Parent Update 25-26

Chad Hayes - Dean of Students

Student Attendance Rewards

We’re happy to share that we will have a Trimester 2 Attendance Reward Program and we’d love your partnership in helping students feel motivated and supported each day. Students who earn 95% attendance (no lates or unexcused attendance) for trimester 2 will have a chance to win a prize. We know that consistent attendance helps students feel connected, confident, and successful, and this is a wonderful opportunity to cheer them on together. Thank you for all you do to encourage your child—your support truly makes a difference.

Attendance Office

Families are reminded to report all student absences by calling the Attendance Office at 920-262-7537 and leaving a message. The Attendance Office voicemail is monitored continually throughout the day. Consistent attendance is essential for student success, so we appreciate your support in ensuring your student arrives on time each day.

WUSD ACCEPTABLE REASONS FOR ABSENCES:

In accordance with Wisconsin Statue 118.15(3)(b), students will be excused from school attendance by the designated attendance officer for the following reasons if such absence is with knowledge and approval of the student’s parent or legal guardian:

Personal illness (a medical excuse may be required for more than three (3) consecutive days of illness)
Severe illness or death in the family
Religious observance
Impassable roads or extreme weather conditions
Required court appearance
Health appointments
Post-High School Exploration

Junior and senior students are permitted two (2) post-high school exploration visits per school year, provided appropriate documentation of the visit is submitted to the Attendance Office. Students may use this option for college visits, meetings with military recruiters, or job-shadowing opportunities. Additional days may be granted with administration approval.

Special cases at the discretion of the Principal

Vacation
Job Interview

Parent/guardian notification is required if the student is absent from school. In addition to the reasons above, and according to State Statute, 118.15(3)(c), a student who is excused in writing by his/her parent/guardian before an absence occurs will be excused from school. A parent/guardian may not excuse a student under this paragraph for more than ten (10) days per school year. Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide a medical or other documented excuse for their son/daughter’s absence whenever possible.

Students whose absence from school is excused by the attendance officer or parent will be provided with the opportunity to complete coursework assigned during the absence, as well as take any trimester or grading period examinations or other assessments.

PROCEDURES FOR EXCUSING ABSENCES:

1. Absences shall be reported to the high school attendance personnel by telephone the day of the absence (midnight).

2. Medical excuse must be presented to the high school attendance office within 24 hours of the absence.

If this method for excusing absences is not followed, the student will be referred to an associate principal who will provide a consequence to the student. A student will be considered truant and cannot be excused by a parent or guardian when the student is absent due to non-Board approved reasons.

A friendly reminder to all of our families as well as student drivers to practice safe driving habits, especially around the drop off and pick up times before as well as after school. Being especially safe around buses is imperative given the heavy amount of traffic. Thanks to everyone for their safe driving habits!

The 2025-2026 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: https://bit.ly/4rllaIP. The WHS order number is 3818 (if needed).

This year, the yearbook fee will be $55. This is the only way to purchase a yearbook for this school year. Please plan accordingly as no extra yearbooks will be ordered.

Junior ACT Sunday Prep Opportunities

WHS will host ACT prep courses for Science, and Math on Sunday afternoons in February and March. Students can sign up for an individual course for a fee of $12 per course. To secure a spot, please register with Mrs. Klinger in the Bookkeeping Office. A minimum of 12 students is needed to avoid cancellation. Refunds will only be issued if the school cancels the sessions. The dates and times for each course are as follows: