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.

We want to take a moment to thank you for your understanding and support as we transition to our new door protocols at Waunakee Community High School. These changes, which took effect on January 2, 2025, represent an important step in enhancing the safety and security of everyone on our campus.

We recognize that adjustments like these can cause disruptions to daily routines, and we deeply appreciate your patience as we navigate this transition together. Our primary goal is to create an environment where students can focus on learning and growing, knowing they are in a secure setting.

A Brief Recap of the Protocol:

• Students may enter the building through Doors 1 (Main Entrance), 13 (Bus Loop), and 17 (Pyramid Doors) between 7:45 AM and 8:15 AM. These doors are supervised during this time.

• Door 17 will also be accessible during designated lunch hours. For all other times, students returning to campus must enter through Door 1 (Main Office).

• To maintain security, students are reminded not to open doors for anyone during the school day. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, including suspension from school, to reinforce its importance.

Why These Changes Are Important:
While we always strive to balance convenience with safety, the world we live in requires us to take every precaution to protect our school community. Limiting entry points helps us monitor who enters the building and make connections with all students, reducing potential risks and ensuring a safer environment for our students and staff.

Your Role in This Process:
Your collaboration is key to making this protocol effective. For families, this may mean having conversations with your students about the importance of adhering to the new procedures, ensuring they are prepared for weather conditions if they arrive early, and reinforcing that safety is a shared responsibility.

Staying Connected:
We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our associate principals—Steve Hernandez, Chad Gauerke, and Deanne Lensert—are here to support you and provide clarity. Together, we can address any challenges and ensure a smooth implementation of these protocols.

Thank you once again for your partnership, understanding, and commitment to making Waunakee Community High School a safe and welcoming environment for all. We are confident that, with your support, these measures will contribute to a stronger, safer school community.

School safety is a priority in the Waunakee Community School District. We take several steps to ensure each child is safe and each school is secure. An important component of this work is that we participate in monthly safety drills using our Standard Response Protocol (SRP) methods for evacuation (fire), shelter (tornado), secure (danger outside the building), lockdown (danger inside the building), and hold (medical event, student crisis, etc. in the building). Our staff teach students about our safety drills in a matter-of-fact and developmentally appropriate manner, and explain that we participate in these drills as a way to stay safe so we know what to do in an actual emergency, even though the chances of a real incident are rare.

During the week of January 13, Waunakee Community High School will be participating in the SECURE drill. Prior to the drill, school administration and your child’s teacher will prepare your child for the drill, including answering any questions they have. During the drill, the safety protocol measures in SRP will be followed. Following the drill, students will be reminded that schools are some of the safest places to be and that the skills students and staff learn about safety can be applied anywhere, both in school and out of school. The law enforcement officers and school administrators will discuss what went well and areas to improve. We will then send you a message that same day so you are aware the drill took place.

We thank you for supporting our work to keep our school safe. For additional information about our SRP procedures, please feel free to visit the Standard Response Protocol website: SRP 🧡 The "I Love U Guys" Foundation or our school district Safety and Security website. If you have any questions about the drill or school safety procedures, please feel free to contact your child’s building administrators at any time.

Course Registration time is upon us for the 2025-2026 school year. All students have been receiving course registration information during advisory for the past several weeks. In addition, students will be participating in class meetings during contact time to receive support to complete their course registration.

The window to submit course requests in Xello is January 29th - February 7, 2025. Students should be using the month of January to plan their course requests, consult with staff and guardians, and ensure their courses meet their post-secondary goals.

• The Counseling Staff will be available for students on Feb. 4 & 5, 2025 in the PAC during Contact Time for Course Registration support. Students may sign up in FlexiSched under Counseling for one of these dates if they have questions or need assistance.

In an effort to make information available to students and families, all registration information can be found on our counseling department website, including the 2025-2026 Course Guide, the Course Registration Timeline, and Course Information by Grade.

• Counseling Department Course Registration Page

Waunakee Community High School utilizes Xello for submitting course requests. To access Xello, students click on Xello under their WHS Bookmarks when logged in on their school issued chromebook.

*PLEASE NOTE: There will NOT be an opportunity for students to change their course requests once the window of registration is completed so staffing can be appropriately planned for the 2025-2026 school year.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Counseling Office at 608-849-2115.

Name: Emma

Grade: Senior

Activities: Student Council, Spanish Honor Society

Sports: Tennis, Track & Field

By 2030, it's predicted that parents sharing about their kids online will account for two-thirds of identity fraud cases. Let's work together to protect our children's digital identities.

In today's digital age, it's crucial that we have open conversations with our children about their online presence. A recent study showed that by age 5, the average child has 1,500 photos of them online. As parents and guardians, we play a vital role in shaping our children's digital footprint.

Check out this short video where parents and children discuss feelings about posting on social media.

You may also want to consider the following resources in talking with your child about their digital footprint.

Help Kids Post, Comment and Upload Responsibly

Digital Footprint & Identity

Responsible Decision Making in Digital Life

Remember, our kids should have a say in what's shared about them online. By fostering open dialogue, we can help them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Key Points to Discuss with Your Children:

1. Consent Matters: Always ask for your child's permission before posting photos or information about them online.
2. Privacy Concerns: Discuss the potential long-term impacts of sharing personal information online.
3. Digital Footprint: Explain how information shared now can affect their future.
4. Alternative Communication: Encourage direct communication (calls, video chats) with family members instead of relying solely on social media posts.

