The Westlake Update
The Westlake Update vol. VI
Westlake High School
Vision: To be recognized as a top-performing high school in academics, athletics, and the arts. #OperationA
Mision: To produce global citizens by developing the passions of students through inquiry-based learning, conceptual understanding, and service. #OneWestake
Email: adamsji@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/westlakehs
Location: 2400 Union Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 470.254.6400
The Week at a Glance
Good Evening Westlake Families,
As Fulton County Schools continues to monitor the spike in COVID-19 cases across our community, the district maintains its commitment to safety, while providing high quality, uninterrupted face-to-face instruction and seeking to provide choices for our families.
FCS has decided to put Westlake High School in Remote Learning starting on Monday, September 13, 2021, and set to return to school on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, based on a Level 2 incident from FCS closing matrix. All students will use Remote Learning during this time. Below is the accurate bell schedule that will be used during the 6 instructional days of Remote Learning.
Students with devices that experience technical problems should call the Fulton County Schools Support Desk at 470 254-HELP. If the Support Desk cannot resolve the issue, an appointment will be scheduled for an appointment at the FCS hub at Global Impact Academy. Students without a device or hotspot needs, please email Device Coordinator, Mr. T. Huffman, at huffmant@fultonschools.org.
Since the start of the pandemic, FCS has focused on developing mitigation strategies to help reduce the spread of the virus in our schools. Therefore, due to the increased and sustained levels of high community spread across the cities in Fulton County, FCS has now created a Mitigation Matrix, which aligns mitigation strategies to the potential of these increased numbers. In the Mitigation Matrix, as the level of infection in the wider community increases, the intensity of the district's response increases as well. When the rate of infection declines, the intensity of our mitigation practices will relax. The Mitigation Matrix will take effect immediately.
Please continue to employ practices to contain the level of infection in our communities, like physical distancing and frequent hand washing, which help keep our students and schools safe and focused on learning. Be sure to report any positive cases through the employee or parent portal. Below is a video to explain the Mitigation Matrix in greater detail.
We have so many things to shout out this week, below are this week's top 5:
Shout Out # 1: Westlake BETA Club!! To kick off the school year, the Beta Club is currently hosting a supply drive. Westlake Beta Club is accepting backpacks, pencils, notebook paper, and other essential supplies. If you would like to donate, there are labeled black boxes in front of the media center and in the front lobby. We will be accepting donations until September 24th. Along with the supply drive, the Beta Club is also hosting a book drive. Westlake BETA is accepting children’s books of any sort. If you have any books that are not being put to use anymore or if you are just interested in donating, we will be accepting donations in the labeled boxes in the same areas. The book drive starts Monday, September 13th and we will be accepting donations until October 1st. Let’s support our peers and community members! #ServeYourCommunity
Shout Out #2: Westlake Baseball Booster Club, Parents, and Players for seeing a problem and becoming the solution. Saturday, September 11, Westlake baseball field and facilities received Phase I of a facelift called "Operation Upgrade." The field and surrounding grounds look much improved. Phase II will include upgrades to the storage unit, painting the dugouts, and the creation of a field locker room. Phase III will upgrade the batting cages into covered batting cages and providing a facelift to the warning track.
Westlake Baseball has championship talent and Westlake Baseball Booster Club is building championship-level facilities at Westlake High School to ensure that a Legacy of Excellence continues. Thank you, Westlake Baseball parents and student-athletes for giving up your Saturday, to make Westlake better!!
Westlake High School Booster Clubs are moving Westlake to new heights. Thank you Booster Clubs for being the solution! #BuildingBeyondOurYears
Shout Out #3: Westlake Orchestra students are selected into the North Georgia Honor Orchestra. The North Georgia Honor Orchestra is a unique event designed to bring together the most talented pre-college string instrumentalists in and around North Georgia to focus on developing advanced technical and musical skills under the guidance of the exceptional KSU Bailey School of Music faculty. The two-day event includes orchestral rehearsals and sectionals, a faculty recital, and other activities, culminating in a performance by the orchestra in KSU’s renowned Morgan Concert Hall. #TheArtsMatter
Shout Out #4: IB Student/Work-Based Learner "Makenzie Thompson" interns at South Fulton Pet Care with Dr. Regina Hyde-Nance, DVM. Makenzie's day encompasses running heartworm exams, taking fecal exams, and taking incoming animals' TPR (temperature, respiration rate, and pulse). Makenzie is learning to stain slides with bacteria collected from the ears of animals to look under the microscope. She has also gained experience in pulling the core vaccines for companion animals, being part of the surgery team, examine x-rays, and how to process blood work. Dr. Hyde-Nance is also sharing with Makenzie how to deal with customers and how to run a small animal private practice. Makenzie is well on her way to becoming a veterinarian. #PreparedToLearn
Shout Out #5: Torrance Mosley!!! There are two new kids on the block in ELA teacher, Mia Grant’s, mythology classroom: Vocabulary.com and sophomore student, Torrance Mosley. Daily students compete in the online vocabulary program to earn points and achievement awards while increasing their word mastery.
Students track their progress by earning achievement badges. As they progress in their mastery of words, profile avatars change to mark the higher achievements. Student teams can also take the competition to students across the country in the popular Vocabulary Jam.
Torrance has logged over five hours and answered over 1,800 questions and mastered 134 words already. Racking up 344,950 points, she reigns as the top student in all of Mrs. Grant’s mythology classes. It is no doubt that this vocabulary scholar will not let any word stand in her way to achieving greatness. #StepUpYourVocab
Should you have any questions or concerns at any point this school year, please do not hesitate to call, email, or come in to see me.
Kind Regards,
Jarvis I. Adams, Principal
Student Passwords will Change
To reduce unauthorized access to student accounts, all students are advised to change their passwords. The password requirements are listed below:
- At least 8 characters long and contain 3 of the following:
- At least 1 uppercase letter (A, B, C)
- At least 1 lowercase letter (a, b, c)
- At least 1 number (1, 2, 3)
- At least 1 special character (#, %, etc.)
- Cannot be the same as a previously used password
- Cannot contain the username
- Passwords are not to be shared
What is the effect?
Starting (9/13/2021) all high school students must change their FCS account passwords if they have not done so already. Students must update their password from the default using the FCS IT Support app. This icon is available on the desktop of each student’s Windows device. Students can change their passwords at any time using the FCS IT Support app.
What action must Students take?
- Launch the FCS IT Support app, located on your Windows Desktop
- Click “Change My Password”
- Enter their current password and then a new password
- Note: The student can type in their current password and then click “Suggest Password” for a new password suggestion.
- Click “Submit.”Detailed instructions for using the FCS IT Support app are available using this link Password Reset App Instructions
How can I get more information?
Remote students who require assistance should contact the Technology Service Desk. Face-to-face students may solicit help from their school’s METI or the school device team.
Upcoming College Visits
University of Alabama - September 13th
Scan QR code to register.
Auburn University- September 13th
University of Georgia- September 14th
https://zoom.us/j/91384781549?pwd=dTd3WHVwZ3pNM1NHOHo4ZzBrcDVLdz09
Meeting ID: 913 8478 1549
Passcode: 423270
North Carolina A&T State University
Clemson University
Louisiana State University
Vanderbilt University
Senior Fee Payment Links
Plan A $200: Graduation/Commencement Participation Fee, Baccalaureate, and Diploma Cover. Cap and Gown are not included. Cap and Gown must be purchased from Herff Jones (cost $90)
Payment Link:
Plan B $300: Plan A + 2 senior t-shirts, 1 senior specialty shirt, 1 senior hoodie, lanyard, bracelet, senior week party, senior only activities, senior cookout (game tickets are not included). Cap and Gown are not included. Cap and Gown must be purchased from Herff Jones (cost $90)
Payment Link:
Plan C $390: Plan A + Plan B + a yearbook
Payment Link:
From the desk of Athletic Director Carl Green
Greetings,
I hope everyone is safe and well. Westlake Athletics is cleared to continue despite our week of remote learning. Practices and games will continue but we have Covid protocols that must be followed. All athletes must be screened, and temperature checked prior to participating in athletic competitions and practices. If you do not feel well, please stay at home until you feel better. Masks must be worn by coaches and student-athletes inside the building during competitions and practices. All athletic facilities will be reduced to 50% capacity. Tickets from Go Fan are required for entry to all events. Parents of student-athletes from home and visiting teams will get the first opportunity to purchase tickets. Tickets that are available in general admission are of limited quantity. Football game general admission tickets will be listed on Westlake 's GoFan account by Wednesday preceding the Friday game. GHSA coach's badges and Fulton County School employee badges are still allowed at Westlake home athletic competitions.
With kind regards,
Carl Green, MBA, CAA
Athletic Teams Practice Schedule for Week of September 13th
Varsity/JV practice: 5:30am - 7:45am
9th grade practice: 5:30 pm - 7:30pm
Softball practice
4:45pm - 6:45pm; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Volleyball practice
4:00pm - 6:00pm; Monday and Tuesday
Cross Country Practice
4:00pm- 6:00pm; Monday - Thursday
Flag Football Conditioning
4:00pm - 5:30pm; Monday - Thursday
Cheerleading Practice:
4:00pm - 6:00pm; Monday-Thursday
Westlake Athletics Recap of Week of September 6th
Westlake Athletics weekly recap……On Tuesday our softball team traveled to North Atlanta for a big region game. The Lady Lions worked hard and gave it their all, but they came up short of the victory. On Wednesday, the JV volleyball team traveled to Banneker to face off against Carver and Banneker. The JV Lions were victorious in both of these matches. On Thursday, we had several athletic events taking place. The Softball team traveled to Wheeler. Our 9th grade and JV football lions both had dynamic wins over Newnan High School. Our varsity football lions were on a bye this week but will be back in the lions’ den on Friday September 17th to face Mays. The cross country team participated in their first meet of the season at the Carrollton Orthopedic Invitational. A couple of athlete PR'd during the meet, and there were a few bright spots from veterans and newbies. We are excited about the future for this team. Thank you for your support of our athletic teams, please keep providing these teams with support and be sure to get your tickets from www.gofan.co/app/school/GA5381.
Week of Athletics for September 13th
Thank you for all of the support towards our Westlake Athletics teams. Please continue supporting our athletics teams. Tickets for Westlake High School athletic events can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/GA5381. As a reminder spectators MUST wear a mask at all indoor Westlake Sporting Events.
Please stay connected with Westlake Athletics by visiting our website https://westlakelionsathletics.com/ and following us on Twitter @WestlakeSports1.
Westlake Track and Field Interest Meeting
To attend meet please click flyer or go to https://bit.ly/3z4NO5I
Homecoming 2021 Amendments
The Coronation Ball scheduled for Thursday, September 16 is postponed, the future date and time will be determined soon. The homecoming dance remains scheduled for September 25, 2021.
It’s time to get ready for Homecoming 2021 at Westlake High School. A major part of the Homecoming celebration is the annual Homecoming Dance, sponsored by the Magnet Booster Club.
Tickets on Eventbrite will go on sale at 8:00 PM on August 24th until September 19th at midnight, unless they sell out before that date. Please do not delay in getting your tickets because space will be limited. Tickets will be sold online only and no tickets will be sold at the door. The attire is semi-formal. Ticket prices are $20, including the fee and refreshments will be served. This event is open to the entire school, so please feel free to pass on the information.
Feel free to scan the below QR code to purchase.
Direct all questions to Westlake Magnet Booster Club.
Email Your Counselor
Dr. Owens OwensS@fultonschools.org (A – DA)
Mrs. Crawford Crawforda4@fultonschools.org (DB – I)
Ms. Harrison HarrisonT1@fultonschools.org (J – N)
Mrs. Jackson ReeseS@fultonschools.org (O – SE)
Ms. Perry PerryDB@fultonschools.org (SF – Z)
WHS Counselor's Twitter Page: @whsdenkeepers
HBCU Panel Discussion
Please join us as we discuss HBCUs!!! We are calling on all local high school students, parents, and families to to attend this interactive panel discussion and to learn more about the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The purpose of this panel discussion is to engage in an open dialogue with students and parents about HBCUs as a viable college option, to dispel negative myths about HBCUs, and to emphasize how the HBCU experience enriches the lives of both students and alumni. Please use the link below to register for this virtual event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbcu-panel-discussion-tickets-159544530987?aff=ebdssbeac
Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter
P.A.C.E Program
The P.A.C.E program is the signature youth enrichment program of Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter for high school males and females. Students in the P.A.C.E program will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and/or life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
The goals of the program include:
- Prepare students to transition from high school to college, vocational/technical schools, or work
- Provide college preparatory workshops focusing on desired college major/career choices
- Promote positive self-esteem and confidence
- Provide study and test preparation skills
- Provide opportunities for cultural awareness and community engagement
- Provide global citizenship skills
The program is open to rising ninth through twelfth grade female and male students who attend high school in South Fulton County as well as those who reside in the South Fulton County area. Full commitment to the P.A.C.E Program includes attending monthly workshops and performing various community service projects. Participants in the program are eligible to attend overnight college tours, receive book scholarships and attend cultural and fun outings with fellow participants.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates
At Fulton County Schools, we work daily to ensure the health and well-being of our students and staff in the midst of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Here is the key info you need to know:
Student Discipline Update
September 20, Late Start Date Asynchronous Assignment for All Students
Superintendent Looney added late start days for all FCS schools to support Professional Learning Communities. The morning hour will be dedicated time for teachers to learn together in support of students. On late start days, Westlake High School will have 9:20 a.m. start time.
During the late start day of Tuesday, September 20th students will use the below links to complete asynchronously the Fulton County Schools required 3 Digital Citizenship Nearpod lessons.
Asynchronous Assignment 1: What's Your Digital Footprint? (9-12)
https://share.nearpod.com/nVejSTObejb
Asynchronous Assignment 2: Cyberbullying (9-12)
https://share.nearpod.com/6vFXQwIhejb
Asynchronous Assignment 3: Oversharing & Risky Behaviors (9-12)