The Parent-Principal Connection
Morton West High School
August 21, 2023
Dear Mustang Families-
We did it! Thanks to our combined efforts at home and in school, Morton West welcomed back students on last Monday, for freshman and sophomores and the entire student body on Tuesday last week. As students and families approached campus, they were greeted by many staff members there to facilitate the new drop-off pattern that uses turnarounds for Home and Harlem entrances and the Morton Band, Cheerleaders and Student Leaders to welcome them to school. Tuesday was an even more exciting, as all students were in the building for the first time together this year. Students are doing a great job with uniforms, locating classes and their lockers and being on time to class. As you are aware, D201 remains heavily focused on attendance and its direct relationship to success in academic areas and overall on-track for high school graduation.
Last week, each grade level had a Class Meeting that was held in the Auditorium. Teachers brought students to the Auditorium and the Morton West Building Leadership Team (BLT) welcomed students back and the presentation was focused on the ways on opportunities for success, expectations for our school community and how we will support students in this journey through high school.
This week has some forecasted warm temperatures, so please review the Cooling Plan Information in this newsletter and help your child be prepared and ready. We have communicated the plan to faculty and staff today and they will be ready as the temperatures rise this week.
Looking ahead, we have two great opportunities for families to learn more about Morton West this week. Wednesday, we have the first Coffee with the Principal (CWP) of this school year. It takes place from 6-7pm in the Freshman Academy Cafeteria. The topic is " I'm a Morton West Parent...Now What? Help for Families to Navigate Morton West High School". I hope to see you there! We are looking forward to an interactive session with families. On Friday, we have our first Parents and Community in Schools (P.C.I.S) which will take place at 9:15am in M100. The content in both events will be similar, but will provide families with the event that best suits their schedule.
Thank you and have a wonderful week,
Kristy Cavanaugh
Principal, Morton West High School
You're Invited: Coffee with the Principal
Click the photo to learn more about Coffee with the Principal
Night School Information: Session 1 Starts Soon
Night School Registration is this week!
Click the photo to learn more about Night School
Morton West Cooling Plan: Starts August 21st!
Information for Families
- Morton West has 80% of classrooms are air conditioned and has a cooling plan in place for classrooms are not. How does the cooling plan work?
- Teachers travel to an air-conditioned space and conduct class from that room on days when outside temperatures are high.
- Teachers receive their person Cooling Plan destinations in advance and notify their classes via Microsoft Team and verbally in class. Signage is also posted on their classroom door as a reminder to students.
- Students meet their teacher in the designated classroom on the days in which the Cooling Plan is activated. The Cooling Plan is currently activated at West on Tuesday-Thursday.
- Your child should expect to be in an air-conditioned space three or more periods of the school day. Teachers are asked to follow the Cooling Plan to ensure that students have access to cool spaces during the day.
- During lunch and PE, students do not have access to an air-conditioned space, but we do have large coolers of ice water and cups in these areas.
- PE classes have specific plans and activities focusing on emotional wellness and social-emotional learning in lieu of physical activity.
- What can you do to help your child prepare for days when the Cooling Plan is activated?
- Uniforms: Wear khaki shorts instead of long pants and leave long-sleeve shirts and hoodies at home. Polo shirts must be worn as part of the uniform policy.
- Water bottles: Bring a water bottle to be filled multiple times at water stations during the school day.
- Headphones: Have your child bring a pair of headphones or air pods for use as part of lessons in which classes may be in a shared space. It is possible that the teacher may implement a different lesson style in which headphones that can be connected to their computer or phone.
- Be informed: Ask your child to check their Teams messages from their teacher regarding what to bring to class on a Cooling Plan day.
Arrival and Dismissal Plan for Student Drop-off
Helpful Hints for Student Arrival
Morton West is in week two of the freshly implemented student arrival plan with the goal of making arrival to school safe for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those being dropped off on campus. With any new plan, we continue to evaluate the effectiveness which in addition to school safety, measures the efficiency of the plan. With the exception of Thursday, with monsoon-like weather, Home Avenue was clear from traffic within minutes of the 8:45am bell. Please consider a conversation with your child if they are traveling via public transportation, as walker or bicyclist or a student being driven by a parent or other adult to make sure that we are working toward the common goal of maximizing a safe arrival for all:
- Home Avenue sees the heaviest traffic volume. Harlem Avenue sees the least traffic volume. Drivers can enter the lot near the Stadium from Harlem and proceed to the turn-around by the tennis courts. Students can enter the building through Door #13, which is very close to the drop-off. Consider changing your morning route to use the road less travelled.
- Please set a good example for our young people and help maintain a safe zone during arrival and dismissal by:
- Abide by the school zone speed limit.
- Home Avenue is a single-lane and one way street. Do not create your own lane. There is one lane only on Home Avenue.
- Please be respectful to the staff that is directing the traffic. If you are asked to pause, wait or stop, please do so. There is one lane and lots of vehicles turning from multiple directions.
- Using a cell phone in a school zone is against the law. Please do not engage in cell phone use while driving.
- Vehicles must not stop anywhere along the drop-off route when traffic is flowing. Both Home Avenue and Harlem Avenue have a designated safe zone for student drop-off. That is where students should exit the vehicle.
- From Home Avenue, cars must continue down Home Ave to the main parking lot where a turnaround will allow students to exit the vehicle in the safe zone.
- From Harlem Avenue, cars must continue toward the tennis courts where a turnaround ill allow students to exit the vehicle in the safe zone.
- The Center Gate, may not be used for student drop-off. Student on foot will be using the crosswalk in that area to get safely to the building.
- Bicyclists should use the narrow lane inside the yellow cones. This is the bike lane. Students should be aware of vehicles, stop signs and staff that are directing traffic.
- It is recommended that students do not wear headphones that will impact their ability to be aware of the roadway.
- Bike racks can be found around the campus and students should always lock their bikes.
- Follow the rules of the road, including care when going against and with traffic.
- Pedestrians (student walkers) come from all directions to school. Morton West has several designated crosswalks for their safe arrival to campus.
- Pay attention to stop signs and vehicle traffic, particularly at busy intersections. Wait your turn to cross the street. Listen to staff members for directions.
- It is recommended that students do not wear headphones that will impact their ability to be aware of what is taking place around them. Consider lowering the volume on the headphones.
Home Avenue & Harlem Avenue
Center Gate & Mustang Drive
Safety Matters!
Morton West Bell Schedules 2023-2024
Regular Bell Schedule
Late Start Bell Schedule
As indicated on the school calendar
Half Day Bell Schedule
As indicated on the school calendar.
Lunches available to-go in Freshman Academy Cafe & Main Student Cafe
1st Week Highlights
Resources for the School Year
Live Your Best Life # Mortonpride #Orgullomorton
Do Your Part
Help is a Text Away
Commit to Success
Morton West High School
Email: kcavanaugh@jsmorton.org
Website: https://www.morton201.org/MortonWest
Location: 2400 Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-780-4100 3010
Twitter: @KristyCavanaugh