The Waunakee Tribune has extended their deadline to submit a senior photo! Photos received by January 24th will be included in the graduation section. Because it is printed in color, a color photo is recommended, but not required. The Tribune will need the name of the graduating senior, as well. It will be published the Friday before graduation.

Email the photo to tribnews@hngnews.com, send by U.S. Mail or drop it off at Tribune Office. Contact Roberta Baumann, Waunakee Tribune Managing Editor with questions.

There will be a meeting for all girls interested in trying out for girls soccer during Contact Time on Thursday, January 16 in the small auditorium. Sign up for Mr. Conrad's contact time for that day.

At the meeting we will discuss the open gym schedule, preseason workouts, tryouts, and the steps you need to take to make sure you are able to try out. If you can’t make the meeting, please be sure to contact Coach Moll at andrewmoll@waunakee.k12.wi.us.

We invite you to become part of a super fun and fast growing sport! No experience necessary. Booster club registration is open now and registration through the school will be opening soon. Don’t miss out! Check out our new website and click on the registration tab.

Waunakee Girls Lacrosse

The Waunakee High School Girls Booster club is sponsoring indoor turf sessions for any interested high school girls at KEVA for pick-up games beginning Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. These sessions are free and optional, no experience necessary.

• When: Every Thursday from Jan. 9 – Mar. 13 from 5:00-6:00 pm. (Please note that there will be no session on January 23 due to finals).

• Where: Keva Sports Center, 8312 Forsythia St., Middleton
• What to bring: Stick, goggles, mouthguard, sneakers (cleats are not necessary), reversible practice jersey, if possible.
• Sign up (for an anticipated headcount): Pre-Season Turf Session Sign Up

Announcing Chef on Display will take place next Thursday, January 16 at the high school during both lunch periods. Chef will be showcasing Korean Beef Bulgogi served with Jasmine rice!

Graduation is quickly approaching—less than five months until June 1st! Project Graduation is an important event that cannot happen without your support. We are relying on your help to make this night memorable for our seniors.

Project Graduation will start up the monthly meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month beginning February 18. If you are signed up for food, games, registration, or planning on helping with one of the committees, please join our meetings at 6pm in the staff lounge, room 1400.

Listed below are the Project Graduation Meetings to calendar:

• February 18 @ 6pm
• March 18 @ 6pm
• April 22 @ 6pm
• April 29 (tentative)
• May 6 @ 6pm
• May 27 @ 6pm

Flamingo Flockers are still hard at work, spreading flamingos when the weather and time allow. If you'd prefer not to be flocked and having the flamingos in your yard, please contact Cindy Richardson at the school directly, rather than removing or damaging the flamingos or leaving negative messages. This is a community effort, and our parents are dedicating their time to make this a special and fun evening for the seniors.

We have successfully completed flocking for about half of the senior class. If we flock your yard and notice no activity, we may reach out via email to confirm if you'd like to contribute a donation to support the Project for your senior(s).

Keep an eye out for communications from the Project Graduation 2025 committee through email (waunagradparty@gmail.com) (and check your junk or spam folders) and also on the "Class of 2025" Facebook page.

Additionally, Angie Volkmann has organized concession shifts at the Ice Pond to raise funds for Project Graduation. If you’re available to work the 5:00-8:30 PM shift on Monday, February 10, please reach out via email or Facebook.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to celebrate our seniors in a meaningful way!

Project Graduation 2025

The high schools of Waunakee and DeForest are respectful, but spirited rivals in many athletic endeavors. On January 30, the Waunakee HS boys basketball teams will travel to DeForest to take on the Norskies and hope to use their platform to raise money for cancer research. As part of the Coaches vs. Cancer pledge week, a national collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, funds generated will go directly to the American Cancer Society.

A team of individuals from each program, as well as clubs from each high school, have worked to put together sponsorships from local businesses & other fundraising activities set to take place on game day. DeForest and Waunakee have also selected a member whose lives have been adversely impacted by this horrible disease. Kerry Abercrombie will be recognized as the Waunakee Champion of the Game. Kerry & her husband, Kevin, have children at Waunakee High School and Waunakee Middle School. Their eighth grade sons are members of the Waunakee boys basketball program. We would like to encourage every member of our community to get involved!

If interested in sponsorship or making a donation, please follow this LINK. Finally, T-shirts are being sold for this event. If interested in purchasing, please follow this LINK. Deforest will be wearing white/pink. Waunakee will wear black/pink.

Rivals on the court, but TOGETHER WE FIGHT to end cancer!

Tyler Selk

5th Grade Math/Science / WHS Boys Basketball

Everyday is a GREAT day to be a WARRIOR!

The Purple Sage is written and produced entirely by Waunakee Community High School students. Opinions in The Purple Sage are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the newspaper staff or the school district.

Students, staff, and members of the community are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor (250 words or less with signature included).

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.

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

As you take down your holiday decorations, or do some new year cleaning/organizing, please keep in mind our ongoing Annual Cord Drive! We have already helped WNC raise some money, AND kept those non-renewable recyclable resources out of the landfill.

Win-win!

The drive continues throughout the month of January. You can drop off those cords in the big purple bins found near each WCSD school office, WCSD district office, OR Ace Hardware in Waunakee.

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

Yearbook Pricing Schedule:

• Now – March 31, 2025: $70 – All options available!
• April 1 – 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)

Please note:

--Students with multi-day testing accommodations will need to be at school for both testing days

--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

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

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