Hornet Highlights

We have made it to the halfway point! Before sprinting into the second half of the year, I want to celebrate the school community's accomplishments and experiences.

• Apprenticeship Success: We saw record-high participation in the high school apprenticeship programs, giving students real-world skills and valuable career connections.
  
  
• Service Learning: Across the district, students embraced service-learning projects, giving back to our community while learning the value of compassion through bell ringing, food drives, and singing.
  
  
• Extracurricular Growth: Our extracurricular programs continue to be extensions of our classrooms. Whether it’s on the court or the stage, students have shown perseverance and growth.
  
  
• A Musical Highlight: Ending her concert with tradition, Mrs. McKinney invited current middle school choir students, former students, and WASD alumni sang "Peace, Peace Silent Night." During the final chorus, all audience members were invited to join in the song.
  
  
• Veterans Day Programs: Our schools honored local veterans with meaningful ceremonies, reflecting the values of gratitude and respect.
  
  
• Exploration Opportunities: Students expanded their horizons with college visits and hands-on experiences, including trips to the welding site at Fox Valley Technical College, inspiring new career dreams. We had more field trips during first semester than we have had in the past.

These achievements and also those in the classroom reflect the commitment of our students, staff, and families. Thank you for your partnership in creating a community where learning extends beyond the classroom and into every aspect of our students’ lives.

In January, the Board of Education approved two referendum questions to appear on the April 1, 2025, ballot. These questions reflect the districtwide solution presented last fall, with a focus on addressing critical needs while considering community concerns about tax impacts.

• Question #1: Requests $16.4 million for district renovations, essential maintenance, repairs, and secure entrance improvements.
  
  
• Question #2: Requests $19.4 million to renovate and add an addition to Wautoma High School.

While the ultimate goal is to have both questions pass, we understand the importance of a phased-in approach to balance community priorities and financial considerations. As part of our long-range plan, both scenarios involve closing Riverview Elementary within the next three years. This reflects community support for minimizing investments in that site. The transition to a new grade-level configuration will depend on the outcome of the referendum.

We will provide additional details and opportunities to learn more about these plans in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support and engagement in shaping the future of our schools.

A big thank you to any alumni that submitted testimony for our staff impact video. Both our students and staff continue to display personal empowerment and growth both in and out of the classroom as the students work to put on their best performances for lip sync or spell unheard of words at the spelling bee. Regardless of what the scoreboard shows, our student athletes continue to get back on the court, mat, or the field ready to play the next competition. Our Ws are coming from the spirit our team is showing by getting back out there and by the sportsmanship that they continue show.

Teaching and learning is a back and forth process between our students and staff as they engage throughout the day. Students share their ideas and questions, while teachers guide and inspire them to think and grow. This back-and-forth creates a supportive and engaging environment where everyone learns from each other. Together, we’re building a culture of curiosity, respect, and connection.

To ensure easy access, WASD, Wild Rose, and Tri-County Schools have turned the action steps of the Waushara County Safety Plan into a flip book that will be in all district rooms. Currently, all response practices are in a binder; however, a flip book will be visibility assessable for all volunteers, guest staff, etc. to grab.

Drills related to various scenarios will continue to be carried out on a monthly basis. Larger drills will be done in partnership with law enforcement, EMS, and Emergency Management on days when schools are not in use.

Please be informed that the Infinite Campus Calendar and the School Calendar are misaligned. There is No School on Wednesday, February 12. There is school for all grade levels on Wednesday, February 19th. Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, February 20, and Friday, February 21, for Grades 4K-8. There is no school for Grades 4K-8 on Friday, February 21.

The public school open enrollment period for 2025-2026 school year is February 2025-April 30, 2025. For the 2024-2025, there are 156 students who are open enrolled in and 100 students open enrolled out. Open Enrollment impacts our enrollment data, which impacts the amount of revenue the district receives. If there is someone that you would like recommend or is interested the Wautoma Area School District to, we encourage you to direct them to the following websites: Public School Open Enrollment and Wautoma Area School District.

At the January 2025 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. To view the 2025-2026 school calendar click HERE or download a copy by clicking the link below.

The Wautoma Area School District is starting to plan for Camp Parkside and would like to offer as many classes as we can. We encourage Parents/Guardians to fill out a Google Form to help us gauge interest and provide an idea of what types of classes students would like to attend.

Google Form: https://bit.ly/3WbDdnF

PLEASE NOTE: Filling out this form doesn't mean you have registered for Camp Parkside and doesn't guarantee classes.

If you have questions, please reach out to Sarah Pietkauskis at pietkauskiss@wautoma.k12.wi.us.

Kindergarten & 5th Grade Buddies

Prior to Winter Break, the Redgranite Elementary Kindergarten and 5th Grade students came together for their first "buddies" session of the year. This is a fun school tradition which provides 5th Graders an opportunity to serve as role models while developing meaningful connections across the grade levels. During their first meeting, the buddies collaborated on a snowman craft, guided by a "glyph" activity where Kindergarteners' answers decided the design of their snowmen. We’re excited to continue these pairings and look forward to more memorable moments throughout the school year!

Pajama Drive

The Redgranite Third Graders would like to send a heartfelt "thank you" to all those who contributed to the 15th Annual Pajama Drive. This year the students collected 123 sets of pajamas and $843.49 in monetary donations. The monetary donations were used to purchase 99 additional sets of pjs. So, the total number of pajamas donated to the Waushara Holiday Project was 222 sets. This year's event was another successful one because of the generosity of our students, staff and community members.

Turkey Trot

This year’s annual Turkey Trot at Redgranite Elementary was a success. Students, staff, and families came together to celebrate fitness, community, and Thanksgiving spirit. From Kindergartners taking their first enthusiastic strides to older students showcasing their speed and endurance, everyone brought their best energy to the trot.

High School Students Teach at Riverview Elementary

Mrs. Gill's Foundations of Early Childhood Education Class traveled to Riverview Elementary a few times this semester to teach lesson plans they created as well as host activities they selected to support the lesson. Both the high school and elementary school students had a fun throughout the semester.

Kindergarten Feast

On Nov. 26th, the Riverview Kindergarteners celebrated what they were thankful for during their Fall Feast. In order to prepare for the feast, the students cut vegetables, made butter and bread from scratch, learned how to make cranberries, and helped cook soup.

Student Council Food Drive

Riverview Student Council held their annual food drive for the Waushara County Food Pantry throughout the month of December. Members were challenged by Mr. Kitchner and Mrs. Pietkauskis to bring in 500 items of food. If they met or surpassed the goal they would dress up as The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.... Well, the students not only met their goal, they surpassed it by bringing in 630 items.

Third Graders Sing Carols at Waushara-Wautoma Senior Center

The Riverview Elementary Third Graders traveled to the Waushara-Wautoma Senior Center to sing carols to the members prior to Winter Break The students sang three songs and handed out handmade Christmas Cards during the Senior Center Christmas Lunch.

Math Matters Competition in the Wisconsin Dells

A selected group of Parkside 6th, 7th and 8th Graders traveled to Wisconsin Dells to compete against 500 students from 19 schools in the annual Math Matters Competition. Throughout the day, students took a 30 minute individual test followed by a team test. All of the teams scored well, and prizes were handed out for the 1st and 2nd Place Teams as well as the Top Three individuals from each grade. Parkside's Dustin Tiffany was the overall 8th Grade Champion!

Fleece Blanket Donation

Members of the Parkside Student Council presented two fleece blankets to City of Wautoma School Liaison Officer Lafe Hendrickson and K9 Grizz during their schoolwide CPR in December. The students hoped the blankets they created can be used for wellness check visits with kids.

Student Council Food Drive

The Parkside Student Council held their annual food drive from November 4th through November 22nd. At the conclusion of the event the school donated a total of 3,337 non-perishable food items to the Waushara County Food Pantry. Thank You, Parkside and Student Council members for your hard work and generosity!

Empower Leadership Conference

On January 16th, the Parkside 8th Grade Student Council and FBLA members attended an Empower Leadership event in Green Bay. Over 1,000 students, including 14 students from Parkside, worked in small groups, listened to keynote speakers, and focused on how to become positive leaders.

7th Grade Celebration of Learning

On January 17th, the Parkside 7th Grade held a “Celebration of Learning” to close out the semester. The 6th Graders, along with family members, were invited to play the board games the students’ in Mr. Heitz’s Social Studies Classes created as a way to explain World War I and World War II.

District Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Parkside 6th Grader Elyssa Blader for winning the Wautoma Area School District's 4th-8th Grade Spelling Bee for the third year in a row on January 17. Elyssa competed against other students from Parkside and Redgranite and ultimately defeated Kole Grey in the finals.

Into the Woods

Congratulations to Wautoma High School Choral Music Director Thomas Dubnicka and the entire cast and crew of the musical "Into the Woods" on their amazing performances in November.

