Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your WGHS Weekly eNews for October 31
Hello Parents and Guardians,
We will host our neighbors at the Friendship Dance this weekend and anticipate the majority of both schools' students to attend. As a parent of a high school student, I want most for him to have a memorable and safe night with his friends on a night when some might see the opportunity to engage in substance use. As a school community, we are making efforts to help educate our students in health classes, coordinating visits from Preferred Family Healthcare in our Academic Labs, and educating students in other settings about the concerns of underage drinking and related activities. Several years ago I attended a presentation by Clayton Behavioral, a facility that offers many mental health services, including treating substance use disorders. Part of the presentation dealt with the impact of substance use on the developing brain of adolescents and how the mix of families, school, and communities can partner to prevent teen use of drugs and alcohol. Data from recent student survey questions were determined to be more predictive of teen substance use. The first question focused on parenting disposition and the child’s ability to approach the parent for needed support, and the second centered on supervision. If students responded with “most of the time” or “always,” there was considerable decrease in the likelihood of consistent use of substances.
Question: “I can talk to my parents about my problems”
a. Never
b. Rarely
c. Sometimes
d. Most of the time
e. Always
Question: “My parents know where I am after school”
a. Never
b. Rarely
c. Sometimes
d. Most of the time
e. Always
Some conversation topics to ask your child prior to the dance:
- Before - Know the plans. Ask the important questions: Who’s driving? Who’s going with you? What is contact information?
- After – Support from the community. Local police departments will be alert and active our respective communities enforcing social hosting ordinances, MIPs, DUIs, etc. to help keep our kids and the community safe.
While a teen's engagement in substance use is not the measurement of good parenting nor is it fully determinant of our children’s worth, we are hopeful to keep our children safe and being their best self at school and at home. If you are seeking resources in this work, please contact your child’s counselor.
We are looking forward to a great Friendship Dance and celebrating it with all of our students, their families and alums in the coming weeks. Turkey Day is right around the corner!
Also, please be sure to see the information below about our Statesmen Showcase this weekend!
Best,
Matt Irvin
Statesmen Showcase This Sunday!
To show our appreciation...
The students and staff welcome the entire Webster Groves School District community to engage in interactive activities, explore our programs and spaces, and imagine thriving in the
Statesmen experience.
Sunday, November 3
1 - 3 p.m.
Webster Groves High School
A Peek at the Week Ahead
- October 31: End of Progress Period
- November 1: NO SCHOOL; PD Day
- November 2: SAT; Friendship Dance @ WGHS, 8 p.m.
- November 4: First day of winter sports
- November 6: Parents' Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Library
- November 7: Veterans Day Program
- November 7: WGHS Sophomore Parent Night, 7 p.m., Auditorium
- November 8: Progress grades available on portal
Monday is NOT a Late Start! It's a Day 2.
*2019-20 School Calendar Days & Possible Changes*
Now that cooler temperatures are upon us, we acknowledge the possibility of inclement weather days. This year, we have four (4) inclement weather days built in our high school calendar. We have also designed a plan in the event of extra inclement weather days that we are sharing with you.
The state of Missouri now requires that district submit a plan of 1,080 attendance hours each year (includes minimum of 1,044 hours of instruction and 36 hours of inclement weather plans). This year, with our late-start schedule, students will attend 1069.13 hours, including four built-in inclement weather days. To ensure that we meet the 1,080 required attendance hours, we have provided the state of Missouri with a school calendar that includes an articulated plan in the event of additional inclement weather days beyond the four we have built in. After four snow days, our amended calendar will be as follows:
5th Inclement Weather Day
May 19 and 20 shall be converted to full attendance days; final exams will take place on May 20 in the morning, and regular instruction in the afternoon.
6th Inclement Weather Day
May 21 shall be converted to a full attendance day; final exams will take place in the morning, and regular instruction in the afternoon. May 22 shall become a half-day of finals.
The potential of a revised school year will NOT affect seniors and early check-out.
It will only be necessary to amend our school calendar with any of the above recommendations IF we miss more than four days of school due to inclement weather. This revision will ensure that the district calendar is in accordance with state requirements.
2019-20 Late-Start Days
Celebrations/Announcements
This is an exciting weekend of events. On Saturday, the 81st annual Friendship Dance is at WGHS. On Sunday, we are hosting our Statesmen Showcase from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. See more detailed information above.
Senior Parents: Everything you need to know about graduation and your child's senior year can be found here.
Reminder: Sophomore Parent Night is next Thursday, November 7th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium.
On the agenda:
- Score back session for the practice ACT administered on October 16th—Jonathan Dworak from The Princeton Review will join us to explain the ins and outs of the ACT including content, format, prep, and scoring.
- Looking ahead to junior year—Believe it or not, students will begin choosing their courses in about 6 weeks. Knowing there are a lot of options including many Advanced Placement and dual credit options, we will spend some time discussing the different offerings and opportunities.
- A timeline for college planning—While the bulk of college planning for the Class of 2022 will begin next year, we will introduce you to a timeline of all things college admissions related.
Science Fair Night Coming Soon
Come learn about the science fair and how to complete a project on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 in the Edgar Road Elementary library at 6:00 pm. If you cannot attend or would like more information, please contact district science fair coordinator, Shayla Pott, at pott.shayla@wgmail.org.
School Board Seeks Applicants to Fill Vacancy
The Board of Education is seeking applicants who would like to serve on the board until an election can be held in April to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Arnold Stricker, who has resigned. The board is asking interested persons to submit a cover letter and resume. You can find details at this link.
Turkey Day Yard Signs Support Cheerleaders
Shop at Our Spirit Store and Support Funding for Scholarships!
The Webster Groves Spirit Wear Store is open to all Students, Staff, Parents and Community Members. Shop the Spirit Store for all your Webster Groves Apparel and Accessories.
Spirit Store Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Late Start Monday: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
All Spirit Wear Apparel and Accessories are also available online at the Parents Club website.
Orders placed online will be available for pick up at the WGHS Front Office.
(for a fee all items can be shipped to your home)
WGHS Front Office Hours: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm
You can also find Spirit Wear at our “Pop-Up” Shops at many school sponsored events.
Thanks for your support!
Did You Know?
Our Community Closet has been very busy with student visitors. Please consider donating a sweatshirt, hoodie or pair of sweatpants that aren’t getting much wear. This is a big need right now, especially as the temperatures drop. Our stock of these items are running low for both boys and girls.
Food collected will benefit our WGHS community closet and/or WRHM!
Webster Groves High School
Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: hs.webster.k12.mo.us
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS