The WJHS Panther Update
February 17, 2023
Principal's Letter
Panther Families,
We'd like to give a huge THANK YOU to our wonderful PTO for spreading the love to our staff this Valentine's Day with some goody bags filled with treats and winter essentials! Not only were staff feeling the love on this special holiday, but students were as well when they received their Cupid Grams this week, sponsored by Student Council.
Today, in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day, our 6th grade Panthers wrote hundreds of heartwarming notes for our 8th graders to tape to each locker. What a wonderful feeling to see such encouragement among peers! Thank you to Mrs. Steketee for donating the post-it notes!
Our first-ever all-grade level Outdoor Ed trip was a resounding success this week! Staff and students left on Wednesday morning & returned safe and sound this afternoon. Like so many students before them, we have no doubt that these Panthers will count this trip as one of their favorite memories from their time at WJHS!
NO SCHOOL - Monday, February 20th, in observance of Presidents' Day
5 Essentials - We value your feedback! In order for us to receive our parent feedback on the 5 Essentials, we need 20% of our families to take the survey. Currently, we are at 13%!
Please take just a moment to complete this survey about WJHS. As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness.
To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
In February, 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 - This coming Tuesday & Wednesday, February 21st and 22nd, your student will be meeting with a high school counselor to select their classes for next year. You are invited to attend the meeting with your student. Since meetings are only 10 minutes in length, please be sure to 1) Arrive on time and 2) Bring your completed documents that you received at the high school's incoming parent night.
7th Grade Honor Roll - The 7th grade team recognized their Honor Roll recipients with this awesome slide show!
EARLY ACT:
Shoe Drive - Our shoe drive is in full swing so keep those gently used shoes (of ALL kinds) coming. Sort through those old shoes in the closet, under the bed, in the hallway, and anywhere else to help us reach our goal! All donations will go towards supporting our school while also being upcycled through #microenterprise!"
ATTENDANCE - Second semester is well underway and teaching and learning is strong at WJHS! As we continue on with the 2022-2023 school year, we want to re-emphasize the importance of student attendance and the impact absences can have on students. Students with accumulating absences will continue to be contacted by the WJHS attendance team so that we can help problem-solve. You may receive communication even if your student's absences are excused or due to medical reasons. We aim to partner with you and collaborate together.
Additionally, with a new semester underway we want to remind everyone of the tardy policy at WJHS. Class at WJHS begins at 8:20am. Please review the tardy policy below from WJHS Student Handbook:
In order to maximize instructional time, it is imperative that all students arrive to class on time. All students must be in their classroom before the beginning of instruction. Students who are continually tardy to class will face disciplinary action and will jeopardize the student’s ability to be successful in the classroom. Three or more tardies during a semester constitute an after-school detention.
You can find the entire Attendance Policy beginning on page 4 of the WJHS Handbook. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns related to attendance.
PTO NEWS:
The next parent meeting for the eighth-grade celebration committee will be Monday, February 27th at 6:30 pm in the commons. Hope to see you there!
Next PTO meeting is March 8th at 7:00 pm.
CUSD201 50th Year Golden Jubilee - This adult-only event is quickly approaching & will be held at Neat Kitchen + Bar on April 22nd. Visit the website to purchase tickets, make a donation if you cannot attend, or see a list of our generous community sponsors.
- Early bird tickets are still available (but the price will go up soon)
- Purchase raffle tickets for an opportunity to win some awesome prizes
- Join us for some amazing food, 2 custom cocktails, music and some surprises!
Seeking a Donation: WJHS is looking for a gaming system to use as an incentive for our Three Pillars of Expectations program. Any chance you have one sitting at home collecting dust? Let Ms. Quattrone know.
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 out of 5 core classes (literacy counts as two) at the end of the year will prohibit a student from participating in graduation events.
Covid Testing - The District will be providing free COVID-19 testing every Monday. The testing is optional. Please use this link (CUSD 201 COVID-19 testing) if you wish to enroll your child for testing.
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