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This communication was sent to WHS Families on December 7.

Dear WHS Families, 

The District adopted a plan requiring a school to shift to virtual instruction for three days after three positive COVID-19 cases are confirmed within a seven-day period.  Unfortunately, we have confirmed three cases at Whitewater High School and the building will be closed for in-person attendance Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  The building will be deep cleaned on Thursday. In-person instruction for identified students will resume on Friday. There will be no disruption in virtual instruction. 

Contact Tracing:

Upon receiving the notification and confirmation, the school conducted initial contact tracing and has contacted any students or staff who were directly impacted by close contact via phone. If you did not receive a call, you were not a close contact. 

Online Meals:

The deadline to order online meals for Tuesday will be extended to 8:00pm tonight.  Families are able to order meals by following this link:  https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service. Meals ordered for pick up at WHS Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be available for pick up outside of WHS.

Online Instructional Schedule:

On Tuesday, December 8th students should log into their Google Classroom.  Assignments will be posted and class meetings will begin at 8:00 a.m. – 2:15p.m. Please see schedule below:

Tuesday, December 8 -Thursday, December 10

8:00-8:30, Period 1

8:45-9:15, Period 2

9:30-10:00, Period 3

10:15-10:45, Period 5

11:00-11:30, Period 6

11:30-12:00, Lunch

12:15-12:45, Period 7

1:00-1:30, Period 8

1:45-2:15, Period 9

2:15-3:15, Office Hours and Asynchronous Work

These virtual meetings are important for students so please make every effort to help your child connect with their teachers during the scheduled times.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Whitewater High School at (262) 472-8100.

Best, 

Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty

District Administrator

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Two of seven Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) Board positions will be filled by voters in April with the deadline of January 5 for citizens to indicate an interest in serving. Current School Board member Kelly Davis, holder of one of the two positions, has indicated that she will not be seeking reelection. The holder of the other position, Tom Ganser, told the Banner that he plans to run again.

Any person who is a United States citizen and a qualified elector of the Whitewater Unified School District is legally qualified to become a member of the School Board according the news release by WUSD. The release states that School Board candidates should have “… a genuine interest in and devotion to public education, a willingness to give time and effort to the position, a capacity to understand people” as well as “the ability to work cooperatively with others.”

Board members are elected for three-year terms, and may be paid $15 per meeting, although many decline to accept the payment. In addition to regular meetings on the fourth Monday of each month, members are also appointed to serve on committees. In December’s meeting there is planned to be discussion about the “quantity of school board meetings,” an item that was deferred from the November agenda. Reportedly in the past the board sometimes met twice monthly.

There are no signature circulation requirements for interested parties unlike Whitewater Common Council and other elected positions. Filing documents may be obtained at the office of the School Board Secretary at the WUSD Central Office, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater.

WUSD provides an orientation session for Board candidates in January to help candidates become acquainted with the election process and Board members’ duties and responsibilities. The District Administrator has also developed, in consultation with the Board, a candidate orientation program to be presented by District staff and one of the current Board members.

Information and assistance in filing the required application documents is available from School Board Secretary Jaclyn Tueting at (262) 472-8702. Her email address is jtueting@wwusd.org.

The WUSD School Board is the body’s policy-making authority and is responsible for the District’s annual budget. The WUSD news release points out that the board “…is responsible to the public for the success of all education services offered by the District. This success is dependent on many individuals, but also upon each Board member’s understanding of the workings of the District-wide operations and each member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process that governs the District.”

WUSD provides instruction at Whitewater High School, Whitewater Middle School and Lakeview, Lincoln, and Washington Elementary Schools. The District covers portions of a wide-ranging geographic area that includes parts of three different counties. Any citizen who resides in the District is eligible to serve on the WUSD Board.

(A Young Auditorium submission)

Meeting the Challenges of Whitewater — One Donation at a Time

(Whitewater Community Foundation press release) The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) invites you to join us by investing in Whitewater. Our mission “to enhance the quality of life in the Whitewater area through educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures” depends on the generosity of people like you.   

A gift from you by December 31^st, 2020 can provide necessary funding for scholarships and for Community Action Grants given twice a year. Your donation to WCF supports programs such as the Cravath Lake Amphitheater, the Whitewater Dog Park, inclusive play equipment at Starin Park, and so much more to improve the community we live in. 

Given the challenges of 2020, the WCF gathered donations for organizations heavily impacted by COVID-19 to ensure they could continue to aid members of our community. Through the generous giving of the community, the WCF was able to disburse over $20,000 from the COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund to assist organizations in their efforts to assist those affected by the pandemic.

To do your part in helping our community, donate by simply sending a check made payable to Whitewater Community Foundation at P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI 53190, or donate online at www.whitewatercommunityfoundation.org by clicking the “Donate” button. You may donate to our General Fund or, if you prefer, you may choose a designation for your gift by selecting a specific focus area you are passionate about. For tax purposes, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Under the CARES act, individuals taking the standard deduction may be able to reduce their adjusted gross income up to $300* for donations made in 2020. Please check with your tax advisor for more information.

