

Warrior Weekly

WI Civics Teams Head to State
Shout out!
WI Civics Games Club will send TWO teams to the State competition at the capitol this year. The winning team will earn a $2000 scholarship to a WI school, per member! Please extend good wishes to the following students as they compete on Friday, May 10th: Ish Patel; Isak Drangstveit; Josh Rifelj; Alyssa Franks; Skyler Cole; Portia Grade; Noah Sell
Forensics Team Finishes Strong
The Waunakee Forensics team had an excellent end to its season at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association speech festival. Of the 23 performances given, the team finished with 18 gold medalists, 4 silver medalists, 1 bronze medalist. Congratulations for being so well-spoken, Waunakee.
Gold Medalists:
- George Kind - Expository Speaking
- Calx Jones - Farrago
- Isabel Tonsfeldt - Farrago
- Greta Busse - Informational Speaking
- Abby Andersion - Informational Speaking
- Karinna Zerbel - Moments in History
- Emmie Rotzenberg - Moments in History
- Rachael Lin - Moments in History
- Sean Hughes - Oratory
- Joshua Rifelj - Oratory
- Xavier Gousman - Poetry Reading
- Brianne Kieta - Poetry Reading
- Junie Kierce - Poetry Reading
- Sonja Salt - Prose Reading
- Milana Lutes - Prose Reading
- Zoe Churchill - Solo Humorous Acting
- Selah Kim - Solo Humorous Acting
- Portia Grade - Storytelling
Silver Medalists:
- Evelyn Suchomel and Lucy Troester - Group Interpretive Reading
- Jonathan Rode - Moments in History
- Skylar Cole - Oratory
- Alice Clark - Special Occasion Speaking
Bronze Medalists:
- Ella De Grandis - Expository Speaking
Engineering Machine Design Championship
Congratulations to the students in PHYSICS II. At the Engineering Machine Design Contest Championship on Friday in Rochester, MN the Marty McFly's Mechanics team made the finals and they finished in 3rd overall! The Atomic Smash team just missed the finals but they took first place in the redesign round! Congrats to both teams!
Students Empowering Each Other (SEE) Week
MONDAY, April 29th: Mental Health
- Advisory Slides (about our club + week preview, share out: self-care, self care ideas, when to seek professional help, school resources, thank you and sign up)
TUESDAY, April 30th: Respect + Equality
- Two students will have a table out at both lunches and have a big paper where people can write “What does equality mean to me?”
WEDNESDAY, May 1st: Giving back to the community
- 6-7 PM we will meet in the 2nd-floor conference/break room (2100) to create cards for the local nursing homes (sign up through QR code) (contact time)
- Give them in-person then a different day to Waunakee Manor
THURSDAY, May 2nd: Kindness
- Announcements (random act of kindness) (sign up for announcement)
- Script: As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a positive and supportive school environment, the Students Empowering Each Other (SEE) Club is thrilled to announce a special initiative “Random Acts of Kindness Challenge." We believe that small gestures can make a big impact, and we invite each of you to participate by performing a random act of kindness for someone else. Here are some ideas to get you started: Share a kind note or words of encouragement, say thank you to your teacher or bus driver, or do something as simple as holding the door for someone. Remember, the purpose is to create a positive ripple effect within our school community. Your small acts of kindness can inspire others and contribute to a culture of support and encouragement.
FRIDAY, May 3rd: Self Care
- Slime-making during contact time (wearing our shirts!)
Lights, Curtains, Action!
Get your tickets for the musical Alice by Heart presented by the High School on May 2, 3, & 4 in the Performing Arts Center. All shows start at 7PM. Purchase your tickets at Waunakee.Booktix.com.
Project Graduation Update
Project Graduation: A substance-free party is a long-standing Waunakee tradition and is FREE for graduating seniors! The committee has confirmed Project Graduation 2024 will be held on June 2nd from 6PM-1AM at the High School.
Seniors must REGISTER by May 31st to attend Project Graduation.
Any senior under 18, must have a parent/guardian complete a permission slip. All attendees must stay until the event is over. The Project Graduation Committee will collect keys and secure them for the night.
Committee members extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers who signed up to help. There are, however, VOLUNTEER shifts that still need to be filled. Parents/Guardians, please consider and SIGN UP by April 30. If shifts are not filled they may need to pair back on activities.
Project Graduation Event Schedule:
- 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Registration/Check-In (You may NOT enter after 7:00 pm), Food, Game Room, and Tournament Sign Up
- 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Hypnotist Show
- 8:30 PM - 12:00 AM: Activities (Volleyball, Dodgeball and Cornhole Tournaments; Digital Photo Booth; Caricature Artist; Temporary Tattoo Artist; Ping Pong; Dance Club; Karaoke; Game Room; and Food)
- 12:00 - 1:00 AM: Price is Right Game Show and Check Out
Thank you,
The Project Graduation Team
Library Media & Technology Center (LMTC)
Featured Weekly New Book
Welcome to the School of Here, an unsettling and peculiar place that is nonetheless familiar to us all. A place full of codes and unspoken rules that are passed down from year to year. At Here, society is highly stratified, the pairs, friend groups, and outcasts are all ruled by a godlike prince. This year--as all other years--things are not at all as they seem. A self-effacing first-year student vanishes into thin air. A persecuted outsider delivers himself into permanent exile. A tyrannical upperclassman meets his match. A newly-minted prophetess tests her powers. And, behind the scenes, a cabal of students conducts a top-secret investigation into the unexplained phenomenon at the heart of it all. Back to school season marks the start of a time-honored cycle of revolution and rebirth in which each must play their part.-from the publisher
Laptops Available in the LMTC
The LMTC has new HP Laptops available for checkout INSIDE while you're using the LMTC space (before school, study hall, contact time). So, if you're wanting a faster machine than your Chromebook while you're here, ask Mr. Schiemann or Mrs. Brown to check one out.
Now available for checkout!
The LMTC has two sets of discs available for students who would like to play disc golf at Ripp Park or other locations. Stop into the LMTC to check out a set for the evening or weekend.
Spring has Sprung! Time to Clean, Organize & Donate
Do you have a: Chaotic closet? Bursting basement? Garbled garage?
Consider donating to Pay It Forward's 15th Annual Garage Sale. The PIF Garage Sale is Saturday, May 11th from 7am-3pm at 2306 Malone Street, Waunakee. Drop-off donations at the High School (Ms. Roger's Classroom 1301) or on the day of the sale at the Malone Street address. Pay It Forward will turn your “trash” into someone’s “treasure”.
Proceeds for this year's garage sale will be donated to World Central Kitchen, helping people in crisis all over the world.
Please contact Corina Rogers with any questions at corinarogers@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Senior Art Show
Counseling Office Connection
Hello Seniors
Senior Scholarships and Awards Night will be held on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 PM in the PAC. Students who will be awarded scholarships and/or other awards will receive invites for this event. If you applied for scholarships, check your email for an invitation in early May. You’ll receive a link to RVSP, as well as other information.
Attention Seniors
Greenhouse Set to Open
Mountain Bike Team
Waunakee MTB is partnering with some madison teams for an upcoming try it out event for female athletes interested in mountain biking. This is a good chance to see what the sport has to offer and the type of events students can be a part of through the season. It is open to any female identifying students and female parents interested in coaching.
Please email mailto:waunakee@driftlessmtb.org with questions.
WCSD Transportation Study Planning
Community Education Afternoon Summer Program
Accepting Applications
We are accepting registrations for Community Education’s Afternoon Summer Program! Check out the Community Education page to explore classes designed for students ranging from preschool age through grade 10. Class sizes are limited.
Storytime Sidekick Volunteer Opportunities
Need volunteer hours? Enjoy working with children?
Storytime Sidekick is looking for student volunteers to read with 4K students at local preschool centers. Volunteers will sign up for weekday shifts during study hall or release periods to work within local preschools to read with and help support literacy skills to the district’s youngest students. This opportunity is perfect for high school students who enjoy reading, are interested in pursuing education careers, or are simply looking for an enjoyable way to gain additional volunteer hours.
If you are interested in this opportunity simply fill out the online interest form at https://forms.gle/vHkPhRUWjFgadPUZ7 or contact Addison Dama at 25damaad@waunakeecsd.org
Boys' Volleyball Open Gym
There will be an open gym for any boys who are interested in trying out for volleyball. Come out to the Intermediate School from 7-9 PM on the dates noted below. This event is FREE of charge!
- Friday, April 26: 7-9 PM
- Friday, May 10: 7-9 PM
- Friday, May 17: 7-9 PM
- Friday, May 24: 7-9 PM
- Friday, May 31: 7-9 PM
Please contact Sean Gehrke @ 608-658-3720 or seankylene@gmail.com with any questions.
WHS Girls Swim 2024 Spring Kick-Off Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, May 7th at 6:30 PM in the small auditorium (old Aud) for the Girls' Swim Meeting. Coach Kent will share information with all the parents, guardians, and student athletes who are interested in learning more about joining the Girls Swim Team for the Fall 2024 season.
The team Captains will meet with the swimmers, and the Booster Club will also be sharing some information with families about becoming a member of boosters, fees, volunteering, and more. In order to ensure that you are receiving updates about all upcoming swim team events, please fill out this Google Form with your contact information, which will then be entered into TeamSnap - the online tool we utilize for communicating.
We look forward to seeing you at the May 7th meeting. Please spread the word to anyone else who may be interested in joining the team. GO WARRIORS!!
Summer Camps 2024
Waunakee Community School District offers many amazing athletic opportunities for our youth in grades K-12. A complete schedule of the camp offerings for the summer of 2024 can be found on our district website. Registration for all programs will be through GoFan.
Course Offerings I Click Here
Course Offerings/Spanish I Click Here
Register Via GoFan I Click Here
Summer Camps Website I Click Here
Student Financial Assistance I Click Here
Thank you for supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and programs at Waunakee Community High School!
Rotary Exchange Host Families Needed
The Waunakee Rotary Club will be hosting a high school girl from Spain for the 2024-2025 school year. They are seeking families who would be willing to host this student for next school year. Rotary would like three families to share this responsibility so the student receives three different experiences during their stay, and it keeps the stay at any one home to about four months. If you are interested in being a host family, or want to discuss this opportunity and learn more, please contact Carol Bleifield from Waunakee Rotary at dfbleifield@yahoo.com. Thanks for considering.
Doing Different - Instructional Coaching Corner
What is coaching: It can look many ways. One of the most impactful ways is to examine a specific practice over time. Here is our official model, though we can amend it as necessary to be most useful. What coaching is not: Evaluative. Public. Magic. Concept of the week: Fisheye Syndrome. It has to do with which students monopolize our discussion time. It was in this Cult of Pedagogy podcast. Current Book Study: Proficiency-Based Learning Other books of the moment: The Choreography of Presenting, Disrupting the Teacher Opportunity Gap, Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps
Feel free to contact Michael Dreyer with any questions or to set up a coaching cycle.
June 2024 Lifeguard Training Class
American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguard Training Classes will be offered at the Waunakee High School.
Please open the attachment for complete information on this opportunity.
Yearbook Storage Closest Pre-Sale
As the Tech Ed department prepares for a remodel this summer the Print Pub staff would like to invite you to a yearbook storage closet pre-sale. We will be selling our overstock books for a one time only low price of $10.00 per book for any yearbook in our storage room. You can see a live list of books available HERE. This would be a wonderful time to either start, build on or fill in gaps to your collection. Having a yearbook is a wonderful way to look back on the years spent here at WHS. Books can be purchased with either Cash or Check made out to WCSD. Please have your student stop in room 1405 and talk to Mr. Willauer to purchase a book. We plan on going live with this sale to the community in the next few weeks. Please help us give these books a home so we don't have to move them for our remodel.
Neighborhood Town Hall Meeting
New Heritage Elementary
The Waunakee Community School District continues to work with our referendum partners to design and construct the facilities approved by the voters in 2022. Projects include a new Heritage Elementary School (opening Fall 2024) and Waunakee Community Middle School (opening Fall 2026).
Join us for a Neighborhood Town Hall Meeting on May 29th from 6-7 PM to learn about the school district's construction projects in the neighborhood along South Street.
View invitation here. Visit our website for more information.
Class of 2024 Graduation
Commencement is set for June 2, 2024
Here are some important details about graduation for you to note:
- When: Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 3:00 PM
- Where: Waunakee High School - Field House
- Field House doors will open at 1:30 PM.
- Seating is based on a first come-first serve basis. Reserving seats with blankets, signs, etc., is prohibited and the items will be removed.
- The number of guests each graduate may invite has not been set due to the large seating capacity in the Field House. However, please be considerate in the number of guests you invite.
- Stadium seats (seat cushions with backs) are acceptable and may be used for your seating pleasure.
- Honor Cord/s: Students who achieve academic honors may wear the acceptable honor cord(s) of purple, silver, white or gold. All other cords are not permitted and may not be worn in commencement services. Seniors who earn honor cords will be notified May.
- Handicap seating is available upon request. Please call 608-849-2100, ext. 2046 to make arrangements.
- Link for the Live Stream will be made available prior to the event.
- Empire Photography will again photograph commencement ceremonies. Each graduate is photographed as they receive their diploma and a solo portrait is taken after they exit the stage. Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 48-hours of the ceremony.
- Diplomas will be distributed in the High School main office immediately after the ceremony for graduates to pick up. Diplomas will not be mailed.
Final Exam Schedule
Dates to Calendar
May 2-4: "Alice by Heart" Performances in PAC at 7PM/$12 ticket
May 11: Pay It Forward Garage Sale from 7AM-3PM
May 15: Senior Scholarships & Awards Night @ 7PM, PAC
May 20: No School/Staff Development
May 27: No School/Memorial Day
May 28-29: Senior Final Exams
May 29: Neighborhood Town Hall Meeting
May 30: Seniors, please note the following:
- 8:30-9:15 AM: Senior Walk-thru at Elementary Schools (Transportation provided by Lamers)
- 9:15-10:30 AM: Graduation Rehearsal in WHS Field House
- 10:30 AM: Senior Brunch in the Commons (free for all Seniors!)
June 2: Class of '24 Commencement, 3PM, HS Field House
June 3-6: Final Exams for Underclassmen
June 7: Community Open House: Randy Guttenberg Retirement
June 24: Summer School Begins (by teacher recommendation only)
Mark Your 2024-2025 School Calendar
Homecoming Dance is set for September 28th.
Scholarships or Payment Plans Available
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.
https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/families/student-financial-assistance
Please contact Teri Reible at 608-849-2000 to learn more about these opportunities. If you need assistance in a language other than English, please call the district interpreter and translator at 608-849-2000, option 2.
Waunakee Community Cares Coalition
The Waunakee Community Cares Coalition (WCCC) is dedicated to keeping Waunakee healthy and resilient. To receive updates of all of the trends, resources available, and community initiatives in the spaces of alcohol/drug prevention and mental health, please sign up for their monthly newsletter.
Link to sign up to receive newsletter: https://www.waunakeecares.org/contact
Link to our resource pages: https://www.waunakeecares.org/resources-1
Lunch Menus
Contact Information
Waunakee Community High School
301 Community Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
Phone: (608) 849-2100
Website: whs.waunakee.k12.wi.us