WHS Newsletter
August 2019
Important Back to School Information
The start of the 2019-2020 school year is fast approaching. Anticipation is mounting as we prepare to welcome students back this year. In preparation for the upcoming year, here is a list of “things you need to know” to ease back into the year.
Online Verification
On August 5, online verification will open to parents/guardians. Online verification allows you to access to the 2019-20 Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook, modify and/or confirm contact information, and complete appropriate District forms. Online verification is required for every child in the District. You can access the online verification link at www.siouxcityschools.org/continuing-families-enrollment/. You will need to log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete online verification. If you have forgotten your username or password, follow the prompts on the website screen to regain access.
Parent/Guardian Student Handbook
The 2019-20 Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook provides an in-depth description of many important topics relevant to a student’s education. Please review the handbook closely. You will be prompted to view the handbook during online verification. You can also access the handbook any time at www.siouxcityschools.org under the Handbooks and Guides page of the Parents section.
Attendance
Student attendance is crucial to learning. There are also statutory requirements with which parents must comply. Please refer to the 2019-20 Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook to review the District’s attendance policy. Parents/guardians should notify a student’s school regarding an absence within the first hour of the school day. If an absence is not reported, and a student does not attend school, the student’s household will be contacted by the school office to report the absence home and inquire about the reason for the absence. Parents may be notified by phone call, email, and/or text. Limited information will be available by text message, so parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school, review voice messages, and refer to email for extended information.
Parents/guardians that download the Infinite Campus application available for Android and iPhone can also elect to get notifications pushed to a mobile phone with attendance updates from the school.
Acceptable Use Agreement
New to the Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook this year is the addition of the Acceptable Use Agreement. Every student in the District now has access to technology and devices that help enhance learning. The agreement states that each student will follow responsible citizenship as it relates to technology. A specific list of expectations is included for students that check out laptops. Parents/guardians should take care in reviewing this agreement to understand the expectations of care and the penalties of lost or damaged devices.
Infinite Campus and Canvas Parent Portals
All parents/guardians are encouraged to stay connected to their student’s academic progress using Infinite Campus (grades K-12) and Canvas (grades 6-12). These parent portals can be accessed from the District website (www.siouxcityschools.org). These portals give parents access to teacher email addresses, student schedules, grades, attendance, and so much more!
Curriculum Resources Fees
Curriculum resources are furnished by the school. These resources include items such as textbooks, digital texts and companion materials, software packages, and other items. There is a set fee for the use of curriculum resources. Fees are $34 for elementary school, $100 for middle school, and $100 for high school. Fees can be paid online. Visit the Parents section of the District website.
Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-price lunch, the Family Investment Program, Supplemental Security Income, transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived. Students whose families are experiencing temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. This waiver does not carry over from year-to-year and must be completed annually. Fee waiver forms are available at each school or on the District website.
School Supply Lists
The list of items students need for the 2019-20 school year is now available online. Access the list for your student’s grade online at www.siouxcityschools.org/supply-lists/.
Immunizations
Students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade have immunization requirements. Please refer to the website for details: https://www.siouxcityschools.org/immunization/.
Schedule of Upcoming Events
- August 13 – Parents/Guardians will have access to class schedules using Infinite Campus
- August 13 & 15 – Laptop Distribution West High (10 am – 7 pm)
- August 21 - Back to School Bash at Cook Park 4-7 pm
- August 22 - Back to School Night 7-9 pm
- August 23 – First Day of School 7:55 am - 2:55 pm
New Faces at West High
- Terry Gardner, Industrial Arts Teacher
- Officer Brandon Hollopeter, School Resource Officer
- Gabe Hoogers, Science Teacher
- Ben Hunnel, English Language Arts Teacher
- Jessica Kenagy, Para-educator
- Logan Kuchera, Art Teacher
- Amy Laboranti, Language Arts Support Teacher
- Denise Lingscheit, Family Consumer Science Teacher
- Josh Malenosky, Social Studies Teacher
- Laura Mesz, Art Teacher
- Matthew Noreen, Para-educator
- Heather Porterfield, Para-educator
- Stephanie Robinson, Para-educator
- Blake Roberts, English Language Arts Teacher
- Brian Shanks, Compass Academy Para-educator
- Jen Smith, Math Teacher
- Brenna Splinter, English Language Arts Teacher
- Maria Tran, ESL Teacher
- Cathy Dailey, Para-educator
Back - to - School Bash at Cook Park
Join us for free food, games, and giveaways.
#WeAreWEST
Fall Activity/Sports Contacts
Cross Country - Abi Mehlhaff, mehlhaa@live.siouxcityschools.com
Football - Joe Schmitz, coachschmitz66@gmail.com
Volleyball - Val Uken, ukenv@live.siouxcityschools.com
Boys Golf - Troy Worden, wordent@live.siouxcityschools.com
Girls Swimming - Molly Hegarty, mollyhegarty812@gmail.com
Cheerleading - Chris Jones, cljones363@gmail.com
Dance - Jenna Winkler, jvw001@morningside.edu
STEM/Robotics - Karl George georgek@live.siouxcityschools.com
Fall Sports practices begin August 12th
Save the Date for Homecoming!
Athletic/Activity Passes
Athletic/Activity passes for the 2019-2020 school year will be available in the West High Activities Office.
$45 students, $85 adults, $150 family pass (up to 4 people)
Contact Michaelle Miller for more information: millerm2@live.siouxcityschools.com
712-279-6781
Immunization Information - Attention Seniors!
Iowa law requires that all students entering 12th grade have a Meningococcal vaccination. The requirement is 2 doses of meningococcal (A,C,W,Y) vaccine for students in grade 12, if born after September 15, 1999; or 1 dose if received when students are 16 years of age or older are required before school starts in the fall.
Have questions regarding vaccinations? Contact our school nurse Mary Mason masonm@live.siouxcityschools.com
ACT Information
Next Test Date: September 14, 2019
Registration Deadline: August 16
Register online at the ACT website
Future Test Dates:
October 26
December 14
February 8
April 4
June 13
July 18
Contact the counseling office with questions or for more information.
712-279-6746
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Non-discrimination Statement
The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is an unfair or discriminatory practice for any educational institution to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices. Inquiries or grievances, including Section 504 grievances and grievances under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, may be directed to Jen Gomez, Director of Student Services & Equity Education at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075,gomezj2@live.siouxcityschools.com. Please see District Board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.