News & Events

Explore the History of Beer and Brewing in UW-Whitewater’s Online Course Beginning Oct. 19

UW-Whitewater Continuing Education is once again offering its popular online course “Beer Matters.” This six week course is an opportunity to explore the history of beer from medieval times through today. Topics include brewing across the globe, social movements involving beer and today’s brewing conglomerates.  Beer lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to learn more about Wisconsin’s unofficial beverage, and why it matters, are invited to join in online.

“Beer Matters” begins October 19 and is open to anyone 21 and older. Each week of this course will feature a new theme related to beer and will include lectures and discussions. Participants can join in at their convenience and will have the opportunity to discuss their favorite craft brews, share homebrewing resources and events, and get to know each other in the online classroom. We’ll host live “virtual happy hours” with special guests who will share their expertise on topics like fermentation and local brewing history. Karl Brown, associate professor of history at UW-Whitewater and former professional brewmaster in the U.S. and Europe, will teach the course.

Join us this month to learn why beer matters. Bottoms up!

Cost is just $25 for the six-week session. Register online at http://www.uww.edu/ce/beer-matters. Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu with questions. 

Gov. Evers Directs Department of Health Services to Limit Indoor Public Gatherings

(Press release) MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue Emergency Order #3 limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy. See full the order and list of exemptions here. This directive is effective at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2020, and will remain in effect until Nov. 6, 2020, and applies to any gatherings at locations that are open to the public such as stores, restaurants, and other businesses that allow public entry, as well as spaces with ticketed events. A frequently asked questions document is available for review here. “We’re in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives,” said Gov. Evers. “We are continuing to experience a surge in cases and many of our hospitals are overwhelmed, and I believe limiting indoor public gatherings will help slow the spread of this virus. Folks, we need your help and we need all Wisconsinites to work together during this difficult time. The sooner we get control of this virus, the sooner our economy, communities, and state can bounce back.” Earlier today, the governor also announced an additional $100 million in support for Wisconsin’s small businesses, including lodging, event venues, and others in the tourism industry, who are struggling in the wake of the pandemic without additional federal supports. “The unfortunate reality is this: the disease activity level of COVID-19 in Wisconsin is so high that going to a gathering puts you at very high risk of exposure,” said DHS Secretary-designee Palm. “We know gatherings are a key way this virus spreads, so we must act to limit indoor gatherings to stop the spread, reduce illness, and save lives.” Today, DHS reported an increase of 2,020 confirmed cases of COVID-19; 18 new deaths, and the seven-day average of new daily COVID-19 cases is 2,346 up from 836 one month ago. According to DHS’ Disease Activity dashboard and as of Sept. 30, 2020, 45 of Wisconsin counties meet the threshold of a very high disease activity level, which means that there are more than 350 cases per 100,000 people in that county. All other counties reported high case activity levels. This means Wisconsinites should assume they will likely be exposed to the virus if they leave home and should practice all safety precautions. Wisconsinites should take the following steps to stay safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19:Stay home whenever possible; Wear a mask; Wash your hands frequently; If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested; Get the flu shot to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic;Challenge misinformation and talk to friends and families about the importance of these safety precautions. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is excited to again be hosting the annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Presenters include Whitewater City Manager Cameron Clapper and Whitewater Unified School District Administrator Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty.

Due to COVID-19, this event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: https://zoom.us/j/95439454509?pwd=WnFpbnlLbEtVazE5WHVzZmFCc0FaUT09 – Passcode: 119066.

Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 954 3945 4509, Passcode: 119066#. This event will be recorded and afterwards will be made available to the public.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

BACKGROUND

Meals will be offered to all students — both learning in person and those learning virtually.

For the remainder of calendar year 2020, as long as the funding is available from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), meals will be provided at no charge to all children up to age 18 even if not enrolled in WUSD and students enrolled in school if over age 18.

IN PERSON LEARNING DAYS

Elementary (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)

Bus riders will arrive at noon. Students walking to school or being dropped off by a parent/guardian and eating school lunch should arrive at noon (12:00 p.m.).

Students will go to the cafeteria to get their meal and return to their classroom to eat the meal.

Middle School

Students will get their meal from the cafeteria and spread out among the cafeteria, gym, and outside areas (weather dependent).

High School

Students will get their meal from the MPR and spread out in and around the MPR.

VIRTUAL LEARNING DAYS

Kindergarten – 12th Grade

Families will have the opportunity to order to-go meals (breakfast and/or lunch) on a weekly or daily basis. The meals can be picked up between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• Lakeview – Custodial door at the back of the building near the shed and dumpsters
• Lincoln – Door #7 (same side of the building as the main office)
• Washington – Kitchen door in staff parking lot
• Middle School – Custodial door in circle drive
• High School – Main door in the circle drive

You may order and pick up meals for one or more days per week. For example, you could order meals and pick them up each day of the week. Or, you could order all meals for the week on Monday, for example. In this situation, you would be receiving all the same meal item.

Meals are only available for pick up on regularly-scheduled school days.

Orders for pick up the following day must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. the day before. For example, when ordering a meal for pick up on Thursday, you must submit your order by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.

The to-go meals order form for the week of September 21 is available online via the link below:
https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service

The new order form is posted at the end of each week for the following week.

As a reminder, these meals (breakfast and lunch) are provided at no charge to students, and are available for pick up at each of our five schools between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. on school days.  These meals are available for all children up to age 18 even if not enrolled in our district and students enrolled in school if over age 18.

Students learning in person and eating breakfast and lunch at school will also receive free meals.

Meals should not be ordered online for students in grades kindergarten through 5 for days they are attending in person.  However, meals should be ordered online for middle and high school students on days they are attending in person for small group instruction.

Orders for pick up the following day must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. the day before.  For example, when ordering a meal for pick up on Thursday, you must submit your order by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Sincerely,
Lisa Griep
Food Service Supervisor

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Estimadas Familias:

El formulario de pedido de comidas para la semana del 21 de septiembre está disponible en línea a través del siguiente enlace:
https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service

El nuevo formulario de pedido se publica al final de cada semana para la semana siguiente.

Como recordatorio, estas comidas (desayuno y almuerzo) son gratuitas para los estudiantes, y están disponibles para ser recogidas en cada una de nuestras cinco escuelas entre las 12:30 y la 1:00 pm en días escolares. Estas comidas están disponibles para todos los niños hasta los 18 años de edad, incluso si no están inscritos en nuestro distrito y también para los estudiantes inscritos en la escuela si son mayores de 18 años.

Los estudiantes que estén aprendiendo en persona y desayunando y almorzando en la escuela también recibirán comidas gratis.

Las comidas no deben ser ordenadas en línea para los estudiantes en los grados de kindergarten a 5º en los días en que asisten en persona.  Sin embargo, las comidas deben ser ordenadas en línea para los estudiantes de la escuela media (middle school) y preparatoria (high school) en los días que asisten en persona para la instrucción de grupos pequeños.

Las órdenes para ser recogidas al día siguiente deben ser sometidas antes de las 10:00 a.m. del día anterior.  Por ejemplo, cuando ordene una comida para ser recogida el jueves, debe entregar su pedido antes de las 10:00 am del miércoles.

Sinceramente,
Lisa Griep
Supervisora de Servicios de Alimentación

Carol McCormick wrote on September 15, “With the drawdown of Trippe Lake, the vegetation has evolved from lily pads and algae to a type of prairie flower. Shades of former landscape before impoundment? We’re hoping the DNR can enlighten us. Regardless, it’s a beautiful sight on a sunny day (finally).”

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for submitting this beautiful picture.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

Due to weather we are trying again.
Rummage Sale
189B Bluff Ridge Dr Apt 101
Friday 9/18 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clothes: Boys 7/8 14/16; Women’s L to 22; Men’s L to 2xl
Toys, books, household, misc other.  
Few new items were added 🙂 
Masks appreciated

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
September 14, 2020

At another three hour meeting, tonight the Whitewater Unified School District board approved the recommendation of District Administrator Caroline Pate-Hefty to follow through with the tentative plan agreed to on August 10 to return to full face-to-face instruction effective September 28. After the meeting parents of all district children were emailed an announcement (reproduced at the bottom of this article) which includes a survey to be returned by this Friday, September 18 in which they will indicate whether the student(s) in their family will be attending school virtually or in-person, Monday through Friday. This choice will be effective through the end of the semester on January 21. The district’s expectation is that approximately 70% will choose the in-person option. Parents whose children may have difficulty adapting fully to either of these options due to disabilities or medical situations are encouraged to contact an administrator at their school to discuss possible accommodations. Due to the plan to maintain as much distancing as possible within the buses, parents are encouraged to provide transportation to/from school if at all possible.

On August 24 the board had adopted the revised school reopening guidance from Jefferson County Health Department, which is based on the Harvard School of Public Health recommendations. This guidance utilizes daily case incidence instead of positivity rates. Dr. Pate-Hefty acknowledged to the board at tonight’s meeting that the COVID-19 Risk Level based on case incidence in the three counties is currently at “Orange,” which is high risk. This Whitewater Banner post gives details regarding these recommendations, which at the orange level includes continuing with virtual learning for all students in grades 9-12. In a conversation with Dr. Pate-Hefty after the meeting this writer expressed the view that, given the current rapidly increasing level of positive test results in Whitewater, it is possible that the balanced case incidence metric might by September 23 enter the “Red,” very high risk level, wherein the Jefferson County model recommends all virtual instruction. Pate-Hefty indicated that the board had confirmed that, while they would be consulted in that event, it would remain their intention to continue with the September 28 plan. The forementioned communication does, however, remind parents that “following Health Department guidance, there may be occasions where specific students, entire classrooms, or an entire school may need to shift to virtual learning.”

Initially the board had limited public comment to one hour, but when that time limit was reached they agreed to hear the remaining five individuals whose “hands” were raised. A large portion of the callers argued for a return to full face-to-face instruction. Some indicated that the virtual instruction being provided now was superior to that in the spring, but others stated that it had been essentially ineffective for their learners. Some parents acknowledged concern with the risks involved with returning to school.

Although the board ultimately voted unanimously to support the recommended plan, several expressed significant reservations. In fact, both Casey Judd and Steve Ryan indicated that on Monday morning they had expected to vote against the plan. Mr. Ryan indicated that for him, “safety is #1,” and stated that he had been won over by the safety provisions that are planned. Mr. Judd felt that it was important to remember that there is one group that is not being given a choice, which is the teachers and other staff. Tom Ganser emphasized that the schools are trusting the parents to comply with the required precautions such as taking student temperatures each morning. Thayer Coburn expressed concern about getting hopes up, “when we’re asking five year olds to be vigilent.” Jennifer Kienbaum acknowledged that many parents and teachers are stressed and scared, but believes that the district can be successful, since other districts are making it work.

Near the end of the meeting school administrators acknowledged that there have been challenges related to providing sufficient staffing. 175 elementary students are already participating in the fully virtual option, and the expectation is that this number will rise even further. Consequently the administration requested, and the board authorized, three additional teacher positions for the virtual program, only one of which will require to be funded due to transfers. There are openings for paraprofessionals, and concern was also expressed regarding the limited supply of substitutes.

**********************************************************************************************************************

This communication was emailed to parents after the School Board meeting.

Updated WUSD Fall Instructional Plan

Beginning on Monday, September 28, the Whitewater Unified School District will offer full in-person instruction for grades 4K-12. Families will have the option of having their children attend in-person or fully virtually for the remainder of the first semester: 

100% In-Person Option
Starting September 28 
All students in grades 4K-12 may begin attending school five days per week in-person. Please note, following Health Department guidance, there may be occasions where specific students, entire classrooms, or an entire school may need to shift to virtual learning.

100% Virtual Option
Elementary Level: Through WUSD Virtual, the district provides teacher-led instruction that parallels the pacing and standards-based instruction of the in-person classroom model. Virtual instructors offer “real time” lessons and pre-recorded options, posted materials, resources, and video for students to access at their convenience.  
  
6-12 Level: Students choosing virtual instruction are assigned courses through a virtual program. This standards-based curriculum is aligned with district in-person instruction. A course instructor and a support coach are assigned to each student to monitor academic progress and offer support as needed.  

What Should You Do Next? 
Fill out the survey linked here:  https://forms.gle/Wb7Ho5Fui3BBswHT6
Select your model option starting September 28, 2020 as soon as possible.

Families of students with disabilities or those requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact their school administrator.

Students requesting school bus transportation must submit the form by Friday, September 18 at 5pm.

Like us on Facebook ( Whitewater Unified School District-WUSD) for ongoing updates.

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Plan educativo de otoño del WUSD actualizado

A partir del lunes, 28 de septiembre, el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater comenzará a ofrecer instrucción completamente presencial para los grados de 4K a 12. Las familias tendrán la opción de que sus hijos asistan en persona o de forma virtual durante el resto del primer semestre:

Opción 100 % opción en persona
Comienza el 28 de septiembre
Todos los estudiantes de 4K a 12 podrían comenzar a asistir a la escuela cinco días a la semana de manera presencial. Tenga en cuenta que, siguiendo la guía del Departamento de Salud, puede haber ocasiones en las que ciertos estudiantes específicos, aulas enteras o la escuela entera puedan necesitar cambiar al aprendizaje virtual.

Opción 100 % virtual
Nivel primario: A través del WUSD Virtual, el distrito proporciona instrucción dirigida por el maestro al mismo ritmo y con los mismos contenidos educativos del modelo de clase presencial. Los instructores virtuales ofrecen lecciones en “tiempo real” y opciones pregrabadas, materiales publicados, recursos y videos para que los estudiantes accedan a ellas según su conveniencia. 

Nivel de 6 a 12: Los estudiantes que elijan la instrucción virtual serán asignados a cursos basados en un programa virtual. Este plan de estudio va de acuerdo a los estándares educativos de la instrucción presencial del distrito. Se asignará un instructor de curso y un instructor de apoyo a cada estudiante para supervisar el progreso académico y ofrecer el apoyo que sea necesario. 

¿Qué debe hacer a continuación?
Complete la encuesta,que se puede acceder en: https://forms.gle/Wb7Ho5Fui3BBswHT6 
Elija el modelo de educación que comenzará el 28 de septiembre de 2020 lo antes posible.

Se anima a las familias de estudiantes con discapacidades o que requieran adaptaciones a que se comuniquen con el director de su escuela.

Los estudiantes que soliciten transporte en autobús escolar deben enviar el formulario antes del viernes 18 de septiembre a las 5 pm. 

Dé “Me gusta” en Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater en Facebook para recibir actualizaciones periódicas.