December 2024 Superintendent Update

Reminder that schools will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2024, to Friday, January 3, 2025. Students will return on Monday, January 6, 2025. Have a wonderful break, everyone! ⛄

Happy Holidays from the Whitewater Unified School District! 🎄

Report Cards were publicly released on November 19, 2024 by the DPI

As part of the state accountability system, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) produces report cards for every publicly funded school and district in Wisconsin. These report cards include data on multiple indicators for multiple years across four Priority Areas (Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes, and On-track to Graduation).

WUSD made notable gains this year, with several schools demonstrating significant improvements. Lincoln Elementary increased 4.4 points this year and Whitewater High School also advanced, with a 5.5-point increase from its previous score. Notably, Lakeview Elementary moved into the "Exceeds Expectations" category, receiving a four-star rating and achieving an impressive 11-point increase since last year. Now both Lakeview Elementary and Washington Elementary rank as “Exceeds Expectations.”

Link to DPI Report Card Portal: https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards/

As we move into December and January, our attendance as a district has historically plummeted (except at the HS last year! Way to go HS students and families! ) Some of these absences include our students being sick, however, our numbers have been well above the state average for absenteeism. We ask for your continued support. Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security for students and adults.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers. May December be full of memories, excitement and fun!

If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to your school. Thank you for partnering with us!

U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Elementary to its list of the 2025 Best Elementary Schools across the United States.

Washington earned a spot at no. 264 on the list (improving from no. 290 in 2024), which includes more than 78,000 schools nationwide. Nearly 1,000 of those schools are in Wisconsin.

The publication analyzed and ranked elementary schools’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language arts based on state assessment data. The rankings are not based on the test scores alone, as they also take into consideration local socioeconomic demographics. This two-part calculation ensures schools listed are serving all students.

“This is a recognition to be celebrated for our staff, students, and families of Washington Elementary,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These results show the success of our teaching models and initiatives to make our schools more inclusive and equitable for all students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to best prepare our students for their continued educational journey.”

Washington Elementary scored 73.63 out of 100 overall. The school ranked 179 in reading proficiency and 551 in math proficiency, out of 1,002 Wisconsin schools.

Additionally, about 85 percent of Washington Elementary teachers have three or more years of experience. 42 percent of students scored at or above proficient in math and 52 percent of students scored at or above proficient in reading, compared to the state average of 40 and 37 percent, respectively.

To learn more about Washington Elementary’s ranking, please visit

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/wisconsin/washington-elementary-225107

Each winter, families, students, and community members inquire how the decision to close or delay school is made and communicated. Closing or delaying school is difficult for our families; we will utilize this option only when necessary for safety.

When we determine to close or delay school, we work collaboratively with the National Weather Service, Nelson’s Bus Company, local township snowplow drivers, and other area school districts. We make the call as early as we can; if possible, the night before a closure. If conditions are unclear until the day of the weather event, the process begins at approximately 3:00 a.m. This is done to better assess the road conditions of the district as a whole and account for in-city and rural routes. Remember that Whitewater Unified School District is just over 200 square miles.

The National Weather Service has moved away from utilizing “wind chill” in its forecast and will now utilize the following terms: extreme cold watch, extreme cold warning, and cold weather advisory. A sustained “extreme cold watch” will be an indicator of schools closing, as that indicates sustained temperatures of -30F.

School closures will be broadcast on television, radio stations, on our website, and our Facebook page. We will call, email, and text a message to staff and families. If school is delayed due to inclement weather, morning 4K sessions are canceled. We suggest “liking” our Facebook page for updates on closures: WWUSD Facebook

In addition to delaying or canceling school, there may be instances where we believe it is in the best interest of the safety of children to have an early release from school or to cancel after-school activities. When either of these situations occurs, the after-school Parks and Recreation childcare programming at our elementary schools is also canceled.

December 23 - January 3: NO SCHOOL

January 23-24: NO SCHOOL

February 19: Elementary P/T Conf 4:00-7:30 pm

February 20: 1/2 day for Elementary/MS Students; Elementary & MS P/T Conf 1:00-7:30 pm

February 21: NO SCHOOL

February 26: WHS Parent University 4:00-7:30 pm

Say “hello” to two-way messaging in the Whitewater app! The same district app now offers class streams, class announcements, and parent-teacher chat. Parents/guardians check your email with instructions to sign up and access new features.

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Lh0fSC

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3OoQ5RY