The Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty (WILL) filed an amicus brief and a motion to intervene this week on behalf of WCRIS and 21 other parental choice advocates – including WCRIS schools, other advocacy organizations, parents and teachers – in response to the case challenging choice and charter programs in Wisconsin. Check out the [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
Annual School Safety Submissions Due Soon
November 16, 2023
All schools’ annual safety submissions are due to the state Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety (OSS) on Jan. 1. Submissions have to include things such as your school’s safety plan; a record of school violence drills; and more. Learn more about what the law requires. The platform for uploading school safety submissions has been [...]
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Combat Vaping in Your School Community
November 16, 2023
A new state grant opportunity is available to help schools address the harmful impact of vaping on young Wisconsinites. The state received over $14 million from an agreement with an e-cigarette manufacturer in 2022 after resolving a two-year investigation into the company’s marketing and sales practices. From that money, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services [...]
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Making the Grade: School Report Cards Released
November 16, 2023
State report cards for the 2022-23 school year were published this week by the DPI. Reports are generated for school districts, public schools and private schools that participate in the choice programs. Several analyses of the data show that choice schools scored higher than public schools – especially in Milwaukee and Racine. Almost all of the top 20 schools [...]
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Principal Question: Moving the Needle on Choice
November 16, 2023
Question: I want to join the choice program to help my students and grow my school; however, my oversight authority isn’t on board. How can I “move the needle” and convince them to allow my school to participate in the program? Answer: It’s more common than you think for schools and oversight authorities to have [...]
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Principal Question: Concealed Carry of a Firearm
November 09, 2023
Question: Since our church and school are in the same building, a parishioner who has a concealed carry license is asking our pastor and myself for written permission to carry his firearm when he attends church services. Is this part of the law? Answer: Although the possession of a firearm on school grounds is generally prohibited, a [...]
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Student First Amendment Competition
November 09, 2023
The third annual Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s Civics Games Editorial and Cartoon Contest is now open! Middle and high schoolers are invited to submit a letter to the editor, guest column or cartoon capturing what the First Amendment means to them. A WCRIS student won first place in the middle school category in last year’s contest. Go here to watch a [...]
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Don’t Miss These Two Webinars
November 09, 2023
Next Week Schools that are considering joining the Milwaukee, Racine or Wisconsin parental choice programs are encouraged to attend WCRIS’ “Choosing Choice” webinar on Nov. 14 at 1:30 p.m. WCRIS’ knowledgeable staff will give you an overview of the program(s), including important considerations for your school community. Participants will also be eligible to claim a [...]
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Take This Survey from the DPI
November 09, 2023
The DPI just launched a survey and a schedule for community engagement sessions to gather feedback from Wisconsin citizens for the department’s five-year strategic plan. Take the survey here, which features multiple-choice questions on a number of DPI’s duties and initiatives. All responses are confidential. If you’re interested in attending an engagement session near you or online, check [...]
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Lunch & Learns: Choosing Choice and School Safety
November 02, 2023
Mark your calendars for two upcoming Lunch & Learn webinars. Both are scheduled for 1:30 p.m.: Nov. 14 – Choosing Choice: Gearing Up for the Parental Choice Programs If your school plans to join the Milwaukee, Racine or Wisconsin Parental Choice Programs for the first time, attend this webinar to help you prepare for your [...]
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