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April 16, 2020
Whippet Students and Families,
As you may know, Governor Evers directed an extension of the Safer at Home order, which contains a provision that schools remain closed through the 2019-20 school year. This extension of the stay at home order has created many questions and concerns regarding school expectations through the rest of the year as well as the status of many of our end of the year celebrations and programs. I would like to address what we can at this time.
First, I would like to address the students and parents of the Class of 2020. As this is not the end of the school year that any of us imagined, I wanted to let students, parents and community members know that we have been and will continue to work on, alternative plans regarding the Prom, Senior Portfolio Presentations, Scholarship Night and of course, Graduation. We have included and will continue to include the Senior Class advisors, Senior Class officers and our medical advisors in this planning process. Although these events are now officially not allowed to be run in a face-to-face format as they have traditionally, we are still committed to holding these celebrations and programs in some format so we can honor the class of 2020. We will be sending out more specific information regarding these events early next week through IC, our school website, Facebook account and the Whitewater Banner.
Second, although the school may be physically closed, students are still expected to complete their assignments through the home based learning model. In addition, because of the quick closure of our buildings when COVID-19 first appeared, students will have one more opportunity to come to the school and retrieve personal and/or academic items on Tuesday April 28. Students will not be allowed in the building but will be able to come to the main office door, where staff members will be there to assist them. Students coming to the school to retrieve items must practice social distancing and preventive measures such as masks and gloves. Congregating at the school before and after students retrieve their items will not be permitted. The times for each grade level is as follows:
12th GRADE: 9:00-11:00 am
11th GRADE 9:00-11:00 am
10th GRADE: 12:00-2:00 pm
9th GRADE: 12:00-2:00 pm
We will continue to make decisions with the intention of honoring our students and communicating respectfully while at the same time prioritizing the safety of our entire community. Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we work through this unique time.
Sincerely,
Mike Lovenberg
Principal
Whitewater High School
_______
16 de abril del 2020
Estudiantes de Whippet y familias,
Como ya sabrán, el gobernador Evers ordenó una extensión de la orden “Más seguro en casa”, que contiene una disposición de que las escuelas permanezcan cerradas durante lo que queda del año escolar 2019-20. Esta extensión de la orden de permanencia en el hogar ha creado muchas preguntas e inquietudes con respecto a las expectativas escolares durante el resto del año, así como el estado de muchas de nuestras celebraciones y programas de fin de año. Me gustaría abordar lo que podamos en este momento.
Primero, me gustaría dirigirme a los estudiantes y padres de la Clase o promoción del 2020. Como este no es el final del año escolar que imaginamos, quería que los estudiantes, padres y miembros de la comunidad sepan que continuaremos trabajando en crear planes alternativos con respecto al baile de graduación, presentaciones de portafolio para las personas mayores, noche de becas y, por supuesto, la graduación. Hemos incluido y seguiremos incluyendo a los asesores de la clase senior, a los oficiales de la clase senior y a nuestros asesores médicos en este proceso de planificación. Aunque ahora oficialmente no se permite que estos eventos se realicen en un formato presencial como se lo hace tradicionalmente, todavía estamos comprometidos a celebrar de alguna manera para que podamos celebrar a la clase del 2020. Estaremos enviando información más específica sobre estos eventos a principios de la próxima semana a través de IC, el sitio web de nuestra escuela, la cuenta de Facebook y el Whitewater Banner.
En segundo lugar, aunque la escuela puede estar físicamente cerrada, se espera que los estudiantes completen sus tareas a través del modelo de aprendizaje basado en el hogar. Además, debido al cierre rápido de nuestros edificios cuando apareció COVID-19 por primera vez, los estudiantes tendrán una oportunidad más para venir a la escuela y recuperar sus artículos personales y / o académicos el dia martes 28 de abril. No se permitirá el ingreso de los estudiantes al edificio. pero podrán llegar a la puerta de la oficina principal, donde los miembros del personal estarán para ayudarlos. Los estudiantes que vienen a la escuela para recuperar artículos deben practicar el distanciamiento social y las medidas preventivas como uso de máscaras y guantes. Congregarse en la escuela antes y después de que los estudiantes recuperen sus artículos no será permitido. Los horarios de recogida para cada nivel de grado son los siguientes:
12º GRADO: 9: 00-11: 00 am
11 ° GRADO 9: 00-11: 00 am
10º GRADO: 12: 00-2: 00 pm
9º GRADO: 12: 00-2: 00 pm
Continuaremos tomando decisiones con la intención de honrar a nuestros estudiantes y de comunicarnos respetuosamente , mientras que al mismo tiempo damos prioridad a la seguridad de toda nuestra comunidad. Apreciamos su paciencia y comprensión mientras trabajamos en estos tiempos únicos.
Sinceramente,
Mike Lovenberg
Director
Escuela secundaria de Whitewater
Kellie Bohn
Kellie Bohn began her career in education teaching music and band in both Clintonville, WI and Whitewater, WI. After receiving her Masters’ Degree from UW-Madison, she became the Middle School Principal at Brookwood Middle School, Genoa City — a position she held for fourteen years. In 2015 she became the Superintendent of the Genoa City Jt. 2 School District.
The Genoa City Jt. 2 School District is a 4K-8th grade district in Southeastern Wisconsin. Although the district website states, “Both schools have consistently earned the state report card rating of “Exceeds Expectations,” per the WI Department of Public Instruction Accountability Report Card for 2018-19, released in November, 2019, Brookwood Elementary School received a rating of 77.7 (“exceeds expectations”), and Brookwood Middle School received a ranking of 63.5 (“meets expectations”). The district served 526 students between the two schools. Presumably most middle school graduates from the district would enroll at Badger High School or New Visions (public) Charter School in Lake Geneva.
Per the Genoa City district website, “in addition to holding licenses for Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Superintendent, Ms. Bohn is a Past-President of the WI Association of Middle Level Educators. She has presented at conferences on the topics of assessment, beginning teacher programming, the referendum process and time/task management.”
Caroline Pete-Hefty
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty has been in education for nearly twenty years, most of which appears to have been focused on the area of special education. She currently serves as the Director of Student Services at Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89, a role she has been in for seven years. Per the district’s website, the focus of Student Services is serving students with disabilities. District 89 has an enrollment of approximately 4800 students, K-8th grade, and is located in metropolitan Chicago, south of O’Hare Airport. The district has six “commendable schools” and three “underperforming schools,” per https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/District.aspx?districtId=06016089002
Dr. Pate-Hefty previously served as the Director of Special Education at Harlem (IL) Consolidated School District from 2008 to 2013. A state audit of the district during that period is reported to have prompted changes in special education. Ms. Pate-Hefty has also gained experience by serving as Principal of Walter Lawson Children’s Home, which serves persons with intellectual disabilities, for a year and a half and serving as a teacher for six years. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from National Louis University (2017), a Master of Arts degree from Concordia University (2007), and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (2002). Dr. Pate-Hefty holds a Superintendent Endorsement for Illinois. (Source: https://www.fsd145.org/Page/3300)
Dr. Pate-Hefty’s LinkedIn biography states, “…responsible to oversee and support 9 schools serving 5000 students. I am a passionate educator with extensive district level experience; excellent communication, problem solving, human capital management and finacial management skill. Strong commitment to educational excellence for all students.”
Please see the post titled, “WUSD School Board Announces Two Candidates for District Administrator” for an invitation to community forums next Tuesday and Wed., 4/21-22 to introduce the candidates. There is also an opportunity to submit questions online through noon on Thurs., 4/16, although questions may also be submitted online during the forums.
Recently WJW Fox 8 TV in Cleveland, Ohio has been running a new feature during their morning newscast called “What Day is IT?” Many are finding that losing track of the calendar is part of everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently it wouldn’t be shocking if you didn’t realize that April 15, normally “tax day,” is today.
If you haven’t yet filed your income taxes, the good news is that it doesn’t matter if you’re sick, quarantined, or perfectly healthy but trying to keep others safe by sitting at home, you now have a new one-time July 15 deadline for filing your 2019 returns. No late-filing penalty, late-payment penalty or interest will be due. The delay is designed to give a break to taxpayers who may be having a hard time making ends meet, as hours are cut and workplaces are closed to combat the spread of the virus.
