The WJHS Panther Update
Nov. 21, 2023
Principal's Letter
Panther Families,
The one constant that I remain very thankful for is the time that I am able to spend getting to know your students.
Graduation: While it may seem early to talk about graduation, we are already speaking with students about their academic standing and the SSLC hours that are required to walk the stage. After our Thanksgiving break, Ms. Quattrone and Mr. Lipinski will be meeting with parents/guardians of students who are currently in jeopardy of not participating in graduation activities.
Service Learning Information The Student Service Learning Commitment (SSLC) is a graduation requirement for all students earning a Westmont Junior High School diploma at the graduation ceremony. Students perform this community service with an approved not-for-profit organization, and must include the phases of preparation, action and reflection.
Students at WJHS are required to earn:
9 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of May of their 6th grade year.
12 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of May of their 7th grade year.
15 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of April of their 8th grade year, or a total of 36 hours over the course of their 3 years at WJHS.
Credit for Student Service Learning Commitment can be earned starting the summer after Grade 5 and must be completed by junior high school graduation. Students may earn SSLC hours in the following ways:
Active membership in approved school clubs; Early Act, SMART Service, Seeds of Hope/Sprouting Seeds, Outdoor Environmental Science, Recycling, Student Council. Other clubs may be eligible for SSLC hours after administrative approval is given.
Students will have opportunities inside and outside of school to fulfill this commitment.
For more about SSLC, and Frequently asked questions, click on these links:
Ideas for Earning SSLC Hours (Slideshow)
6th Grade SSLC Log 7th Grade SSLC Log 8th Grade SSLC Log
Media Center Logo Design Contest Attention all you creative Panthers! There is still time to sign up for the Media Center logo design contest. If you are interested in creating a logo please sign up today. All logos are due to the Media Center by November 30th. A winner will be announced and awarded a prize on Friday, December 8th.
Industrial arts needs your help - Mrs. Stobl is looking for donations of 2 X 4's (at least 24in. please) for a project she is working on with our 8th graders. If you have any you would like to get rid of, she will gladly take them. You can contact astrobl@cusd201.org to make arrangements to drop those off.
Outdoor Education Trip It’s time to start planning for our favorite WJHS Tradition–OE!
OE, or Outdoor Education, is our 6th grade trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus in scenic Oregon, Illinois. Students (and staff serving as group leaders) will spend three activity-filled days and two reflective nights on campus. Students will be organized into learning groups and attend classes to learn about the environment, ecology, survival, history, and team building. The cost is $160.00 per student to cover programming and transportation.
We will be holding an OE Informational Meeting for 6th grade students and families on Thurs., Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m. in the WJHS Media Center. There is no obligation to attend. Join us to hear what OE is all about!
Paperwork, along with at least $80.00 deposit is due by the end of the day Thurs., Jan. 11
(Due to a new policy, No refunds will be given)
After Thurs., Jan. 25, there will be no more add ons or drop outs.
Final payment ($80.00),along with updates to paperwork are due Mon., Feb. 12
The Trip is scheduled for Wed., Feb. 21- Fri., Feb.23
Please enjoy the video of a past trip to see what the fun is all about! OE 2018 Video
Questions? jburisek@cusd201.org
From our PTO: Holiday Treats for Our Teachers and Staff - Your Contributions Needed!
As the holiday season approaches, we're planning a special way to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. We would love your help in bringing holiday cheer to them!
What We Need:
We're asking for your contributions of 3 to 4 dozen holiday candies, cookies, or other treats to be sent in with students on the morning of 12/6. These can be either store-bought or homemade – whatever you prefer! Teachers and staff will get to select their favorite goodies during the day on 12/6.
Simply click on the link below and choose a slot to bring in your favorite holiday treats! Additional details also available in the Sign-up Genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AACA62BA0FE3-46290466-holiday
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for helping make this holiday season special for those who do so much for our Panthers!
Happy Holidays!
WJHS PTO
Westmont Holly Days - So many fun family activities the first couple weeks of December! Be sure to check out the Holly Days Event Calendar for dates & details.
Mighty Oaks Athletics is offering a Thanksgiving Week Youth Strength and Agility Camp. Click on the link for addition information.
Remember to check the WJHS calendar for up-to-date information on Clubs, Events, & Athletics.
Sincerely,
Amy Quattrone
WJHS Principal