Holiday Blog for the Week of 12/19/22

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to the entire West community! I wish all of you a restful holiday break, full of joy with lots of peace sprinkled in! This is your friendly reminder that school resumes again on Monday, January 2nd, 2023!!

Snow Day Today!! - Just wanted to share this clip that I found with everyone to ensure you know school is closed today (no students are here so I know you all got the memo) and you enjoy your snow day... I could never be this creative in calling a snow day, nor would you want to hear me sing for this long! 

Semester 1 Exam Schedule - Semester exams are the week of January 16th, 2023. Below are the schedule and expectations for exam week as they have always been......

• Students are expected to be in attendance for all eight class periods during finals week including study halls, they are not optional.

• Students do not have to be in attendance for make-up or review/conferencing time unless required by their teacher. Students who come in during this time need to be in a supervised location for the duration of the time. Students can be with a teacher in their classroom, or in the Media Center or Cafeteria.

• Students do not have the option to miss a scheduled exam hour and then take it during the make-up session unless they have communicated with their teacher a legitimate absence reason. Students risk losing this opportunity to show more evidence of their learning which could affect their semester grades.  

• All students should be in their designated classroom during their final exam hour for the entire period and are NOT to be released early, as there are other exams occurring.

New Scholarship Blog is active!! - This scholarship blog site is linked here and is accessible through our school website. Students can search for all the different scholarships available such as West only, Local, WEF (Waukesha Educational Foundation), State, and National scholarships. Pay close attention to deadlines as some applications will not be available until the New Year. You can also sign up to receive email alerts each time a new scholarship is uploaded. Please see Mrs. Brown in Student Services with any questions or email her at jbrown@waukesha.k12.wi.us

The Sounds of Christmas - We are fortunate to get a front-row seat to the talents of our students. Please enjoy a couple of clips of our choir students singing in our halls!!

School Choice Application Information - This is a friendly reminder that the School Choice application period for the 2023-2024 school year closes Friday, January 6, 2023, at 4:30 pm! Late applications will not be accepted. Links to the applications are listed below:

Do I need to apply?

• If your child has already been approved for school choice, you DO NOT need to reapply.  Your child is approved through the highest grade level at the approved school of choice.

• If you recently moved or are planning a move to a different attendance area and would like to stay in your current school, you need to apply for school choice.

• If you prefer a virtual option (eAchieve) for the 2023-2024 school year, you need to apply for school choice.  

• Current K4 families who do NOT want to attend their neighborhood school for KG should apply for school choice.  

• If your K4 student is currently attending a non-neighborhood school and would like to continue in that building, you NEED to apply for school choice.

• If your child has an older sibling attending a school of choice, you need to apply for choice for the younger sibling.  The younger sibling is NOT grandfathered into the school of choice.

Please note:

• Per SDW Board Policy ag6152, the School District of Waukesha may decline an intra-district/school choice transfer until all financial obligations have been met.  If your child has any outstanding fees, please have them paid in full by January 6th.
   

2023-2024 Applications

2023-2024 Elementary School Choice Application (Grades 5K-5th)

2023-2024 Secondary School Choice Application (Grades 6-12th) 

The following programs or schools are also accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year until January 6th and may continue to accept applications until program seats are filled.

Montessori School of Waukesha (Grades K5-8th)

Waukesha Academy of Health Professions (Grades 9-12)

Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy (Grades 9-12)

Dual Language 2 Way Program (Grades 4K-1)

Butler Quest (Grades 6-8) 

Les Paul Compass (Grades 6-8)

Horning Flight (Grades 6-8)

Waukesha STEM Academy-Randall Campus (Grades K-5

Waukesha STEM Academy-Saratoga Campus (Grade 6-8)
 

Wondering what your neighborhood school is?

https://app.guidek12.com/waukesha/school_search/current/

Este mensaje es solamente un recordatorio de que el período de solicitud de Elección de Escuela (School Choice) para el año escolar 2023-2024, ¡finaliza este VIERNES 6 DE ENERO a las 4:30 pm!   No se aceptarán solicitudes de Elección de Escuela después de esta fecha. 

¿Quién necesita completar una solicitud para el programa de Elección de Escuela (School Choice)?

• Si anteriormente su estudiante fue aprobado para el programa de Elección de Escuela, no necesita volver a completar esta solicitud. La solicitud de su estudiante es aprobada cada año hasta el grado más alto disponible en la escuela de su elección que ha sido aprobada. 

• Si se ha mudado recientemente o está planeando mudarse a una área de asistencia escolar diferente y quiere permanecer en su escuela actual, entonces necesita completar la solicitud de Elección de Escuela.

• Si quiere tener una opción de aprendizaje virtual (eAchieve) para el año escolar 2023-2024, entonces necesita completar la solicitud de Elección de Escuela.

• Las familias que actualmente tienen un estudiante en K4 y NO desean que su estudiante asista al Kindergarten de la escuela de su vecindario, necesitan completar la solicitud de Elección de Escuela. 

• Las familias que actualmente tienen un estudiante en K4 en una escuela que no es la escuela de su vecindario y que desean que su estudiante continúe en esa escuela, NECESITAN completar la solicitud de Elección de Escuela. 

• Si su estudiante tiene un hermano/a mayor que asiste a una escuela por medio del programa de Elección de Escuela, entonces necesita completar la solicitud de Elección de Escuela para el hermano/a menor. El/la hermano/a menor no es asignado automáticamente a la Elección de Escuela. 

 

Por favor, tenga presente que:  

• En cumpliento con la Política de la Junta del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha ag6152, el Distrito Escolar de Waukesha  puede negar cualquier solicitud de transferencia dentro del distrito, hasta que se hayan pagado todas las tarifas escolares pendientes.  Si su estudiante tiene tarifas escolares pendientes, por favor realice su pago completo antes del 6 de enero del 2023.
   

Solicitudes para el año escolar 2023-2024 

Solicitud para la Elección de Escuela de la Primaria (5K-5° grado) 

Solicitud para la Elección de Escuela de la Secundaria y Preparatoria (6°-12° grado)

Los siguientes programas o escuelas también están aceptando solicitudes hasta el 6 de enero y pueden continuar aceptando solicitudes hasta que se llene el cupo del programa.

Escuela Montessori de Waukesha (K5-8º Grado)

Academia de Profesiones en Salud de Waukesha (9º-12º Grado)

Academia Preparatoria de Ingeniería de Waukesha (9º-12º Grado)

Programa de Lenguaje Dual 2 Vías (4K-1º Grado)

Butler Quest (6º-8º Grado) 

Les Paul Compass (6º-8º Grado)

Horning Flight (6º-8º Grado)

Waukesha STEM Academy-Randall Campus (K-5º Grado)

Waukesha STEM Academy-Saratoga Campus (6º-8º Grado)

 

Si necesita saber cuál es la escuela de su vecindario, por favor visite este enlace:

https://app.guidek12.com/waukesha/school_search/current/

Principal Advisory Committee - The Principal Advisory Council for 2022-2023 met last night on Wednesday, December 21st. The minutes of the meeting will not be available until after the holiday break. The previous meeting minutes are linked here. Please contact any one of the representatives (below) to bring up topics or questions you have to bring forward for our next meeting on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023.

Angela Schaaf	angelamschaaf@gmail.com
Carri Marlow	carrimarlow@yahoo.com
Christy Grunewald	Christygrunewald@gmail.com
Danielle Lark	iammizlark@gmail.com
Elizabeth Mcdowell	elizabeth.mcdowell526@gmail.com
Jennifer Micheau	JMicheau@waukeshacounty.gov
Kari Doepke	Teamdoepkewarnes@gmail.com
Kristin Fredrick	Kpfredrick0521@gmail.com
Lesley Grider	griderville@gmail.com
Wendy Hamilton	wendyhamilton4@gmail.com

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

GO WOLVERINES...WHOOP!!

Principal Blog Week of December 12th, 2022

Purpose Corner - This week I focus on student behaviors for respecting West High School. This message needs to be heard by very few students, but it is always good for the majority of students to hear expectations reinforced. The transcript of the video can be accessed through this link

Rigorous Course Schedule for 2023-2024 - Our data has been clear at West for the past several years in that approximately 90% of West students state they will go on to a two or four-year college for their post-high school education, yet, only 50% of students will make it past year one of college and that is why we push as a school to prepare our students better. A big part of preparing students to meet the challenges of their college and/or career path is high school course selection. Course scheduling is not far away and is coming up in early February 2023! It is time for students to think about stretching their academic resumes. A stretch class is rigorous, possibly AP or Honors, a class that a college admissions counselor would find impressive, and/or a class that will help you reach your fullest potential as a student. You could also choose to take an additional class instead of a study hall. This is a goal class for you. Think about what content area you excel in and stretch in that area or try something new and challenging like one of our many elective classes in the areas of Business, Family & Consumer Science, Technology Education, Art, Music, World Languages, or Drama!! Now is the time to think about your STRETCH class as part of your rigorous course schedule for next school year!

Welcome to West Night Recap!! - A big thank you to all of the students and families who joined us last week Monday for our "Welcome to West" Open House event!! We are grateful to everyone that came to check us out! You can access all of the presentations from the evening through this document link which is also accessible through our school's website. Enjoy a few pics of the crowd below. Go Wolverines, WHOOP!!!!! 

The Video Gamapalooza - A big shout out to the cast and crew of the winter play "The Video Gamapalooza" for all of their hard work and dedication to pull off this great play!! The play is a wild and rollicking ride through the history of arcade games, computer games, and newfangled apps! Join a crusty Gen-X-er longing for the good ol’ days and a plucky youngster who has downloaded the good old days on their phone in 12 seconds as they visit the emotional intensity of Pong, the groundbreaking nature of Ms. Pac-Man, the torturous love affairs of Mario, and the real estate development smash: Minecraft. Enjoy some pics below:

Model UN - If you were not aware Waukesha West has a Model UN Club. Its description is that Model UN is a club that engages students in research and problem-solving of real-world issues and fosters communication and collaboration among students.  Students roleplay delegates to United Nations and simulate United Nations committees.  Students ultimately compete in a conference held in spring at UW-Milwaukee. Please check out the awards link here to see this club's success in prior years and for 2022! Below is a recent article with some West students pictured, great work Model UN!

Principal Advisory Committee - The Principal Advisory Council for 2022-2023 will be meeting on Wednesday, December 21st. The meeting minutes are linked here. Please contact any one of the representatives (below) to bring up topics or questions you have to bring forward for the meeting on the 21st. You still have a little time!

Angela Schaaf	angelamschaaf@gmail.com
Carri Marlow	carrimarlow@yahoo.com
Christy Grunewald	Christygrunewald@gmail.com
Danielle Lark	iammizlark@gmail.com
Elizabeth Mcdowell	elizabeth.mcdowell526@gmail.com
Jennifer Micheau	JMicheau@waukeshacounty.gov
Kari Doepke	Teamdoepkewarnes@gmail.com
Kristin Fredrick	Kpfredrick0521@gmail.com
Lesley Grider	griderville@gmail.com
Wendy Hamilton	wendyhamilton4@gmail.com

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

GO WOLVERINES...WHOOP!!

