Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your WGHS Weekly eNews for April 28
Hello WGHS Families,
Above is a piece from last week's AP art display, one of many that students produced that caused me to pause and ask questions of the artist. In this case, she had created a series that marked the progression through a grieving process that concluded with this piece. We have all had loss in this year that novel, unlike our forced distance learning or the absence of any potential medical interventions to the pandemic that previous years had.
In spite of our hope for a unmarked year of school, we have had the impact of COVID in the form of learning loss, unexpected colleagues' departure, and considerable health concerns. Educators are not immune from the larger forces that have impacted other labor markets that have been part of the Great Resignation. Over half of all teachers surveyed considered leaving the profession “often or very often” according to the 2021 Educator Wellness survey conducted by Missouri State Teachers Association. No doubt, we have not returned to "normal."
And while the series of work by the students indicate a difficult path, they conclude with the image of her hand, displaying budding plant life. Ken Burns, when recounting his mother's early death noted the dual-nature of her loss. Her passing, with all it's inescapable sorrow, has been an "engine of exploration, of confidence, of bravery." The friction between hurt and hope, between difficulty and development have been very much part of our year thus far. While I observe loss of departing friends, I am grateful for our time together and their impact on our school and students. In recalling our Class of 2020 seniors that missed the last quarter of school and their prom, our current class had an prom Friday night that was memorable for all the right reasons. The loss of the previous events should lead to a greater value and appreciation of the opportunities we may have overlooked as standard fare in the preceding years. My hope is the time we share on our horizon reflects the growth as Clara portrayed: hopeful, expanding, and ethereal.
Best,
Matt Irvin
Next Week's Schedule: Every day is an A day (Senior Finals Week)
A Peek at the Week Ahead
- May 3-6: Senior Final Exams (see schedule below)
- May 3: Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
- May 4: Band Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
- May 4: Parents' Club Meeting, 7pm, Library
- May 5: Statesmen Sports Awards, 7pm, Roberts Gym
- May 6: Senior Check-out, 10:20 a.m. - 3:25 p.m., Multi-purpose Room
- May 7: Jim Schoemehl Run, 7:30am, WGHS
Senior Check-out is May 6
Seniors will check-out on May 6 from 10:20 - 3:25 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room (1st Floor). At this time, seniors will:
- Pay any remaining fines
- Turn in all WGSD equipment/books/materials
- Turn in parking passes
- Verify post-secondary plans
- Clean out locker (May 2-3 during lunches)
- Verify they've met all graduation requirements
- Pick up their cap/gown
Prior to May 6, seniors must obtain signatures from their teachers noting that they've met their academic requirements for each class.
Freestyle Pool Passes
Dear Families,
The Freestyle Pool Pass is BACK for 2022, after a very successful inaugural year last summer. The Freestyle Pass removes barriers to the community swimming pool by providing free daily swim passes for individuals and families that require financial assistance. Thanks to the generosity of this amazing community, 604 pool passes were used last summer!
It is our pleasure to report that together we raised enough money last year to run the program again for summer 2022. Webster Groves is a great place to live, work, and play--and our community is striving to be consciously inclusive. We want everyone to feel welcome, included, and vital in all spaces! The Freestlye Pool Pass is a partnership of the Alliance for Interracial Dignity, the Webster Groves School District, and Webster Rock Hill Ministries. We are also grateful to the City of Webster Groves for their administrative efforts to accept and track the pool passes.
To those families who may currently be in need of financial support to access the pool, our goal (pending funding) is to provide:
- WGSD PreK – 5th grade students: 4 Freestyle Pool Passes per student upon request
- WGSD 6th – 12th grade students: 2 Freestyle Pool Passes per student upon request
- If you have more than one child attending the same WGSD school, then you will receive a family pack of Freestyle Pool Passes.
If you currently are in need of financial assistance and are interested in receiving Freestyle Pool Passes (each is good for one daily admission), then please complete this WGSD Freestyle Pool Pass Request Form by May 13, 2022, or contact your child’s counselor. The passes will be given to your child May 19 - 20, 2022. During pool season, Freestyle Pool Passes will also be available at Webster Rock Hill Ministries and inside the Rec Center front desk.
As the Freestyle Pool Pass program continues to find its footing in future years, we hope to expand the program to include snack bar vouchers and possibly swim instruction. We are not actively fundraising for summer 2022, but If you would like to support the program's future, the fund is being held by Webster Rock Hill Ministries (WRHM). Checks can be made payable to WRHM and mailed or brought to 111 East Waymire, Webster Groves, 63119. Checks must include “Freestyle Pass Fund” in the memo line. You may also donate online at http://bit.ly/wgfreestyle.
We look forward to seeing you at the pool this summer, which opens on May 27th!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shane Williamson
WGSD
Farrell Carfield
AID
Elyssa Sullivan
AID
Emerson Smith
WRHM
Celebrations
Seniors Emily Goben and Jackson Parks have been inducted into the National Scholastic Press Association's 2022 Honor Roll.
21st Annual Jim Schoemehl Run is Saturday, May 7
The 21st Annual Jim Schoemehl Run will be held on Saturday, May 7 at Webster Groves High School. The 2022 beneficiary is Karen Eisenhauer and proceeds will be donated to her, as well as her family. Participants are able to sign up, donate, and learn more about the history of the Jim Schoemehl Run at jims5k.com.
Senior Car Parade Information for Seniors
The Senior Community Car Parade will be Saturday May 21st at 10am. Start gathering your friends and planning decorations for your vehicle to be part of the community celebration of you! The parade will start on Lockwood Ave West of Rockhill Stand run East on Lockwood Ave to Gore Ave. A link to sign up for the parade is attached. EVERY student that wants to participate must complete the sign up. The deadline to sign up is May 14. 2022 by 11:59 pm. Once you have signed up, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Pires at jenniferpires@sbcglobal.net with any questions.
WG Class of 2022 Senior Parade May 21, 2022 at 10:00 am
To Report an Absence, Please Call:
Important 2022-23 Immunization Information
Please see the Missouri school immunization requirements for the 2022-23 school year at the link below. Per Missouri state law and WGSD Board of Education policy, all students must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status of each immunization before attending school. Please be aware that a second meningococcal immunization is required before 12th grade unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age. Additional information regarding medical and religious exemptions can be found on the attached link as well.
https://health.mo.gov/living/wellness/immunizations/pdf/2023schoolrequirements.pdf
COVID-19 Testing at WGSD
The Webster Groves School District will offer COVID-19 testing for the public from 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays in the board room at the central office, 400 E. Lockwood Ave. Testing will continue to be offered here on Thursdays at this time except for during spring break.
Rapid antigen and PCR testing will be available through Visionary Vaccine Services. No appointment is needed. Masks will be required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian. Your insurance will be billed for the service and there are no fees for the uninsured. Everyone tested will receive a letter documenting the date of service, type of testing and results.
Testing will also be offered for the public in other school districts:
Mondays and Wednesdays in the Ladue School District at the Fifth Grade Center, 10900 Ladue Rd., inside the lower level athletic entrance to the building from 9-11 a.m.
On Tuesdays, at the Clayton District's Administration Center, #2 Mark Twain Circle in Clayton, from 9-11 a.m.
2022-23 Bus Transportation
The Webster Groves School District is currently determining transportation needs for the fee-based service for the 2022-2023 school year. If your student will be attending Webster Groves High School or Hixson Middle School and you would like bus transportation for your student for the 2022-2023 school year, you must complete the application at the link below. Even if your student rode the bus last year, you must fill out a new application for the 2022-2023 school year. Please read the information in the link and fill out the form if you want your student to ride the bus for the 2022-2023 school year.
2022-23 Bus Form
Application deadline is May 15, 2022.
Thank you,
WGSD Transportation
314-963-6413
News from the Chelsea Center
WGHS’ in-house experiential learning center
Student Opportunity Spotlight
Check out these opportunities available through GivePulse via the Chelsea Center Canvas course or stop by the Chelsea Center for more info.
Personal Employment
Does your child have a part-time or full-time job this summer? Encourage them to sign up for the Personal Employment summer school course. In this Chelsea Center course, students will learn how to articulate their learning from work in polished anecdotes, perfect for future interviews for jobs, scholarships and college applications! Through this course, students can earn elective credit as they earn their paychecks.
Service Learning
Is your child looking to serve the community while also strengthening their resume for their post-high school plans? Encourage them to sign up for the Chelsea Center Service Learning course where they can earn elective credit by volunteering. Team Chelsea will happily help them find volunteer opportunities within community organizations connected to their areas of interest.
Did You Know?
The last day of school is just a month away! Our last day of school is May 27, and students are released at 11:40 a.m. Please check our school calendar for the final exam schedule.
Counseling Office Updates
Digital Strike Will Award Online Google Career Certificates
Local digital marketing firm, Digital Strike, has announced they will be awarding 20 area high school students an opportunity to complete an online Google Career Certificate.
Upon completion, this certificate will propel students on the fast track to in-demand jobs within fields that are and will continue to be crucial to our country’s economy, including technology, science, business, finance, energy, and more.
For more information and to apply visit https://www.digitalstrike.com/google-growth-with-digital-strike/
College Admissions Testing
We have fielded a lot of questions regarding the ACT and SAT lately. Here's an article with answers to some of the top questions we hear.
2022-2023 Course Selections
Counselors are meeting individually with all students (during their Science class) to review student transcripts and finalize course requests for the 2022-2023 school year. Parents can view their child’s course requests in the parent portal by selecting the 2022-2023 school year (dropdown menu in upper right hand corner) and selecting “Course Requests” (menu on left). Please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have any questions.
In Person College Visits are Back
Beginning this week, admissions representatives will visit to meet with prospective juniors and seniors to share information about their institutions. Students who would like to meet with admissions representatives should sign up in the counseling office ahead of time and will receive a pass from class. To visit the full calendar, click here. Check back frequently as visits are being added daily.
Upcoming ACT and SAT National Test Dates (Saturdays)
Junior parents: Is your child planning to attend a four year college or university? While many colleges have been “test optional” for the past two years as a result of covid, plans for next year are not yet clear and many colleges will still require ACT or SAT scores for admission and/or scholarships. Here are the ACT and SAT test dates for the rest of the school year.
Shop the Parents' Club Spirit Store!
The Spirit Store is open! Hours are 8-9:15 a.m. daily.
The online store is open 24 hours a day at https://wghsparentsclub.org/collections.
Every time you shop at the Spirit Store, you are supporting student scholarships and teacher grants!
Webster Groves High School
