West Side Story 2.0
September 14, 2022
What a Great First Week!
We had a great kick-off celebration in the auditorium to get the year started. Pep Band was playing as students entered the building. We welcomed the class of 2026. We celebrated the successes our spring sports had, including our State Champions in Softball and Track, our state runner-up baseball team, and other track athletes who placed in the state meet. Seniors spoke and reminded us all how special it is to be a Scarlet.
In the classroom, teachers are working to build community in their classrooms, creating a sense of belonging for all students in our school. They are introducing their content, and engaging students in collaborative learning activities.
Mr. Meyer, Mr. Krause, and I were able to spend time with each grade level in class meetings. It is evident that students and staff are happy to be back! Students were reminded that they have one shot at high school, and to make every second count.
Friday we had Subs on the Sidewalk. The rain held off for the over 35 clubs and activities that had tables ready for students to sign up. The sign up sheets were full. Students are ready to be active in their school community!
Early Out - Wednesday, September 21
All teachers will be meeting in their professional learning communities during this time. Our PLCs will be focusing on instructional strategies that increase student engagement, creating authentic assessments that allows students to demonstrate what they know and are able to do, and ways to increase rigor, while providing support as needed.
A Message from our Technology Department
Grade Checks
We will be sending home an automated message with any missing assignments each Thursday, as we have done in past years.
Parking
Here are some reminders:
- Students who have a permit park in the front lot, and must be parked in a designated parking spot. Students with a PSEO back lot permit park in the 1st 12 stalls along the hill in the back (near the YMCA). The remainder of the back lot is for staff parking only.
- Students who park in the lot without a permit, or those who park in spots that are not designated parking spots, will be ticketed and may be towed.
- Students can park free of charge in the baseball lot.
Our school footprint has not kept up with our increasing enrollment, which really limits the number of vehicles that can park at school. We know this causes an inconvenience for students who do not get a permit, but we do our best with the space we have.
Fall Musical
Students interested in the musical, either being on stage or behind the scenes, should connect with Mr. Christianson in the Media Center for more information.
Pack the Stands
Suicide Prevention Event: "My Ascension" Film Screening and Panel
Greater Mankato Area United Way invites community members to a free suicide prevention documentary film screening and panel Saturday, September 17 at 4:30 pm at Mankato East High School. Please register at MankatoUnitedWay.org/Emma22.
Speaker Emma Benoit will share the documentary, MY ASCENSION, of her inspiring journey after her suicide attempt and will participate on a panel following the screening. The film is part of Emma's nationwide effort to spread hope and fight suicide.
The event is sponsored by the Todd & Mel Hoffner family, through an initiative by Greater Mankato Area United Way. This is supported by Mankato Area Public Schools.
Doors open at 4 pm at Mankato East Auditorium. Refreshments sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System. The 90-minute film will begin at 4:30 pm, followed by a panel discussion.
Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of Emma and others participating in the panel who have been impacted by suicide. Support and resources will be available at the event.
Community members are also invited to take part in the Out of Darkness Walk earlier in the day on September 17 at 11 am at Sibley Park, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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Why It's Important: Suicide is a silent epidemic that is not receiving the attention it deserves. It is the second leading cause of death for young people under 25, and there are approximately 1.2 million suicide attempts every year. The ripple effects of these deaths and attempts devastate millions more. MY ASCENSION shines light on the reality of this ongoing public health crisis and is positively impacting the lives of young people, families, schools, and communities by sharing hope, information and best practices that can be replicated around the world. When suicide attempt survivors such as Emma share their stories of recovery, it often prevents others from attempting.
Crisis Support: If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
On September 29th, this film screening and panel will be presented to our 9th and 10th grade students. More information about the presentaion at school will be coming to our 9th and 10th grade families.
Career Pathways Exploration
Career Exploration is a great way to learn about many different careers. The more students know about a career, the more informed they will be when choosing their high school courses. There are multiple ways for our Scarlet Students to Explore! Experience! and Engage!
Please take a tour around the MAPS Career Pathways Exploration Google Site. MAPS Career Pathways Exploration Google Site
Be sure to check the EVENTS! tab and see what events are already scheduled that students can attend. They can register right from the page.
Does your student's Career and Personality Profiles suggest a career that doesn't have a scheduled event? The student should fill out the Student Career Exploration Request Form on the homepage and we will work on finding an event.
Upcoming Events
September 20
Link Crew Academic Follow Ups - Extended Scarlet Time Schedule
September 21
Early Out (school dismissed at 1:35)
September 23
Grade Check #1
September 27
Picture Retake Day
September 29
"My Ascension" Film Screening and Panel, 9th and 10th grade
September 30
Homecoming Pepfest
October 14
Homecoming