Due to weather we are trying again.
Rummage Sale
189B Bluff Ridge Dr Apt 101
Friday 9/18 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clothes: Boys 7/8 14/16; Women’s L to 22; Men’s L to 2xl
Toys, books, household, misc other.
Few new items were added 🙂
Masks appreciated
BANNER NOTE: This message was sent out on Tuesday, 9/15. See below for additional messages.
Important message from Whitewater Student Government President Wentworth
Fellow Warhawks,
This school year is not like anything we’ve experienced before. There is no “college experience” during a pandemic. If there is, it is against safety practices set in place for other’s wellness. If there is, it is from choices that put fun before other’s lives and wellbeing.
As the Chancellor stated, our COVID-19 numbers are rising at an alarming rate. As these cases rise, our chances for a full, in-person semester are rapidly breaking apart. Staying distanced and wearing a mask are not only the things that we must do to protect ourselves from the virus, but they are also something we must do to protect our chances of staying at this campus. This university is my home, just like many of you, and no one wants to have to leave it.
For many of you, the prospect of returning home is not that bad. But, this is simply not the case for all students. For some, Whitewater is their only home. A place with reliable internet, a sense of belonging, a safe place. It is the only place that they feel will give them the resources they need to succeed in the rest of their lives. Returning home is not an option for some students.
Over the summer many students told me that they would do almost anything to have in person classes and be back on campus. That “anything” is to follow the Warhawk Social Covenant. This is why it is so disheartening to see actions that are opposite to these guidelines. How bad do you want to stay in Whitewater? Mask up and remain six feet apart, or you will have to return home.
Starting now, wear your facial covering everywhere outside of your home. Starting now, turn down events that don’t allow for social distancing. Starting now, fill out the COVID-19 reporting form when places and people don’t follow guidelines. Call out behaviors that are not a part of the Warhawk Way as soon as you see them. These are no longer an option to ignore, our actions are absolutely necessary.
The world is watching. Other UW universities are watching, expecting us to fail and go remote. Prove those in the community, who believe we will fail, wrong. As UW System President Tommy Thompson said last week, Warhawks have a tradition of excellence, this year should not be the exception. Prove those who think it will be wrong.
Sincerely,
Johanna D. Wentworth
Student Body President
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Banner note: This message was sent by Dr. Cook on Monday, 9/14. See below for another message.
Important message from Interim Chancellor Greg Cook
Dear Warhawks,
Today, I come to you with a plea that each of us do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We said before the start of the semester that we only had 79 days until we move to remote classes on Nov. 20. Today, that number is 67.
UW-Madison announced that all of their classes will be remote delivery for two weeks. Two of its largest residence halls have been placed on quarantine. UW-Madison made this move not only to try to rescue the remainder of their in-person semester, but more importantly, for the health of their university and the greater community. UW-La Crosse took similar measures over the weekend.
I know students want to be on campus this fall. I want to see our students on campus. Yet, we’d be fooling ourselves to say that what happened at UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse won’t happen here. If we change our behaviors immediately, we may be able to avoid a similar situation.
What do you need to do?
Understand, this is not just about our students. Everyone – students, faculty and staff – needs to follow these safety measures.
The last point regarding gatherings is critical. The weekend before the start of classes, Whitewater saw a number of large-scale parties. At some parties, those in attendance were not following even the basic safety guidelines. There were very few masks. People were not social distancing. These sorts of events put everyone at risk. On Friday, Whitewater Student Government released a message asking students to change their behaviors.
In Wisconsin, big parties are just part of the typical college experience. But the Fall of 2020 is not typical. It has been more than 100 years since we’ve seen a pandemic of this nature. We cannot act as if everything is fine and think there will be no consequences. None of us can act as if this is any other start of an academic year.
At a special meeting last Wednesday night, I made an impassioned plea to the Whitewater Common Council regarding an ordinance to limit large scale gatherings. If we don’t change the course of this virus now, we will join other campuses in moving to remote delivery, maybe for two weeks, maybe for the remainder of the semester. This isn’t something any of us wants to do, but it may be required. We’ve said all along your health and safety is our main concern. Nothing has changed in that regard, and we will continue to put your health and safety first.
