Statement of Philosophy * Definition of Co-Curricular Activities * Athletic Offerings * Clubs and Organizations

Statement of Philosophy

Co-curricular activities are an integral and valuable part of a student’s high school experience, and Waunakee High School is committed to sponsoring a wide variety of such activities. Waunakee High School recognizes that participation in a co-curricular activity is a privilege offered to its students. While difficult to measure, the educational value of co-curricular participation is extensive. Students not only develop physical, mental, and social skills, but also positive values and attitudes that they will take with them into their adult life.

All organized activities in life - be they work, play, or school related - place expectations upon participants. The co-curricular handbook details these expectations as they pertain to all co-curricular participation at Waunakee High School. Participation in activities is a privilege earned, in part, by accepting and following the regulations contained in the co-curricular handbook.

Definition of Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities at Waunakee High School are defined as those activities in which students serve, perform, or compete as representatives of Waunakee High School. All students who participate in the various categories of activities or any additions arerequired to abide by the co-curricular handbook. 

• Cheerleading: At WHS, workshops and tryouts are held for students interested in cheerleading. We encourage active participation from both boys and girls in our cheerleading program. Other activities cheerleaders are involved in are: organizing pep rallies, attending workshops and contests, maintaining crowd control, and generally promoting school spirit.
• Drama Club: The Drama Club is open to any student who is interested in theater.  Each year Drama Club members fill cast and crew positions for the one-act play, the all school play or the musical.
• Equestrian Team: Coach T.B.D.
• Forensics: The Forensics Program provides students with a variety of opportunities to showcase their speaking talents. Students compete in original speaking, oral interpretation, and play-acting categories.   The emphasis in forensics is on personal growth in communication skills.
• Music: WHS offers a varied music program including both a school year and summer program. Students interested in music may choose offerings that include Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Solo and Ensemble and Swing Choir.
• Dance Team: Dance Team is a co-curricular activity consisting of 16-20 girls who perform dance routines during the half time of basketball games and before wrestling matches. Tryouts for Dance Team are held in the spring for the following year. Practices begin in September and run through February.

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Athletics

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Clubs and Organizations

These activities usually meet one Friday a month from 8:00-8:30 a.m. Listen to morning announcements to determine when the organization is meeting.

• Art Club: Kayla Proctor, Advisor - The Art Club provides an opportunity for students who are interested in art to share experiences. The club encourages appreciation of art for the individual, the school and the community by sponsoring art exhibits, art fairs, service projects and annual Youth Art Month events. The highlight of the year is a club field trip to a place of special art interest, such as Chicago, Minneapolis or Milwaukee. (Note: Enrollment in art is not a requirement).  
• Culture Club: Carol Brey, Advisor – Culture Club is dedicated to exposing the community of Waunakee High School to the multitude of cultures throughout the world. Students participate in multicultural activities and coordinate Culture Week for the whole school. Students also undertake philanthropic activities to benefit our community and the world.
• DECA “An Association of Marketing Students”: Sandra Meinholz, Advisor - Membership in the Waunakee DECA chapter is mandatory for seniors involved in the marketing program and voluntary for juniors in the program. DECA is a leadership organization for students preparing business/marketing careers. Members are involved in competition with other high school students at the local, state and national levels.
• Future Home Workers of America/Home Economics Related Occupations: Amy Neitzel, Advisor - This is a youth group that works in conjunction with family/consumer education classes. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills and personal growth. The members carry out many projects in the school and community. Membership is open to anyone who has had one semester of F/CE or is currently enrolled in an F/CE course.
• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): Michelle McGlynn, Advisor - Future Business Leaders of America is an organization open to any student who has completed a business course. Highlights include participation in local, state and national competitions in business related events, fund raising events, and social and recreational activities. Activities are organized and run by the membership and appointed leadership team. 
• French Club: Pam Parker, Advisor -French Club is open to any interested high school student. Highlights of the program include: participation in Homecoming, Christmas caroling, International Cafe and cooking of French cuisine.
• FFA: Nick Brattlie & Rhonda Knapp, Advisors - Membership in the Waunakee FFA Chapter is mandatory and exclusive for all students of Vocational Agriculture. The Waunakee FFA Chapter is involved in international, national, state and local activities. It is a leadership organization for students preparing for careers in agri-business, agri-industry, and production agriculture. The chapter program of work emphasizes leadership, proficiency awards, achievement awards, degree recognition, judging contests, parliamentary procedure contests, occupational experiences, educational field trips and recreational programs.
• National Honor Society (NHS): Jane Glynn, Advisor - Waunakee’s National Honor Society is a member of the National Organization which promotes, encourages, and recognizes those students who have achieved academic excellence, displayed leadership qualities, good character, and have given of their time in school and community service. Any junior or senior who has met the scholarship requirement of 3.5 GPA may apply for membership at the close of first semester.
• Pay It Forward: Corina Rogers, Advisor - Pay It Forward is a student organization that is interested in making a difference in the world and becoming civic-minded leaders.  We want to be of service to our global community and become personally involved in our world by financially assisting those in need, who will in turn benefit their communities…. Pay It Forward.  Throughout the year we sponsor a variety of fundraisers:  Annual Garage Sale, Valentine’s Day Carnation Exchange, Homecoming Spirit Bracelets, Concession Stands and more.  With the proceeds we loan money through KIVA and fund local charities and individual causes.  A major community and school collaboration is in the planning stages for the 2009-2010 school year, called an Edible Schoolyard.  We welcome you to become a member of Pay It Forward!
• Science Club: Steve Bower, Advisor -This club is open to all students who have an interest in science. The club accepts members who are willing to participate in work projects such as paper recycling at school or forestry at Schmidt’s Woods. Activities include astronomy, environmental studies, bird watching or any other science area of interest to members.
• Spanish Club: Advisor T.B.D. - Cooking Spanish/Mexican food and a trip to a Mexican restaurant in Madison are a couple of the projects of the Spanish Club. Club members determine activities. Membership is open to anyone interested in Hispanic cultures. 
• Student Council: Tim Mommaerts, Advisor - The Student Council of WHS serves as a liaison between the administration, faculty and students. They work for the welfare of all these groups. Representatives are elected in the spring from each class. In addition, each qualified club may send a representative to any student council meeting. Student Council sponsors dances, are responsible for the soda and juice machines, assist at various events and try to reflect the opinions of the majority of the student body.
• Skills USA Club: Ryan Ubersox, Advisor - Skills USA Club is a nationwide organization serving any interested industrial education student. Skills USA Club students are involved in competitive events, activities and leadership conferences.