The WJHS Panther Update
Sept. 1, 2023
Principal's Letter
Panther Families,
Our first few weeks of school have started off strong, and our staff has been working hard to provide our Panthers with a fun, yet rigorous, curriculum. Due to the heat next week, we will be running a SIP Day schedule on Tue. and Wed. Please check your email for more information.
NO SCHOOL - Monday, September 4th, will be a non-attendance day in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
IAR Scores - Test scores from the Spring were sent home today. Be sure to look for those in your child's backpack.
Curriculum Night - Curriculum night will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6:00-7:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our staff and hear what your student will be learning this year. Click here for the evening's Agenda, and feel free to click around on the Bitmoji WJHS Curriculum Night to access grade-level team syllabi and multiple links to important resources and communication tools.
BPAC Invites You - All EB and Dual Language families are invited to join us at Ty Warner Park on September 15th at 6 p.m. as we celebrate the beginning of a new school year!
Meet other families and share one of your favorite dishes at our first BPAC meeting. Please let us know that you will be attending by registering below. If you have any questions, please email cusd201bpac@gmail.com. Click here to register.
Springfield Trip - The 7th grade is excited to announce a class trip to Springfield, Illinois on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024. Students will visit Abraham Lincoln’s home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Illinois State Capitol, New Salem Village, and Lincoln’s Tomb. Registration materials for the trip will be sent home soon.
Westmont Library - Will be participating in the Cards for Kids program. This program offers students who live in unincorporated areas of Westmont the opportunity to receive a library card. Westmont students, pre-school (3-5 y/o) through 12th grade, who take part in the Federal Free and Reduced-Price meal programs at CUSD201 based on their income level are eligible to receive a one year non-resident library card free of charge.
Eligibility
- Student PreK (3-5) -12th grade
- Lives in unincorporated Westmont
- Receives Free or Reduced-Price meals based on income
- Parents or guardians of the student must obtain documentation indicating the student participates in the Federal Free and Reduced-Price meal program. A letter from the school noting their participation in the program is sufficient documentation in this regard.
- A parent or legal guardian must present such documentation and proof of address to the Library when applying for a card.
- The Library card is valid for one year and may be renewed annually with documentation for continued eligibility.
Otus Family Account - You can set up an Otus Family Account to view student assignments, grades, progress, and teacher feedback. CLICK HERE for instructions on setting up your account and tips on navigating Otus.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship Opportunities - Since 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has been partnering with schools across the country by offering scholarship programs for Grades 6-12 . The VFW believes all students can benefit from participating in these programs.
This year the theme for the Patriot's Pen Program (6th - 8th) is "How are You Inspired by America?" and the Voice of Democracy theme (9th-12th) is "What are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"
If the student is selected to compete at the National level, the prize awarded for Patriot's Pen range is $500 to $5000 scholarship. The minimum prize for Voice of Democracy is a $1000 scholarship and the first place recipient receives a $35,000 scholarship to the college of their choice. Every State/Department Voice of Democracy winner and family will receive an all- expenses paid trip to Washington D.C.
If you would like more information, it can be found at VFW Scholarship - as well as an example of last year's winning essay entries.
Free & Reduced lunch - Students who qualify are eligible for a free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Students will scan their ID when getting breakfast or lunch to receive their meals. If you have a question about whether or not your student qualifies for the program or how it works, please feel free to contact Mandy Sarles at asarles@cusd201.org.
Three Pillars Donations: Though it's only been a couple of weeks, our staff are continuing to regularly recognize students who display the three pillars of expectations (Safety, Respect, and Responsibility). Today, we had our second weekly raffle drawing, and two students from each grade level were awarded prizes. If you are able to partner with us in this positive behavior initiative and donate a prize it would be greatly appreciated. Even a small token will go a long way!
From the Nurse - Due by October 15th, and per Illinois state mandate: All 6th grade students and students new to the district are required to have 1) A complete physical performed within the last 1 year, and 2) Tdap and Meningitis vaccines. Any student without the required health forms submitted by October 15th, will be excluded from school until the required documentation is received.
Free Clinic Available - UChicago Medicine and Advent Health are offering families in need a free clinic, Sat. Sept 30th from 9AM -1PM. Click on the link for details.
Parent Volunteers - We are looking for parents to be a part of our Panther Family! If you are interested in volunteering here at WJHS, both Ms. Quattrone and Mrs. Centeno are in need of help. Currently, we would love to have parents stand outside our doors with our staff in the mornings to greet students. We have two shifts 7:45-8:00 a.m. and 8:00-8:15 a.m. Contact Ms. Quattrone for more information at aquattrone@cusd201.org. Mrs. Centeno is in need of help in the library and can be contacted at scenteno@cusd201.org.
Westmont's Chamber of Commerce - Westmont Chamber of Commerce Events offers a wide variety of events for the community. Be sure to click on the link and see what they have to offer this month.
Remember to check the WJHS calendar for up-to-date information on Clubs, Events, & Athletics.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Sincerely,
Amy Quattrone
WJHS Principal
Hoopfest Champs
Great job to some of our newest Panthers! These four 6th graders took 1st place in their age division at our District's Inaugural Junior Citizen's Hoopfest Saturday, winning 4 out of the 5 games they played. Way to go, girls!!