
Warrior Weekly

Los boletines se publican a través del sitio web de SMORE. El sitio web SMORE tiene una opción de "traducir" disponible, ubicada en la parte superior del programa. Si tiene preguntas o está confundido acerca de la información compartida en este boletín, comuníquese con nuestro intérprete del distrito al (608) 206-5730
The bulletins are published through the SMORE website. The SMORE website has a "translate" option available, located on the top of the program. If you have questions or are confused about the information shared in this newsletter, please contact our district interpreter at (608) 206-5730.
WCSD Board of Education Announces New Superintendent
Welcome Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown
The Waunakee Community School District Board of Education is pleased to announce an important milestone in the search for the new Superintendent. Following a comprehensive and inclusive selection process, the Board of Education unanimously voted on the hiring of Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown as the next Superintendent of the Waunakee Community School District on Monday, December 11, 2023 at the Regular Monthly Board Meeting.
The Board of Education expresses deep gratitude to the community of stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and community members, for their active engagement throughout this process. The invaluable insights and feedback gathered through surveys and engagement meetings played a crucial role in defining the criteria for selecting finalists. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in identifying a candidate who best aligns with the needs and aspirations of our dynamic school district.
Currently serving as the Superintendent of the Brown Deer School District since the 2020-2021 school year, Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her career spans nine years in a central office Administrator position in the School District of Brown Deer, along with previous roles as a 2nd-grade teacher, curriculum generalist, and student achievement supervisor with the Milwaukee Public Schools.
“We are thrilled to announce Dr. Kelsey-Brown as the next superintendent of the Waunakee Community School District. Her passion for education, innovative leadership, and commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment stood out during the selection process. We believe her vision will further enhance our school district's mission, and we look forward to a bright future under her guidance. We are confident that her leadership will not only build on our achievements but also inspire positive growth and progress throughout the entire Waunakee community," said Joan Ensign, Board of Education President.
Dr. Kelsey-Brown will take office on July 1, 2024, marking the transition as Superintendent Randy Guttenberg retires after 16 years of dedicated service to the Waunakee Community School District. Dr. Kelsey-Brown said, “I am excited about the opportunity to join this esteemed school district and look forward to making significant contributions to continue fostering a landscape of excellence in education, serving our community and ensuring a bright future for every child in our district.”
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Superintendent Guttenberg for his outstanding 16 years of student-focused leadership to the Waunakee Community School District. His unwavering commitment to excellence has left an indelible mark on our district, shaping it into the thriving educational community it is today. Under Guttenberg’s leadership, the district has had several successful referendums to include 3 new schools, extensive remodeling, and capital maintenance projects within the school district. As we bid farewell to a leader of his caliber, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new leadership in Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown, confident that she will build upon the strong foundation Superintendent Guttenberg has laid for the continued success of our students, staff, and community," said Joan Ensign, Board of Education President.
Please visit our district website for more information.
School Resource Officer (SRO)
We are excited to introduce Tanner Weber as the newest addition to our team at the Waunakee Community School District, taking on the vital role of School Resource Officer (SRO). He will begin in December and will be full-time with the school district in January of 2024.
Originally from Markesan, just an hour north of Waunakee, Officer Weber recently earned his Masters in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Officer Weber was an honor student at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville during his Bachelor’s and Master’s schoolwork, and volunteered as an assistant coach for the Darlington High School football and wrestling team.
Officer Weber brings not only his academic background but also a profound commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone within our school community. The SRO position goes beyond safety and security; it's about cultivating positive relationships, nurturing trust, and being a valuable resource for our students, staff, and families.
In collaboration with our school district, Officer Weber will play a pivotal role in further enhancing our safety procedures, engaging with students in a positive and supportive manner, and collaborating with our staff and families to address any concerns that may arise.
The partnership between the Waunakee Police Department and our School Resource Officer is of utmost importance to us as a school district. We deeply appreciate the support in maintaining the safety of our students and staff, which remains our top priority.
We eagerly anticipate our joint efforts with Officer Weber to continue the successful journey of the Waunakee Community School District. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Officer Weber as he becomes an integral part of our school community.
