 |
|
Falcon Focus
Your Parent E-Newsletter
| Volume 5 Number 4 |
|
November 2019
|
|
|
From the Desk of Dale Van Keuren...
|
|
|
As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, I want to take the time to give thanks to
the Westosha Central Learning community. My transition as principal has been smooth be
cause of our fantastic school community.
- Thank you to the students of Westosha Central. You are the reason we are here, and your hard work, dedication, and talents are appreciated by our school staff.
- Thank you to the parents, guardians, and significant people who support our students. We are happy you are on our team!
- Thank you to our teachers. Your work is critical for our students and their success. Our administrative team could not fill our role without the fantastic hard work and dedication of our teachers.
- Thank you to our support staff. Your countless hours working with our students is appreciated. Our school would not be able to function without you!
In closing, we are approaching the time of the year where we can reflect and give thanks to those around us. I am thankful to be the principal of Westosha Central and am looking forward to continuing on our path as a school community.
|
|
|
Mr. Van Keuren, Principal |
Dale Van Keuren
(262) 843-2321 ext. 209
"We need to make the positives so loud that the negative becomes almost impossible to hear"-George Couros
|
|
|
|
A Message From Our District Administrator
,
John Gendron
|
|
|
|
|
| Mr. Gendron |
|
Fall is in full swing with Halloween festivities behind us and the end of daylight saving time creeping upon us. I am happy to report that the school year continues to be going well; our teachers are doing a great job promoting student collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. My favorite part of each day is visiting classrooms and watching our staff teach and our students interactively participating. We have an amazing staff that works hard every day to challenge our students to reach new heights while providing a safe learning environment for risk-taking, mistakes, and growth.
I would also like to thank the parents that were able to attend the September 30 "Listening Session". We had a strong turnout and the feedback and ideas were extremely helpful. For those of you unable to attend, we asked the group to answer the following questions:
- "What are we proud of at Westosha Central?"
- "What do we want to see enhanced and strengthened at Westosha Central?"
- "What do we want our graduates to look like?"
The conversations were rich and insightful. If you were unable to attend and would like to share your ideas, feel free to email your thoughts to me at
[email protected].
We did a similar activity with our staff in August, and we plan to meet with a group of students to hear their viewpoints and ideas in November. Once all voices have been heard, we will compare the feedback we received, identify trends, and begin to form our short and long range goals for the district.
The future continues to be bright at Westosha Central. We will build on the many great things happening each and every day and strive to grow and improve. Our sights are set for excellence and everything that we do is done to reach this goal.
#WeAreWestosha
|
|
|
Veterans Day is Monday, November 11
|
|
You are invited to attend our Veterans Day assembly at 1:45 p.m.
on Monday, November 11, in the gym.
|
|
VAPE: What Parents Should Know
Thursday, November 13, 2019
Westosha Central High School
6:30-7:30 p.m.
|
Parents, guardians, grandparents, community members, and staff are invited to attend an eye-opening presentation taking place on
Thursday, November 13, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Westosha Central High School.
Online registration is recommended, but not required, for attendance.
** Special Note: Student presentations will take place during the school day on Thursday, November 7 and Thursday, November 14. **
Vape: What Parents Should Know
Across the United States, e-cigarette use, also known as vaping, is reaching epidemic proportions among teenagers. According to the American Lung Association, more than 3.6 million U.S. middle and high school students have reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
There are many health concerns with e-cigarette use. Although some don't contain nicotine, e-cigarette juices use liquid nicotine extra
cted from tobacco and can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. There are also concerns about increased exposure to toxins, including heavy metals, chemical compounds, and other fine particles that may get absorbed into the lungs. Additionally, e-cigarettes can be used as a delivery system for other drugs.
According to the Surgeon General's health advisory, about one third of middle and high school students who used e-cigarettes used them as a delivery device for marijuana. Health officials are concerned about this growing trend "because cannabis use among youth can adversely affect learning and memory and may impair later academic achievement and education".
This educational presentation focuses on common devices used for vaping, substances commonly vaped such as nicotine and marijuana, and the health risks associated with vaping. Learn why health officials are so concerned about this growing trend.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Ashleigh Nowakowski
, Executive Director, Your Choice to Live, Inc.-Ashleigh Nowakowski has been working in the substance abuse prevention field since 2009. Her work includes speaking in middle and high schools, teaching in health classes, and working with high risk youth in the Detour program. Ashleigh also has experience working with youth who are concerned ab
out a loved one's substance use. Ashleigh has her Master's Degree in Public Administration.
|
|
Central's
Instructional Technology Department Website includes helpful information for families. Informational links include: BYOD, Mobile Hotspot checkout, Common Sense Media, Screenagers tips for discussing technology with your teen and directions for setting up parental controls. We encourage you to sign up for the
Tech Talk Tuesdays blog to receive weekly information and conversation starters for talking with your teen about their technology use.
|
|
The building will be closed
Wednesday through Friday,
November 27, 28, and 29
|
|
|
"Sister Act" is Coming to Westosha Central!
|
|
This year, Westosha Central High School's Performing Arts program is presenting "
Sister Act
". The show, based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg movie, is a non-stop action-packed musical that has a mix of everything, from intense chases to disco dancing. Featuring music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), the show portrays a nightclub singer, Deloris Van Cartier, who happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. After witnessing a murder, Deloris is placed in protective custody and is sent to live in a convent of nuns, where she is in constant conflict with the strict rules and the even stricter Mother Superior. In the end, she brings life and joy to the convent, creating a bond that can't be broken: sisterhood.
