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.

Join the Waunakee High School Choirs as they present their winter concert; Where the Light Begins. Come in from the cold and dark TONIGHT, December 12, at 7:30 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

In our continued efforts to make Waunakee Community High School as safe and secure as possible, we will be implementing a new door protocol for students beginning on Jan 2, 2025.

Students will no longer be able to use their student ID badges to enter all doors; instead, they will be limited to three doors before school. These doors will be Door 1 (Main Entrance), Door 13 (Bus Loop), and Door 17 (Pyramid Doors). These doors will be supervised by administrators from 7:45-8:15 am. Door 17 (Pyramid Doors) will also be accessible by badge and supervised from 11:55-12:35 and 1:30-2:10 for those students wishing to leave for lunch. Otherwise, all students will be required to enter Door 1 (Main Doors).

Please be aware that any students entering the building during the school day will need to use Door 1 at the Main Office. This includes students returning from release or appointments. Consequently, it is important that your student is prepared for the weather.

In addition, it is critical that students do not open doors to any individuals during the school day. If a student opens a door or uses a door other than Door 1, they will be suspended; this will also affect their athletic eligibility.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s associate principal: Steve Hernandez, Chad Gauerke, or Deanne Lensert

Be a part of the solution by participating in our upcoming pickleball tournament, January 4, 2025!

Register now through the Pickleball 4 A Purpose Sign up link.

The cost per player is $5.00. The fee will be collected at the door. All money raised from this event will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Thank you for your support of MDA and Waunakee DECA!

Bridging Brighter Smiles is holding their next dental clinic at the High School on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. It's not too late to enroll your high school student.

Sign up online at: http://enrollment.bbsmiles.org/

Professional Dental Services Provided Right at School Include:

• Oral Screening
• Dental Cleaning
• Fluoride Varnish Application
• Dental Sealant Placement
• Silver Diamine Fluoride Application
• Oral Health Education
• Referral Assistance

Forward Health (BadgerCare) Accepted!

(Other Private Dental Insurance Not Accepted)

Funds made available through your FSA/HSA account may be utilized as a form of payment, please check with your carrier for specific terms and conditions.

Not sure if your child is enrolled, or due for care? Call Bridging Brighter Smiles at 262-896-9891, or email coordinator@bbsmiles.org.

Do you want to read over break, but you just don't have the time to figure out what? Do you want something new and fresh? Do you want to outsource the work to a professional?

Complete this Google form and Mr. Schiemann will gather books for you. Check your email for when he has them ready for pickup in the LMTC.

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.

We are excited to offer a special way to honor your graduating senior! Show them how proud you are with a personalized full color Senior Ad in the yearbook. It’s a heartfelt tribute featuring your own message and cherished photos for the entire school to see—a perfect way to celebrate their incredible journey.

Need inspiration? The yearbook order center can help you explore message ideas, sentence starters, and popular themes to make your ad truly unique. Once your design is complete, you can preview how it will look before finalizing your purchase. Because it is part of the order center you will have access to customer support to help you create the perfect memory.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make their senior year unforgettable. Click here to explore the ad sizes and options available for the Class of 2024-2025. Let’s make their yearbook one to remember! Orders are due by 6/9/25.

Prices:

Full Page: $400.00

1/2 Page: $200.00

1/4 Page: $100.00

1/8 page: $50.00

1/16 page (Traditionally known as Senior Profile): $30.00

Join Principal Borowski for the next Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday, December 16. The topics of discussion will include:

• Security/Doors/Badges
• State Report Card
• Semester Exams
• Graduation
• General Updates

Please email cindyrichardson@waunakee.k12.wi.us to request the Zoom link for the meeting.

The High School Soñadores Club mentored at the Intermediate School this week. This is the ninth year the high school club has been partnering with the younger students. They gather to celebrate Latino culture and language through playing games and creating connections. Los Soñadores translates to The Dreamers in English. Our mission statement is, “Ningún soñador es pequeño y ningún sueño es demasiado”. In English that translates to: “No dreamer is too small and no dream is too large”.