Estimated Tax Payments: The Internal Revenue Service had also announced that any estimated tax payments for 2020 that would normally be due on April 15 could also be delayed until July 15 without penalty. This resulted in an odd situation: it appeared that the deadline for filing April 15 estimated taxes would come later than the usual June 15 payment. On April 9, however, the IRS announced that the due date for the June payment had also been extended to July 15. This means that any individual or corporation that has a quarterly estimated tax payment due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, can wait until July 15 to make that payment, without penalty.
Extension of time to file beyond July 15
Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2020, by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004. An extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by the July 15, 2020, deadline to avoid additional interest and penalties.
A Walworth County resident has died due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, per a press release on April 12. The patient is an adult in their 80’s. UPDATED: In response to a question from the Banner, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of Walworth County HHS, indicated that “The case was laboratory-confirmed for COVID-19.”
“It is with great sadness that I confirm that a Walworth County resident has passed away due to COVID-19”, said Elizabeth Aldred, Health and Human Services (HHS) Director. “This is a sad day for Walworth County. Our entire community feels the weight of this loss.”
The release did not indicate where the individual had lived. Walworth County HHS recently indicated that COVID-19 has been confirmed or suspected in every major community in the county. In a telephone conversation with a Banner staff member on April 7, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, confirmed that there are “confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19” in Whitewater. Mr. Nevicosi stated that he was not at that time authorized to release any further information regarding the nature of those cases.
The Walworth County Division of Public Health continues to monitor the spread of the disease and implement practices to reduce transmission.
“We know that many Walworth County residents are concerned about what impact this virus may have on themselves and their loved ones. This is a rapidly evolving public health event that we are taking very seriously” added Aldred. “This is a time to remind everyone of the importance of taking precautions to protect those at higher risk, especially the elderly and people with serious underlying health conditions.”
To reduce risk of getting sick, Public Health advises everyone to follow these simple steps:
- Following the Safer at Home Order
- Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay home when sick.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Walworth County, visit:
In a 4 minute, 35 second slideshow, many of the WHS teachers and other staff sent encouraging (but occasionally odd) messages to their students during the “Safer at Home” order, otherwise known as “Study at Home” order. You may watch by clicking here.
Running a Small Business or Nonprofit and Feeling Overwhelmed by Emergency Funding Information? Editorial by Lisa Dawsey Smith
You are NOT alone. And it can be difficult to not have comprehensive, easy to navigate information at your fingertips.
For any of the conversations that I’ve had in the past weeks with local business I’ve started with the caveat: None of us are experts right now whether it be a economic development organization like a Chamber of Commerce or a local media outlet. We’re sifting through just as much information as you are and pulling together reliable resources for you to have quality information in your hands. The best source I’ve found? Your bank. You have a working relationship with your bank and they know you and your business needs better than anyone else. Does that mean you’ll likely get a live person on the phone in the instant that you need them? Maybe not but they’re doing their best to catch up and many have assured me that they will get back to you just as soon as they can!
Now you’ve heard about the CARES act and all of the programs that it created. There’s a lot of information in that to unpack. There’s the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, and an available advance to that loan. There are provisions for possible loan forgiveness. There’s another program called the Paycheck Protection Program available through existing SBA lenders. There’s an online portal, and one that involves forms that an approved SBA lender has to submit. Confused yet? You’re not alone. So go ahead and call your bank or credit union, leave a voicemail message and while you’re waiting to hear back check out the information compiled by the US Chamber of Commerce located here; it’s an easier to digest format for the information. https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/cares-act-small-business-guide
And remember, you are not alone.
(3/23/20) Taking another step in the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tony Evers said on Monday that he plans to issue an order on Tuesday ordering all nonessential businesses to close. Details on which businesses will be allowed to stay open have not yet been announced, but are expected to be similar to the restrictions in other states such as California, Illinois, and Ohio. Best guess is that essential services are likely to include health care providers, grocery stores, restaurant carry-out services, farms, critical manufacturing, utility companies, law enforcement, and government operations. The governor promised to give “nonessential” businesses a grace period to close down, although hair and tanning salons were already shuttered last week.
“Folks, this is important. Time is of the essence,” Evers said. “This isn’t something I thought we’d have to do, it’s not something I wanted to do and it’s not something that I take lightly.”