Therefore, please be aware that the university will invoke state law and UW System policy UWS 17.08(2) which gives the Dean of Students Office the authority to discipline students when their behavior both on and off campus:
The COVID-19 virus has the immediate potential to impair our ability to fulfill our normal teaching mission. Failure to follow safety precautions impairs our ability to continue. Failure to wear a mask, observe social distancing, or take other suggested precautions will therefore be investigated aggressively and may lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. This applies to student activity on campus, and it also applies off campus at any location when the student is expected to return to campus or participate in university events of any type. My official notice to you about this policy is attached to this email.
What I am asking you to do is simple and at the same time difficult. I am asking you to forego gathering with groups of people and to stay where you live as much as possible. For our students, I am asking you not to have the typical experience. I am asking you to follow the well-established safety guidelines to keep you and others safe.
Let’s all put we before I. The collective, the we, need to change our behaviors immediately. The impulse to act upon what the “I” wants, can have a ripple effect that changes the course of the semester for everyone.
As Warhawks, we take care of each other. Let’s make the necessary changes, and reach Nov. 20 together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Greg Cook
Interim Chancellor
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Banner note: This Youtube by Dr. Cook and WSG President Wentworth was posted on Mon., 9/14.
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Banner note: This message was sent out by WSG leadership on Friday, 9/11.
Fellow Warhawks,
This afternoon, we spoke to Chancellor Cook about the university’s COVID-19 numbers. As you may have seen, they are sharply on the rise. He is deeply concerned, and we are deeply concerned. UW-Madison has moved all of their classes to a remote format, and UW-La Crosse has been forced to quarantine one of their residence halls. If we do not change the rate in which our cases rise, we will soon join them in measures like these.
As we approach another weekend, we ask that you take time to analyze the places and activities you may partake in. Another weekend that results in rising COVID cases will have serious effects on our university’s ability to function and continue in person classes.
The university has just issued a 10-person limit on gatherings. Please make sure you follow these guidelines. If you choose to socialize this weekend, make sure that you have a face covering on at all times and that the space you’re in allows for six feet of social distance. Stay away from large events such as house parties and bars that inevitably force individuals close together and make it hard to keep a facial covering on. Finally, DO NOT share drinks, vapes or anything else that someone else’s bodily fluids could have touched.
Further announcements will come from the Chancellor’s Office early next week, but one thing is clear: this is a critical moment in determining how the rest of our semester will look. If you want to remain on campus — be smart and be safe.
Johanna D. Wentworth Justin D. Wesolek
Student Body President Director of Academic Affairs
Whitewater Student Government Whitewater Student Government
(Whitewater Kiwanis submission) Several members of the Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club spent Sunday morning on September 13 helping to keep the highway clean via the Adopt-A-Highway program. A team of six picked up ten bags of garbage on Highway 12 in La Grange. It is a sign of the times that, presumably for the first time ever, a number of masks were collected.
“Serving our community is a primary purpose of our club. Cleaning up the highway, which has been our responsibility since 1990, is one of many contributions that our members make,” said Lynn Binnie, coordinator of the Kiwanis Adopt-A-Highway program.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Per this article on WISN.com, “A new analysis by the New York Times shows seven Wisconsin cities are among the top 20 metro areas across the country where coronavirus cases are rising the fastest. The list includes all seven cities where there are University of Wisconsin campuses. One of them is Whitewater, where the number of cases is soaring.”
The table on the New York Times containing the listing for Whitewater is located at this link.
