August 2026

Dear Waukesha South Families,

It is hard to believe summer is coming to a close and we are beginning the 2026-27 School Year. As we close out August, a fresh start is right around the corner! We're looking forward to welcoming our newest Blackshirts at Freshman First Day and connecting with families at Welcome to South Back to School Night. We can’t wait to kick off an incredible year together.

We’re excited to see our fall athletes back in action. Whether on the field, the court, or the course, our student-athletes are ready to represent South with determination, teamwork, and Blackshirt pride. Be sure to check the schedule and come cheer them on!

Our arts programs are also gearing up for a strong start. Students are already preparing for upcoming performances, exhibitions, and events that will showcase the creativity and talent that make our school so special.

Even as summer winds down, the learning, creativity, and connection never stop at Waukesha South. As always, we are grateful for the support of our parents and families. Your involvement plays a crucial role in student success, and we appreciate everything you do.

We look forward to a wonderful year ahead and can’t wait to see our Blackshirts back in the building!

Welcome to Waukesha South
 

Just published! Waukesha South is a Best High Schools winner!

By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, South High School has achieved recognition as a U.S. News Best High School! Thank you to our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive community for making South such a great place to learn and grow!

 

Important Dates Ahead

August 26: Link Crew Freshman Orientation 1:30-4:30 pm

August 26: Welcome to South Back to School Night 4:30-6:30pm

September 1: First Day of Class (A Day)

September 4: Make-up Picture Day 7:15am-1:00pm

September 7: No School/Non-Service Day

September 11: Southfest

September 17: PreACT 8/9, Grade 9

September 23: Post-Secondary Planning Night (9th-12th gr) 5:30-7:30pm

September 26: Marchfest

Sept 28-Oct 3: Homecoming Week

September 30: Powderpuff Game 6:00-8:30pm

October 1: Parent Teacher Conference Phone-a-thon 3:15-4:15pm

October 2: Picture Retakes 7:15am-1:00pm

October 2: Ice Cream Social following football game

October 3: Homecoming Dance 7:30-10:00pm

October 19: District HS Orchestra Concert & Clinic

October 21: Band/Orchestra Halloween Kinderkonzert

October 21: Early Release @ 1:05pm

October 22: No School/Teacher Professional Development

October 23: No School/Non Service Day

October 25: PSAT

October 28: Fall Choir Concert 7:00pm

October 29: Band Fall Concert 7:00pm

Quick Glance Calendar 2026-2027
 

Principal:
Maria D’Amato-Kuche  mdamatokuc@waukesha.k12.wi.us 

Assistant Principal (A-K):
Daniel Schreier  dschreie@waukesha.k12.wi.us

Assistant Principal (L-Z): 
Patrick Rooney  prooney@waukesha.k12.wi.us

Athletic Director/Assistant Principal:
Nick Conrad  nconrad@waukesha.k12.wi.us

Dean of Students:
Chad Montez  ctmontez@waukesha.k12.wi.us

School Resource Officer:
Steve Pipia  spipia@waukesha.k12.wi.us

 

School Counselor (A - F & AVID):
Melanie Borland  mborland@waukesha.k12.wi.us

School Counselor (G - H & Dual Language):
Morgan Dicosola  mdicosola@waukesha.k12.wi.us 

School Counselor (I - Q & WAHP):
Sara Dood  sdood@waukesha.k12.wi.us

School Counselor (R - Z & WEPA):
Paul Darling  pdarling@waukesha.k12.wi.us

School Social Worker:
Audrey Richardson  arichardso@waukesha.k12.wi.us

School Psychologist: 
Paul Kilp  pkilp@waukesha.k12.wi.us

 

Freshman First Day

Wednesday, August 26

Student Activities: 1:30-4:30pm
Family Open House: 4:30-6:30pm 

Enter through Door #13 (Gym Entrance)

Reminders: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring a refillable water bottle, eat lunch before arriving, and leave backpacks and supplies at home.

Click Here for More Info About Freshman First Day
 

New Student Orientation

For new 10th, 11th, 12th graders ONLY.

Wednesday, August 26

Student Activities: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Family Open House: 4:30-6:30pm 

Enter through Door #1 (Main Entrance)

 

Welcome to South Back to School Night

Wednesday, August 26

Welcome to South Presentation: 4:30 pm in Auditorium

Back to School Night: 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm

Enter through Door #13 (Gym Entrance)

Get your picture ID in the cafeteria, walk your schedule, meet counselors, and learn about activities, clubs, and athletics.

 
 
 

Attendance

If your family or your child needs extra support to get to school or with any resources to be successful, please reach out to your child’s school counselor or our school social worker for help. They can be reached by calling the Student Services office at 262-970-3731 (English or Spanish).

 

Absence Reporting

The School District of Waukesha uses Infinite Campus as our attendance reporting system.

Parents or guardians must report absences through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or the mobile app. 

To report an absence for your child(ren), log into the Infinite Campus ParentPortal.

Go to Menu on the left-hand side of the screen, click "More", then select "Absence Requests". 

For detailed instructions on how to report an absence, please click HERE

Late Arrival 

Classes begin at 7:35 a.m.. Students who arrive after 7:35 a.m. are marked tardy. Please enter through our Main Entrance (Door #1 on Roberta Avenue) for a pass to class.  

Early Dismissal

Please note that attendance staff needs at least 1 HOUR notice to process a pass and notify your child of an early release. You MUST enter your early release notification at least 1 HOUR before the students planned departure time.

Please click HERE for more information on attendance

 
 

School Schedule

2026-2027 Daily Color-Coded Schedule
2026-2027 District Calendar

All students (9-12) are assigned and required to attend a 35-minute Homeroom period end of the day on Tuesdays.

On Tuesdays, ALL students participate in a grade-level homeroom that provides them with important schoolwide and grade-level information, including academic and career planning, graduation planning and information, upcoming events, and key deadlines. Students also receive updates about school activities such as Homecoming, Prom, exams, spirit days, assemblies, and other schoolwide initiatives. 

Wednesday through Friday Homeroom all students (9th & 10th grade are required; 11th and 12th grade can earn release*) What I Need (WIN) lab support with their classroom teachers.  

*11th and 12th graders may earn release from Wednesday–Friday WIN if they meet all of the following criteria:

Have no Fs or IEs in any current classes

Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher

Maintain 90% or higher attendance with no excessive truancy or tardiness

A 2026- 2027 Junior/Senior WIN Release Request Form must be filled out by parent/guardian. 

 

Schedules

Schedule Change Request Letter English & Spanish 

Schedules were released on August 1st. Families MUST update the registration for students to see schedules! See links to annual Registration Step-by-Step Instructions, click HERE for English, and HERE for Spanish.

All students are required to check Infinite Campus after August 3, 2026 to view their final schedules. Classes have been balanced and changes can still occur to your schedule. Schedules are final as of August 28, 2026.

If you are missing a class hour, please come to Student Services at that open period (not during a scheduled class period). If you have a request that falls under our district policy for schedule changes. Please fill out this Schedule Change Request Form

 

Parking & Permits

Any student who parks in South parking lots must have a valid parking permit. To receive a Parking Permit, complete the Parking Application Form, which will be available after September 1, 2026 and emailed to students.

Click HERE to pay the parking fee for Semester 1 via Infinite Campus. The cost is $75/semester. 

 

Cellphones & Backpacks

Cellphone Policy: As students enter any classroom, cell phones must be turned off and stored away or in the classroom phone caddy. 

Students cannot be in possession of a cell phone in class or have one on their person. Policy states that a cell phone has to be “out of sight”, and this is defined by administration for all South students as either in their locker or in the phone caddy during every class period.

The use of cell phones, cameras, or any other recording devices are not permitted in bathrooms, locker rooms, and any other space where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. 

Earbuds/headphones are considered an “electronic device”; the classroom teacher approves any accommodation for earbuds/headphones. 

Backpacks: May be brought to school but must remain in the student’s locker throughout the day.

 

Breakfast & Lunch

Students can purchase breakfast and eat in the cafeteria from 7:10-7:30am daily. Breakfast prices can be found HERE

There are two 30-minute lunch periods during the school day. Student Lunches are in their schedules on Infinite Campus.    

Juniors and Seniors are allowed lunch release and can leave campus for the lunch period.  

Lunch prices and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications can be found HERE  

 

Infinite Campus

Infinite Campus is the one stop shop for all school-related activities.    

A parent portal account is required to complete annual registration.  NOTE:  A student account does not permit registration access. 

Please visit the SDW Family Resource Page for more information on fees and how to pay HERE

If you are new to Infinite Campus, please contact IC Help at ichelp@waukesha.k12.wi.us or  262-970-1072 for setup assistance.

 

Transportation

The Transportation Department is committed to providing safe, efficient, and reliable transit for our eligible students.

Download the FirstView tracking app, our real-time GPS vehicle tracking and student transportation monitoring platform. 

District Code: G9B9Y

Click Here to View Setup Instructions
 

Health & Nursing Services

Our health staff supports students by managing medical needs and handling minor illnesses or injuries at school. In an emergency, staff will provide basic care, call 9-1-1, and contact parents immediately. 

For more information on available services, medical policies, and medical forms, please click HERE

South Health Room 262-970-3715    

 

Empowering Minds

Looking for ways to support your child(ren)s mental health and wellness? Visit our SDW Cares Website for resources!

 

The SDW app keeps you connected on the go. Get instant access to district and school news, event calendars, classroom updates in Rooms, direct messaging between families and teachers, and urgent notifications right from your phone.

Download the SDW App Here
 

Senior Pictures & Yearbook

All students (including seniors) must have their picture taken for a current 2026 - 2027 Student ID 

Separate Senior Pictures can be submitted for the yearbook. Click HERE
for more information about senior pictures.

Pre-order a yearbook for the 2026-2027 school year by clicking HERE.  We do not order extras so please plan ahead to purchase one now.  

For more information contact Mr. Prothero at: dprothero@waukesha.k12.wi.us 

 

Spirit Wear

Get your class spirit wear! The sale is open now through September 1, 2026.

Powderpuff Reminder: Students participating as players or coaches in the Powderpuff Homecoming Game are required to purchase a t-shirt to wear as their uniform.

Scan the QR code below, or click HERE to order. 

 

Athletics & Activities

Waukesha South offers 29 WIAA and club sports programs as well as 40 clubs and activities. Our fundamental belief is that every student deserves and benefits from a well-rounded educational experience, including academic rigor, extra-curricular involvement, and the development of relationships with peers and adults who will positively impact future success.

Our activities office can be reached at: 262-970-3719   

Click Here for News, Events, and Our Live Feed 
 
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
 

Let’s launch into September with focus, determination, and pride as we make the most of every opportunity the months ahead have to offer.

Warm regards,
Maria D'Amato-Kuche
Proud Principal
Waukesha South High School

 

Parent/Student Resources

SDW Student Handbook (English)
SDW Manual del Estudiante Español
Junior/Senior WIN Release Request Form

 

Quick Links

South Website
School District of Waukesha Website
Athletic & Booster Club Website
2026-2027 District Calendar