Monday, April 30, 2018

April 30th Weekly Blog

Purpose Corner - Please access this video as I discuss the current work of our building leadership team and what that will look like for this summer and into next year to ensure we stay the course to have student impact on their levels of learning. 

Please click here for this 2:34 video

Trees for Tomorrow - Recently some of our West students along with students from South High School went on a multi-day field trip to the Trees for Tomorrow camp and had a wonderful experience. Information about Trees for Tomorrow is below along with pictures of our students!

For over 70 years the Trees For Tomorrow experience has transformed the lives of students by immersing them for 1-5 days in the heart of the northern forest. Our professional teaching staff are experts at using field studies and hands-on activities to awaken student awareness of the land's capabilities and limitations and to inspire student enthusiasm for sustainable forest stewardship.
Throughout the year, groups of 12 to 120 elementary, middle, and high school students, along with their teachers, travel to the TFT campus in Eagle River from a three-state area of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois for student workshops. Visiting schools stay at TFT’s campus for 1-5 days. 
Over 5000 visiting students annually stay with their classmates in comfortable, furnished dormitories, eat three meals a day in a full-service dining hall, and prepare for field studies in the classrooms of TFT's Education Hall. During a workshop, students participate in field studies conducted in the forests, lakes, streams, and bogs of the Northwoods. The field studies involve activities like tree identification, orienteering, wildlife tracking, water chemistry, and dozens of others. These activities not only familiarize students with the plants and animals of the forest ecosystem, they also demonstrate how forests and other natural resources can be sustained through conservation and proper management.



Circle of Friends - Our Circle of Friends club had a great time this past weekend as they played laser tag on one of their outings. They are an outstanding group open to all students who like to get together around activities outside of the school day, enjoy the pictures below!



West Yearbooks are available!! - This is your last time to order a YEARBOOK!! Our yearbook has been sent out to print and will be here by the end of May. This year is one to be remembered so don't miss out on your chance to buy a yearbook students and parents will cherish forever. There are only 65 extra yearbooks left down from 110 last week and when they are gone, they are gone. The easiest way to purchase a yearbook is to go to www.yearbookforever.com. If you have any questions please contact our yearbook advisor Mr. Mike Mueller at mcmuelle@waukesha.k12.wi.us. Thank you.




Final Exam Schedule Semester II - Please see the final exam week schedule for second semester below. Senior students will finish their 5th and 8th hour exams on Monday, June 4th so they can attend graduation practice and their Senior celebration on Thursday. Seniors will follow their own schedule for Thursday, with all other students taking exams.


Graduation Information 2018 - Graduation day for the all three Waukesha legacy high schools will be Saturday, June 9th, 2018. Waukesha West High School will be holding graduation ceremonies in the West Fieldhouse on this date beginning at 2:00 P.M. As we are one community divided into three high schools, this year graduation times among all three high schools are staggered per usual to enable friends and family to attend multiple ceremonies if they so choose. South High School ceremonies will begin at 10:00 A.M. and North High School ceremonies will begin at 12:00 P.M. on this date. Please begin informing friends and family who will be attending.

The "West Woods Project" - This has been a project that I have showcased on this blog and has had positive momentum with a good start to the project. The West Woods club is looking to go further in their quest to complete the project and are asking for support. Please see the detailed description of the project followed by the flyer.

The West Woods is located on the property of Waukesha West. It is a beautiful natural area consisting of a pond, a stream, various species of trees and plants, and wildlife. The project’s mission is to establish an area and one-mile path in which all students can learn about the environment and provide recreation opportunities for the community. This area is intended to be open to everyone of all ages: families, students, the elderly, adults, children, and the disabled. Indeed, one of the West Woods’ primary goals is to have the one-mile trail be handicap accessible.

Currently, the trail
- is partially graveled
- has only one bridge (not well-built)
- is lacking boardwalks and benches
- has poor pond drainage infrastructure

In order for the West Woods to be used to its full potential, the trail needs improvements so that all visitors can enjoy the area. Improving the West Woods will be beneficial to a variety of people and for a variety of purposes. Students from Waukesha West High School will get to utilize the woods for various classes, including science and art. People from the community will be able to enjoy the trails, take photos or simply appreciate being in nature. Regardless of intended purpose, all visitors will be able to enjoy some time in nature, away from technology, and reconnect with the natural world. If you would like to donate to help offset the cost of the projects that will need to be completed, please deliver a check written out to West Woods Project to the main office. Questions regarding the project can be emailed to Fred Jonas at frjonas@waukesha.k12.wi.us


Tomato and pepper plant sale!! - Please see the information below regarding our Aquatic Roots Club and their plant sail.




The BackPack Coalition -



The BackPack Coalition has helped students be prepared for the first day of school for over 20 years. Last year the Backpack Coalition gave away 4,916 filled backpacks for students from nine different school districts including Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, and Waukesha.  

Notice for 2018-2019 School Year:
Applications are now available to receive a free school backpack and school supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.   Many but not all items per the school’s supply list will be included. Students in the Waukesha School district that meet the qualification requirements (listed below) are eligible to apply.  
Applications are due by the last day of school (June 7) and you will receive a reminder letter in early August with pick-up directions.  One application should be completed per family, listing all children per household. Distribution Day will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 514 Riverview Avenue, Waukesha.
To qualify, families must live in Waukesha County, attending K3, K4, and Headstart through 12th grade and have an income that meets the federal guidelines for free and reduced lunch.  Based on household size (total number of adults and children), any family with an income at or below the associated annual income will qualify for the Backpack program.
Backpack Coalition, a program of United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is committed to providing backpacks and school supplies to students with financial constraints in Waukesha and Milwaukee County, helping them participate and succeed in school.  

www.UnitedWaygmwc.org/Backpack-Coalition

La Coalición de Mochilas (BackPack Coalition) ha ayudado a preparar a estudiantes para el primer día de clases por más de 20 años.
El año pasado el BackPack Coalition regalo 4,916 mochilas llenas de útiles para estudiantes de nueve distritos escolares diferentes, incluyendo Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, y Waukesha.  

Notificación para el Año Escolar 2018-2019
Las solicitudes para recibir una mochila escolar con útiles escolares gratuitamente para el año escolar 2018-2019 ya está disponible.  Muchos pero no todos los útiles de las listas de útiles escolares estarán incluidos. Los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha quienes cumplan con los requisitos de cualificación (listados en seguida) serán elegibles para aplicar.
Las solicitudes deben de entregarse a la escuela antes del último día de clases (el 7 de junio) y usted recibirá una carta como recordatorio a principios del mes de agosto con las instrucciones de donde recoger las mochilas.  Solamente se debe llenar una solicitud por familia, listando a todos los niños en el hogar. El Día de Distribución será el sábado, 18 de agosto de 2018 de 9:00 am - 11:00 am en el edificio de salud pública Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 514 Riverview Avenue, Waukesha.
Para cualificar, las familias deben de vivir en el Condado de Waukesha, asistir K3, K4 o de Headstart hasta el 12º grado y tener un ingreso que cumpla con las pautas federales para recibir almuerzo gratuito o a precio reducido.  Basado en el tamaño del hogar (número total de adultos y niños), cualquier familia con un ingreso de o menos del ingreso anual asociado con esas pautas, calificará para el programa de mochilas.
El programa BackPack Coalition es un programa de United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County y están comprometidos a proveer mochilas y útiles a estudiantes con restricciones financieras en los Condados de Waukesha y Milwaukee, ayudándolos a participar y a ser exitosos en la escuela.  



               

Archived Announcements (Link) Please access this link to find all of the information in our daily announcements from previous weeks.

Preview of this week: Please check the calendars by clicking on these two links to preview what is happening at West High School this week:

Monday, April 23, 2018

April 23rd Weekly Blog

Dress Code & Dance Expectations - Please access the video below as I discuss our dress code and dance expectations. The dress code is found in our handbook and dance expectations as part of the dance permission slip for those who would prefer to read the information instead of watching the video.


Please click here for this 2:32 video


Bus registration for the 2018-2019 school year is open! - If students will need bus transportation for next school year you must register using the application link below:   
                                                      

Your student will not be placed on a bus route unless this registration is completed. You must fill out a registration each year your student needs bus transportation regardless if you filled out an application last year.


Ignition Mentor Training - If you were not aware...Waukesha West has an outstanding Freshman mentor program, considered to be one of the best in the nation! A shout out to advisor Mrs. Sue Purpi and all of the mentors for a great day of learning to be better leaders as mentors new and old participating in training to enhance their skills for leading our Freshmen next year!! Please also enjoy the brief video of our groups planning the All-Freshman Day for 2018-19.





Please click here for this 0:35 video

Schools 2 Skills - In conjunction with the Waukesha County Business Alliance and MADE Committee, female students from Waukesha West spent the day touring local manufacturers and discussing the opportunities for females in STEM careers. Our students had an outstanding experience and connected with female leaders within the companies they visited. They had a special treat when Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch joined them on tour!




West Yearbooks are available!! - This is your last time to order a YEARBOOK!! Our yearbook has been sent out to print and will be here by the end of May. This year is one to be remembered so don't miss out on your chance to buy a yearbook students and parents will cherish forever. There are only 110 extra yearbooks left and when they are gone, they are gone. The easiest way to purchase a yearbook is to go to www.yearbookforever.com. If you have any questions please contact our yearbook advisor Mr. Mike Mueller at mcmuelle@waukesha.k12.wi.us. Thank you.




Final Exam Schedule Semester II - Please see the final exam week schedule for second semester below. Senior students will finish their 5th and 8th hour exams on Monday, June 4th so they can attend graduation practice and their Senior celebration on Thursday. Seniors will follow their own schedule for Thursday, with all other students taking exams.



Forensics - West Forensics students spoke at the State Speech Festival at UW-Madison on Friday.  The team as a group performed well, but please congratulate the following students for giving speeches or performances that earned them perfect scores: Sophia Hoggatt, Regan Carter, Brennan Kocovsky, Chloe Ricciardelli, Brooke Byington, and Parker Hellman... Congrats!




The "West Woods Project" - This has been a project that I have showcased on this blog and has had positive momentum with a good start to the project. The West Woods club is looking to go further in their quest to complete the project and are asking for support. Please see the detailed description of the project followed by the flyer.

The West Woods is located on the property of Waukesha West. It is a beautiful natural area consisting of a pond, a stream, various species of trees and plants, and wildlife. The project’s mission is to establish an area and one-mile path in which all students can learn about the environment and provide recreation opportunities for the community. This area is intended to be open to everyone of all ages: families, students, the elderly, adults, children, and the disabled. Indeed, one of the West Woods’ primary goals is to have the one-mile trail be handicap accessible.

Currently, the trail
- is partially graveled
- has only one bridge (not well-built)
- is lacking boardwalks and benches
- has poor pond drainage infrastructure

In order for the West Woods to be used to its full potential, the trail needs improvements so that all visitors can enjoy the area. Improving the West Woods will be beneficial to a variety of people and for a variety of purposes. Students from Waukesha West High School will get to utilize the woods for various classes, including science and art. People from the community will be able to enjoy the trails, take photos or simply appreciate being in nature. Regardless of intended purpose, all visitors will be able to enjoy some time in nature, away from technology, and reconnect with the natural world. If you would like to donate to help offset the cost of the projects that will need to be completed, please deliver a check written out to West Woods Project to the main office. Questions regarding the project can be emailed to Fred Jonas at frjonas@waukesha.k12.wi.us


Tomato and pepper plant sale!! - Please see the information below regarding our Aquatic Roots Club and their plant sail.




The BackPack Coalition -



The BackPack Coalition has helped students be prepared for the first day of school for over 20 years. Last year the Backpack Coalition gave away 4,916 filled backpacks for students from nine different school districts including Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, and Waukesha.  

Notice for 2018-2019 School Year:
Applications are now available to receive a free school backpack and school supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.   Many but not all items per the school’s supply list will be included. Students in the Waukesha School district that meet the qualification requirements (listed below) are eligible to apply.  
Applications are due by the last day of school (June 7) and you will receive a reminder letter in early August with pick-up directions.  One application should be completed per family, listing all children per household. Distribution Day will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 514 Riverview Avenue, Waukesha.
To qualify, families must live in Waukesha County, attending K3, K4, and Headstart through 12th grade and have an income that meets the federal guidelines for free and reduced lunch.  Based on household size (total number of adults and children), any family with an income at or below the associated annual income will qualify for the Backpack program.
Backpack Coalition, a program of United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is committed to providing backpacks and school supplies to students with financial constraints in Waukesha and Milwaukee County, helping them participate and succeed in school.  

www.UnitedWaygmwc.org/Backpack-Coalition

La Coalición de Mochilas (BackPack Coalition) ha ayudado a preparar a estudiantes para el primer día de clases por más de 20 años.
El año pasado el BackPack Coalition regalo 4,916 mochilas llenas de útiles para estudiantes de nueve distritos escolares diferentes, incluyendo Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, y Waukesha.  

Notificación para el Año Escolar 2018-2019
Las solicitudes para recibir una mochila escolar con útiles escolares gratuitamente para el año escolar 2018-2019 ya está disponible.  Muchos pero no todos los útiles de las listas de útiles escolares estarán incluidos. Los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha quienes cumplan con los requisitos de cualificación (listados en seguida) serán elegibles para aplicar.
Las solicitudes deben de entregarse a la escuela antes del último día de clases (el 7 de junio) y usted recibirá una carta como recordatorio a principios del mes de agosto con las instrucciones de donde recoger las mochilas.  Solamente se debe llenar una solicitud por familia, listando a todos los niños en el hogar. El Día de Distribución será el sábado, 18 de agosto de 2018 de 9:00 am - 11:00 am en el edificio de salud pública Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 514 Riverview Avenue, Waukesha.
Para cualificar, las familias deben de vivir en el Condado de Waukesha, asistir K3, K4 o de Headstart hasta el 12º grado y tener un ingreso que cumpla con las pautas federales para recibir almuerzo gratuito o a precio reducido.  Basado en el tamaño del hogar (número total de adultos y niños), cualquier familia con un ingreso de o menos del ingreso anual asociado con esas pautas, calificará para el programa de mochilas.
El programa BackPack Coalition es un programa de United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County y están comprometidos a proveer mochilas y útiles a estudiantes con restricciones financieras en los Condados de Waukesha y Milwaukee, ayudándolos a participar y a ser exitosos en la escuela.  




Advanced Placement District Policy Change - Please see the memo below sent out by our school district which has implications for AP courses:



               

Archived Announcements (Link) Please access this link to find all of the information in our daily announcements from previous weeks.

Preview of this week: Please check the calendars by clicking on these two links to preview what is happening at West High School this week:

Monday, April 16, 2018

April 16th Weekly Blog

Purpose Corner - This video previews our professional development plan for the remainder of this school year as we look to finish strong in our inquiry group work.

Please click here for this 1:52 video


Senior Vs. Staff Basketball Game - The game occurred on  Thursday, March 29th and in previous blogs I posed the question,"Will the Seniors finally win this year?" Though the faculty keeps getting older but our Senior students stay the same age... we took care of business and beat the Seniors again! Myself, along with the rest of our staff trained hard to bring home the gold ball, please enjoy the post-game picture of me with the trophy.....I worked hardest to grow my mustache...



