The Warrior
Washington High School Newsletter
Mission: To Develop Lifelong Learners To Succeed In A Changing World
Newsletter Date:
May 2021
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Principal Comments
It is hard to believe, that as I write this, there are only twenty school days left to year. What a year it has been! There have been many new things, some good and some more challenging. Yet we, as Warriors, have persevered. I am so proud of all our students have accomplished this year and how our Warrior community has rallied to ensure this school year would be a successful one.
While there is plenty to celebrate at WHS, the first full week of May marks the beginning of Advanced Placement (AP) testing. AP testing will begin on Monday, May 3. This year we will administer close to 740 AP tests which is outstanding! We encourage students to get plenty of rest as they prepare for their tests.
With 20 days left of the school year, there is still time for students to get work completed and to turn a grade around. We encourage students to finish the year strong by attending every class every day and visiting with their teachers if they need additional support. Now is the time to put your best foot forward and finish the year strong! That final push leads us to semester exams which will be administered on Tuesday, May 25 and on Wednesday, May 26. The semester test schedule is included in the newsletter. Students will turn in their chromebooks in the last class period on Wednesday, May 26.
As we close the school year, graduation will be Sunday, May 30 at 1:00 pm at the Arena.
In closing, we look forward to all the activities this time of year brings. Students are currently active in plays, music performances, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. We appreciate your support in making Washington High School a great place to earn an education as we continue to build on the rich history and tradition of Washington High School. It is a great time to be a Warrior!
Go Warriors!
Kari Papke
Principal
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Superintendent Message
A Year Like No Other
by Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent
May 2021
As the school year draws to a close, it may go down in history as both the longest and shortest year ever. Many things have felt different, but there are just as many or more things that feel completely normal, especially at this point in the year.
Over the past two weeks I’ve attended elementary, middle, and high school recognition events and marvel at the accomplishments of our students.
- Our students have stayed in the classroom and excelled academically.
- Our students have stayed on the field and the court and played competitively.
- Our students have stayed on the stage and performed beautifully.
- Our students have stayed the course and completed the year successfully.
As things unfold across the country there are many districts that have only recently returned students to the classroom, and just as many that will not see students in person at all this year. When I think about the future of our SFSD students, particularly our seniors moving on from this year, they will have a tremendous advantage compared to many of their peers. I’m so proud of the resilience they have shown and their accomplishments.
Our District has provided learning in the classroom all year because of the courage and tenacity of our SFSD staff. They showed up under uncertain circumstances, adjusted their way of teaching, changed the structure of the classroom, and altered their daily practice in order to keep kids in school, and we’re grateful. They have functioned as a team, and I am equally proud of their resilience and accomplishments this year.
We missed having our volunteers and people coming to our buildings on a regular basis, and we hope many of those missing pieces can be restored for 2021-22. We became acutely aware of the impact of so many partnerships when we had to do without those connections this year. Our goal is to revitalize and renew those important community relationships as we grow forward next year.
Sioux Falls is an amazing place and we have so many things for which to be thankful. As someone new to the community, I have been overwhelmed more than a few times at the number of people and organizations who care deeply about the well-being and success of both our students and families and our entire School District. So many have contributed time, resources, and expertise all in an effort to have great opportunities for all of our children. I recently met someone who has been volunteering at SFSD events for 63 years! That is a legacy of commitment so many have demonstrated, and we are grateful!
The community embraces our schools and believes in the value of public education. The city welcomes diversity and partners with us as we continue to grow in our ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and included. I am so grateful for the way this District pulled together and stayed the course. Families, students, staff, and the community - together, we all made this year a reality for our children.
We have great opportunities to grow, improve, and innovate moving forward, including our upcoming summer programs for students, two new schools opening in the fall, and a celebration of the SFSD 150th year. Our new District Priorities will guide the work as we envision a bright future for our children. Thank you for staying the course, and congratulations on the successful completion of this historic school year!
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Warriors pull together in support of one of their own
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Semester Test Schedule
- Semester Test Schedule:
- Day 1: May 25th
- Period 1: 8:10 - 9:50
- Period 4/5: 10:00 - 11:30
- Lunch/SH: 11:35 - 12:15
- Period 6: 12:15 - 1:45 *dismissal - busses will run at 1:45 & normal 3:05 time
- *make up/recovery: 1:45-3:05
- Day 2: May 26th
- Period 2: 8:10 - 9:50
- Period 3: 10:00 - 11:30
- Lunch/SH: 11:35 - 12:15
- Period 7: 12:15 - 1:45*dismissal - busses will run at 1:45 & normal 3:05 time
- *make up/recovery: 1:45-3:05
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Washington High School's Graduation Live Stream May 30th
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Graduation Information
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21-22 Annual Student Information
HELPFUL REMINDERS:
- New Student Online Registration
- This option is open all year and should be used for new families/students to the district (for example, students that have never been enrolled with the district or those students that have left the district and are returning).
- For parents completing registration at home on a laptop or desktop, registration is done through the SFSD Website. (See attached document: 21-22 Online Registration Options, Online Registration - New Student)
- For parents completing registration on a student Chromebook, at the school, or with clerical assistance, registration is done through the Kiosk bookmark “Kiosk-New Student Registration”. (See attached document: Online Registration – Kiosk Options)
- Annual Student Information Update (Existing Students)
- This option is open May through September.
- For parents completing the annual update at home on a laptop or desktop, they should log into their parent portal account, select ‘More’ from the left index and then the “Annual Information Update” link display. (See attached document – 21-22 Online Registration Options, Online Registration – Existing Families)
- For parents completing registration on a student Chromebook, at the school, or with clerical assistance, registration is done through the Chromebook bookmark at the top left of the screen, named “Parent Portal Log-in”. (See attached document: Online Registration – Kiosk Options)
- Parents must be logged in as a parent to see their students. Logging in as a student or staff/teacher will not allow them to see their students or the annual information update link.
- Only Household A parent/guardians will be able to complete an annual update through Parent Portal.
- Household B parent/guardians will be able to access the Annual Student Information Update link within their Parent Portal, but will be given the following message once they open the link: “Online registration is not available at this time for the following reasons: You are not indicated as a guardian for an enrolled student, student is not residing in this household the greater portion of the school year, the account that is being used does not belong to a parent/guardian, an online application has already been submitted for this school year or annual student information updates are not being accepted at this time.”
- ITS will mail blue annual update forms to Household B parents in late July/early August.
- Annual Student Information Update with New Student Added (new Kindergarten student, new foster child, new guardianship, foreign exchange student, etc.)
- This option is open May through September.
- Parents with an active Parent Portal account should update their existing student(s) information following the existing student annual update instructions above. On the Student Tab, parent will have the option to “Add New Student” before submitting the application.
- *REMINDER: You will need to check the entire OLR for new students (including the Language Information pleat, previous schools pleat for IEP/504 information, etc.) on all new students added to the application.
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Congratulations to the following seniors who have earned the 2021 President's Award for Educational Excellence!
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APRIL Student of the Month
Juniors: Emma Jensen & Mario Garcia Morales
Sophomores: Jocelyn Hernandez & Jacob Ennor
Freshman: Elizabeth Russell & Jonah Ohrtman
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May Student of the month
Juniors: Dickhha Tamang & Quinn Masek
Sophomores: Selena Russell & Tristan Fitzsimmons
Freshman: Rokia Kone & Tyrell Jensen
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Intervention Days
Schedule:
1 – 8:10 to 9:00 (50 minutes with announcements)
2 – 9:05 to 9:50 (45 minutes)
Intervention – 9:50 – 10:35 *This will be attached to the 2nd period classroom (similar to how Reading Period is attached to 3rd period)
3rd – 10:40 – 11:25 (45 min)
4th – 11:30 – 12:25 (55 min)
5th – 12:30 – 1:25 (55 min)
6th – 1:30 – 2:15 (45 min)
7th – 2:20 – 3:05 (45 min)
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Outdoor Attendance Restrictions Lifted
Starting today, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the Sioux Falls School District has lifted attendance restrictions for outdoor activities ONLY (Track and Field, Girls Golf, Boys Tennis and Baseball). Activities held indoors will continue to operate with spectator attendance restrictions based on the capacity of the host facility. This decision will be monitored and assessed very closely and the outdoor spectator attendance restrictions may be implemented again at any time to ensure the District stays in traditional learning through the end of the school year.
Please note that all other guidelines and protocols are still in place, and masks are still expected at all indoor and outdoor activities. These guidelines and protocols have provided the opportunity for safety at our activities and ultimately support our primary goal of continuing a traditional school setting in the Sioux Falls School District through the end of the school year.
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Important dates to remember:
May 3-14 AP Testing
May 25 & 26 Semester Tests - date changed
May 26 End of 2nd semester - date changed
May 27 Teacher Work Day
May 30 Graduation 1:00 pm
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Visit the counseling website at: www.whscounseling.com
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Warrior Way Podcast
Ep. 30 - Mapenzi Bukuru and Luis Perez Perez by The Warrior Way Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
WHS Sophomore Mapenzi Bukuru and Junior Luis Perez Perez join the show this week. Coming from far different parts of the world, they learn under one roof at WHS, and they have a couple incredible stories to tell. Mapenzi grew up in Africa, while Luis in Guatemala, and they are both new to the English language. They did a great job of sharing why they love WHS, and really represent what WHS is all about.
https://anchor.fm/warrior-waypod/episodes/Ep--30---Mapenzi-Bukuru-and-Luis-Perez-Perez-eve40k
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Yearbook Information
The year is coming to an end and so is your opportunity to order the 2021 yearbook. All online sales will end May 24. Very few extra books are ordered each year, so don't miss out!
If you ordered a yearbook for 2021 graduate, please fill out the survey (if you have not done so already) found at this link so we know who we can contact to pick up your yearbook when they arrive at the beginning of next school year.. https://forms.gle/tGbiMegKx7k51ryh8
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What's new at the WHS Library:
As the year ends, the WHS Library needs your help to get library books returned. Right now, we have 1000+ overdue items. Many of these items are months overdue. Once or twice a month, I email overdues to students and parents. If you receive one of these emails, please have your student return or renew their books. Seniors need to return or pay for all library items and fees to receive their diploma. All WHS students need to return all library items May 17-26. If we don't get the books back until the fall, it is difficult to know what books to replace over the summer, so our students have the best selection of books. Thanks in advance for help with this!
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The Warrior Zone's May "DEAL OF THE MONTH"
The Warrior Zone saved the best deal for the last month of the school year. The Warrior Zone’s May “Deal of the Month” is 25% off everything in the store besides food and drinks. You can view all The Warrior Zone’s products at www.whswarriorzone.weebly.com
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2021 Senior Class Party!
Get registered today! The 2021 Senior Class Party will be Sunday, May 30th from 10pm to 5am at the SD Special Olympics building located at 800 E I-90 Ln in Sioux Falls. We know it’s been quite a year and we look forward to celebrating and looking back on your high school years with you! Registration can be done online or via the registration form below. Registrations are due NO LATER then April 30th! See the registration form or website for complete details including payment options.
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WHS Booster Club
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Looking for a part time job?
Job Description:
School Bus Inc is looking for part time school bus drivers who will make it a priority to provide students with a safe and enjoyable experience to and from school each day.
· No experience necessary, paid Training
· $500 sign on Bonus ($1000 for those who come with CDL w/passenger & school bus endorsements)
· $18.15 hourly rate
· 20-25 hrs./weekly (possibly more at certain times of the year)
· No nights, weekends, or Holidays!
· A work schedule that matches your child’s school schedule!
Why Join Our Team?
· Safety: Our top priority is the safety of all passengers and employees
· Value our Employees: People are the foundation of any great business.
· Customer Focused: SBI will continue to build on the strong partnerships that we have built over the years, based on trust and integrity.
Minimum Requirements:
· 18 yrs. Of age or older
· Able to pass a background check.
· Drug Screen
· Willing to work a flexible schedule.
Apply today as it will take a minimum of 20 days for licensing and training.
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Contact us
Website: http://www.sf.k12.sd.us/washington/home
Location: 501 N. Sycamore Sioux Falls SD, 57110
Phone: (605) 367-7970