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Today is Tuesday, July 23, 2024

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WUSD Celebrates Successful First Year with New Science of Reading Instructional Practices

May 31, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) reports positive outcomes from student assessment data tied to the new Science of Reading (SOR) instructional practice, a research-based model for early literacy instruction.

Spring outcomes data shows that the district moved from 31.6% of students K-5 performing at or above grade level in the Fall before implementation to now 53.6% of students performing at or above grade level in the Spring. From fall to spring WUSD also saw a decrease of 22% in students reading below grade level benchmark. This work was intentional and required extensive planning, professional development, and commitment from the educators, Literacy Coaches, principals, and the Department of Teaching and Learning, all in consultation with Schools Cubed to implement new practices that reach all students. The new practices were all implemented while going through a process to select next year’s SOR-aligned curriculum ahead of the requirements for Act 20 in the state of Wisconsin. In short, this is just the beginning. 

The data comes from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment, which measures children’s foundational skills, including fluency and comprehension. “We are thrilled to see such a positive impact on our students’ literacy development in such a short period,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “Science of Reading has proven to be a transformative approach, and these early indicators suggest we are on the right path to achieving our goal of improved literacy outcomes. I can’t credit the amazing staff of WUSD highly enough with this work!”

SOR is grounded in decades of cognitive science research and was introduced to provide a more effective approach to teaching reading. This strategic initiative aims to equip students with essential reading skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for academic success and lifelong learning.

To learn more about WUSD’s literacy programming and alignment with the Science of Reading, please visit https://www.wwusd.org/page/science-of-reading.

Construction on W. Main Street (between 1st Street and 2nd Street) Beginning June 3

May 30, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following notice was provided by the City of Whitewater.

NOTICE: On Monday June 3, 2024, W. Main Street (between 1st Street and 2nd Street) will be under
construction to replace a sanitary sewer and water lateral. It is anticipated that two lanes of traffic will be
maintained during construction by shifting lanes to the north or south. No parking will be allowed in this section
of W. Main Street in order to accommodate the construction. Repairs to the concrete curb & gutter, sidewalk
and asphalt pavement are anticipated to be completed by Friday June 7, 2024.

Free Frozen Spaghetti Meals Every Monday Through August / Comidas de Espagueti Congelados Gratis Todos Los Lunes Hasta Agosto

May 30, 2024


All people from UW Whitewater campus and the wider Whitewater community are invited to pick up FREE FROZEN SPAGHETTI MEALS every Monday from Monday, June 3 through August 26, 2024. (No meals are served on Labor Day, September 2.)

Pick up is available from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, WI. Only Frozen carry-outs are available this summer, with no dine-in service.

Menu: Spaghetti pasta with 2 Italian Meatballs. Choice of sauce: Tomato or Alfredo with Parmesan cheese and Italian spices.

Coordinated by Congregational UCC and First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, WI.

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UW Whitewater campus y comunidad estan invitados COMIDAS GRATUITAS DE ESPAGUETIS CONGELADOS cada Lunes, del 3 de Junio al 26 de Agosto de 2024. (No se servirán comidas el Día del Trabajo, 2 de Septiembre.)

La recogida esta disponible desde 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM en Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, WI. Únicamente para llevar congelados disponibles este verano.

Menú: Pasta de espagueti con 2 albóndigas Italianas. Elección de salsa: Tomate o Alfredo con queso parmesano y especias Italianas

Coordinated by Congregational UCC and First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

Local Student Recognized with Honors at UW-Stevens Point

May 30, 2024

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,300 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation.  High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.

Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.

Students who received honors include:

Whitewater, WI

 Wyatt Anderson, Honors

WHS Choirs Spring Concert Photo Gallery

May 29, 2024

The Whitewater High School Choirs presented their spring concert, Ms. Tordera’s last, on May 15. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Local Student Named to Troy University Chancellor’s List

May 29, 2024

TROY, AL — Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University for the spring semester/Term 4 of the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.

About Troy University

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.

Free Book Study This Summer on Building Relationships

May 29, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was organized and provided by First English Lutheran Church.

In our divisive world, we have opportunities like this to work toward gathering our community together, getting to know one another, and build healthier and stronger relationships and communities.  That idea is at the heart of David Brooks’ How to Know a Person.

BREAKFAST WITH “BROOKS”*

*David Brooks will not be in attendance, but others in our community will.  Organized by First English Lutheran Church.

Where:                 The book study will be held at Jessica’s Restaurant in Whitewater so we can discuss around breakfast! 

When:  We will meet for 6 sessions (every other Thursday in the summer) beginning on June 13 at 7 am!  The early start time is to allow people who work or have other morning commitments to be on their way by 8 am.

The 6 sessions are scheduled for the following Thursday mornings:   June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22

Needed:    A copy of the book—A few copies are still available in the church office for $20, or they can be purchased from Amazon.com or most other book dealers.

To Sign Up:   Registration not required, but if you would like to let us know you’re coming, call the church office (262-473-5076)

Most people find this best-selling book an interesting read that is helpful in building strong relationships with family, friends, co-workers and the many others we encounter daily.  The book study promises to be a fun learning and social activity for the summer.  Come join us!

Wisconsin Makers Presents Free Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox

May 29, 2024
Wisconsin Makers will be showing “Fantastic Mr. Fox” at its free Movie Night Friday, May 31. Pictured in front of the 15-foot-wide movie screen are the makerspace’s board members. From left are Treasurer Ron Binning, Kent Taylor and President Al Jewer.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be presented Friday, May 31, as Wisconsin Makers presents its free Movie Night.

The public is invited to attend the free showing of the family-friendly film at 7 p.m. at the community makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Free popcorn will be served. Pizza, soda and water will be available for $1.

Before and after the film, attendees may tour the makerspace and see what it has to offer. In addition, they may shop at a rummage sale in which almost all items are free of charge, although donations are gratefully accepted.

Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer said “Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be shown on a 15-foot-wide movie screen with a 500-watt surround-sound in the common area.

“We want to provide a fun, affordable evening out for people of all ages,” he said.

Rated PG, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a 2009 American animated adventure-comedy based on a novel by Roald Dahl. Its voice cast includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson and many other well-known stars.

The plot focuses on a spree of thefts led by Mr. Fox (Clooney) that result in his family, and later his animal community, being hunted down by three farmers.

In addition to an original score by Alexandre Desplat, the soundtrack includes several songs from other artists. The film received Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

Located at the corner of Wisconsin and East Clay streets, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training.

It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock.

The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more.

The building is handicapped accessible, and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities.

For more information about Movie Night or the makerspace, contact Jewer at lafcat@lafcat.com or (630) 430-9498.

A new video tour of the makerspace may be viewed at https://youtu.be/Pqa9N8p1Fqw.

Obituaries

Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more

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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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Obituary: Robert Karl Webb, 97

Robert Karl Webb passed away peacefully with his loving wife Adrienne by his side on June 14, 2024, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI.  Dr. Webb was born in Trenton, Missouri on September 29, 1926, to parents Karl and Esther (Kull) Webb. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Dr. Webb was a composer and taught in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri, and was the director of the Hobart, Indiana … Read more

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