(Banner comment) You may find it to be worth four minutes to read the article, “The Severity of the Next Several Weeks Depends Upon Our Actions Now,” by Andy Slavitt, former head of the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. Click here for the post on medium.com.
Finally, here are some good tips for your essential shopping trips.
The District’s tentative timeline for selection of a new Administrator:
HYA Job Posting: January 25-March 13 (HYA = Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates)
Online Survey: February 10-24
Leadership Profile Report presented to Board: Monday, March 2
HYA Screening Interviews: Until Friday, March 20
Slate presented to Board: Monday, March 23 (NOTE: The Board does have a closed session on 3/23 for this purpose.)
Board initial interviews: April 6, 7, 9
Board meets to identify finalists: After the last interview
Finalist Interviews: April 13-?
Board meets to identify preferred candidate: Within a few days of the finalists’ interviews
Target for public announcement: May 1
District Administrator assumes responsibilities: July 1, 2020
District Characteristics:
- Approximately 2000 students
- 43% economically disadvantaged students
- 14% ELL (English Language Learner) students
- 17% students with disabilities
- 37% students of color, predominately Hispanic/Latino
- 82% of High School students are engaged in music, arts, and/or athletic programs.
- In 1960 Whitewater put into effect the first unified school district in WI, separating all school business and budget matters from the city council control.
Interview & Online Survey Participants
The consultants (HYA) spoke with 25 individuals and analyzed 517 online survey responses. Participants in the online survey: 181 students, 158 parents, 140 employees, 38 community members.
(Added on 3/21 at 10 p.m.) It may be of interest to note that the percentage ratings on some portions of the survey reflected much ratings on the part of community members and employees than those of parents and high school students. (It must be noted that there were only 38 community members participating in Whitewater.) The consultants indicated that it is not unusual to have a decline in ratings when a respondent is closer to the “consumer” experience in the district. The Banner was only able to find one other HYA survey in the state, but the difference in rankings between constituencies was much greater in Whitewater than in Green Bay. Shown below is the response to the question: “Please rate the overall quality of education in the District.”
| All | Community Member | Employee | Parent | Student | |
| Whitewater | 56% | 74% | 82% | 47% | 39% |
| Green Bay | 51% | 47% | 53% * | 52% | 46% |
- Green Bay’s survey had three categories of employees: Administrator (95 responses) = 68%, Certified/Licensed Staff (666 responses) = 53%, and Support Staff (219 responses) = 47%. Whitewater’s employees were all in one pool.
Strengths of the District (as identified by the interviews and surveys)
- Every group noted that Whitewater is a small, safe, friendly community in which to live and that the community shows tremendous support for the school district.
- Tremendous support for WUSD referendums.
- Quality staff: caring and dedicated.
- Growing diversity in the student population.
- Area Quality of Life: friendly community, environmental opportunities, University presence, proximity to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. “All groups highlighted the Whitewater area as a great place to live, work and recreate.”
- Stable dedicated school board
- District facilities are well maintained.
Top 5 District Strengths
- Technology is integrated into the classroom.
- Facilities are well maintained.
- District schools are safe.
- The district employs effective teachers, administrators, and support staff in its schools.
- District technology infrastructure is sufficient to support 21st century learning.
Challenges, Concerns, Issues Facing the District
- The district needs to create a central communication port where parents (especially) can look for information.
- Increasing mental health needs of students
- Increase in special education needs
- Changing demographic needs including poverty and homelessness
- Local housing shortage
- Enrollment challenges, particularly the net loss with open enrollment students
Desired Characteristics of New District Administrator
- Relationship builder
- Strong communicator
- Celebrates diversity
- Trustworthy and open minded
- Fosters community engagement
- Visible and accessible
- Sets high expectations
Top Five Desired Strengths for New Administrator
- Foster a positive, professional climate of mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, and administrators
- Be visible throughout the District and actively engaged in community life
- Recruit, employ, and retain effective personnel throughout the District and its schools
- Understand and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population
- Establish a culture of high expectations for all students and personnel
(Added on 3/21 at 10 p.m.) The complete survey report may be found here.
The leadership profile may be found here.
Obituaries
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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Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA. He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper. To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders. He loved to play … Read more
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James Trier, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Edgerton Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Whitewater. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. A full obituary will follow. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
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