Choosing "Sister Act" as this year's musical was pretty much common sense. The show features a predominantly female cast, providing opportunities for our many talented actresses to play lead roles. The musical is also unique due to its 1970's setting, making it the most contemporary show we've had in years. "Sister Act" sends a message of unity, understanding, and acceptance among people from different walks of life; a message that can be appreciated by all.
One of the CHS Performing Arts Program's proudest aspects is its individual students and their passion for the arts that allows them to put together a spectacular show. Five days a week for eight weeks, around 100 people work tirelessly. Check out these pictures of their work! From head of tech Abby Sokoloskis, "I learned a lot about leadership and responsibility. It's been very helpful to not only my high school career, but also life," to actors like Kyle Ferris, "The more and more I immerse myself in drama, the almost familial love never wears off, which really shows how unified everyone is, and how we can put together an amazing show." When speaking about the show, Kyle says, "Sister Act is a great show for us to put on, because the show is really about patience, acceptance, and unity, and that strikes a familiar chord with drama kids."
Show dates are Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. CHS Students can get tickets for $5 with a valid student ID (at the door only). Purchase tickets at
www.ShowTix4U.com
and search for our listing or by using this direct link.
- The CHS Drama Marketing and Management Team
|
|
|
Yearbooks Orders and Senior Pictures Are Due
|
|
|
|
|
It is time to order yearbooks, purchase your senior's baby ad, and send in senior pictures! All of these must be done digitally from the Westosha Central
website. The cost of the yearbook is $65. Baby ads have changed and are now available in a variety of sizes- so cost will vary based on the size ad you choose.
Also new for the ads section is the option to purchase an ad for your child's friend group, team, or club. This offers the opportunity to decide which pictures are featured and what the message to the group is!
Senior pictures must be submitted on our website:
- Click the Students tab and scroll down to the Senior Photos link (Senior Picture Upload)
- IMPORTANT: If you do not submit the picture digitally, or have the photographer submit the photo, the yearbook staff will feature your student's school I.D. photo.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. No pictures will be accepted at this email.
Important Deadlines:
|
Yearbook ($65) |
Due November 1; Price increases incrementally though the school year |
|
Senior Picture Submission: |
Due November 1 |
|
Senior Baby Ads |
Due November 1 |
|
|
|
Advisors, Coaches, Parents, and Students: Here is How You Can
Contribute to Yearbook Pictures
|
|
Get the Yearbook Snap App!
- Go to your phone and download the Yearbook Snap app.
- Once you've downloaded the app, click and find our school by searching "Westosha Central High School".
- You will be asked for a code. Enter our code: "CHS".
- When you have a picture of interest, you can upload them through the app! You will have the opportunity to decide if the picture is student life, athletics, academics, or anything else. You will then have the ability to label the picture to share the event day, event, who is in the picture, and any other information you would like to add.
Please consider downloading the app, getting active taking photos, and sharing them! We have so many neat things that can be featured, but without photos, it is hard to do. We are looking for some awesome action shots and pictures that capture the moment.
Parents, Advisors, and Coaches: Please download the app and send in pictures of your children and students participating in Westosha activities!
If you have any questions whatsoever about this app or how it works, please feel free to email me or pop in. The app looks like this on the App Store.
Ms. Johnson
|
|
Westosha Central High School will collect AP exam fees no later than Tuesday, November 26 (with the exception of Microeconomics, which has an exam fee due date of April 3, 2020). Fees may be paid online through Infinite Campus or by cash or check submitted to Mrs. Haluzak in the District Office.
Here is some additional AP information:
- The exam fee is not changing. The cost for each exam is $94. However, there will be a $40 fee for late registration (after November 14) and a $40 cancellation fee for an unused exam.
- Students qualifying for free or reduced lunch are still exempt from exam fees. Please see Mrs. Netzer-Jensen or Mrs. Haluzak in the District Office if you are exempt from fees.
- AP exams will be given the weeks of May 4 and May 11.
- Students will get personalized feedback through new digital tools that provide daily support for every AP classroom. Their teachers will be able to track their performance through the year using monthly personal progress checks.
Additional information regarding the new AP changes for 2019-2020 can be found at
For questions or concerns, please contact:
|
|
Opportunities for students are sometimes shared with the District. The opportunities are passed to our students, elementary schools, counselors, posted on our website, and shared in this newsletter as appropriate.
While we are making students and parents aware of opportunities, the District does not endorse the activities/opportunities.
|
|
One of our community members has donated food for families in need. Family requests will be completely anonymous.
Contact the Principal's Office for more information.
|
|
Upcoming school events are listed on the school's
web page. Keep up to date and see what's happening!
|
|
Falcon Focus is Your E-Newsletter
|
|
The Falcon Focus is your parent newsletter, designed to keep you informed of important activities around the school and future events you may wish to note. If you would like to see any additional items covered in this newsletter, please contact the editor, Kim Hole, at
[email protected].
|
|
|
Central High School District of Westosha Non-Discrimination Statement
The Board of Education does not discriminate in the employment of administrative staff on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, age, sex, (including transgender status, change of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity), pregnancy, creed or religion, genetic information, handicap or disability, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, military service (as defined in 111.32, Wis. Stats.), national origin, ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, use or non-use of lawful products off the District's premises during non-working hours, declining to attend an employer-sponsored meeting or to participate in any communication with the employer about religious matters or political matters, or any other characteristic protected by law in its employment practices.
|
|
|
|
|
