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The annual WUSD Legislative Breakfast was held on February 15 in the Whitewater High School Library Media Center. Legislators in attendance were Sen. Steve Nass, Rep. Ellen Schutt, and Rep. Scott Johnson. In addition there were a number of guests, including city and UW-W representatives.
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD superintendent, provided the following opening remarks, “Thank you all for coming. I appreciate the time you have decided to hear the needs of public schools.
With respect, we want you to know that students and staff in Wisconsin and specifically Whitewater Unified School District, deserve more than zero. Zero budget increase. The current budget simply does not meet the needs required in public schools to educate students and show growth and improvement.
Per-pupil spending on public education nationwide grew by 23% from 2008 to 2018, but only 15% in Wisconsin, an increase that places Wisconsin 38th in the nation in public education spending. That speaks poorly about the value we place on education for our children in our state. 38th?
I was shocked coming from Illinois to see the low rates of categorical aid that are provided to schools in Wisconsin. You should know as you listen today that Whitewater Unified School District is disproportionately impacted by that lack of funding. Here is why- We are classified as a rural district that covers over 200 square miles with 2000 students. About 50% of our enrolled students’ families are at the poverty level. Meaning our students need a higher level of intervention and support.
21.1% of our students are identified as ELL (that has grown significantly in recent years, ending last year with approximately 125 students who were newcomers from Nicaragua), requiring additional staffing and support. That is the highest in the region.
19.4% of our students are identified as having IEP’s, (also significantly over the regional and national average), requiring special education supports and services that are extremely costly.
Sustaining fiscal strength is necessary for the vitality of our schools and community. We ask you to consider funding and policy decisions that will support WUSD schools.
Increase the categorical aid reimbursement rates to 45% in FY24 and 60% in FY25, 75% in FY26 and 90% by FY27. Prior to the 19-21 increase, this appropriation had been frozen for 11 years. Providing categorical aid (spendable dollars) vs. state aid (tax relief) ensures that every district in the state receives the same increase based on the number of students enrolled in their schools.
Please help Whitewater Unified to continue to support the needs of ALL students.”
The district had solicited topics of discussion from staff and board members, and a variety of them addressed the following topics:
Mental health supports & funding – Dr. Lanora Heim, director of pupil services
The Forward Assessment – Caroline Pate-Hefty urged the legislators to look into the costs and benefits of the Forward exam. Although federal accountability requires the adoption of an assessment to evaluate school/district outcomes, Pate-Hefty enumerated some of the implications of the assessment that Wisconsin has chosen. For e.g., although the exam is given in March, results are not available until late July or even in August, which is too late to use the data to support instructional planning/practice. Fourth graders take 11 tests, which span 10 days! Accommodations required for special education and English learners are intensive and consume weeks. There are other assessments that meet the federal standards.
Special Education Funding – Ben Prather, director of business services, indicated that the current state reimbursement rate only covers about 32% of aidable costs. Wisconsin school districts collectively transfer more than $1 billion annually from district general funds to cover the funding gap between required special education costs and current state special education funding, he stated.
Thayer Coburn, president, spoke to the fact that the Legislative Fiscal Bureau recently projected that the state’s budget surplus will hit $7.1 billion by July 2023. He asked, “Will the legislature commit to dipping into that to address educational needs in the state?”
Larry Kachel, treasurer, addressed state funding specifically toward immigration growth and needs. He also encouraged the development of grant programs for industrial arts/technology education courses and equipment.
Brent Mansky, high school principal, addressed the need for state funding for post-secondary options for students.
As the meeting moved towards concluding, the legislators responded to the questions that had been posed, without making any specific commitments.
By Jeff Angileri
Executive Director, University Marketing & Communications
UW-Whitewater
The finest wheelchair basketball athletes from around the nation will travel to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on March 16-18 for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association men’s intercollegiate championships. [The image above indicates the championship begins on March 15; however, the schedule indicates that date is only for shootarounds.]
Eleven universities will participate: UW-Whitewater: University of Alabama, University of Arizona, Auburn University, City University of New York, Eastern Washington University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, Southwest Minnesota State University, and University of Texas-Arlington.
“UW-Whitewater is proud to partner with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association to host the men’s collegiate championships,” said Corey King, chancellor. “Hosting such a prestigious event builds upon our legacy as an institution of excellence in adaptive learning, engagement and athletics. On behalf of everyone at the university and in the Whitewater community, the Warhawk family sincerely welcomes you and we hope you enjoy the games!”
All games will take place in Kachel Gym in the Williams Center. Seeding and matchups are expected to be determined the week of March 6 and will be posted on the tournament website.
Admission is free and complimentary parking is available in lots 11 and 24. Donations to support UW-Whitewater’s wheelchair athletics program are greatly appreciated.
For those unable to cheer on the teams in person, games will be livestreamed by UWW-TV.
“There is a tremendous amount of pride in hosting the national tournament on our home court,” said Jake Williams, men’s head coach and two-time Parlympic gold medalist. “Our athletes work extremely hard to be at the top of their game and this competition is sure to be exciting. We’ve always had incredible fan support from Warhawks across the region and we look forward to having a good crowd to cheer on the teams as they compete for the national title.”
The UW-Whitewater men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams have won 13 national championships and 3 national championships, respectively, and produced numerous Paralympic athletes and medalists.
The City of Whitewater is partnering with UW-Madison Division of Extension to facilitate a strategic planning process to help determine the direction for the City’s operations and budget for the next two years. The Extension Institute of Community Development works with communities to build the vitality that enriches the lives of the residents and enhances the quality of life in the community.
John Weidl, Whitewater City Manager, explains, “Strategic planning is about our positioning the City of Whitewater relative
to our competitors and to our opportunities. And we are competing – for potential residents and taxpayers, for qualified
and dedicated staff, for grant money to make road repairs and fund new ideas, to supply services to neighboring
communities and non-City residents, and for other resources from non-government organizations (NGOs) and the State
and Federal Government that are mission critical. Departments also compete for supplies, financing, and resources within
and without the organization with similar needs — from new vehicles and computers to improved software and marketing
efforts. The City is also positioning itself to attract other key stakeholders, such as future employers, investors, or
suppliers.”
Through the strategic planning process, the City of Whitewater will evaluate where we are, identify resources, develop a
vision for the future, and plan for challenges along the way. The goal is to create a roadmap to implement lean
government principles, prioritize key strategic issues, identify our dependencies and interconnections, and identify what
stakeholders want from the City and what the City wants from them.
To provide input in this planning process, a Community Listening Session will be facilitated by UW-Madison Division of
Extension. This session will offer people with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to express their views about key issues
of concern through an organized process. The results of this effort will help City leaders and elected officials to further
understand the community’s current needs and strengths as they complete the strategic planning process.
City of Whitewater taxpayers, residents, commercial property owners and representatives of organizations operating in
the City of Whitewater are encouraged to register to be part of the discussion.
This Community Listening Session will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 from 6:00 -7:30 p.m., at the City of Whitewater’s
Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater in the Council Chamber.
Registration for this session is required as space is limited to the first 50 registrants. Please follow this link to complete the
registration form: https://forms.gle/xApooi8sYsuyjMW7A
| Gov. Tony Evers on February 24 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023, in honor of Fire Chief Todd J. Yandre of the Lake Mills Fire Department, who passed away in the line of duty on Feb. 15, 2023. “Chief Yandre was by all accounts a caring and loyal friend, mentor, coach, husband, father, and grandfather who was dedicated to serving his community. Chief Yandre served the Lake Mills Fire Department for more than four decades, first as a volunteer firefighter and eventually becoming chief of the department,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with the Yandre family, his wife, Monica, his children, Jordan and Catherine, his grandchildren, and all of his friends and family at the Lake Mills Fire Department. He will not be forgotten.” Chief Yandre graduated from Lake Mills High School and later earned his degree in emergency management with an emphasis in fire safety from Lakeshore Technical College. He joined the Lake Mills Fire Department in 1981, becoming a full-time firefighter in 1995 and chief of the department in 2019. Services for Chief Yandre will be held on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023, in Lake Mills. Executive Order #188 is available here and will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023. This order is in effect concurrently with Executive Order #187 and flags should remain at half-staff through Fri., March 3, 2023, in accordance with Executive Order #187, available here. |
The Whitewater Girls’ Basketball Team traveled to Racine Lutheran for the Regional Semifinal Game on Friday night, February 24. Racine Lutheran played a tight zone defense denying us open shots. We adjusted our offense and worked to get the ball inside. At the half, we were down 28-16.
Racine Lutheran came out on fire and our shots were not falling to start the second half, creating a bigger scoring gap. The second part of the half, we dug deep and fought hard with our defense forcing turnovers, which gave us a spark. Our offense started picking up, hitting our outside shots, but it was too big of a gap to overcome that late in the game, losing 45-62. We fought hard right to the very end and our post defense (Aidyn Amundson, Alex Martin, and Katie Gillette) did an amazing job containing Racine Lutheran’s 6’2 center.
Danielle DePorter led the Whippets with 15 points, all from 3-point range. Cali Kopecky scored 8 points and ripped down 11 rebounds. Katie Gillette also scored 8 and had 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Cali Grosinske added 6 points, 4 assists, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. Kindyl Kilar scored 3 and had 5 rebounds.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Thursday afternoon, February 23, Lauren Buehler and Aaron Porras had the opportunity to complete in their first appearance at the Wisconsin State Individual Wrestling meet at the Kohl Center in Madison. This is a great accomplishment for each of these two competitors as it is not an easy path to get there.
Lauren started our afternoon at state on Thursday in a great way. She started off the match with a beautiful takedown and did not look back. Up 11-3 in the second period Lauren was able to secure a pin for herself advancing her to the quarterfinal round. In her next match she ran into a young lady who is a real hammer and ended up getting pinned by her. Lauren came back on Friday morning needing to secure two wins to make the podium. Unfortunately, this year was not in the cards for Lauren, and she was defeated in her wrestle back match. Both young ladies who had defeated Lauren did making the top 6; one placed 3rd and the other 6th, so at least Lauren knows she went toe to toe with two of the top 6 students at her weight class in the state. Lauren is a junior so this was a valuable experience for her as she enters the off season.
Aaron Porras wrestled his opponent very well going with his game plan but unfortunately got into a scramble and ended up on his back and was pinned. Aaron closed out a very nice career with a 37-11 record as a senior, conference champion, Regional champion, sectional runner up and state qualifier. He ended his career with 72 wins.
Congratulations to both Lauren and Aaron on a great season as well as to the entire team as they have now concluded the 2022-23 campaign. The awards banquet is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in the high school cafeteria.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Schedule of Events
Theme Summary: The Chancellor’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence is pleased to center this Spring 2023 Diversity Forum on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. The forum will feature panel discussions, a photographic exhibit, an opening keynote by Lydia X.Z. Brown, and more.
Keynote Speaker: Lydia X.Z. Brown
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Event Time: 3:30PM to 4:30PM
Virtual Event Details:
Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar,
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=mfd398af950def0784c9741e150d0b2c3
Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Forum2023
Physical Listening Location Available: University Center 259
Description: The 2023 Spring Diversity Forum will center on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. Join us by welcoming the keynote speaker Lydia X.Z. Brown, an advocate, organizer, educator, attorney, strategist, and writer, whose work focuses on addressing state and interpersonal violence targeting disabled people living at the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, faith, language, and nation.
About Lydia X.Z. Brown, click here.
Closed captioning services will be provided.
Film: Code of the Freaks
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Location: University Center 76, Summer’s Auditorium
Event Time: 3:30PM to 5:30PM
Description: Code of the Freaks is a documentary that examines the representation of disabled people in Hollywood movies. A discussion will be moderated after the viewing with two special guests from the University of Illinois Chicago, film writers Alyson Patsavas and Carrie Sandahl.
Documentary Trailer
American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for the film.
Conversation with Author Dr. Sami Schalk
Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM
Description: Dr. Schalk is an Associate Professor of Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her interdisciplinary research focuses broadly on disability, race, and gender in contemporary American literature and culture, and she is the author of the books, Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics. Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Schalk on her recent book, that explores how issues of disability have been and continue to be central to Black activism from the 1970s to the present.
About Sami Schalk, click HERE
American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present.
Diversity & Inclusivity Award Reception
Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 12:30PM to 1:15PM
Description: The Diversity and Inclusivity Awards are awarded to UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and students who have made outstanding contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on our campus. Each award has been named after distinguished faculty and staff at UW-Whitewater, each of whom spent their careers promoting and supporting equity, inclusion and diversity on our campus, including Dr. Fannie Hicklin, Dr. Roger Pulliam and Mr. John Truesdale. The fourth award is designated for UW-Whitewater students and student organizations who have made exceptional efforts to support inclusivity and diversity at UW-Whitewater. Join us as we honor and celebrate inclusive excellence in action!
Virtual Option Details:
Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar,
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m977346fb3756ae205a446d778cca0515
Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Spring2023P
American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for individuals who attend virtually.
Disability History Exhibit
Dates: Tuesday, February 15 to March 5, 2023
Location: Lenox Library, UW-Whitewater at Rock County
Description: This disability history exhibit enlists photographic storytelling and archival images from advertising and the press to narrate, across 23 vivid panels, the centuries of struggles and victories fought and won by disabled persons in the United States, and the intersection of these struggles with religion, society, medical care, capitalism, scientific advancement, and their part in the broader human condition. Courtesty of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education for the State of Alaska.
More information on the pieces, click HERE
Content Warning and Language Disclaimer: This exhibit includes disturbing information and images regarding the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities. Please take care while reviewing. Additionally, text and images from this exhibit come from primary sources that may be racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise offensive. The language is retained in this exhibit to document the ways in which disability has been viewed in these social and historical contexts.
If in need of accommodation(s), please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA requirements. Please contact edi@uww.edu.
3rd time’s a charm!
It was truly a team effort! The Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team (#10) defeated Clinton (#7) 57-54 in the first round of regionals on Tuesday, February 21. Losing two close games to the Cougars in the regular season, we knew we needed to play two solid halves.
We came out on fire with two steals by Cali Grosinske resulting in a 3-point shot by Danielle DePorter in our first possession. Grosinske stole the ball and hit a shot putting us up 5-0. Clinton inched ahead 5-6, but that was the last time they would lead as Kopecky hit her first of five 3-pointers of the game, putting us up 8-6. That set the tone for us offensively. Zoe Kohl, Kindyl Kilar, and Danielle DePorter joined Kopecky in connecting on shots from the arc.
Hitting those shots from outside was important for us a to counter Clinton’s zone defense. Mayte Navejas penetrated the gaps to score and create open looks on the perimeter. Senior, Cali Kopecky connected on four of her five 3s in the first half of the game.
Going into halftime we led 34-26.
The ball wouldn’t drop for us the first 5 minutes of the second half as Clinton started to close the gap 38-34. Solid defense in the lane by Kilar, Amundson, and Gillette, as well as hitting our free throws at the end of the game helped us maintain our lead. Danielle DePorter (5-5) and Kindyl Kilar (2-2) were 100% from the free throw line. Gillette hit the final bucket with 15 seconds left to secure the win.
Cali Kopecky led the Whippets with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Danielle DePorter added 11 points, and Katie Gillette scored 8. Cali Grosinske added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Mayte Navejas also scored 7 with 5 assists and 2 steals. Kilar scored 5 and rebounded 5.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Obituaries
Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, ^^Michael^^, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet (Nash) Schenck. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues. Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children. Becca’s life … Read more
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In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer. He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life. He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, … Read more
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Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, … Read more
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Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old. He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree. He also served two years in the army. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001. Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more
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Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank. He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more
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After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more
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Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more
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Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more
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Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield, MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning. She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening. As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more
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James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more
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