The WJHS Panther Update
Nov. 17, 2023
Principal's Letter
Panther Families,
I can hardly believe that next week is Thanksgiving!! The first half of the school year, even though busy, has been wonderful! As we begin the holiday season, I am filled with joyous anticipation for all things to come. In just another month, we will be closing out the first semester and heading into the New Year with renewed energy.
Before we head into the second semester, now is the perfect time to review student grades in Otus, and make sure that all missing assignments are completed and turned in.
Graduation: While it may seem early to talk about graduation, we are already speaking with students about their academic standing and the SSLC hours that are required to walk the stage. After our Thanksgiving break, Ms. Quattrone and Mr. Lipinski will be meeting with parents/guardians of students who are currently in jeopardy of not participating in graduation activities.
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 out of 5 core classes (literacy counts as two) at the end of the year will prohibit a student from participating in the graduation ceremony and attending our eighth-grade dance.
Service Learning Information The Student Service Learning Commitment (SSLC) is a graduation requirement for all students earning a Westmont Junior High School diploma at the graduation ceremony. Students perform this community service with an approved not-for-profit organization, and must include the phases of preparation, action and reflection.
Students at WJHS are required to earn:
9 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of May of their 6th grade year.
12 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of May of their 7th grade year.
15 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of April of their 8th grade year, or a total of 36 hours over the course of their 3 years at WJHS.
Credit for Student Service Learning Commitment can be earned starting the summer after Grade 5 and must be completed by junior high school graduation. Students may earn SSLC hours in the following ways:
Active membership in approved school clubs; Early Act, SMART Service, Seeds of Hope/Sprouting Seeds, Outdoor Environmental Science, Recycling, Student Council. Other clubs may be eligible for SSLC hours after administrative approval is given.
Students will have opportunities inside and outside of school to fulfill this commitment.
For more about SSLC, and Frequently asked questions, click on these links:
Ideas for Earning SSLC Hours (Slideshow)
6th Grade SSLC Log 7th Grade SSLC Log 8th Grade SSLC Log
SSLC Partner Organizations
This list will grow as our relationships locally, statewide, nationally, and globally grow. If you have a question about a service opportunity that is not on this list, check the link above "SSLC Program Description" or call/email the office.
St. Baldrick's Foundation- 1 hour will be awarded for 5 or more donations. An additional hour is awarded for being at the event and having head shaved. Any student that collects over $250 in donations will be given an additional hour.
Westmont Park District - P: 630.963.5252
Giving DuPage - A fantastic new website connecting DuPage County residents to volunteer opportunities:
Media Center Logo Design Contest Attention all you creative Panthers! There is still time to sign up for the Media Center logo design contest. If you are interested in creating a logo please sign up today. All logos are due to the Media Center by November 30th. A winner will be announced and awarded a prize on Friday, December 8th.
Industrial arts needs your help - Mrs. Stobl is looking for donations of 2 X 4's (at least 24in. please) for a project she is working on with our 8th graders. If you have any you would like to get rid of, she will gladly take them. You can contact astrobl@cusd201.org to make arrangements to drop those off.
Outdoor Education Trip It’s time to start planning for our favorite WJHS Tradition–OE!
OE, or Outdoor Education, is our 6th grade trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus in scenic Oregon, Illinois. Students (and staff serving as group leaders) will spend three activity-filled days and two reflective nights on campus. Students will be organized into learning groups and attend classes to learn about the environment, ecology, survival, history, and team building. The cost is $160.00 per student to cover programming and transportation.
We will be holding an OE Informational Meeting for 6th grade students and families on Thurs., Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m. in the WJHS Media Center. There is no obligation to attend. Join us to hear what OE is all about!
Paperwork, along with at least $80.00 deposit is due by the end of the day Thurs., Jan. 11
(Due to a new policy, No refunds will be given)
After Thurs., Jan. 25, there will be no more add ons or drop outs.
Final payment ($80.00),along with updates to paperwork are due Mon., Feb. 12
The Trip is scheduled for Wed., Feb. 21- Fri., Feb.23
Questions? jburisek@cusd201.org
Westmont Holly Days - So many fun family activities the first couple weeks of December! Be sure to check out the Holly Days Event Calendar for dates & details.
Mighty Oaks Athletics is offering a Thanksgiving Week Youth Strength and Agility Camp. Click on the link for addition information.
Three Pillars Donations: Students who display the three pillars of expectations (Safety, Respect, and Responsibility) earn tickets that are entered into our weekly raffle drawings . If you are able to partner with us in this positive behavior initiative and donate a prize, it would be greatly appreciated. Items that have been donated already are snacks, $5 giftcards, teenage items from the Dollar Store (notebooks, gel pens, Etch A Sketch, Rubics Cubes) and monetary donations for us to purchase items. Huge THANK YOU to those of you that have already brought in donations!!
Remember to check the WJHS calendar for up-to-date information on Clubs, Events, & Athletics.
Sincerely,
Amy Quattrone
WJHS Principal
Great Season Ladies!!
Our ladies basketball season ended on Friday against Lisle. Our team just fell short from advancing from the Quarter Finals.
Great job by all!
Some of our Early Act Club members helped at this weekend’s Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast. They were a tremendous help! Great Job Panthers!
Come join STEM Club
Cubelets, Colorful Music and Coding! Check out the fun offerings of STEM Club.
Sharpen your studying skills
Workshop available for 6th - 8th Graders