Woodside High School
Weekly Wildcat Notes: September 26 - 30, 2022
Minimum "A" Day: Tuesday, September 27th -- District Professional Development for Staff
Alex Vaughn: WHS Semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program
Congratulations to Woodside senior Alex Vaughn who is among the top 16,000 semifinalists in the 68th National Merit Scholarship Program. Alex's top performance in the PSAT (taken his junior year on College Day) now has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
Congratulations to Woodside HS's 2022-23 National Hispanic Recognition Award Winners
Woodside High School students excelled in College Board assessments (PSAT or AP Exams) and schoolwork to earn these awards, which colleges use to identify academically competitive underrepresented students. “We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on the College Board PSAT assessment that is offered free of charge to every sophomore and junior through the generous donation of a local community member” said Principal Karen van Putten. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions.”
“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”
Congratulations to our NHRA students in alpha order: Diego Cardenas,
Evelyn Carmona Gonzalez, Diana Cuevas, Arianna Gerola, Lucas Gonzalez Luna, Alya Madhani, Lilliana Magana, Mateo Magana, Roan Morace, Laila Obando, Mia Pacheco, Alejandra Pelkowski, Gabriel Perez, Michael Salmeron, Owen Tienken, Karen Valdez, Nathalie Vazquez
Congratulations to our 16 Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program
Congratulations to Commended Students (alpha order): Raphael Bajet, Max Bohannan, Parker Chandik, Clara Chiu, Cassidy Creighton, Mary Daniher, Connor Engel, Callum Farrar, James Gillbrand, Niketh Keshavan, Henry Le Chang, Maxwell Lee, Alejandra Pelkowski, Elodie Serres, Sofia Seto and Dominik Von Briel in photo below. Note: Every junior and sophomore can take the PSAT for free through a generous donor.
Dominik Von Briel - Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program
Message from the Principal
Dear Woodside HS Community:
We have many recognitions and celebrations to share. Today's Newsletter features our notable students in their Academics and Activities. Later this week, a special Newsletter featuring recent Athletics achievements will be published. Stay tuned for a double edition of the Newsletter.
Included in this Newsletter:
- Important Dates and Schedules
- Important Info from the Green and Graphics & Technology Academies - Seeking Mentors
- Information from Student Activities
- Information from the PTSA and the Class of 2024
- Information from Drama Boosters
- Information from the ABO
- Information from Woodside Musical Theatre
Why take the PSAT on College Day, October 12th?
Above, you noticed our focus on our students who performed well on the PSAT during their 10th or 11th grade. For several years, we have been fortunate to have a private donor fund the entrance fees for EVERY student in 11th and 10th grade take the PSAT (the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test) which provides students with a report of how they might perform on the SAT that many colleges and universities might use to help determine college readiness. While the UCs and many colleges across the country have gone test-optional in their application process, it is still considered good practice for our students to take it in their junior year (as it also enters them into the National Merit Scholarship Program where a high score can earn merit scholarships at their respective colleges). We also offer for free to all sophomores so that they can get a jump start on their college and career planning. This year, our Foundation's focus on College and Career Readiness will provide Spring semester SAT test-prep for juniors.
With a Perspective
One of our Commended seniors is journalist Clara Chiu. She serves on the Youth Advisory Board for KQED and she wrote a Perspective on Abortion Rights which aired in August. Click here to listen to Clara's Perspective. Students in Ms. Sidley's Journalism and Broadcast Journalism classes get hands on experiences interviewing and reporting on timely topics important to students and our partnership with KQED has inspired many students to pursue film and journalism as college majors and post-secondary careers.
Consider Mentoring
Want to make a difference in a teenager's life? Had a mentor yourself or wish you did? Easy communication in person as well as through email, phone, and zoom.
Mentoring Program: WHS Green and Graphics & Tech Academies are looking for career mentors. The mentor program will pair students with professionals to discuss both academic and career goals. The student's career interests are wide-ranging from technology and design to environmental policy and sustainable careers. I'm hoping that you, or someone that you know, might be able to participate in this program as a mentor.
Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per month from October 2022 to May 2023, with a set curriculum that is focused on career exploration and developing the students' business communication goals. Key deliverables include an elevator pitch, SMART goals, resumes, mock interviews, and a job shadow.
The First Introductory meeting is planned for November 3 or 4th, depending on your student's class.
Signup: Please email whsmentor@seq.org or click here to sign up.
Student Activities Info
Yearbooks
Yearbooks are being sold only online at jostensyearbooks.com. The current cost is $90 and it will go up throughout the school year. When purchasing online, please make sure to put it under your student’s name.
Senior Portrait
Seniors should currently be taking their senior portraits to be included in the school yearbook. The portrait must be taken by early December. To make an appointment please go to Prestige Studio Scheduling and follow these instructions:
Create an account by entering a username and password ( or log in if you already have an account)
Click on Book Appointment button
Select the Prestige Location using select button on the right (San Carlos and San Jose are on page 2)
Enter your school's name and locate your school on the list
Select Session Option by checking the box on the right of the session you desire
Confirm the Selection
Select a Date and Time that work best
Enter parent/guardian information
Enter Student Information
Finalize Appointment (You should be able to see confirmation page and email
With Gratitude,
Karen van Putten, Principal
Important Dates & Schedules
September 26th - 30th is a "B - Minimum A - B - A - B" week
- Click Here for the Weekly Calendar of Events - All Athletic Events / Meetings are listed on the Website Calendar
- September 27th: SUHSD Staff Development - Minimum Day - No 1st Period; 7th period ends at 12:30PM
- September 30th: Senior Sunrise on Bradley Field - Class of 2023 is invited to come early to celebrate their senior year with the sunrise and snacks. Arrive by 6:45AM and find your spot on the field.
- October 6th: Woodside HS Talent Show, PAC @ 7PM
- October 7th: Football game vs. El Camino Purchase GoFan Tickets
- October 10th: NO SCHOOL - In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day
- October 12th: College & Career Day - Special Schedule for Grades 9-12 (Details Will Be Posted October 1st)
- October 24th - 29th: Homecoming Spirit Week
FROM the PTSA:
PTSA Hybrid Meeting - October 3 at 7 pm in person and online
The PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student Association) is an all-volunteer organization that builds school community through monthly meetings with Principal Van Putten, hosting parent events, supporting our dedicated teachers and staff plus much more!
Please join us October 3 at 7 pm
- In person - WHS MUR conference room (the big room in the D Wing, near the quad with the main cafeteria; the conference room is up the small staircase near the stage)
- Online - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83471331964?pwd=NkxDMW1RSXkycEZqR2M0dnJTQk1odz09
You can also sign up to be member of the PTSA - https://woodsideptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/membership
And subscribe to the PTSA calendar - https://woodsideptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/Meetings
Class of 2024 families:
Woodside football has three more home games and needs help powering concessions!
Grab a friend and sign up to work a shift. Everyone has a lot of fun!
Proceeds benefit the Junior/Senior Prom and our class Grad Night.
There are three shifts you can choose from, and if you cannot donate time, you can donate money or food/drinks.
1) Volunteer to work a shift during our home games:
- Oct. 7 - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044aa9a82da13-concessions3
- Oct. 28 - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044aa9a82da13-concessions4
- Nov. 5 - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044aa9a82da13-concessions5
3) Donate food or drinks - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044aa9a82da13-concessions2
Thanks for your support!
News from the Drama Boosters
Please join us for our 1st monthly meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 28th, 7-8:30pm in the MUR. Please rsvp through evite or email dramaboosterswhs@gmail.com.
Congratulations to all of the students who auditioned this month for the Talent Show and Fall Play (11/18 & 11/19, 7pm)!
Get your Woodside Gear!
The Woodside Spirit Wear Online Store is back in business. Follow the link to purchase beanies, hoodies, T-shirts, hats, and more! Orders can be picked up in the Woodside Administrative Office within 7-10 days.
SKIP THE LINE! Purchase Your WHS Season Tickets
Booster Season Tickets Information:
We have 2 Ticket Programs to choose from to give you access to home games for the current school year
Family 4 pack to Football and Basketball (Boys & Girls) $150
Family 4 pack to Basketball only (Boys & Girls) $80
Your name will be listed at Will-Call. Simply stop by the will-call desk on your way into Bradley Field, or the Main Gym.
For frequent updates on our Wildcat athletes, be sure to follow the Woodside Athletic Boosters!
@woodsideABO on Facebook
@woodsideathleticboosters on Instagram
Go WHS Athletics! Good luck to all our WHS Wildcats!
Woodside Musical Theatre Presents BRIGHT STAR
Woodside Musical Theatre presents the musical BRIGHT STAR in our PAC!! Bright Star was written and composed by comedian Steve Martin and singer/songwriter Edie Brickell. Its 2016 run on Broadway was nominated for 5 Tony awards and 8 Drama Desk awards, winning for Outstanding Music. The show features some of the most talented actors and musicians from throughout the Bay Area, including spectacular sets, scenery, and costumes, plus a live, on-stage 10-piece bluegrass band! Also, come see WHS senior Annalise Bowman perform as a Spirit and featured dancer! You don’t want to miss it! Performances run October 14th - 23rd. Get your tickets today at: www.woodsidetheatre.com. Woodside High School Students: Bring your student ID to the box office before showtime to purchase a discounted ticket for only $10!!
Tutorial During the School Day
Students have a chance to start homework and ask for help within the school day
Students can make up work from absences without using brunch/lunch
Access to all of a student’s teachers in one given time period-- all teachers are in their rooms.
Do the things that might normally interrupt class time like surveys, counselor meetings, school-wide activities, etc.
Universal Free Meals for all Students & Additional a la carte Offerings
SUHSD is offering Universal Free Meals to students this school year in compliance with the California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division guidelines. This means that your student is entitled to receive a free compliant breakfast and or lunch during the school day free of charge regardless of their ability to pay. Please consider completing a meal application that may qualify your household for other limited income based discounts such as reduced priced internet service.
We are also offering a la carte snacks, beverages and second meals for purchase during the school day. Students must have funds in their cafeteria account to purchase second meals, healthy beverages and or snacks. Parents can create a free myschoolbucks account at WWW.myschoolbucks.com or through the link on the food service payment page. MySchoolbucks is also an App. The free app can be downloaded on iOS and Android. The app will also be used for other payments District wide throughout the year.
OnSite COVID-19 PCR Testing at Woodside Mondays and Thursdays
Please make an appointment with Worksite Labs keeping in mind that although you must input your health insurance information, we are committed to offering our staff and students no-cost COVID-19 PCR Tests. You may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) with the detailed coverage from your health plan. Insurance plans may cover the entire cost, a percentage, or not cover any amount of the testing. The EOB may show a remaining balance or cost due by the insured. Worksite Labs will NOT bill or pursue additional payments to be made by the insured for the remaining amount due.
In 2015, California passed a law that allows all low-income undocumented children and youth under 19 years old to enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. As of May 16, 2016, all low-income children, regardless of immigration status, are able to enroll in health coverage and get care. Please visit Medi-Cal for Children.
Woodside High School
Email: kvanputten@seq.org
Website: woodsidehs.org
Location: 199 Churchill Avenue, Woodside, CA, USA
Phone: (650) 367-9750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Woodside-High-School-584534558341797/