The Foundation asks permission to announce your generous donation in future annual reports.  If you prefer to remain anonymous, please state your preference with the donation.  For more information, contact info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org. Thank you for considering the Foundation as a part of your charitable giving for 2020.  

*Banner note: Some sources are stating that a couple filing jointly may be able to claim up to $600 in donations; however, the IRS in its draft instructions for the Form 1040 is indicating that the limit is still $300.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tues. @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes site selection for new water tower
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/233266053
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 233-266-053

WUSD Policy Review Committee – Wed. @ 10 a.m.
via Zoom Online
Agenda – click on “meetings” in upper right corner
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84594190062?
pwd=eTczYkI0bTdzYktuY0N4ZWthUENNdz09
– Passcode: 991977
————————————–
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 845 9419 0062
– Passcode: 991977

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thurs. @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes salary resolution
Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/612224869
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 612-224-869

Source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Sales recorded in November, 2020

243-5 S. Whiton St.	$170,000
551-551A, 565-565A Clark St.	990,000
755 N. Tratt St.	8,000,000
442 E. North St.	140,000
1315 Tower Hill Pass	270,000
1630 W. Wildwood Rd.	215,000
1253 W. Blooming Field Dr.	229,900
240 S. Woodland Dr.	199,900
1237 W. Court St.	138,000
906 E. Main St.	100,000
135 S. Elizabeth St.	270,000
640 Foxglove	180,000
229 S. Dann	206,000
255 N. Park	147,000
581-583 E. Clay St.	179,900
926 W. Charles St.	110,000
230 S. Woodland Dr.	235,000

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Residents of the City of Whitewater or Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) have an opportunity to have a positive impact on their community as candidates are being sought for four Common Council positions and two School Board positions.

The seven-member Common Council has four seats up for election in April with nomination papers due by January 5. Two of the WUSD seven seats are open with the same filing deadline. The process for submitting an interest is slightly different for each body. This article will concentrate on Common Council seats and a separate ‘WW Banner’ article will detail with WUSD seats.

Common Council representation is designed with one individual representing each of five different geographic areas that are elected by just residents of that individual area as well as two “at-large” council members that are elected by a citywide vote. In April voters will elect one of the two at-large members and council representatives for District 1, 3 and 5. Information on district boundaries is available from the City Clerk’s office at (262) 473-0102 or at msmith@whitewater-wi.gov . The City Clerk’s office can also explain the paperwork and circulation of signature requirements which are slightly different for the citywide at-large position than for the individual numbered district spots.

A name that will NOT be appearing on the ballot in April for the first time in 14 years is that of current at-large member Patrick Singer. Singer, a former Common Council President for 12 of his 14 years, indicated in November that the increasing demands of a growing young family have led him to decide to not seek reelection. To date only one potential candidate, Lisa Dawsey Smith, has taken out nomination paperwork for Singer’s at-large position.

Incumbents in Districts 1, 3 and 5 are reportedly running for reelection. District 1 incumbent Carol McCormick, District 3 incumbent Brienne Brown and District 5 incumbent Greg Majrkzak (pronounced my shock) have all reportedly filed or intend to file candidacy paperwork.

In District 5, Majrkzak, who was recently appointed to fill a vacancy will potentially have opposition from Neil Hicks who reportedly is circulating nomination papers as well.

Any resident interested in serving on the Common Council is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office well in advance of the January 5 deadline for submitting nomination papers. Council members are elected for two-year terms beginning in April. Evening meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month and Common Council members also serve on various city boards and commissions that meet less frequently. A stipend of $300 per month is provided to council members.

Banner note: The Banner is pleased to welcome Al Stanek as a new staff member. Al’s primary beat will be the Common Council. He joins our all-volunteer team of Lynn Binnie, Laura Masbruch, Lisa Dawsey Smith, and Marjorie Stoneman.

(UW-Whitewater submission) The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2020-21 academic year:

Whitewater, WI — Ashley Afah, who is studying accounting, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Hannah Keziah Agustin, who is studying film studies and English, won the following scholarship(s): Bud and Avia Arndt Scholarship; Jack Heide Creative Writing Award; Kristine Grimsrud Memorial Scholarship; Ray Griffith Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Audrey Bouland, who is studying marketing, won the following scholarship(s): UW-Whitewater Institute for Sales Excellence

Whitewater, WI — Garrett Calebaugh, who is studying cccupational safety, won the following scholarship(s): PRIMA Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Kyle Casasola, who is studying criminology, won the following scholarship(s): Criminology Scholarship Fund – Malone

Whitewater, WI — Cassie Coenen, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Elyssah Cook, who is studying elementary education, won the following scholarship(s): Russell E. Gabrielson Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Montserrat Cuevas, who is studying international studies, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Caryana Dominguez, who is studying music and art, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Grace Ejnik, who is studying mathematics, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Acacia Fossum, who is studying environmental science, won the following scholarship(s): Geography/Geology/Environmental Science Department

Whitewater, WI — Taylor Hammerstad, who is studying elementary education, won the following scholarship(s): Walworth County Area Retired Educators Association

Whitewater, WI — Margaret Helbig, who is studying public policy and administration, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Gage Hergert, who is studying accounting, won the following scholarship(s): Accounting

Whitewater, WI — Kelsey Herold, who is studying general management, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars James R & Zoe E Connor

Whitewater, WI — Jonathan Heubner, who is studying school psychology, won the following scholarship(s): Barbara Ann Hersko Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Abigail Hummel, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship; Promise Endowment – Arts and Communication; Schuh Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Karrigan Hunt, who is studying psychology, won the following scholarship(s): Janesville Promise Fund

Whitewater, WI — Gaby Islas, who is studying general business, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Tessa Jaskolski, who is studying art, won the following scholarship(s): Mark Palmer Gray Jr.; Robert W. Deaton; Spirit of Whitewater Energy Award

Whitewater, WI — Sarah Keller, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Jessica Kienbaum, who is studying physics and chemistry, won the following scholarship(s): AA Upham Science Scholarship; Dr. Ernella Hunziker; Metcalf Family Endowment; Physics Excellence Award

Whitewater, WI — Anthony Klahn, who is studying accounting, won the following scholarship(s): General Merit

Whitewater, WI — Halden Kreklow, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Grace A Prugger

Whitewater, WI — Natalie LaBreche, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R. & Zoe E. Connor; Raymond, Beulah & Marian James Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Benjamin Lamberty, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): R/M Burrows English Scholarship; The Dale N. Stettler Education Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Cassidy Laue, who is studying communication sciences and disorders, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; John Tincher Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Krystal Leon, who is studying psychology and Spanish, won the following scholarship(s): Gender & LGBTQ Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Jonathan Lotti, who is studying theatre, won the following scholarship(s): Raymond E & Zenobia R Light Memorial; Sally Marks Scholarship; Wynett Barnett Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Tyler Marinkovic, who is studying computer science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Dylan McCool, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Bailey McDonald, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — LaDae’meona McDowell, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Promise Endowment – Letters and Sciences

Whitewater, WI — Raquel Ortiz, who is studying early childhood education, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Kaitlyn Partoll, who is studying art, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Irene Krueger

Whitewater, WI — Cassidy Pinkowski, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Kyong Pyun, who is studying business education, won the following scholarship(s): Carl Behrend & Ada Nancy Stoda

Whitewater, WI — Cristian Reyes, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Melanie Reyes, who is studying social work, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Cody Rupke, who is studying computer science, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Alexsia Saldaris, who is studying business education, won the following scholarship(s): Carl Behrend & Ada Nancy Stoda; Marie Benson Memorial

Whitewater, WI — Emmanuel Sama, who is studying biology and pre-professional, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; Kachel Family Science

Whitewater, WI — Lukas Schreiber, who is studying finance and political science, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars

Whitewater, WI — Jane Shallcross, who is studying English, won the following scholarship(s): Corinne E. Forster Endowment; Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Casey Skindingsrude, who is studying integrated science and business, won the following scholarship(s): Chancellor Scholars; James R. & Zoe E. Connor

Whitewater, WI — Lindsi Starrett, who is studying music, won the following scholarship(s): Gala Concert Scholarship; McMonagle Studio Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Davin Stavroplos, who is studying political science, won the following scholarship(s): WSG Education Payment

Whitewater, WI — Whitney Treder, who is studying general management, won the following scholarship(s): Albert Barty

Whitewater, WI — Heaven Washington, who is studying psychology and social work, won the following scholarship(s): Dorothy L. Brown Memorial Social Work; Promise Endowment – Letters and Sciences

Whitewater, WI — Cole Weber, who is studying geography, won the following scholarship(s): Geography Activities

Whitewater, WI — Mackenzie Wesoloski, who is studying biology and pre-professional, won the following scholarship(s): UW Credit Union

Whitewater, WI — Anna Yeazel, who is studying physical education, won the following scholarship(s): Vonderau/Clark Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Jonathan Zheng, who is studying biology, won the following scholarship(s): Zoe E. Connor Memorial Scholarship

Whitewater, WI — Brianna Zimdars, who is studying undeclared, won the following scholarship(s): DLK Scholarship; James R. & Zoe E. Connor; Whitewater Community Scholarship

“Our scholarship winners represent the very best in academic, co-curricular and service excellence across all of our colleges and departments,” said Greg Rutzen, president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. “We’re grateful to the many people and organizations – past and present – who have generously donated funds to make these awards a reality. Some of these scholarships were endowed more than 80 years ago, leaving a lasting legacy that has contributed to the success of generations of Warhawks.”

The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded nearly $2.2 million in scholarships to students. The application period for next year’s scholarships is now open. More information can be found at uww.edu/scholarships.