Plano West Senior High School
Blue Nation: Leading with Pride!
Monday, December 7, 2015
Welcome to Wolf News
General Announcements
- Daily Character Quote
- Plano ISD Facilities and Technology Study Task Force Seeks Parent and Community Feedback
- AVID Teacher of the Month
- Student Parking for 2nd semester
- AMC-12 Math Competition Test
- Saturday School
- PISD InfoCenter
- From the Nurse - Flu Vaccine
- PWSH student art work at Plano ISD Fall Art Exhibit
- STAAR EOC Retests
- PWSH Counseling
- Collin College Spring Semester Courses
- Colleges Visiting campus
- Senior Transcripts
- Fall Semester Exam Schedule
- Final Exam Bus Schedule
- Secondary Transfer Requests
We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.
Plano ISD Facilities and Technology Study Task Force Seeks Parent and Community Feedback, see letter from Mrs. King below.
Congrats to Mr. Walta for being selected as the AVID Teacher of the Month! Thank you for all that you do!
Student Parking for 2nd Semester
Student Parking stickers will be prorated to $40 starting in January 2016. See Mrs. Johnson in the front office for parking forms.
Attention Motivated Math Students! West will be administering the AMC-12 Math Competition Test on Tuesday February 2, 2016. If you are interested in taking this test, see Mr. Greider in E614 or email him at alan.greider@pisd.edu to let him know of your interest by Friday December 11.
Hours for Saturday School are 8:30 – 11:30. We meet in the library. The remaining Saturday School dates for the fall semester are as follows: Nov 14, Dec 5, Dec 12.
Rules:
Must bring at least 2 hours of book work
There will be no use of computers, phones, electronic devices
No food and/or water in the library
No sleeping
No hats or hoods to cover face or eyes
No talking at all; or no passing notes
Plano ISD has implemented InfoCenter, allowing you to better control how you receive communications from your child’s school and Plano ISD. The following is a guide to help you get started.
What is InfoCenter?: InfoCenter provides access to all the messages and information sent by your child’s campus and Plano ISD. Accessible from any internet-enabled device, InfoCenter visually displays and organizes alerts, notifications, and attachments for easy review and reference. InfoCenter also allows you to customize how you receive communications from PISD (campus and district).
How do I sign up for InfoCenter?: Signing up for InfoCenter is easy. Using the email address that you have on file for your district (emergency card), follow these three steps:
1. Download the InfoCenter by SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Market. You can also access the InfoCenter web portal at https://infocenter.schoolmessenger.com/
2. Click the “New User” button, enter your email address, and create a password. An email will be sent to that address with a secure token. Note: If you receive an “already claimed by another user account” error message that means you’ve already created a SchoolMessenger account via another SchoolMessenger product, such as Contact Manager. Simply follow the “Return to login” link and login. Use the “Forgot your password” link if needed.
3. After authenticating via the token sent to your email, return to InfoCenter and sign in using your email and password.
What’s in InfoCenter?:Once you’ve created your account, the records associated with your email address will be linked automatically. You can then:
- View the records associated with your account.
- Review the last 30 days worth of messages for all your associated records.
- View your contact information, and configure how you’d like to receive notifications.
Important Things to Know:
- Regardless of how you choose to receive notifications, all messages associated with your records will be retained in the InfoCenter inbox for 30 days.
- You can opt into receiving Device Notifications (Push) under Notification Preferences. When choosing to receive Device Notifications, a badge or alert will appear when you receive new communications from Plano ISD.
Our provider, SchoolMessenger, makes the security and privacy of your data a top priority. As one of over 100 approved signatories to Student Privacy Pledge, you can feel ensured that your student’s information is safe and will never be sold, rented or shared.
From the Plano West Nurse - Flu Vaccine!
As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can still provide protection against the flu. Flu activity doesn't usually peak until January or February in the United States, and the season can last as late as May, so it is important to vaccinate now if you haven't already.
How Flu Spreads Person to Person
People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.
To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick. It also is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.
The Flu Is Contagious
Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The following student’s art work has been selected to represent Plano West Senior High in the Plano ISD Fall Art Exhibit. The show is being held at the Sockwell Center until December 7.
Please congratulate these students on their outstanding work.
Angel Aisosa
Ashley Chanpong
Alex Cruz
Jierui Fang
Josh Jordan
Ava Nazary
Breana Silva
Andrew Yu
The Sockwell Center is located at 6301 Chapel Hill Blvd.
Beginning December 7, STARR EOC retests will be administered to students who have not yet passed specific EOC tests. Tests begin at 9:00 a.m.
By Friday, December 4, during the school day, students will be sent a written notice telling them which test is being administered and its location.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, December 7…..English I retest
Tuesday, December 8…..Algebra I, Biology, US History retests (US History is for seniors only)
Wednesday, December 9….. English 2 retest
Because students need to pass these tests before graduation, please make every effort to be present in the testing room by 9:00 a.m. on specified days.
All Juniors will take the STARR US History EOC test on May 4, 2016.
PWSH Counseling is now using Remind! All students and parents are encouraged to join.
Text @pwshcouns to 81010
You can opt-out of messages anytime by texting ‘unsubscribe @pwshcouns’
Or, to receive these messages from the Counselors via email, send an email to:
Important Message For Students taking Collin College Spring semester courses:
On December 2 the Counselors will be delivering your Collin College Registration forms to you during your Collin College class. You need to have a parent sign your form and then return it to the Counseling Center by December 4.
Collin College will pick-up the forms on December 7. All forms not returned to the Counseling Center by that date will need to be delivered to Collin College by the student.
You may register and pay online through your Cougar Web account between December 11-18.
December 18 is the deadline for registration. Students not registered by December 18 will be dropped from Collin College and added to a Plano West class.
Colleges Visiting Week of Dec. 7 - Dec. 11:
University of Mississippi Wed. 12/9
Upcoming College Information Sessions:
Ithaca College Regional Audition-Dallas, Myerson Symphony Center Sat. 01/23/16
Senior Transcript Requests for Colleges with January 1st deadline: Transcripts should be requested by Thursday, December 10th. Remember to screen-print the “Colleges I’m applying to” page from Naviance, and turn it in to the Registrar’s Office.
The On Line Numbering System for SECONDARY transfer requests will be available beginning December 14th at 6:30 am. Parents must log in beginning December 14th to receive a number to hold a place in line for them on the January 4th transfer day. See flyers below.
PWSH Athletics and Clubs/Jasper and Shepton Announcements
- Wrestling
- Plano West Lacrosse Club
- Men's Basketball
- Hockey
- Shepton Raising Canes Spirit Night
- Plano West Socks
Plano West Wrestling
JV Colleyville Tournament This Friday - Cancelled
Varsity and JV Frisco Heritage Dual Tournament - Saturday 9:00 am
Wrestlers (Varsity & JV) meet at the school Saturday 6:30 am to catch the bus.
Support the Blue Nation Wrestlers!
Open Mat - will continue through the season with the PACK Accelerated Club on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 p.m
If you need information on joining the club, contact the Club Director Coach Woods. stephen.woods@packacceleratedwrestling.com
The Plano West Lacrosse Club's high school lacrosse team is recruiting for the spring season.
We are holding open practices in the SAC at Plano West on Wednesday, December 9th and Thursday, December 10th 7:00pm- 8:30pm for any high school boys interested in learning more about the sport. Our spring season practices begin on January 9.
Plano West Men’s Basketball Booster Club
Plano West Hockey News, Games and Events! Come support your JV and Varsity Teams!
Raising Canes Spirit Night!
Need a break from making dinner from the holiday rush? Dine at Raising Canes on W. Park Blvd on Wednesday, December 9 from 5-9pm and mention Shepton High School Stallion Club!
Just in time for the holidays! Plano West socks are on sale for $10 a pair. Crew socks are white with blue wolfhead, available in adult medium and large. Please see attached flier to order!
PTSA/PWSH Booster Clubs
- Yearbook
- Blue Nation Choir Concert
- Badminton Club
- Mr. West Voting!
- Service Hours
- Environmental Club cleanup
- FFA Pecans
- Writer's Guild
- DECA
- Art Club
- Key Club
- Badminton Club
- JROTC Fundraiser
- Best Buddies
- Chess Club
- Youth for Christ
- Wanna Be Cool?
- Anime Club
- USA Biology Olympiad
- Plano West FFA – Cristina’s Fall Flowers Fundraiser
- Literary Magazine
- Plano West PTSA Membership
- Band Holiday Concert benefitting Toys for Tots
YEARBOOK NEWS: Junior and senior headshots are located in the foyer for your review. Please check the spelling of your name for accuracy. Also, if you had your picture taken and do not see it, please let me know. Deadline is Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. Room A2084
See Mrs. Martin (If the pose is incorrect, we cannot change it.) Thank you.
Winter Concert
The Plano West Blue Nation Choir will have their Winter Concert, Wintersong,
Monday, December 7
7 PM
Plano West Theatre
The Plano Choirs will be joined by the Plano Children's Chorale, an elite music
ensemble of students in 5th grade. The Plano Choirs include the Concert Women,
A Cappella Women, and the Chorale Choir. Theses young men, and women, and
children will leave you awed with the beauty of their voices.
There will be a reception in the Lobby following the concert.
Mr. West Voting! Time to select your top 10 candidates for this year’s Mr. West Pageant & competition! After logging in to your PISD google account, go the following website to vote for your top candidate: www.tinyurl.com/mrwest2015. The top 10 candidates that receive the most votes will move onto to the next round and begin preparing for the Mr. West pageant show on Saturday, February 13th! Look out for tickets to go on sale in early next semester!
In need of service hours? The Plano Santas offer 3 dates for students to volunteer to help at the warehouse location, December 2nd – 4th. Up to 50 volunteers are taken each day for a total of 150 volunteers, so access this URL link if you are interested! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094faaae2ba02-plano1/
FFA Pecans have arrived! If you have placed an order, expect delivery soon! Missed a chance to order? We a limited amount of pecans, halves, frosted pralines, and pecan syrup available for sale. Contact Jamie Hanna, FFA Fundraising Chairman, at jamiehanna@verizon.net or 469-231-2431 for details.
Writer's Guild will be having a meeting on Monday, December 7th in Ms. Heck's room, A2015, during 7th period and after school. This is the last meeting of the semester, so everyone should bring some food to celebrate. There will be food, friends, and fun! Please come to socialize with fellow members.
DECA: Last call for competition registration! Sign up at tinyurl.com/pwDECAreg - $35 registration fee due to Mrs. Bowen in G129 by Wednesday 12/9, please make checks out to PISD.
Art Club
Come to Art Club’s Winter Party and Studio Night on Thursday, December 10th @ 4:15-6:00. We’ll be having a Cupcake Decorating Contest and making DIY Snowglobes and Ornaments! Hope to see you there, make sure you sign up in the Art Hallway by Tuesday, December 8th to get cupcakes & snowglobe makings!
KEY CLUB MEMBERS: Our next club meeting is Thursday, December 10th after school in the presentation room. This meeting will be your last chance to get a big event, small event, our meeting credit before hour sheets are due on December 14th. In preparation for this meeting, please bring a new, gender-neutral toy of at least $5.00 in value suitable for a child ages 5 to 6. We will be donating these to children at Barron Elementary School in Plano!
Plano West Badminton Club will have our next meeting this Friday the 11th at Plano Badminton Center. The address is 4050 Premier Drive, Plano 75023 from 4:45 to 6 pm. Carpools will be available to the center upon request. You can find more details at our Facebook page, PWSH Badminton Club. Bring your friends, and we'll see you there!
JROTC Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen, see flyer below.
Best Buddies is a one to one friendship matching program. If you are interested in becoming a peer buddy, associate buddy or an actual buddy please go online to www.bestbuddiesonline.org and sign up! If you are renewing, please make sure to go on the website and renew your membership! If you have any questions please contact Jillian Haug who is the Chapter President or Ms. Earl in A1153.
Chess Club will meet on Wednesdays in A1167 during both lunches. All skill levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced.
Youth for Christ meets every Wednesday at 4:15p.m in Ms. Gomez's room, A2030. Everyone and anyone is welcome.
Wanna be cool? Join the Engineering Club today! Come check it out in Mr. Coryell’s room, G205, every Thursday at 4:25pm.
Anime Club will meet every Thursday. Meet new friends and watch anime movies or episodes. Join us in Room B-209 (Ms. Roop-Morland) at 8:15am or 4:20pm OR Room A-2060 (Mr. Cherry) 7th period.
FREE! FREE! FREE! All interested students, now is the time to register (FREE!) for the 2016 USA Biology Olympiad (USABO). Just create a FREE account at www.usabo-trc.org/student/register before JAN. 22, 2016 selecting Plano West from the drop-down menu of participating schools. Remember your USERNAME and ID for the FREE Open Exam, Round 1, to be given the week of FEB. 2, 2016. Please see Ms. Roop-Morland (B-209) if you have any further questions.
Plano West FFA – Cristina’s Fall Flowers Fundraiser
FFA is selling Vouchers for a Flat of Cristina’s Fall Flowers 18 – 4” pots including: PANSIES, DIANTHUS, DUST MILLER, PETUNIAS & VIOLAS. – you can mix and match the flowers! Contact an FFA member or Jamie Hanna at jamiehanna@verizon.net to order some today!
Literary Magazine:
The Heuristic Howler - Calling all writers, artists, photographers, and anyone else with a creative flair! If you would like your work to be published and recognized, submit to the Plano West literary magazine, The Heuristic Howler, at pwshwritersguild@gmail.com. Pieces of writing should not exceed 2000 words, and art should be sent as clear pictures. Make sure to include your name (can be anonymous or use an appropriate pseudonym), the type of submission, and an attached file of your work. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and earlier submissions will be prioritized. Please have the submissions in by winter break. The link to last year's literary magazine can be found in the attachments.
Plano West PTSA Membership
The Wolf Den PTSA makes it super easy to join the PTSA, sign up to volunteer, enter your own information into our online Student Directory, and purchase a Student Agenda/Planner for your student. Plano West parents have always shown great support of our PTSA, and we want that to continue! Please go to https://planowestptsa.membershiptoolkit.com to join the PTSA today! Don't forget that students who join the PTSA in BOTH their junior and senior year are eligible for a PTSA Scholarship. Last year six students were awarded $500 scholarships during the Senior Lunch in May! Your membership fees go towards funding activities that directly benefit our school AND our students. For a complete list of where the money goes, please click on the link at the bottom of this Wolf Howl. Please email Susan Argyle at membership@wolfdenptsa.org with any questions. You can also access the toolkit from a within our website www.wolfdenptsa.org.
Band Holiday Concert benefitting Toys for Tots, see flyer below.
Plano West Senior High School
Plano West Senior High Website:
http://k-12.pisd.edu/Schools/pwsh/
PWSH PTSA website:
Location: 5601 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469-752-9600