Scarlet News and Notes
September 2, 2019
Assuring Learning Excellence and Readiness for a Changing World
Thank you!
Thank you for your engagement in our staff meeting on Monday and our PD day on Tuesday. The way you jumped right in and got to work reminded me of the dedication you have to our students.
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend the staff picnic! I know it is a busy time, and the weather didn't look great (although it turned out to be a beautiful evening), but it is always good when we can spend some down time together, just having fun. We will have more opportunities this year for fun!
Thank you to our Link Crew advisors, those who helped with the Link Crew morning, and those who were able to join us for gauntlet. That is such an amazing morning and a positive way to welcome our freshmen.
Thank you for showing our Scarlet Pride on Thursday. I love when we get to host the whole district, because we have so much to show off! Thank you to our custodial staff and food service staff for their extra work in preparing for the event. The camp shirts and canoe were the BEST! Catch every kid!
Never doubt how important your work is. I think Matt Buck's speech on Thursday reminded us all of the impact we have on students, often never knowing the impact we made. When our students come through the door next Tuesday, I know they will be cared for, they will be challenged, and they will develop a connection because of you. I know I don't tell you enough how grateful I am for each and every one of you. I am so excited for this school year, because of you!
Be Present, Be Vulnerable, Be Curious
Let's Get to Know...
Kristy Barnes from our World Language department. Kristy started her career teaching German at West and has been here for 17 years. She has also been our Link Crew advisor for 15 years. Kristy grew up in Mankato and attended West -- it really is the BEST! She attended MSU for a year then went on to attend the Fachhoch Schule Ingolstadt and the Universität München. After her return to the U.S, she attended St. Cloud State but graduated from MSU. She spent 2 summers working on her masters with Concordia Moorhead in conjunction with the Concordia Language Villages. Kristy is engaged to Ryan McCabe and loves to travel! She also likes to be active, lifting weights, biking, hiking any thing that gets her outdoors. This summer she traveled with students in Germany for 3 weeks - teaching at a German Gymnasium and living with a German family. Kristy is looking forward to seeing new faces and getting them excited about the world around them! She has a new classroom this year, and is excited for returning students to learn in a new environment!
Tom Villagomez has been in education for twenty years and a counselor at West for the past 12 years. He grew up in North Minneapolis; went to High School at Robbinsdale Cooper. He attended Mankato State University for both his bachelors and masters degrees. Tom's wife, Tamara, works at Mayo in the Nuerosurgery department and son, Gavin, will be attending West as a 9th grader. Their family includes two dogs, Scarlet and Bella. Tom has coached his son's hockey and lacrosse teams throughout his youth. In the winter, Tom plays men's league hockey. This summer Tom attended AP Summer Institute training and Cabin Life, developing better fishing habits. Tom is excited to work with his son and all the 9th grade students as lead counselor for the class of 2023.
Staff Info - Let's Get to Know Our Staff
Educare
- Educators may apply for Ed Waltman Mini Grants throughout the school year. The first submission deadline is September 24th.
- The deadline to submit an Educator Initiative Grant request for 2020-21 is February 7, 2020.
Help Wanted
Want to get involved with incredible young people in volunteer work and service? Then you should become our Key Club advisor!
Here are some additional opportunities to get involved. Please let me know if I can add your name to any of these opportunities.
Time for School Clothes Shopping
Staff Website
75% of staff will observe other teachers 4 times throughout the year. 55% of students in a semester identified as champion student will pass all of their classes. Office Referrals for disruptive behavior, insubordination, and profanity will decrease by 20% as compared to last year. Behavior referrals mirror our demographics, including ethnicity, sped and FRP.
Welcoming Students into Classes
Counselors have been working hard on students' schedules, but as you remember, there are always adjustments the first week of school. Please welcome students into your classroom as they come to you.
The first days are perfect for building community in your classroom! You may want to use a circle activity as a get to know you. Students need to feel valued and have a sense of belonging in order to be successful in school. Taking time now will enhance the learning in your classroom in the future.
At this moment, we have 1260 Scarlet scholars joining us this year!
Senior Grill Out
Welcome Back - Laurie!
The Week at a Glance
Tuesday
All School Assembly 8:15am in the auditorium
Volleyball 7:00pm in the gym
Girls' Soccer 7:00pm at Caswell
Wednesday
Junior Class meeting during Scarlet Time in the auditorium
Thursday
Senior Class meeting during Scarlet Time in the auditorium
Girls' Swim and Dive 6:00pm at MSU
Volleyball 7:00pm in the gym
Boys' Soccer 7:00pm at Caswell
Friday
Subs on the Sidewalk 11:34 - 12:34 outside
Birthdays This Week
Happy Birthday
September 4 - Mark Ulman
September 5 - Kendra Hinz
September 6 - Kevin Dick