Rebel Review
March 22, 2024
Principal Message
South Families,
The four to five weeks prior to Spring Break are often the most challenging of any school year. While the end of the school year is visible, it still remains distant enough that students feel the stresses and pressures that are typical for our teens. I am happy that this newsletter is finding our community at the start of Spring Break. The time off will be valuable for everyone to recharge and come back ready to finish the year successfully. My hope is that everyone is able to enjoy some time off relaxing with family and friends. Once we return, we have a full calendar (testing, prom, graduation....etc.) that typically helps to make the end of the year seem pass too quickly!
Enjoy the Break!
Andy Suttell
Principal
440-975-3628
South Happenings
Enjoy some of the great things that have happened over the past few weeks at South High School.
Student Dodgeball Tournament
Students had a blast this afternoon with an assembly to have a dodgeball tournament. earlier in the week, students formed teams and helped raise some money to contribute to the Food Fight 24 and for 68 Hours of Hunger. What a fun way to go into our break!
Senior Baseball Player Signs Letter of Intent
South Senior Baseball player, Gavin McArthur, made his college decision. Gavin signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic career at Mercyhurst University. Congratulations, Gavin, on your incredible accomplishment.
South Academic Decathlon Team - Makes it to National Competition
Prom Fashion Show - A Great Success
South seniors walked the runway at the Rebel Families Prom Fashion Show. Everyone had a great time helping raise money to contribute to our After Prom!
South Girls visit Cleveland Browns Stadium
Book Club Donates to Elementary Schools
The South High Book Club, led by South English teacher Anne Vokic, completed their annual book drive. Our club collected and donated approximately 600 books that were divided up and given to elementary schools in the district. Our students always step up when it comes to community giving.
3rd Quarter - Perfect Attendance Recognition
Earlier this week, students who had perfect attendance for the 3rd Quarter were treated to some donuts. Attendance is a key factor in student success!
South Wind Symphony Band - Qualifies for State Competition
On Friday March 15, the Wind Symphony performed at the Ohio Music Education Association Concert Band Contest held at Mentor High School. The Wind Symphony did an amazing job in each category, earning top ratings of Superior from each of the four adjudicators. As a result, the group has qualified for the State level of competition, which will be held on April 19-20 at North Royalton High School. We are so proud of the great things our students do in the Music program. Congratulations!
South Students - In Spain for Spring Break
A group of approximately 30 students and teachers from South are spending Spring Break in Spain. This will be a memorable experience for our students.
Breckenridge Residents Tour South
Earlier this week, South students ate breakfast and provided tours of the school to residents from Breckenridge.
Biology students help with dissection at WMS
We have been making efforts to connect our high school students with WMS students this year. Today, Biology students were in WMS science classes helping the middle schoolers with frog dissection. It is always good to see our students in leadership roles!
Important News, Upcoming Events and Information
April 8 - No School
As a reminder, there will be no school for students on April 8 as the district has a scheduled professional day for teachers. In addition, there will be no athletic activities due to the eclipse later in the day.
Senior Letter
Attention Seniors and Senior Families:
Please look over the 2024 Senior Letter that was emailed to you earlier in the week. It contains important about Senior events such as Prom, After Prom and Graduation. The letter has also been posted to the school website.
State Testing - Begins in April
April begins a busy month of important state tests for all schools in Ohio. Earlier this month, I emailed information about this testing. Please see the State Testing Information Letter, which includes the schedule of tests that are given as well as the dates and times those tests will be administered. If you have any questions regarding this information, please call your child's Guidance Counselor or the office anytime to get assistance.
Course Registration 2024-25 and Self Paced Options
Course Registration
Students have completed making course requests for next school year. Our Guidance Counselors will now spend the next several weeks meeting individually with each student to discuss their choices and ensure that courses are appropriate and on track toward graduation. Please reach out to your child's counselor if you have any questions regarding courses and registration for next school year.
Self-Paced Option
We have added some courses that have exciting possibilities for our students called self-paced courses. Self-paced courses will provide customization and deeper learning for our students. These are regular courses, taught by South Teachers. Self-paced classes designed to provided a blend of whole, class, small group and individual learning opportunities. Students who demonstrate mastery will be released from the class attendance requirement for up to two classes per week. This will allow some students more time to work on other assignments/classes, while also providing the students who need it, more one-one-one time with their teachers. For information about a self-paced class, please see the flier below. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of this learning modality for your child, please contact your guidance counselor.
Senior Scholarships - Available on Naviance Now!
Seniors - The following scholarships are available on Naviance.
We have been adding new scholarship opportunities as they become available. Seniors, please continue to frequently check Naviance for these new postings. You may sign into Naviance through your Clever account and access the following scholarships: (Please note - there have been additional scholarships added since my previous newsletter)
- The Glen Sheffield-Kenneth Stafford Jr., Memorial Scholarship
- Willoughby South Band Boosters Scholarship
- Willoughby Junior Women’s Scholarship
- Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
- Green Steward of Willoughby Scholarship
- Willoughby South Rebel Families
- 2024 NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship Application
- Americans of Italian Heritage
- Willoughby Hills Tom & Bea Horwatt Scholarship
- Willoughby South Athletic Boosters Club 2024 Scholarship
- Jefferson Educational Grant Scholarship
- Nancy Theiling Thuma Memorial Scholarship 2024
- Willoughby Eastlake Teachers Association-Richard Mele Memorial Scholarship
- Mad City Money
- Willoughby Baseball/Softball Memorial Scholarship
- University Hospitals Lake Health Scholarship Application
- Berlin Family Foundation Scholarship
**As additional scholarships open - they will be made available through Naviance.
**Scholarships are also posted in our Guidance Department. Please stop by frequently to check for new opportunities!!
Senior Graduation Information - May 21
Our 2024 Graduation is set for Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30pm. The location for the ceremony is at the beautiful Playhouse Square: Connor Palace at 1615 Euclid Avenue. Each Senior will receive 6 tickets to the graduation ceremony. 2 additional tickets will be made available for purchase allowing for a total of 8 tickets available for each senior. Ticketing will open toward the end of April. Information with a link to the ticketing website will be given to you upon our return from Spring Break. As always, please call me with questions as you have them.
Senior Prom Information - April 26
Our 2024 Senior Prom "A Night Under the Stars" will be on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. Tickets for the prom are $45.00 and will be sold from April 4th to April 16th. There will be no ticket sales past April 16. Students will be allowed to select table seating at the time of their ticket purchase. Again, as we return from Spring Break, more information regarding prom will follow.
After Prom
April 26th - 11:30 - 3:00am - Safe and Sober Class of 2024 After Prom at Rollhouse in Mentor.
- Once students are admitted, they will not be permitted to leave - unless consent is given by the parent. Students will not be permitted re-entrance. The Rebel Families sponsor this event and it is FREE to students. School personnel will also be present.
- PARENTS- Sign up as a chaperone.
- Help us buy Raffle prices for After prom
- Attendance is limited to the first 150 to sign up!
Rebel Recognition - Students of the Week!
Each week, our teachers nominate students who are consistently positive in their approach to school both academically and behaviorally. At the end of each month, each nominated student will have a chance to earn Student of the Month.
The following students have earned Rebel Student of the Week during the past 2 weeks. Congratulations!
Important Calendar Events
Mark your calendar for these important events over the next few weeks of school:
March 25 - April 1 - Spring Break - No School
April 2: School Resumes
April 8: No School or Activities for Students - PD Day
April 10: State Testing Day (English 2, Part 1)
April 12: State Testing Day (English 2, Part 2)
April 16: Last day to buy Prom Tickets
April 17: State Testing Day (Biology)
April 17: Mad City Money Scholarship Competition
April 19: State Testing Day (US History, Government)
April 19: Graduation Ticket Link Opens (Link will be given to Senior Families in April)
April 24: State Testing Day (Algebra 1, Part 1)
April 26: State Testing Day (Algebra 1, Part 2)
April 26: Senior Prom
May 1: State Testing Day (Geometry)
May 9: Seniors Last Day of Classes
May 10: and 13: Senior Exams
May 14: Senior Exam Make-ups
May 21: Graduation
Mad City Money
Marous Brothers Construction Open House
Marous Brothers Construction is holding an Open House and you are invited!
Designed specifically for seniors and their families, you will learn about the construction industry - you'll be surprised at how many different careers there are to consider. Jump start your career right out of high school!
Thursday, April 4, 2024
5 - 7 p.m.
Marous Brothers Construction Headquarters
36933 Vine Street
Willoughby, Ohio
Repeated Information
National Honor Society - Tutoring Available
Recently, I have been asked if tutoring is available. At South our National Honor Society students offer opportunities to help struggling students. If any student needs tutoring help or support, please use the QR Code below to indicate your need. You will receive an email return to help set-up this help!
Rebel Express - Store Information
Our store is open for business online and in-person.
Our in-person hours will be Thursday & Fridays during lunch periods.
You can place an online order and pickup in the main office from 7-3. We can also send your order home with your student. The online website is : https://rebelexpress.square.site/
Please follow us on social media to stay updated on new items, special promotions and store hours.
Instagram: @rebels_express
X (Twitter) : @RebsSchoolStore
Facebook : Rebels Express Spirit Shop
We look forward to seeing you!
Community Activities, Flyers and Resources
Are you looking for activities for your children? Interested in family programs in the community? There are so many options for Willoughby-Eastlake families, such as city departments of recreation, sports teams, scouting, camps and special events in all of our surrounding communities, plus so much more!
Information from approved organizations who host activities for Willoughby-Eastlake youth and the community are posted electronically. Paper flyers from organizations are not sent home with students. To access the flyers, visit the COMMUNITY link on the district and building website pages Community Activities Flyers
For specific information about the events, you need to contact the sponsoring organization. Flyers are updated periodically during the month so remember to visit often to check for new postings.
Enjoy what our community has to offer!
Crossroads Health Services
If you believe your child is experiencing challenges in terms of their mental well-being, it is important to reach out to your principal. To meet your child’s needs, it’s essential to collaborate with the principal and school personnel to explore resources and services available at school. In addition to Crossroads Counselors, the District also has family liaisons and guidance counselors who can provide needed interventions and support.
Safer Ohio School Tip Line
- 1-844-SaferOH (844-723-3764)
- Calls or texts are answered by analysts within Ohio Homeland Security. If action is needed, the analysts immediately forward information to local school officials, law enforcement agencies and the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) for action and follow up.
PowerSchool - Settings and Alerts
PowerSchool is the official gradebook and attendance record for our school. From the Parent Portal, you are able to set alerts for low or missing assignments, as well as tardy and absent alerts to keep account for period to period attendance of your child. Please take advantage of these settings and alert features.
With today's closure, it is also a good idea to check you notification settings in the Parent Portal to ensure you are receiving school and district closing notifications and other information.
Below are links for PowerSchool to assist you. If you need any further help getting set up with the Parent Portal - please call our office.
Quick Reminders!
Attendance
- Anytime a student is absent, the office needs to verify that student's attendance. If you know your child will be absent, tardy or leaving early, please call the office attendance lines. The ouor office will not have to call you! If we know you are picking them up - you do not have to come into the building. Students will come out at the time you have requested pickup. Thanks for helping us keep our students safe.
- Attendance Line - 440-283-2180
- Late/Early Line - 440-975-3652
- Main Office Line - 440975-3648
Guidance Counselors and Schedule Information
At this point, you should be able to view your schedule in Powerschool. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing Powerschool or any other problem with your schedule, please contact your counselor directly. Please be mindful that there are many factors that go into changing student schedules at this point, your counselors will work to do the best they can, but there are situations where we simply do not change schedules as we are this close to the school year.
Guidance Counselors
Mrs. Alison Grant; Student with Last Names A to G: Alison.Grant@weschools.org
Mrs. Celeste Duffy: Students with Last Name H to O: Celeste.Duffy@weschools.org
Ms. Virginia Joyce: Students with Last Name P to Z: Virginia.Joyce@weschools.org
South High Administration
As a reminder, the administrative team at South is eager to work with you and our students to support student success in any way. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the appropriate grade level administrator:
Mr. Andy Suttell, Principal: andrew.suttell@weschools.org
Mr. David Miller, 11th and 12th Grade Principal: david.miller@weschools.org
Ms. Jennifer Neumeyer, 9th and 10th Grade Principal: jennifer.neumeyer@weschools.org
Showing the Rebel Way All Day
We will begin to focus our students on behavior that help them keep their focu on their learning and the instruction of their teachers. As we begin the year, students will hear about the Rebel Way. Three easy ways to exhibit the Rebel way are the following:
Showing the Rebel Way All Day:
Show up on time - To school and EVERY class. Parents can set alert settings in PowerSchool for notifications when a student's period attendance does not match their daily attendance. Put away all personal technology in class - No cell phones or earbuds while in the classroom. Please remove earbuds from the ears during class. Cell phones/headphones are allowed to be used quietly in Lunch, full period study halls, and the hallway between periods. Pictures/video ARE NOT PERMITTED:in restrooms, locker rooms, or any area where there is “reasonable expectation of privacy,” nor in classrooms or of unsuspecting persons. Be cognizant of what is in the background of your pictures and videos regardless of where you are! Check your dress - No hoods or ski masks on in the building. You may wear a baseball or beanie cap if desired. Please express your personal style without the use of see through or revealing clothing. Attire with profane, vulgar, or drug/vape/alcohol references will not be permitted at any time. Undergarments should not be showing.
South Clinic Reminder - Senior Immunization Information
Seniors are required by law to provide proof of MCV4/meningococcal meningitis vaccination. It is very important that you submit updated immunization information to our clinic via fax (440-975-3645), or hard copy (return to clinic ). If you have any questions, please email them to our School Nurse at eileen.krancevic@weschools.org.
Join Our Boosters!
Willoughby South High School has 3 phenomenal Booster Organizations that support the students!
- Our BAND BOOSTERS support our Rebel music and band programs
- Our REBEL FAMILIES support our Rebel academic programs and provide scholarships
- Our ATHLETIC BOOSTERS support our Rebel athletics teams
Please support these fine organizations! They volunteer their time to give back to our kids in so many ways!
District Reminders
Bussing Information: The radius for school transportation widens from Middle School to High School. Transportation information will be listed in PowerSchool Parent Portal on August 14th. Transportation can be reached at (440) 975-3736.
School Fees, Lunch Accounts & Free/Reduced Lunch Application: Manage student meal accounts & Apply for free and reduced meals at https://www.weschools.org/PayForIt.aspx
Open Positions at W-E Schools
Check out the Employment page to find opportunities for joining the Willoughby-Eastlake team: https://www.weschools.org/AssistantSuperintendent.aspx