and high school juniors and seniors. In LAUNCH, students network with professionals who can connect, inspire, and inform them of the future of work, and provide them with real-world experiences, while businesses get the opportunity to leverage student talents in the workplace. The program is open to interested businesses of any size and volunteers who wish to get involved as project partners, sponsors, or career speakers.
Leaders Supporting Families and Students with Disabilities: This collective will consist of three committees related to 1) Mentoring and Connection, 2) Information, and 3) Advocacy. If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please complete this form and mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. This initial meeting will be held in-person at Underwood Elementary School and virtually. Childcare will be provided for in-person attendees. Questions can be directed to the Core Team point of contact, Heather Holst at heather.holst@gmail.com.
Multi-Ethnic Parent Association (MEPA): MEPA is a diverse, parent-led organization that increases cultural awareness throughout the District, supports academic achievement, fosters social-emotional growth, increases opportunities and experiences and creates a space that allows families to work collaboratively to advocate for their children. If you are interested in becoming a member or lending your skills or talents to this organization, please indicate your interest by completing this MEPA Form. If you have questions, please contact LaShawnda Holland, Director of Diversity + Inclusion.
WSD Parent University: Each month, WSD University provides professional learning that highlights specific areas of focus related to student success. Parents and guardians will receive information, resources and tools that will assist them in bridging the gap between home and school, as well as have the opportunity to network and share stories with other families within the Wauwatosa School District. If you are interested in attending an upcoming WSD Parent University session, please complete this form. More information about meeting dates and times will be distributed in the coming weeks. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact LaShawnda Holland, Director of Diversity + Inclusion.
As additional opportunities for engagement arise, families will be notified by their school and/or the appropriate District division. Thank you, Wauwatosa School District families, for your engagement, your support and your willingness to lend your talents to our schools and our students. We are incredibly grateful for your support.