The WMS Minute

Calendar Items
9/23: Cross Country vs Bigfoot (Away @ Duck Pond Recreational Park) 4:00pm Start
9/24: 7th Grade Volleyball vs Johnson Creek (Home) 4:00pm Start
9/24: 8th Grade Volleyball vs Johnson Creek (Home) 5:00pm Start
9/25: Middle School Matters Presentation (New WMS Parents/Guardians) 5:30pm Start
9/26: 7th Grade Volleyball vs Fort Atkinson (Away @ Fort Atkinson Middle School) 4:00pm Start
9/26: 8th Grade Volleyball vs Fort Atkinson (Home) 4:00pm Start
10/1: Cross Country vs Multiple Schools (Away @ Jefferson Golf Course) 4:00pm Start
10/1: 7th Grade Volleyball vs Jefferson (Away @ Jefferson Middle School) 4:00pm Start
10/1: 8th Grade Volleyball vs Jefferson (Home) 4:00pm Start
10/3: 7th Grade Volleyball vs Lake Mills (Home) 4:00pm Start
10/3: 8th Grade Volleyball vs Lake Mills (Away @ Lake Mills Middle School) 4:00pm Start
Dear New WMS Parents and Guardians,
At Whitewater Middle School, we want to partner with YOU to help your child succeed! We have planned a series of gatherings called “Middle School Matters” for you to learn more about WMS, hear about crucial strategies for middle school success, and meet other parents/guardians. We are planning to provide an interpreter for our Spanish-speaking parents/guardians. Please mark these dates on your calendar and join us from 5:30-6:15pm:
Wednesday, September 25 (5:30-6:15pm. Follow the signs to our meeting room.)
Tuesday, October 29 (5:30-6:15pm)
Monday, November 18 (5:30-6:15pm)
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (5:30-6:15pm)
On September 25th, we will share why it is important for your student to be prepared for class every day. We will also share how you can help your middle schooler be more organized for academic success, discuss school safety, the WMS Student/Parent Handbook, and how we are utilizing digital hall passes in our classrooms this year. Bring your questions! Topics for the remaining gatherings will be shared as we near those dates.
We are excited to partner with YOU for the success of our students. See you on September 25th!
Junior Whippets Basketball
R E G I S T R A T I O N D E A D L I N E I S
O C T O B E R 1 S T . A N Y Q U E S T I O N S,
P L E A S E C O N T A C T U S A T :
J R W H I P P E T S B A S K E T B A L L @ G M A I L . C O M
E L U L T I M O D I A P A R A
I N S C R I B I R S E E S E L
1 D E O C T U B R E . S I T I E N E
P R E G U N T A S , C O N T À C T E N O S A :
J R W H I P P E T S B A S K E T B A L L @ G M A I L . C O M
Attention 8th Graders and Parents!!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure in 2025! We’re excited to offer you an incredible opportunity to explore two of the most iconic cities in the United States—Washington DC and New York City!
Imagine walking through the halls of the Capitol, visiting the National Mall, and experiencing the rich history of our nation's capital. Then picture yourself taking in the dazzling lights of Times Square, exploring world-class museums, and enjoying a Broadway show in the Big Apple.
Why should you sign up now?
- Early Bird Savings: Book your spot now to lock in our special early bird rate! Prices will increase soon, so don’t miss out on this chance to save.
- Exclusive Access: Enjoy guided tours, hands-on experiences, and unique activities that you won’t find anywhere else. This is more than just a trip—it’s an adventure!
- Lasting Memories: Make new friends, learn about American history, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Secure your place today and ensure you’re part of this amazing summer journey!
Act fast— the early bird rate won’t last long. Reserve your spot before the price increases and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
For more information and to sign up, visit: www.efexploreamerica.com/2690896PD
Let’s make summer 2025 one to remember!
#DCtoNYC2025 #SummerAdventure #EarlyBirdSpecial
(Written with help from ChatGPT)
See Mrs. Fanshaw in 8th Grade with any questions.
Attendance Matters
Click below to view the WMS Attendance newsletter for August!
Help Support WMS & WWUSD!
- Shop the Whitewater Apparel Store - Closes September 15th at 11:59 pm
- Support the PTO through Boxtops for Education
Get Connected & Stay Connected
Whippet Code
Be Respectful!
Listen and follow directions
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Treat school property appropriately
Use appropriate school language
Use good manners
Be Responsible!
Follow school rules
Be in control of your body and words
Accept responsibility for your actions
Keep our building clean
Go directly to your destination
Be a Learner!
Always try your best
Bring your materials to class every day
Be an active learner
Be prepared to learn every day
Be on time
PTO Information
Explore 4-H Night
The Family Corner
Social Emotional Learning
Information on our SEL Screener
The BASC-BESS (Behavioral and Emotional Screening System) offers a reliable, quick, and systematic way to determine behavioral and emotional strengths and weaknesses of children and adolescents in preschool through high school. Our district has chosen to screen students in grades 4-11. The middle school will be administering the fall screener on Mon., Oct. 14, and Tues., Oct. 15, during PE classes. Our student services team will administer the middle school screener and review the data to best support all of our students. If you have questions about the BASC-BESS, or if you do not want your child to take part in this survey, please communicate with Lexey Peetz, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Pupil Services (lpeetz@wwusd.org; 262-472-8707) no later than September 30th, 2024.
New Curriculum - 7 Mindsets
The 7 Mindsets program is a web-based program that teaches students social and emotional learning skills. The program is based on the idea that success depends more on how a person thinks than what they know. The program's seven mindsets are:
- Everything is Possible: Dream big, be creative, and expect great results
- Passion First: Pursue your interests and talents
- We Are Connected: Learn to empower others and explore the connections in relationships
- 100% Accountable: Take responsibility for your own success and happiness
- Attitude of Gratitude: Be thankful for what you have and find the positive in every experience
- Live to Give: Inspire and serve others, and maximize your potential
- The Time is Now: Take action and harness the power of the moment
To learn more, visit:
Behavior Tip
Best practice responses for oppositional behaviors:
1) Avoid power struggles and having to have the last word. Often this is exactly what students who struggle with oppositional behaviors are seeking.
2) Build in choice when it's possible--choices that are reasonable and can be managed.
Example: "You get to choose problems 1, 3, 5, 7 or 2, 4, 6, and 8" OR "You can use the bathroom now or at 1:45pm-you get to choose"
3) Reinforce positive behaviors FREQUENTLY
4) Create a safe "reset space"
WMS Contacts
cfountain@wwusd.org 262-472-8364
Mrs. Caitlin Dowden (Associate Principal)
dowca01@wwusd.org 262-472-8390
Mrs. Pam Hookstead (Administrative Assistant)
phookstead@wwusd.org 262-472-8360
Mrs. Erin Cruz (Attendance Secretary)
ecruz@wwusd.org 262-472-8361
Mrs. Sharine Shinkay-Astin (School Counselor)
sshinkayastin@wwusd.org 262-472-8368
Mrs. Betsy Weir-Ransavage (Behavior Interventionist)
eweirransavage@wwusd.org 262-472-8367
Mrs. Mary Geraghty (School Social Worker)
mgeraghty@wwusd.org 262-472-8115
Mr. Justin Crandall (Athletic Director)
jcrandall@wwusd.org 262-472-8105
Ms. Katelyn Huemmer (Athletic Secretary)
hueka01@wwusd.org 262-472-8108
