By Kayla Lemens, Current Staff
A new lounge at the West Bend High Schools has created new opportunities for students and, according to some staff members, new headaches.
Continue readingMystery Couple Identified
By Caroline Peplinski, Current Staff
When an old picture of unknown high school sweethearts was shared online last week, West Benders wondered who they were.
As it turns out, today marks their 40th wedding anniversary.
Continue readingFiled under Community
Review: ‘Nomadland’ Is a Modern Masterpiece of the Average American
Acclaimed drama is an Oscar frontrunner
By Amy Daniels, Current Staff
After “Nomadland” earned six Oscar nominations and rave reviews from critics, I decided to see for myself if the movie deserved the attention it was getting.
Continue readingFiled under Entertainment, Viewpoint
Ready to Dive In
COVID-19 will not cancel this year’s Dolphins show
By Norah Johnstone, Current Staff
This might be Bridget Pfiel’s second year coaching Dolphins, but it’s her first show.
Continue readingFiled under Sports
The Courtyard: Past and Present
Students once were allowed to smoke in “the pit”
By Caroline Peplinski, Current Staff
Most days, the West Bend High Schools’ courtyard sits empty and silent. However, that wasn’t always the case.
Continue readingFiled under School News and Features
Be Kind, Rewind: Farewell to the Video Store and a Way of Life
Area teachers and former video store clerks ponder what Family Video’s closing means for the culture of film viewing
By Elise Marlett, Editor in Chief
It’s the end of an era.
As of February 28, all Family Video locations across the country are permanently closed, including the location in West Bend. With Family Video being the only remaining video rental store in West Bend prior to closure, local movie lovers must accept a transition from discs to streaming. For many, the transition prompts deep feelings of nostalgia as the culture of film viewing has changed so drastically in the past decades.
Continue readingFiled under Community, Entertainment
Decision 2021: Meet Board Candidate Kurt Rebholz
By Noelle Mentch, Current Staff
Kurt Rebholz believes that his financial background and openness to different ideas are some of his strengths that make him a great member of the school board.
Continue readingFiled under Community, School News and Features
Decision 2021: Meet Board Candidate Chris Zwygart
By Megan Landvatter, Current Staff
After serving on the school board for the past three years, Chris Zwygart believes that he is ready for a second term.
Continue readingFiled under Community, School News and Features
Decision 2021: Meet Board Candidate Jody Geenen
By Megan Landvatter, Current Staff
After watching her three daughters graduate from West Bend West High School, Jody Geenen hopes to give back to her community once more.
Continue readingFiled under Community, School News and Features
Teen Employees Affected by COVID-19
By Megan Landvatter, Current Staff
A year ago, Chris Meyers spent his Friday nights seating customers at Texas Roadhouse. Now, he spends his Friday nights wiping down menus.
Continue readingFiled under School News and Features
Natalie White Is Going Places
By Amber Georgenson, Current Staff
West Bend East High School senior Natalie White was recently chosen to receive a scholarship to the Peck School of the Arts in Milwaukee. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Color Out of Space
By Elena Chamberlain, Current Staff
Ceiling tiles or blank canvases? The white, removable ceiling tiles have sprouted student-led creativity at West Bend West High School. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Masks On, Sleeves Up
By Elise Marlett, Editor in Chief
The COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t cancel this decades-old tradition. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Teachers Adapt to New Cohort Schedule
By Elise Marlett, Editor in Chief
The West Bend High Schools have a new approach to limiting the spread of COVID-19. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
The West Library Is Back
By Amber Georgenson, Current Staff
After months of renovations, the West Bend West High School library is reopening for student and faculty usage. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
The Current View: The Cohort Model
To stem the spread of COVID-19, students will be split by last name into two groups that will alternate between in-person and virtual learning starting Wednesday. What are your thoughts about the new cohort model?
“I actually really like it because it is a good way to limit the spread of COVID while still being able to go to school.”
Lydia Winklbauer, East senior
Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features, Viewpoint
WBHS Rescinds Ban on Afterschool Activities Meeting In Person
By Caroline Peplinski, Current Staff
Today marks the first opportunity for clubs and co-curriculars at the West Bend High Schools to connect in person this year.
Filed under School News and Features
West Bend Student Invited to the Set of ‘6 Underground’
By Elise Marlett, Editor in Chief
A local student’s hobby of six years landed him the opportunity to watch a blockbuster action movie being filmed. Continue reading
Filed under Entertainment
‘I Never Had a Non-White Teacher’: New Group Seeks Change at the West Bend School District
By Elena Chamberlain, Current Staff
Former West Bend students have started a group that advocates for racial justice in both the community and school district. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Mandate the Masks
VIEWPOINT
By Elise Marlett, Editor in Chief
I do not envy those in power in this school district whose choices have the potential to drastically alter the lives of my friends, family and teachers. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features, Viewpoint
The Suns Have a New Logo
By Kayla Lemens, Current Staff
After years of confusion as to which logo is truly the West Bend East High School logo, an official logo has been launched. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Former Students Ask District to Act Against Racial Injustice
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To leaders and members of the West Bend community:
This is a list of initiatives we would like to see implemented in the West Bend School District.
Right now, the whole world is finally listening to the call for action against racial injustice. We want meaningful change to create a community that works for ALL people. We know that the West Bend School District did not adequately prepare us for an increasingly diverse and inclusive society. We also know that the demographics of West Bend are changing. If we are truly preparing all students for excellence, we must also educate students to become culturally competent and aware of their roles and platforms to dismantle white supremacy in our national culture. Continue reading
Filed under Viewpoint
The Marvelous Mr. Mindel
East social studies instructor named Rolfs Teacher of the Year
By Darick Fait, Current Staff
For the third time this year, Scott Mindel has proven to his fellow staff and students that he is a top-level educator, this time through a districtwide award. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Award-Winning Reporters Say Goodbye
Three seniors reflect on their time writing for the West Bend Current
Samantha Dietel
For how long have you been a member of the Current and what prompted you to join?
I joined the Current about halfway through my sophomore year. I was looking to get more involved at school, so it seemed fitting to step outside of my comfort zone while also utilizing my love for writing! It certainly helped that Mr. Beltmann, the Current’s adviser, was my teacher that year for Honors English II. Joining the Current was easily the best decision that I have ever made. By now, it feels like it has become a part of my identity. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Welcome, Editor!
Elise Marlett, East junior, will serve as the West Bend Current’s Editor in Chief for the 2020-21 school year. She replaces graduating senior Samantha Dietel. Congrats, Elise!
Filed under School News and Features
Tooting Our Own Horn: NEWSPA Awards 2020
Local student journalists earn 24 awards
Ten West Bend students have been recognized in a statewide contest for high school journalists. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
The Music You Speak
VIEWPOINT
The music you speak with every breath
Every gasp of air a dying wish
Words you think but rhymes you say
Every letter used for a phrase Continue reading
A Beautiful Deed in the Neighborhood
By Elise Marlett, Current Staff
As of Tuesday, Diane Malicki has sewn an estimated 75 face masks for her neighbors in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Continue reading
Filed under Community
Banovich Joins Elite State Honors Band
By Caitlin Marsch, Current Staff
After a safer-at-home audition, West Bend West High School junior Brionna Banovich has been selected as one of the top eight student bassoonists in the state of Wisconsin. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Decision 2020: Board Candidates on Another Referendum
What are your thoughts about asking voters to consider another referendum?
Tonnie Schmidt (incumbent)
The West Bend School District is very conservative. It is one of the reasons I choose to live here. I appreciate the need to be responsible with our spending and ensuring that responsibility is one of the reasons I sought to run for school board three years ago and it is still a reason why I chose to run for another term. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Decision 2020: Board Candidates on Why They Want to Serve
What is your motivation for wanting to serve on the school board?
Tonnie Schmidt (incumbent)
The gratitude I feel for the education I received as a child and young adult as well as the ability to serve the community that has welcomed the success of my business, Delta Defense, is what motivates me to serve on the school board. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Decision 2020: Board Candidates on How to Improve the District
What areas of the district do you seek to change or improve?
Tonnie Schmidt (incumbent)
In the immediate future, I would like to be directly responsible for hiring a new superintendent to replace resigning Don Kirkegaard.
I also would like to ensure that our facilities are in good shape going forward while not disregarding the declining birthrate and its effect on enrollment in the future. I have a commitment to neighborhood schools as is feasible, including incorporating central administration into existing vacant space in them as an alternative to closing multiple elementary schools. I believe in the priceless power of families to support one another in neighborhood elementary schools over a large centralized structure where children can feel lost and overwhelmed. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Decision 2020: Board Candidates on Their Experience with the District
What has been your experience with the West Bend School District?
Tonnie Schmidt (incumbent)
As a school board, we removed an inexperienced and toxic superintendent and conducted a thorough search for a new superintendent, which included input from the community, resulting in hiring a nationally recognized superintendent who has brought stability to our district. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
New York’s Coronavirus Outbreak ‘Feels Like a Nightmare’
West Bend graduate is a public health scientist in New York City
By Samantha Dietel, Editor in Chief
The City That Never Sleeps now resembles a ghost town.
That’s what Kacie Seil, a former West Bender now living in New York City, says about how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected her current home.
Seil, an epidemiologist who attended Yale University after graduating from West Bend East High School in 2006, serves as a research scientist for data integrity at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. As a resident and analyst, Seil has seen the impact of the coronavirus pandemic up close. Continue reading
Filed under Community
West Bend Teachers Miss Their Students
VIDEO
Teachers at Decorah Elementary School organized a car parade today to connect with their students. Students haven’t seen their teachers since schools were closed March 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade started on Vine Street and traveled through several neighborhoods. Staff members from Silverbrook Intermediate School will parade Monday starting at 5 p.m. Distance learning starts Tuesday.
Filed under Community, School News and Features
