West Allis-West Milwaukee board hears school showcase, approves Frank Lloyd Wright trip and a slate of WASB resolutions; referendum, bond and enrollment updates

Central High School showcase draws board attention to classroom practice and college-prep work

Central High School staff and students presented classroom projects and programs to the West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board on Jan. 13, highlighting efforts to align instruction to grade-level learning targets and support student well-being.

"Our theory of action, just for you guys reminder is about improving student outcomes," Principal Brian Summerfield told the board as he introduced science, art and mindfulness programs that students demonstrated during the meeting.

Why it matters: Presentations are part of the board's regular spotlight on instruction and help board members see how curriculum and professional learning are being applied in classrooms. Teachers described standards-aligned lessons, differentiated instruction and activities intended to build student resilience ahead of spring assessments.

What presenters showed and said

- Science teacher Mark Hawksley described a unit on freshwater resources in which students assumed stakeholder roles (farmer, business owner, environmental activist) to negotiate solutions to aquifer overuse. Senior student Bryce Evans explained the role-play and said groups were able to "present some of their solutions."

- Art teacher Bob Graff showcased advanced-studio work and discussed how long-term projects build student persistence and leadership. Students displayed posters and large panels reflecting personal and cultural themes.

- Heather Townsend, a physical education teacher, described a new mindfulness class that earned PE credit. Students demonstrated breathing and movement exercises and said classmates use the techniques outside of class to manage anxiety.

Board members thanked staff and students for the presentations and asked follow-up questions about class sizes, transferability to assessments and student participation.

Board approves Frank Lloyd Wright intermediate school trip to Philadelphia

The board voted to approve a field trip for current seventh-grade students at Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate School to visit Philadelphia Oct. 8–10, 2025.

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