Schools

Top School Stories of 2012

From making ballerinas dreams come true to academic decathlon, here are the top read school stories on Waukesha Patch.

Editor’s Note: As we start to look back at 2012, here are some of the top most-read school stories on Waukesha Patch.

January:

Two Waukesha high school academic decathlon teams will be advancing to the state competition based on results from last Friday’s regional competition at the GE Healthcare Institute in Pewaukee.

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Long-dominant Waukesha West took second at the regional competition, edged out by New Berlin Eisenhower in first place, and Waukesha South took fourth, with Menomonee Falls taking third. Waukesha North placed eighth out of 12 teams.

February:

What’s the Latest News at Waukesha South?

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The Waukesha School Board recently heard a report from Waukesha South High School Student Council Vice President Vince Paikowski.

Paikowski told the board about the number of charitable causes at the school recently, including a food drive, a blood drive with 130 donors, the Key Club’s successful efforts in ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and a 50/50 raffle that raised $914 for a family.

He highlighted the school’s debate team, some of which made it to the state competition, and former South wrestling coach Ken Heine who was placed into the Waukesha South Athletic Hall of Fame last week.

March:

Making Ballerina Dreams Come True

Reagan Imhoff never took her eyes off the stage when, at age 2 1/2, her parents took her to see The Nutcracker. She watched every leap and bound of the dancers. 

She dreamed of being a ballerina. 

But as a young girly-girl who had never walked or crawled, there weren't many options available for her to dance. 

April:

Carroll University Suspends Century-Old Fraternity 'Indefinitely'

The inability to find a faculty adviser for the Beta Pi Epsilon fraternity was the last straw for Carroll University.

The 106-year-old fraternity has been suspended from the university “indefinitely,” according to a letter from the university to fraternity alumni. The fraternity missed two deadlines to obtain an adviser, the letter states.

May:

Sudden Death of Long-Time Teacher Shocks Elementary School Community

Bethesda Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Gayle Nicol died suddenly Monday, leaving students, staff and families of the school shocked at the unexpectedness of the tragedy.

“It took everybody by surprise. It’s a tragic loss,” said Bethesda parent Brenda Lytle. “I know she’ll be missed by many people.”

June:

  • VIDEO: Orchestra Students Flash Mob
  • Photos: Waukesha West and North High School Graduations
  • Photos: Waukesha South High School Graduation    

July:

Waukesha School District Fills Four School Administrative Positions

The Waukesha School Board approved candidates recommended for four open administration positions Wednesday night.

The approvals complete administrative hiring for the district, according to Superintendent Todd Gray.

Three of the approvals were for assistant principal positions. Gray said that when the district hires assistant principals, they make sure the candidates have the ability to take the next step.

August:

Students at Waukesha West High School are unhappy that the school’s forcing them to keep their backpacks and purses in their locker during the school day.

September:

South Football Victorious Over North

Waukesha South and Waukesha North high schools hadn't won a game yet this year. But with two touchdowns to start out the game from Waukesha North High School on the Waukesha South High School home field, it seemed like the Northstars could get their first win of the season.

But North couldn't hold onto the lead. The Waukesha South Blackshirts won 22-19 after a fourth-quarter rally.

October:

A 15-year-old boy was arrested after he streaked across a football field in front of a large group of young girl poms dancers Thursday night at the Waukesha West High School football game.

Some people thought the prank was funny while others in the crowd were disgusted that it occurred in front of the young girls.

November

Les Paul Middle School? District Asked to Name School for Waukesha Guitar Great

A request from the Les Paul Foundation to name a school for Waukesha’s hometown guitar legend has the Waukesha School District looking into the possibility.

Superintendent Todd Gray said that he received the request from Sue Baker of the Les Paul Foundation. Baker cited Les Paul’s attendance at Waukesha schools as one reason for the district to consider the request.

December

Schools Tighten Security After Rumors of Threats Surface

Waukesha police and school officials are taking precautions after hearing rumors of threats at Waukesha North and South high schools, even though no specific threats have been found.

Editor’s Note: While reports were that attendance was down on Friday, Dec. 21, the rumors were just rumors.


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