The WJHS Panther Update
February 9. 2024
Principal's Letter
Panther Families,
The Valentines Dance - Tonight is the dance hosted by student council! If your child is attending, please note that the dance is from 6:00PM - 7:30PM. We ask that you make sure to be here for pick up at 7:30PM sharp!
E Periods - We are excited to announce our next round of E-period classes called WIN for All, designed to enhance the educational experience for every student. This E-period is rooted in the core belief that each child is unique and deserves an individualized approach to academic learning. The E-period classes will run from 2/12-3/21.
WIN for All is built upon established learning standards, ensuring that every student receives targeted support tailored to their specific needs. Students may be placed in either a Math, Literacy, Science, ELL, Panther Up Executive Skills, or SSLC class.
We believe that WIN for All will not only enhance academic performance but also contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals.
Take a look at what our students are currently working on in Mr. Clarke's Panther News E-Period. Great job kids!
5 Essentials - Students and teachers across Illinois will have an opportunity to participate in the twelfth annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.
On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
· Effective Leaders
· Collaborative Teachers
· Involved Families
· Supportive Environments
· Ambitious Instruction
To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
On February 16th, students will be given the 5 Essentials Survey during Panther Family Time. If you would like your child to opt out of the survey, please let the office know and we will provide you with a form to fill out.
8th Grade Parents - Check your email the week of February 12th for information on 9th grade course selection (be sure to check your spam if you do not receive it in your inbox). You will need to book a time for your student to meet with a high school counselor (you are invited to attend the 10 min meeting with them) to select their classes for next year.
- More information will be given at the High School's Incoming 9th Grade Night on Thursday, February 15th (invitations were emailed from the High School February)
- You will select a meeting time online (instructions attached )
- Meetings with high school counselors for course selection will be held at the Jr. High on February 20th and 21st during the school day
- If you do not schedule a time, a time will be chosen for your student
8th Grade Graduation Retakes are Thurs. February 22nd.
Student Council News - Who loves the month of February? The Student Council does! It’s that time of year to spread your kindness by sending a Cupid Gram to your favorite teachers, office staff, and friends! Student Council will be selling Trident gum and Nerds rope candy for $1.00 during lunches through February 13th. Parents can purchase them, also, by stopping in the Office (cash only). Cupid Grams will be delivered to students in their STAR/Resource class on February 14th.
Outdoor Ed -Thank you for your support of OE! We’re planning for a great trip. We are happy to say Mr. Casiello, Mr. Gonzalez, Ms. Hillertz, Mr. Troyer, and Ms. Walsh will be joining us on this years trip. Please spend some time making sure you have the items you will need on the packing list. There is no snow now, but we need to be prepared for anything! Families, please note there’s been a change to the drop off and pick up location. We will drop off and pick up at the front of the building (drop off 8:45 a.m. on February 21st. Pick up 2:30 p.m. on February 23rd.)
Any remaining balances are due Mon. February 12th.
Questions? Concerns? Please contact jburisek@cusd201.org Let’s get those addressed beforehand, so we can all enjoy a great trip!
Graduation - Ms. Quattrone and Mr. Lipinski will be speaking with parents/guardians of students who are currently in jeopardy of not participating in graduation activities due to requirements for academic standing or SSLC hours.
By working together as a team to create a plan both with and for your student, we will provide them with the tools and direction necessary to succeed.
As a reminder, an "F" grade in 3 classes at the end of the year will prohibit a student from participating in graduation events.
Random Acts of Kindness Day - Next Saturday, Feb. 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. What a great day/week to discuss how every small act we do is significant. This article offers some great ideas that you and your student can do individually or together. This pairs perfectly with the PTOs latest fundraiser. Details below in PTO new!
PTO News - Mark those calendars! The next PTO meeting is February 12th at 7 P.M.
We are getting ready to kick off the PTO’s only major fundraiser this year, Raise Craze: Panther Paws for Kindness, is returning to WJHS from February 26th - March 15th.
What is Raise Craze? It’s Fundraising through Kindness where our students lead the charge!
Here’s how it works:
Raise Craze provides WJHS with a private registration link to our fundraiser. This will be shared when registration opens on February 14th along with detailed instructions.
- Students will setup a secure, custom donation web page on the Raise Craze platform using their school email address.
- Students then select 3 or more Acts of Kindness they intend to complete during the fundraiser. The PTO provides a list, but students can add their own.
- Students enter email addresses for family members, neighbors, or friends they would like to request donations from, and then Raise Craze handles the rest. During the fundraiser, your students will pay it forward by completing those Acts of Kindness (AOKs) for others.
Raise Craze is a one-way, secure communication platform. No student or parent data is ever shared or sold. All data is erased after the fundraiser concludes so even if your student participated last year, he or she will need to register again this year.
Stay tuned for more information that will be shared in a separate email that will be sent on February 14th, on the PTO’s Facebook page, and at the PTO’s next meeting on February 12th at 7pm.
Learn more about Raise Craze and how it works:
https://raisecraze.com/how-it-works-video
Stuff a Truck - Westmont Jr High is participating in their first ever Westmont Stuff a Truck, hosted by People's Resource Center! Drop off food items in the big, green, bins in the office between February 5th through February 16th. Additional information, and a list of requested items can be found below.
Westmont Public Library Events - Looking for something fun to do this winter? Be sure to check out the library's events for all ages!
Remember to check the WJHS calendar for up-to-date information on Clubs, Events, & Athletics.
Sincerely,
Amy Quattrone
WJHS Principal
WHS Spring Musical Feb 23-25th
Freaky Friday is coming to WHS! Mark your calendars for February 23rd- 25th to see the WHS students perform. You will not want to miss it!
Hope to see you there!!