High School Warrior Weekly

At the high school level we ask that all parental absence requests be made only through the Infinite Campus parent portal or on the 24/7 voicemail machine. We understand that this is a different policy than the other schools within the district, but past experience tells us that high schoolers are more able to use parental devices to get themselves out of classes via email.Therefore, high school administrators have asked the attendance desk to not accept email absence requests.

Thanks for your understanding with this matter.

Please join us for a night of fun and entertainment! A celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month for all families in the district will be held on Thursday, October 3 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The event is being hosted at Heritage Elementary School on the back playground. If you are able, please bring a chair.

• There will be live music starting at 5:30 p.m. The band is Son del Atlántico, who perform Vallenato, which is music from the coastal regions of Venezuela and Colombia.
• There will be a few food trucks (El Alegre--Mexican food, Latin Food--Nicaraguan food, Kona Ice--shaved ice treats) for those who would like to purchase food.

Hope to see you there!

For over 19 years, the Staff Appreciation Committee has been providing a meal for the teachers and staff on conference night. Please help by clicking the link and signing up for anything you can bring to help or volunteer to set up or clean up. Any help is appreciated! Please have your donation to the office by 2 PM on Monday, October 14, 2024 (no deliveries the week before please; if you need help getting your donation to school, reach out to one of the coordinators).

October 2024 Staff Conference Meal Sign Up

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.

Thank you for helping us treat staff on conference night!

Staff Appreciation Co-Coordinators

Melissa Meinholz tmzmein@yahoo.com

Maggie Ziegler maggieziegler22@gmail.com

The 2023-2024 yearbooks were distributed to classrooms earlier this week. Students (Grades 10-12) who were not in their advisory should check with their advisory teacher for their yearbook. For questions regarding a yearbook order, please email Mr. Willauer at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us.

Extra yearbooks are available to purchase in the main office. Books will be sold for $75.00 and can be paid for in cash or a check. There are a limited number of over-run books and sales are based on a first come-first served basis.

Graduated senior yearbooks are available in the main office and can be picked up during the office hours of 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Please note that students who are currently enrolled at the High School can pick up a book for their graduated sibiling.

In order to keep costs down will not be ordering extra books beyond our sales campaign. While there may be a slight chance there are a few extra books due to over-run at the time of printing please make sure you order as soon as possible to ensure the lowest price and that you will get your copy!!!

There will be three levels of pricing for the 2024-2025 yearbook:

• From now until December 31, 2024 the base price of the book will be $60.00 with all extra options available.
• From January 1, 2025 until March 31, 2025 the base price will be $70.00 with all options available.
• From April 1, 2025 until the yearbook plant closes its order window the price of the book will be $80.00. Optional items may still be available but the plant does cut off orders at various points to ensure delivery is on time.

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 ability to pay. Financial assistance may be available to anyone looking to purchase a yearbook. Please contact Teri Reible at 608-849-2000 or a high school social worker to learn more about the student financial assistance fund. If you need assistance in a language other than English, please call the district interpreter/translator at 608-849-2000 option 2.

Placing your order is quick and easy: ONLINE ORDER PLACEMENT IS PREFERRED AT www.yearbookordercenter.com. Enter school code 3927. If you would like to purchase a book with cash or paper check please email Mr. Willauer at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us

Senior mug shots must be submitted by Friday November 29. This date will not be extended and no late submissions will be accepted. Please note that most photographers take 4-6 weeks to complete senior picturess so please plan accordingly.

Seniors may use the school’s portrait photographer (Lifetouch) or a professional photographer of their own choosing. Students will incur the cost of the portraits. Appropriate attire is required and the student’s face should be clearly visible. Senior portraits may not display anything that is inappropriate, of poor taste and must follow the school dress code. This includes, but is not limited to firearms, other weapons, drugs, tobacco or alcohol.

