The Westlake Update XIII
The Westlake Update, Vol XIII, May 2 - 8, 2021
Westlake High School
#OperationA
#OneWestake
Email: adamsji@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/westlakehs
Location: 2400 Union Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 470.254.6400
Week at a Glance
Good Evening Westlake Families,
We are excited to announce that in honor of our former Principal Jamar Robinson, we will keep the billboard tradition going for the Class of 2021. A new set of billboards will be running on Sunday, May 2nd at midnight through Tuesday, May 4th at 11:59 pm (See Seniors Below). Be sure to get a photo of your favorite senior to share on your social media or with friends and family.
Mask Mandate Update
Superintendent Mike Looney shared that Fulton County Schools will take a measured, cautious approach to relax COVID-19 protocols, including updating COVID-19 restrictions and mask mandates in phases. There are several factors spurring these changes, including Governor Brian Kemp’s lifting of restrictions on group sizes and ending a ban on large gatherings. Also, vaccines are now readily available to those 16 years of age and older. In this new phase, employees and students who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but have been fully vaccinated will not have to quarantine, providing they are symptom-free.
Beginning Monday, May 3, 2021:
- For outdoor activities only, masks will be recommended but not required for students in grades 9-12 and employees in high schools. All other safety protocols will remain in effect for this group of individuals.
- At school-sponsored outdoor events and activities, masks will be recommended but not required for visitors/spectators.
- Capacity limitations are lifted on all outside school venues (stadiums, fields, etc.).
- Coaches may attend off-campus banquets.
All other existing COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies will remain enforced for the balance of the 2020-21 school year. This includes requiring all staff, students, and visitors to wear a mask while inside an FCS facility, and adhere to recommended social distancing, surface sanitizing, and handwashing. More information on the new mask mandate can be found here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at adamsji@fultonschools.org.
Kind Regards,
Jarvis I Adams, Principal
Westlake's AP Exam Administration
To all our Advanced Placement (AP) applicable families, thank you for participating in the FCS Spring Testing Notice Survey! Below is the building-wide period rotation during the AP administration. The testing schedule below is only for those AP students who will be testing face-to-face at Westlake during the administration window 1.
Families can verify which testing window they selected by viewing their student’s MY AP
account. As a reminder, several of the bus routes have been consolidated due to the low transportation numbers this school year. To verify your student's bus route information, we are asking that at least 48 hours before you intend for your student to begin using the school bus for transportation. Below is the link to find bus stop information. Please put in street number and name only (leave off Rd, way, or Ave) and then put in the student's grade to search. Next click on Westlake High School to see the bus route.
Student Service's Senior Spotlight
Giana Wallace is currently a senior here at Westlake. She has been at Westlake for only 3 years and will be graduating early with the class of 2021 instead of 2022. Giana has managed to maintain a solid “A” average while taking AP and Honors classes throughout her high school experience. For the past two years, she has been a proud member of the Westlake Orchestra, Mighty Marching Lions Band, and the Trio Upward Bound Program. After high school, Giana plans to pursue a medical degree and major in biomedical sciences on the path to becoming a Pediatric Surgeon. She hopes to continue her studies at either Wesleyan College or Georgia State University.” Congratulations, Giana!!!
Fulton County Schools Announcements
Fulton County Schools in the News
Some Fulton county schools will be able to host proms but under COVID safe guidelines (WSB 2)
More metro Atlanta Black and Asian students learning virtually (AJC)
Westlake lady basketball team championship parade (CBS 46)
Fulton County Schools nearing end of 5-year capital plan (Appen)
2021 Summer School Information
Cap and Gown Pick-Up - Final Pick-Up Date
Thursday, May 6, 2021, 12:00 PM
Westlake High School Bus Ramp
Book and Device Drop Off
Monday, May 10, 2021, 11:00 AM
Westlake High School Bus Ramp
Assistant Athletic Director - Dr. Ashley Clark (clarkam@fultonschools.org)
This week in sports
Thank you for all of the support towards our Westlake Athletics teams. We are so proud of our athletics teams. We are coming close to the end of our 20-21 athletic season but we still have 3 teams fighting hard to finish strong. Our girls and boys track teams will be competing in the State Sectionals Track Meet on Saturday at Rome High School. Our Boys baseball team has made to the the 2nd round of the State Playoffs. We will be hosting Glynn Academy on Wednesday, May 5th in a double header starting at 3pm.
Please continue supporting our athletics teams. Tickets for Westlake High School athletic events can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/GA5381. As a reminder spectators MUST wear a mask and social distance at all Westlake Sporting Events.
Please stay connected with Westlake Athletics by visiting our website https://westlakelionsathletics.com/ and following us on Twitter @WestlakeSports1.
Athlete of the Week
PBIS Student of the Week
This week's PBIS Student of the Week is 10th Grader (Class of 2023), Jamorri Pollard. Jamorri is new to the Westlake family. He is a military kid who recently moved to Atlanta from Kentucky with his parents, twin sister Jamierra, and younger sister Alyssa. Although Jamorri is new to Westlake, he came here focused and determined to do and be his very best. Jamorri is an A/B student and knows exactly what he wants to do when he graduates. Although Jamorri enjoys all of his classes, his favorite is African History. In his free time, Jamorri enjoys talking to his older brother who is stationed in Illinois, playing video games, binge-watching YouTube videos, riding ATVs, traveling, and hanging out with his family. Upon graduation in 2023, Jamorri plans to attend college and major in business. He also has aspirations of becoming a real estate investor. Congratulations Jamorri, on representing Westlake P.R.I.D.E. Keep shining!
Fine Arts Student of the Week
Add a blurb about the student and a big picture below
Visual Arts Student of the Week
Add a blurb about the student and a big picture below
Graphics Design Student of the Week
DECA Student of the Week
JROTC Cadet of the Week
Westlake High School JROTC is proud to announce this week's Cadet of the Week. It is none other than the Lions Battalion's Cadet/Command Sergeant Major (C/CSM), James Ruffin. C/CSM Ruffin is a WHS Senior who currently maintains a 3.2GPA. Mr. Ruffin has made the decision to serve in the United States Air Force. He will enter military service in the pay grade of E-3 thanks to his successful completion of three years of JROTC. His job will be 2W131 or Aircraft Armament Systems. He will continue his education while in the military to obtain his undergraduate degree.
C/CSM Ruffin leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments that includes, but is not limited to, being a member of the Westlake High School Raider and Rifle Teams and serving in increasing positions of responsibility that has culminated in the highest-ranking enlisted cadet-rank in the battalion. We are all extremely proud of him and wish him the best of luck in the future (not that he needs it).
World Languages Student of the Week
Add a blurb about the student and a big picture below
Counseling Corner
Dr. Owens OwensS@fultonschools.org (A – DA)
Mrs. Crawford crawforda4@fultonschools.org (DB – I)
Ms. Harrison HarrisonT1@fultonschools.org (J – N)
Ms. Perry PerryDB@fultonschools.org (O – SE)
Mrs. Jackson ReeseS@fultonschools.org (SF – Z)
Mrs. Mcadoo McAdooN@fultonschools.org (All Magnet Students)
WHS Counselor's Twitter Page: @whsdenkeepers
Academic and College Resources
SENIOR EXIT SURVEY
Hello Westlake Seniors,
Now that you are in the last leg of your senior year, we have one last thing for you to do. Each year, seniors are required to complete a senior exit survey before graduating. The Class of 2021 Senior Exit survey is now open for you to complete in Naviance on the homepage, under the Important To-Dos and Tasks section.
Before being cleared for graduation all seniors must complete this survey. Therefore, we ask that you complete it no later than May 1st. More detailed instructions on accessing the survey are attached to this email. In preparation for completing the survey, if applicable, it will be helpful to have a list of the colleges you applied to and scholarships applied for and received. We also ask that you upload proof of acceptances and scholarship offers to Naviance (instructions attached.) Those who plan to enter the workforce or military will be asked to document those plans in the survey as well. Seniors who are still in need of assistance with developing post-graduation plans will be given the opportunity to meet with a counselor over the summer for assistance.
We are truly excited about this next phase of life for you and want to support you as you transition. As you move forward with completing the survey, please feel free to contact your assigned counselor with any questions.
Sincerely,
Westlake School Counseling Department
2021 SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Summer School is an opportunity for high school students to clear incompletes from Spring 2020-Spring 2021, accelerate, or recover credits during the time between school years. This includes students who receive services via an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Face-to-face (F2F) and virtual offerings exist and often provide students with a broader array of options than those available during the school year. The summer sessions are condensed versions of content provided during the school year, and students must have their course requests validated by their counselor before being enrolled.
For Summer School 2021, students who have previously failed a course have the opportunity to retake the course for free through Fulton Virtual School. Students may take up to two credits at no cost. In addition, students who have Incompletes from the Spring 2020-Spring 2021 can attend summer school at no cost in order to clear the incompletes. Students clearing an Incomplete can choose to participate through Face-to-Face Summer School or Fulton Virtual School. Students who choose to accelerate through Fulton Virtual School during the summer will require tuition.
Face-to-face Summer School courses will be offered for special education students who require an adapted curriculum (those assessed on the Georgia Alternate Assessment 2.0) that demonstrate learning loss and/or need to clear incompletes from Spring 2020- Spring 2021. These students can choose to participate in face-to-face summer school June 7-June 24 and/or July 1-July 22 at select summer school sites. Special education transportation can be provided per the student’s IEP and through the registration process.
If you have questions about summer school, please contact your student’s school counselor at his/her local high school. After June 5th, please contact the summer school location serving your student’s high school.
Face-to-Face Summer School Learning and Teaching Department http://www.fultonschools.org/SummerSchool
470-254-6883
470-254-1244 fax
Fulton Virtual School Instructional Technology Department
http://www.fultonschools.org/FultonVirtual
470-254-6578
470-254-1244 fax
MY HIGH SCHOOL HOPE GPA
Your Georgia high school HOPE GPA starts calculating as soon as you begin 9th grade. Unlike your overall high school GPA, your HOPE GPA only includes your core curriculum courses:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Foreign Language
You can begin checking your HOPE GPA through your My GAfutures account starting in the 10th grade.* Don’t have an account? It’s quick and easy to create one!
Your My High School HOPE GPA page includes your student information, your HOPE GPA as calculated by GSFC based on transcripts sent by your Georgia high school, rigor credits, ACT/SAT scores if you’ve taken them, and more information about the eligibility requirements of the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships.
CAMP MAGIK HEALING CAMP
Camp MAGIK – 2021 Announcement
--A Special Camp for Kids Age 6-18 Who Have Lost a Parent, Sibling or Other Close Loved One— www.campmagik.org
**HYBRID Camp May 14-16, 2021**
Deadline to apply May 7, 2021
Camp MAGIK, a healing camp for bereaved children and adolescents, is announcing its 2021 HYBRID camp session to be held May 14-16, 2021 - please see attached. The deadline for applications is May 7, 2021, to give us time to plan appropriately for the camp activities which will consist of a virtual meeting on Friday the 14, a full day of activities with sharing sessions on Saturday, May 15, completed with virtual sharing sessions on Sunday, May 16.
Camp MAGIK is well suited to all youth ages 6 through 18 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or other close loved one, especially youth who have experienced traumatic death. Professional bereavement counselors, trained in grief and trauma, will lead all counseling sessions. This is our 27th year providing this evidence-based service to the community.
We will also hold a hybrid session for adults who want to process their own grief with other adults who are grieving. More information is provided in the attached announcement.
Do You Need Help for Yourself or a Friend?
Tips for Managing Stress
1. Relaxation and Meditation
- Focus on breathing — taking long and slow deep breaths while disengaging one’s mind
- Body scan — concentrating on different body parts while releasing tension and relaxing
- Mindfulness meditation — sitting in a comfortable position and paying attention to the present moment
2. Physical Exercise
- Yoga
- Regular work out routine
3. GET Organized
- Being disorganized can make school tough to manage.
- Simple tools like planners and timers can make a huge difference
4. Support Groups/Counseling
- National Safe Place, an organization that helps teens in crisis: 1-888-290-7233
- The Trevor Project, a hotline that helps youth: 866-4-U-TREVOR
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Mandatory Bridge Bill Activities
The General Assembly of Georgia enacted the BRIDGE Law (House Bill 400) on May 20, 2010. This law was passed to ensure that Georgia’s 6th-12th grade students were made aware of available college and career options.
At each grade level, students are required to complete activities focused on college and career awareness. FCS has included the state-required activities in Naviance under "Important To-Dos and Tasks". Below are student Bridge Bill Guides for each grade level.
Fulton Schools College and Career Academy
Welcome to the Academy! We are excited about the great teaching and learning that takes place daily at FSCCA. But don't take our word for it. Click on the video below to hear from FSCCA current and former students, parents, and partners.
Fulton Schools College and Career Academy Video
Naviance
We want to remind you that all students in Fulton County Schools now have access to Naviance, which can be accessed through ClassLink. Starting this year, Westlake will be using Naviance to process and submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other college application documents.
This year as you begin your senior year, we strongly encourage you to visit Naviance to research colleges, careers, and scholarships! After doing your research and once you compile a list of colleges you are applying to you will find that different colleges will require you to apply using different platforms. Below you will find a list of the most common platforms colleges use to have their students apply:
- Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/
- Coalition https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/
- GaFutures https://www.gafutures.org/college-planning/
- Common Black College Application https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/
- Individual College Application
Important Changes to Common Application and requesting letters of recommendation: For Common Application, once you create your account, we ask that you NOT invite any teachers or counselors to write letters of recommendation through Common App until after you match your Common App account with your Naviance account. Requesting letters of recommendation in Common App before matching your Naviance account will create errors. Therefore, please hold off on requesting recommendations until after you match your accounts. To learn more about this process, you can watch the Common App Matching video: https://www.screencast.com/t/gxEQkElyo1. Once you match Common App to Naviance, you will then be able to request transcripts and teacher recommendations in Naviance Student.
These videos will help you understand this process better: ·
- Common App Matching: https://www.screencast.com/t/gxEQkElyo1
- Students Requesting Transcripts: https://www.screencast.com/t/Bk6kjS5ySK
- Requesting Letters of Recommendation: https://www.screencast.com/t/VD4X5XiMU
- Naviance Overview Video https://www.screencast.com/t/I4G09d3MlI
We hope that you will find these resources helpful. If you have any questions about Naviance Student and the college application process, please contact your assigned counselor.