WUSD Computer Science and Robotics News

Whippets Earn 3rd Place at MSOE Computer Programming Contest

On Friday, November 16, 14 current and former WHS computer programming students competed at the Milwaukee School of Engineering Opportunity Conference Computer Programming Competition with 67 teams representing 19 southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois high schools. Other participating schools included Brookfield Central, Cary-Grove, Cedarburg, Janesville Craig, Crystal Lake Central, Eisenhower, Fort Atkinson, Homestead, Marquette University HS, Menomonee Falls, Milton, New Berlin West, Janesville Parker, Prairie Ridge, Rufus King, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, and a homeschool team. A team from Homestead High School won the competition with a team from Brookfield Central placing second. Whitewater Team A, consisting of Zach Brantmeier, Colin Chenoweth, Cassi Hoxie, and Nick Kuzoff, placed 3rd, earning 161 out of 210 possible points and solving 8 of the 9 problems correctly. Team B included Nikole Pelot, Gwynne Sahyun, and Nicole Sedmak. Team C was made up of Broderick Frye, Cody Rupke, and Jon Zheng, while Team D included Jakob Klawitter, Bennett Miles, Luke Rule, and Andy Vo. Teams were given nine problems of varying difficulty that could be solved using Java with a time limit of 2.5 hours using two laptops. Teams could select to spend their time on 10 point problems, 20 point problems, and/or 40 point problems. Each incorrect submission resulted in a minus three points.


Students Compete in Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge

In early November, 48 Whitewater High School computer science students participated in the online Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. The challenge gave students 45 minutes to solve 15 problems of varying difficulties meant to challenge students’ logic and computational thinking skills. Each problem was worth either 6, 9, or 12 points depending on difficulty, with a total of 200 points available. Freshmen and sophomores competed in the junior division while juniors and seniors competed in the senior division. Freshman Andrew Rollette finished with 156 points, achieving the high score in the junior division. Also scoring high in the junior division were Crystal Chan, Anthony Cano, and Kevin Dieter. Junior Colin Chenoweth scored 192 points in the senior division, achieving the high score for the school and matching the high score in the state of Wisconsin. Also scoring high in the senior division were Zach Brantmeier, Nick Kuzoff, and Brian Apgar.


Ferradermis earns NASA Grant

Ferradermis is pleased to announce that they are the recipient of a $5000 Program Growth Grant from NASA that will help cover the cost of registration for regional competitions this year. Ferradermis was one of 192 teams (out of over 7500 existing FIRST Robotics teams worldwide) that was selected for a NASA grant; only three other Wisconsin teams will receive a grant from NASA. For more information on the NASA Grant program, visit https://robotics.nasa.gov/news_feature.php?id=631.


Ferradermis Takes Part in FIRST Robotics Training Day

Members of Ferradermis traveled to Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee on Saturday, November 17, to participate in a FIRST Robotics Training Day. Students attended sessions on leadership, fundraising, robot wiring, pneumatics, drive trains, safety, planning, and inspections among other things. They will be able to share their newfound knowledge with other members as we prepare for our six-week build season starting in January.


Ferradermis Visits Generac

On Thursday, November 29, members of Ferradermis traveled to Generac’s Whitewater Facility for a tour of the plant and a question and answer period. Carissa Petzinger, an engineer for Generac, serves as Co-Lead Coach for the team. Generac has been a strong financial sponsor for the team since it began in the fall of 2016.


Ferradermis to Hold Toppers DoughNation Night Fundraiser

On Tuesday, December 4, Ferradermis will receive 20% of the sales for all orders between 2:00 and 8:00 at the Whitewater Toppers. You do not need to turn in a flier or do anything special to credit the team; all you need to do is order from Toppers during that time frame. Please help spread the word!

Whitewater Community Foundation Announces its 2018 Annual Appeal

The Board of Directors of the Whitewater Community Foundation invites community members and businesses to invest in Whitewater by joining in their 2018 Annual Campaign. Our current Board members are Danielle Frawley (President), Mark Dorn (Vice President), Kevin Brunner (Past President), David Yochum (Secretary), Geoff Hale (Treasurer), Julie Caldwell, Thayer Coburn, Mark Elworthy, Ron Jongetjes, Therese Kennedy, Sonia Soto, Hector Villarreal and Kristine Zaballos.  

Earlier this year, the Whitewater Unified School District, under the stewardship of the Foundation, was honored to receive a  $100,000 Endowment from the Kikkoman Foods Foundation, Inc. that will fund additional scholarships for the benefit of our graduating seniors.  To thank Kikkoman for their generous gift, the Board of Directors has set a goal this year to raise matching funds, and we need your help. Our success depends on the generosity of people like you!

Although providing scholarships is an important part of the Foundation’s mission, Community Action Grants are awarded by the Foundation twice annually to local civic partners who do good works in our community.  During our most recent Fall Cycle of grants, a total of nine grants were awarded totaling $10,530. A $1,500 grant was awarded to New Beginnings, an organization new to Whitewater that offers counseling and other support to individuals and families who find themselves in need. A $2,500 grant was awarded to Whitewater Youth Soccer Club to purchase soccer goal frames for Halverson Field. Other grants were awarded to the Irvin L. Young Auditorium/Washington Elementary School, Wisconsin Makers, Whitewater Landmarks Commission, Geneva Lakes Conservancy-First Annual Birding Festival, Lakeview Elementary Music Program, United Way of Jefferson/Walworth Counties “Ride United” Program, and Irvin L. Young Library.

To donate, go to www.whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and click on the “Donate” button, or mail a check made payable to Whitewater Community Foundation at P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI 53190.

 If you have any questions, please contact our Program Coordinator, Bonnie Miller, at info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org or visit the Foundation’s office in the Discover Whitewater/Chamber Office at 150 W. Main Street.  Office hours are 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fort HealthCare Provides Resources for Enrolling In the Insurance Marketplace

With health insurance coverage dates coming up, it is important for people to understand their needs and which plans are the best option for them and their families.

If you do not have insurance and are finding yourself confused about the process of the Affordable Care Act, Fort HealthCare can help you. Choosing a plan is an important decision. Aside from getting the coverage you need, you will also be building relationships with health care providers to ensure a healthy future for you and your family.

Fort HealthCare has a Certified Application Specialist that can provide assistance to help individuals navigate their way through all options. If an individual calls 920-563-4443 they will be connected with a trained professional that can provide personalized help selecting plans that meet their individual needs. Whether you are re-enrolling or enrolling for the first time, Fort HealthCare’s Certified Application Specialist can help. Accounts can be established on the website: www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Dozens of preventative services are covered fully by insurance plans, requiring no office visit co-pay.

For personal assistance, contact Fort HealthCare’s Certified Application Specialist at 920-563-4443

Open Enrollment in a 2019 Marketplace plan starts November 1, 2018 

Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage is December 15, 2018

(If you don’t enroll by the deadline, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan for 2019 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.)

Coverage for the 2019 calendar year begins on January 1, 2019

 

Lions Club donates to Whitewater Food Pantry

From left to right is Lion Don McComb, President to the Whitewater Lions Club, Ms.Barb Quast, CoManager of the Food Pantry, Lion Larry Runnoe, Pancake Breakfast Chairman and Ms.Pat Chaput, CoManager of the Food Pantry.

The Whitewater Lions Club recently hosted the annual Halloween Pancake Breakfast at the Lions clubhouse located on Whitewater Lake.  Although the weather was not cooperative, there was a great turnout and we were pleased to present a check to the Whitewater Food Pantry.

NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball: No. 17 UW-Whitewater 75, Augustana (Ill.) 67

No. 17 Warhawks Earn Another Road Win

The No. 17 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team parlayed a strong third quarter into another non-conference victory on the road Wednesday night, besting Augustana 75-67 in Rock Island, Ill.

The Warhawks (4-1 overall) outscored the Vikings 23-12 in the third, holding Augustana to 5-of-15 shooting from the floor in the period to pick up their second straight win on a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opponent’s home floor. (at No. 12 Illinois Wesleyan on Nov. 20)

Four players scored in double figures for UW-Whitewater, led by junior guard Becky Raeder, who registered 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor. Sophomore guard Adriana Green collected a career-best 13 points and two steals, and sophomore guard Emily Schumacher posted 12 points and six rebounds.

