Panther Nation Newsletter #18
January 22, 2021
Message From the Principal
We turned the page to a new semester this week, and next week we turn the page onto a new Covid Learning Phase as we return to Phase 3 (Medium Control). Remember, you can refresh your memories regarding the Covid Phase protocols at the WPSD HomePage at WPSDk12/wphs.org. Essentially, we're returning to in-person learning for anyone who wants it. We expect a few of you will choose to remain in remote or online learning - while (at the same time) we know quite a few of you who've been chomping at the bit to get back to school, will return. We're excited to see you.
On another note - with the change to second semester - we naturally begin getting quite a few questions regarding Graduation and spring semester events. Many of these questions come from "first time" senior parents who are anxious to make plans for their families around traditional rights of passage. As we all know, this isn't the year to make plans in concrete.
Nevertheless, rest assured of three things:
1) We will have Graduation on May 28th, in some form or fashion. We will not forego this event. We have tentative plans and alternative plans already in our minds. However, we won't be discussing definitives regarding family attendance, locations or the like until we get closer to the actual date. We know from experience that it is better to communicate when we KNOW what we know...and not what we think we might be able to do. We are working again to have a live-stream for those who cannot attend.
2) We will try our darndest to have as many of the "Senior Events" and traditional spring events as we possibly can. As we have all along, we will work within the protocols of safety for all involved as set forth by the recommendations of our County Health Department, the State of Colorado and the CDC. These events cannot be approved far in advance. Each decision will be made taking into account the current Covid conditions in our community. Each event will have it's own request to be held...so, when and if we get approval, we'll communicate with our students and you.
3) We will communicate with you just as soon as we can. We know our school calendar. We know the events and experiences that our students and families value. They're all on our radar. It's human nature to want more information sooner. We empathize with this emotion and desire. However, the last thing that we ever want to do is promise something that we cannot deliver on. Our mindset will remain that we communicate what we KNOW and can have you count on. Keeping in mind the traditional dates of these events, decisions will be made mid-April/early-May.
Seniors will get information directly from school administrators , counselors or their Advisory teacher. Ask your sons and daughters if they've been paying attention to the information being given to them throughout this semester. They'll need to be paying attention. As well, we'll include everything you need to know in this newsletter and on our web-site WPSDk12/wphs.org.
Until next time.
Mr. Burr
January 25-29
February 1-5
VIRTUAL College Fair
BigFuture Days College Fair
STUDENTS!!
BigFuture Days for Parents
WPHS trip to WASHINGTON, D.C.
Greetings fellow Americans,
With all eyes on Washington D.C. right now, we thought it would be appropriate to draw your attention to the high school’s biannual Close Up DC field trip. The trip was originally planned for last spring, but...well...you know. Our rescheduled trip is due to take off in late April, and we’d love to have you join us. Sadly, some students had to forego the trip this time as they have since graduated, but that just means there’s more room for you. Join Mr. Roskam, Mr. Pappadakis, and other WPHS students for what promises to be a very interesting and rewarding academic adventure in what continues to be the greatest seat of democracy in the world. Rather than just talking about our institutions, we’ll be immersing ourselves in them. This is a week long, all-inclusive, academic endeavor designed specifically for teachers and students. This trip is distinct from normal school travel in that this is not run by a for profit venture. This is a government sanctioned and supported program, whose stated purpose is “to inform, inspire, and empower young people to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.” Could there be a more meaningful time for this than right now? If you are interested in joining, please contact us at the high school. Email us at jroskam@wpsdk12.org or apappadakis@wpsdk12.org. We’d love to talk to you about it. Additionally, you can view the entire program including sample itineraries at www.closeup.org. Hope to hear from you soon.
All the Best,
Andrew Pappadakis and Joe Roskam