The Banner is currently not providing up-to-date statistics on the positivity rate or daily case incidence in the city, because there appears to be inconsistency in the number of positive test results vs. total tests administered in last week’s reporting on the website. We are in communication with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as well as UW-W in an effort to resolve these questions.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
September 14, 2020
At another three hour meeting, tonight the Whitewater Unified School District board approved the recommendation of District Administrator Caroline Pate-Hefty to follow through with the tentative plan agreed to on August 10 to return to full face-to-face instruction effective September 28. After the meeting parents of all district children were emailed an announcement (reproduced at the bottom of this article) which includes a survey to be returned by this Friday, September 18 in which they will indicate whether the student(s) in their family will be attending school virtually or in-person, Monday through Friday. This choice will be effective through the end of the semester on January 21. The district’s expectation is that approximately 70% will choose the in-person option. Parents whose children may have difficulty adapting fully to either of these options due to disabilities or medical situations are encouraged to contact an administrator at their school to discuss possible accommodations. Due to the plan to maintain as much distancing as possible within the buses, parents are encouraged to provide transportation to/from school if at all possible.
On August 24 the board had adopted the revised school reopening guidance from Jefferson County Health Department, which is based on the Harvard School of Public Health recommendations. This guidance utilizes daily case incidence instead of positivity rates. Dr. Pate-Hefty acknowledged to the board at tonight’s meeting that the COVID-19 Risk Level based on case incidence in the three counties is currently at “Orange,” which is high risk. This Whitewater Banner post gives details regarding these recommendations, which at the orange level includes continuing with virtual learning for all students in grades 9-12. In a conversation with Dr. Pate-Hefty after the meeting this writer expressed the view that, given the current rapidly increasing level of positive test results in Whitewater, it is possible that the balanced case incidence metric might by September 23 enter the “Red,” very high risk level, wherein the Jefferson County model recommends all virtual instruction. Pate-Hefty indicated that the board had confirmed that, while they would be consulted in that event, it would remain their intention to continue with the September 28 plan. The forementioned communication does, however, remind parents that “following Health Department guidance, there may be occasions where specific students, entire classrooms, or an entire school may need to shift to virtual learning.”
Initially the board had limited public comment to one hour, but when that time limit was reached they agreed to hear the remaining five individuals whose “hands” were raised. A large portion of the callers argued for a return to full face-to-face instruction. Some indicated that the virtual instruction being provided now was superior to that in the spring, but others stated that it had been essentially ineffective for their learners. Some parents acknowledged concern with the risks involved with returning to school.
Although the board ultimately voted unanimously to support the recommended plan, several expressed significant reservations. In fact, both Casey Judd and Steve Ryan indicated that on Monday morning they had expected to vote against the plan. Mr. Ryan indicated that for him, “safety is #1,” and stated that he had been won over by the safety provisions that are planned. Mr. Judd felt that it was important to remember that there is one group that is not being given a choice, which is the teachers and other staff. Tom Ganser emphasized that the schools are trusting the parents to comply with the required precautions such as taking student temperatures each morning. Thayer Coburn expressed concern about getting hopes up, “when we’re asking five year olds to be vigilent.” Jennifer Kienbaum acknowledged that many parents and teachers are stressed and scared, but believes that the district can be successful, since other districts are making it work.
Near the end of the meeting school administrators acknowledged that there have been challenges related to providing sufficient staffing. 175 elementary students are already participating in the fully virtual option, and the expectation is that this number will rise even further. Consequently the administration requested, and the board authorized, three additional teacher positions for the virtual program, only one of which will require to be funded due to transfers. There are openings for paraprofessionals, and concern was also expressed regarding the limited supply of substitutes.
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This communication was emailed to parents after the School Board meeting.
Updated WUSD Fall Instructional Plan
Beginning on Monday, September 28, the Whitewater Unified School District will offer full in-person instruction for grades 4K-12. Families will have the option of having their children attend in-person or fully virtually for the remainder of the first semester:
100% In-Person Option
Starting September 28
All students in grades 4K-12 may begin attending school five days per week in-person. Please note, following Health Department guidance, there may be occasions where specific students, entire classrooms, or an entire school may need to shift to virtual learning.
100% Virtual Option
Elementary Level: Through WUSD Virtual, the district provides teacher-led instruction that parallels the pacing and standards-based instruction of the in-person classroom model. Virtual instructors offer “real time” lessons and pre-recorded options, posted materials, resources, and video for students to access at their convenience.
6-12 Level: Students choosing virtual instruction are assigned courses through a virtual program. This standards-based curriculum is aligned with district in-person instruction. A course instructor and a support coach are assigned to each student to monitor academic progress and offer support as needed.
What Should You Do Next?
Fill out the survey linked here: https://forms.gle/Wb7Ho5Fui3BBswHT6
Select your model option starting September 28, 2020 as soon as possible.
Families of students with disabilities or those requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact their school administrator.
Students requesting school bus transportation must submit the form by Friday, September 18 at 5pm.
Like us on Facebook ( Whitewater Unified School District-WUSD) for ongoing updates.
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Plan educativo de otoño del WUSD actualizado
A partir del lunes, 28 de septiembre, el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater comenzará a ofrecer instrucción completamente presencial para los grados de 4K a 12. Las familias tendrán la opción de que sus hijos asistan en persona o de forma virtual durante el resto del primer semestre:
Opción 100 % opción en persona
Comienza el 28 de septiembre
Todos los estudiantes de 4K a 12 podrían comenzar a asistir a la escuela cinco días a la semana de manera presencial. Tenga en cuenta que, siguiendo la guía del Departamento de Salud, puede haber ocasiones en las que ciertos estudiantes específicos, aulas enteras o la escuela entera puedan necesitar cambiar al aprendizaje virtual.
Opción 100 % virtual
Nivel primario: A través del WUSD Virtual, el distrito proporciona instrucción dirigida por el maestro al mismo ritmo y con los mismos contenidos educativos del modelo de clase presencial. Los instructores virtuales ofrecen lecciones en “tiempo real” y opciones pregrabadas, materiales publicados, recursos y videos para que los estudiantes accedan a ellas según su conveniencia.
Nivel de 6 a 12: Los estudiantes que elijan la instrucción virtual serán asignados a cursos basados en un programa virtual. Este plan de estudio va de acuerdo a los estándares educativos de la instrucción presencial del distrito. Se asignará un instructor de curso y un instructor de apoyo a cada estudiante para supervisar el progreso académico y ofrecer el apoyo que sea necesario.
¿Qué debe hacer a continuación?
Complete la encuesta,que se puede acceder en: https://forms.gle/Wb7Ho5Fui3BBswHT6
Elija el modelo de educación que comenzará el 28 de septiembre de 2020 lo antes posible.
Se anima a las familias de estudiantes con discapacidades o que requieran adaptaciones a que se comuniquen con el director de su escuela.
Los estudiantes que soliciten transporte en autobús escolar deben enviar el formulario antes del viernes 18 de septiembre a las 5 pm.
Dé “Me gusta” en Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater en Facebook para recibir actualizaciones periódicas.
Walk Planned Tuesday Sept 15,2020 to Demonstrate Campus Unity
(Press Release, Sept. 14) – The Black Student Union and Whitewater Student Government, have been planning
a Unity Walk in support of people of color who are valued parts of our Warhawk family and the Black
Lives Matter Movement. This event is one of many initiatives this fall, to ensure education, support,
and representation for all Warhawks. In the face of COVID-19 and changing University policy, we have
continued to design the safest event possible in collaboration with campus administration. We are
committed to ensuring the health and safety of everyone at the university as well as in the community
and have made changes to the event in order to do so.
The Unity Walk will now be a self-guided walk of no more than 10 at a time on Tuesday, September 15
starting at Perkin’s Stadium. Those interested in the event must pre-register at this link:
https://tinyurl.com/UWWUnityWalk and complete the COVID screening form found here
https://tinyurl.com/UWWScreen prior coming to campus. To ensure social distancing, participants must
register for a time slot, via the event registration, and the walk will be completed at the walkers’ own
pace. Please note, facial coverings and physical distancing are required at all times. Parking will be
free and available in lots 7, 9, and 11, from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (no permit required) the day of the
walk.
Supporting our Warhawk family is central to this event. In keeping with President Jody Wentworth’s
message of making good choices, the Unity Walk Reflection portion of the event will now be virtual.
The broadcast will begin at 5:30 p.m. via the Black Student Union’s Facebook page (BSU UWW) and will
include speakers from University and Student Leadership who will gather in limited numbers..
Commemorative event t-shirts can be purchased, and donations made via the registration link
(https://tinyurl.com/UWWUnityWalk); individuals do not have to walk to do so. All proceeds will benefit
the Black Student Union and their scholarship fund for UWW students.
We are grateful for all the support that has been provided for this event, from our campus partners
and Warhawk Community. We look forward to an impactful and safe event.
Sept. 14 – According to a news release from the UW System, Dr. Katy Heyning, currently Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, State University of New York at Brockport, has been named as one of four finalists for Chancellor of UW-Stevens Point. Heyning served at UW-W for over eighteen years, including nearly nine years as Dean of the College of Education & Professional Studies before taking the position in New York in 2018. The other candidates are listed below.
Deborah Bordelon
Provost and Executive Vice President, Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
Jeanine Gangeness
Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs-Rochester, and Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Winona State University
Winona/Rochester, MN
Thomas Gibson
Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost, Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH
FORT ATKINSON (Fort HealthCare submission) – Women Who CARE is hosting “30 Days of Masking,” a personal face covering decorating event and fundraiser, running now through the end of October. They invite the public to participate by purchasing a pre-made mask decorating kit for $10, use the kit components to decorate the mask that’s included, and then submit a photo of the final product by sharing the image on Women Who CARE’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fortwomenwhocare) and/or on your personal social media accounts using the hashtag #forthealthcare. Kits can be purchased online at www.forthealthcare.com/maskevent while supplies last. Proceeds will support the Trauma-Informed Care training project in partnership with Every Child Thrives.
How to order your mask decorating kit(s)
$10 will secure one mask kit, but participants can order more than one kit. Women Who CARE will also gladly accept any donation amount above what is needed for a kit to help enhance the services they can offer the Trauma-Informed Care training project. More detailed instructions for placing an order can be found online at www.forthealthcare.com/maskevent.
Kits will be available starting the week of September 21st. When a kit order is received, a Women Who CARE member will contact you to arrange delivery or pickup of your kit(s).
Pickup locations will be available in Fort Atkinson, Lake Mills, and Whitewater, or by other special arrangement if necessary.
Dwight Heaney, Fort HealthCare Foundation Executive Director, states, “You can submit photo(s) of your mask creation as soon as your design is completed, up until October 21st.”
Women Who CARE and Fort HealthCare will be sharing the images on their respective social media accounts to increase awareness about their cause and to encourage others to participate in the event as well. Interested individuals can also follow posts about this event on the Women Who CARE’s Facebook page.
Heaney adds, “We encourage the community to join us as an individual, as a whole family, or even for a small group project or team building event. It can also be a fun thing to do with neighbors or coworkers – while following proper social distancing guidelines, of course! No artistic ability is required. Just have some fun with it!”
Trauma-Informed Care
Childhood trauma can have a lifelong impact on an individual’s health and well-being. When medical providers are aware of such history, it can be helpful to treat recurring health issues. Trauma-Informed Care is a clinical method for understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on your health. Proceeds from Women Who CARE’s “30 Days of Masking” event supports training about Trauma-Informed Care for Fort HealthCare’s clinical teams.
About Women Who CARE
Women Who CARE has its roots in the Women’s Giving Circle established by the Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation in 2004. A group of area women gathered for lunch once a quarter for information and inspiration about their health and well-being. Member contributions were gathered to fund various services at Fort HealthCare. A wide variety of projects were included over the years including hospital equipment, new health and wellness services, and scholarships.
In 2014, a group of members had an idea to expand the way the group functioned. Their idea was to engage the membership to determine ways in which the group could make a measurable impact on the health and well-being of people in our area. From that beginning, a Leadership Committee was formed, and the group set out to identify opportunities for service. For more information about Women Who CARE, visit www.forthealthcare.com/wwc.
