A Message from our District Administrator
John Gendron...
Dear Families and Community Members,
   
It is hard to believe that we are already into the second semester of the school year. I guess the old saying rings true that "Time flies when you are having fun". As I reflect on the first half of the year, I can tell you with great confidence that learning and student engagement are at an all-time high in Central High School. I take great pride in being visible in the school community and visiting classrooms to watch the amazing learning opportunities facilitated by our excellent teaching staff. 
 
The examples of authentic learning activities are countless, but below are just a few of the powerful opportunities being provided daily to our students:
  • Students from our Business Department run a highly organized and prosperous school store, selling school apparel, snacks, and other school supplies. Student learning focuses on the day-to-day operations of a business with marketing tools to promote greater sales. 


  • Our Tech Department provides real life and hands-on learning activities. Students from our Advanced Graphics class designed and implemented a make-over of our District Office Conference Room that enhances a professional learning area for our staff and Board of Education.

  • Students in Personal Finance, a required class for all Central students, recently participated in "MyLife". This real-life simulation provided our students the opportunity to interact with community leaders through a variety of activities aimed at providing a "real" look at budgeting, personal finance decisions, and goal setting.

  • Engineering students have been designing and building prototype devices to conquer and solve current issues in the world today. Critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving highlight the work for our students in these situations.

  • Our students participating in our music department continue to amaze me with their talents and passion. Most recently, our Jazz Band performed for our Board of Education, showcasing their hard work and talent.
These are just a few examples of the learning opportunities being provided to our students each and every day. I can tell you with great confidence that Central High School is preparing our students for their future.
 
It is a GREAT DAY TO BE A FALCON!
 
With Pride and Excitement,
 
John Gendron
District Administrator
 
#WeAreWestosha
From the Desk of Dale Van Keuren...
Welcome to Second Semester at Westosha Central High School! 

It has been a great first semester and I am excited to see what our students can do second semester. Here are a few things to look forward to, along with some second semester reminders:  
  1. Our Expo night is Wednesday, February 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. While this night is mainly geared towards incoming students, it is a good night to come and learn about the different offerings and academic programs that Central offers.

  2. Second semester is when the vast majority of our state testing occurs. All grade levels are affected somehow by these assessments. Please make sure that when a student has a test that they get a good night's sleep the night before, followed by breakfast in the morning.

  3. Second semester also may bring weather issues. Please make sure that you take extra time when dropping students off in the morning as it may take longer to get here. We want to make sure that all students, staff, and parents are safe.

  4. This is the time of the year where sickness of students and families can be an issue. Our school nurse's web page includes forms and information to help with questions about when a child should stay home, procedures in our school nurse's office, and links to medical forms. This is a good reminder for all families.
Thanks for a great first semester. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Mr. Van Keuren, Principal
Dale Van Keuren  
(262) 843-2321 ext. 209
Twitter: @dalevankeuren

"We need to make the positives so loud that the negative becomes almost impossible to hear"-George Couros
Important Due Dates

March 1

Applications for Early College Credit for Summer and Fall of 2020



Early College Credit
College Credit is a statewide program, which allows eligible high school students in grades 9-12, to take courses through Wisconsin four-year public and private colleges and earn credit toward a high school diploma and a college degree at the same time. 

Applications for the fall semester are due March 1. Students interested in Early College Credit should see their counselors. Applications can be found online:



March 1

Applications for Start College Now for Fall of 2020


Start College Now
Start College Now is a statewide program that allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to take technical college courses and earn credit toward a high school diploma and a college degree at the same time.

Applications for the fall semester are due March 1 . Students interested in Start College Now should see their counselors. The application can be found online: 

Start College Now Application


May 15 * (at the latest - see *Special Note)

Applications for Gateway Academies for High School Students 

Gateway Academies for High School Students
Academy information is found online:

SMART Manufacturing Academy
Criminal Justice Academy
CNC Operator Academy

*Special Note: While students have until May 15 to submit applications, preferences is given in order of submission date. These academies fill quickly, so students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
VITA 
(Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Westosha Central has partnered with United Way of Kenosha since 2012 to provide the VITA program for interested accounting students. Training is currently taking place in Mrs. Eckhart's classroom.

Last summer the Department of Revenue met with Mrs. Eckhart and her accounting students about the VITA program. The VITA program provides free tax preparation to low-income families. Students complete their training with Mrs. Eckhart, then take an online test to become certified tax preparers.

Westosha Central was the first high school to offer this program. There are currently only three high schools in the state of Wisconsin that offer VITA. The Department of Revenue created this promotional video to recruit more high schools to offer the program.

We are proud of Mrs. Eckhart and her students - Congratulations on a job well done!

Westosha High School 3b
Westosha VITA Program

Mobile Hotspot Checkout
Students at Central use their laptops for accessing curriculum materials, collaborating, and completing a variety of assignments and projects at school and from home. In an effort to address the homework gap for students without home internet access, mobile hotspots are available for students to check out through the school's library. This link provides more information about eligibility requirements.
Testing Calendar 2019-2020
Testing season is upon us. Students will soon be taking state-mandated tests.

Advanced Placement (AP) students will take AP exams in May.

Please refer to our testing calendar for more information.
8th Grade Expo
6 p.m. - Wednesday, February 5

Post-Secondary Information Night
6 p.m. - Tuesday, February 11
Attention Parents of Juniors:
 
Central High School's Student Services Department would like to invite you to an informational session on post-secondary planning, including but not limited to: the application process, college entrance test, military, and apprenticeship programs.
 
Our counselors will give a broad overview of the college search process, and share information that was given to juniors during their individual scheduling appointments.
 
CHS All Purpose Room
Tuesday, February 11
6:00 p.m.
 
If you have questions or need further information, please contact your student's counselor.

(262) 834-2321
A - E
Nicole Selburg Extension 239
F - Ko
Elisa Rosenick Extension 233
Kr - Ra
Tricia Collins Extension 238
Re - Z
Keith Olsen Extension 240
ZAPS ACT Prep
Thursday, February 20 at CHS



 
Emergency Closings and Delays
It is the time of year to keep an eye on the weather. There will be times that the weather will affect school and other events and activities. In the event of a school closing or event cancellation, parents will receive an email and phone call from the school. In addition, the information will be broadcast on the following stations:

 

  • WLIP (1050) Kenosha
  • WTMJ (620) Milwaukee
  • WMIR (1551) Lake Geneva
  • WRJN (1400) Racine
  • WISN TV (Milwaukee)
  • WTMJ TV (Milwaukee)
  • WITI TV (Fox 6 Milwaukee)
NOTE: When school is cancelled, the building will be closed for all events - including meetings, events, and activities.
Spring Election
April 7, 2020
Mark your calendar for the Spring Election on Tuesday, April 7. This year's ballot will include two Board of Education seats. 

School Board Member
School Board Member
Township of Paris - 3-Year Term
(Vote for 1)
Village of Salem Lakes - 3-Year Term
(Vote for 1)
  • Dustin Beth
  • Karen Shoopman
  • Bill Watson

Contact Kim Hole at (262) 843-2321, extension 247 or [email protected] for any questions about the elections.
Course Selection and Registration 2020-2021
Course registration is open for the 2020-2021 school year. Students are now able to select their courses through Xello. Each grade has been assigned an individual deadline date for course registration. In February and March, every student will meet individually with their counselor to review their course selections. Students will be emailed their assigned time for their counselor appointment and are responsible for coming down during that time. Times will also be posted at the Attendance Office window and on the counselors' doors. Each year a new master schedule is created to accommodate students' course requests. If you have questions on how your student completes this, please contact his/her school counselor. 


(262) 834-2321
A - E
Nicole Selburg Extension 239
F - Ko
Elisa Rosenick Extension 233
Kr - Ra
Tricia Collins Extension 238
Re - Z
Keith Olsen Extension 240
 
Thank you
Student Services
 
Summer School 2020

Westosha Central High School 2020 summer school forms were mailed home with report cards for students in grades 9 to 11 on January 24, 2020, and will be distributed in 8th Grade information packets at the CHS EXPO on February 5, 2020.
 
Summer school registration forms are due February 14, 2020, to Mrs. Sheree Pfeuffer, Registrar, in order to be considered in the summer school lottery. On March 13, 2020, preliminary summer school schedules with fees will be mailed home along with a confirmation letter indicating that you have been placed in summer school. On May 22, 2020, final summer school schedules will be mailed with confirmation letter and bus routes included.
 
The dates of this year's summer school will be June 15 through July 23, 2020. Summer school courses run Monday through Friday. Please note that for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, summer school will not be in session July 2 through July 6. Classes will resume July 7, 2020.
 
Bus transportation will be provided to students enrolled for a full summer school day, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Instruction will be delivered in multiple formats including face-to-face instruction, blended learning, and computer-based Apex online learning. Full credit courses will run in one session from 7:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Half-credit courses will run in two sessions. Session One is from 7:30 to 10 a.m. and Session Two is from 10:10 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. 
 
Students who are absent for more than three days per course are subject to withdrawal from the summer school program with no refund of fees or awarding of credit for their course. All matters regarding summer school attendance should be addressed with our Summer School Principal, Mr. Leavy.
 
Summer school offers an excellent opportunity for students to earn credits toward high school graduation, learn in a relaxed environment, and stay connected with their friends during the summer.
 
Check our  website for updated information about Summer School 2020.
Students of the Month

Congratulations to the Students of the Month hon ored at the January 14 Board Meeting!

September
  • Nicole Adamski
  • Ella Birkholz
  • Harmony Blaim
  • John Fliess
  • Joseph Fredrickson
  • Ava Jacobi
  • Tanner Mordja
  • Nina Pelli
  • Abigayle Stichauf
  • Bryan Topercer
  • Claudia Van Aken
  • Madison Walk
  • Gabrielle Zagame
October
  • Lauren Davis
  • Jon Lopez
  • Johnathan Myers
  • Garrett Reynolds
  • Grace Verzal
November
  • Bradley Bell
  • Lorenzo del Aguila
  • Kelsey Duhig
  • Madi Heck
  • John Kinzler
  • Valarie Meyer
  • Tracy Richards
  • Megan Sager
December
  • Isabell Clark
  • Jordan Dahlberg
  • Gina Grenyo
  • Nathan Nelson
  • Paige Patton
  • Jacob Seward
Community Opportunities
Student Opportunities
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.
Upcoming Events

Upcoming school events are listed on the school's  web page. Keep up to date and see what's happening!

2019-2020 Calendar
2020-2021 Calendar
Approved December 17, 2019

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  
Central High School District of Westosha Non-Discrimination Statement 
The Board 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.), 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.