WHITNALL SCHOOL DISTRICT | ISSUE 3 | VOL 3 |SUMMER 2014

The Viewpoint CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION SINCE 1960

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PAGE1 2 3 4 5 7Choosing

WhitnallSuperintendent’s Message

Classof 2014

‘Grease’ in Photos

Alumni Corner:Lisa Brescia

116th StreetConstruction

Focus on Graduation:

Continued on page 2

When Rachel Boushon was entering the fourth grade, her mother Susan decided it was time to apply for an open enrollment seat at Edgerton Elementary School. Susan herself had attended Whitnall schools while growing up and had phenomenal experiences both academically and socially.

Turns out Susan’s choice to send Rachel to Whitnall paid off big, for both the student and the District. On June 1, Rachel, along with more than 200 of her classmates, walked across the high school stage during the Class of 2014’s commencement ceremony. Rachel did so as one of only 10 high school seniors in Wisconsin with an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The enthusiastic and focused senior also was offered appointments from the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S Air Force Academy, but chose the Naval Academy based in part on her swimming background as well as time she spent at the Academy last summer during the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.

“After living there for a week and experiencing what life would be like in the Navy, I realized I would have the most opportunities at USNA in regard to academics as well as job opportunities upon graduation,” Rachel says. “After the initial shock (of acceptance into the Academy) wore off, I did an extremely embarrassing victory dance. I am really relieved no one was there to see that.”

That victory dance was a long time in the making. The application process alone felt like a full-time job, Rachel says. In addition to her regular coursework, she had to write countless essays, complete several medical tests, and take the

A Destination DistrictPA

GE 6 Whitnall Block Party

Dr. Lowell E. Holtz, Superintendent

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GRADUATION, from Page 1

Registration and Open Enrollment information can be found by clicking the

“ENROLLMENT” tab at www.whitnall.com.

The end of the school year is often filled with a lot of excitement, but it also brings varying degrees of uncertainty and change.

At home, routines that have been in place for months are disrupted. Students celebrate their accomplishments from the fall, winter and spring and spend the summer anxious to start the next grade level, or move on to a new school. Our graduates — more than 200 of them this year — have perhaps the biggest change of all ahead of them, whether it be college, tech school, the military or the workforce. And don’t forget about their parents, some of whom will soon have an empty home for the first time in 18 years.

In our schools, longtime educators and employees retire, leaving behind a legacy of helping young children grow into young men and women. Other teachers move on to new opportunities, and newcomers slide into their place, using the summer to prepare for the challenges and excitement that comes with being a teacher in the 21st century.

Change can be scary, but it truly is part of our everyday life. Most of the time, we like what we are used to. Familiarity brings a level of comfort, and when change is introduced, the natural reaction is to resist. Some parents have a hard time signing up their “babies” for 4K because they’re growing up too fast. Graduates sometimes second-guess their college choice. And occasionally, retired teachers come back as substitutes.

In a school district, change that improves opportunities for our children is good, but not always easy. There will certainly be noticeable changes in the District next fall. We’re bringing on board instructional coaches, who will help our staff continue to develop new skills and strategies. Our new K-12 coordinators will ensure curriculum is aligned between our earliest learners to our experienced students. And there will be new teachers, athletic coaches, staff, clubs and more.

The type of change we introduce into the District is built upon a tradition of excellence that community members have a right to expect. And though some changes might be a bit scary on the surface, we are excited about the possibilities that will exist for our students, our staff and our community. We hope you are, too.

Sincerely,

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGENavy’s Candidate Fitness Assessment. On weekends, she’d drive for hours to get to candidate interviews.

“Every year, we have several students like Rachel who put a lot of extra work and energy into their academics and college preparation,” WHS principal Jackie Winter says. “Rachel is an example of how all that hard work pays off.”

Now that she’s been accepted, Rachel has plenty to look forward to. A career at the Office of Naval Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency, or any number of other opportunities could await her. That’s exciting to Rachel, but so, too, is what’s immediately in front of her.

“I'm excited to be going to school with such wonderful and kind individuals, as well as attending an institution that will lend me the skills necessary to protect our country and ultimately make the world a better place,” she says.

Rachel no doubt will have many big decisions to make in the years to come that could steer her life in many different directions, just as Susan’s choice to send Rachel to Whitnall did several years ago.

“Whitnall did a wonderful job preparing us for life beyond high school,” says Rachel, adding that her rigorous class schedule taught her time management skills and prepared her for college courses.

“(But) my favorite part about Whitnall through the years has been how much the teachers care about you, both personally and academically. They are extremely understanding, fair and dedicated. They all seem to truly enjoy what they do.”

Want to be a Whitnall Falcon?

Rachel Boushon (middle), a 2014 Whitnall graduate, is attending the United States Naval Academy next fall.

Dr. Lowell Holtz

IT’S AN EXCITING TIME

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Class of 2014VALEDICTORIAN

SALUTATORIAN

Name: Emily BoehmElementary school: Hales Corners ElementaryCollege: Brigham Young UniversityGPA: 4.548Favorite teachers: Mark Nowakowski, WHS; Kim Kenaston, HCETop Whitnall memory: bonding with a new friend during a digital arts class her sophomore year

Name: Krista StriblingElementary school: Edgerton ElementaryCollege: Valparaiso UniversityGPA: 4.520Favorite teacher: Brenda Hojnacki, WHSTop Whitnall memory: her younger sister’s emotional speech delivered on senior night of the girls basketball season

The Whitnall High School 2014 graduating class of 205 students celebrated its commencement in the school’s gymnasium June 1. The class included 82 students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and 55 National Honor Society members. The students earned a combined $2 million in scholarships to attend more than two dozen different colleges and universities. Many others are heading to technical schools, joining the service or entering the workforce.

The cast and crew of the Whitnall High School drama department put on one of the more memorable shows in the school’s recent history when it performed Grease: The Musical to near sellout crowds March 20-23.

4Photos courtesy of Frenn Photography.

Whitnall Wows With ...

By the Numbers More than 2,000 people enjoyed Grease this

spring, including a full house at the special senior citizens’ dinner-and-show event.

The production earned 10 Tommy Awards. More than 60 students — actors, set designers,

musicians, and more — participated in the show.

More than 75 period costumes and 40 wigs were used.

The show featured 200 light changes, 18 moving lights and a six-piece band.

Amazingly, students needed just six weeks of rehearsal.

WHO: Lisa BresciaTHEN: Before graduating from WHS in 1988, she dreamed of being a performing artist in theater, as an actor and singer, “though to be honest, I never actually believed it would

happen. Confidence was hard-won for this humble and inhibited mid-Western girl.”NOW: The successful Broadway and regional theatre actor will complete her Master of Fine Arts in Classical Acting degree at George Washington University this summer in a program affiliated with the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C.FIRST PRODUCTION: The Music Man, when “I was in eighth grade, and the production used middle school students, and I was lucky enough to play Amaryllis. I remember feeling tremendously intimidated by the talented high school juniors and seniors in the leading roles. They all seemed so sophisticated and skilled.”FAVORITE ROLE: “I always like to say my favorite role is the one I'm currently playing, but a few favorites come to mind: Amneris in Elton John's AIDA and Elphaba in Wicked. They both undergo radical internal transformations. Amneris grows from a shallow, spoiled princess into a powerful, merciful queen. Elphaba takes a hero's journey in Wicked, which is such a joy to do as an actor, and then to have the chance to sing Stephen Schwartz's brilliant score was like living in musical theater heaven for a spell, no pun intended.”ADVICE: “Pursue the best possible training programs you can find, and fully invest in the hard work the profession requires. Treat the training as you would treat law school; take it seriously. The best actors in the world never stop striving to improve. Set your personal work standards high. And be kind to yourself and to other artists, for the industry can often be cruel.” FAVORITE WHITNALL MEMORY: “Any time spent with my best girlfriend, Julie Acker. She was my lifeline during those years, and we are still extremely close today. I also have very fond memories of my teachers. They were patient and kind to me, even when I fell short as a student, which was too often the case. But I shall not forget their gentle encouragement and generosity.”

5Do you know a former Whitnall student, teacher or administrator who should be featured in the Alumni Corner? Email suggestions to dcotey@whitnall.com.

Want Whitnall High School sports schedules? Go to

whs.whitnallschools.com.

Alumni CornerCongratulations• The Whitnall High School

powerlifting team (top) won a record sixth straight state title.

• Several Whitnall athletes were on the state title-winning Parkway Patriots rugby squad (middle).

• Elisabeth Jarosinski (bottom) helped the Franklin-Muskego-Oak Creek-Whitnall gymnastics team win its fourth consecutive WIAA state title.

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In Our Schools ...

Our students learn how to turn their trash into art, like when students at Edgerton Elementary made large murals out of bottle caps and lids.

Even our youngest students get to experience the power of technology as a learning tool.

Sometimes our students become the teachers, like when Whitnall High School anatomy and physiology students dissected sheep eyes with elementary students.

Our students visit some amazing places, not only locally, but as far away as Washington, D.C., as part of one of the Whitnall Middle School’s annual school trips.

Fresh off its successful run of Grease, the Whitnall Drama Department has launched a youth theatre program that will produce Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. this summer.

Dozens of district students of all ages will rehearse all summer before putting on two shows: 6:30 p.m., Aug. 1, and 2 p.m. Aug. 2, both in the Whitnall High School Auditorium. Ticket information will be available later this summer at www.whitnall.com.

The annual Whitnall Block Party, held on South 116th Street between Whitnall High School and Whitnall Middle School, is slated for noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

The event is open to the entire community and features games, food, inflatables and a showcase of Whitnall school groups and organizations. Interested in being a sponsor or helping with planning? Contact Mike Seavert at mseavert@whitnall.com or Cheryl Baker at cherylbaker@wi.rr.com. More information to come.

Whitnall Block Party: Save the DateYouth Theatre Making Debut This

Summer with ‘Little Mermaid’

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‘Like’ Us, Follow UsGreat things happen in Whitnall schools every day, but don’t wait for the Viewpoint to find out about them. The district provides daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, the district website and various community blogs.

For more information, email dcotey@whitnall.com.

www.facebook/whitnallschools

twitter.com/WhitnallSchools

Christine Gilles, WHSMary Mendygral, WMSMary M. Miller, WHSSandra Nichols, EESDiane Olsen, HCE

NEW COACH: Whitnall’s new varsity football coach is Jared McGranahan, who was hired in April after coaching at Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Wis.

The City of Greenfield is expected to repave 116th Street from July 7 through Aug. 9. The project will provide much-needed repairs and should create a safer school zone for students and staff traveling between Whitnall’s high school and middle school.

The design consists of school zone signage, curbing to pinch off the far right lane to eliminate through traffic at or near crosswalks and two speed tables, which are large speed bumps. In addition, the main crosswalk between the high school and middle school will be moved to the north for safer pedestrian crossing at arrival and dismissal times. Signs will also be installed marking the school zone with speed monitors and solar-powered flashing school zone signs.

During construction, high school visitors are asked to enter on the north drive to bypass the majority of the roadwork. The main entrance will remain open, but the furthest south drive will be reworked and not usable until the project is complete. Middle school traffic should follow designated routes through construction to gain access to the building.

Thank you in advance for your patience as we work with the city to improve safety for the students, staff and the Whitnall community.

Facelift for 116th Street

15 Years of ServiceAaron Bieniek, WHSAmy Busateri, WHSBrian Carel, WMSMary Geraghty-Podlaski, EESBrenda Hojnacki, WHSJulie Janick, HCEPamela Konczak, EESSteven Kujawa, WHSSusan Rice, HCEMichael Thompson, WMSSteve Wilson, WMSLisa Yahnke, HCEBarb Zagrodnik, HCE

25 Years of ServiceLisa Kussler, WHSKristine Niewolny, EESMark Nowakowski, WHSNora Revoir, WHSNancy Sarnow, WHSSarah Stoll, HCEJulie Tieman, HCE

2014 RetireesDiana Rathmann, EESKathleen Rose, WHSCarol Semenuk, WMSDawn Szczepkowski, EES

Employee Recognition

Years of service employees at a recognition ceremony May 22.

The ViewpointWhitnall School DistrictCommunity Newsletter

5000 S. 116th StreetGreenfield, WI 53228Ph. 414-525-8400

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDMilwaukee, WIPermit No. 1

Newsletter feedback? Send to dcotey@whitnall.com.To reach a Board of Education member or the Superintendent call:LuAnn Bird....................................Quin Brunette................................Jonathan Cagle.............................Jon D. Jones ................................Stephanie Richter..........................Eileen Valaitis................................Nancy Zaborowski.........................Dr. Lowell Holtz, Superintendent...

414-235-8310414-550-5633773-756-8580414-678-9788262-844-2997414-510-5777414-427-9604414-525-8411

The Whitnall School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap as required by WI Statute 118.12.

June 23 School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

JUNE

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Aug. 11 School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 19-20 New staff orientationNew staff orientation

Aug. 22 Football season opener (home vs. Slinger)Football season opener (home vs. Slinger)Football season opener (home vs. Slinger)

Aug. 25 School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 25-28 Staff development daysStaff development days

Aug. 26 WHS back-to-school open house, 6 p.m.WHS back-to-school open house, 6 p.m.WHS back-to-school open house, 6 p.m.

Sept. 1 Labor Day

Sept. 2 First day of schoolFirst day of school

Sept. 8 School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Whitnall Block Party, noon to 7 p.m.Whitnall Block Party, noon to 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 No school; School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.No school; School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.No school; School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 Homecoming football game, 7 p.m.Homecoming football game, 7 p.m.

JULY

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Congratulations to (L-R) Jonathan Cagle, Nancy Zaborowski, and Jon D. Jones, winners of the Whitnall School Board spring election in April.

Zaborowski, who has been the Board’s clerk, vice president and president, earned a third term. Cagle and Jones are Board newcomers and replaced T.J. Anderson and Bernard Shaw, who served the Board a combined 15 years.

In other Board news, LuAnn Bird was elected by her peers to serve a one-year term as the School Board president. Eileen Valaitis is the vice president, Stephanie Richter is the treasurer and Quin Brunette is the clerk.

Zaborowski Retains Board

Seat, Joined by Cagle, Jones

July 14 School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

July 16 WHS fall athletic meeting, 6 p.m.WHS fall athletic meeting, 6 p.m.

July 28 School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.