South Central Conference Honor Band

Band students from Wautoma High School and Parkside School traveled to Westfield High School to participate in the South Central Conference Honor Band in November. Students from Wautoma, Nekoosa, Mauston, Westfield, Adam-Friendship, and Wisconsin Dells spent the day collaborating and performed a concert at the end of the day.

UW-Madison Signing Day

On December 4th, Wautoma High School Senior Michael Roeske officially signed his letter of commitment to play for the Wisconsin Badgers beginning next fall.

Cheerleaders Take First Place in Appleton and UWSP

Congratulations to the Wautoma High School Cheerleading Squad continues to have a very successful competition season. On January 11th, the cheer team took first place in the Novice Plus Division at Appleton North while on January 18th the girls placed first in the Varsity Traditional Division at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Keep up the amazing work!

Civic Engagement and Safety Class Visits New Government Center

Mr. D Hosts the 2nd Annual Lip Sync Battle

Mr. Dubnicka hosted the second annual Lip Sync Battle on Friday, January 17th in the McComb/Bruchs Performing Arts Center. Students in his choir classes created three groups in order to compete for the coveted "Trout" trophy.

Judged on lip syncing, choreography, and entertainment, the groups had one day to pick and learn songs, prepare story lines, find costumes, and create a dance number. This event was bought to Wautoma by Mr. D. and continues to be a highlight for not only music students, but for the staff judges and student audience as well.

School Report Cards
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released their annual School Report Cards for the 2023-2024. Three of four schools meet expectations and one school exceeded expectations; ratings for two schools were very close to advancing to the next ranking category.

Various Components that impact each school's rating especially based on the configuration. The majority of Riverview Elementary's score comes from achievement since only 3rd Grade students take the Forward Exam. Redgranite Elementary is too small of a sample size to get value added points, and Parkside School is only compared to other 6-8 schools. WHS has other factors, include CTE, that are recognized and celebrated, which is important, as the WASD is proud of many programs that the district has not just the results shown through the Wisconsin Forward, Pre-Act, and ACT exams.

Act 20 Implementation

This state law was enacted in 2023 and requires schools to access early literacy skills for students in grades 4K-3. The intention of this law aims to improve literacy outcomes for all students. All students in 5K through 3rd grade are required to take a reading readiness screener. Should the student score under the 25th percentile, they will need take a diagnostic assessment in order for a personalized reading plan can be developed to support the student. Additionally, the district will also have to adopt a promotional policy for students to advance from grades 3 to 4.

Education for Employment

Education for Employment: Wautoma High School Counselor Brittaney Krueger and Family and Consumer Science Teacher Alyssa Drake presented information related to career pathways opportunities, local partnerships, and goals for our work-based programming. Data reflected an increase from eight students enrolled in Youth Apprenticeship last year to 28 students enrolled this school year. Great job to these ladies for your leadership in building up the program.

Regular attendance is critical for your child's academic progress and overall school success. Wisconsin state law states regular attendance is required for children between the ages of 6 and 18. Our district policy allows up to 10 parent-excused absences per school year. Once this limit is reached, additional absences may require documentation from a medical provider or pre-approval from school administration for the absence to be excused.

To assist students in maintaining good attendance, we encourage families to reinforce health habits to allow for consistency between school and home environments. Please be sure to encourage your child (ren) to handwash regularly, stay hydrated, eat well, and get 8-10 hours of sleep nightly. Mental health is also just as important as physical health especially in the winter months. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, has a conflict, or is feeling stressed, please reach out to your child's school counselor, teacher, or building administration for support and resources. By partnering together, we can promote student wellness and health, reduce unnecessary absences, and maximize opportunities for success.

If you have questions or concerns about your child and would like to know what may be available to him/her, please contact Stacey Endicott, Director of Pupil Services, at 920-787-4577 x 3220 or by emailing her at endicotts@wautoma.k12.wi.us.

• Bus Driver (s)
• Library Media Specialist
• Part-Time Human Resources Coordinator
• Special Education Teachers
• Substitute Teachers
• Substitute Educational Assistants
• Substitute Food Service

**Please call the district office to learn more, obtain an application, or go on WECAN to apply.**

• February 12: No School- Teacher Inservice
  
• February 20: 4K-8th Grade Parent/Teacher Conferences (PM)
• February 21: No School for 4K-8 Grade: 4K-8th Grade Parent/Teacher Conferences (AM)
• March 3-7: No School- Spring Break
• March 28: End of 3rd Quarter