

The WMS Minute

Calendar Items
11/4: 2nd Quarter Begins
11/4: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice Begins
11/7: Half Day of School (7:55am-12:30pm)
11/7: Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:00-7:30pm)
11/8: No School for Students
11/12: 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs Fort Atkinson (Home) - Start 4:00pm
11/12: 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs Fort Atkinson (Away @ FAMS) - Start 4:00pm
11/14: 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs Milton (Away @ Milton MS) - Start 4:00pm
11/14: 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs Milton (Home) - Start 4:00pm
REMINDER - Daylight Savings Time
Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m. the clocks roll back one hour!
At Whitewater Middle School, we want to partner with YOU to help your child succeed! We have planned a series of gatherings called “Middle School Matters” for you to learn more about WMS, hear about crucial strategies for middle school success, and meet other parents/guardians. We are planning to provide an interpreter for our Spanish-speaking parents/guardians. The next Middle School Matters date is: Monday, November 18 (5:30-6:15pm). Topics to be discussed are:
- Grading practices at WMS
- Infinite Campus Access
- Rooms Communication
- WMS and WUSD Objectives/Goals
We are excited to partner with YOU for the success of our students.
NEW to WMS: First Tech Challenge Team
Our middle school robotics program The WMS Iron Dragons is expanding this year with a new FIRST® Tech Challenge team joining our FIRST® Lego League team.
FIRST® Tech Challenge students work together with their mentors to design and build robots to compete in a dynamic and exciting challenge released every September. Teams program classroom-scale robots to follow autonomous commands before student drivers take control in two-on-two matches. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed.
Our new team was made possible by grants from Google.org and BAE Systems, as well as, generous donations from HSI Rentals, the Whitewater Robotics Booster Club and the Chocolate Shoppe.
Attention 8th Graders and Parents!!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure in 2025! We’re excited to offer you an incredible opportunity to explore two of the most iconic cities in the United States—Washington DC and New York City!
Imagine walking through the halls of the Capitol, visiting the National Mall, and experiencing the rich history of our nation's capital. Then picture yourself taking in the dazzling lights of Times Square, exploring world-class museums, and enjoying a Broadway show in the Big Apple.
Why should you sign up now?
- Early Bird Savings: Book your spot now to lock in our special early bird rate! Prices will increase soon, so don’t miss out on this chance to save.
- Exclusive Access: Enjoy guided tours, hands-on experiences, and unique activities that you won’t find anywhere else. This is more than just a trip—it’s an adventure!
- Lasting Memories: Make new friends, learn about American history, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Secure your place today and ensure you’re part of this amazing summer journey!
Act fast— the early bird rate won’t last long. Reserve your spot before the price increases and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
For more information and to sign up, visit: www.efexploreamerica.com/2690896PD
Let’s make summer 2025 one to remember!
#DCtoNYC2025 #SummerAdventure #EarlyBirdSpecial
(Written with help from ChatGPT)
See Mrs. Fanshaw in 8th Grade with any questions.
Attendance Matters
Click below to view the WMS Attendance report for October!
Community Events
Help Support WMS & WWUSD!
- Support the PTO through Boxtops for Education
Get Connected & Stay Connected
Whippet Code
Be Respectful!
Listen and follow directions
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Treat school property appropriately
Use appropriate school language
Use good manners
Be Responsible!
Follow school rules
Be in control of your body and words
Accept responsibility for your actions
Keep our building clean
Go directly to your destination
Be a Learner!
Always try your best
Bring your materials to class every day
Be an active learner
Be prepared to learn every day
Be on time
PTO Information
Volunteers Needed!
Join Facebook Page!
The Family Corner
Social Emotional Learning
7 Mindsets Curriculum - Parent Info for November
The We Are Connected Mindset teaches us that everyone who comes into our lives can help us to
achieve and live our dreams. Working with, for, and through others is crucial to realizing our dreams.
When you understand this and constantly seek the positives from relationships with others, your
performance in every area of your life improves. In the lessons for this mindset, we help students
explore synergies with others, embrace diversity, and relish the competition that will allow them to
maximize their potential by working with and through others.
To learn about more about the following - CLICK HERE
- The 4 critical components
- The Top 5 Dos and Don'ts at Home
- Activities to Do with Your Child
Behavior Tip
- Recognize a child's positive behaviors and praise them when you see them.
- Model the behaviors (especially when YOU are emotional!) you want to see in the child - children learn and imitate what they see over and over again.
- Pick your battles - reacting to every single negative behavior can be exhausting for you and dangerous for the child! Decide in advance what "deal breakers" are you for!
- Set clear and consistent limits - oppositional behaviors thrive in gray areas or when there is a constant change in our response to them!
- Make predictable routines and foreshadow any changes in those routines as much as you can.
- Do not engage in "last word" dynamics. NOBODY WINS!
- Avoid "nuclear level" punishments such as, "You're grounded for a month!" these often have minimal impact on children with oppositional-type behaviors.
- Walking away when it's safe and when you do not have control of your emotions is ALWAYS a fail-safe option. It's entirely okay to walk away and come back to a situation to address it when you are more calm and under control!
WMS Contacts
cfountain@wwusd.org 262-472-8364
Mrs. Caitlin Dowden (Associate Principal)
dowca01@wwusd.org 262-472-8390
Mrs. Pam Hookstead (Administrative Assistant)
phookstead@wwusd.org 262-472-8360
Mrs. Erin Cruz (Attendance Secretary)
ecruz@wwusd.org 262-472-8361
Mrs. Sharine Shinkay-Astin (School Counselor)
sshinkayastin@wwusd.org 262-472-8368
Mrs. Betsy Weir-Ransavage (Behavior Interventionist)
eweirransavage@wwusd.org 262-472-8367
Mrs. Mary Geraghty (School Social Worker)
mgeraghty@wwusd.org 262-472-8115
Mr. Justin Crandall (Athletic Director)
jcrandall@wwusd.org 262-472-8105
Ms. Katelyn Huemmer (Athletic Secretary)
hueka01@wwusd.org 262-472-8108