The Warrior
Washington High School Newsletter
Mission: To Develop Lifelong Learners To Succeed In A Changing World
Newsletter Date:
April 2021
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Principal Comments
Happy Spring! This Wednesday concludes the SD Summative Assessment testing for juniors. Parents, we ask for your continued support during these testing days. As a reminder, every eleventh- grade student is required to complete the testing process. If a student misses a test, we will have to pull him/her out of regular classes to test them. WHS students traditionally perform well on these tests, and your support in encouraging your child to take the test seriously and perform well is greatly appreciated.
As a reminder, all of our South Dakota public universities accept South Dakota Assessment scores as evidence of a student’s readiness for college coursework in English and math (similar to ACT test scores). Students who score a 3 or 4 will receive guaranteed general acceptance into the state’s public universities and technical institutes.
It is hard to believe that there are only 37 school days left as I write this article. While I’m sure many of you would agree, we are very much looking forward to summer, it is still important to finish the academic year strong. Midterm grades were posted last week. We encourage you to sit down with your student and examine his or her grades on Infinite Campus. We will be running the Intervention Day schedule on April 14th and April 21st. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with teachers to get help with their academics. As a reminder, teachers are also available before and after school each day. The official last day of the school year will be Wednesday May 26th with semester tests being Tuesday, May 25th and Wednesday, May 26th.
We are also looking forward to our spring activities. It is shaping up to be a beautiful weather season for our teams! Students, we continue to encourage you to be involved in WHS activities and events; whether you are competing, performing, or cheering on your friends, your involvement will have a positive impact on your education. Please be sure to check out the Washington High School events calendar at www.metroconferencesd.org to double check all dates and times for upcoming events. There are other celebrations to look forward to this spring as well including Grand March (April 24th at 4:30pm), HonorFest (April 28th), and Graduation (May 30th at 1pm).
Thank you, parents and community members for your outstanding support of Washington High School.
Go Warriors!
Kari Papke, Principal
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Superintendent Message
150 Years: Celebrating Public Education in Sioux Falls
by Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent
ses-qui-cen-ten-ni-al- /ˌseskwəsenˈtenēəl/
adjective
1. relating to the one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of a significant event.
If the Sioux Falls School District was holding a spelling bee in 2021, a good word to
stump even a few of our best spellers might be “sesquicentennial.” A common practice at spelling bees is for the announcer to say the word, define it, and then use it in a sentence. That sentence might be “The Sioux Falls School District is celebrating its sesquicentennial in the 2021-22 school year.”
The Sioux Falls School District was formally established on July 3, 1871. Old records indicate the first school opened in 1870 in the Government Barracks under the direction of teacher Mary A. Benton who trained 17 pupils. However, it was the summer of 1871 when newly elected Minnehaha County Superintendent John Bippus divided the county into seven school districts as one of his first official acts. District #1 was comprised of the entire Sioux Falls township. Still, it took another two years for its first school board to be established with elected members being A. Gale, Director; R.F. Pettigrew, Clerk; and D.S. Goodyear, Treasurer.
It is humbling to think about the exponential value public education has brought to the community through the students who have graduated with a Sioux Falls School District diploma over the past 150 years. We have launched so many successful people who fill every career and job title currently and previously needed and known. We believe this is a feat worth celebrating!
A Planning Committee made up of parents and community members has been meeting since February to determine a fitting theme, and design memorable activities that can be embraced by all stakeholders.
Before school starts again in the fall, we will launch our plan for activities and events to be held throughout the 2021-2022 school year. The theme is “Rooted in Our Past ~ Reaching for Our Future.” The committee is hoping to engage with former staff members, alumni, community members, current parents, students, and employees to highlight all we have achieved in the previous 150 years and to establish new and exciting goals to launch us into the next 150 years. If your path took you through SFSD, dig out your old photos and memorabilia. We are setting up a digital time capsule by decade.
The launch of the District 150th Anniversary celebration will also include the unveiling of new strategic priorities to guide our work as we aspire to be the best school district in the nation. This is a lofty goal, but who better to achieve it than a school district that has 150 years of success in its rearview mirror and one that is committed to continuous improvement for the next century and beyond.
Sesquicentennial isn’t an easy word to say or to spell. But, paraphrasing the great Theodore Roosevelt, we believe nothing worth doing comes easy. We look forward to celebrating this milestone in our history with all of you!
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Lady Warriors GBB State Champions!! Congratulations!!
I could not be prouder of what this group accomplished on the basketball court. Even more importantly how this group of kids handled themselves though a pandemic and the pressure of a basketball season. The uniqueness of a group of people that competed daily to stand out individually, yet they were willing to sacrifice personal goals for the betterment of the whole is something very special to be a part of. Coach Parish
Congratulations to the Lady Warriors who won the State Championship beating out Rapid City Stevens 43 to 26. They finished their regular season 16-2.
Washington High School Boys Basketball Highlights
The Warrior Boys Basketball team finished with a 17-4 record. They placed 4th in the AA state tournament.
Seniors Tahj Two Bulls, Akok Aguer, and Eli Williams led the team in Scoring, Rebounding, and Assists, as well as being great leaders for the entire program. The Warriors were crowned Metro Conference Champs with a 4-1 record vs. conference opponents. Earning Metro All-Conference team recognition were Mikele Kambalo (Jr.), Eli Williams (Sr.), Tahj Two Bulls (Sr.), & Akok Aguer (Sr.).
"This was the most coachable group of players I have ever had, and was truly my favorite year of coaching ever." These boys treat people the right way, play the game the right way, and are flat out just great kids. We can't thank our seniors enough for their dedication to our program, and we know they have bright futures ahead of them."
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Over 100 WHS seniors earn Regents' Scholar Diplomas
For seniors to be nominated as a recipient of the Regents' Scholar Diploma, they must have graduated from a South Dakota high school, completed the coursework identified in the six areas outlined below, received a "C' or better on all required coursework and maintained an unweighted cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or better throughout high school
Coursework required for the Regents' Scholar Diplomas include four units of English, four units of algebra or higher mathematics, four units of science including three units of approved laboratory science, three units of social studies, one unit of fine arts and two units of the same modern or classical language or two units of Career and Technical Education or a combination of one unit of modern or classical language and one unit of Career and Technical education.
Regents' Scholar Diplomas will be handed out to seniors at a later date.
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Congratulations to the WHS Debate Team for taking 2nd place at the State Debate Tournament and to the following students:
2nd Place in Public Forum - Riley Nold & Katherine Escalante
2nd Place in Domestic Extemp - Catherine Liu
5th Place in International Extemp - Riley Nold
3rd Place in Informative Speaking - Jack Hinrichs
6th Place in Informative Speaking - Vicki Kieszek
Overall Team Placing - 2nd Place
Also, The South Dakota Forensic Coaches Association recognized the following students for their excellence in their events:
Riley Nold for Individual Events
Catherine Liu for Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Eic Uecker recognized for the Assistant Debate Coach of the Year
Travis Dahle recognized as Head Debate Coach of the Year
Congratulations all on your amazing achievements!!!
The following students will be representing WHS at the National Speech and Debate Tournament this summer:
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Intervention Days
Schedule:
1 – 8:10 to 9:00 (50 minutes with announcements)
2 – 9:05 to 9:50 (45 minutes)
Intervention – 9:50 – 10:35 *This will be attached to the 2nd period classroom (similar to how Reading Period is attached to 3rd period)
3rd – 10:40 – 11:25 (45 min)
4th – 11:30 – 12:25 (55 min)
5th – 12:30 – 1:25 (55 min)
6th – 1:30 – 2:15 (45 min)
7th – 2:20 – 3:05 (45 min)
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March Student of the Month
Juniors: Anges Kabwali & Eric CarrilloAvila
Sophomores: Kailee Taborda & Abraham Ware
Freshman: Macie Malchow & Joshua Ferrie
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The Warriors Against Animal Cruelty Club
We are asking for donations for this organization the week of April 12-16 so start collecting some of these items:
Puppy pee-pads
Old/New towels
Old/New blankets
Medium - Large dog toys
Sanitizing Wipes
New/used puppy crates/kennels
Purina Pro Plan dog food
Spare change/money
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Important dates to remember:
April 2-5 NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
April 7 Smarter Balance Testing (science)
April 21 Jostens – (Cap/Gown delivery) 7:30a-8:15a/11:15a-1:15p/3:00p-3:45p
April 24 Grand March
April 28 Honor Fest
May 3-14 AP Testing
May 25 & 26 Semester Tests - date changed
May 26 End of 2nd semester - date changed
May 27 Teacher Work Day
May 30 Graduation 1:00 pm
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South Dakota Assessments for Juniors
State Testing for Juniors
State testing dates for Juniors are coming up March 29-31 for ELA/Math and April 7 for Science.
Parents and students will get more information regarding testing schedules and procedures within the next few weeks.
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The Grand March for Washington High School Seniors
- The Grand March will be held on Saturday, April 24th at 4:30 PM in the Main Gymnasium at WHS.
- Doors will open at 4:00 PM.
- The Grand March is for WHS Seniors only and their dates. Dates must be part of the Sioux Falls School District.
- Students must register in advance at WHS to participate. This event is free for students. Each participant may purchase 2 tickets for $5.00 each for others to come and watch the Grand March.
- Tickets will be on sale at WHS on Wednesday, April 14th - Friday, April 23rd during lunch periods.
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Visit the counseling website at: www.whscounseling.com
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Warrior Way Podcast
Ep. 26 - Tahj Two Bulls by The Warrior Way Podcast • A podcast on Anchor
WHS Senior Tahj Two Bulls joins the show this week fresh off the conclusion of basketball season. Tahj landed at WHS as a sophomore as he transferred from Lower Brule, and has really found a way to make an impact. As you'll hear, Tahj is reserved and thoughtful with his words, but he tells a great story about his journey up to this point in his life.
https://anchor.fm/warrior-waypod/episodes/Ep--26---Tahj-Two-Bulls-etec02
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Yearbook Information
Order your 2021 yearbook by going to www.jostens.com and follow the yearbook tab to find our school. You could also send a check or cash and bring it to A133 to have Miss Heckenlaible place the order. Since we were unable to set up for presales on Warrior Day, you may have thought you ordered a book that day when you didn't. I can always check for you if you are unsure. cindy.heckenlaible@k12.sd.us. The cost is $60.
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What's new at the WHS Library:
Greetings! You can access thousands of ebooks and audiobooks on SORA. You can download the app for free on any device, and it can be accessed on ClassLink as well. Staff can log onto SORA using their desktop login information. For students, their username is the first part of their email address (ex. ks1234), and their password is the same as their Chromebook password (ex. Ks1234561976).
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Winter Activities Plan
Sioux Falls School District Families –
Last week, the Sioux Falls School Board acknowledged the recommendation for continued operating of activities in Tier 3 of the District’s Return to Play for Activities plan. These guidelines and protocols have provided the opportunity for safety at activities and ultimately support the primary goal of continuing a traditional school setting in the Sioux Falls School District. The Activities Department’s top priority is, and will be, the health and safety of our student participants, staff, and spectators as we continue to provide activities for the 2020-2021 school year.
Under the Tier 3 Return to Play plan:
• Events will be made available in digital format when possible. All Spectators will be highly encouraged to watch the live stream for these events when offered.
• High School Students are welcome to attend. If a Sioux Falls School District High School Student wishes to attend events they will be required to purchase an activity symbol to be printed on their student ID. The student ID with the printed activity symbol, admits one, the bearer, to all SFSD regular season athletic contests. This type of pass is secured at the respective high school’s activities office.
• Adult, 0 to Pre-Kindergarten aged Children, Elementary and Middle School will have restrictions on who may or may not attend.
If you have specific questions pertaining to this plan, visit our frequently ask question’s document (Specified Event Attendance FAQ Sheet), submit your question or comment on our athletics website or contact your respective school’s activities principal/athletic coordinator.
For more information, please see the links below:
SFSD Return to Play for Activities (Winter Activities) - Click Here
SFSD COVID-19 High School Spectator Plan (Winter Activities) - Click Here
SFSD COVID-19 Middle School Spectator Plan (Winter Activities) - Click Here
SFSD Athletic Webpage
We encourage you to visit the Sioux Falls School District Athletic website at https://sfsdathletics.k12.sd.us. The site is a one stop shop for forms, answers you are seeking and contact information you need. Find also: activity calendars, coaches information, live stream links, student/parent resources and much more.
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The Warrior Zone's April "DEAL OF THE MONTH"
The Warrior Zone’s April “Deal of the Month” is 25% off all Blue 84 long sleeve shirts. You can view these shirts and all the rest of our products at www.whswarriorzone.weebly.com
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2021 Senior Class Party!
Get registered today! The 2021 Senior Class Party will be Sunday, May 30th from 10pm to 5am at the SD Special Olympics building located at 800 E I-90 Ln in Sioux Falls. We know it’s been quite a year and we look forward to celebrating and looking back on your high school years with you! Registration can be done online or via the registration form below. Registrations are due NO LATER then April 30th! See the registration form or website for complete details including payment options.
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WHS Booster Club
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Looking for a part time job?
Job Description:
School Bus Inc is looking for part time school bus drivers who will make it a priority to provide students with a safe and enjoyable experience to and from school each day.
· No experience necessary, paid Training
· $500 sign on Bonus ($1000 for those who come with CDL w/passenger & school bus endorsements)
· $18.15 hourly rate
· 20-25 hrs./weekly (possibly more at certain times of the year)
· No nights, weekends, or Holidays!
· A work schedule that matches your child’s school schedule!
Why Join Our Team?
· Safety: Our top priority is the safety of all passengers and employees
· Value our Employees: People are the foundation of any great business.
· Customer Focused: SBI will continue to build on the strong partnerships that we have built over the years, based on trust and integrity.
Minimum Requirements:
· 18 yrs. Of age or older
· Able to pass a background check.
· Drug Screen
· Willing to work a flexible schedule.
Apply today as it will take a minimum of 20 days for licensing and training.
Contact us
Website: http://www.sf.k12.sd.us/washington/home
Location: 501 N. Sycamore Sioux Falls SD, 57110
Phone: (605) 367-7970