Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your Weekly eNews for April 1
Hello Parents and Guardians,
I hope all of our students, staff, and WG families had a restful break last week. I spent the first weekend in Springfield watching our women's basketball complete a historic season. I enjoy watching all our students engage in areas of passion, but this group stood out in the growth over the year(s) and their culture of character.
The team has lost very close games in the district finals each of the last three years. That disappointment no doubt was the fuel for this season. Most learning is rooted in missteps and adjustment. Formative assessments are incredibly impactful for learning and do just that--identify a shortcoming and provide feedback on next steps.
Their team character has been a trademark all year but was most evident in the semi-final game, down 16 in the second quarter, the team rallied to take the lead with under one minute to play. Character "defies hasty acquisition" and is born of challenging practices that reinforce habits of constancy and a collective spirit. (Warning: sanctimony ahead.) Might I also add, we were one of the only teams with players and coaches wearing masks. While others may deem that a "competitive disadvantage," I think it speaks to a group of individuals seeing themselves as part of a larger entity. Frankly, as a school if we put "winning" above public health concerns and care of our students or others, we have become unmoored to the purpose and mission of education.
In the classroom and on the court, we should all be proud of how they represented Webster Groves High School.
In gratitude,
Matt Irvin
Celebrations
Three students have scored a PERFECT composite score of 36 on the ACT: Justin Barker, William Hickey, and Emma Rohrs! Congratulations on this prestigious honor! WGHS is so proud of you.
- Jenna Clark 5th Place Sales Project
- Ava Falkenrath 4th Place Principles of Finance
- Madeleine Collier 6th Place Hospitality Team
- Scarlett Hovermale 6th Place Hospitality Team
Students had to qualify for the finals by testing in their event and then showed their presentations virtually to judges. This state competition qualifies them for DECAs International Career Development Conference in April.
Statesmen Service Awards Update
Due to the importance of vaccinating our staff on April 9, 2021, the Statesmen Service Awards will be virtual this year. The award recipients will be announced on April 9 and will be given their certificates/awards when they return the following week of April 12, 2021.
April 9 is a Synchronous Virtual Day
Class of 2021 and 1971, 50 Years Apart, to Meet via Zoom
Class of 1971 alumni are celebrating their 50th reunion by having WGHS seniors participate on Wednesday, April 7 for a live questionnaire webinar from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Discussion topics with the graduating Class of 2021 relate to:
Health and climate change
Racial and social injustice
Pop culture, music, and media
This is a great opportunity to interact with two different graduating generations, both from major historical events at their time. If you have a senior, encourage them to check their website at wghs71.com to register on Zoom.
Term 4 Schedule
Term 4 Schedule for Virtual Program
Did You Know?
Stay up-to-date on events by visiting our school calendar.
Sadly, so many events have been canceled this year due to COVID. We update our school calendar regularly to reflect last-minute and monthly changes. Please visit our official School Calendar on our website to stay informed.
Learning at WGHS
Free Breakfast and Lunch Available for All WGSD Students
During in person learning and distance learning, Webster Groves Students will continue to have access to FREE breakfast and FREE lunch Monday-Friday.
Meals are available for pick-up at Webster Groves High School and home delivery. Students who have opted for in person learning, will be able choose their meal choice daily in the classroom.
For home delivery or meal pick up , please sign up using the below link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfH08CJCOJnb0mqz6Cg45vKq9mllDBcKBWFJWwbBoiM96s-9A/viewform?usp=pp_url .
Please contact us at pelant.nancy@wgmail.org with any questions.
Check out our menus at https://webster.nutrislice.com/ or download the Nutrislice app!
Counseling Department Updates
Dual credit registration for the following courses is now open:
· AP English Language (Ms. Gray and Ms. Moore)
· AP Honors US History (Mr. Luparell and Ms. Pursell)
· Women, Gender, and Diversity (Ms. Moore)
· Ceramics 1 and 2 (Mr. Throm)
· Drawing and Painting 1 and 2 (Mr. Throm)
To register, visit https://apps.umsl.edu/webapps/ITS/ACP/student/index.cfm
Tuition: $68 per credit hour
Registration Deadline: April 11, 2021
Requirements: 3.0 cumulative GPA for sophomores, 2.5 cumulative GPA for juniors and seniors
Note: For students in Honors US History or AP English Language: You have the option to earn 3 credits each term for a total of 6 credits. You may have already registered for one or both of these classes in January. Not sure? Follow the registration link and you will be able to view any courses you have already registered for.
The 2021 Missouri Public Affairs Academy will be a virtual program (July 12-16) that brings together talented upcoming high school seniors who have an interest in making a difference in their world through leadership and community engagement.
The Academy offers a variety of experiences related to public affairs. Participants will learn from guest speakers from the not-for-profit community, government, Missouri State University faculty, and each other. They will also engage in dialogue and service projects with each other, and each will develop a written plan for a positive community change.
Cost and College Credit
The Missouri Public Affairs Academy is free! In addition to learning materials, speakers, etc., participants will earn one college credit from Missouri State University at no charge.
Application Process
Find the online application here. The application deadline is April 1, 2021.
Attention Sophomores! The deadline to apply for South Technical High School for the 2021-2022 school year is April 15th. They are currently accepting applications for Auto Collision Repair, Cisco Networking Academy, Construction Innovations, Design and Entrepreneurship, Electronics/Robotics Engineering, Pharmacy Sciences, and Precision Machining. For more information about South Tech and to apply visit https://www.ssdmo.org/southtech.
Exploring Career Speakers Series
The Greater St. Louis Area Exploring Program is excited to offer young adults ages 14-20 the opportunity to virtually meet and network with professionals from a variety of career fields. What education or training do you need for this career? What does a typical day look like? What do you like most about your job? These are just a few examples of what you might learn in the career workshops. The workshops are free and you may attend as many as you like.
All virtual programs will start at 5:00pm
· Wednesday, April 7th- First Responders Careers
· Wednesday, April 14th-Meet the CEO's of companies in St. Louis
· Wednesday, April 28th-Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
· Wednesday, May 12th -No College required-careers not requiring at college degree
Visit https://scoutingevent.com/312-Exploringcareerspeakers to register.
Scholarship Information for Seniors
St. Louis Area Scholarship Search St. Louis Graduates Scholarship Central (Note: Many of these applications have not opened up yet so keep checking back.) This is also where you can apply for Interest Free Student Loans from Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.
Where can you find other scholarships? There are a number of scholarship databases out there. While it can seem a little overwhelming, it can be very rewarding if you put some time into it.
National Scholarship Searches
Fastweb
College Board’s Big Future
Peterson’s
Unigo
Cappex
As a reminder, WGHS school counselors and social workers are working to support the academic, social and emotional, and post-secondary planning needs of our students. If you or your child are having difficulties or need assistance, please reach out to their counselor or social worker.
School Counselors
A-E Alex King (king.alexandra@wgmail.org)
F-K Ken Winingham (winingham.ken@wgmail.org)
L-R Joe Hepfinger (hepfinger.joe@wgmail.org)
S-Z Simone Cunningham (cunningham.simon@wgmail.org)
College and Career Counselors
A-K Karen Verstraete (verstraete.karen@wgmail.org)
L-Z Jennedy Lombard (lombard.jennedy@wgmail.org)
School Social Workers
Anne Gibbs (gibbs.anne@wgmail.org)
Anne Marie Guntli (SSD) (guntli.ann@wgmail.org)
Technology
For students or families having technology issues, please do the following:
- For specific Canvas issues, contact Ms. Liz Forderhase at forderhase.liz@wgmail.org or call her at 314.963.6400, ext. 11928.
- Below is a link to the technology support ticket system we are utilizing to help give our learners and families the most efficient system to help us keep track of technology support requests. Use this site to submit when you are having technology difficulties with your child's equipment/access/accounts/etc.
https://wgsd.on.spiceworks.com/portal
As always, you are welcome to contact us at 314.963.6400 for assistance.
Webster Groves High School
Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: hs.webster.k12.mo.us
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS