

Warrior Weekly

Wisconsin Admissions in the Spotlight
Find Out What's New with WI Admissions and Get your Questions Answered
We are writing to share news with you about the Direct Admit Wisconsin and The Wisconsin Guarantee and how they might apply to your child. You may have seen recent news coverage of new admissions programs for the campuses that are part of the Universities of Wisconsin. These are The Wisconsin Guarantee and the Direct Admit Wisconsin programs. Each offers distinct pathways to admission at Universities of Wisconsin (UW).
The Wisconsin Guarantee ensures admission to UW-Madison for Wisconsin high school students in the top 5% of their class by GPA rank at the end of junior year and admission to the other four year public campus for students in the top 10% of their class at the end of the junior year. National Merit Scholarship Program finalists are also guaranteed admission to UW-Madison. There are additional provisions for home schooled students.
At the end of the junior year, we will calculate our top 5% and top 10% based on cumulative GPA at that point in time.
We will notify those students and their families if they have placed in either designation.
These top 5% and top 10% endorsements will appear on official transcripts and we will comply with any other sharing of these designations as required by state law.
For some local context, Waunakee’s Class Of 2023 numbered 346 graduates, which equates to a top 5% of 17 and a top 10% of 35 students. A total of 61 students from the Class of 2023 were admitted into UW-Madison, which is more than triple the 5% designation. We will be actively monitoring the impact of The Wisconsin Guarantee, but this may not have a significant influence on our admissions landscape despite the amount of (deserved) attention it is receiving.
By policy (345.11), Waunakee does not report class rank, but will generate rank information if needed for college admission or scholarship and will be communicated to such requesting organization(s).
Direct Admit Wisconsin provides proactive admission decisions for rising seniors at participating Wisconsin high schools based on academic records through their junior year without a traditional application.
Most campuses participate in Direct Admit Wisconsin, but UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Madison do not.
With Direct Admit, the admissions offices for participating campuses review records from the student information systems of participating high schools if families opt in and provide active consent for this information to be shared.
Waunakee is participating in Direct Admit, but you control whether your child’s information is shared as part of the Direct Admit program.
More information will be forthcoming for 11th grade families later this school year regarding Direct Admit Wisconsin, including the active consent process.
Both programs aim to retain top students within the state, although they do not guarantee admission to specific programs or majors. For further details, please visit this helpful website from the Universities of Wisconsin that provides a detailed comparison of traditional admissions, Direct Admit Wisconsin and The Wisconsin Guarantee, as well as a section of frequently asked questions. If you have questions after reviewing the information at the link, please contact your child’s school counselor.
Whipurwauna Yearbook
Order your yearbook TODAY before the prices go up to $75.00 on 4/1/24. Take the the time to check the list below, and order a book today if you are interested.
COVID Guidelines Update
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on COVID-19. You can read the most current press release here. The new guidance provides recommendations and information to help individuals lower their risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The new guidance removes the 5-day isolation period following a positive COVID-19 test.
With the new recommendations, students and staff can return to school and normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
You have not had a fever and are not using fever-reducing medication
With the removal of the isolation period, the CDC recommends that when you return to your normal activities, you take precaution over the next 5 days such as steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masking, physical distancing, and/or testing when you are around others indoors. You can view more information here. There are additional considerations for individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory illnesses.
If you have further questions, please reach out to your building school nurse.
Lisa Jondle, Director of Student Services; Ashley Weier, RN, WCSD School Nurse; Jenny Sydow, RN, WCSD School Nurse
Plant Dane Native Plant Program
With Appreciation!
THANK YOU for donating your plants to our Little Woodlot garden through the Plant Dane Native Plant Program! We are blooming with excitement that we are fully funded for this project! A round of applause to everyone who contributed. The Youth Conservationists of Waunakee will expand and complete the native plant habitat in the Little Woodlot (along Century Av.; next to Endres Mfg.).
Watch us Grow!
Library Media & Technology Center (LMTC)
Featured New Book
"Dreams do come true. It's Jude's job to make sure they don't. Born with the curse of prophetic nightmares, Jude sees violent murders through the eyes of the killer before they happen. His father, who shares Jude's dark gift, has trained Jude to save the innocent and to kill the killer. A life for a life - it's the only way. But everything goes awry when Hanna Smith, the young woman he was supposed to save, rescues herself instead, and catches Jude in her home. Fate isn't inescapable, but it demands balance. While Hanna may be safe for now, Jude knows that the killer will strike again, only next time there will be no warning. Jude must now find the killer, without the visions to aid him. If he fails, he and Hanna will not live to see graduation."--Provided by publisher.
Post Prom Tickets On Sale Now
Post Prom Volunteers / Donations
Your Help is Needed
The junior parents/guardians in our community are organizing a Post Prom Event (April 13) for students at the Waunakee Village Center. The cost to attend will be $10 and details on how to purchase a ticket will come closer to the event.
This inclusive party is completely funded through donations from individuals, community organizations and businesses. This has been such a success the past few years, we wanted to continue the tradition with the Class of 2025. This is not a school sponsored event and we could NOT provide it without your HELP & SUPPORT! Please review the available slots below to SIGN UP.
If you are unable to volunteer, but would prefer to give a donation, please mail your donation to Waunakee Post Prom, c/o Gwen Olson, 1002 Millies Way, Waunakee, WI 53597 or Venmo @Gwen Olson@Post-Prom2024. Any additional donations will be gifted to the Project Graduation Class of 2025 event. If you have any questions, please reach out to waunakeepostprom@gmail.com
Thank you for your time, talent and donations,
Class of 2025 Post Prom Committee
Waunakee High School Performing Arts Center
Warrior Corner School Store
Building Excitement in our School Community
We are excited to launch a spring online Warrior Corner School Store option for you! As the district launched a new brand for both the school district and the high school/spirit last year, we want you to be able to sport the newest gear. There are many options for men, women, youth, spirit, and accessories. New items added - check it out! Access our online store at: https://wcsdapparel24.itemorder.com/shop/home/
All items can be shipped directly to your home (shipping rates apply) or picked up at Trending Now Promotions (1120 Uniek Drive, Waunakee) at no extra cost to you. The deadline to order is Sunday, April 7, at which time all orders will be processed.
Thank you for your support of our Warrior Corner Store and the Marketing Education program at Waunakee Community High School by shopping locally.
Counseling Office Connection
Reminder for Seniors
Local scholarships are due April 1st. Seniors can access them on Naviance by clicking on the Colleges tab, and then selecting Scholarships & Money. There are many still available! Questions? Please contact Kim Bonsett-Veal, School Counselor.
Research Program
The Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team (SMAHRT) with UW-Madison is offering a virtual two-week research program for high school students. During this program, students will complete their own independent research projects in collaboration with mentors and fellow scholars – all online! The program runs from July 22 - August 2, 2024. Registration deadline is April 7, 2024.
For more information and to apply, please visit the SMAHRT website.
Attention Sophomores
Wisconsin students in 10th grade will be participating in the Forward Exam assessment in Social Studies. This test will be administered in-person at the high school April 3 or 4 during students' regular AP US History or US History class. Students need to bring their school-issued chromebook (fully charged), power cord and headphones.
The Forward Exam is a computer based assessment and tests students in the area of social studies. It is a required state test. More information is available about the Forward at this link.
Please reach out to Mrs. Varney, testing coordinator, at 608.849.2100 x2330 or katherinevarney@waunakee.k12.wi.us with any questions.
Free Opportunities for HS Students
The Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) Precollege Program is offering free opportunities for high school students:
- Brunch N’ Business is an in-person event for female high school students to engage with female UW-Madison business students. The event will be held at Grainger Hall on Saturday, April 6, 2024. The Registration deadline is April 1, 2024.
- Pre-college Summer Camps allow high school students to explore different business career pathways, participate in career networking events, learn about career development services, develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, etc. The Registration deadline is April 30, 2024.
Business Basics Camp
(Gr. 9/10): Session 1,
June 10-14
Junior Business Badgers Camp
(Gr. 11/12): June 17-21
Registration for these events can be found on the WSB Pre-college website.
Project Graduation Volunteer Assistance
Attention Senior Families
It's hard to believe that Graduation is less than 2 months away!
We hope to host Project Graduation following Graduation on June 2 from 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM. This substance-free party is a long standing Waunakee tradition and FREE for our graduating seniors! It was designed to provide our graduates with a safe place to celebrate while keeping them from drinking and off the roads.
We want to thank you for your generous donations which will go towards lots of fun activities, food and prizes including cash. See event schedule below.
HOWEVER....in order to make this night happen, we need your help! We have lots of volunteer shifts in varying lengths. We ask that you PLEASE SIGN UP by April 30. If we do not fill the majority of these slots by April 30, we may have to consider canceling the event or paring back on activities. We DO NOT want to spend the month of May pestering you for help, so sign up today!
Senior registrations are due by May 31. If your senior is under 18, please complete the permission slip. Please note that all attendees must stay until the event is over. We will be taking keys and securing them for the night.
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
Community Education Workshop
Adult Custom Sign Workshop
Unlock your creativity and join us at the WCHS Innovation Center for a hands-on workshop that is perfect for beginners and design enthusiasts alike. Participants will dive into the world of design to craft a personalized sign from start to finish. No prior experience is necessary as instructors will teach and assist participants. All supplies and materials will be provided, and participants will leave the class with completed projects.
- Where: Waunakee High School Innovation Center
- When: Night 1: Tuesday, April 9 from 6-8 PM; Night 2: Tuesday, April 16 with choice of 4-6 PM or 6-8 PM (determined on Night 1)
- Cost: $45 per participant
- Instructors: Kayla Burgess & Jeff Willauer, WHS Instructors
Seating is limited to the first 12 registrants. Electronic payment is required at registration. Please use the Waunakee RevTrak button to register. Fees will only be refunded if the class does not take place.
View the workshop flyer (English/Spanish)
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!
Every Donation Counts!
Helping our Neighbors
Student Council is hosting a food drive for the River Food Pantry, one of the largest food pantries in Dane County. This drive will span through April 12. Suggested items to donate include:
- individual cereals
- granola or fruit bars
- nuts
- meat stick
- pretzels or chips
- fruit or pudding cup
- fruit roll-up or fruit snack
- individual mac 'n cheese
- microwave popcorn
**unexpired goods only please**
Supporting Our Kids Inside and Outside the Classroom
Volunteer! Be a Difference Maker
Tri 4 Schools is a local nonprofit that produces kids’ multi-sport races and donates 100% of the event entry fees back to race participants’ schools for use on health and wellness initiatives.
The Tri 4 Schools Team is looking for volunteers for the annual Waunakee Kids Triathlon and also for their annual spring/summer races! Here are the details for this year’s events and how people can sign up to volunteer:
Volunteers are needed to support the following Tri 4 Schools kids races:
- Waunakee Kids Triathlon on May 18th at the Waunakee High School
- Madison Kids Bike + Run on June 15th at Warner Park
- Middleton Kids Triathlon on August 17th at Bauman Aquatic Center
Kids ages 3-14 will participate in these multisport events, and all of the entry fees are donated back to local schools for health and wellness initiatives. For each event, volunteers are needed for shifts from 6:30am-10:30am and 7:30am-11:30am in the registration area, on the course, and in the finish area. There are also setup and takedown shifts available on the day of the event and a Packet Pickup shift from 4:30pm-6:30pm the Friday before each event. Visit the online registration form at www.tri4schools.org/volunteers/ to see full event details and to sign up to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer with a friend or family member, list that information on your form and we will strive to honor that request. Contact Race Director Katie Brasel at kbrasel@tri4schools.org with any questions.
Design & Construction Updates
New Heritage Elementary School / New Middle School
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.
Dates to Calendar
MARCH
- March 25-29: No School/Spring Break
We wish all of our students and staff a safe and enjoyable spring break. We can't wait to see you again on the first day of April.
APRIL
April 3-4: Forward Exam (administered in class)
April 7: Spirit Wear Orders Due
April 9: Community Ed: Adult Custom Sign Workshop
April 10: Assembly Speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr.
April 10: Scholarship Community Mailer Prep & Route Assignments (6:30PM/HS Commons)
April 13: Prom @ HS (8-11 pm)/Post Prom @ Waunakee Village Cntr.
April 16: Jostens Distributes Graduation Orders
April 17: PreACT for Freshmen (3-hr late start for Gr. 10-12)
April 18: PreACT for Sophomores (3-hr late start for Gr. 9,11,12)
April 24: Open Enrollment Deadline
April 24: Scholarship Fund Drive Night (5PM-8PM)
MAY / JUNE
May 2-4: "Alice by Heart" Performances in PAC at 7PM/$12 ticket
May 20: No School/Staff Development
May 27: No School/Memorial Day
May 28-29: Senior Final Exams
May 30: Seniors, please note the following:
- 8:30-9:30 AM: Senior Walk-thru at Elementary Schools (transportation provided)
- 9:30-10:30 AM: Graduation Rehearsal in WHS Field House
- 10:30 AM: Senior Brunch in the Commons (free for all Seniors!)
June 2: Class of 2024 Commencement at 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)
2024-2025 School-Year Calendar
Homecoming Dance: September 28, 2024
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