Senior center Becky Deichl tallied 11 points and three rebounds, and senior forward Olivia Freckmann grabbed a team-best 13 rebounds and added six points and one steal.

More at UWWSports.com

Jerome R. Clarke, 75, of Kenosha, passed away unexpectedly at Froedtert South-Kenosha Medical Center Campus on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, with family members at his side.

Born in Whitewater on April 26, 1943, he was the son of the late Glenn and Janet Clarke. For a brief period in his youth, he lived in Alaska, which he greatly enjoyed. He attended schools in Whitewater. He moved to Kenosha in 1987.

On October 28, 1967, he married Patricia Regan at St. Patrick’s Church in Whitewater.  They celebrated 51 years of marriage together.

Jerry worked for Kenosha Transit, Alcohol Counseling Associates (ACA) and for Jones Coach Service in Elkhorn.

He was an avid race car fan and loved his Green Bay Packers. He loved camping and Polka music. Most of all, he loved his two sons and two grandchildren. He was very proud of them.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Clarke of Kenosha; two sons, Dennis and Michael; grandchildren, Arianne and Tucker; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Pat Clarke; brothers-in-law, Randy, Tom and Richard; and his sister-in-law, Trish.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 5th, at Proko Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 noon.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin would be appreciated by the family.

Proko Funeral Home & Crematory

5111-60th Street     Phone:  (262) 654-3533

Visit & Sign Jerry’s Online Memorial Book at:

www.prokofuneralhome.com

WHS Madrigal Dinner to be held on December 8

The WHS Music Masters Ensemble will present their 23rd Annual Madrigal Dinner on December 8 at the American Legion in Whitewater. The doors open at 6:00 pm and the dinner begins at 7:00 pm with the concert to follow. The dinner features a wassail toast and a buffet of turkey or beef, mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, green beans, soup, and dessert. Music will be provided by the Music Masters Ensemble and other WHS students.

Tickets for the event are $25 each and are available from all Music Masters Ensemble members and from the HS office. Call 472-8174 or email the WHS Choir Director, Karen Tordera, for more information.

The Madrigal Dinner is graciously sponsored by the Whitewater Music Parents Association.

Whippet boys basketball scores win over Delavan-Darien, 55-38

Photos by Bob Mischka

The Whippets boy basketball team began their new season with a non-conference win over Delavan-Darien on Tuesday, Nov 27, by a score of 55-38. Hunter and Jake Martin led the Whippet scoring with 15 and 13 respectively, followed by Eli Kohl with 10. The Whippets will begin conference play at home on Thursday, Nov 29, against Jefferson with tip-off scheduled for 7:15.

 

WHS Girls basketball downs McFarland, 53-43

Cassidy Laue, pictured in this file photo, led the Whippets with 19 points.

Photos by Bob Mischka

 

From Coach Lippens:

The team was relentless on defense even though we got into foul trouble early in the game. We maintained composure and were able to execute on offense.  Cassidy Laue led with 19, followed by Abby Grosinske with 18 and Kacie Carollo with 10.

No. 15 UW-Whitewater Finishes Strong For Win

The No. 15 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team coupled a strong performance in the paint with efficient second-half shooting Tuesday night to pick up a 92-65 victory over Beloit in a non-conference contest at Kachel Gymnasium.

The Warhawks (5-0 overall) scored 52 points in the paint compared to 30 for the Buccaneers and shot 66.7 percent in the second half and 16-of-20 from the free-throw line in the period.

Senior wing Malik Clements posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds to lead UW-Whitewater. Senior forward Melvin Brown collected 16 points, and junior forward Riley Jensen also finished in double figures in scoring with 10 points to go along with three rebounds.

Senior guards Andre Brown, Mitchell Pfeifer and David Sachs contributed eight points apiece. Junior guard Tywon Bressler also recorded eight points.

Read more at UWWSports.com