WBHS Family Newsletter
October 2023
Message from Administration
Dear WBHS Families,
What a month! Our homecoming week was a hit! Students and staff came together to celebrate our school spirit. The week was filled with exciting activities, including a pep rally and theme days. We look forward to our homecoming parade and the highly anticipated football game tonight. Please join us and bring your best school spirit!
We value open communication between parents and teachers, and Parent-Teacher Conferences provide a great opportunity to discuss your child's progress. This year, we will be hosting Parent-Teacher conferences on October 19th from 4 - 7:30 pm. Please see information below on this event.
The Safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We have provided a more structured environment in the high school building in the morning before the official start of the school day (7:15 a.m.). We open the campus at 6:45 a.m. to allow for breakfast programs, staggered bus arrival, student academic support, and events/clubs prior to the school day, etc. These opportunities will still be available to students with a pass, and we will provide additional activities as well, such as open gym and a quiet study area.
We are excited about all the opportunities that lie ahead in October and the rest of the school year. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a wonderful October!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Potter
Executive Principal
West Bend High Schools
Important Dates
October 2-7: Homecoming Week
October 6:
Homecoming Parade beginning at 4:15 p.m. at Decorah Rd. and Lincoln Dr. in West Bend and moving east on Decorah Rd.
West Bend East and West Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 6:40 p.m. on the football field
East vs. West varsity football at 7:00 p.m. (fireworks after the game)
October 7: Homecoming Dance from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
October 18: Wisconsin Education Fair (see Career Readiness below for additional information)
October 19: Parent-Teacher Conferences from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m.
October 20: No School for Students
October 23: Fall Choir Concert from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Silver Lining Arts Center (Auditorium)
October 25: PSAT/NMSQT from 7:15 - 10:15 a.m. (Registration information below)
October 26: Fall Orchestra Concert from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Silver Lining Arts Center (Auditorium)
October 27: Picture Retake/Makeup Day from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Silver Lining Arts Center (Auditorium) - Picture Re-take Information
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences provide an opportunity for us to work together in support of your child's education. We invite you to attend the fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 19 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Conferences will be held for 10 minutes per student with each teacher on a first come basis. If you feel you may need a longer discussion with your child’s teacher, please reach out to set up an appointment at a different time.
Conferences are essential for building a strong partnership between home and school that will benefit the student. In fact, your student is encouraged to attend the conference with you as the most successful conferences involve student participation.
Nurturing a strong partnership between you and the school requires ongoing communication. At conferences, we want to share your child’s progress and answer your questions. If additional time beyond the conference is needed or if you cannot attend conferences, another meeting via phone or in person can be scheduled.
Attendance Reminders
Keep Your Child On Track: Pay Attention to Attendance
Did you know:
Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.
Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other difficulty.
By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year, can affect a student’s academic success.
Learn more about what you can do to support your child towards success in high school with the following information: Attendance Matters.
Reminder: Students Must Signing in & Out of School in the Attendance Office
This is a friendly reminder that students MUST sign out with attendance before leaving the building or it will result in an unexcused absence. It is our job to know which students are in and out of the building at all times. Everyday we have students who leave without notification and parents call in the following day to excuse them. This is a safety issue so we are requesting that parents remind their child to sign in and out in the Attendance Office.
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT: October 25, 7:15 - 10:15
The PSAT is scheduled for October 25 from 7:15 – 10:15. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is an optional test that determines if students are on track for college success. For 11th Grade students, PSAT scores are used by scholarship programs, including the National Merit® Scholarship Program, to look for eligible students. This year is the first year that the PSAT/NMSQT is only offered digitally and the results will be available by November 16.
The cost of the PSAT is $18 and students in 10th and 11th grade who are college-bound are encouraged to sign up. Students must register for the PSAT alternate no later than Friday, October 13th. Students can bring the $18 payment, cash or check made payable to West Bend High Schools, to Mrs. Maus in the bookkeeping office. If you are interested in taking the PSAT, please complete the following sign-up form: 2023 PSAT/NMSQT Test Sign-up.
If you have any questions, please contact Susan Saric at ssaric@wbsd-schools.org. For more information about the PSAT/NMSQT, please review the following information, including a video about the digital test, at the following link: Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Registration and Timeline
We are in full swing for the 2023-24 school year and already planning for AP testing in May. The 2023-24 Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Information provides detailed information about the AP exam registration process, including important dates, costs and the payment process. The following information briefly outlines the details in the attachment: AP Exam Information
If this is the first time your child is taking an AP Class and/or taking an AP exam, the following links will help you learn the benefits of taking AP classes, AP exams, and how students can save time and money earning college credits before graduating high school: What is AP?
If you have any questions or would like additional information on the Advanced Placement Program or how you can support your child this year, please email Susan Saric at ssaric@wbsd-schools.org.
Counseling Office Updates
Senior Families
In the past few years FAFSA has opened up for students on October 1 for seniors planning to attend college during the 24-25 school year. The application is being revised and will not be available until later this school year. We will share more information regarding FAFSA as we receive it. Check out this flier for more information.
Programing Update
The Counseling Department and the Career Readiness Center (formerly known as the College and Career Center) are excited to offer workshops to support your student’s career planning. During the 2023-2024 school year students can expect unique opportunities to explore and plan for their life after high school. Sessions will be open to all students, and some opportunities will also be available for families to join. Find more information here.
Career Readiness Center Updates
Wisconsin Education Fair
If you know you want to attend either a two-year or four-year college or join the military after graduation but aren't sure which school or military branch, join the Wisconsin Education Fair (WEF) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 9:00 - 11:00 am at Mount Mary University. Bus transportation will be provided. The bus will leave West Bend High School at 8:30 from the East side (by the auditorium) and return approximately 11:45am. Students interested in attending WEF must register below. Sign up to attend the fair! Hurry! Space is limited to 40 students.
Other Available Sessions
See the calendar of all the upcoming Career Ready sessions offered.
WBHS Highlights & Celebrations
Members of the West Boys Soccer Team recently greeted Fair Park students as they entered the building to start their day in a positive manner! Way to go Spartans!
Congratulations to Chloe Marsch (East 12) and Owen Damkot (West 12), who were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists.
The 37th annual Lynn LaPorte Sprawl Volleyball Tournament was a great success! WBHS thanks all of the teams who came out to play some great games of volleyball!
Museum of Wisconsin Art Offerings
The Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) is hosting a Teen Art Meet-up on Friday, October 13 from 4-6 p.m. The Teen Art Meet-up is planned by members of the MOWA Teen Council. Stop by the museum to make collaborative art and try new methods of art making. This event is free for all high school students. Attendees will receive a free teen membership to the museum and a free tote bag filled with art supplies!
Helpful Links for Families
WBHS Contact Information
Address:
1305 E. Decorah Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone Numbers:
(262)335-5530 (East Office)
(262)335-5570 (West Office)
(262)335-5550 (Attendance)
(262)335-5580 (Counseling Office)
Athletics Websites: East | West
Administration
Jared Kiesow- E/W Assistant Principal Grade 9
jkiesow@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5587
Laura Krause-Emerick- East Assistant Principal Grades 10 - 12
lkrauseemerick@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5571
Dave Riley - West Assistant Principal Grades 10 - 12
dsriley@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5532
Susan Saric - E/W Assistant Principal
ssaric@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5569
Dave Uelmen - Associate Principal
duelmen@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5592
Jennifer Potter- Executive Principal
jpotter@wbsd-schools.org / 262-335-5629