The Warrior
Washington High School Newsletter
Mission: To Develop Lifelong Learners To Succeed In A Changing World
Newsletter Date:
October 2020
Principal Comments
As September comes to a close and students and staff get back into their school routine, we request the support of parents/guardians in ensuring that each student is in school every day and on time. Regular school attendance is an essential component of academic success, and we encourage you to join us in prioritizing school attendance. Every Student. Every Day. Every Period. On Time. Attendance really does Matter!
Homecoming ~ Orange Letter Days 2020
Congratulations to Homecoming Queen Alexis Goeman and Homecoming King Randolph Kpai along with all of the Washington High School Royal Court. As we close out the first month of the 2020-2021 school year, we have seen many students involved and sharing their Warrior Pride. I am particularly proud of how our students have come together to support one another and show unity. I look forward to seeing our school spirit continue to grow throughout the school year.
Our students have been doing some truly amazing things this year. Please check out the various links within our newsletter to read up on the various ways our students are making us proud. Thank you parents/guardians for all the ways in which you continue to inspire and support your students and Washington High School. If you have any questions regarding your student, we encourage you to reach out to your student’s teacher or counselor. You may contact them through email or speak with them directly by calling 605-367-7970.
It is always a Great Day to Be a Warrior!
Go Warriors!
Kari Papke, Principal
Sioux Falls High School Rankings
When you look at the ranking for South Dakota, all four Sioux Falls High Schools rank in the top 10% of South Dakota’s 169 high schools.
- Washington High School is listed as #3.
- Lincoln High School is ranked #8
- Roosevelt comes in at #13 and New Tech High School follows at #14
Superintendent Message
Public Schools Rise to Challenge
By Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent
Though daunting, at times, I am proud and humbled to say, “We are back!”
After months of planning, adjusting, and redefining education amid the Coronavirus pandemic, the Sioux Falls School District successfully opened the doors to smiling faces on August 27, 2020 following the March 13, 2020 closure.
Classrooms look a little different where plexiglass and PVC are now as common as desks. Dots and arrows guide the way on our floors, and face coverings that were added to school supply lists have now become a daily item and a fashion statement. While practices and protocols may be different, one thing has not changed.
Public schools continue to rise to the challenge.
The first tax-supported public school opened in Massachusetts in the late 1630s. Though it took the framers of the U.S. Constitution some work to ensure uniformity and access, public schools today largely operate on the same principles on which they were founded.
Horace Mann is often credited for the organization of public schooling. He believed: 1) the public should no longer remain ignorant; (2) that such education should be paid for, controlled, and sustained by an interested public; (3) that this education will be best provided in schools that embrace children from a variety of backgrounds; (4) that this education must be non-sectarian; (5) that this education must be taught by the spirit, methods, and discipline of a free society; and (6) that education should be provided by well-trained, professional teachers.
Those principles hold true today whether students are learning in a traditional classroom or virtually from their home. Time and again, in addition to teaching academics, public schools have added services to solve challenges in America. In recent history, public schools have:
· Answered poverty concerns through nutritional breakfasts/lunches;
· Added vocational training and a detailed focus on science, technology, engineering and math;
· Ensured equitable access to education for all students, no matter their ability;
· Educated students who did not speak English;
· Provided nursing, counseling, and crisis-intervention services to improve social/emotional well-being;
· Established safety protocols for protection from violence;
· Expanded cultural understanding and embraced diversity.
Whenever a societal issue presents itself, public schools rise to the occasion, and never has this been more apparent than our current work to keep education going during the pandemic. Public schools are creative, responsive, and most importantly, inclusive. Any student who comes through our doors is provided with the opportunity to learn.
This is not the first nor the last time public schools will endure hardship and challenges. Thank you for standing with us as we navigate COVID-19 and for supporting our school district in so many ways! We stand ready to serve students and families now and in the days ahead no matter what comes our way.
We are #proudtobesfsd!
REVISED QUARANTINE PROTOCOL 9/30/2020
The 14-day quarantine is now recommended, but not required if specific conditions are met.
A person identified by the school as a close contact may return to school IF:
The close contact was wearing a mask when they were exposed
The exposure occurred in a school setting
The person has no COVID-related symptoms
The parent/guardian has called the school to confirm eligibility to return
The close contact MUST monitor for symptoms daily and wear a mask during the 14-day quarantine.
The Intent to Return form is turned into the school upon return
WHS ACTIVITY LEADERS OF THE MONTH
STUDENT FLU SHOT CLINICS
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Yearbook Information
The 2020 yearbooks have arrived. Graduates can pick up their yearbook at Student Services.
The 2021 yearbook can be purchased at: www.jostens.com.
All senior pictures are due by December 22nd.
WHS Library Information
THE WARRIOR ZONE'S OCTOBER "DEAL OF THE MONTH"
The Champion Polo is the October “Deal of the Month” in The Warrior Zone. The Champion Polo is marked down 50% to the low price of $14.99 for the entire month. You can view this polo and all the rest of the merchandise that is available in The Warrior Zone at www.whswarriorzone.weebly.com
WHS BOOSTER CLUB
Contact us
Website: http://www.sf.k12.sd.us/washington/home
Location: 501 N. Sycamore Sioux Falls SD, 57110
Phone: (605) 367-7970