• You (or your photographer) should submit a FULL COLOR digital image file with a resolution of 300 dpi VERTICALLY ORIENTED (think taller not wider). The digital file should be uploaded via this link: http://www.hjeshare.com. You will need to enter some basic information and the code waunakee2024. You will not receive a confirmation email from the eShare site. If something is wrong eShare will tell you. Senior digital images can also be submitted on a flash drive to the main office in an envelope "attn: yearbook staff" - Please note that these items will not be returned. If your photographer would like more info on this process - have them contact Mr. Willauer directly. PLEASE MAKE SURE THE FILE IS NAMED WITH THE STUDENT’S LAST NAME THEN FIRST NAME. EX (SMITH_JOHN.JPG) WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING PHOTOS VIA EMAIL AS THEY QUICKLY FILL UP OUR INBOX. ALL EMAILED PHOTOS WILL BE DELETED.
• Here is the LINK for the list of people that have submitted their senior photos. In the upper right corner you will see the date that it was last updated. Please check this list periodically as your photographer may be submitting the photo on your behalf. Local photographers traditionally wait and send them in groups as they have many clients from WHS. Please make sure you are following up with them if you do not see your photo submitted.
  

• Unable to submit a digital file? Then you must submit two wallet sized full color photos to the yearbook staff, in person, in a sealed envelope with your full name on both the photos to room 1405. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON BOTH THE PHOTOS AND THE ENVELOPE! Digital photos that are printed out on photo paper do not scan well and will not be accepted - the original sized digital image is required. Please talk to your photographer and have that submitted using the directions above. Important to note: We do not collect photos for the Tribune. Seniors are responsible for submitting their photo directly to the Tribune.

Any senior who wants to be in the yearbook but does not want to go through a professional photographer, here are some options:

1. A twenty four hour turnaround time photographer offers a quality headshot for a minimal sitting fee with the option to purchase whatever sizes and quantities desired.
2. Use photos from major department store studio.
3. Use the school photographer, Life Touch, for your senior portrait as well - students receive a free sitting at registration with no obligation to purchase. Just be sure that you let us know so that we may obtain a copy from them. Please remember that photos that are not of sufficient quality will not be included in the yearbook. Please let Mr. Willauer know if you plan to use this option.

Note: The traditional senior profile section for the yearbook has changed. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting change!

• Every student is required to carry and use their student ID badge to access the doors of the building and office.
  
• A student who neglects to use their badge and repeatedly asks to be buzzed in will automatically be issued a new badge. The student’s Infinite Campus account will be charged $10 and the previous ID badge (if applicable) will be deactivated.
  
• Replacement badges can be requested through the Student ID Badge Request Form
• Badges are valid for all four years at the High School.

In June of 2025, a group of Waunakee students are embarking on an educational trip to Sweden and Denmark to study and experience the world’s best examples of Sustainability, Conservation, Clean Energy, and Environmental Engineering. In line with our mission and vision, we are offering our services to care for yards and properties to raise finances for all group members.

WHEN? September 28-29 and October 19-20

WHO? High School students enrolled in this trip, teacher chaperones, and parent volunteers.

WHERE? Any property or business in the Waunakee area or north/west of Madison

WHAT? We can offer any of these services:

• Rake and bag leaves
• Plant trees/bulbs/plants/seeds
• Pull/cut weeks
• Lawn mowing
• Lawn fertilizer application
• Pot plants for indoor use
• Remove oil/paint/metals/etc. (taken to proper Dane County recycling facility)
• Paint or stain a deck or fence
• Other: What do you need accomplished….?

COST? Donate any amount to our district-sponsored Classmunity fundraising page.How do I request services? Make a request online and donate OR scan the QR code:

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 29 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for the annual Waunakee National Honor Society "Halloween in the Halls" event! This is a fun (and climate-controlled) trick-or-treat night at the high school. All children from preschool through sixth grade are invited to attend. Several high school clubs will provide treats and activities throughout the halls. Admission is free. Families should enter the high school through Door #1/Main Entrance. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. See the flyer for more information and be sure to share it with your neighbors. Questions, email caitlynnhoff@waunakee.k12.wi.us.

