Pirate News
News and Pictures from the Land of the Pirates - Spring 2021
PWHS OFFICE REMINDERS
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm
Port Pride
A list of of students that qualify for the exam exemption will be posted outside the main office
Students need to contact the teacher of the class they want to exempt by May 28
Volunteer opportunities for 2021-22 are already listed on the google doc Port Pride Volunteer List.docx
Graduation
Graduation Ceremony is June 6 at 2pm in the gym (tickets required/limited seating)
Ceremony will be livestreamed with a link provided on the High School website.
Car Parade at 4pm through downtown - come celebrate with us
Kiwanis High Honors Celebration
Virtual this year. Enjoy the video honoring our students. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i04iySBl4as
Lions Banquet
Virtual this year. Enjoy the video honoring our students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6_5bQRkKvM
Attendance
Call 262.268.5501 or email pwhsattendance@pwssd.k12.wi.us to report an absence
PowerSchool
Download the app (enter district code QXMC)
View attendance, report cards and school fees
Announcements
Available on the school website - green tab on the right “PWHS Daily Announcements” or just click this link - PDub TV
Original announcements are available by 9:30am on Tuesday and Fridays
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION
PORT WASHINGTONPORT WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
National Honor Society Induction
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Congratulations to the following students from the Class of 2021 on their induction for the 2020/2021 school year.
Rena Ahundova ................................Nile Kuhl
Joshua Bongiorno............................Samantha Martin
Giannina Castillo Pacheco ..............Madison Polcyn
Olivia Heinecke ................................Zaara Rehman
Bryan Irish ........................................Morgan Schimke
Shannon Knowski ............................William Schowalter
Molly Korup
Congratulations to the following students from the Class of 2022 on their induction for the 2021/2021 school year
Logan Bares .....................................Claire Meeks
Quinn Barrington ..............................Camdyn Melin
Brielle Bertler ...................................Ava Mrozek
Isabelle Bright ..................................Ella Mueller
Michael Bunyan ...............................Peyton Mueller-Stenz
Morgan Canseco .............................Molly Pashak
Kate Cavanaugh ..............................Gabriel Pasten
Emily Clearwater .............................Brynn Peacock
Ella Gilhooly .....................................Jacob Peacy
Caroline Hadacek ............................Sydney Rychtik
Alyssa Hartline ................................Trevor Streiff
Emma Injeski ...................................Brayden Thompson
Oliver Juarez Wunderlin ..................Galina Vartanova
Samuel Linstroth .............................Katherine Wagner
Walker Malouf .................................Maria Wichmann
Lucas McCaman ..............................Payton Yellen
Shannon McConahy ........................Masud Zulfakar
Bethany McKinney
What is the National Honor Society?
The National Honor Society (NHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1921. Learn more about these four pillars of membership below.
Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NHS activities. NHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, Canada, and around the world. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
The National Honor Society is built on FOUR PILLARS. All NHS members are expected to uphold these qualities:
CHARACTER
NHS students uphold principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others.
SCHOLARSHIP
NHS students have and will maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.55 or higher.
LEADERSHIP
NHS students are leaders who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life.
SERVICE
NHS students voluntarily contributes to his or her school and community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.
MUSICAL
The cast was challenged with bringing forth the honest feelings and opinions of real people interviewed by author Studs Terkel.
The basic message was that everyone needs to be validated.
As the song said "Everyone should have something to point to".
The cast did a great job singing, dancing and acting their roles and were grateful for the opportunity. We couldn't be more proud of this year's cast and crew....What an outstanding performance!!!
BAND & CHOIR OUTDOOR CONCERT
KEY CLUB
Key Club has been going strong all year! This Spring we helped our Port Washington Kiwainis Club put on the Hippity Hop community event at Easter. We stuffed eggs and volunteered at the event. It was a wonderful experience. We closed the school year out with a spring Community School Supply Drive. All the area schools were invited to participate in this drive, St. John XXIII WON! They brought in the most supplies/student and won a plaque to hang in their school for the year. The school supplies collected went to both the Port Washington and Saukville Food Pantries. So, win or lose, it supported our community. Nice job Port Schools! This will be an annual event, so watch out for it next year!
We are sad to see our seniors go! Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into our community!! Thank you Jo Jo Czarnecki, Kaylee Doll, Mahala Heniadis, Jackson Myers (President), Madelyn Schied, and Tess Schueller. We wish you all the best!
MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Multicultural Advisory Committee in conjunction with GEAC (Global Education Achievement Certificate) sponsored a school and community book drive as part of our mission to help educate and advocate as young student leaders and act as models of inclusion. The book drive produced 64 books that we donated to Saukville, TJ, and high school classroom teachers.
MUSIC NEWS
For the second consecutive year PWHS has been selected as a "Best Community for Music Education" from the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants)
This is really a team effort! They take into consideration not only what we are specifically doing in the music classrooms, but also the amount of support we get from the district, building, and community.
Here is the link to the information https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/bcme-2021-districts
We are one of about 5% of districts both nationwide and in the state to receive the distinction.
2021 Best Communities For Music Education Districts | NAMM Foundation Congratulations to the 686 school districts that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.
2021 State Honors Choir
Congratulations to Brandon Hale, Madelyn Ksioszk and Ellie Gephart for being selected into the 2021 State Honors Choirs, They will represent our district in October as they join 160 other vocalists from around the state as some of Wisconsin's best and brightest vocal performers.
As a result of COVIDThese students will meet for three days virtually and one day at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay to prepare their material for a culminating performance at the Wisconsin State Music Convention in October.
In order to be selected, students had to perform for master adjudicators in three areas. They were required to Sing a class A solo, demonstrate their vocal range and ability and sight read.
The WSMA State Honors Music Project is nationally recognized as one of the finest opportunities for young people. Regardless of a future college major, membership in the High School State Honors Music Project helps set students apart from other college applicants. Students selected for the WSMA High School State Honors Music Project participate in an intensive four day summer camp in June and perform in Madison during late October as part of the Wisconsin State Music Conference.
SENIOR PROM/BANQUET
First, the Junior Prom for the Class of 2021 was postponed to summer. Next, it was postponed to winter. Finally, it was canceled. Thankfully, students were able to celebrate as a class at this year's first-ever Senior Day in the Park (Senior Prom and Banquet). Classmates shared good times and laughter at Upper Lake Park. We began with some informal games and a visit to Possibility Playground. Our taco bar fiesta was provided by class favorite Tello's Grille and Cafe. Following dessert, Class Awards were distributed and the Senior Court was introduced. Dagan Daniels and Giannina Castillo Pachecho were crowned as royalty. The evening wrapped up with a slide show of baby pictures and future plans, looped on a very large screen, as students danced under the lights.
UNITED FOR YOUTH - TRIVIA NIGHT
STUDENT COUNCIL - BLOOD DRIVE
At the end of April the Student Council was able to host its annual Blood Drive for Versiti Blood Center (formally Blood Center of Wisconsin). The students helped to recruit their peers to sign up for donations during lunch periods and after school. During the event students helped with set-up, checking students in, and ensuring they had someone to talk to and something to eat during and after their donation. We were able to collect 39 units and helped save up to 117 patients in need. There were a total of 30 first time donors!
Thanks to all the students that helped out and to the custodial staff for their prep work as well.
The Student Council also planned an amazing celebration for the staff for Teacher Appreciation Week! They organized thoughtful treats each day of the week. The Student Council also organized some spirited dress up days for the students and staff to participate in during this week of school.
The Student Council is also busy planning for next year starting off with Elections & Freshman First Day.
WORLD STUDIES UNIT and UPDATE
Students are now preparing for their final project presentations. Every student picked a topic outside of the United States and will show the research skills and abilities they have worked on all year long through their presentation. Students will also create a visual representation of their topic and develop a class activity in relation to their information.
U.S. HISTORY NEWS
U.S. History students learned about the impact the Cold War had on the United States. Students were all assigned a topic to research and showcase their findings in a creative way. Each group designed a comic strip to represent their topic.
ART and DESIGN NEWS
The Art & Design Department is working hard to finish up many hands-on projects from weaving in Crafts (Brando) all the way to sculpting in Ceramics (Alex). Students find the final push to be difficult yet rewarding when their projects come together in the end. It is a great way to visually see the hard work that was put in all semester. Thank you to the students who put the work in day in and day out... this is where it will finally pay off!
We were busy in Computer Graphics voting on winners for our redesigning of sports drink labels and the AP Art & Design students had their art on display at the school in the showcases. We are excited to wrap things up this school year and are already looking forward to some awesome classes and field trips for next year.
Winners include: Elijah, Kyla, Bryan, Riley, Nick, Vegas, Katie, Erin, Tyler
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
What do you get when you cross a jellyfish gene and E.coli...? A lab in Medical Interventions. The MI students concluded their year with a very technical lab. Students were able to successfully take the bioluminescent gene from a Jellyfish and insert it into a bacterial cell. The bacterial cell then reproduces the gene and students were able to purify and isolate the gene as seen in the picture. While this is a very fun and eye-catching lab it also has practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry, what these high school students were doing is essentially the same process that some common medications get made; insulin for example is created in much the same way.
The plate on the left has been transformed by adding a gene to the bacteria. The plate on the right is the control.
AP PSYCHOLOGY NEWS
Students enrolled in Advanced Placement Psychology at PWHS this year have embarked upon research unlike that of a typical class.
During the first quarter, students learned the basics of planning a psychological research study and developing a plan for calculating and analyzing results. They were then challenged to compose a bias-free survey for other students here at the high school. Topics ranged from COVID to favorite house pets.
Although our research was seriously delayed by COVID, results are finally starting to trickle in. Some of the conclusions are:
Among Port Washington High School students:
47.5% rate their current stress level at “severe”
47.8% believe childhood ends between age 15 and 18
57% envision a “very happy future”
In the event of having only one month to live, 45% would choose to travel
If Port Washington High School were to close, 40% would enroll at Grafton
78% most often share secrets with friends
50% rate their clothing style as “casual”
41.7% rate their post-graduation plans regarding COVID as “not very scared”
89.5% plan on attending college after graduating high school
44.8% prefer watching Port Washington High School football most
80% rate the impact of their clothing choices on confidence as “high” or “very high”
52.6% awake prior to 10:00 PM in order to snack
54.3% rarely experience lucid (controllable) dreams
60% rate COVID as having an adverse impact on their social life
45% rate Fall as their preferred season
45% feel less safe at school due to the current political climate
52.6% rate affection as the most important personality trait desired in a house pet
GERMAN NEWS
Here in the PWHS German classes, students have been busy learning the language and the culture of the German-speaking countries through reading stories and novels. Level 1 students have now read (and understood!) 2 novels entirely in German this semester, and the students in German 2 have read 3 novels all in German this school year! I'm so very proud of them for this accomplishment!
In German 1 and 2, students who have expressed interest in having a German pen pal have been corresponding with a 9th or 10th German student at PWHS's partner school in Cham, Germany! But students aren't corresponding with their pen pals the "old fashioned" way with handwritten letters that take a few days or more to arrive! They're corresponding electronically with email or by Whats App (a free texting app used widely in Europe)! The students are having fun learning about teenage life in Germany first hand from their pen pal. If your child has a pen pal from our partner school, please encourage them to keep corresponding over the summer!
The students in German 3 and 4 spent the first half of Semester 2 learning about Fairy Tales and elements of fairy tales. They read and listened to several well-known and also some lesser known stories from the Grimms Brothers. They are currently learning about the German school system and talking about stress in school. They are comparing and contrasting the stress that they face at this time of the year in school with that of German teenagers at a "Gymnasium" (a secondary school). They are also learning about other pressures put on children through a music video and also through the movie "Vitus", which we are currently watching.
Although this has definitely been a very different school year, the PWHS German students are learning German and are succeeding! Hab' einen schönen Sommer!
ESPORTS NEWS
The Port Washington Rocket League Esports team placed 2nd in the State Championship! Our team of sophomores Lucas Poull, Jayden Schwengel, and Dominykas Sirvinskas were able to defeat the higher ranked teams of Fox Valley and Edgewood in the playoffs to make it to the championship match. After three close games, Two Rivers secured the title of State Champion, but Port is eagerly looking forward to earning that honor over the next few years.
This year has seen tremendous growth in our esports teams from only 11 students last year to now having over 50 students who’ve competed in at least one esports match this year. Port earned 2nd place at the State Championship in two out of the four different esports games throughout the year (Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Rocket League). We look forward to even more success next year along with a number of students potentially earning esports scholarships for college. So until next year, continue to game on!
DECA NEWS
State DECA Qualifiers
PWHS DECA students competed at three different levels this semester. We started with the District 5 Competition with 50 students competing virtually! Thank you for your hard work. From there, we had 12 students compete at the WI-DECA State Competition. Students competing included: Andrew Schmitz, Sam Linstroth, Logan Bares, Gino Feciskonin, Angelo Feckiskonin, Natasha Klemann, Emma Kasza James, Emmalee Schmutzler, Taylor Peiffer, Brayden Thompson, Josie Tetzlaf, Tessa Yandry. Congratulations for competing against the best in the State of Wisconsin in our virtual competition. Students earning trophies for placing were: Sam Linstroth (2nd Place), Gino Feciskonin (4th Place), Logan Bares (6th Place), and Andrew Schmitz (7th Place) in different categories.
International DECA Qualifiers
After finishing a successful State Competition, we had four students: Logan Bares, Andrew Schmitz, Sam Linstroth, and Gino Feciskonin earn the right to compete at the International Competition (virtual this year). Congrats to these four students for competing against the best! Although we didn’t have finalists at this level, valuable experiences were earned for next year!
Captains Quarters to Resume Operations:
PWHS DECA is actively planning a “Grand Re-Opening” for the 2021-2020 school year! We are anxiously working on ordering new apparel for the fall and look forward to serving your PWHS Gear needs next year in the store and athletic events! Look for more details in the future! We are continuing to offer our 50% everything sale through the end of the school year. Contact Mark Bichler or Leeann Wellenstein for more information.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Port Washington State Bank is a strong partner to help support financial literacy in the classroom. In the past, members of PWSB would visit Personal Finance classes for a Q & A session. Due to the COVID pandemic, this semester’s visit was done virtually. Students were still able to ask financial questions relevant to them, but just in a different fashion. Thank you to PWSB for being our virtual speakers!
Due to the pandemic, students enrolled in Business and Everyday Law missed out on the opportunity to to visit the Ozaukee County Courthouse and Jail. Instead, students participated in an in-class mock trial activity. Students played the roles of defendant, district attorney, defense attorney, judge, clerk, bailiff, witnesses and jury members. Thank you to Connie Mueller at the Ozaukee County Courthouse for the script.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION NEWS
The Technology department students have been finishing projects and have worked hard to create innovative design projects. Despite a tough year many students have done an excellent job, we look forward to finishing strong and wrapping up this year’s projects. Recently the high school metals lab was awarded a Mark Sellers grant that bought two new HAAS CNC lathes and students have already begun taking advantage of the machines and creating custom projects designed on CAD and made on the CNC lathes.
FORENSICS
Port Forensics qualified 6 students to go to the National tournament the week of June 21. The tournament will be held synchronously online. Students who qualified include: Anna Russell in Dramatic Interp, Sydney Garthus in Humorous Interp, Jennifer and Katelyn Poull in Duo interp, Kalyn Diercks in Program Oral Interp and Wylan Boyle in Program Oral Interp. Our team also took home first place in the team awards for speech events!
WORLD LANGUAGE NEWS
This Spring in World Language, the students have been very busy as we have been back in-person full time! We have read 3 novels throughout the year in book club book groups. We have also used our spaces in the building for socially-distanced learning. Students recently have been happy to practice speaking with one another outside maskless and have been able to read each other’s lips as they communicate.
GSA
GSA and E-Sports combined to host our first (annual?) Dungeon and Dragon event on Saturday, May 15th here at school. About 25 students and staff came to create characters and work through an adventure. We all aided a magician who had been turned into a sheep by his wand-stealing apprentice. Our experienced players were able to help the novice D&Ders as we defeated orcs, wolves, and a disgruntled would-be magician, and many students made plans to continue the adventure this summer.
YOUTH SERVICE LEARNING
The Youth Service Learning students are finishing up their duties around the school district these last few weeks. Most of them are at TJMS and doing a fantastic job mentoring students.
The final project is coming due where the students reflect on their placement and look at an occupation they might want to pursue in the future.
Next year plans to be great as well. We have almost 100 students signed up to partake in YSL! We can’t wait.
BEST BUDDIES
On March 11th the Best Buddies had fun making Fruit Loops rainbows to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day. We colored in rainbows with markers and fruit loops. It was enjoyable to get to know one another while sharing our sweet cereal treat.
In addition Best Buddies enjoyed their walk to Sauk Creek on May 12th. We had perfect weather for a stroll and we enjoyed chatting with our friends. We will have our final activity of the year--kite flying!--on May 26th. Thank you to our club officers Tabby Griswold, Alena Schlenvogt, Isabella Schmitz and Annastasia Wischki for their time and efforts this year!
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP
Congratulation to our Port Washington High School students who earned High School Course credit towards graduation and earned money while completing their youth Apprenticeships this school year :
List the names and their Apprenticeship
Austin Ansay / MCR Services
Tessa Egerer / PWSB - Belgium
Mason Frank / Standard Machine
Bryan Irish / Kapco
Tyler Kaye / Ram Tool
David Krueger / Kohler Credit Union-Grafton
Mavrick Roller / Miller Electric
Elizabeth Schmidt / Forest Haven - Fredonia
Megan Shultis / Aurora
COMMUNITY SERVICE STANDOUTS
EAGLES are soaring at Port Washington High School!
David Krueger, Ryan Luib, Walker Malouf, Lucas McCaman, Alex Wischke, and Anastasia Wischke have achieved the Eagle Rank in Scouting. Each joined scouting in early elementary school. During their scouting years, they have developed life skills and core values to prepare them for adult life by participating in various educational programs and outdoor activities. They have served as leaders in their Troop including running meetings, planning outings, and mentoring younger scouts. They have provided their community countless hours of service including their individual Eagle service projects, Scouting for Food to benefit local food pantries, community clean-up after festivals, conservation in area parks, and serving church Lenten fish fries; just to name a few.
An Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouts BSA (formally Boy Scouts of America). This prestigious award, only earned by approximately 8% of all scouts, is widely recognized throughout the country and the world. Becoming an Eagle Scout takes dedication, perseverance and hard work. To achieve the Eagle rank, scouts are required to meet national standard requirements including advancement through six ranks; earning a minimum of 21 merit badges; serving in Troop leadership positions; proposing, planning, fundraising and carrying out an Eagle service project to benefit the community, and attending a Scoutmaster’s conference and passing a Board of Review. In 2019, girls were allowed to participate in Scouts BSA.
Eagle Service Projects:
Dave Krueger – Built and installed 13 wood duck houses in nine Ozaukee County Parks to promote nesting protection from predators in effort to increase populations.
Ryan Luib – Built and installed four Leopold benches and prepped and woodchipped bench sites for installation at Birchwood Hills Nature Preserve in Port Washington.
Walker Malouf – Built and installed 12 bat and helmet holders for six baseball diamonds in Port Washington as well as sandblasted and repainted the equipment boxes at three of the fields.
Lucas McCaman – Built an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) assessable trail at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg which included widening and digging down the trail to lay stone for wheelchairs and also installed a railing on the trail.
Alex Wischke - Built a memorial garden outside of the Sackville Union Cemetery to show respect and honor to all of our local veterans and to show to our active duty and surviving vets that we still care about them.
Anastasia Wischke - Built a garden at her church with wind chimes garden globes, flowers, and bird feeders. It’s meant to be a safe space for people to just think, relax, and enjoy a space to themselves.