WHS Family Newsletter
August 30, 2021
September is Almost Here!
It is hard to believe that August is almost gone and September is just around the corner. I think we have all been surprised at the heat index and are reminded that summer isn't over just because school is here! Yet although August flew by, it was still so eventful! From our athletic seasons and marching band underway to the club call out meetings to hands-on classroom projects and new friendships made--there is always activity and an opportunity for growth and connection at WHS! Please take a few moments to read the new announcements and reminders below to stay apprised of upcoming events and opportunities.
New Information This Week
A Message From Our WHS Nurses
WHS Students should NOT come to school if they are sick - regardless of vaccination status. There are a number of illnesses going around (not just Covid). It is very important for ill staff and students to stay home.
Please review the list of Covid symptoms on the district website. If you have any of those symptoms- again - regardless of vaccination status and even if you do not have fever, STAY HOME and contact a healthcare provider.
People who are fully vaccinated still test positive for COVID. The COVID vaccine does not necessarily prevent you from getting COVID, but lessens chances of severe illness.
Thank you for your help in limiting the spread of COVID by STAYING HOME when you are ill. That is vital for keeping in-person learning going strong this school year.
A Message From Our WHS PTO
From Jennifer Ryan, WHS PTO President:
To receive emails about what’s happening, please send an email to rockspto@gmail.com (this is not an automatic process with being enrolled at the school).
WHS is in need of Kleenex, if you could send in a box or two with your child and have them drop them in the box at the entry or at the front desk that would be helpful. Thank you so much!
September 15 - No In Person Learning For WHS Students
Westfield Washington Schools has included three (3) Extended Learning Days in the school calendar for the 2021-22 school year (one per trimester). The first of these three dates is Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
For students, it is time outside of the traditional school day for students to work on projects, take educational trips or visit a university, job shadow someone in a career they are interested in, etc.
These days are not eLearning days. Teachers will not be providing specific assignments and school work for the day.
For teachers, it is a time to work on our Continuous Quality Improvement process through professional development and the PLC process to improve our horizontal & vertical alignment in curriculum and instruction.
Please be sure you have this date on your family's calendar.
Rocks Spotlight
Welcome to the New WHS Office Staff
If you've been in or called the WHS office this school year, you may have noticed some new faces and voices! We'd like to welcome some new team members and share with you some moves others have made over the summer.
You will see Allison Flickinger and her welcoming smile at our Information Desk again this year. She not only greets you at the front entrance but is often found helping our students and staff with various tasks. At our Attendance Desk, Kim Decker is back and MaryEdith Malin has joined her - moving from Receptionist to Attendance Secretary. Both ladies are ready to help your student with absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals. Remember that if you call the attendance line and don't get one of these awesome ladies, they do check the attendance line voicemail every 15 minutes so please leave a message!
We also welcome Rachel Krueckeberg as our new WHS Receptionist and Deona Smith as our new Data Specialist. They are fabulous, have fit right into our office team, and will certainly make us better!
Tara McCrary has moved from our Attendance Desk to her new spot as the WHS Counseling Department Administrative Assistant. Tara is a perfect fit in the Counseling Department and is excited to help our students and parents find the information they need and to help set appointments with our counselors. Teri Hodson continues as our WHS Building/Principal's Administrative Assistant and keeps us organized, informed, and is such a great help to everyone. And Chris Rogers continues to keep the WHS Athletic Department running smoothly and is glad to help answer any athletic questions you have.
We are so grateful for this team of incredible ladies! They are certainly the heartbeat of our building and we would be lost without them!
Reminders
WWS Mask Policy
Here are some points to remember regarding our WWS mask mandate:
- Both face masks and face shields are allowed this year.
- Students or staff who are six feet away can go unmasked. Teachers may have students do this for brief periods in class.
- Students and staff do not have to wear masks outdoors.
- We must contact trace any student who is closer than three feet, whether masked or unmasked. If the person who was contact traced has been vaccinated, they will not have to quarantine.
- If a student does not comply and refuses to wear a mask, they will be sent to the office and sent home.
Meet the Teacher Videos on Canvas
This year, we will be hosting Meet The Teacher videos via our Canvas platform. We hope that all parents will take a few minutes to log in and become familiar with your student's Canvas pages. You will find on the homepage of each class, a video from your student's teacher sharing some information about the class. These videos will be available through Labor Day.
To learn how to login and much more, please view this Canvas Parent Guide.
Remind Your Student To Get Involved In A WHS Club
Westfield High School is an incredible place, where students can pursue their passions and gifts, all while preparing for their future. While academics at WHS provide a rich foundation for their success, getting connected and involved beyond the classroom will change our students and shape them even further. All they have to do is be willing to step out and try something new, and they will find themselves connected with peers who share similar interests and passions. From theatre to government, to culinary arts to academic competition teams, WHS offers an array of ways to connect and get involved.
To learn more about the amazing clubs at WHS click here to visit our club website and explore! Students sign up in TheSchoolCORE.com to attend a club meeting and get involved.
About Us
Email: webmaster@wws.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.wws.k12.in.us/whs
Location: 18250 North Union Street, Westfield, IN, USA
Phone: (317)867-6800
Facebook: facebook.com/westfieldhighschool
Twitter: @WWSWHS