GHS Newsletter
Monthly Family Newsletter #2 | October 31, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Greetings and welcome to all guardians/parents, students, staff and other supporters within the Germantown High School Community. As noted in the September 2023 monthly newsletter, we have switched to the monthly format and away from the bi-annual format for our parent newsletters. The continued goal of these communications is to recognize accomplishments of our students and staff for academic and/or professional achievements and to do so each month within this newsletter.
The October version is sponsored by the Technology Education Department and the Music Department. We hope you enjoy the information provided by two of our departments and for various reminders, important dates and additional information.
Mr. Joel R. Farren
Principal
REMINDERS/UPCOMING DATES
November 3 - End of Quarter
November 8 - PTA Meeting 7:00-8:00 PM (IMC/Library Room A150)
November 13 - Academic Awards Ceremony (Resource Period)
November 22-24 - Thanksgiving Break
WHY DOES MY STUDENT HAVE A GRADE IN RESOURCE?
Students engage in academic and career planning lessons during Resource. These lessons help them learn more about post-secondary options, so they can make an informed decision later.
The grade provided in Resource simply allows us to track if students are completing the state required lessons (5 per year). These lessons are completed through the Xello platform. A "P" (pass) indicates your student has completed all of the required assignments to date. A "F" (fail) indicates your student is missing at least one of the required lessons. The grade you see in Skyward has no impact on students' GPA and/or graduation requirements at this time.
Any general questions can be directed to Mrs. Fischer at afischer@gsdwi.org. Specific questions about students missing assignments in Resource can be directed to their home Resource teacher.
Alexzandra Fischer
Dean of Students & ACP Coordinator
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Our Technology Education Department has been doing some great work. Click HERE to view the full update from Mr. Stachowiak.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The music department is always full of activity. The Wall of Sound marching band is the most visible in the fall. They had a very successful season, finishing 3rd in their division and 6th overall at the WSMA State Marching Band Championships.
September is also when we build our foundation for the rest of the school year. Our curricular ensembles establish a routine for building the skills needed for a great performance. The male choir members attended a “Real Men Sing” at UWM to help them sing in their bass and tenor voices. The first choir concert of the year was on Oct. 25. The first band concert is Nov. 15 at 7:00 pm in the PAC.
We have three non-performance classes. AP Music Theory is an in depth study of how music is constructed, composed and analyzed. In the spring, the students will be able to test and earn college credit for the class. Music Theory and Technology provides students with a basic music theory knowledge. It also teaches students how to use a Digital Audio Workstation, sound recording equipment, and other music resources. Music: The Soundtrack to Your Life is a broad overview of music history, especially American pop music. It also teaches basic drumming, piano, and guitar skills to use for songwriting.
United Sound has started up for the year. This unique club has regular education band students teaching special needs students how to play instruments and become a part of the band.
Congratulations Emma Pawlak and Lydia Morency for being selected to perform in the WSMA State Honors Band. They auditioned in February, earned a spot, attended a summer camp, and performed at the State Music Conference in Madison on October 26.
UPDATE FROM THE DISTRICT NURSE
Germantown High School
Principal: Joel R. Farren
Assistant Principal (A–L): Andrew Rooney
Assistant Principal (M–Z): David Smith
Dean of Students: Alexzander Fischer
Activities Director: Sara Unertl
Website: https://www.gsdwi.org/ghs
Location: W180N11501 North River Lane, Germantown, WI, USA
Phone: 262-253-3400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Germantown-High-School-WI-105306091118147/