The Westlake Update
The Westlake Update vol. V September 4 - 11
Westlake High School
Vision: To be recognized as a top-performing high school in academics, athletics, and the arts. #OperationA
Mision: To produce global citizens by developing the passions of students through inquiry-based learning, conceptual understanding, and service. #OneWestake
Email: adamsji@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/westlakehs
Location: 2400 Union Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 470.254.6400
The Week at a Glance
Good Evening Westlake Families,
I hope that your family had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend. We will have to postpone the beginning of tutorial and club meetings until the week of September 13 to allow FCS Transportation to finalize Sweep Bus plans. As a reminder, the school building opens at 7:30 am for student arrival and closes at 4:15 pm for afterschool pickup. All students not involved in a supervised after-school program will wait outside near the auditorium awning.
Please read through the newsletter for great opportunities for your scholar.
We have so many things to shout out this week, below are this week's top 5:
Shout Out # 1: Congrats to Westlake High School Senior Quentin Huguley on his acceptance to the High Museum of Art’s 2021-2022 Teen Team. Only 15 students are chosen from the Atlanta Metro Area each year. This highly selective program requires a rigorous set of interviews and affords high school-aged students the opportunity to curate events at the High Museum with artwork, artists, music, and performances.
Students can attend the Teen Team's second event of the school year this Saturday, September 4th at Teen Art Afternoon (info at www.high.org) #TheArtsMatter
Shout Out #2: Westlake Band Booster Club!! In August the band boosters purchased a utility golf cart for the band (wrapped in Westlake Blue with the infamous Westlake Band W) and completed Phase I of the landscaping redesign to the outside area near the entrance of the Fine Arts wing (500 building) and the walkway. The area received fresh beds filled with mulch and shrubbery. In September, the band boosters plan to purchase purchasing a large box truck wrapped in royal blue displaying the wording "Westlake High School Marching Lions." The Band Booster Club is committed to leaving a lasting impact for future boosters to build upon. Thank you Westlake Band Booster Club for seeing a need and becoming the solution. #ProblemSolvers
Shout Out #3: 9th Grade ELA students demonstrated a high number of scholars scoring proficient on the FCS Midpoint Assessment. #WestlakeAchievement
Shout Out #4: Geometry students drastically increased the number of students scoring over 80% on the latest assessment. #WestlakeAchievement
Shout Out #5: Westlake Dance and Band were recognized by many of Creekside High School's faculty members as a class act and the most respectful group of students to visit Creekside High School. #CharacterMatters
Should you have any questions or concerns at any point this school year, please do not hesitate to call, email, or come in to see me.
Kind Regards,
Jarvis I. Adams, Principal
Westlake Senior "Quentin Huguley" joins the The High Museum of Art's Teen Team
The Work of the Westlake Band Booster Club
Upcoming Networking and Learning Opportunity for your Scholar!!!
The National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter invites Westlake students to be a part of a Professional Development Symposium for high school students coming up on Saturday, September 11th at the Laudermilk Conference Center in Atlanta. This is one of the annual signature events for our Leaders of Tomorrow mentoring program participants, and we're extending the invitation to Westlake High School students.
Safety is the number one priority for our students. The National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter will adhere to CDC COVID guidelines and require all participants to wear masks.
This is a great opportunity for Westlake students to hear from some amazing professionals, introduce them to the professional world and provide them with tools for a successful future.
Please see the attached flyer with a free discount code to register your student. If you have any questions, please email Tyeisha Miller @ Tmiller@atlbmba.org.
Westlake Tardy Policy
Scheduling Updates
Thank you for your patience as our guidance counselors worked through schedule changes as well as scheduling new enrollments. We have enrolled hundreds of new students and are pleased with our response time in getting students placed in classes. All schedule changes that were approved and could be completed have been addressed.
Now, as we navigate through the process of receiving and hiring new staff, many classes are overcrowded and we thank our entire community for understanding with grace. Where possible, our Student Services staff will begin balancing those classes. Please note:
When balancing classes, many students may receive schedule changes. When reviewing overcrowded classes, students are moved based on how well the changes can be made with the least amount of interruption. This means that your student may receive a change(s) and may receive a different teacher(s) as a result of this change. We know that many students have grown fond of their current schedules, but these are necessary changes, and we thank you all for your support. Teachers will ensure that the transition is seamless and that grades are transferred and updated immediately. Please look forward to more updates from Ms. Johnson, our Curriculum Assistant Principal, within the week.
Upcoming College Visits
Grambling State University - September 8th
At 5PM
Meeting ID: 723 0390 9954
Passcode: ZX7guk
Tuskegee University - September 9th
At 5PM
Meeting ID: 919 6926 2023
Passcode: 553382
University of Alabama - September 13th
Scan QR code to register.
Auburn University- September 13th
University of Georgia- September 14th
https://zoom.us/j/91384781549?pwd=dTd3WHVwZ3pNM1NHOHo4ZzBrcDVLdz09
Meeting ID: 913 8478 1549
Passcode: 423270
North Carolina A&T State University
Clemson University
Senior Fee Payment Links
Plan A $200: Graduation/Commencement Participation Fee, Baccalaureate, and Diploma Cover. Cap and Gown are not included. Cap and Gown must be purchased from Herff Jones (cost $90)
Payment Link:
Plan B $300: Plan A + 2 senior t-shirts, 1 senior specialty shirt, 1 senior hoodie, lanyard, bracelet, senior week party, senior only activities, senior cookout (game tickets are not included). Cap and Gown are not included. Cap and Gown must be purchased from Herff Jones (cost $90)
Payment Link:
Plan C $390: Plan A + Plan B + a yearbook
Payment Link:
From the desk of Athletic Director Coach Green
Come out and support all our athletics programs this week and be sure to get your tickets from www.gofan.co/app/school/GA5381.
Athletics for the Week of September 6th
Thank you for all of the support towards our Westlake Athletics teams. 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 at all indoor Westlake Sporting Events.
Please stay connected with Westlake Athletics by visiting our website https://westlakelionsathletics.com/ and following us on Twitter @WestlakeSports1.
Westlake Track and Field Interest Meeting
It's Time For Homecoming 2021
It’s time to get ready for Homecoming 2021 at Westlake High School. A major part of the Homecoming celebration is the annual Homecoming Dance, sponsored by the Magnet Booster Club.
Tickets on Eventbrite will go on sale at 8:00 PM on August 24th until September 19th at midnight, unless they sell out before that date. Please do not delay in getting your tickets because space will be limited. Tickets will be sold online only and no tickets will be sold at the door. The attire is semi-formal. Ticket prices are $20, including the fee and refreshments will be served. This event is open to the entire school, so please feel free to pass on the information.
Feel free to scan the below QR code to purchase.
Direct all questions to Westlake Magnet Booster Club.
Email Your Counselor
Dr. Owens OwensS@fultonschools.org (A – DA)
Mrs. Crawford Crawforda4@fultonschools.org (DB – I)
Ms. Harrison HarrisonT1@fultonschools.org (J – N)
Mrs. Jackson ReeseS@fultonschools.org (O – SE)
Ms. Perry PerryDB@fultonschools.org (SF – Z)
WHS Counselor's Twitter Page: @whsdenkeepers
HBCU Panel Discussion
Please join us as we discuss HBCUs!!! We are calling on all local high school students, parents, and families to to attend this interactive panel discussion and to learn more about the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The purpose of this panel discussion is to engage in an open dialogue with students and parents about HBCUs as a viable college option, to dispel negative myths about HBCUs, and to emphasize how the HBCU experience enriches the lives of both students and alumni. Please use the link below to register for this virtual event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbcu-panel-discussion-tickets-159544530987?aff=ebdssbeac
Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter
P.A.C.E Program
The P.A.C.E program is the signature youth enrichment program of Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter for high school males and females. Students in the P.A.C.E program will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and/or life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
The goals of the program include:
- Prepare students to transition from high school to college, vocational/technical schools, or work
- Provide college preparatory workshops focusing on desired college major/career choices
- Promote positive self-esteem and confidence
- Provide study and test preparation skills
- Provide opportunities for cultural awareness and community engagement
- Provide global citizenship skills
The program is open to rising ninth through twelfth grade female and male students who attend high school in South Fulton County as well as those who reside in the South Fulton County area. Full commitment to the P.A.C.E Program includes attending monthly workshops and performing various community service projects. Participants in the program are eligible to attend overnight college tours, receive book scholarships and attend cultural and fun outings with fellow participants.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates
At Fulton County Schools, we work daily to ensure the health and well-being of our students and staff in the midst of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Here is the key info you need to know:
Student Discipline Update
Parents thank you so much for your support in regards to proper dress for school by helping scholars understand the difference in proper attire for school versus leisure time. As a reminder head coverings for non-religious purposes (i.e. hat, hood, bonnet, bandanna, etc) are prohibited for male and female students. Next week's update will include the tardy policy.
Improper Dress Rule 13a: Students in the school system are expected to dress and groom themselves in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness, and safety. All students shall dress appropriately so as not to disrupt or interfere with the educational program or the orderly operation of the school. Examples of inappropriate dress and grooming include lack of cleanliness in person or dress; shoe lessness; "short-short" clothing; bare midriffs; "tank tops"; "see-through" clothing or apparel which designates gangs or similar organizations, head coverings for non-religious purposes (i.e. hat, hood, bonnet, bandanna, etc), or any dress that is disruptive to the educational process. Westlake High School administration shall determine whether any particular mode of dress or grooming results in a violation of the spirit and/or the intent of this rule. Consequences for Improper Dress range from a verbal warning to 5 days of In-School suspension.
Please click the link to read the Fulton County Schools Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook: https://www.fultonschools.org/studentdiscipline
September 20, Late Start Date Asynchronous Assignment for All Students
Superintendent Looney added late start days for all FCS schools to support Professional Learning Communities. The morning hour will be dedicated time for teachers to learn together in support of students. On late start days, Westlake High School will have 9:20 a.m. start time.
During the late start day of Tuesday, September 20th students will use the below links to complete asynchronously the Fulton County Schools required 3 Digital Citizenship Nearpod lessons.
Asynchronous Assignment 1: What's Your Digital Footprint? (9-12)
https://share.nearpod.com/nVejSTObejb
Asynchronous Assignment 2: Cyberbullying (9-12)
https://share.nearpod.com/6vFXQwIhejb
Asynchronous Assignment 3: Oversharing & Risky Behaviors (9-12)
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP FOR PARENTS
We know that with all the advantages the Internet can bring to your family’s life, there can also be pitfalls.
To help you talk with your children about Internet Safety and how to be a good Digital Citizen, the following Parent Resources are available on the Common Sense Media Website: https://www.commonsense.org/education/toolkit/audience/family-engagement-cyberbullying
Cyberbullying Resources for Parents and Families
Once kids go online, their chance of finding cyberbullies, haters, and trolls is, sadly, quite high. Find age-specific guidelines, videos, and articles to help with tough conversations -- whether your kid is a bully or is being bullied. Common Sense Media answers all your cyberbullying questions, offering age-appropriate advice, school resources, and more from parents and experts.
Online Safety Resources for Parents and Families
To help kids maximize the Internet's benefits -- while minimizing the risks – Common Sense Media offers the latest research, tips, and tools on what really keeps kids safe. Which privacy settings should you use? What are the ins and outs of parental controls? Get tips on everything from the basics, such as smart usernames, to the big stuff, such as appropriate sharing.
Resources about Social Media Devices for Parents and Families
Getting a cellphone has become a milestone for most kids. Common Sense helps parents lay the groundwork for responsible cellphone use and manage the challenges and opportunities they bring. Learn how to decide the right age to get your kid a cellphone, set rules, choose the right phone and service plan, and stay on top of what your kid is doing on his or her phone.
Information On Setting The Parental Controls For Cable TV And Internet Providers:
Xfinity https://www.xfinity.com/hub/parental-controls
DIRECTV https://www.att.com/support/article/directv/KM1010815/
Spectrum https://www.spectrum.net/support/tv/about-parental-controls/
AT&T Internet https://www.att.com/support/article/u-verse-high-speed-internet/KM1336815/
Please view the Parent Presentation-Digital PowerPoint: https://fultonk12-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/forrest_fultonschools_org/EQv3eKAkjn1LgnPDONqv6gIBsU535xjhLdT8TTrW7pRlIw?e=Ezd6SF