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Teachers and students highlight Hispanic Heritage events, clubs and Best Buddies at Waunakee board meeting
Summary
Teachers and student representatives reported on classroom celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month, flexible online parent‑teacher conferences, proposals for year‑long professional development about AI, and student activities including FFA, student council events and a growing Best Buddies chapter now at over 70 members.
Three middle‑school teacher representatives and two student presenters spoke to the Waunakee Community School District Board about classroom activities, club events and student‑led programs.
Ellen Willett, an eighth‑grade Spanish teacher, said schools had been ‘‘doing quite a bit to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month’’ and praised ‘‘flexibility with parent teacher conferences’’ that allowed online meetings and helped families with multiple students. Willett also thanked Kurt Ealy for covering the Inclusive Homecoming Freshman Dinner, which she said helped “take pressure off that event and make it fun for the freshmen.”
Autumn (last name not provided), a middle‑school English teacher, said the staff is ‘‘excited to learn more about, in progress administrative conversations related to increasing efficiency of the district's complex transportation system, and also proposals for district wide year long PD opportunities, specifically around, the use of AI in schools.’’
Student reporters Abigail and Alina reviewed athletics and clubs: cross country conference competition, girls’ golf and tennis individual qualifiers for state, boys volleyball and many fall sports in season. They said student council is running a blood drive on Oct. 29, FFA members will attend the national convention in Indiana, and school clubs raised funds and volunteered in recent community events.
In the Warrior Spotlight, Dominic, a senior and officer of the Future Educators Club, described the club’s activities, membership of roughly 45 students and plans for college tours and a Teach Day event; he said the club helps students explore education careers and participate in youth apprenticeship placements in elementary schools. Laurie Garrett, communications officer for Best Buddies, said the club has grown from under 20 members at its start three years ago to over 70 members and described inclusive activities such as games, sign language basics, use of communication devices and events like making Mother’s Day flower pots.
Administrators and board members praised the student presentations and noted Best Buddies’ apparent impact on school climate, with staff describing increased inclusion at lunch tables and in hallways. Board members thanked presenters and advisors and presented tokens of appreciation to student guests.
No board action was required for the reports.
