News

Dear Administrators, Teachers and Staff of the Whitewater Unified School District,

In this unprecedented and uncertain time, you have inspired our entire community with the care and support you have shown for everybody in our district – students, families, and one another. You have made difficult decisions and implemented previously-unimaginable changes that ensure our students can continue to learn and remain healthy during this time of social isolation.  Most importantly, though, you have modeled the care that brings a community even closer together. Our students look to us every day for reassurances big and small, and through this crisis you have cheerfully and relentlessly supported children while working through your own feelings. Thank you for giving your all, both emotionally and physically.

We are grateful for your ongoing commitment to educating, inspiring and empowering our students with flexibility, creativity, and compassion. We wish you and your families the very best for the coming weeks, and will continue to support you in every way we can.

Sincerely,

Casey Judd, President
School Board of the Whitewater Unified School District

3/19/20 – The Rock County Public Health Department announced today that there is one confirmed positive COVID-19 case in Rock County. This individual is 57 years old and is in isolation at home. There is no known direct contact with a positive case, although there is known travel to attend an event in Chicago. Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, no additional information will be provided. “We are in contact with this individual and will directly notify close contacts with additional guidance,“ said Marie-Noel Sandoval, Health Officer.

The Rock County Public Health Department is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and is prepared to address an increasing number of cases. “We continue collaborating with our local, state, and federal partners to minimize the impact on our community. Please do your part by following suspensions and recommendations“, said Marie-Noel Sandoval, Health Officer.

To reduce the risk of getting sick, we advise everyone to follow these simple steps:
 Practice social distancing
 Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water
 Cover coughs and sneezes
 Avoid touching your face
 Stay home when you are sick

The Banner’s perspective: There has been a confirmed case now in both Rock and Walworth counties. It is essentially a sure thing that Whitewater will have someone with a confirmed infection before long; in fact, chances are that there is already one (or more) unidentified case in our community. Your cooperation with all of the recommended precautions is very important, especially staying home as much as possible, and always maintaining at least 6 feet from anyone other than your household members.

What a difference one week and a half makes.  Nearly 800 people attended the Whitewater Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on March 7, the largest crowd since 2009. 

“We are so grateful to all those who attended the Kiwanis breakfast on March 7.  We are especially thankful we had it when we did, because we certainly would not have been able to hold it even a week later, due to the virus and the need for social distance.  With all of the support from the breakfast, the funds will continue to help the children of Whitewater,” said Kiwanis President Lorrie Koppein.

Kiwanian Irene Potocki said, “Helping were 96 volunteers throughout the day.  Thank you to the Kiwanis Breakfast, Whitewater Kiwanis Foundation, Circle K, Key Club, Builders Club, Ferradermis and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club members, and thank you to the parents of students who came and helped, making this a very successful, fun and delicious breakfast.”  

Kiwanis thanks all of the sponsors who help make the breakfast possible with donations of products and services, including:  City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation, Dalee Water Conditioning, D.L.K. Enterprises Inc., First Citizens State Bank, Jessica’s Family Restaurant, Milton Propane Inc., PremierBank, Second Salem Brewing Company, Studio 84, Gus’ Pizza, and Whitewater Manufacturing.

The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club is made up of dedicated volunteers who help children in the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100 percent of funds raised going directly to projects and zero to administrative costs.  Each year, the club distributes approximately $20,000, with over half going to the Whitewater Unified School District, including Ferradermis, ELL Summer School Transportation, shoes for students, Badger Boys State and Badger Girls State, and scholarships.  Kiwanis helped to build and maintain the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelter and accessible playground at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up.  In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund, the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House and more.

Funds are raised through annual Pancake Breakfasts that have been served continuously since the 1950s, the Discover Whitewater Series Half-Marathon Pancake Breakfast since it began, and yearly poinsettia and lily plant sales. More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page.

STAMFORD, Conn. – In the coming weeks, many Americans will be affected either directly or indirectly by COVID-19 and Charter is focused on serving and supporting our 29 million customers. Americans rely on high speed broadband in nearly every aspect of their lives and Charter is committed to ensuring our customers maintain reliable access to the online resources and information they want and need. To ease the strain in this challenging time, beginning Monday, March 16, Charter commits to the following for 60 days:

• Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
• Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely. Charter will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, high speed broadband program to eligible low-income households delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.
• Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across our footprint for public use.
• Spectrum does not have data caps or hidden fees.

As the country works collaboratively to contain this pandemic, broadband internet access will be increasingly essential to ensuring that people across the country are able to learn and work remotely, that businesses can continue to serve customers, and that Americans stay connected and engaged with family and friends. 

Charter’s advanced communications network will ensure our more than 29 million customers – including government offices, first responders, health care facilities, and businesses – across 41 states maintain the connectivity they rely on. The network is built to sustain maximum capacity during peak usage which is typically in the evenings, so a surge during the day would be well within the network’s capabilities to manage. Charter will continue to closely monitor this dynamic situation, and is well-prepared to continue delivering reliable connectivity. Charter has extensive business and workforce continuity plans in place that will be adjusted as needed to best serve all our customers and employees.

Store Operating Hours

• Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. This will help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store. While the store hours change for customers, our associates will continue to have access to their regular scheduled shifts and full hours.

Special Shopping Hours

• We know our older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus and to better support them, Walmart is offering special shopping hours. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.

Item Limitations

• We know communities are counting on us more than ever and we are determined to serve the broadest number of customers and ensure they have access to the key items they are looking for. Our stores will have limits for customers in certain categories including paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food.

Essential Services

• (Doesn’t apply to Whitewater.) Our people are working hard to have every part of the store ready to serve customers. To help support our people and focus on the most critical areas of the store right now, we will temporarily shut down our Auto Care Centers to allow those associates to focus on stocking and cleaning in the rest of the store.
• Also, our Vision Centers will operate on their normal schedule, providing essential services only such as glasses repair and helping customers pick up existing orders. We will have at least one associate to serve the needs of our Vision Care customers, while the other associates will help in the rest of the store.

WUSD PROVIDING FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH FOR CHILDREN WHILE SCHOOLS CLOSED NEW INFO: (1) Lincoln School replaces Conger St. location. (2) Adults need not be present for children to pick up meals. (3) Adults do not have to be accompanied by their children to pick up meals. While schools are closed due to COVID-19, WUSD will be providing free breakfast and lunch for children.  Meals will continue as long as the closure lasts, as long as it is deemed safe to do so.  Meals will not be provided during the original spring break week (March 23 – 27).  Meals will be available from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday.  One take-home breakfast and one take-home lunch will be distributed daily during this time. Please practice social distancing when picking up meals and thorough hand-washing with soap and water before eating the take-home meals.  Distribution of meals is available for one hour at each location.  Please wait to approach the distribution vehicle if you notice many people waiting. Locations: – Whitewater High School, in circle drive – N. Tratt Street, along Garden Apartments – N. Newcomb Street, along Whitewater Woods – N. Walton Drive, north of W. Bloomingfield Drive – N. County Line Road, into Wright’s Mobile Home Park – Fonda Street, along Washington Elementary – Lincoln Elementary School (NOTE: This replaces the W. Conger Street location) All children 18 and under. What community resources are available for other family members? Please refer to the Community Resources page for more information. En Español NUEVA INFORMACIÓN: (1) Lincoln School reemplaza la ubicación de Conger St. (2) Los adultos no necesitan estar presentes para que los niños recojan las comidas. (3) Los adultos no tienen que estar acompañados por sus hijos para recoger las comidas. Mientras que las escuelas están cerradas debido a COVID-19, WUSD proporcionará desayuno y almuerzo gratis para los niños.  Las comidas se continuará mientras dure el cierre, siempre y cuando se considere seguro hacerlo.   No se proporcionarán comidas durante el original semanas de vacaciones de primavera (marzo 23 de – 27).  Las comidas estarán disponibles 11 a.m.-12 p.m., de lunes a viernes.  Un desayuno para llevar a casa y un almuerzo para llevar a casa se distribuirán diariamente durante este tiempo. Por favor, practicar el distanciamiento social al momento de retirar las comidas y lavarse las manos a fondo con agua y jabón antes de comer las comidas para llevar a casa.  Distribución de comidas está disponible durante una hora en cada lugar.  Por favor, espere a acercarse al vehículo de distribución si se nota mucha gente esperando. localizaciones: – Whitewater High School, en la unidad de círculo – N. Calle Tratt, junto Garden Apartamentos – N. Calle Newcomb, junto Whitewater maderas – N. Walton Drive, al norte de W. Bloomingfield Drive – N. County Line Road, en el parque de casas móviles de Wright NUEVA UBICACIÓN: Lincoln Elementary, esquina de S. Prince Street and W. Peck Street YA NO SE ESTARÁ DISTRIBUYENDO EN LAS CALLES W. Conger Street, S. Whiton Street and S. Summit Street – ¿Quién es elegible para estas comidas? Todos los niños de 18 años y menores. Lo que están disponibles para otros miembros de la familia recursos de la comunidad? Por favor refiérase a la página de Recursos de la Comunidad para más información.

Dear Families:

Our first concern is the health and safety of students. To curb the spread of COVID-19, schools will remain closed until April 6.  We appreciate your understanding and support throughout this difficult time. We are consistently receiving new information and developments related to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

WUSD developed a three-part plan to support students and families during the school closure  

Part 1 Student and Staff Safety
Our first goal is to protect students, staff, and community from the spread of the virus. No children will be permitted in schools during the closure. Staff will be permitted to enter schools in small numbers and for prescribed periods of time on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday March 18.  No children, families, or staff will be allowed to enter any school building after that time. All schools will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized during the closure.

Part 2 Home-Based Learning
School District teachers and administrators are preparing a Home-Based Learning Plan to support continued student learning during the closure. Students are able to continue to practice and maintain skills that have been taught up to this point in the school year and extend their learning going forward. If your child has access to a digital device at home, you can access a Google Document with the lessons from each school. All high school and middle school students have access to a District-provided Chromebook. Elementary students will not be receiving a District Chromebook.  Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student  households.

UPDATED 3/17: We appreciate your support and flexibility as we work with you to navigate the school closure due to the threat of the COVID-19 virus. In order to minimize the negative impact on students’ academic learning during this closure, teachers have developed home-based learning opportunities for students to work on from home. Most high school and middle school teachers are providing materials and projects online. Elementary schools are providing home-based enrichment packets for pickup at each school on Wednesday, March 18. Information for all lessons and links to resources will be made available on our COVID-19 website the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18: https://www.wwusd.org/covid-19

Student expectations for Home Based Learning

• Completion of assignments and projects to the best of their ability
• Teachers will provide feedback, not grades, on newly-assigned projects
• Students continue to work on previously-assignment projects, which will be graded
• Bring home learning materials, including devices, when appropriate

UPDATED 3/17: Students or Parents can pick up home-based enrichment learning materials at the following building pickup times. Families that are unable to pick up their child(ren)s learning packets can have them mailed to their home.

Pick-up details are below.

1. All Elementary Schools – Wednesday 10am to 6pm

2. MS – Wednesday from 7am to 5pm (If necessary)

3. HS – Wednesday from 8am to 10am (If necessary)

● Lakeview: Outside the front of the building. Please stay in your vehicle.

-Lincoln: Stay in your car, loop through the staff/visitor parking lot, and form a car line at the Main Office Doors (under the Great Happens Here sign). Staff will ask your child(ren)’s name and gather the packet and deliver to your car.

● Washington: Pick-up will be drive-thru style and take place on Fonda St. (west side of building). You are asked to pull alongside the sidewalk and remain in your vehicle as families will be assisted one at a time. A staff member will meet you at your vehicle where you will be asked your child’s name(s) and classroom teacher. Staff will gather materials and deliver them to your vehicle.

● Middle School: If materials need to be picked up, parents are to park in the circle drive and press the buzzer. We will gather your child’s belongings and bring them to you. If you are able to call ahead and let us know what to gather, the process will be quicker.

● High School: If materials need to be picked up, students should report to the main office and one of our staff will retrieve items for them.

Thank you for your help and support as we work to provide the best learning experiences possible for your child(ren) while schools are closed

Part 3 Food Distribution
To learn more about our efforts to provide meals to students, please visit our COVID-19 webpage:  https://www.wwusd.org/covid-19.
We are preparing for an unprecedented and perhaps extended period of closure. Working with families and community, we are striving to protect health and safety, while sustaining student learning. Thanks for your help and support.  

Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Shaw, PhD
District Administrator

—

Estimadas Familias:

Nuestra primera preocupación es la salud y seguridad de los estudiantes. Para contener la propagación de COVID-19, las escuelas permanecerán cerradas hasta el 6 de abril. Apreciamos su comprensión y apoyo durante este momento difícil. Estamos recibiendo constantemente nueva información y desarrollos relacionados con el brote COVID-19.

WUSD desarrolló un plan de tres partes para apoyar a los estudiantes y las familias durante el cierre de la escuela.

Parte 1 Seguridad de Estudiante y el Personal
Nuestro primer objetivo es proteger a los estudiantes, el personal y la comunidad de la propagación del virus. No se permitirán niños en las escuelas durante el cierre. El personal podrá ingresar a las escuelas en pequeñas cantidades y por períodos de tiempo prescritos el martes 17 de marzo y el miércoles 18 de marzo. Ningún niño, familia o personal podrá ingresar a ningún edificio escolar después de ese tiempo. Todas las escuelas serán limpiadas y desinfectadas a fondo durante el cierre.

Parte 2 Aprendizaje en el Hogar / REVISADO 3/17/2020

Hola familias y estudiantes de WUSD. Apreciamos su apoyo y flexibilidad mientras trabajamos con usted para navegar el cierre de la escuela debido a la amenaza del virus COVID-19. Para minimizar el impacto negativo en el aprendizaje académico de los estudiantes durante este cierre, los maestros han desarrollado oportunidades de aprendizaje en el hogar para que los estudiantes trabajen desde casa. La mayoría de los maestros de middle y high school están proporcionando materiales y proyectos en línea. Las escuelas primarias están proporcionando paquetes de enriquecimiento para el hogar para que los recojan en cada escuela el miércoles 18 de marzo. La información para todas las lecciones y enlaces a recursos estará disponible en nuestro sitio web COVID-19 la tarde del miércoles 18 de marzo: https://www.wwusd.org/covid-19 Los estudiantes o los padres pueden recoger materiales de aprendizaje de enriquecimiento para el hogar en los siguientes horarios de recogida del edificio. Las familias que no pueden recoger los paquetes de aprendizaje de sus hijos pueden tenerlos enviados por correo a su hogar. Los detalles de recogida están a continuación.

1. Todas las Escuelas Primarias: miércoles de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m.

2. Middle School: miércoles de 7 a.m. a 5 p.m. (si es necesario)

3. High School – miércoles de 8am a 10am (si es necesario)

● Lakeview: fuera del frente del edificio. Por favor, quédese en su vehículo.

● Lincoln: quédese en su automóvil, pase por el estacionamiento de personal / visitantes y forme una línea de automóviles en las puertas de la oficina principal (debajo del letrero Great Happens Here). El personal le preguntará el nombre de su (s) hijo (s) y reunirá el paquete y lo entregará en su automóvil.

● Washington: La recogida será de estilo drive-thru y tendrá lugar en Fonda St. (lado oeste del edificio). Se le pide que se detenga junto a la acera y permanezca en su vehículo, ya que las familias recibirán asistencia de una en una. Un miembro del personal lo recibirá en su vehículo, donde se le preguntará el nombre de su hijo y el maestro de la clase. El personal reunirá materiales y los entregará a su vehículo.

● Middle School: los padres deben estacionarse en el círculo y presionar el timbre. Reuniremos las pertenencias de su hijo y se las llevaremos. Si puede llamar con anticipación y hacernos saber qué reunir, el proceso será más rápido.

● High School: Los estudiantes deben reportarse a la oficina principal y uno de los miembros de nuestro personal reunirá las cosas.

Gracias por su ayuda y apoyo mientras trabajamos para proporcionar las mejores experiencias de aprendizaje posibles para sus hijos mientras las escuelas están cerradas.

Los maestros y administradores del distrito escolar están preparando un Plan de Aprendizaje Basado en el Hogar para apoyar el aprendizaje continuo de los estudiantes durante el cierre. Los estudiantes pueden continuar practicando y mantener las habilidades que se les han enseñado hasta este momento en el año escolar y extender su aprendizaje en el futuro. Si su hijo tiene acceso a un dispositivo digital en el hogar, puede acceder a un documento de Google con las lecciones de cada escuela. Todos los estudiantes de middle y high school tienen acceso a un Chromebook provisto por el Distrito. Los estudiantes de primaria no recibirán un Chromebook del Distrito. Charter ofrecerá acceso gratuito de banda ancha y Wi-Fi de Spectrum durante 60 días a hogares con estudiantes de K-12 y / o estudiantes universitarios que aún no tienen una suscripción de banda ancha de Spectrum en cualquier nivel de servicio de hasta 100 Mbps. Para inscribirse llame al 1-844-488-8395. Las tarifas de instalación no se aplicarán a los nuevos hogares de estudiantes..

En un esfuerzo para asegurar que nuestros estudiantes continúen aprendiendo académicamente, cada maestro en todos los niveles de grado y en todas las escuelas ha desarrollado lecciones de aprendizaje en el hogar para sus estudiantes. La mayoría de los maestros de middle y high school proporcionarán materiales y proyectos en línea. Las escuelas primarias proporcionarán paquetes de aprendizaje en el hogar y PDF para recoger en cada escuela el miércoles 18 de marzo..

Todas las lecciones y enlaces a recursos estarán disponibles en nuestro sitio web COVID-19 el miércoles por la tarde.

Expectativas de los estudiantes para el Aprendizaje Basado en el Hogar

• Realización de tareas y proyectos lo mejor que puedan
• Los maestros proporcionarán comentarios, no calificaciones, sobre proyectos recién asignados
• Los estudiantes continúan trabajando en proyectos previamente asignados, que serán calificados
• Llevar a casa materiales de aprendizaje, incluidos dispositivos, cuando corresponda

Parte 3 Distribución de Alimentos
Para obtener más información sobre nuestros esfuerzos para proporcionar comidas a los estudiantes, visite nuestra página web COVID-19:  https://www.wwusd.org/covid-19.

Nos estamos preparando para un período de cierre sin precedentes y quizás extendido. Trabajando con las familias y la comunidad, nos esforzamos para proteger la salud y la seguridad, al tiempo que mantenemos el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Gracias por su ayuda y apoyo.

Sinceramente,
Dr. Jim Shaw, PhD

Administrador de Distrito

In our efforts to take a proactive approach to reduce the potential for transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, all city facilities will be closed, with limited exceptions, to the public beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 18, 2020.

In our efforts to take a proactive approach to reduce the potential for transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, all city facilities will be closed to the public beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 18, 2020. Facilities will be closed until further notice, but the status of this closure will be reevaluated on March 30, 2020. The Office of the Clerk will remain open for in-person voter registration and absentee voting. Residents are encouraged to utilize online resources to prepare for election day.

The City will continue to provide updates on municipal operations via the City website and Facebook page in addition to other social media outlets as appropriate. The City will also work with local news sources, including the Whitewater Banner (https://whitewaterbanner.com/) to supply the community with additional information as it becomes available.

Contacting City Staff
Whitewater staff will continue to report to work throughout the closure period. Phone lines will remain operational and staff will answer calls during normal business hours.

Making Payments

In-person payments will no longer be accepted at the municipal building until further notice. Property Taxes, Utility Bills, and Citations can be paid online by clicking here: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/213/Pay-Bills-Online . Payments can be placed in the drop box located in the Whitewater Street entrance or sent by mail to: PO Box 690, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Elections // Voter Registration // Absentee Voting
ALL residents are being urged to vote absentee via the mail. Voting through the mail reduces public contact with our poll workers, many of whom are senior citizens. Seniors have so far been more susceptible to complications from the virus. Absentee voting also enables the voter to avoid the large crowds and lines at polling places on April 7, 2020. Visit https://myvote.wi.gov to both register to vote and to request an absentee ballot. Ballots are typically mailed within a day of your absentee ballot application submittal. After March 18, in-person voter registration may be required. The Office of the City Clerk (https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/167/Elections-Voting) will be open to allow for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests moving forward.

March 18, 2020– Deadline to Register by Mail – Your voter registration form, along with proof of residence must be postmarked to your municipal clerk no later than March 18, 2020. Find your Municipal Clerk’s Contact Information here. 

March 18, 2020– Deadline to Register to vote online. – Voters who are able to match their name, date of birth, Wisconsin Driver License or State ID number, and address with the Wisconsin DMV can register to vote online through March 18, 2020.

April 2, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m.- Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot- Regular and Permanent Overseas Voters-  If you are a regular or a Permanent Overseas Voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020. 

Public Works Services
All public works divisions will continue in the normal course of operations. Facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice. Questions or requests for appointments can be directed to 473-0560.

Police, Fire and EMS Services
The Municipal Building lobby will remain open for those in need of public safety assistance.

Municipal Court:
Municipal Court has cancelled all court activities beginning immediately. Court dates will be postponed until May 13, 2020. See the Municipal Court web page: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/234/Municipal-Court for more information.

Planning // Zoning // Building Inspection // Code Enforcement
Permit applications and associated fees can be submitted electronically or by mail. See web page for details: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/238/Forms-Fees. Questions regarding permits, plan submittals or inspections can be directed to 473-0144.

Public Meetings:
All committees and commissions have been discouraged from holding public meetings until further notice. Staff is currently evaluating the application of technology to help avoid public gatherings while still holding meetings to take necessary committee actions in April. More information on public meetings will be forthcoming.