News & Notes: Jan. 31

12 teachers get notices of possible layoff

West Allis - Twelve teachers in the West Allis-West Milwaukee received preliminary nonrenewal notices for the 2012-13 school year.

That's about the same number as this school year.

Not all the teachers may be laid off, but the district was working against a state deadline requiring that preliminary notices be given to anyone who might be laid off.

Final nonrenewal notices do not have to be issued until March 15.

Cousins Subs unwraps new store in Greenfield

Greenfield - A Cousins Subs shop has opened at the BP Station on 12345 W. Layton Ave.

The new restaurant, which seats 20, features a complete menu of deli-style subs, salads and soups.

The BP station is one of nine owned by David Schwartz and his family. It's the first to have a Cousins.

In a press release, Schwartz said: "Cousins Subs is a Wisconsin tradition and our family is proud to be a part of it."

Cousins Subs is based in Menomonee Falls.

New spelling program hits rules, common words

Greenfield - After piloting a new spelling program for more than a year in some classrooms at two elementary schools, the Whitnall School Board decided all the elementary schools should switch to it.

School officials have been looking for a program that is more cohesive in terms of high-frequency words and spelling rules, and this one fills the bill, said Wendy McQuistion, district learning coordinator. It also will make it easier for teachers to individualize for each student, and the program incorporates grammar and language usage, she said.

Teachers will be trained in the new program, which will be fully implemented this fall, she said.

City gets stronger hand to deal with chronic nuisances

West Allis - Those who make neighborhood nuisances of themselves will have a tougher time, under an ordinance the West Allis Common Council approved.

If a property creates a nuisance three times in six months, the city will send a letter about the objectionable behavior and require a response in writing about how it will be fixed. If a fourth offense occurs and police must respond, the homeowner will get a bill for police service in addition to possibly a ticket. If a tenant is responsible for the nuisance behavior, the tenant will get the ticket.

The same procedure existed before, but the time period was two months. Then the clock would start over on a property. So, theoretically, there could be as many as nine offenses in six months without the offender getting a bill from the city.

Nuisance calls are for such things as noise, fights, drug dealing or disturbances inside or outside of buildings.

Teachers, principals get McDouble-takes

Greenfield - Teachers and principals at the Greenfield Middle School left their classrooms one day last week after school and headed to a second "job," working the behind the counter at McDonald's Restaurant, 5040 S. 76th St.

The educators took part in a McTeacher's Night fundraiser, raising money for programs, equipment and any other special projects for the school. Schools are rewarded by a percentage of all sales generated during the program's three-hour period from 5 to 8 p.m.

Veterans services gets new home

West Allis - The Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office has relocated to 6419 W. Greenfield Ave.

The new location will continue to provide the same services, including The Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic, DWD Office of Veterans Services and Bureau of Apprenticeships, Veterans Initiative for Paternity and Support, and Department of Human Services (Foodshare/Medical Assistance Applications) as well as a full range of assistance to veterans and their families in applying for state and federal veterans benefits.

Free parking is available both on and off the street, and the new location is wheelchair accessible. The new phone number for the office is (414) 266-1234.

The Veterans Service Office was previously housed at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, but that space is now needed by the Medical Center.

Caring, sharing comes by the truckload

Greenfield - Forty-six local families had a happier holiday season, thanks to the Greenfield High School National Honor Society and all those who donated to the annual Holiday Sharing food and toy drive at the school.

Each family received non-perishable food, gently used clothing a poinsettia plant, fresh fruit, a bread/pastry box, toys/gifts for each child and $50 in gift certificates to Aldi's.

Beyond that, St. Francis Hospital received a carload of toys, 200 new hats and gloves, and several boxes of children's books for waiting rooms, pediatric and emergency departments. In addition, 150 new stuffed animals went to the hospital for distribution to the hospice and pediatric units.

Another 4,000-plus items of clothing went to the Winter Clothes Closet on Milwaukee's near South Side for distribution to needy families..

Seven truckloads of food were donated to St. Martin of Tours Emergency Food Pantry. That pantry was selected because it turns no one away and serves the five zip codes in southern Milwaukee County. The donation from Greenfield High was the largest in the pantry's history.

Also given where they were needed were about 15 new afghans, additional hats, scarves, gloves, toys, and candy.

The Honor Society is still receiving requests for assistance and will continue until all resources are gone.

For additional information about the Holiday Sharing program, contact Renee Bykowski and/or Lisa Frey at (414) 281 - 6200.