The Summer Science Team
Together, the 2020 staff roster for Summer Science shares decades of teaching experience, and many years of work with Summer Science!
We love what we do, and we're excited for a great summer!
We love what we do, and we're excited for a great summer!
Chrissy Gascho
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Kelli Kline
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Sara Koppes
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Tammy Rademacher
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Andrew West
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Em Meier
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Jess North
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Emeritus Staff
Summer Science has a legacy of over 50 years at Waunakee Middle School. Dozens of staff members have dedicated their time, energy, and professional expertise to making this program what it is today.
Jay Farnsworth
Coordinator
Jay Farnsworth began his Summer Science experience following the 1984-85 school year. He joined the program on the heels of a student teaching experience with Peter O’Neil, and has been involved every summer since. Jay started as the instructor for the forest course, and also spent several years teaching curious kids about bugs in the entomology field before eventually assuming the coordinator’s position. Jay inhabited this role for over 25 years, bringing about major changes and evolving the program to what it is today: a model place-based experience for kids who are curious about the world and passionate about science. Jay oversaw Summer Science for over 3000 students, hundreds of high school assistants, and dozens of colleagues, with whom he credits the success of the program for so many years.
Mr. Farnsworth continues to teach 8th grade science at the Middle School, following over 25 years as a 6th grade teacher at the Intermediate School. He lives in Waunakee with his wonderful wife Denise, who teaches 3rd grade at Prairie Elementary and son, Ben. Their daughter Maddie is currently attending Butler University. In his spare time, along with playing the guitar, Jay and Denise have taken on the task of remodeling a 100 year old home where they have taken up residence with Ben.
The Summer Science program staff would like to thank Jay for his innumerable contributions and leadership of the program - and, as he always says, "Thanks for Taking Time for Science!"
Mr. Farnsworth continues to teach 8th grade science at the Middle School, following over 25 years as a 6th grade teacher at the Intermediate School. He lives in Waunakee with his wonderful wife Denise, who teaches 3rd grade at Prairie Elementary and son, Ben. Their daughter Maddie is currently attending Butler University. In his spare time, along with playing the guitar, Jay and Denise have taken on the task of remodeling a 100 year old home where they have taken up residence with Ben.
The Summer Science program staff would like to thank Jay for his innumerable contributions and leadership of the program - and, as he always says, "Thanks for Taking Time for Science!"
Scott Schmitz
Entomology
Scott Schmitz joined the Summer Science team in 1997, teaching insects/entomology. 22 years, and 22 trips to the group camp site at Wyalusing later, he retired from his role as "the bug guy" after the summer of 2019. During his tenure with the entomology course, Scott worked with 2,200 Waunakee students. As resident grill master at the annual camping trip, Scott estimates to have cooked at least 6,000 burgers and hot dogs, and over a million breakfast sausages! Scott's favorite memories included teaching each of his four children in the program, and embarking on over one hundred different Indian Lake insect hunting trips with his students. Perhaps Scott's most illustrious role during his Summer Science career was his performance as lead kazooist for the Droughtbusters, Waunakee Middle School's finest campfire acoustic cover band.
Todd Shucha
Wetlands
Todd Shucha has been teaching high school life sciences for over 25 years; 20 of those years in his hometown of Waunakee. He currently teaches biology and ecology. Todd taught in the Summer Science program for 15 years, sharing his expertise on Wisconsin's natural systems and the delicacy of marsh cattails with well over a thousand young minds. Outside of the classroom, Todd can be found at the WCSD outdoor education site, Schmidt’s Woods, and working with the student group, Friends of Schmidt’s Woods to help students connect with the outdoors. He has a passion for guiding students to become citizen scientists and conservation stewards, and has fostered partnerships with the Wisconsin DNR, Groundswell Conservancy, The Urban Tree Alliance, and The Prairie Enthusiasts to provide hands-on, real world experiences. In his free time, Todd enjoys outdoor recreation of all sorts and spending time with his wife, Laura and their two daughters, Taryn and Kaia. Todd’s Summer Science experience dates back to the summer of 1982, when he participated as a student.