Principal Blog Week of November 28th, 2022

Purpose Corner - This week I provide information on our journey through "focused instruction" and setting purpose in this phase as well as the importance of our "Welcome to West" open house on Monday, December 5th, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Waukesha West. The transcript of the video can be accessed through this link

Welcome to West Night - It is an expectation for students at West High School to stretch themselves and select a rigorous course schedule. For all underclassmen, the scheduling process happens in early February, but we encourage our students and families to begin thinking about that schedule today. All current families are welcome to attend our “Welcome to West Night” on Monday, December 5th, 2022 to connect with teachers and learn more about the courses and programs we offer at West. Below is the one-page flyer for this event, we hope to see you there!! If you are not coming please tell a friend to ensure anyone who is attending West knows about this opportunity!!

Rigorous Course Schedule for 2023-2024 - Our data has been clear at West for the past several years in that approximately 90% of West students state they will go on to a two or four-year college for their post-high school education, yet, only 50% of students will make it past year one of college and that is why we push as a school to prepare our students better. A big part of preparing students to meet the challenges of their college and/or career path is high school course selection. Course scheduling is not far away and is coming up in early February 2023! It is time for students to think about stretching their academic resumes. A stretch class is rigorous, possibly AP or Honors, a class that a college admissions counselor would find impressive, and/or a class that will help you reach your fullest potential as a student. You could also choose to take an additional class instead of a study hall. This is a goal class for you. Think about what content area you excel in and stretch in that area or try something new and challenging like one of our many elective classes in the areas of Business, Family & Consumer Science, Technology Education, Art, Music, World Languages, or Drama!! Now is the time to think about your STRETCH class as part of your rigorous course schedule for next school year. Attending our "Welcome to West" event on Monday, December 5th (see info above) can be helpful to learn more about the areas you want to stretch in, that is what the night is for!

One-Act Play at State!! - Congratulations to the cast and the crew of "Doubt" who competed at the state one act play contest at UW Whitewater the weekend of November 17th and 18th and continued their string of strong showings, bringing home the contest's top overall prize, The Critics' Choice Award, for the 12th year in a row! West also won the award for Outstanding Ensemble (Evan Hansen, Alex Bonell,Hema Subramanian, and Morgan Washington) and the award for Outstanding Technical Theater. Individual awards for Outstanding Acting were taken home by Morgan Washington, Hema Subramanian and Alex Bonell (who won her second!) Bravo, everyone!

Waukesha MADE - What is Waukesha MADE? It is a partnership between the School District of Waukesha and local businesses that focus on Manufacturing, Automotive, Design, and Engineering.  As of today, a majority of those businesses are local manufacturers but the partnership is looking to grow in the areas of construction, automotive, and printing. One of the best portions of the MADE partnership is the collaboration of our students with these companies. These companies bring real-world projects to our students looking for real-world solutions and look to have their people work with our students to problem-solve and accomplish these tasks. The mentorship is amazing and this partnership is continuing to grow in a positive direction. Our core partners graciously donate funds for equipment repair and purchasing as well as for student scholarships at each of our Waukesha High Schools. We also partner with the MADE businesses to offer co-op opportunities for district students. I just wanted to give a shout-out to this great partnership that offers quality career paths for our students! Students in our CTE courses benefit most from this partnership.

Principal Advisory Committee - The Principal Advisory Council for 2022-2023 met on Wednesday, November 16th. The meeting minutes are linked here. Please contact any one of the representatives (below) to bring up topics or questions you have to bring forward for our next meeting on Wednesday, December 21st. You still have a little time!

Angela Schaaf	angelamschaaf@gmail.com
Carri Marlow	carrimarlow@yahoo.com
Christy Grunewald	Christygrunewald@gmail.com
Danielle Lark	iammizlark@gmail.com
Elizabeth Mcdowell	elizabeth.mcdowell526@gmail.com
Jennifer Micheau	JMicheau@waukeshacounty.gov
Kari Doepke	Teamdoepkewarnes@gmail.com
Kristin Fredrick	Kpfredrick0521@gmail.com
Lesley Grider	griderville@gmail.com
Wendy Hamilton	wendyhamilton4@gmail.com

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

GO WOLVERINES...WHOOP!!