West Side Story 2.0
May 16, 2019
Assuring learning excellence and readiness for a changing world.
End of the Year
How did it get to be May so quickly! I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you. I am often asked, "What is the best thing about West High School?" to which my answer is, "the amazing school community we have: awesome students, incredible staff, and supportive families."
This is why we continue to be identified as one of the best high schools in Minnesota by U.S. News and World Report! (This year we are #21 in all of Minnesota.)
There are many things happening in the next 13 school days. Here are some highlights...
Awards Assembly
Family Connections Meeting
Thank you to our students, parents, and staff who attended our first Family Connections meeting in April. We hope you will be able to join us for our May meeting on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00pm in the cafeteria. The focus for this evening will be to generate ideas of how our school community can be more welcoming and inclusive of all families.
Message from our Tech Department
All student chromebooks will need to be turned in at the end of the school year. Your child is expected to turn in his/her chromebook, charging cord, and bag. Please make sure any stickers your child may have put on the device are removed as you will be charged if they remain. If your child's chromebook has been lost or stolen, please urge him/her to let the Media Center staff know right away so we can begin an investigation. If your child's chromebook is currently damaged, please urge him/her to bring it to the Media Center to be repaired prior to device turn in. We would like all chromebooks in good working condition when they are turned in.
Finals
Graduation - Class of 2019
Congratulations, Class of 2019! We are so proud of our Senior Scarlets! Here are some of the end of the year reminders for our graduates:
Caps and Gowns will be distributed on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
Elementary Parade of Graduates is taking place on Friday, 5/31. Shuttle buses will leave West at 9:45am and will return around 10:30am.
Final Exams for seniors must be completed prior to Wednesday, June 5th. Seniors will be taking final exams for periods 1-4 on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Exams for periods 5-7 will take place sometime prior to the scheduled exam time for other students on Wednesday, June 5.
Commencement Rehearsal: Wednesday, June 5, at 9:00 AM at MSU Taylor Center. Attendance is required.
Pictures must take place PRIOR to Commencement because caps and gowns will be turned in immediately following the ceremony. Diplomas will be distributed at that time. Cap and gown must be turned in to pick up the diploma.
Please be reminded this ceremony is a celebration of the graduating class. Do not decorate your mortar board or wear cords (other than NHS cords) out of respect for the class.
Commencement: Wednesday, June 5 - 8:00 PM. Graduates must be in the Shellburg Gym at MSU by 7:30 PM. Shuttle buses will be provided and will depart for MSU starting at 6:30 PM from the front parking lot at West. The last shuttle will depart at 7:15 PM.
Graduation Party immediately follows the ceremony. The parents put on this amazing event for our seniors. Thank you, parents!
More details about graduation are available here.
Open House for Mr. Fell
Changes Coming
Interviews for a new Activities Director will take place next week.
Summer Opportunities
The Bold Futures Camp is a free STEM and Business careers summer camp experience designed for up to 50 high school women from East, West, and Central High School and is in partnership with Taylor Corporation and Minnesota State University, Mankato. They are now accepting applications for this summer! In 2019 you’ll learn alongside other high school women and have even more opportunities for fun while you learn about the variety of amazing careers in STEM and business! Learn more and apply at boldfuturescamp.com
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota will be continuing our Junior Volunteer Playworker program through the summer. The program is designed for students in grades 7-10 who have an interest in being active in their community, learning important job skills, and have an interest in early childhood education, STEM education, agriculture, Dakota history or the arts. Our deadline for the summer program is May 31st. Contact the Children's Museum for details.
Congratulations to our Scarlet Bowling Team in the State Tournament, Friday, May 17th!
Upcoming Events
May 17 - State Bowling Tournament
May 21 - Awards Assembly
May 21 - Family Connection Meeting
May 27 - No School, Memorial Day
May 29 - Fell Open House
May 30 - Cap and Gown pick up
May 31 - Parade of Graduates
June 4 - Finals
June 5 - Finals
June 5 - Commencement Ceremony
Find track, golf, softball, baseball, lacrosse and bowling events here
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/1/
Go Scarlets!