Washburn High School provides students with an education that promotes excellence in academic, artistic and athletic achievement!

9/1/17 -- Issue 1
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
9/1  School Picture Day
9/4  NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Holiday
9/14  Site Council Meeting  4:30-6:00pm  
9/16  Super Soccer Saturday @ 8:00am-8:00pm
9/19  Curriculum Night @ 6:30-8:30pm

10/9  Picture Re-take Day
10/13  Homecoming Football Game
10/14  Homecoming Dance
10/17  Parent-Teacher Conferences @ 4:30-8:00pm
10/18  NO SCHOOL / Parent-Teacher Conferences @ 8:00am-3:00pm
10/19  NO SCHOOL - MEA Break
10/20  NO SCHOOL - MEA Break 

11/1  1st Quarter Ends
11/2  NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development
11/3  NO SCHOOL - Teacher Record Keeping Day 
COUNSELING OFFICE & CAREER/COLLEGE
 

Arabic Classes Added
We are now offering Arabic 1 and Arabic 2/3. If your student would like to add this class, please complete the schedule change located outside the Counseling Office.

New Families Orientation
If you missed the Freshmen Parent Orientation during Welcome Back Night, here is a link to the valuable information shared at that event.

TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS)
ETS is a college access program funded by the Department of Education. It was established in 1965 as part of the Higher Education Act. Currently, there are seven programs under the TRIO umbrella. ETS at Washburn is hosted by St. Olaf College in Northfield. Two-thirds of ETS students come from low-income families and are the first generation in their family to potentially attain post-secondary education. 

Services include small group workshops based on Financial Aid/Scholarship information, college planning information, application assistance, career research, etc. We provide college visit opportunities and tutoring in the schools. ETS also has a mentoring program in which we collaborate with three of Dani Brandes's 9th grade English classes. Students are paired up with a St. Olaf College student. They exchange letters with their mentors on a weekly basis and attend three field trips throughout the school year. All services are FREE to students.
 
If you would like to learn more about our specific program, please visit us at http://wp.stolaf.edu/ets/. Our staff can also be reached via email or phone at:
 
Heidi O'Hair (Director)  ohair@stolaf.edu
Cherie Suonvieri  (Lead Advisor)   suonvi1@stolaf.edu 
Jevita Baheriy  (Advisor)   Baheriy@stolaf.edu 
Kayla Hammond  (Advisor)   hammon1@stolaf.edu 
507-786-3781 or 1-800-621-7601
 
ETS Staff are at Washburn every week from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday in the CCC/Rm 107 by the main entrance.
ACADEMICS & TESTING INFORMATION
 

Writing Lab
LOCATION: The Washburn Writing Lab is located in the Orange Lab (Media Center)

STAFF: Tara Mennitt  Tara.Mennitt@mpls.k12.mn.us

WHAT: Students working on a writing assignment (including college application essays, scholarships, or job application essays/responses) can access Washburn's Writing Lab in the Media Center's Orange Lab

HOW TO ACCESS: 
  • Drop-in between 8:00-8:30 
  • Drop-in after-school 
  • Come to the Media Center during LUNCH (with a pass) during any of the three lunches
  • Schedule an appointment with Ms. Mennitt via email or on the Washburn website under the Students Tab
SERVICES OFFERED:
  • Pre-writing techniques & brainstorming 
  • Organizing rough drafts 
  • Editing & revising 
  • Work on citations, references, and bibliography pages 
MAP Testing
Freshman (9th Grade) will take the MAP test starting September 11, 2017. All 9th grade students in 9th grade will be taking the MAP test in reading and math starting September 11. Students will take the test during their English, Math or Physical Science classes. A more complete and comprehensive schedule will be posted by September 6.

PSAT Testing Information
I f you have questions about the PSAT, please email Tara.Mennitt@mpls.k12.mn.us , call 612-668-3509, or students can find Tara Mennitt in the Media Center to ask in person.


ARTS NEWS
 

Important Dates
9/5-9/7:  Fall Musical "Heathers" Auditions
10/10: Orchestra Concert @ 7:00pm
10/12: Homecoming Choir Concert @ 7:00pm
10/26-10/28: Fall Musical @ 7:00pm
11/2-11/4: Fall Musical @ 7:00pm

Fall Musical Auditions 
Auditions for the fall musical "Heathers" begin next Tuesday and Wednesday after school in the auditorium. This is a rock musical based on the 80's cult movie classic. Please prepare a verse and chorus of a pop song. Auditions are open for all freshmen and sophomores or any student 9-12 who hasn't been in a Washburn musical. See Mr. Lynn in room 203 if you have any questions.
ATHLETICS


Athletics Schedule Online
Don't forget check out the weekly athletic schedule online to come out and support our players at home games & matches!   http://mplscity.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=6&school_id=7  
NEW CELL PHONE POLICY  

To put the focus back on academic learning and increased achievement for our students, the following policy change is in effect for the 2017-2018 school year.

Washburn has adopted a "No use/No access bell to bell " policy for personal electronic devices during class time. Recognizing there are still needs for students to have access to their phones during the school day, an additional two minutes has been added to each passing time. Personal Electronic Devices such as cell phones must be powered down during class time in all instructional areas (use in hallways during class time is also prohibited). Students will have the option of accessing their phones before/after school, during passing time, and during lunch.

Rationale for changing to a "No Use/No Access" Policy:  
  • Interruptions and distractions in the classroom have created a negative impact on academic performance
  • An escalation of students using phones to cheat
  • Increasing number of cell phone thefts
  • Students using phones to inappropriately photograph and record others
  • Delivery of instruction increasingly difficult due to phone/device disruptions in the classroom
Cell Phone & Electronic Devices Policy
  1. Students will not be allowed to use phones or personal electronic devices in the classroom or other learning environments during academic times (this includes hallways).
  2. Student owned technology such as laptops or tablets will be allowed with the expressed discretion of the teacher.
  3. Students may use their cell phones/electronic devices ONLY during passing times, during lunches, and before/after school.
Consequences
First offense -- Security/Deans will bag & tag until end of day (student picks up)
Second offense -- Security/Deans will bag & tag until end of day  (student picks up)
Third offense -- Security/Deans will bag & tag until end of day (parent picks up)
PICTURE DAY 

Picture Day was Friday September 1st. If you forgot to send money with the packet, you can still  order online at mylifetouch.com using our school Picture Day ID M1207217Y0. The online option is open up to 48 hours after Picture Day. There are also additional options available. Please note that ALL students will have their picture taken regardless of ordering for use in the yearbook and for school ID's. Picture re-takes will be October 9. 

Please Note:  Students are only included in the Yearbook IF they OPT IN by signing the Media Release form included in the Parent Packet that was available for pick up on Welcome Back Night. If you are unsure if you have one on file, you can print the form here. 
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH FORMS
 
All families in the district are asked to complete the school meal eligibility form, regardless of income or eligibility as school funding is tied to gathering this information. 

ONLINE APPLICATIONS:  schoolcafe.com
PAPER APPLICATIONS: Available in the main office
 
Do I need to fill out this form if I received free/reduced meals last year?
Yes, all families are required to fill out this form every year.
 
I have a student in my household that does not go to a Minneapolis public school, do I include them on the application?
Yes, include all students currently enrolled in the Minneapolis Public Schools district on the top portion of the application where it asks for student information. On the bottom half of the application it asks for household members. Here you will add the information of the person who is filling out the forms along with any spouses, cousins, sister, brothers, aunts, uncles, boyfriends, girlfriends, nephews, nieces, longtime friends, infants - anybody that lives in the house. Their information is included in the household members portion of the application - even if they do not receive any income. 
 
When visiting schoolcafe.com select "Register". Parents will be prompted to create an account that includes a username and a password. They will then be able to select the eligibility tabs in order to complete the application.
FREE MPS BBQ
 
MPS invites all families to our  Farm to School Community BBQ offered by MPS Culinary & Wellness Services.  Meet the chefs who inspire our recipes and the farmers who grow our food. The BBQ is free to all and includes delicious local food, hands-on activities for children and families, farm animals, live music and more.  In case of rain, the event will move to September 14 at the same place and time.

WHEN: September 12 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. 
WHERE: 812 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. 
RSVP: on Facebook and let us know you are coming 
CLUB RECRUITMENT

Many studies have shown that students who are engaged in extracurricular activities get better grades and are happier. Help your student get involved! Here are a list of clubs actively recruiting new members:

Chess Club
The Washburn Chess Club will meet on Mondays in room 102 starting in October. We are always looking for new members so come join us if you like to play chess. See you after school starting Monday October 2nd in room 102 for Chess Club.

Debate Team
Do you enjoy current events, politics, education, and most importantly, free food? If so, come join the Washburn Debate Team for a kick off pizza party after school on Wednesday, September 6th at 3:15PM in room 315 (Ms. Dierkes' classroom). We will be talking about joining the team, the upcoming season, and this year's topic of primary and secondary education. If you have any questions, swing by Ms. Dierkes' room any time after school this week. Hope to see you there! 

Fall Musical 
Auditions for the fall musical "Heathers" begin next Tuesday and Wednesday September 5 & 6 after school in the auditorium. This is a rock musical based on the 80's cult movie classic. Please prepare a verse and chorus of a pop song. Auditions are open for all freshmen and sophomores or any student 9-12 who hasn't been in a Washburn musical. See Mr. Lynn in room 203 if you have any questions.

Quiz Bowl
Want to participate in fun, knowledge-based competitions? Join Quiz Bowl! To learn more and to try out the questions and buzzers, come to an informational meeting on Tuesday September 5th after school in room 202.

Robotics
Are you interested in building, programming, and wiring a robot? Join Washburn's Robotics Team! Stop by room 119B on September 21st for a short informational meeting from 3:07 to 3:30. Can't wait to see you then!!!!

Sailing [*Independent Team]
The Washburn Sailing Team is looking for new sailors this autumn to join our team on Lake Calhoun. The sailing team meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 4 to 6:30 PM on Lake Calhoun for practice. Weekly races are held throughout the Twin Cities. No previous sailing experience required. Visit Sailcalhoun.org or email  info@sailcalhoun.org for more info on joining the team.

*Independent teams are organized & supervised outside of Washburn but have involvement by WHS students

Student Council
Freshman who are interested in student leadership opportunities and want to be involved in student council, please pick up an application in Room 221. We meet every week during advisory. There are limited spots available, so be sure to get your application turned in before Advisory next week, September 6. Thanks!

The Grist Student Newspaper
Extra, extra read all about it! Come join Washburn's student newspaper. We meet Mondays after school in room 311. We are looking for writers, photographers, artists, and anyone in between. Snacks will be provided! See you on September 11
YEARBOOK SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE

If your student purchased a 2017 yearbook they may pick up a spring supplement in the media center.
CPEO - Connection Parents to Educational Opportunities

Need information on how to prepare your student for college? Attending the 7 week CPEO course can really help parents navigate the school system setting your student up for the best opportunities post high school! 

WHERE: Washburn High School
WHEN: Tuesday Nights: 11/7 - 12/20
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:30pm - Dinner & Childcare Provided
For more information or to register contact:
Erica Lebens-Englund: 612-668-3400 erica.lebens@mpls.k12.mn.us
DeSean Smedley: 612-668-2090

FUNDRAISERS

Robotics at Lowbrow
On Tuesday, September 11th the Lowbrow will be donating 10% of everyone's order between 4:00-7:00pm to the Washburn robotics team. IF you enjoy their t-shirt cannon come out and help support them! 
STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Danielle Seifert, Career & College Counselor
Danielle Seifert is our first Staff of the Week! We're lucky to have her as part of our counseling team. She is a wealth of knowledge and works hard to support students as they make career and college decisions. We appreciate her for her skills, kind spirit, and helpful temperament. Thanks for being a Miller! 
Washburn High School | Main Office 612-668-3400 | Family Liaison 612-668-3440 
STAY CONNECTED: