News & Events

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At its regular meeting on June 28 the Whitewater Unified School Board approved the hiring of Adam Bretl as Principal of Lakeview Elementary School, effective July 1. The position was open due to the resignation at the end of the school year of David Brokopp, who took the position of Superintendent of the Bangor School District.

Bretl was appointed Assistant Principal of the Elkhorn Area Middle School in 2013; currently his title has been Associate Principal. According to his Facebook page he grew up in Sturgeon Bay and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from UW-Oshkosh in 2008, after which he taught 7th and 8th grade science, social studies, and reading in a Janesville middle school. Bretl briefly addressed the board, indicating that he is married and has two children, age 6 and 2. He indicated that he had hoped to work in more of a country setting, so he saw Lakeview as a great fit, and is excited to meet the students and parents.

UPDATE: According to a press release from WUSD, Bretl earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2011. It is indicated that the District Leadership Team selected a slate of eight potential candidates from a field of 47 applicants. Bretl was the administration’s recommendation after two panel interviews, a student tour, and staff presentation. Superintendent Pate-Hefty stated, “Adam brings us a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience in school administration. He will be an excellent instructional leader for our Lakeview students, their families and staff.”

Bretl was quoted as saying, “It is a great honor to be selected as the Principal of Lakeview Elementary. My priority has always been and will continue to be providing the best educational experience for all students. The Lakeview community is a unique piece of paradise that offers so much to its students. I’m excited for many years of learning and growing together to ensure Lakeview students continue to grow and achieve at exceptional levels.”

Lakeview families will be able to meet Mr. Bretl on August 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lakeview Elementary, during Back-to-School Day.

In other business:

• Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty reported that after considerable research with other districts that directly provide virtual education, the district decided not to move forward with instituting such a program at this time. The agreement with JEDI will continue. The organization was paid $430,000 for this past year, much more than usual.
• Mary Kilar, Lincoln Elementary principal and Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary principal, reported on the achievement of reading and math goals for the past school year. At both schools there was a goal that 85% of the students would make a year’s worth of growth in instructional reading level. At Lincoln, 86% of the students made one or more years’ growth in reading. Many made 1.5 to 3 years of progress. At Washington the percentage making at least a year’s growth was 30% in kindergarten, 72% in first grade, 79% in second and fifth grade, and 88% in 3rd and 4th grade. For math there was a goal of 60% against a national average; 47.2% of students at Lincoln met the goal. Washington reported that the average student levels were very close to the national grade level scores.
• There were 144 graduates from the high school, and the weather was beautiful. Moving next year’s graduation to Friday evening may be considered.
• Pate-Hefty stated that summer school “is fun in Wisconsin,” not as in Illinois. 609 students are enrolled this year, versus 239 last year and 629 in 2019.
• Matthew Sylvester-Knudtson, Director of Business Services, reported that he expects approximately a $150,000 general fund balance as of the end of the school year. The fund balance is currently at 18.1% of budget, and should rise slightly after a small contribution.
• Nelson Bus was granted a 2.5% increase for ’20-21 and 2.0% for ’21-22.
• The district’s annual contribution to the Aquatic & Fitness Center’s budget has been $128,000 since 2016. A new five year agreement was approved, with a $153,000 expense in the upcoming year and $178,000 per year for the following four years.
• The purchase of 35 classroom projectors was approved, as was the purchase of new wrestling mats for both the middle and high school.
• Heard of the plans for donor level recognitions for synthetic turf and other improvements to the football field at the high school.
• Discussed hard-to-fill positions, including EL (English learner) and special education teachers. Currently there are four open EL positions. It was agreed to offer to pay the cost of the CESA 2 EL licensure course for existing employees with an emergency license, and to offer a $3,000 “signing bonus” for a new employee who is already licensed, with a two year employment commitment.

The meeting ended at 10:30 p.m.

Juan Cuellar Meza has been appointed to the Dean’s List at The University of Dubuque, and Naomi Allen, of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

 

The image, “First Day of Summer” by dangaken is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Summer 2021 in Northern Hemisphere will begin on Sunday, June 20 and ends on Wednesday, September 22.

THE JUNE SOLSTICE

In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the Sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite: the June solstice marks the astronomical start of winter, when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky.)

WHEN IS THE SUMMER SOLSTICE?

The June solstice occurs on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at 11:32 P.M. EDT.  In 2021, it so happens that the solstice falls on the same day as Father’s Day!

The solstice marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. (By longest “day,” we mean the longest period of sunlight hours.) On the day of the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year.

Year	Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
2021	Sunday, June 20, at 11:32 P.M. EDT
2022	Tuesday, June 21, at 5:14 A.M. EDT
2023	Wednesday, June 21, at 10:58 A.M. EDT
2024	Thursday, June 20, at 4:51 P.M. EDT

Note: In the Southern Hemisphere, the June solstice marks the beginning of winter.

Source: https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-summer-summer-solstice

Sheriff Knudson is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office is offering a
Boater Safety Education Course on July 18, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the
Edgerton Conservation Club located in the back of Race Track Park, 900 Stoughton Road,
Edgerton, WI 53534.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages all boaters to take a boater safety
course. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, is required to complete a boater safety
course to legally operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters.

Participants will learn safe boating techniques and gain knowledge that can keep them
safe on the water. It is recommended that participants be at least 12 years of age or turn
12 shortly following completion of the class. There is a class fee of $10.00 per student,
due at registration. Class size is limited to thirty (30) students with enrollment on a first
come basis. Reserve a spot online at https://www.co.rock.wi.us/sheriff-boater-education.

After submitting the online enrollment form, participants will receive a confirmation email
with information on the mandatory registration meeting. Underage participants must have
a parent or guardian attend the registration meeting with them.

Source: Rock County Sheriff’s Department press release

The image on the homepage, “Boating safety – Caution when Crossing Paths with Other Boaters” by State Farm is licensed under CC BY 2.0

June 16, 2021- Effective immediately, the City of Whitewater is issuing a burn ban within city
limits until further notice.

Warm weather and inadequate rainfall are putting southeast Wisconsin in severe drought conditions.
Vegetation is drying out, which increases the risk of wildfires.

The city is suspending the issuance of burn permits. There is to be no burning of organic yard waste.
Recreational burning, such as campfires or bonfires is also prohibited.

Outdoor grills and open flames are only to be used for cooking purposes. Dispose of any ashes properly and
do not leave fires unattended.

As a reminder, the use of fireworks is illegal and prohibited by law within the city limits.

Citizens found to be in violation of the burn ban will be subject to fines, penalties and costs related to
prosecution. Those in violation might also be responsible for reimbursing the city for costs related to
extinguishing the fire by the Whitewater Volunteer Fire Department.

For additional questions or concerns, contact Neighborhood Services Director, Chris Bennett at
(262) 473-0143 or cbennett@whitewater-wi.gov.

(UW-W press release) Everyone is invited and encouraged to join a public hearing as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks feedback on its proposed new mission statement. The event is 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, and will be held virtually. The live video stream link is available online at uww.edu/strategic-plan/public-hearing. Closed captioning will be available.  The following phone number is also provided: Toll Free 1-855-749-4750Event number: 177 642 9612
Event password: mMPmeJ82bS2

“UW-Whitewater is very proud to provide high-quality educational and cultural opportunities for citizens in our region,” said Greg Cook, interim provost. “As a public steward of this responsibility, we are continuously striving to improve and adapt to the needs of the region. As part of that promise, we are updating our mission statement to reflect our current goals and aspirations as a regional comprehensive university.”

The Banner is providing the proposed mission statement and current mission statement at the end of this article.

As part of the university’s 2021-2022 strategic plan, a revised mission statement was drafted by members of the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee. This committee includes more than 40 members representing all areas of the university, including all employees and students. The committee also includes the Whitewater City Manager, connecting to the needs of the city and local region. Numerous open listening sessions were conducted to gather feedback and suggestions from members of the university and local community. The statement was approved by the Committee, all university governance groups, and the Chancellor. After the June 22 final public hearing, the final draft will be presented to the UW System Board of Regents for review and approval.

PROPOSED NEW MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. As part of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Whitewater embraces the Wisconsin Idea and is an economic and cultural driver of our region. We are nationally and internationally recognized for the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Grounded in a rigorous core curriculum, students receive a well-rounded education, and every academic program prepares students to be creative, innovative and adaptable in dynamic and diverse work and life environments.

We are an inclusive educational community with a deep commitment to access that inspires us to serve students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities. We have a longstanding special mission to serve students with disabilities. By supporting all students, we champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all. As engaged global citizens, members of our community make positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin, to our nation, and to the world.

Our academic programs serve undergraduate and graduate students, including online learners, and span the disciplines, from the theoretical to the applied, and encompass study in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and professional and interdisciplinary programs. High-quality programs are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners who lead successful lives and enjoy productive careers.

CURRENT MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to the development of the individual, the growth of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity and global perspectives. These are met by providing academic and cocurricular programs that emphasize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and a commitment to service within a safe and secure environment.

The mission of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is:

1. To provide a range of undergraduate programs and degrees, including interdisciplinary programs, in letters, sciences, and the arts as well as programs and degrees leading to professional specialization.
2. To offer graduate education built clearly upon its undergraduate emphases and strengths with particular emphasis in the fields of business, education, communication, and human services.
3. To engage in scholarly activity, including research, scholarship and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree level, its graduate programs, and its select mission.
4. To create and maintain a positive and inviting environment for multicultural students, students with disabilities, and nontraditional students, and provide support services and programs for them.
5. To serve as a regional cultural and economic resource center through its service initiatives.
6. To provide continuing education and outreach programs as integrated institutional activities.
7. To provide a variety of co-curricular activities to enhance out-of-class learning opportunities.
8. To encourage and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity in all University life and activities.

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