West Yearbooks are available!! - This is your last time to order a YEARBOOK!! Our yearbook has been sent out to print and will be here by the end of May. This year is one to be remembered so don't miss out on your chance to buy a yearbook students and parents will cherish forever. There are only 110 extra yearbooks left and when they are gone, they are gone. The easiest way to purchase a yearbook is to go to www.yearbookforever.com. If you have any questions please contact our yearbook advisor Mr. Mike Mueller at mcmuelle@waukesha.k12.wi.us. Thank you.




Final Exam Schedule Semester II - Please see the final exam week schedule for second semester below. Senior students will finish their 5th and 8th hour exams on Monday, June 4th so they can attend graduation practice and their Senior celebration on Thursday. Seniors will follow their own schedule for Thursday, with all other students taking exams.





The BackPack Coalition -



The BackPack Coalition has helped students be prepared for the first day of school for over 20 years. Last year the Backpack Coalition gave away 4,916 filled backpacks for students from nine different school districts including Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, and Waukesha.  

Notice for 2018-2019 School Year:
Applications are now available to receive a free school backpack and school supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.   Many but not all items per the school’s supply list will be included. Students in the Waukesha School district that meet the qualification requirements (listed below) are eligible to apply.  
Applications are due by the last day of school (June 7) and you will receive a reminder letter in early August with pick-up directions.  One application should be completed per family, listing all children per household. Distribution Day will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 514 Riverview Avenue, Waukesha.
To qualify, families must live in Waukesha County, attending K3, K4, and Headstart through 12th grade and have an income that meets the federal guidelines for free and reduced lunch.  Based on household size (total number of adults and children), any family with an income at or below the associated annual income will qualify for the Backpack program.
Backpack Coalition, a program of United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is committed to providing backpacks and school supplies to students with financial constraints in Waukesha and Milwaukee County, helping them participate and succeed in school.  

www.UnitedWaygmwc.org/Backpack-Coalition

La Coalición de Mochilas (BackPack Coalition) ha ayudado a preparar a estudiantes para el primer día de clases por más de 20 años.
El año pasado el BackPack Coalition regalo 4,916 mochilas llenas de útiles para estudiantes de nueve distritos escolares diferentes, incluyendo Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, y Waukesha.  

Notificación para el Año Escolar 2018-2019
Las solicitudes para recibir una mochila escolar con útiles escolares gratuitamente para el año escolar 2018-2019 ya está disponible.  Muchos pero no todos los útiles de las listas de útiles escolares estarán incluidos. Los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha quienes cumplan con los requisitos de cualificación (listados en seguida) serán elegibles para aplicar.
Las solicitudes deben de entregarse a la escuela antes del último día de clases (el 7 de junio) y usted recibirá una carta como recordatorio a principios del mes de agosto con las instrucciones de donde recoger las mochilas.  Solamente se debe llenar una solicitud por familia, listando a todos los niños en el hogar. El Día de Distribución será el sábado, 18 de agosto de 2018 de 9:00 am - 11:00 am en el edificio de salud pública Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 514 Riverview Avenue, Waukesha.
Para cualificar, las familias deben de vivir en el Condado de Waukesha, asistir K3, K4 o de Headstart hasta el 12º grado y tener un ingreso que cumpla con las pautas federales para recibir almuerzo gratuito o a precio reducido.  Basado en el tamaño del hogar (número total de adultos y niños), cualquier familia con un ingreso de o menos del ingreso anual asociado con esas pautas, calificará para el programa de mochilas.
El programa BackPack Coalition es un programa de United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County y están comprometidos a proveer mochilas y útiles a estudiantes con restricciones financieras en los Condados de Waukesha y Milwaukee, ayudándolos a participar y a ser exitosos en la escuela.  




Advanced Placement District Policy Change - Please see the memo below sent out by our school district which has implications for AP courses:




Homelessness Homelessness is continuing to affect more students an families in the School District of Waukesha. The effect of homelessness on students is vast and we want to ensure families can define their situation against criteria and receive support if needed.... please see the flyers below:

                

    


Archived Announcements (Link) Please access this link to find all of the information in our daily announcements from previous weeks.

Preview of this week: Please check the calendars by clicking on these two links to preview what is happening at West High School this week: