

High School Warrior Weekly
Week of November 11, 2024
WE APPRECIATE YOU!
The Waunakee Community School District is pleased to announce the voters of the district approved the operational school district referendum question on the ballot. You can view the results of the November 5 election here.
Thank you for supporting our school district and investing in our community!
Sincerely,
Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown, Superintendent
Steve Summers, Executive Director of Operations
Waunakee Community School District
FORMATA 2024 FRUIT SALE
The FORMATA (Family Organization for Music and Theatre Arts) ANNUAL FRUIT SALE ends on Sunday, November 10. Check out the list of delicious fresh fruit, cheese, nuts and meats. These items are of very high quality and arrive just in time for holiday gift giving.
VIRTUAL CALMING ROOM
Tools for Relaxation and Mindfulness
We are pleased to introduce a new resource designed to support the well-being of our students: the Virtual Calming Room. This online space provides tools for relaxation and mindfulness that can help students manage stress, anxiety, or simply take a moment to reset. The Virtual Calming Room includes calming music, guided meditations, breathing exercises, coloring pages, and soothing visuals that students can access anytime.
We encourage you to explore the Virtual Calming Room with your child and discuss how they might use it during times of need, whether at home or during the school day. It’s a great way to practice mindfulness and develop healthy coping strategies.
As always, we are committed to supporting the emotional and mental health of our students, and we hope this new resource will be a valuable tool for your family.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community!
LIBRARY MEDIA TECHNOLOGY CENTER (LMTC)
Featured New Book
Christopher discovers the Archipelago, a world where mythological creatures were secreted away by magic long ago, but those creatures are now dying, and it is up to Christopher and Mal, a girl from the Archipelago, to save both of their worlds.
Meet Tutor: Elle
Grade: Senior
Sports: Golf, Ski, Track & Field
Clubs: Pay It Forward, Student Council, HOSA
Meet Tutor: Ryan
Grade: Senior
Sports: Football
Clubs: Science Club
Meet Tutor: Abby
Grade: Junior
Sports: Cross Country, Track & Field
Clubs: DECA, FBLA, NHS
COUNSELING OFFICE CONNECTION
ATTENTION SENIORS
Are you applying to St. Norbert College? If so, please stop in the Counseling Office and see Mrs. Carroll. St. Norbert College offers an Alumni Referral Award in which you could receive a $1000/yr for four years scholarship! The deadline for referrals is November 15th. All you need to do is provide her with a Student Resume (Brag Sheet.)
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Bank of America's Student Leaders program is returning in 2025! Four students who reside in either Milwaukee County or Dane County will be chosen to receive an 8-week paid internship with a local non-profit and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for a weeklong leadership summit. For more information, please stop in the counseling office.
MADISON COLLEGE FREE APPLICATION WORKSHOP
Seniors, if you are planning to attend Madison College, calendar Tuesday, November 12, 9:00-11:00 AM! You are encouraged to attend this application workshop and/or stop in for any Madison College program questions. There is no application fee to apply. Bilingual support in Spanish will be available. Sign up in Flexisched under Mr. Landis or stop in the counseling office for a pass.
DIRECT ADMIT
Seniors, if you received a Direct Admit offer, this is a reminder to view the next steps checklist and complete the Direct Admit Form via the UW Admissions Pathway Portal. The submission of a Direct Admit Form is not a formal commitment to attend a UW. This form connects students with the UW universities they are interested in attending, and will allow universities to communicate important next steps to students. The form must be submitted no later than May 1, 2025, but submitting it sooner is recommended.
There are virtual “walkthroughs” of the Direct Admit Form for students participating in the Direct Admit Wisconsin program. The webinar will walk you through the University of Wisconsin Admissions Portal and how to submit Direct Admit Forms. Register Here for the webinar on November 19 from 4:00-5:00 PM.
COLLEGE REP VISIT: University of Dubuque
A college representative will be available to meet with juniors and seniors in the Counseling Office during Contact Time on Thursday, November 14, 2024: University of Dubuque
To attend this session, students can sign up in FlexiSched under the Counseling Office on Monday, November 11, 2024.
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
A financial aid night presentation is scheduled for November 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please use THIS LINK to access the virtual meeting.
Sarah Doebereiner of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Financial Aid Office will be present to provide an overview of all things financial aid, and will also share information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) -- a necessary application for families to qualify for financial aid. Students and guardians will receive important information and will have the opportunity to ask questions. The FAFSA will be available to complete in December which was a change last year with the new application rollout. I will also take time to briefly present about local scholarships and where students can find scholarships we are notified of.
The information included about College Goal Wisconsin. College Goal Wisconsin is a beneficial event that provides free information and assistance to families who want help completing the FAFSA. Participation in College Goal Wisconsin will give you access to expert advice, and students can enter a scholarship drawing for a chance to win a one-time college scholarship. Here is a link to the College Goal Wisconsin website for more information.
Please mark your calendars for Financial Aid Night. If you are unable to attend there will be a recording of the session as well as materials to review at a later date. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Kim Bonsett-Veal, High School Counselor.
HEALTH UPDATE
Positive Pertussis Cases
Cases of Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, are increasing in Wisconsin and nationwide. WCSD has had many positive cases since July. Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that may begin like a common cold, but develops into a severe cough that can last for weeks.
To reduce the risk of transmission in our school buildings, the following is recommended:
Stay home for 5 days while on antibiotic therapy for those who are diagnosed with pertussis or a medical provider is treating as a probable case
Stay updated on vaccines, including DTaP and Tdap, which help protect against Pertussis
Cover your cough and wash your hands often
For additional information, click here. To report a positive case of Pertussis in your home, please contact your school’s health office.
Thank you for your support,
Jenny Sydow, RN
Safety Drill Next Week: Lockdown Drill
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 November 11, students in grades K-12 will participate in a lockdown drill. We believe the sensitive nature of a drill like this requires more upfront communication to you so that you can anticipate this occurring for your child and can have conversations at home if you deem appropriate. Our goal is always to make this experience a useful practice without undue alarm for students. Please review this information and contact your child’s building administrators with your questions.
Prior to the Drill: School administration and your child’s teachers will prepare your child for the drill ahead of time including answering questions they may have.
During the Drill: At the start of the drill, we will make an announcement over the public address (PA) system that clearly explains that it is a drill, along with a reminder of why we practice a lockdown. For students in the upper grades this may also include a hypothetical situation for the students and staff to discuss. During this drill, the exterior doors of the building are locked and no one may enter or leave the building. Our staff and students then participate in lockdown procedures specific to each area of the building they are in at that time. Staff guide students carefully through the procedures, and, like all drills, students are supervised by staff for the entire drill. A small number of law enforcement officers (four or five in total) will be checking that all classroom doors are secure and will unlock them following the drill. The purpose of having a few officers present during the drill is to help students experience the practice of law enforcement releasing the school from the lockdown, as this would be the procedure used during an actual incident. Building administration will also be present. The law enforcement officers will calmly enter the classroom with their key, thank students and staff for taking this drill seriously, and remind them that law enforcement members are the only individuals to end an actual lockdown. Additionally, students and staff will be reminded never to open a door for anyone during a lockdown. The entire procedure is expected to last approximately 15-20 minutes.
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. Students will return to their regular schedule. 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.
Providing for the safety and well-being of students and staff continues to be a priority of the Waunakee Community School District. Students are taught that if they are aware of a safety concern, they need to tell an adult either in-person or via a Reporting Tool. This school year, students, families, school staff, and our community members can submit a school safety concern in three ways via Speak Up Speak Out. Resource Center staff work around the clock to respond to reports by communicating directly with school administrators, law enforcement, and school counselors. This system does not replace calling 911 in the case of an emergency.
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 and 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.
📌VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
As we enter the second year of utilizing Visitor Aware, we want to take a moment to remind you of this important Visitor Management System in our K-12 school buildings. Visitor Aware continues to streamline the check-in process for visitors while enhancing the safety of our students, staff, and families.
Key Features to Remember:
Initial Check-In: If you are visiting our schools for the first time this year, please remember to bring a state ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) for verification. This allows us to ensure a safe environment by checking visitor identities against national databases.
Facial Recognition Technology: After your first visit, checking in will be quick and easy - just use your photo at the front office kiosk. Visitor Aware employs facial recognition technology to identify registered visitors efficiently.
Enhanced Accountability: By tracking who is in our schools in real-time, we can improve our emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Visitors must also indicate where they are going in a building.
Strengthen Staff and Visitor Communication: Visitor Aware promotes clear communication among front office staff, principals, and visitors. If a visitor is unrecognized or requires further review, a discreet notification is sent to prompt the front office to contact the principal or the Office of School Safety. This system utilizes technology similar to facial recognition used in mobile phones to document and authorize entry for all visitors.
Support for Families: Our school office staff are always available to assist you, especially if you have questions about the check-in and check-out process or need help with your first visit.
Visitor Aware plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and welcoming atmosphere for our school community. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in helping us ensure the safety of our learning environment.
If you have additional questions or to view additional resources for Visitor Aware, please visit our Safety and Security district website.
📌STUDENT DROP-OFF/PICK-UP
At Waunakee Community High School, student and staff safety is always our highest priority. To support this commitment, we want to remind all students, staff, parents, and guardians of the recommended procedures for safely dropping off and picking up students at both schools.
Designated Drop-Off/Pick-Up Areas at the High School: Please drop-off and pick-up students at door #1. This door is located by the flagpole at the front of Waunakee Community High School (book structures), off Community Drive. This is the location where the main office is located.
Safety Concerns on South Street: We have noticed that some families are dropping off or picking up students on South Street, where students often cross mid-block in front of oncoming traffic. This practice not only disrupts traffic flow but also puts students at risk of accidents. We kindly ask all families to avoid using South Street for student drop-offs and pick-ups, as it is not monitored by crossing guards or school staff.
Obey Traffic Signs and Directional Arrows: It is essential that all drivers obey traffic signs and follow the proper directional flow, especially on Community Drive (road between the Middle School and High School) and in the bus loop area located at the north end of Waunakee Community High School, between the High School and the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) building. This loop is specifically marked with directional signs to maintain a safe and efficient traffic flow. Driving the wrong way in this area can endanger students and staff, as well as disrupt school transportation services.
Tips for a Safe Drop-Off/Pick-Up Experience:
Arrive early: This helps reduce congestion and allows time for a smooth drop-off.
Follow school staff instructions: Staff are there to help guide traffic and ensure student safety.
Be mindful of other drivers: Patience and attentiveness go a long way in maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
Remind students to use crosswalks: If your student must cross South Street or other streets, encourage them to use designated crosswalks where available.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all of our students.
VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS
RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Hello Parents, Guardians, and Families
We are looking to possibly start a recreational basketball league for high school age students. We would like parents, guardians, or a responsible adult to lead this opportunity for our students.
This league would be similar to a league that existed prior to Covid (Catholic Youth League: CYO). When CYO was in place, Waunakee had several boy teams that competed with other teams from area schools (there was not a girl’s league at that time). Following Covid, the league dissolved. We feel it would be an excellent opportunity for students who are looking to play recreationally and to stay involved in sports/athletics.
We are looking to see if this is of interest to either our parents, guardians, or students.
Please contact Brian Borowski if you are interested in learning more or would consider leading this opportunity. Email: brianborowski@waunakee.k12.wi.us or Call: 608-849-2100
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WINTER WEATHER PLANNING
Hello Families
Visit our website for School Closings/Weather Updates
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASS
ACT Test Prep Class Registration
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.
HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS MONTH
Did you know that November is Homelessness Awareness Month?
- Is your family going through a housing transition or experiencing homelessness? We are here to help! Read more about your rights and support available to you via the WCSD.
If you are interested in supporting WCSD students experiencing homelessness, consider donating to our Student Family Assistance Fund here.
GRADUATION PROGRAM DESIGN
Attention Seniors
Are you interested in designing the front and back cover of the 2025 Graduation program? If so, submit your design to Mr. Borowski no later than January 2, 2025. Submissions do not need to be finalized, but near completion. If you would like to see past examples, please stop by the main office and see Mrs. Richardson.
The final design will be selected by the Senior Class Officers and Mr. Borowski.
FLAMINGO FLOCKING
Attention Senior Families
The flamingos have taken flight! That's right, it's Flamingo Flocking time! A fun way to help raise money for Senior Project Graduation.
Project Graduation is a fun, after graduation party organized by the parents and guardians of the graduating SENIORS. The event was established to offer seniors a safe place to celebrate for FREE. This party is planned, organized and paid for by generous contributions from parents/guardians and the Waunakee Community. Graduates participate in a night of fun events, entertainment, music, games, food, and prizes - LOTS OF PRIZES.
When flocked, specific flamingo fundraising details will be left at the front door. Watch for the birds to arrive beginning mid-November through next Spring. If your Senior does not wish to be flocked, and chooses to opt out, please contact Cindy Richardson at the Waunakee High School office by phone at 608-849-2100, extension 2046 or email at cindyrichardson@waunakee.k12.wi.us. Requests to opt out must be submitted by November 8th.
If your house is accidentally flocked and you didn't want it to be, please do not destroy the flamingos as they cost the committee $35 each to replace - they will be picked up. Also, please be nice to our volunteers, as they are out there flocking in all kinds of weather to help raise money for this event.
TRIP TO SPAIN 2025
¡Atención! We have had one spot open up for our upcoming trip to Spain in June of 2025. If you are currently a sophomore or junior and enrolled in Spanish 3, 4, 5 or SLA 1 or 2 and you are interested in participating in the trip, please reach out to Catie Anderson, Spanish teacher, at catieanderson@waunakee.k12.wi.us
SENIOR PICTURE SUBMISSION
Attention Senior Parents and Guardians
Can you believe it? We’re down to less than 30 days to submit your senior’s yearbook portrait! We are so excited to bring this special milestone to life in the yearbook, and we want to make sure your senior has their moment to shine!
If you haven’t submitted yet, now’s the perfect time! Early submissions allow us to confirm all details and make sure everything is formatted beautifully for the big print. If a photographer is submitting on your behalf, please check in with them to confirm your photo selection—some photographers wait to submit in batches and may be waiting on your choice!
- Check if your senior’s photo has already been submitted, simply click [HERE].
- Access the instructions [HERE] for details about submitting your photo.
- Email Mr. Willauer at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us with any submission.
NOTE: The High School Yearbook does not collect photos for the Tribune. If you'd like to be featured in their print edition, please submit a digital copy directly to them. Contact the Tribune for more details.
Thank you for helping us make this yearbook extra special!
Print Publication Staff
2024-2025 YEARBOOK
✅Place Your Order Today!
We’re halfway to selling out our 2024-2025 yearbooks! Secure your copy now to guarantee the best price and a spot in the memories of the year. Follow this link for easy ordering and to check if you've already reserved your copy!
Yearbook Pricing Schedule:
- Now - Dec 31, 2024: $60 - All options available!
- Jan 1 - Mar 31, 2025: $70 - All options available!
- Apr 1, 2025 - Close: $80 - Limited availability for add-ons
Order Online Now: Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 3927.
Prefer to pay by cash or check? Email Mr. Willauer at jeffwillauer@waunakee.k12.wi.us.
Don’t miss out—order your yearbook today and keep the memories alive!
Waunakee Community School District is committed to ensuring that all students can access the yearbook. Financial assistance is available—please contact Teri Reible at 608-849-2000 or reach out to a high school social worker for more information. For language assistance, call 608-849-2000, option 2.
✅Yearbook Share
Upload your photos at YEARBOOKSHARE.COM. Send in your best photos. Help us capture your year. Share your photos and be part of the yearbook. The yearbook staff strives to tell the whole story.
We're looking for photos of everyday school life, activities, and events. While we cannot guarantee that all shared photos will be published, however, if you don't share your great pictures can't even be considered. So what are you waiting for? START SHARING TODAY!
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
For the month of November, you will see the Ho-Chunk flag flying at each school. The Board of Education (BOE) approved recognition per a resolution adopted a few years ago to commemorate Native American Heritage Month.
The resolution by the Board of Education can be found on our district website.
ATHLETICS / ACTIVITIES
Winter Athletics and Activities are now available for registration in Infinite Campus. Please refer to the 9/24 email sent to students and parents/guardians for directions on how to register and for details on additional required paperwork that needs to be completed before your student can be cleared to participate. Step-by-Step registration directions can also be found here on the Waunakee Community School District website.
- HS Winter Athletics/Activities: Boys Basketball, Boys Hockey, Boys Swim, Forensics, Girls Basketball, Girls Hockey, Gymnastics, Ski & Snowboard, Winter Cheer, Winter Play, Wrestling
- MS Winter Athletics/Activities: Boys Basketball, Dance, Girls Basketball, Wrestling
GO FAN PASSES/TICKETS AVAILABLE
Thank you for your support of the Waunakee Community High School’s athletic activities. We highly encourage you to purchase passes and/or tickets prior to the games being held at the Waunakee Community High School. Tickets and Activity Passes are now available on the GoFan website. The GOFAN App is FREE to download on your mobile device (iOS and Android) and also allows you to purchase single game tickets for $5 + processing fees at any Home Varsity/Junior Varsity events we charge admission to.
Purchase of Single Game Tickets are available only during the season for the following events:
Fall: Football, Boys Soccer, and Volleyball
Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Gymnastics, Boys Hockey, and Wrestling
Spring: Girls and Boys Lacrosse, and Girls Soccer
Items to Note:
Family Passes are available to purchase for $150.
High School students can purchase a Student Activities Pass for $50.
Families that have more than 6 immediate family members will need to contact the Athletics Department for a special code to purchase.
If families need assistance with ticket prices or student passes, please consider reaching out to the Student Financial Assistance Fund.
If the app is not loading your ticket at the gate, we can look up the name of the ticket holder for you on our system. If you are using a family pass, we will need to know the name of the person in the family that bought the passes.
Grandparents/Senior Citizen Pass - Golden Card Club
Senior citizens of the District (persons 62 years of age or older) are eligible for lifetime membership in the Golden Card Club which shall permit them to attend all K-12 activities of the schools, including athletic events, free of charge. This does not apply to WIAA tournament events, musicals or plays. Application for membership must be made in person at the Waunakee Athletic Office at Waunakee Community High School or at an admission gate when tickets are sold. These guest passes shall represent a small token of appreciation from the District for all that the District’s senior citizens have done for the schools over the years.
Click on the following videos to learn more about GoFan:
As a reminder, we will not accept cash for ticket sales. Cash is accepted at concession stands. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact the High School Athletic Office at 608-849-2103 or 608-849-2100 or visit our Waunakee Athletic website.
Go Warriors!
SCHOOLOGY TIPS
Waunakee High School (and Middle School) are using Schoology Learning, an integrated learning management solution that provides course management, mobile learning, and support for system-wide communication. Schoology enables our students, parents, and teachers to engage with learning materials and their school community from the classroom and beyond. With Schoology, students can digitally submit homework assignments, review grades, participate in interactive discussions, receive announcements/feedback, take tests, write academic blogs+more.
As a guardian, you will be able to view your child’s activity within the platform.
Login instructions:
Enter the full email address associated with your infinite campus account.
Click on “Forgot your Password”
Schoology will send you an email with instructions and a link to reset your password.
Click link & set a "new" password
Login again using the link above with the "new" password
Your student(s) will already be associated with your schoology account.
We value your participation in your child’s education, and we encourage you to read Schoology’s Privacy Policy & Terms of Use at https://www.powerschool.com/privacy-statement-overview/. Student progress and activity will be monitored by faculty to ensure a safe, secure, and controlled environment. In addition, parent resources for Schoology can be found here. If you have questions or feedback regarding Schoology please email us!
Courtney Lovell (courtneylovell@waunakee.k12.wi.us), High School Educational Tech
Rick Franz (rickfranz@waunakee.k12.wi.us), Director of Technology
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND
The Waunakee Community School District Student Financial Assistance Fund (SFAF) ensures ALL students in our school district can participate in district programs and activities, as well as community organized programs and activities.
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.
PLEASE CONTACT: Your School Social Worker for more information on these opportunities with the Student Financial Assistance Fund.
TAHER FOOD SERVICE
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
Waunakee High School Main Office
Email: waunakeehighschool_schooloffice@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Website: https://whs.waunakee.k12.wi.us
Location: 301 Community Drive, Waunakee
Phone: (608) 849-2100