High School 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.

Seven students represented Waunakee High School at the 2024 student MSAN Conference in East Lansing, MI. This year's theme was “Leaving Our Legacy”. There were approximately 200 students from 18 districts around the United States in attendance. The conference was packed full with keynote speakers, college tours and workshops. The energy, creativity and leadership at the conference was inspiring!

Students who attended this conference include: Anna Lindley, Ginger Damasco, Johana Angeles, Brenely Rodriguez Sanchez, Kylana Martinson, Dez Murphy, and Xavier Gousman.

Also attending were our School Social Workers: Marion Moffett and Christy Sheppleman

We have had a wonderful fall at Waunakee Community High School! We are excited about creating a welcoming learning environment, collaborating as a teaching team, and meeting the needs of all of our students. As a learning community, we are continually looking to improve our teaching strategies at Waunakee Community High School. The school report card is one resource we use to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement.

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is required by state statute (Wis. Stat. 115.385) to generate a school report card and district report card for every publicly funded school and district in the state. The report cards are intended to help schools and districts use performance data to celebrate successes and improve their efforts to prepare students for their futures. These public report cards can be found online at: http://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards.

The current school report card is primarily based on last year’s performance during the 2023-24 school year, though multiple years of data are used throughout the report card. DPI encourages caution when interpreting scores and ratings.

At the foundation of the report cards are four priority areas. Schools and districts receive a score for each priority area:

• Achievement - proficiency in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics on the annual state assessments

• Growth - year-to-year progress in ELA and math achievement

• Target Group Outcomes - outcomes for students with the lowest test scores

• On-Track to Graduation - reliable predictors of how successfully students are progressing toward completing their K-12 education

The priority area scores are aggregated into an overall accountability score, from 0 to 100. This score is displayed on the front page of the school or district report cards. It is important to note that the 0 to 100 accountability score is not a “percent correct” measurement and is not aligned with traditional 0-100 grading scales. Based on its score, a school or district receives one of five rating categories, from Fails to Meet Expectations to Significantly Exceeds Expectations, as well as corresponding one to five stars. Our overall score was a 76.8, exceeding expectations, and it is important to acknowledge such great work by our students, staff, and families. Our school’s Achievement score was the same or higher than 94.2% of all high schools in the state which is an amazing accomplishment.

We want to share these results with you because they help illuminate some of our successes and help pinpoint areas of focus in our school/district. But as DPI stresses, these report cards are just one source of information about our school.

School and district report cards can be accessed online here along with resources that explain the report cards. We have included the report card for Waunakee Community High School here as well. Our school report card is also posted on our district website. The Notice of Educational Options for Families is here.

Please let me know your thoughts and questions as they arise. We look forward to working with you to make 2024-2025 a successful school year for your students!

Sincerely,

Brian Borowski, Principal
Deanne Lensert, Associate Principal
Steve Hernandez, Associate Principal
Chad Gauerke, Associate Principal
Waunakee Community High School

The 2024-2025 school year has brought a renewed sense of energy and commitment to our Student Financial Fund Committee and Fund within the Waunakee Community School District.

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.

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 $53,000+ 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

• Support and collaboration with Family Teacher Organization (FTO) and school events

• 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.

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

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, WHS Social Worker; Steve Summers, Executive Director of Operations; Rose Nadler, WHS Social Worker; Becca Biddick, Prairie School Social Worker; Allie Dye, Director of Business Services; Katie Dotzler, Board of Education Vice-President; Tom Marks, Food Services Director; Dean Kaminski, Prairie Elementary Principal; Deanne Lensert, WHS Associate Principal; Lisa Jondle, Director of Student Services; Danielle Dawson, Heritage Associate Principal; Mona Jean Harley, Intermediate School Social Worker; Jonathon Wild, WMS Social Worker; Kristin Meyer, Heritage Social Worker; Makenzie Lutz, Arboretum Elementary Social Worker; Julie Gengler, District Registrar; Anne Blackburn, Communications and Engagement Specialist.

Link to Classmunity: https://www.classmunity.com/waunakeewi/view-fundraiser.php?fundraiser_id=2513

Here is a separate link to the Bridging Brighter Smiles Enrollment Form for your convenience

We are excited to launch an online Warrior Corner School Store option for you! There are many options for men, women, and youth. Check out all the new items that are perfect for gift-giving!

Click here to access our online store:

https://waunakeespiritholiday24.itemorder.com/shop/home/

All items can be shipped directly to your home (shipping rates apply) or picked up at Trending Now Promotions (1120 Uniek Drive, Waunakee) at no extra cost to you. The deadline to order is Sunday, December 1st, at which time all orders will be processed.

Thank you for your support of our Warrior Corner Store and the Marketing Education program by shopping locally.

The Child Care classes of Mrs. Amy Neitzel, Family and Consumer Instructor, are accepting registrations for the Step-One Preschool. Children between the ages of 2 1/2 - 5 may attend the preschool from December 2-20, 2024. This will be the 17th year the preschool is offered. A few spaces remain; register your student now!

Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bu1WLsIJ1q6rtOKzK4uR3woZPEBqt-pwh4dgvGbMIHI/copy?usp=gmail

AI is everywhere now. In the news. In your work. In school. In your investment portfolio. But if you don't know how many of these new AI chatbots work, then you also don't realize they use LLM (Large Language Model) systems to train and improve their AI chatbots using every search, every query, and every keystroke that you're using with them. It's a cringeworthy thought for anyone who's concerned about their personal privacy and information. Some of these AI sites allow you to opt-out of your information being stored and trained on their servers, while others do not. To learn how to opt-out of your information collection or avoid the AI sites that automatically collect and store your data, learn more here in this article from the Associated Press.

Our Peer Tutors are available for any student who would like assistance with homework, papers, or catching up with assignments. These are juniors and seniors who volunteer their time each week to help you become more successful. Every one of them was nominated by one of their 10th grade teachers as someone who could work well with other students while being academically strong themselves. Visit them before school, sign up in Flexi to see one during Contact Time, or meet with one during your study hall. More information can be found here on the Peer Tutoring website.

Winter is tough not just because of the cold in Wisconsin, but because of the darkness. Soon, we'll be going to school in the dark, and then driving home in the dark. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans each year as the loss of daylight affects our circadian rhythms in addition to our brain's hormones serotonin and melatonin. The LMTC has four LED Light Therapy lamps available for checkout to use at home if you are someone who could benefit from the use of them during the darker days of the next several months.

Ally Week is a national event that takes place in schools and colleges to encourage students to be allies to the LGBTQ+ community. It's a time to stand against bullying and harassment, and to create a safer and more inclusive school environment for all students.

👉Monday-PJs; Tuesday-Pastels; Wednesday-Plant/Nature; Thursday-Patterns; Friday-Rainbow

Ally Week is sponsored by Waunakee GSA

Mr. Aaron Pavao, Advisor

We're looking for passionate individuals to support:

🎾Boys Tennis (Spring)

⚽ Boys Soccer (Fall)

🎾Girls Tennis (Fall)

🐴Equestrian (Fall)

Make a difference with us!

👉Learn more: https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/departments/human-resources/joinourteam

Anne Blackburn | Communications & Engagement Specialist

Waunakee Community School District

(608) 849-2000, ext. 8005 | www.waunakee.k12.wi.us

Registration is open for Community Education’s ACT Test Prep class! Students in this class will learn about tools and strategies for taking the ACT. The class will examine the sections of the test and discuss the strategies and timing needed for each section. Registration information along with additional class details can be found on the Community Education page of the district website under ACT Test Prep Class. Seating is limited to the first 50 registrants.

It is once again time to start thinking about DECA Districts at DeForest High School. We are excited to welcome over 900 student competitors on Saturday, January 11, 2025 for an exciting day of career development.

This competitive experience does not occur without your continued support of our student competitors. If you would like to serve as a volunteer judge for the conference, you can register here.

Event Information

7:45-8:15 a.m. - Judge check-in

8:15-9:00 a.m. - Orientation

9:00-9:20 a.m. - Individual event orientation

9:30- noon (approximately) - Conduct mock interviews

Lunch is provided after completing the mock interviews and scoring process. More information and registration can be found on our judge registration page.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support of our students. If you have questions, please reach out to Maggie Biermeier or Sandra Meinholz. Check out our NEW Waunakee DECA webpage for more information about DECA!

ACT: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 7:45 am-1:30 pm

• Juniors

• No School (Frosh, Sophomores, Seniors)

Forward Exam: Wed., April 2 & Thurs., April 3 | US History & AP US History Class

• Sophomores

PreACT Secure: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 8:00 am-11:25 am

• Freshman

• 3 Hr Late Start (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

• LINK (155 minutes test time + 15 minute break)

PreACT Secure: Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 8:00 am-11:25 am

• Sophomores

• 3 Hr Late Start (Freshmen, Juniors, Seniors)

• LINK (155 minutes test time + 15 minute break)

**NOTE: Students with multi-day testing accommodations will need to be at school for both testing days

**NOTE: There is no school on April 18 & 21

Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM): WI test window March 17-April 25, 2025

AP Exams: May 5 - 16, 2025 | AM: 7:45 am-12:00 pm | PM: 11:45 am-4:00 pm

• Click here for detailed course listing

Congratulations to Waunakee Community High School, which was named to the 2024 AP School Gold Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results and broadening access for students.

Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing their school’s college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Waunakee Community High School had 70% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school, 57% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 20% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams!

To all our students, teachers, staff, and family members who made this possible, your dedication, hard work, and support did not go unnoticed. On behalf of the Waunakee Community School District, thank you for your commitment to learning.

The deadline to submit your senior photo for the yearbook is just days away. So far, less than half of the senior class has submitted their photos—don't miss your chance!

How to Submit Your Photo:

1. Visit the High School Yearbook Page.
2. Follow the directions under the Families/Students tab.

No fee to submit your photo!

Important Reminders:

• Check the list of submitted photos to see if yours has already been received HERE. The list is updated regularly, and local photographers often submit in batches, so your photo may be on the way!
• Contact your photographer now to ensure your photo is submitted on time.
• After November 29, 2024, any photos submitted late may not be included in the senior section of the yearbook.

Tribune Photos: Please note that senior photos must be submitted directly to the Tribune by each senior separately. This is a different process from the yearbook submission.

We’re halfway to selling out our 2024-2025 yearbooks! Secure your copy now to guarantee the best price and a spot in the memories of the year. Follow this link for easy ordering and to check if you've already reserved your copy!

Yearbook Pricing Schedule:

• Now - Dec 31, 2024: $60 - All options available!
• Jan 1 - Mar 31, 2025: $70 - All options available!
• Apr 1, 2025 - Close: $80 - Limited availability for add-ons

Order Online Now: Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 3927.

Prefer to pay by cash or check? Email Mr. Willauer at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us.

Don’t miss out—order your yearbook today and keep the memories alive!

Waunakee Community School District is committed to ensuring that all students can access the yearbook. Financial assistance is available—please contact Teri Reible at 608-849-2000 or reach out to a high school social worker for more information. For language assistance, call 608-849-2000, option 2.

We want to inform you that the Woodland Drive and Simon Crestway intersection near Waunakee Community Middle School will no longer be staffed by a crossing guard, due to a staffing shortage. Safety remains our priority, and we ask all students to exercise caution by using the traffic lights and slowing down when walking or biking through this area.

Thank you for helping us reinforce these safety practices with your child. Thank you for understanding and we apologize for this inconvenience.

If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a crossing guard for our school district, please reach out to (608) 849-2000 or submit an interest form.

Cases of Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, are increasing in Wisconsin and nationwide. WCSD has had many positive cases since July. Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that may begin like a common cold, but develops into a severe cough that can last for weeks.

To reduce the risk of transmission in our school buildings, the following is recommended:

• Stay home for 5 days while on antibiotic therapy for those who are diagnosed with pertussis or a medical provider is treating as a probable case

• Stay updated on vaccines, including DTaP and Tdap, which help protect against Pertussis

• Cover your cough and wash your hands often

For additional information, click here. To report a positive case of Pertussis in your home, please contact your school’s health office.

Thank you for your support,

Jenny Sydow, RN

Visit our website for School Closings/Weather Updates

Did you know that November is Homelessness Awareness Month?

• Is your family going through a housing transition or experiencing homelessness? We are here to help! Read more about your rights and support available to you via the WCSD.

• If you are interested in supporting WCSD students experiencing homelessness, consider donating to our Student Family Assistance Fund here.

For the month of November, you will see the Ho-Chunk flag flying at each school. The Board of Education (BOE) approved recognition per a resolution adopted a few years ago to commemorate Native American Heritage Month.

The resolution by the Board of Education can be found on our district website.

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.

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