Regent Reporter - January 3rd, 2022

As you are likely aware, MMSD is extending Winter Break for students through Wednesday, January 5th. On Thursday, January 6th, all MMSD students will resume instruction virtually.

Our bell schedule will remain the same.

West staff are working this week to prepare for virtual instruction for your students. During this preparation, we’ll stay in communication with you. By Wednesday, please look for communication from us with the following information:

Class schedule and times
Attendance plan and expectations
Any other updates that might be helpful
Zoom links for specific classes and teacher expectations will be communicated in their teacher's Google Classroom.

I want to personally thank each of you for being flexible as we navigate these next few days. Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me with any questions or concerns at [email protected]

Stay safe,

Karen Boran

Happening Now

Materials and Chromebook Pick-up

The building will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 - 4:00 for students to come in and pick up Chromebooks or other materials needed to be able to participate in virtual instruction on Thursday and Friday. All students should enter through the Welcome Center. If students need Chromebook help, they should report to the LMC. If students have locker issues, they should report to the Ash office.

Unless you specifically heard from a teacher regarding a special pick-up, the only material you need for virtual learning on Thursday and Friday is your Chromebook.

No Internet?

If you need a Wifi hotspot while we are virtual because your family does NOT have internet at home at all, please fill out this form bit.ly/westtechhelp and the librarian will contact you.

Athletics Update

MMSD is continuing co-curriculars and athletics, practices and competitions are able to continue with increased fidelity of mitigation and monitoring.

We will continue to communicate the importance of strict masking in all settings and reinforce the need to eliminate team meals, eating in buses, wear masks in car pools, make decisions to limit other social interactions to continue to have this privilege and help quickly return to in-person instruction.

Student athletes are asked to test whenever symptoms are noticed and will continue increased screening.

Teams may pause activities when numbers of positives or close contacts on the teams makes it appropriate, and to reduce the amount of time the season may be impacted along with ability to safely and fully staff teams plays into the decision.

West Athletics is still looking for additional game workers for hockey and basketball games events in January and February. Please contact [email protected] with interest.

Covid Update

At this point district requirements and protocols have not changed:

There is still a 10 day isolation period for students/staff who test positive for COVID
Only unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated close contacts have to quarantine

Please remember to fill out the daily health screen if your child:

Has tested positive for COVID
Is a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID
Has any symptoms that are consistent with COVID

COVID Clinic, the company that does school district testing, has a site at West that continues to be open from 8 to 4:30 am to perform testing for our students. Please register at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/ before arriving for testing.

Chromebook Problems

“My Chromebook won’t turn on. My Chromebook won’t charge. I charged my Chromebook and it doesn’t work.” Try this!

Plug it in.
Hold the power button.
Tap the refresh (circle arrow) 5 times. If it is going to work, the charging light will flash as you are doing it.
WAIT. It should boot up.

More troubleshooting ideas: English, Spanish, Hmong

Still stuck? Fill out this form bit.ly/westtechhelp beginning 1/6/21 and the librarian will contact you.

Free School Meals for All MMSD Students

MMSD is offering free school meals for all students this week - see pick-up locations and times below.

*Student name, student ID number and student home school required for pick-up. Limit of one 5-day meal box per student.

Upcoming Events & Information

West High School Scholarships

West offers a number of scholarships to graduating students. The West HS scholarship application will be shared with seniors via email on January 12th, 2022 and the deadline to apply will be February 4th, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. The application will also be posted on the West counseling website on January 12th.

What is it? Each year, many local organizations and individuals generously provide approximately 45 scholarships for West Seniors. Each scholarship donor determines the criteria for their scholarship. The criteria vary widely, but may include one or more of the following: academic achievement, leadership, school/community service, athletic achievement, financial need, special interests/talents, personal character, or intended area of study.

Who can Apply? ALL SENIORS who have attended high school in the Madison Metropolitan School District for a minimum of three (3) full semesters. The 8th, or final, semester must be at West. West students at Early College STEM Academy are eligible to apply. In addition, seniors must complete and submit the West High Scholarship application to be considered for these scholarships.

Bridge Days

Here is the schedule for the Bridge Days (1/19-20/22) at the end of first semester. The primary purpose of Bridge Days is to provide the opportunity for students with D or F grades to revise or re-do key assessments. Attendance for all students is required on January 18th. Students with Ds or Fs in any class are invited to attend Bridge Days in the morning on January 19th and 20th. Ask your teacher about specific assessments to focus on as we finish the semester strong!

Summit Credit Union January News