November 2023 Superintendent Update
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD Superintendent
Attendance and Growth Report Cards
WUSD Families: As we move into December, our attendance as a district has historically plummeted. Some of that includes our students being sick, however, our numbers are well above the state average for absenteeism. We are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students in November, and we ask for your continued support. Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security for students and adults.
Please take steps to keep your child healthy and send them to school. 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!
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty
WUSD Superintendent
WUSD Report Card -Moving Up
WUSD in the News
Kindergartners in Shannon Frye’s class got to cut and peel apples to make their own applesauce. Mrs. Frye assisted with the cooking, but of course, students were excited to taste the fruits of their labor! 🍎
Students from Ms. Parsons’ Environmental Conservation class and Mr. Majors’ Wildlife Ecology classes were joined by DNR employees and local volunteers at the Bluff Creek State Natural Area near Whitewater Lake. Students were given a first-hand look at what it means to manage wildlife areas.
Forty-seven WHS Key Club and WMS Builders Club members raked yards around Whitewater on October 30! The Arboretum at Starin Park also taught our students about phenology, the study of seasonal changes in nature. 🍂 It was a great day of student mentoring and service-learning!
2023 Winter Weather Reminder
Each winter, families, students, and community members often inquire how the decision to close or delay school is made and communicated. Closing or delaying school is difficult on our families; we will utilize this option only when necessary for safety.
When we determine to close or delay school we work collaboratively with Nelson’s Bus Service, local township snow plow drivers and other area school districts. We make the call as early as possible. If conditions are not clear until the day or the weather event, the process initiates at approximately 3:00 AM. This is done to better assess the road conditions of the district as a whole, and account for in-city and rural routes. If the wind chill is sustained at -25° to -30°F or a Wind Chill Warning is issued, we will also consider closing, to ensure the safety of our students who may walk or wait at bus stops. Of our 1,960 students, approximately 840 ride buses and approximately 1,120 walk, drive or are driven to school.
If school is delayed or closed, our goal is to make a decision by 5:30 AM, at the latest. We will broadcast the decision on television, radio stations, on our website and Facebook page. We will call, email and text a message to staff and families. If school is delayed due to inclement weather, morning 4K and early childhood sessions are canceled.
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 occur, the after-school Parks and Recreation childcare programming at our elementary schools is also canceled.
Newsletters Links
Staff Spotlight
Upcoming Dates
December 21-January 1: No School - Winter Break
January 24: 2nd Quarter and 1st Semester Ends
January 25-26: No School - Teacher In-Service
Links of Interest
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