The Wausau Daily Herald answers your questions about school supply lists, school bus information, new principals, open houses, school schedules and more.
WAUSAU – Students and their families are preparing for the 2024-25 school year, set to begin in less than two weeks. We know that purchasing school supplies, coordinating transportation plans and creating schedules are critical to these preparations.
Here are a few things parents, families and community members should know as the first day of school approaches in the Wausau School District.
When is the first day of school in the Wausau school district?
For students in the Wausau School District, September 3rd is their first day of school.
Further school start dates: When does the 2024-25 school year begin for students in the Wausau area?
What time does the school day start and end?
Start and end times vary by grade level. Elementary students begin their day at 8:35 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Middle school students begin at 7:31 a.m. and end at 2:55 p.m. Wausau East and West students begin their day at 7:41 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
When do orientation days and open days take place?
Orientation sessions and pick-up times begin in early August and vary by school.
Each school building hosts an open house during the last week of August. A list of open house times can be found on the school district website.
When do elementary school students meet their teachers?
Each elementary school handles this differently, and families are beginning to receive information about back-to-school times, said Diana White, the district’s communications coordinator.
Where can I find lists of school supplies?
Families can find lists of school supplies on each school’s webpage on the school district’s website.
Are there new principals and administrators in the district?
The Wausau School District welcomes a number of new leaders to the district, including: Cale Bushman, interim superintendent; Rachel Jean, principal of Rib Mountain Elementary; Kyle Sackett, principal of GD Jones Elementary; Krista Tretter, principal of Franklin Elementary; Matthew Schilling, principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary and Hope Cameron, assistant principal of John Muir Middle School.
More news from the Wausau School District: Wausau Elementary School working group hears concerns about enrollment, necessary building renovations and underutilized space
When will we receive information about bus services?
The district is required by state law to provide transportation for students who live more than 2 miles from the nearest public school. Parents of students within that 2-mile limit can contract with the district for bus service.
Families will receive information about departure times and routes from the bus company First Student in the last week of August.
Is there currently any construction work that could affect the route to school?
Some district buildings are still undergoing construction and renovations as the school year begins. White said families of students at those schools should expect to hear from the building’s principal if there will be any impacts to student drop-off or pick-up or other school-related activities and events.
The construction is the result of funds approved in a 2022 referendum. Major work is currently underway at John Muir Middle School and Wausau West High School and will continue into next year. Some projects at Wausau East High School, GD Jones Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Elementary are nearing completion.
When are the holidays and the last day of school?
Depending on which school they attend, students have about 25 days off during the school year. Major holidays include Thanksgiving break from November 27-29, winter break from December 23-January 1, and spring break from March 24-28. The last day of school is scheduled for June 5.
Click here to view the full Wausau School District calendar for 2024-25.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at [email protected].
