Parent Update 25-26

Please be advised that the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Weather Warning for our area starting late tonight through 1:00 p.m. this Friday. As a result of these dangerous conditions, we will be cancelling school and all school-related activities on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Please note that all of tonight’s after-school activities, as well as those scheduled for Saturday, January 24, will continue as planned. Attendance for these events is strictly optional for families and students; please prioritize your safety when making travel decisions. Please stay safe and stay warm, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday, January 26.

Chad Hayes - Dean of Students

As we settle back into our routines, we want to acknowledge that January can be a challenging month for student motivation and attendance. Cold weather and the post-holiday transition often lead to a dip in energy for both students and families.

At WHS, we believe that attendance follows connection. Students are most successful when they feel a sense of belonging and predictability within their school environment. This month, we are focusing on a few "strategic resets" to help every student feel at home:

Restoring Routines: We are revisiting classroom expectations and daily rhythms. Clear, predictable structures provide the emotional safety students need to transition back into academic work.
A Fresh Start: January is a clean slate. We are focusing on "positive nudges" to help every student—especially those feeling a bit "wobbly"—find their footing again.

How You Can Help

We recognize that the "January slump" is a reality for many families. If your student is feeling hesitant about attending school, we encourage you to maintain open communication with us. Whether the challenges are logistical or emotional, we are here to partner with you.

Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a school culture where every student feels they truly belong.

Thank you so much for working with your kids to complete course requests for next year. This is just a reminder that the registration window closes on Friday, January 23rd. If any changes need to be made, please reach out directly to high school counselors, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Thank you again!

Junior ACT Sunday Prep Opportunities

WHS will host ACT prep courses for Science, English, and Math on Sunday afternoons in February. Students can sign up for an individual course for a fee of $12 per course or you can bundle all three for $30. 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:

2/1/26 - ELA and Reading - 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
2/22/26 - Math - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
3/15/26 - Science - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Students in AP Environmental and Ecology Club participated in the annual Trees of Tomorrow trip in Minocqua this past weekend.

Students learned about how humans have an impact on the environment in Northern Wisconsin. Students also learned about different possible career paths related to natural resources and protecting the environment.

Elisabeth Huhn and Eleyna Stadler joined musicians from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois in the University of Dubuque Honor Band on Friday with guest clinician Dr. Nolan Hauta.

WHS Art Student Ruby Repp was awarded an Honorable Mention for the State of Wisconsin in the Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest. She will be recognized with a prize at the State Youth Art Month Celebration in Madison this March. She is seen here with her design based on this year's theme "The World Needs Art."

26-27 Course Selection Due: Friday, January 23
Trivia Night: Saturday, February 7
No School - Staff Professional Development: Monday, February 9
9th Grade Vision Screens: Thursday, February 26
End of Trimester 2: Thursday, March 5 (Full Day of Classes)
No School - Work Day: Friday, March 6
WHS Musical: Friday, March 6 - Sunday, March 8