Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your WGHS Weekly eNews for November 11
Hello Parents and Guardians,
At our Community Open House last weekend, we shared information on how students can be more involved and connected at Webster Groves High School. I noted that students who are involved beyond the school day on average have better school experiences and outcomes, such as higher attendance and academic performance. I have recently connected with a book called Deeper Learning, written by researchers Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine, in which they conducted observations and interviews of students and staff over six years from purportedly successful innovative high schools that were suggested as “leaders” in preparing students for the demands of twenty-first century life.
Sadly, they noted most students experienced lack of engagement, and “bored, disengaged compliance” during their day. However, in these recommended model schools, pockets of vibrant learning settings and a “hidden curriculum” in extra-curricular and electives that allowed students to do deep learning and rise above the norm with intellectually dynamic experiences. Mehta and Fine observed “…we stumbled into spaces that initially lay outside of our study—art classes, debate club meetings, newspaper, Model UN, athletic practices—these same students looked and sounded totally different. In these spaces, they were actively engaged and eagerly assuming roles as leaders.” Yesterday we celebrated multiple student-athletes who signed their letter of intent, knowing we are only sharing a chapter in their growth and development as scholars and competitors. My belief is that these students have had exposure to an alchemy that will serve them well--we are as optimistic as we are proud.
A parent previously shared their impression of their child’s experience at the end of four years in a fall activity. They shared their appreciation of the program and its leaders intentionality in the development of participants’ character and creating a belonging, inclusive community. I am hopeful that this thoughtful note is representative of many extracurricular settings that act as well-designed learning environments for our students. Cheers to all that participate, mentor, and support "the game" with a gaze that moves from the immediacy of the scoreboard to the promise of the horizon.
Regards,
Matt
Next Week's Schedule: Late Start A, A, B, C, A
A Peek at the Week Ahead
- 11/17: WGHS Parents for Racial Equity Meeting, 7pm, Library
- 11/19: Progress 2 grades on Portal
- 11/19: Winter Sports Pictures (additional date TBA)
- 11/21-11/25: Turkey Day Week/Spirit Week
2021-22 Late-Start Days
Celebrations/Announcements
We are very proud of all who auditioned for All-Suburban Concert and Jazz Bands last night. The following students were accepted into those ensembles:
Taliyah Roash, flute 5
Ann O'Halloran, flute 11
Sarah Veldhuizen, oboe alternate 1
Logan Storck, bassoon alternate 1
Morgan Daniels, clarinet 3
Ian McCann, clarinet 9
Ben Rodebaugh, trumpet 7
Shiloh Roash, horn 5
Molly Stevison, horn 8
Miles Cole, trombone 2 (chose jazz)
Jazz Band
Alex Turley, alto 2
Nathan Scarlett, tenor 2
Miles Cole, trombone 1
Zach Andrews, bass trombone 1
Miles Cole, piano (chose trombone)
Evan Christman, alternate alto
Beckett Mitchell, alt. 2 drum set
Congratulations to our All-Suburban Orchestra Results:
2nd Violin- Sophia Wilson, Joshua DeLay, Yuki Ishiyama
Viola- Andrea DeSuyo, Joseph Leyson
Cello- Hannah Silverman, Scarlett Patton
Webster Groves Public Library is hosting a Teen Art Show this November featuring our very own Webster Groves artists. The WGPL Teen Art Exhibition was co-ordinated by freshman Amelia Kirsch and includes the work of 6 of our WGHS arts students: B. Rockwell, Lili Gregov, Grace Watkins, Amelia Kirsch, Saul Maupin, and Orinanna Foster. Paintings and drawings will be on display for the month of November.
- Senior Parents: Everything you need to know about graduation and your child's senior year can be found here.
- If you ordered a Turkey Day shirt, they will be available for pick-up at the high school on Friday, November 18.
All-Suburban Band Students
WGPL Teen Art Exhibit
Did You Know?
Visitors must have an appointment to enter WGHS.
For the safety of our students and contact-tracing purposes, we ask that you make an appointment prior to visiting the high school if you would like to see a staff member. Thank you for your assistance on this!
Parents' Club Begins Using Membership Toolkit, Offering Online Buzz Book
We are excited to announce that we will be using Membership Toolkit for our Online Directory ("Buzz Book"), Volunteer Sign Ups and Communications starting with the 2021-22 school year.
We invite you to visit https://wghsparentsclub.membershiptoolkit.com/ to see what the Parents Club has to offer this year (website still in progress). Once you create a Membership Toolkit Account, you can view the directory ("Buzz Book"), sign up to volunteer, make a donation and more.
Here's what you need to do:
- Go to https://wghsparentsclub.membershiptoolkit.com/.
- Click on the Register/Login button.
- If you already have an account with another organization that uses Membership Toolkit (Hixson, PTO Bristol PTO, BandAides (?)) you can use the same email and password to login. You can then proceed to the numbered steps below.
- Select "Create Account" and fill in the name, email, and password information.
- Click "verify my email" and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, check your spam or junk folders.
- Once you have verified your email address, log back in and finish the registration process.
- Complete the Parent/Family and Student Information.
- Complete the Directory/Publish Preferences.
- Once these forms are complete, you will be presented with forms for Volunteer Opportunities and Donating to the WGHS Parent Club.
Once the Primary Account is set up, the Primary User can "invite" other email addresses to access his/her account. This allows the Secondary User to have their own login information, but still have access to the family account.
Access Membership Toolkit from a desktop or mobile browser, or with a mobile app.
Questions? - Please don't hesitate to contact us at wghspcbuzzbook@gmail.com.
Spirit Wear Pop Up Site on November 14
Visit the Spirit Wear table at Rolling Ridge on Sunday, Nov. 14 during the Old Webster Holiday Open House.
10 am - 4 pm
Get your hands on new gear!!!
To Report an Absence, Please Call:
Turkey Day shirts will be available for pick-up at the high school on Friday, November 18.
Counseling News
Mentors4College Hosting Zoom re: Playing Sports in College
Playing sports in high school is tons of fun and highly rewarding. Student-athletes create strong team bonds and make memories that last a lifetime. Deciding whether or not to play sports at the collegiate level requires thoughtful reflection and research. When students find the right college fit, playing sports can greatly enhance their college experience. When students make an emotional decision about playing sports in college, the outcome is usually not as rewarding. The best advice from counselors and coaches is, "Pick the college, not the team." Join M4C as we explore what student-athletes need to do while in high school to determine if playing collegiate sports is a good decision and to find the right college for academics and sports. Use the link below to register for our brief webinar.
Mentors 4 College Zoom Webinar-Thursday, November 11; 5:30-6:00 pm
College Sports: Academics, Scholarships & Talent
Registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8216272295797/WN_XGcoEbvrQrGzR-XlGRSOBQ
Is your child interested in learning about the actuarial field?
Encourage them to attend RGA's virtual High School Actuarial Day.
Designed specifically for high school students, this event will feature presentations from several RGA actuaries, who will talk about their education and careers in the actuarial field. The event will conclude with a Q&A session for participant questions.
High School Actuarial Day
Tuesday, November 23
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Zoom
(Link provided upon registration)
Click here to access a PDF of our flier
RSVP
Space is limited! Registration is open now through Tuesday, November 16. To reserve a spot, email Kelsie Klingenberg. Attendees will receive a link to the Zoom meeting upon registration.
AP Exam Registration is open and due by Thursday, November 11th.
Students enrolled in AP courses should register now for AP Exams that will be held on May 2nd- 13th in-person at WGHS.
Taking the Advanced Placement exam is an important part of all AP courses, but ultimately optional. If you have questions about whether or not to take the AP Exam, please contact your AP teacher.
The AP exam registration process is two steps, but both can be completed in one sitting when the student and parent/guardian do this together.
Step 1: If you haven’t already, you will need to create an account in AP Classroom and use a “Join Code” to be added to your class section. This Join Code should have been provided by your AP teacher. You will use your join codes and directions to complete the second required step in Total Registration.
Step 2: Visit www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/263573 to register and pay for your AP exams. Exam fees will be paid online so be sure to have a debit card or credit card available before beginning registration. This year each AP exam costs $96.00 + ($4 non-refundable processing fee per student). Registrations made after November 11th will incur a $40 late fee per test.
Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunch, will pay a reduced fee of $54/per exam.
Please contact Mrs. Jennedy Lombard, AP Coordinator at lombard.jennedy@wgmail.org, if you would like to register for an exam not listed or have any other AP related questions.
Common Application Workshops During Academic Networking
Many seniors will use the Common Application to apply to college. While it is not particularly difficult, it can be a little confusing and hard to navigate sometimes. Students--please join us for a Common Application Workshop during Academic Networking time in September and October to learn how to complete your applications via the Common App. Sign up using the links below:
College Admissions Representative Visits are Back!
After a year of virtual visits, we are welcoming college admissions representatives back in the building to meet with interested juniors and seniors. A list of colleges visiting will be posted on our Counseling Department calendar, in Naviance, and shared in our daily announcements. Students should stop by the Counseling Center to sign up and to receive a pass to be excused from class. Be sure to check the calendar regularly as visits are being updated daily.
Individual Senior Planning Conferences
Seniors and senior parents! Would you like to meet to ask questions specific to your needs? We will begin hosting individual meetings with students (in-person) and their parents (either in-person or via Zoom) following Senior Parent Night and our visits with senior English classes. Schedule using the links below:
Sophomore Parents!
South Tech is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year! Students are STRONGLY encouraged to apply during first semester to increase their chances of acceptance.
All of South Tech’s courses are listed here and available to you as electives. Tech provides the REAL WORLD experience and hands-on skills you need to make solid choices about your future while you earn high school and college credit. Tech also offers certifications and licenses that open doors for internships, employment, and advanced placement. We offer everything from Automotive to Veterinary, Health Sciences to Welding, and Firefighting to Web & Computer Programming. With 26 different programs, Tech likely has a class for you!
Transportation is provided and classes are TUITION FREE! To get started on your application today, click here.
WGHS Band Poinsettia Fundraiser
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebCDXN_WN8k5eh7uAwekNUhPl04_AoX_8-B6bQRNH1z1Brpg/viewform
Shop the Parents' Club Spirit Store!
The Spirit Store is open! Hours are 8-9:15 a.m. daily.
The online store is open 24 hours a day at https://wghsparentsclub.org/collections.
Every time you shop at the Spirit Store, you are supporting student scholarships and teacher grants!
Webster Groves High School
Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: hs.webster.k12.mo.us
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS