The Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Samuel Karns, is publishing a monthly newsletter. Our apologies that The Banner is tardy in providing some of the highlights of the January newsletter, which was distributed on January 25. In addition to the items shown below, the newsletter also includes information regarding the property tax increases, the ACT high school assessment and a variety of other subjects. The complete newsletter may be viewed here.

January Highlights: A Day of Service

On January 12th our high school held its annual Day of Service — a meaningful way for students and staff to give back to the community that supports their educational journey. Projects took place at every school in the district, at Fairhaven, the Community Space, and even at the LaGrange Fire Station. More than 200 WHS students participated — it was a GREAT day to be a Whippet! A memorable moment worth sharing: I joined students at Fairhaven to make dog treats and watched them interact with residents. The joy on both the students and the resident’s faces was unforgettable. Please check out the recap video of the day below. We have several events coming up in February. Registration will open on February 1. On February 11, I will be at Cravath Lakefront Community Center to discuss the strategic plan, 4K registration and more updates, so please come out to engage. We will also be holding a Discovery Day for incoming 4K students on February 20; more information will be shared soon for these events.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Preparing and Supporting Learners for State Testing

Looking ahead, many of our students will participate in statewide assessments this Spring:

• The Wisconsin Forward Exam (for students in grades 3–8 and 10) will be administered between mid-March and late April. This assessment measures progress in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. To learn more, please access the family information flyer below by clicking the button for English or Spanish.
• Many high school students will take the pre-ACT and ACT in March as a college and career readiness evaluation. For family information on the ACT, please access the ACT high school assessment flyer below by clicking the button for English or Spanish.

These assessments provide valuable information about student learning and help our schools and staff reflect on progress and inform instruction to support all learners. At home, you can support your child’s confidence and readiness for upcoming assessments by:

• Ensuring they get adequate rest and a healthy breakfast on test days.
• Encouraging them to do their best.
• Providing reassurance that assessments are one of many tools educators use to know how to help them grow.

We deeply value the partnership between home and school. Your interest, encouragement, and support make a difference in your child’s daily learning and long-term success. Thank you for your partnership!

_______________________________________________________________________________

PupilServices

zoom_out_map

Supporting Student Mental Health at Home

Families play an important role in helping students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. While schools provide support during the day, routines and relationships at home make a powerful difference. Here are a few simple, practical ways families can support student well-being—no special training required.

Create predictable routines

Regular schedules help children and teens feel secure. Consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and homework routines can reduce stress and improve focus. Routines don’t have to be rigid—just reliable enough that students know what to expect.

Keep communication open (and low-pressure)

You don’t need the “perfect” words. Simple check-ins like “How was your day?” or “Anything on your mind?” let students know you’re available. Listening without immediately trying to fix things can be one of the most supportive responses.

Be mindful of screen time

Technology connects us, but too much screen time—especially before bed—can affect sleep and mood. Setting screen-free times (for example, during meals or before bedtime) helps students recharge and stay present.

Teach everyday stress skills

Stress is part of life, even for kids. Help students name their feelings and try simple coping strategies: take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, listen to music, or break big tasks into smaller steps. Modeling how you manage stress sends a strong message.

Notice effort, not just outcomes

Celebrate persistence, kindness, and growth—not just grades or achievements. Feeling valued for who they are helps students build confidence and resilience.

Reach out for assistance

If you have significant concerns about your child’s mental health or notice concerning changes, please reach out for help. When seeking mental health support for your child, start with their pediatrician or school counselor, provide detailed observations, and consider immediate crisis resources (such as 988) for severe symptoms; early intervention with a specialist offers the best outcomes for managing issues and building coping skills.

Finally, remember that you’re not alone. Schools and families are partners, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Together, we can help every student feel supported—at school and at home.

__________________________________________________________________________

Website Redesign

The main district website had been changed as part of our soft launch. The redesigned website includes streamlined navigation, shortcut menus for commonly accessed pages, and enhanced search functionality to help users locate information efficiently. If you have feedback and suggestions please feel free to email us at wusdallmeansallcomm@wwusd.org .

The new website may be viewed at the same link as before.