Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting Monday, 6:00 p.m. Includes Fall Instructional Plan: This will be an informational presentation. No School Board Action will be taken. Zoom online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88945335196?pwd=OXRjelZqTnk0L2ExRm1mWU1oOVZwUT09 Passcode: 105487 Phone: 1-312-626-6799; Webinar ID: 889 4533 5196; Passcode: 105487 Additional information – click on meetings in the upper right hand corner.
City of Whitewater Common Council Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Includes: Lakes drawdown project update and possible direction regarding project timeline; Proposed racial justice and equality initiatives; Public meetings format including virtual vs. in-person; Upcoming vacancy in District 5 seat. Zoom online: https://zoom.us/j/97128744990?pwd=YVN6NUFCK3dqUU1Vak5jMS8razloUT09 Meeting ID: 971 2874 4990 – Passcode: 985735 Phone: 1 877 853 5257; Meeting ID: 971 2874 4990; Passcode: 985735 Additional information
Jeanne Obmascher with masked bears – Photo courtesy of Jim Stewart
City resident Jeanne Obmascher has been seen at least twice in recent days cruising in her snazzy convertible with her masked bears, Blaise and Marcel. On July 23rd they were part of the parade of cars that was enjoyed by the residents of Fairhaven and Prairie Village. Then on the bright and warm sunny day of July 29, Jim Stewart was able to snap their picture while the three were out for another drive.
The following persons were either recently charged in Walworth County Circuit Court or recently made their initial court appearance.
Jose O. Portillo Amparo, 26, 755 N. Tratt St., #132, Whitewater, has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and strangulation and suffocation at a residence in Whitewater. If convicted, he faces up to 46 years in prison and $110,000 in fines.
Alexis J. Cloute, 38, Janesville, has been charged with burglary and theft in a residence in Whitewater. If convicted, she faces up to 22 years and six months in prison and $50,000 in fines.
Jordan L. Cordova, 25, Beloit, has been charged with substantial battery and disorderly conduct at a business in Whitewater. If convicted, he faces up to four years and three months in prison and $11,000 in fines.
Kevin W. Henschel, 40, Jefferson, has been charged with battery to a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct in Whitewater. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison and $21,000 in fines.
Welcome to the Banner’s inaugural posting of garage sales. Thanks for these groundbreaking announcements!
W7640 Shagbark Rd Fri 9-5 / Sat 9-4 / Sun 9-12 Flat screen tv, bar stools, Red Bull mini fridge, layout field blind, dresses, womans clothing, kids clothing, shoes, baby items… and much more!
129 N. Park St., Whitewater Friday 7/31 8am-4:30 pm / Saturday 8/1 8am-2pm Household items, tv stand, Ludwig drum set, toys, clothes, miscellaneous.
Be sure to keep an eye out for next week’s post, for which there’s already a big moving sale scheduled.
A New Banner Service – Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff has agreed to begin a “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published each Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property. Although we may eventually make a small charge for this service, initially it will be complimentary.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, and of course your address.
Act Now To VOTE ABSENTEEfor August 11, 2020 Primary Election Do you want to VOTE SAFE FROM HOME for the August 11th Election?
The League of Women Voters urges voters to please act as soon as possible. Do not wait for the August 6, 2020 deadline for your mail-in request to be processed. Any qualified person who is already registered to vote at their current address may apply to Vote Absentee. Here’s is how to go about it:
Request the Application for Absentee Ballot Form from myvote.wi.gov Make your request for the August 11 and November 3, 2020 elections. Mail request to your Municipal Clerk’s Office along with your Photo ID. (If you already have a Photo ID on file with Clerk, you can send your request directly from myvote.wi.gov).
Upon receipt of your Absentee Ballot in the mail, please note that it will contain: Instructions, Ballot and Return Stamped Envelope a. Fill out Ballot using black or blue ink. b. A witness* must confirm that you filled out the ballot. c. Place Ballot in pre-addressed and stamped envelope. d Voter must sign and date the envelope. A witness* must sign and write their address on the envelope. e. Seal envelope and mail ballot to City Municipal Clerk’s Office.
*The League of Women Voters understand that some sheltering-in-place voters might not have access to a witness to sign their Ballot Envelopes. We are happy to provide League Members who will safely come to your doorstep with mask and social distancing to be your witness. Please Make your Vote Count.
Please contact Julia Ross at 262 581-5411 for arrangements.
From the Banner:
August 11 Primary Election has Only One Contested Race: Representative in Congress for Republican Party; Voting Absentee at Municipal Bldg Rather than by Mail Saves the City Postage & Time, Helps to Ensure Your Ballot is Valid
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Though the Banner does not wish to discourage citizens from voting, we feel that you should know that the City is spending a great deal of money and staff time sending out absentee ballots that only contain one contested race. Those voting Republican may vote for Scott Fitzgerald or Cliff DeTemple for Representative in Congress in District 5.
In-person absentee balloting is now available, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Clerk’s office at the Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street. (If possible please come at a time other than 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.) If you’re able to go to there to vote absentee, rather than requesting a ballot by mail, you will save the City on postage and paper, as well as several minutes of time, which really adds up. Importantly, the city personnel will ensure that your ballot is properly witnessed. Sadly, in the April 7 election approximately 72 ballots were unable to be counted due to not meeting the requirements. Of course you may also vote in person on August 11.
Here are the races for Walworth County:
Democratic:
Representative in Congress: Tom Palzewicz Representative to The Assembly District 43: Don Vruwink Walworth Co. District Attorney Walworth Co. Clerk Walworth Co. Treasurer Walworth Co. Register of Deeds: Cairie Virrueta
Republican:
Representative in Congress: Scott Fitzgerald / Cliff DeTemple Representative to The Assembly District 43: Beth Drew Walworth Co. District Attorney: Zeke Wiedenfeld Walworth Co. Clerk: Kim Bushey Walworth Co. Treasurer: Valerie Etzel Walworth Co. Register of Deeds: Michele Jacobs
Constitution:
No candidates have filed.
Here are the races for Jefferson County:
Democratic:
Representative in Congress District 5; Tom Palzewicz Representative to the Assembly District 43: Don Vruwink Jefferson County District Attorney: Monica J. Hall Jefferson County Clerk Jefferson County Treasurer Jefferson County Register of Deeds
Republican:
Representative in Congress District 5: Scott Fitzgerald / Cliff DeTemple Representative to the Assembly District 43: Beth Drew Jefferson County District Attorney: Jefferson County Clerk: Audrey McGraw Jefferson County Treasurer: John E. Jensen Jefferson County Register of Deeds: Staci M. Hoffman
Constitution:
No candidates have filed.
ATTENTION: RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNSHIPS – The City has posted information regarding absentee voting in the townships on this page.
Congressman John Lewis passed away on Friday. He was 80. The son of sharecroppers, a civil rights icon, and a moral compass for America, John Lewis encouraged a whole new generation of us to get into “good trouble.”
Today John Lewis will be laid to rest. During the funeral, in partnership with the Lewis family and office, houses of worship across the country will ring their bells at 10 a.m. CDT for 80 seconds, one second for each year of Lewis’s life. Houses of worship that do not have bells will mark this time with other remembrances – prayers, moments of silence, and more.
In Whitewater, First United Methodist Church will be participating in this remembrance. Gehrig Monday, WHS ’20, has been invited to ring, as Congressman Lewis has made an impact on his life.
On Monday, I, along with the other chancellors in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), held a meeting to vote on conference competition for the Fall of 2020. The decision was made that there will be no conference competition and championships for the 2020-2021 academic year for football, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country. Universities will retain the autonomy to establish practice opportunities within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
A decision on the future winter sports will be made at a later date.
The WIAC Chancellors all agreed that keeping our student athletes and our coaches and staff safe is what matters most. The health and safety of our community members is the first of our guiding principles at UW-Whitewater, and this decision falls in line with those principles.
The WIAC member chancellors did not believe it was prudent to continue competition if we could not test student athletes regularly. The close contact of these sports makes it extremely difficult to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The WIAC member universities simply do not have the capacity to test student athletes, coaches and staff with enough regularity to keep them safe during practice and competition.
I know this is disappointing news for many on our campus and beyond. The Warhawk fan base is national, and it simply won’t feel like fall without our teams in action. I join the legions who are saddened by this news. Yet, it is the right decision.
Our student athletes will have questions, and Athletic Director Ryan Callahan and the coaches will be available to answer them.
Athletic Director Callahan and our talented team of coaches will work hard to engage our student athletes in safe activities that allow them to continue to build relationships with team members and continue to develop as athletes. Athletics is planning a student athlete town hall on Aug. 6. Additional information will be communicated as it is made available.
This decision may have you questioning our return-to-campus plans. Please understand that athletic competition is much different than a classroom situation, where face coverings can be used and social distancing can be maintained. We continue our efforts to mitigate potential exposure on campus for our students, faculty and staff. This decision does not impact those efforts, and we will to return to classes as planned on Sept. 2, 2020.
Warhawk Athletics is powered by tradition and has a storied history of excellence that will not change because of this decision. There is a sense of loss that accompanies this decision, but nothing can change the pride that we have for Warhawk Athletics.
Sincerely, Dr. Dwight C. Watson Chancellor
Additional Press Release from UW-W:
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has released its “Return to Play” plan for the 2020-21 academic year.
The WIAC has canceled conference seasons and championships in football, women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country. Institutions will be permitted to conduct practices/training sessions within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
League discussions will continue regarding plans to conduct a predetermined, limited number of contests against outside competition in football, women’s soccer and volleyball during the 2021 spring semester.
The WIAC has suspended competition for women’s tennis and golf. Conference seasons and championships in those sports will be moved to the spring semester. Institutions will be permitted to conduct practices within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA during the fall semester.
“I am proud of the conference and our fellow member institutions for putting together a plan to return to play as soon and as safely as possible,” Interim Athletic Director Ryan Callahan said. “While I’m disappointed that our teams won’t be able to compete this fall, I’m confident in the abilities of our head coaches and support staff to create an atmosphere of learning and growth with our teams through other opportunities during the fall semester.
“As has been the case throughout this process, the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff will be at the forefront of discussions moving forward.”
A decision on the winter sports season will be determined at a later date.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will post a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page no later than Tuesday, August 4.
A virtual Town Hall Meeting with department administrators will take place Thursday, August 6, at a time to be determined. It will be announced on uwwsports.com and the Warhawks’ social media channels.
To submit a question to the UW-Whitewater athletic department, click here.
Some of the protestors at the District Administration Building prior to Monday’s meeting
Several Whitewater High School students were part of the protest
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner staff whitewaterbanner.com
In a virtual meeting on Monday evening, July 27, the Whitewater Unified School District School Board heard a complicated report from District Administrator Caroline Pate-Hefty and several associates regarding their recommendation for the “fall instructional model.” Although the leadership team suggested using the plan for the first four weeks, an amended motion by Board President Casey Judd ultimately passed on a 5-2 vote, with Jennifer Kienbaum and Jim Stewart in the minority. The meeting ran from 7 p.m. to 10:18 p.m.
The meeting was preceded by a protest by approximately 30 people at the District Administration building parking lot. A leader of the informal group, Samantha Allan, told the Banner that, “We are strictly a group of parents brought together by our concerns over the school district’s listening abilities to our families. We have attended in person meetings, filled out surveys, sent emails to school board members. Many school board members have not responded at all, or sent a formal generic response. We believe that families should have a choice when it comes to what is happening with our children’s education for the coming year. Last year, 3 months of completely failing our children is not a pattern we wish to continue.” Members at the protest indicated that they believed that online learning is not effective for a number of students, and although they recognize that some parents would not choose to send their children to in-person classes due to the pandemic, they felt that the option for full-time in-person learning should be made available to those who prefer it.
Dr. Pate-Hefty indicated that there were three primary goals in making plans for the re-opening: safety, parental choice, and high flex instruction. Over 1000 parents responded to the survey that inquired about the learning model that parents preferred for the start of the 2020-21 school year as well as conditions that they felt would have to be met in order for them to feel comfortable for their children to attend in-person school. 51.7% indicated a preference for in-person, 28.1% for a hybrid model, and 20.2% for an entirely virtual model. Among the 183 staff members who responded, 44.8% preferred in-person, with 35% expressing a preference for a hybrid model, and 20.2% for virtual instruction. Dr. Pate-Hefty stated that a number of parents and staff had recently asked to change their answers, but that it was felt that this would not be appropriate. She indicated that 215/277 of the district’s staff live in either Walworth or Jefferson Counties, and consequently the current COVID-19 trends in those counties, which are stated to be at a high trajectory, had significant influence on the recommendation. The current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance indicates that in areas with substantive and uncontrolled spread, closure should be an important consideration. 88.1% of parents indicated that State Department of Health Services and CDC protocols would have to be in place in order for them to support a return to in-person school. A majority also called for daily symptom checks of staff and students, as well as for well cleaned buildings.
Per the recommendation, from September 1-29, students in 4K through 5th grade would be offered virtual learning with small group face-to-face rotations. One of the factors that argued against returning initially to full-time in-person instruction was that it would be impossible to provide for the required physical distancing even if student participation was only in the 50-70% range. It was stated that the plan for online learning is entirely different than that which was hurriedly implemented after the Safer at Home order was issued. Students would be provided synchronous (simultaneously live) instruction, as well as asynchronous (e.g. videos, directions). The district will be using a new standards based curriculum, and grading will return to the previous approach. Attendance will be recorded. Pate-Hefty emphasized the amount of time that has gone into preparation for online teaching, including teacher training, and indicated that “we are ready.”
Under the plan, 1/4 of the elementary students will each attend in-person learning with 4-8 students on the days of Tuesday – Friday from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. 4K students would be in school two mornings or afternoons per week. Middle School and High School students would only attend a single orientation session during the first week of September, and then be online for the rest of the month. Special arrangements would be made for ELL students, those who are at risk, and those who are unengaged by online learning. All students from 4K through high school will be provided a Chromebook. Families without Internet would be provided a hotspot. Meals will also be provided for those students needing them on days when they are not present in school.
Each Friday the district would report on data such as cases in the counties. On September 28 the Board would make a decision about whether to proceed to a second step in the plan for the month of October. If a student or staff member tests positive for the virus, that classroom would be closed for at least one day, and depending upon the circumstances the entire school could be closed for a time.
Over fifteen people spoke during the public comment period, most of them indicating that they have children in the district. Most were respectful, though one was cut off for using vulgar language and another alleged that she had not been given her full three minutes, but was being cut off because of the vocal comments she was making. President Judd indicated that he was using a timer and the content of a speaker’s comments had no bearing on enforcing the time limit. A couple of staff members were among the public speakers. The vast majority of the speakers spoke against the recommendation and in favor of allowing parents the choice of their children returning to the classroom fulltime. (Editor note: Henri Kinson’s remarks have been moved to the bottom of the article for clarification.) Some speakers stated that many districts in the area, such as Janesville, Delavan-Darien, Fort Atkinson, Edgerton, Mukwonago, and East Troy have already announced their decision to at least offer in-person learning as an option. One person indicated that they know teachers in some of those districts, who indicate that their districts “do not have a plan,” are responding to pressure from parents, and figure they’ll just see how things go. Many concerns were raised regarding the challenges of single parents as well as dual earner households in terms of childcare, supervision of the online learning, and transportation to school. It was indicated that although bus transportation will still be offered, taking one’s one children to school is the safest option. Bus capacity will be limited due to physical distancing requirements. In addition, some parents stated that their older children (e.g. a 13 year old) should not be expected to provide oversight and educational assistance to younger siblings. It was indicated that the district is working with the city Parks and Recreation Department to ascertain whether they may be able to provide child care during times when children are not attending school.
School Board members expressed understanding of the challenges faced by parents, but most indicated that they felt that the health and safety of the students and teachers was the primary concern. Ultimately the majority felt that it was appropriate to adopt the recommendation but only for the first two weeks, with the hope that if things go well the district will be able to begin increasing the degree of in-person instruction that is offered. A motion to require facial coverings to be worn in all buildings by staff and students passed unanimously.
Clarification/addition to Henri Kinson’s remarks: Previously we stated, “Henri Kinson indicated that he felt that the default position should be a return to school without masks.” Mr. Kinson told the Banner that he did not recall making the reference to masks. The Banner has listened to the record and has confirmed that he is correct. Our apologies for this error. Kinson also felt that the main thrust of his discussion, which was not mentioned, was that his kids learned nothing during the previous virtual learning and there were no metrics in place for the school board to know whether or not continued virtual learning would hurt the children. This is also true.
The entire meeting may be viewed, courtesy of Whitewater Community TV, at this link.