You can access and apply for scholarships in Naviance (located in your WCSD Bookmarks). Scholarship support sessions will be held this month in the counseling office during contact time on Wednesdays to help seniors find and apply for scholarships. Please sign up under Ms. Bonsett-Veal in Flexisched. Please see the linked flyer for more information.

Girls interested in trying out for the girls lacrosse team should attend the meeting on Wednesday, December 18. The meeting will be held during Contact Time in the PAC. Sign up for Mr. Conrad's contact time for that date. If you can't make the meeting, please contact Coach Moran at erinmoran@waunakee.k12.wi.us.

We invite you to join us in the Waunakee Aquatics Center on December 19th for the Mens Swimming Teacher Appreciation and Youth Night. Swimming starts at 6:00 PM.

Following the meet, refreshments and team poster signing will take place in the Commons/Cave.

We hope to see you there!

We are once again joining with Waunakee Neighborhood Connection (WNC) to provide recycling drop off locations at our schools. This recycling drive helps WNC raise a few dollars and also keeps non-renewable, recyclable resources out of the landfill. All proceeds will go directly to WNC.

Here are a few details to note:

• Purple WNC bins are placed near each school office and will be regularly emptied.
• Bins are also located at the district office and Ace Hardware in Waunakee
• Acceptable items include Christmas lights, phone chargers, and any electrical cords (leave plugs on). NO charger blocks.
• Collection ends on January 31, 2025

Please keep this drive in mind as you decorate and un-decorate this year! It may be a nice time to clean out other old cords and cables no longer in use both at home and in your school environment.

Questions? Email jessicanorth@waunakee.k12.wi.us

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!

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

Prices for the 2024-2025 Waunakee Community High School yearbook will increase starting January 1, 2025. Now is the perfect time to secure your copy of our award winning publication at the best price and reserve a lasting spot in the memories of the year. The 2023-2024 edition of the Whipurwauna yearbook recently received an ALL KEMPA designation from the Kettle Moraine Press Association for exemplary work.

Yearbook Pricing Schedule:

• Now – December 31, 2024: $60 – All options available!
• January 1 – March 31, 2025: $70 – All options available!
• April 1, 2025 – July 1, 2025: $80 – Limited availability for add-ons.

Order Now:

• Online: Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 3927. (Preferred Method)
• Cash or Check: Email Mr. Willauer at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us for assistance.

Don’t wait—order your yearbook today to ensure you capture this year’s unforgettable moments! Keep the memories alive—reserve your yearbook today!

Committed to Accessibility: The Waunakee Community School District is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to the yearbook. Financial assistance is available. For more information, contact Teri Reible at 608-849-2000 or reach out to a high school social worker. Language assistance is also available at 608-849-2000, option 2.

Contact: Mr. Jeff Willauer, Waunakee Community High School at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us

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

If you are a Waunakee Community School District resident and have children (birth through 18 years of age) not currently enrolled in our district, we would like to hear from you. The census is different from registration. Do not include currently enrolled WCSD students. The benefit to you is that if you fill out the census, you are in our system and we are able to contact you with information appropriate for the age of your child(ren).

It helps us plan our future enrollment in our district. It also allows us to provide you with information appropriate for your child.

Fill out form here: https://tinyurl.com/2025WCSDCensus

Please view the letter regarding the Snow Days 24-25 Procedures. For more information, visit our website School Closings/Weather Updates.

"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fraigle things, but just look what they can do when they stick together." - Vesta Kelly

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.

Join us for a two-night hands-on workshop that is perfect for beginners and design enthusiasts alike, no prior experience is necessary. All supplies and materials will be provided, and participants will leave the workshop with completed custom sign projects. Participants must be 18 years old and older. Registration information along with additional class details can be found on the Community Education page of the district website under Innovation Center Classes. We look forward to seeing you at the WCHS Innovation Center!

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

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 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; 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

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