

Warrior Weekly

Rotary Exchange Host Families Needed
Rewarding Opportunity
The Waunakee Rotary Club will be hosting a high school aged student for the 2024-2025 school year. They are seeking families who would be willing to host this student for next school year. Rotary would like three families to share this responsibility so the student receives three different experiences during their stay, and it keeps the stay at any one home to about four months. If you are interested in being a host family, or want to discuss this opportunity and learn more, please contact Carol Bleifield from Waunakee Rotary at dfbleifield@yahoo.com. Thanks for considering.
Plant Dane Native Plant Program
Donate Your Plants
Youth Conservationists of Waunakee are looking to expand and complete the native plant habitat in the Little Woodlot (along Century Av.; next to Endres Mfg.). The purpose of the garden is to increase biodiversity of the high school campus and provide pollinator habitat.
Weād like to invite you to donate plants to our Little Woodlot garden through the Plant Dane Native Plant Program. Itās easy, just visit https://ripple-effects.com/Order/Donate, select āWAUNAKEE HIGH SCHOOLā and select the number of plants youād like to donate. Plants cost $2.88/each and must be ordered in multiples of 4. The deadline to donate to our project is March 19th .
Thanks for helping to make our completed garden a reality!
Post Prom Tickets
Scholarship Drive
Dear Class of 2024 Parents/Guardians
This week in Advisory, the Senior Class was presented with information on the Waunakee Scholarship Drive, the application process, and dates / deadlines. Information has also been shared the last several weeks in the Warrior Weekly and Announcements. This Scholarship opportunity is open to all graduating seniors that are pursuing higher education after graduation.
Please click on this link for the APPLICATION or the QR Code and complete it no later than Friday, March 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in order to participate in the Waunakee Scholarship Drive. Please note, students must be logged into their School Google Account to be able to submit the application.
All seniors are able to apply for this scholarship, but in order to participate they need to be available to attend these events:
March 14 during Contact Time - Drive Night Instructional Meeting, located in the HS PAC
April 10 @ 6:30 pm - Community Mailer Preparation & Route Assignments, located in the High School Commons
April 24 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm - Scholarship Fund Drive Night where students go out into the community to collect donations
Additional information about this scholarship can be found at the Scholarship Fund Drive website: Waunakee Scholarship Drive - Waunakee Community High School If you have questions, please email waunakeescholarship@gmail.com.
Thank you!
The Waunakee Scholarship Fund Drive Committee
Angie Docherty & Kim Raemisch, Co-Presidents
Parenting Teens: Anxiety
Lunch & Learn for Parents: Teen Anxiety
Parents want the best for their children and the teenage years can be challenging. Anxiety is a common issue among teens as they tend to be self-focused and may have concerns about academics, perception by peers, and body image.
Teens may try to disguise their anxiety. Here are some signs to look for:
- Refusal to go to school and reports of somatic complaints
- Frequent worries about daily life
- Withdrawal from socializing
- Irritability
- Challenges in school
- Sleep issues
- Constantly seeking reassurance
Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Encourage connections with a trusted adult (relative, coach, teacher, family friend).
- Initiate proactive conversations while your teen is not experiencing anxiety and discuss strategies to try.
- Model stress reduction techniques.
Adapted from Anxiety in Children and Teens: A Parent's Guide - HelpGuide.org
For more information, please join our upcoming Lunch & Learn for Parents: Teen Anxiety.
- Date: Friday, March 15th
- Time: 11:30am-12:00pm
- Location: Zoom- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88562986760
- Facilitator: Nisa Giaquinto-Student Wellness Facilitator
- RSVP Contact: ngiaquinto@ccmadison.org
This lunch & learn will offer the opportunity to learn about strategies for how to help if your teen experiences ongoing anxiety. There also will be time to connect with other parents to discuss strategies and suggestions.
**Nisa Giaquinto works as our Student Wellness Facilitator on Fridays here at the high school. Previously, she was a school counselor for secondary students and has spent over 20 years working with middle and high school students.
March Staff Appreciation Dinner
Attention Parents & Guardians
For over 18 years, the HS Staff Appreciation Committee has been providing a light meal for the teachers and staff on the night of conferences. Access the March 2024 Staff Appreciation Dinner Signup to indicate your offering or to volunteer to set-up and/or clean-up. Any help is appreciated! All donations should be dropped off to the HS main office by 2 PM on Monday, March 18th (no deliveries the week before please; if you need help getting your donation to school, reach out to one of the coordinators).
If you would prefer to make a cash donation and have one of the coordinators do the shopping, please reach out to one of us (below) and we will provide the information needed.
On behalf of the HS Staff Appreciation Committee, thank you!
Staff Appreciation Co-Coordinators:
Graduation Orders Arriving Soon
Seniors: Mark Your Calendar
All seniors will meet in the Performing Arts Center for Contact Time on Tuesday, April 16th. Our representatives of Jostens will distribute senior graduation orders during this time. Orders not picked up on the 16th will be available to pick up from Mrs. Richardson in the Main Office.
Jostens is still accepting graduation orders HERE. Please note, however, the traditional WCHS Graduation Announcements are no longer available to order. Souvenier tassels (to wear on cap at graduation) will be available to purchase from Mrs. Richardson in the HS Main Office beginning April 22nd. The cost is $12.00.
If you have any questions?
Call Jostens at 1-800-854-7464 or EMAIL: www.jostens.com/contact
Or, email Mrs. Richardson in the Main Office at cindyrichardson@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Counseling Office Connection
Juniors and Seniors
A college representative will be available to meet with juniors and seniors in the Counseling Office during Contact Time on the following day:
Wednesday, March 13, 2024: University of MN - Duluth
To attend, students must sign up in FlexiSched under the Counseling Office on Monday, March 11, 2024.
ACT Reminders
- Juniors only (No school for Freshman, Sophomores & Seniors)
- March 12, 2024
Arrive to school by 7:45
Bring two #2 pencils
A permitted calculator
- Student ID (can be a driverās license or student ID - see the main office if you need one)In order to receive test scores, you must have a MyACT account. Instructions to create or update your My ACT account were given during homeroom on 2/26 and 3/4. If you did not receive these instructions, please see Mrs. Varney in the counseling office.
Community Education Workshop
Adult Custom Sign Workshop
Unlock your creativity and join us at the WCHS Innovation Center for a hands-on workshop that is perfect for beginners and design enthusiasts alike. Participants will dive into the world of design to craft a personalized sign from start to finish. No prior experience is necessary as instructors will teach and assist participants. All supplies and materials will be provided, and participants will leave the class with completed projects.
- Where: Waunakee High School Innovation Center
- When: Night 1: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 6-8 PM; Night 2: Tuesday, April 16, 2024, choice of 4-6 PM or 6-8 PM (to be determined on Night 1)
- Cost: $45 per participant
- Instructors: Kayla Burgess & Jeff Willauer, WHS Instructors
Seating is limited to the first 12 registrants. Electronic payment is required at registration. Please use the Waunakee RevTrak button to register. Fees will only be refunded if the class does not take place.
View the workshop flyer (English/Spanish)
Registration information along with additional class details can be found on the Community Education page of the district website under Innovation Center Classes.
We look forward to seeing you at the WCHS Innovation Center!
Library Media & Technology Center (LMTC)
šLMTC: Featured New Book
"Jane Eyre has no interest in a husband. Eager to make her own way in the world, she accepts the governess position at Thornfield Hall. Though her new employer, Edward Rochester, has a charming air--not to mention a handsome face--Jane discovers that his smile can sharpen in an instant. Plagued by Edward's mercurial mood and the strange wails that echo through the corridors, Jane grows suspicious of the secrets hidden within Thornfield Hall--unaware of the true horrors lurking above her very head".
--from the publisher
šDigital Citizenship: You vs. Your Smart Phone
Have you ever wondered just how much time you use (or lose?) each day because of your smart phone? If you're a parent or guardian, have you ever wondered how much your teen is using it each day, and what they're doing with all that time? Most of us don't even realize the amount of time, between actual usage or the simple distraction of another alert staring at us on our home screen (I literally just had an alert from my Nest camera while typing this). While Apple may send a weekly alert on Sundays about total weekly usage and any dramatic changes, taking a deep dive into the Screen Time section in Settings (iPhones) or Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls (Android) to see what apps are being used and just how much each day is an eyeopening way to realize where our time is spent every 24 hours. Why aren't I more productive with my work? The answer may be staring at you.
Become a Host Family
Each summer Language & Friendship welcomes students from France for 3-4 weeks for an immersion family stay program in June/July. The goal of this program is to allow American families the opportunity to welcome an international visitor into their home. If your family is interested in hosting a student from France for the weeks of June 15-July 8, 2024, click on this link to learn more.
Pathfinders Scholarship Deadline
Mountain Biking Opportunity for Students
Trek offers the Pathfinders scholarship that students can apply for to help provide access to the mountain biking sport where financial barriers may exist. This is a great opportunity to promote both inclusivity and equity as core values of the league. The scholarship provides a bike, helmet, and shoes as well as some assistance to register for racing.
There are dates set for the scholarship window:
- March 15, 2024: Application closes š©
- April 8, 2024: Scholarship recipients notified (at the earliest)
- June 1, 2024: Deadline for submitting scholarship information to receive bikes by the start of the season
- July 1, 2024: Final deadline for providing scholarship information, incomplete scholarships will be forfeited
Application link: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/pathfinder-scholarship/
More information on dates: https://nationalmtb.org/trek-nica-pathfinders-scholarship/
Project Graduation
Attention Senior Families
Project Graduation is a fun, after graduation party organized by the parents and guardians of graduating seniors. This event was established to offer seniors a safe place to celebrate for FREE. However, to ensure the success of Project Graduation, securing volunteers is critical. The committee is currently looking to fill the coordinator/co-coordinator position.
If you are interested in volunteering in this capacity, or any other volunteer role, please email waunagradparty@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your name, email address, and phone number.
DECA Food Drive
Let's Make A Difference
WFP has shared the list of suggested items that are needed:
- canned foods
- crackers
- cereals
- snacks for lunches
- canned fruits & vegetables
- any food items would be greatly appreciated
**Unexpired goods only please**
Please DROP-OFF donations by March 20th in the High School Counseling Office.
SoƱadores Club: Toiletry Drive
Next week the SoƱadores Club will be holding a Toiletry Drive starting now through March 20. The club will be collecting toiletry items to support in-need families. All donations will go directly to the Waunakee Neighborhood Connections (WNC). Donation suggestions: cleaning supplies, body lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper products, etc.
If you'd like to participate, please drop off your donations to the bins on the mezzanine near the main entrance. Gracias!
Post Prom Volunteers and Donations
Your Help is Needed
The junior parents/guardians in our community are organizing a Post Prom Event (April 13) for students at the Waunakee Village Center. The cost to attend will be $10 and details on how to purchase a ticket will come closer to the event.
This inclusive party is completely funded through donations from individuals, community organizations and businesses. This has been such a success the past few years, we wanted to continue the tradition with the Class of 2025. This is not a school sponsored event and we could NOT provide it without your HELP & SUPPORT! Please review the available slots below to SIGN UP.
If you are unable to volunteer, but would prefer to give a donation, please mail your donation to Waunakee Post Prom, c/o Gwen Olson, 1002 Millies Way, Waunakee, WI 53597 or Venmo @Gwen Olson @Post-Prom2024. Any additional donations will be gifted to the Project Graduation Class of 2025 event. If you have any questions, please reach out to waunakeepostprom@gmail.com
Thank you for your time, talent and donations,
Class of 2025 Post Prom Committee
Boys Tennis: It's Smashing!
The HS Boys Tennis Team is looking for more players for the upcoming 2024 Spring Season. If you are interested in participating please contact Coach Nuenthel via email: chrisnuenthel@waunakee.k12.wi.us
The season starts on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Please check with the Athletic Office if you have questions about required documents that might be needed to participate.
Class of 2024 Graduation
Commencement is set for June 2, 2024
Here are some important details about graduation for you to note:
- When: Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 3:00 PM
- Where: Waunakee High School - Field House
- Field House doors will open at 1:30 PM.
- Seating is based on a first come-first serve basis. Reserving seats with blankets, signs, etc., is prohibited and the items will be removed.
- The number of guests each graduate may invite has not been set due to the large seating capacity in the Field House. However, please be considerate in the number of guests you invite.
- Stadium seats (seat cushions with backs) are acceptable and may be used for your seating pleasure.
- Honor Cord/s: Students who achieve academic honors may wear the acceptable honor cord(s) of purple, silver, white or gold. All other cords are not permitted and may not be worn in commencement services. Seniors who earn honor cords will be notified mid-March.
- Handicap seating is available upon request. Please call 608-849-2100, ext. 2046 to make arrangements.
- Link for the Live Stream will be made available prior to the event.
- Empire Photography will again photograph commencement ceremonies. Each graduate is photographed as they receive their diploma and a solo portrait is taken after they exit the stage. Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 48-hours of the ceremony.
- Diplomas will be distributed in the High School main office immediately after the ceremony for graduates to pick up. Diplomas will not be mailed.
Dates to Calendar
MARCH
- March 12: State Required ACT (Gr.11)
- March 14: Scholarship Drive Meeting/Contact Time/PAC)
- March 18: Taher Regional Chef Visits HS
- March 18: Parent Teacher Conferences (4-8pm)
- March 20: DECA Food Drive Ends
- March 20: SoƱadores Club: Toiletry Drive Ends
- March 22: No School/PT Conferences (8am-12pm)
- March 25-29: No School/Spring Break
APRIL
April 3-4: Forward Exam (administered in class)
April 9: Community Ed: Adult Custom Sign Workshop
April 10: Assembly Speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr.
April 10: Scholarship Community Mailer Prep & Route Assignments (6:30PM/HS Commons)
April 13: Prom @ HS (8-11 pm)/Post Prom @ Waunakee Village Cntr.
April 16: Jostens Distributes Graduation Orders
April 17: PreACT for Freshmen (3-hr late start* Gr. 10-12)
April 18: PreACT for Sophomores (3-hr late start* for Gr. 9,11,12)
April 24: Open Enrollment Deadline
April 24: Scholarship Fund Drive Night (5PM-8PM)
MAY / JUNE
May 20: No School/Staff Development
May 27: No School/Memorial Day
May 28-29: Senior Final Exams
May 30: Seniors, please note the following:
- 8:30-9:30 AM: Senior Walk-thru at Elementary Schools (transportation provided)
- 9:30-10:30 AM: Graduation Rehearsal in WHS Field House
- 10:30 AM: Senior Brunch in the Commons (free for all Seniors!)
June 2: Class of 2024 Commencement at 3PM, HS Field House
June 3-6: Final Exams for Underclassmen
June 7: Community Open House: Randy Guttenberg Retirement
June 24: Summer School Begins (by teacher recommendation only)
2024-2025 School-Year Calendar
The Homecoming Dance is set for September 28, 2024.
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
Contact Information
Waunakee Community High School
301 Community Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
Phone: (608) 849-2100
Website: whs.waunakee.k12.wi.us