On Thursday, September 5, the Village of Waunakee Public Works Committee met. 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!

The Peer Tutoring & Writing Center will be open beginning on Monday, September 16. Our peer tutors went through training this week in preparation for our grand opening. For more information, please visit our website.

The new furniture is here! The books are unpacked! The fiction is genrified! And the LMTC is officially open all day! Stop in to read, relax, study in our new spaces, or borrow one of our many items available including: cardboard crafting knives, yard games, and filming or recording equipment.

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!

School safety is a priority in the Waunakee Community School District. We take several steps to ensure each child is safe and each school is secure. An important component of this work is that we participate in monthly safety drills using our Standard Response Protocol (SRP) methods for evacuation (fire), shelter (tornado), secure (danger outside the building), lockdown (danger inside the building), and hold (medical event, student crisis, etc. in the building). Our staff teach students about our safety drills in a matter-of-fact and developmentally appropriate manner, and explain that we participate in these drills as a way to stay safe so we know what to do in an actual emergency, even though the chances of a real incident are rare.

During the week of September 16, Waunakee High School will be participating in the HOLD drill. Prior to the drill, school administration and your child’s teacher will prepare your child for the drill, including answering any questions they have. During the drill, the safety protocol measures in SRP will be followed. Following the drill, students will be reminded that schools are some of the safest places to be and that the skills students and staff learn about safety can be applied anywhere, both in school and out of school. The law enforcement officers and school administrators will discuss what went well and areas to improve. We will then send you a message that same day so you are aware the drill took place.

We thank you for supporting our work to keep our school safe. For additional information about our SRP procedures, please feel free to visit the Standard Response Protocol website: SRP ♥ The "I Love U Guys" Foundation or our school district Safety and Security website. If you have any questions about the drill or school safety procedures, please feel free to contact your child’s building administrators at any time.

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 below.

Window Decorating: Sports/Clubs/Organizations interested in decorating a paper banner to hang in the windows of a main street business for homecoming, please sign up at this link. The deadline to sign-up is September 13th. Decorating will happen on Sunday, September 22nd between 10am and 1pm at the high school.

Door Decorating Contest: We are asking staff to decorate the classroom door for the week of homecoming. We will have judges going around at the end of the week (there may be a prize or two). Please feel free to ask for help from your classes.

In an effort to continue to increase the number of participants and get a greater cross-section of students at the high school homecoming celebrations, a parent-led Homecoming committee is working with the high school to coordinate with local businesses and advertise the parade.

The Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday, September 27th at 4:30pm.

• Each participating sport/club/org will design a "float" - which can range in size from a little red wagon to a car, tractor, or trailer - and meet at the fire station parking lot at 4:00-4:15 pm (attached is the parade route).
• Homecoming court nominees and other members of their sport/club/org can participate in the parade to help pull the wagon, distribute candy (purchased ahead of time by the club), wave, etc. DO NOT THROW CANDY. It can be handed out but not thrown.
• The parade route ends at the high school. Here are the safety rules and permission form for drivers and here is the route.

Freshmen must register through SignUp Genius at Freshmen Homecoming Dinner - Class of 2028

The By Youth for Youth (BYFY) program is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. This opportunity is for high school students to make tangible funding decisions to support youth programming and initiatives across Dane County. For more information and to apply, please visit the website.

Please be reminded that no schedule change requests will be accepted, unless you meet one of the following reasons:

• Your schedule is incomplete (missing a course during a certain hour) or overbooked (more than one course is scheduled in the same hour.)

• You have two study halls on the same day.

• You failed the 1st semester of a year-long course.

• You are enrolled in the apprenticeship or early college credit program(s) (ECCP) and need work release or release to attend outside classes.

• You have an IEP or 504 plan in which your case manager recommends a change.

Completed and signed First Semester Course Drop forms must be received in the Counseling Office by the deadline on Monday, September 23, 2024 by 3:35 PM. Withdrawals after the deadline will be noted on your transcript. Questions or concerns may be discussed with your counselor.

Parents & Guardians are encouraged to take part in the High School Parent Advisory Committee Meeting being held via Zoom on Monday, September 16th at 6:00 PM. Please email cindyrichardson@waunakee.k12.wi.us to request the link.

The agenda will include:

• Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown
• Back to School Night
• Start of school year updates
• Homecoming
• School Goals
• Staffing
• Middle School absorbtion planning
• Standard Response Protocol

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!

Alexander Kartz (alexanderkartz@waunakee.k12.wi.us), Middle School Educational Tech

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

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

How do I request services?

Make the request online and donate OR scan the QR code:

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. (That’s 50 class absences for 9th -11th grades, or 45 class absences for seniors.) After that, school administration may require prior approval for any future absences.

To avoid ever reaching this limit you can submit documentation for certain absences via email or bring it in to the attendance desk. WHS_attendance@waunakee.k12.wi.us

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

All students are encouraged to have their photo taken, if not already done so, on September 23rd. There is no cost obligation and the picture will be used to produce a student identification card. Families may purchase an individual picture packet through the Lifetouch portal at: https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/.

There are several bags of items left behind from the 2023-24 school year after cleaning out the Boys & Girls Phy Ed Locker Rooms over the summer. Students, please check the athletic storage rack and claim your items. All items left after Friday, September 20, 2024 will be donated.

The FINAL Co-Curricular Code Meeting for Freshmen & New Students will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the HS PAC. Students must attend with a parent, the meeting will last about 1 hour.

ALL program registration through REVTRAK WEBSTORE

Adult Lap Swim ~ Ongoing (punch card or memberships required)

Monday - Friday Hours:

• 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Lap Lanes available
• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Open for self-lead water fitness group

Saturday Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Lap Lanes available

FALL Memberships (October 1-December 30) available for purchase September 25, 2024. Punch Cards (5 or 10 visits) available for purchase anytime

Master’s Swimming ~ October 6, 2024-December 15, 2024 (10 Practices) HIGH SCHOOL - ADULT

ONLY. Program Dates: October 6, 2024 - December 15, 2024 (10 practices) - 8:00-9:30 a.m. Sundays; NO PRACTICE December 1, 2024. Cost: Members - $100.00 ($10 per workout); Non-Members - $150.00 ($15 per workout) - On-Line Registration required.

Learn to Swim FALL 2024 ~ Classes begin September 22, 2024 - Registration opens September 5 at 6:00 p.m. Please review class placement criteria & age requirements BEFORE enrolling. Classes meet on Sundays.

• $60/session ~ Waunakee Residents

• $74/session ~ Non-Waunakee Residents

• 8 Week Session September 22-November 10

Family Swim ~ MOST Sunday afternoons from 2:30-4:00 PM starting September 22, 2024 (always check website for closures). Pre-registration required - $10.00 per family (immediate family only please)

Would you like to travel to Spain in the summer of 2025? Current sophomores and juniors who are enrolled in Spanish 3 or a higher level of Spanish are eligible to participate in our trip in June of 2025. Please view the slides from our meeting last May to learn more about registration. If you have questions, please reach out to Catie Anderson, catieanderson@waunakee.k12.wi.us.

The final registration deadline is September 20, 2024.

Waunakee High School, in accordance with state statute 118.33 (1)(6), permits a junior or senior student who has demonstrated a high level of maturity and personal responsibility the ability to leave the school premises for ONE study hall. In order to be eligible, students must have parent permission, no F's second semester (last year), a GPA of at least 2.7, must not have been suspended during the previous semester, and not have any attendance concerns. Release privileges can be revoked by administration if the student has an unexcused absence, is suspended, falls below a 2.7 GPA, transports a student not released from the building, is involved in an unlawful activity during release time, or by parent request. Students on release from study hall should not be in the building. Please note that schedule changes regarding study halls will not be granted at this time.

If you would like to enroll your student in the Responsibility Release Program, please fill out this form: Release Form

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.

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.

Waunakee Community School District students and families at the 4K-12 levels were supported in several ways from the Student Financial Assistance Fund throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

The Student Financial Assistance Fund is proud to have provided $30,000+ in dollars to support students and families for the 2023-2024 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.

Examples include:

• AP exam testing fees

• Athletic and Booster Club fees

• Family Teacher Organization (FTO) Active Family Fitness, Back-to-School Kick-Off, Ice Cream Social food voucher and admittance fees

• Book Fairs at Schools (gifts of $$)

• Class and school t-shirts

• Co-curricular club fees

• Course fees

• Field and class trips

• Food service assistance

• Gift cards (Walmart, Amazon, and Kwik Trip) for basic needs

• Memory Books/Yearbooks

• Scholarships for graduating seniors

Our goal for 2024-2025 is to provide the same amount + more support to our students and families. With this, we have a goal of $75,000. We invite you to support our campaign this school year or reach out if your family is needing assistance.

Donate Online I Student Financial Assistance Fund Classmunity

Website I https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/families/student-financial-assistance

Checks I Waunakee Community School District, 905 Bethel Circle, Waunakee, WI 53597

Student Financial Assistance Flyer I English Version

Student Financial Assistance Flyer I Spanish Version

We look forward to continuing to support and help additional students and families in the years ahead.

With Appreciation, WCSD Student Financial Assistance Fund Committee -

Jessica Hickey, High School Social Worker; Steve Summers, Executive Director of Operations; Rose Nadler, High School Social Worker; Allie Dye, Director of Business Services; Katie Dotzler, Board of Education; Joan Ensign, Board of Education; Anne Blackburn, Communications and Engagement Specialist; Tom Marks, Food Services Director; Jessica Strasia, Food Service Administrative Assistant; Dean Kaminski, Prairie Elementary Principal; Deanne Lensert, High School Associate Principal; Lisa Jondle, Director of Student Services; Danielle Dawson, Heritage Associate Principal; Mona Jean Harley, Intermediate School Social Worker; Jonathon Wild, Middle School Social Worker; Teri Reible, Administrative Assistant; Kristin Meyer, Heritage Social Worker; Becca Biddick, Prairie Social Worker; Makenzie Lutz, Arboretum Elementary Social Worker; Sara Zimmerman, Families In Transition Social Worker; Julie Gengler, District Registrar

Lock/s: Locks are available for $8.00 and may be purchased in the High School office any time between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. All locks must be a school-issued lock (purple-faced dial with key access).

Online Fees: Registration fees and school store items are available in Infinite Campus. High School class fees will be assigned in September and due by September 30, 2024. Families will begin receiving fee statements for any outstanding fees beginning October 1, 2024.

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.

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!

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

To be considered for Free and Reduced Lunch and fee waivers, you must apply and be approved. This application must be submitted each year. The preferred method of applying is via Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you qualify, school fees along with items such as yearbooks, school pictures, co-curricular fees, booster club fees, etc. can be waived and/or paid through our Student Financial Assistance Fund. If you need assistance, visit our website or please contact Jessica Strasia, Taher Foods, or your school social worker.

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