Stress and the Holidays
Are your teens feeling the stress of the holidays? While this time of year can be joyful it also can bring about a good deal of stress as well. Teens may feel anxiety over the increased expectations around this time of year. Planning a reasonable schedule in advance can help along with having open communication.
Here are a few tips to help your teen cope with holiday stress:
- Stick to typical household routines; consider creating family rituals
- Embrace room for down time and daily movement
- Allow teens some control over their schedule
- Invite teens to get involved in holiday activities and assign responsibilities
- Spend positive time together as a family
- Manage gift expectations and create a budget
- Limit social media and screen time which can lead to sensory overload, unrealistic expectations, and comparisons
- Take care of yourself as parent/caregiver and model this for your teen
Adapted from article Holiday Stress is Real; Here’s how to cope. By Krista Morell, Arizona Kids Magazine. To read the article in full visit Holiday stress is real for teens. Here's how to cope
Attendance Office Reminder
Attendance Tips
Please remember that the state of Wisconsin allows parents to excuse their student’s absences for a total of 10 days per school year. After that, school administration may require prior approval for any future absences.
Seniors, please be reminded that you must have less than 45 period absences to participate in the graduation ceremony. To avoid ever reaching this senior limit you can submit documentation for certain absences.
- Medical - bring a note from the health care provider
- College - bring some documentation showing appointment/tour date and time OR submit a picture of your student in front of a sign
- Funeral - parent should call or send a message to attendance
- Vacation - send a handwritten note with dates of travel. Parents must be traveling with the student
- Religious Holiday - parent should call or send a message to attendance
Library Media & Technology Center (LMTC)
Holiday Photo Fun
As we head into winter break, Mr. Schiemann will have the green screen set up during study halls and contact time Wednesday-Friday for holiday photos and fun. There are so many fun backgrounds to choose from and enjoy with your friends.
"Thing of the Month" for December
December's new item is in the glass case in the LMTC. Please come by and take a look for a chance to win a Kokopelli coupon.
Help Decorate the LMTC
For fun and relaxation in December, we are asking students (and staff) to help decorate the LMTC for winter.
Option 1: Ask Mrs. Brown for a piece of plain printer paper and scissors to make a good old-fashioned cut-out snowflake to hang.
Option 2: Ask Mr. Schiemann to use the Cricut Maker machine to design and have the printer cut out an intricately designed unique snowflake on special cardstock paper.
WHS Drama and Music Departments
ALICE BY HEART musical is a WISCONSIN PREMIER!
The WHS Drama and Music departments are holding auditions after school on January 2-3, 2024 for our May production of Alice by Heart. The Original Broadway Production opened in late 2019 and had to close due to the pandemic. It is now available for a limited time to schools and community groups. We have not only secured the rights, but currently we will be the Wisconsin premier of this beautiful story. Here is a brief synopsis:
In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.
As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.
Mr. Braun.
Post Prom Committee Meeting
Attention Junior/Senior Parents and Guardians
Mark your calendar to attend the Post Prom Planning Meeting on Monday, December 18th. We will meet in the Activity Room at the Village Center starting at 6:30 PM. All are encouraged to attend to help plan this great event.
Whipurwauna
Reserve Your 2024 Yearbook Today!
Our 2023-2024 yearbooks are for sale at the order center. Click the link HERE to purchase and enter School Code 3927. Order today to avoid the price increase:
- Order now through 12/31/23: $55.00
- Order between 01/01/24 - 05/01/24: $65.00
- Personalization Sales Ends: 05/01/24
- Order between 05/02/24 - 7/6/24: $75.00
- All Online Sales End: 07/06/24
- Quantitites are limited; Don't Miss Out!
Counseling Connection
Hello Parents/Guardians of Students in Class of 2028
✏️Families with an incoming 9th grader are invited to join us for a presentation to learn about the WCHS, and opportunities available. Students are encouraged to attend on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 PM in the Performing Arts Center-High School. Contact Counselor Sarah Stimart with questions at 608-849-2100.
Badger PreCollege - Summer Enrichment
📚Looking for a great summer enrichment opportunity? UW-Madison's Badger Pre-College
summer program applications are now open. More information can be found on the
Badger Precollege website.
Madison College
Madison College Free Application Workshop AND Madison College Scholars of Promise Application Support - Tuesday, December 19th, 9:00-11:00 a.m. AND 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
SENIORS: If you are planning to attend Madison College and have not yet applied, you're encouraged to attend this application workshop! Bilingual support in Spanish will also be available. There will also be support for students who wish to apply for Scholars of Promise. Please stop in for a pass or register in FlexiSched under Mr. Landis. If you have any questions please stop by the Counseling Office.
Representative Visits
A Yale Student Ambassador will be visiting the counseling office from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 18th. Items to be discussed include the Yale experience, what makes Yale unique, and to answer questions about the admissions and financial aid process. Students should stop by the counseling office for a pass or if there are questions.
Semester Exams/Finals Schedule
The High School will follow the Skinny Day Clock Schedule on Friday, January 12th. This schedule allows students to complete both their A-Day and B-Day schedule.
Included below is the First Semester Final Exam Schedule. This schedule focuses on spacing the tests in a way that ensures a student would not take more than two tests per day.
Open Campus-Students are not required to be in the building when not taking a test. Students who remain in the building should be in the commons, field house, or LMTC.
Test Preparation-Staff prepare for administering tests or offer review sessions for upcoming tests.
Test Periods-Staff/students complete finals for their class during the listed hour. Staff are expected to a) offer a final test/project/etc b) hold a class or c) bring in students who have work to complete.
Break-Breaks will look like a passing time.
Lunch- Students should be in commons or outside of the building during lunch unless they are with a teacher.
Contact Time:
All teachers, unless supervising an area, will have contact time availability.
Teachers will request students who still have the opportunity to pass. Students that could benefit from raising their grade to the point where a summer school recommendation is possible should also be requested.
Test/projects/etc.. make-ups occurring closest to contact time have first priority. Teachers will negotiate an equitable solution in the cases that involve a student needing to attend multiple contact times.
Student attendance is mandatory when requested or when signing up for a teacher.
Students who are not requested by a teacher or did not sign up for a contact time availability are not required to be in school and should be in the commons if not requested by a teacher.
Make-Up Tests-Students complete missed tests, projects, or other work.
Dates to Calendar
December 25-29: No School/Winter Break
January 1, 2024: No School/Winter Break
January 12: HS to follow Skinny Day Schedule
January 15: No School/Staff Development
January 16-19: Final Exams
January 22: No School/Staff Work Day
January 23: Future Freshmen Night, 6:00-7:00 PM, PAC
February 17: Winter Formal (details to be shared in the WW at a later date)
March 1: No School/Staff Development
March 18: Parent Teacher Conferences, 4-8 PM
March 22: No School/Parent Teacher Conferences 8 AM – 12 PM
March 25-29: No School/Spring Break
April 13: Prom (details to be shared in the WW at a later date)
April 16: Jostens to distribute Graduation orders
May 20: No School/Staff Development
May 27: No School/Memorial Day
May 28: Senior Final Exams
May 29: Senior Final Exams
May 30: Seniors, please note the following:
- Board busses at 8:30 AM and travel to the Elementary Schools for Walk-thru
- Busses return to HS at 9:30 AM for Seniors to participate in Graduation Rehearsal
- Senior Brunch begins at 10:30 AM in the Commons/CAVE (free for all Seniors!)
June 2: Class of 2024 Commencement at 3:00 PM in the High School Field House
June 3-6: Final Exams for Underclassmen
June 19: Summer School Starts (by teacher recommendation)
The 2024 Homecoming Dance is set for September 28, 2024 (details will be shared in the WW at a later date).
WNC Cord Collection
There's still time to donate your old cords and/or cables (no charger blocks) to the WNC Cord Collection! Holiday lights, phone chargers, and electrical cords (w/plugs on) can be in ANY condition to be recycled. WNC will receive $$$ per pound for each type of wire. The proceeds will in turn be used to support WNC programs and clients...AND non-renewable resources out of our landfills! The collection runs now through January 31, 2024.
Questions? Contact Jessica North at: jessicanorth@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Health Office to Home
Absent Request Portal
Parents/Guardians, thank you so much for embracing the Absence Request Portal in Infinite Campus! We hope this usually makes dealing with attendance issues quicker and more efficient. With so many illnesses going around right now there is one particular way we could work together.
If your student is ill during the school day, please always send them directly to the health office, instead of using the request portal. For safety’s sake, we need a chance to ensure that your student is safe to get themselves home AND it allows us to be aware of any illness trends in the student body. We will always be in favor of sending a sick student home as soon as possible! We only wish to speak with them briefly, confirm your agreement to have them leave school, and ask them to sign out. Simple and quick for everyone! Thanks so much!
District 3 DECA Competition
The DECA competition will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 and the competition would not be possible without your support and expertise to make this first round of competition possible.
In order for Waunakee DECA to bring students to the competition, we must provide judges for this event. SIGN UP! at: http://tinyurl.com/D3WIDECA. Please identify Waunakee as the school that recruited you. The event begins at 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM (approx.) at DeForest Area High School.
Thank you for considering and for your continued support of Waunakee DECA. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Maggie Biermeier or Sandra Meinholz if you have questions.
Waunakee Tribune Requests Senior Photos
Attention Seniors
Waunakee Tribune is planning its graduation edition and is asking school district families to submit photos of their senior student/s. Email picture/s to tribnews@hngnews.com, send by U.S. Mail or drop off at Tribune Office. The deadline is January 12, 2024.
The graduation section will be featured in color, so color pictures are preferred. The Tribune will need the name of the graduating senior, as well. It will be published the Friday before graduation. Contact Roberta Baumann, Waunakee Tribune Managing Editor with questions.
Student Financial Assistance Campaign
The Waunakee Community School District is committed to ensuring that all students and families can participate in their school communities regardless of a family’s financial situation and ability to pay. Scholarships or payment plans are available to any student who has been approved for the free/reduced meal program, and may be available to any student whose families have a financial need due to unique circumstances.
The Student Financial Assistance Fund is proud to have provided $45,000+ in dollars to support students and families for the 2022-2023 school year. It is our hope that in the future this amount can increase to provide even more support for those in need. We are especially grateful to our community, staff, local partners and businesses, etc. for donating to the Student Financial Assistance Fund to make these requests possible year after year.
We invite you to support our campaign this school year. Donate Online TODAY
Website I https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/families/student-financial-assistance
Checks I Waunakee Community School District, 905 Bethel Circle, Waunakee, WI 53597
Inclement Weather & Cancellations
Weather Information
This is information regarding inclement weather and cancellations of school.
Communication - Snow Day Procedures 2023-2024
Our website is updated, as well.
https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/families/school-closingsweather
Scholarships or Payment Plans Available
Scholarships or payment plans are available to any student who has been approved for the free/reduced meal program and may be available to any student whose families have a financial need due to unique circumstances.
https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/families/student-financial-assistance
Please contact Teri Reible at 608-849-2000 to learn more about these opportunities. If you need assistance in a language other than English, please call the district interpreter and translator at 608-849-2000, option 2.
Waunakee Community Cares Coalition
The Waunakee Community Cares Coalition (WCCC) is dedicated to keeping Waunakee healthy and resilient. To receive updates of all of the trends, resources available, and community initiatives in the spaces of alcohol/drug prevention and mental health, please sign up for their monthly newsletter.
Link to sign up to receive newsletter: https://www.waunakeecares.org/contact
Link to our resource pages: https://www.waunakeecares.org/resources-1
Lunch Menus
Here is What's Cookin'!
Taher Food Services menus can be viewed through the link below:
Contact Information
Waunakee Community High School
301 Community Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
Phone: (608) 849-2100
Website: whs.waunakee.k12.wi.us