West Side Story 2.0
August 19, 2022
BEST at West...Be respectful, Engage in learning, Show integrity, Take responsibility
Next Week - Kick-Off Days!
Our Kick-Off Days are Wednesday, August 24th and Thursday, August 25th.
This is an opportunity for students and parents to take care of:
school pictures School Portrait Order Form
work/study release forms (11/12 grade only)
parking passes (seniors can purchase; juniors submit name for lottery)
lunch paperwork
bus passes
Student IDs
chromebook checkout
textbook checkout
sign up for a locker - Locker Sign-up Form
In order to balance the flow of device checkout lines, we strongly encourage students to pick up their device during their scheduled time in the document linked below.
Mankato West Textbook & Chromebook Distribution Schedule
Please note, the Census Verification Form must be completed by a parent/guardian through the Infinite Campus Portal prior to checking out a chromebook and textbooks. Filling out the form in advance will also speed up the device pick-up process. Please note: Forms need to be accessed through Infinite Campus using the web, not the phone app.
What If I Can't Make It To Kick-Off Days?
Student Schedules
On August 24th, the schedule change google form will be emailed to all students to complete if an adjustment is needed. Any request to a student's schedule must be done by completing the google form. If you email your school counselor directly your request will not be processed. In making requests, please remember a few important details. Since the master schedule has been built with all students’ requests in mind, schedule changes are discouraged and will only be approved, pending the availability of space, for the following reasons:
The following are regarded as justifiable reasons for schedule change requests:
1. To correct computer errors.
2. To correct graduation deficiencies.
3. To make necessary changes due to summer school attendance.
4. To resolve scheduling conflicts.
5. To provide for placement in Special Ed. classes or to implement a student's I.E.P.
Schedules WILL NOT be adjusted for the following reasons:
1. Preference for a different teacher.
2. Preference for a different period or term.
3. Preference to be with friends in class.
Daily Bell Schedule
Please note we are going back to having 3 lunches. A and B lunch will be a mix of 9th and 10th graders. This is a closed lunch, and students are required to stay in designated lunch areas. Lunches do not appear on students' schedules until the first day of school. All students will report to their 3rd hour class, and 9th and 10th graders will find out from their teacher which lunch their class has been assigned.
C lunch is for 11th and 12th grade students, and this is an open lunch. Lunch will not appear on their schedules, but their lunch follows their 4th hour.
We had to move to three lunches to accommodate the growing number of students we have. We will not be able to provide 2nd Chance Breakfast like we did last year, but the cafeteria will have breakfast available through 1st hour for those students who do not have a 1st hour class.
Speaking of Lunch
Our school provides healthy meals each day. Breakfast costs $1.15; lunch costs $2.75.
Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. To apply, complete the Application for Educational Benefits. A new application must be submitted each year. Your application also helps the school qualify for education funds.
Who can get free school meals? Children can get free school meals if their household income is within the maximum income shown for their household size on the instructions. Click here for instructions.
Early Release
This year, rather that late start days, we will have an Early Release day each month. On these Wednesdays, students will end their school day at 1:35. The early release dates can be found on the student calendar.
Safety
As a follow up to Superintendent Peterson’s message around school safety, I wanted to re-emphasize that the safety and security of our students is our number one priority. As stated by Superintendent Peterson, our safety and security plans incorporate the best school safety practices in the nation, including strategies and protocols from groups such as the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments and the National Association of School Psychologists. Our work with public safety, including our School Resource Officer, Officer Mohr, and our crisis prevention community partners is ongoing as we seek every opportunity to improve what we do to ensure that our students and staff are safe.
Our staff monitors the mental health of our students so support can be put in place for anyone exhibiting warning signs of potential unsafe behavior. We keep this work front and center and encourage those with concerns about the wellbeing of others to immediately bring them to our attention so timely follow up can occur. Anyone can report a concern using this anonymous form. This form is also available on our school website.
We have an incredible support team, including three counselors, a school social worker, and a school psychologist who support the social-emotional needs of our students. We also partner with a chemical health counselor and school-linked mental health to provide those services to students in need.
Securing our building during the school day is a priority. Once the school day begins, the only way into the building is through door #19 and #24 where visitors have to check in with a valid driver's license. We have had a few security upgrades, including a new visitor management system that reads the driver's license and indicates if the person can safely enter the school. After a visitor is properly identified, they will be printed out a badge, identifying themselves and their area of destination. We take our safety drills seriously and reflect on ways we can improve safety and security protocols.
As with all important issues, we appreciate partnering with parents and guardians to keep our students well. Please encourage your students to report things to any staff at school that make them feel unsafe.
Open House Night
If you want to take a walk through the school, meet your teachers, find out what school supplies you will need, and hear a little bit more about your classes, this is the night to do it.
For 9th grade families, and any families who are new to West High School, we will have an informational meeting in the auditorium beginning at 6:30pm.
Canvas
Click on this link to learn how to access your child's Canvas account.
Upcoming Events
August 24, 25
Kick Off Days
August 31
Link Crew Orientation for all 9th graders
Open House Night
September 6
First Day of School