Waunakee Community School District (WCSD) is committed to supporting all students’ wellness and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). During the 2024-2025 school year, WCSD Student Services staff will facilitate universal screening for students in grades 5, 7, and 9. The screener, also referred to as a brief questionnaire or survey for grades 7 and 9, is called the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS). It takes about five to eight minutes to complete. Students will be taking the screener during contact time.

The BASC-3 BESS is a tool that asks students to broadly rate their own skills in the following areas: Behavior and Emotional Risk Index, Internalizing Risk Index, Personal Adjustment Risk Index, and Self-Regulation Risk Index. This screener also includes questions to identify potential internalizing or externalizing mental health concerns. Because of this, the screener is confidential but not anonymous. Our student services staff may follow up with students and their families when a screener indicates an elevated concern.

Students complete the BESS in the fall during a contact time. If you would like to opt your 9th grade student out of participating in this screener, please complete the linked Google form or contact a WCHS School Psychologist no later than Friday, October 4, 2024. Students may choose to decline participation at the time the survey is administered. Lastly, upon request, a hard copy of the

screening survey is available at your child’s school.

Please reach out if you have questions.

Sincerely,

School Psychologists, Waunakee Community High School

Megan Galdes - megangaldes@waunakee.k12.wi.us

Marion Moffett - marionmoffett@waunakee.k12.wi.us

608-849-2100

SENIORS: If you are interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy, Congressman Pocan's Office is now accepting nomination applications through October 18, 2024. Although a nomination is not a guarantee that a student will attend a U.S. Service Academy, it is required to apply to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. There is also an informational day for students, parents, and teachers on Saturday, September 28, to see presentations on the service academy admissions process (see flyer). Please feel free to contact Rep. Pocan's office at 608-258-9800 or email Diego.Benitez@mail.house.gov with any questions.

SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS: DEADLINE APPROACHING! Registration is open for the optional Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The test will be administered on Wednesday morning, October 16 (B-day) during 1st & 2nd blocks. Interested students should register in the counseling office by September 30. A fee of $25.00 will be added to your Infinite Campus account.

Contact Mrs. Varney at katherinevarney@waunakee.k12.wi.us with any questions.

ATTENTION SENIORS: The high school counselors are offering college application help sessions each Wednesday through October. We're here to help you achieve your postsecondary goals, whether that be with application assistance, Naviance, or other questions. The next session is during Contact Time on Wednesday, October 2. Sign up in FlexiSched under Mr. Landis.

SENIORS: If you are planning to attend Madison College, calendar Tuesday, October 8 from 9-11 a.m., you are encouraged to attend this application workshop. Application fees are waived for students who apply during this great opportunity.

Waunakee High School (and Middle School) are using Schoology Learning, an integrated learning management solution that provides course management, mobile learning, and support for system-wide communication. Schoology enables our students, parents, and teachers to engage with learning materials and their school community from the classroom and beyond. With Schoology, students can digitally submit homework assignments, review grades, participate in interactive discussions, receive announcements/feedback, take tests, write academic blogs+more.

As a guardian, you will be able to view your child’s activity within the platform.

Login instructions:

1. Go to https://app.schoology.com/login

2. Enter the full email address associated with your infinite campus account.

3. Click on “Forgot your Password”

4. Schoology will send you an email with instructions and a link to reset your password.

5. Click link & set a "new" password

6. Login again using the link above with the "new" password

7. Your student(s) will already be associated with your schoology account.

We value your participation in your child’s education, and we encourage you to read Schoology’s Privacy Policy & Terms of Use at https://www.powerschool.com/privacy-statement-overview/. Student progress and activity will be monitored by faculty to ensure a safe, secure, and controlled environment. In addition, parent resources for Schoology can be found here. If you have questions or feedback regarding Schoology please email us!

Courtney Lovell (courtneylovell@waunakee.k12.wi.us), High School Educational Tech

Rick Franz (rickfranz@waunakee.k12.wi.us), Director of Technology

Is your family in need of winter coats, hats, mittens, etc.?

Coats will be distributed on Saturday, October 12 thru Friday, October 18 at Waunakee Neighborhood Connection (WNC).

Please sign up for a time separate from your regular shopping appointment by calling WNC or using the QR code provided.

Winter Cheer will hold practice/open gym on October 1: 6:00-7:30 p.m. and October 2: 4-6 p.m.

Winter Cheer tryouts will be held on October 8 from 6-7 p.m. No experience necessary.

Let's Go Warriors!!

The Waunakee Girls Swim Boosters invite members and families of The Wave to join us for Waunakee Girls Swim Youth Night on Tuesday, October 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the WHS Aquatic Center. Following the dual meet against Monona Grove, all youth will be able to receive an autographed WHS Girls Swim poster and a snack. We hope to see you there!

Questions? Please contact waunakeeswimboosters@gmail.com

Stay engaged and learn about our fall 2024 school district referendum question. Join us for a Community and Staff Informational Session. Please visit our website for additional information + additional dates to learn more about our upcoming school district referendum.

• Community Info Session - Wednesday, October 2 at Waunakee Community High School (PAC) at 6:30 p.m.
• Learn about school funding: https://youtu.be/Jy2bueJvq_Q?si=1qhsj7Xw-XxMGj8I

Website I https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/community/fall-2024-referendum

Email I wcsd_fall2024referendum@waunakee.k12.wi.us

We invite you to participate in upcoming informational sessions for the Waunakee Community School District to share more about the upcoming 2024 school district referendum.

The school district will be hosting additional information sessions throughout our community. All sessions will begin with a welcome, short district presentation, and will conclude with questions/answers discussion with participants.

October 2: Waunakee Community High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 6:30 p.m.

October 16: Waunakee Public Library (Living Room) at 2:00 p.m.

October 22: Waunakee Village Center at 1:00 p.m.

October 29: MNM Coffeehouse at 9:00 a.m.

You can view more information on our district website to learn more. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a time to talk with our referendum team, please email us or call us at (608) 849-2000.

The Bucky Book offers 50% OFF at 300+ businesses and you only need to redeem a few coupons--and in many cases, just one--between now and September 30, 2025 to recoup your contribution while you are supporting Waunakee DECA & FBLA. As you know, businesses have increased their prices and using the Bucky Book pays you back. There are 50% OFF coupons you can use right now from car washes, groceries, golf (now & next season), pizza, fast food, oil changes, pet food, carpet cleaning, shopping, home services and so much more. The Bucky Book makes an excellent gift to anyone in the Madison area!

BONUS! You will also receive a bonus flyer of Hy-Vee 50% OFF coupons for groceries valued over $50 in addition to TWO FREE GAMES at Pinseekers in DeForest for mini bowling & golf just by purchasing your book(s) from our organizations! These bonus inserts will cover the cost of your Bucky Book (and more)!

If you have kids, you'll save on half off birthday parties, bouncy houses, bowling, ice cream, UW games, Dane County Fair, swimming, amusement parks, etc.

If you want to purchase a book, please email sandrameinholz@waunakee.k12.wi.us or colleenserum@waunakee.k12.wi.us or purchase from any student member of either organization. Books can be delivered or picked up at Waunakee Community High School.

If you want to order online, please use the link https://www.buckybook.com/waunakee-high-school-deca-fbla to purchase your book(s) or the QR code below.

If you want to make a donation to offset our DECA & FBLA traveling costs, you may do so through Classmunity. THANK YOU for your continued support of our co-curricular programs!

Mark your calendar for Parent/Teacher Conferences that will be held on October 14 from 4-8 p.m. and October 18 from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Detailed information will be shared soon.

The Village of Waunakee Public Works Committee met earlier this month. With resident input through public comments, the Committee heard concerns regarding the intersection of South Street and Kingston Way. This intersection, located near Waunakee Community Middle School and Waunakee Community High School, is being further reviewed to enhance safety based on these comments.

In response, the Village will be installing flags on stop signs and adding additional “SLOW for Children” signs at this intersection.

The Village of Waunakee and Waunakee Community School District remain committed to the safety of our students, staff, and community members. We appreciate your cooperation when driving in this area, especially during student drop-off and pick-up times. Your patience and attentiveness to pedestrians are greatly appreciated. Thank you for slowing down and helping to keep everyone safe!

You're Invited to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Tours for our new Heritage Elementary School on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Details are included on the flyer provided.

The FINAL Co-Curricular Code Meeting for Freshmen & New Students will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). Students must attend with a parent, the meeting will last about one hour.

Thank you for your support of the Waunakee Community High School’s athletic activities. We highly encourage you to purchase passes and/or tickets prior to the games being held at the Waunakee Community High School. Tickets and Activity Passes are now available on the GoFan website. The GOFAN App is FREE to download on your mobile device (iOS and Android) and also allows you to purchase single game tickets for $5 + processing fees at any Home Varsity/Junior Varsity events we charge admission to.

Purchase of Single Game Tickets are available only during the season for the following events:

Fall: Football, Boys Soccer, and Volleyball

Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Gymnastics, Boys Hockey, and Wrestling

Spring: Girls and Boys Lacrosse, and Girls Soccer

Items to Note:

• Family Passes are available to purchase for $150.

• High School students can purchase a Student Activities Pass for $50.

• Families that have more than 6 immediate family members will need to contact the Athletics Department for a special code to purchase.

• If families need assistance with ticket prices or student passes, please consider reaching out to the Student Financial Assistance Fund.

• If the app is not loading your ticket at the gate, we can look up the name of the ticket holder for you on our system. If you are using a family pass, we will need to know the name of the person in the family that bought the passes.

Grandparents/Senior Citizen Pass - Golden Card Club

Senior citizens of the District (persons 62 years of age or older) are eligible for lifetime membership in the Golden Card Club which shall permit them to attend all K-12 activities of the schools, including athletic events, free of charge. This does not apply to WIAA tournament events, musicals or plays. Application for membership must be made in person at the Waunakee Athletic Office at Waunakee Community High School or at an admission gate when tickets are sold. These guest passes shall represent a small token of appreciation from the District for all that the District’s senior citizens have done for the schools over the years.

Click on the following videos to learn more about GoFan:

• How to purchase passes/tickets on GoFan

• How to access/share GoFan tickets

As a reminder, we will not accept cash for ticket sales. Cash is accepted at concession stands. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

If you have any questions, please contact the High School Athletic Office at 608-849-2103 or 608-849-2100 or visit our Waunakee Athletic website.

Go Warriors!

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers answers to questions you may have about Drivers Education:

• Enroll in a Driver Education Course
• Take the Knowledge and Sign Tests (en español)
• Obtain an Instruction Permit (en español)
• Practice driving with Parent's Supervised Driving Program
• Study the Motorists' Handbook and Driver Skills Test study guide
• Schedule a road test to obtain a Probationary License
• Review driver licensing fees

The interactive Driver License Guide is a helpful tool for those looking for information on driver licensing requirements. The guide will provide you with a checklist of requirements, and allow you to pre-fill any required application(s).

Depending on your eligibility you may also be able to use the guide to electronically submit your application and schedule an appointment with the DMV for expedited service.

The Waunakee Community School District Student Financial Assistance Fund (SFAF) ensures ALL students in our school district can participate in district programs and activities, as well as community organized programs and activities.

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.

PLEASE CONTACT: Your School Social Worker for more information on these opportunities with the Student Financial Assistance Fund.

The Waunakee Tribune is planning its 2025 graduation edition and is asking school district families to submit photos of their senior student/s. Email picture to tribnews@hngnews.com, send by U.S. Mail or drop it off at Tribune Office by January 10, 2025. 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.

Taher's goal is to provide high quality, safe and healthy meal options to every student. Students need good nutrition to feed their minds and bodies to enable them to learn during the day.

To view their daily menus, please click on the following link: https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/departments/food-services

Email: waunakeehighschool_schooloffice@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Website: https://whs.waunakee.k12.wi.us
Location: 301 Community Drive, Waunakee
Phone: (608) 849-2100