Notes from Dr. Irvin

Your WGHS Weekly eNews for April 21

Hello WGHS Families,

In baseball, stealing home is a play of equal parts audaciousness and good fortune. However, there is a bit more to behind the heroics of that particular game. John Porthouse (class of 2019) by all accounts had demonstrated himself to be a good student in his time at WG and knew the likelihood of completing the play against a left-handed pitcher (indirect view of the base runner on third) with a slower delivery, two outs in a one run, late inning of the game, his own speed on the bases, and having a right handed batter to obstruct vision and play of the catcher. As Louis Pasteur noted, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Clearly, John’s understanding of the circumstances and his or his coach’s analysis fostered the boldness of the play and potential to have a favorable outcome.


As a secondary school, we cannot know our students destinations, yet we can “prepare” their mind. The prepared mind has the ability to observe, make sense, arrive at decisions and act across a complex environments. In the past week, I have observed students share informed insights into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, plan a Best Buddies prom, put on a production of Harvey (with many in their first role), and challenge long-held conventions on behalf of future students.


Bravo to you and our staff for creating deeper learning opportunities that permit them to seek greater understanding, partnerships, and relevance that will undoubtedly allow them the tools to navigate circumstances they will encounter.



Best,

Matt Irvin

Next Week's Schedule: B, C, B, C, A (EOC Week)

A Peek at the Week Ahead

  • April 18-29: EOC Weeks
  • April 22: Prom @ Union Station, 7-10 pm
  • April 24: Fine Arts Festival, 12-5 pm, WGHS
  • April 27: Jazz Concert, 7 pm, Auditorium
  • April 28: Senior Awards Night, 7 pm, Roberts Gym

2021-22 Late-Start Days

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Senior Awards Night is April 28

We're looking forward to celebrating our seniors' accomplishments on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in Roberts Gym. The students below are being recognized. If you feel your student should be on this list but isn't, please contact Mickey Erb at erb.mickey@wgmail.org NO LATER than April 22. April 22 is the absolute deadline to be included in the program.
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Celebrations

Grace Miller has been awarded the Platinum level Graduating Seniors Award through the U. S. Figure Skating's Graduating Seniors Program. The U.S. Figure Skating Graduating Seniors Award recognizes the hard work of student athletes who have participated in figure skating throughout high school; awards are given at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze level based off a skater’s level of competitive achievement in high school. Selection for this award speaks to a skater’s continued commitment to succeeding in their athletic and academic endeavors. Congratulations!
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Reminder for Early Dismissal Requests

We require at least one-hour notice before a dismissal can take place. Please keep in mind our unit offices are closed for 30 minutes during lunchtime.


It is less disruptive to the class if students that must leave school early depart at the time of the bell, between classes. If that is the case, after you call the unit office, please tell your student to head to their unit office when the bell rings. However, we understand that sometimes that cannot always happen.


Please call or email your unit office for any early dismissal requests at 314-963-6400:

A-E last name students - ext. 11910 simonson.julie@wgmail.org

F-K last name students - ext. 11911 winkelmann.gayna@wgmail.org

L-R last name students - ext. 11906 denton.camille@wgmail.org

S-Z last name students - ext. 11918 mckittrick.leigh@wgmail.org

21st Annual Jim Schoemehl Run is Saturday, May 7

The 21st Annual Jim Schoemehl Run will be held on Saturday, May 7 at Webster Groves High School. The 2022 beneficiary is Karen Eisenhauer and proceeds will be donated to her, as well as her family. Participants are able to sign up, donate, and learn more about the history of the Jim Schoemehl Run at jims5k.com.

Senior Car Parade Information for Seniors

The Senior Community Car Parade will be Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. Start gathering your friends and planning decorations for your vehicle to be part of the community celebration of you! The parade will start on Lockwood Ave, west of Rockhill Stand, run East on Lockwood Ave to Gore Ave. A link to sign up for the parade is below. EVERY student that wants to participate must complete the sign up. The deadline to sign up is May 14, 2022 by 11:59 pm. Once you have signed up, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Pires at jenniferpires@sbcglobal.net with any questions.


https://forms.gle/XpiJ9vitXo8G2pva8

To Report an Absence, Please Call:

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EOC Week is April 18-29

The End-of-Course exams are scheduled at WGHS from April 18 - 29. We have a modified schedule to accommodate testing (below). The schedule for each week will be BCBCA, with some periods being reversed during the second week to accommodate longer testing periods.
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Important 2022-23 Immunization Information

Please see the Missouri school immunization requirements for the 2022-23 school year at the link below. Per Missouri state law and WGSD Board of Education policy, all students must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status of each immunization before attending school. Please be aware that a second meningococcal immunization is required before 12th grade unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age. Additional information regarding medical and religious exemptions can be found on the attached link as well.


https://health.mo.gov/living/wellness/immunizations/pdf/2023schoolrequirements.pdf

COVID-19 Testing at WGSD

The Webster Groves School District will offer COVID-19 testing for the public from 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays in the board room at the central office, 400 E. Lockwood Ave. Testing will continue to be offered here on Thursdays at this time except for during spring break.


Rapid antigen and PCR testing will be available through Visionary Vaccine Services. No appointment is needed. Masks will be required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian. Your insurance will be billed for the service and there are no fees for the uninsured. Everyone tested will receive a letter documenting the date of service, type of testing and results.


Testing will also be offered for the public in other school districts:

Mondays and Wednesdays in the Ladue School District at the Fifth Grade Center, 10900 Ladue Rd., inside the lower level athletic entrance to the building from 9-11 a.m.


On Tuesdays, at the Clayton District's Administration Center, #2 Mark Twain Circle in Clayton, from 9-11 a.m.

2022-23 Bus Transportation

The Webster Groves School District is currently determining transportation needs for the fee-based service for the 2022-2023 school year. If your student will be attending Webster Groves High School or Hixson Middle School and you would like bus transportation for your student for the 2022-2023 school year, you must complete the application at the link below. Even if your student rode the bus last year, you must fill out a new application for the 2022-2023 school year. Please read the information in the link and fill out the form if you want your student to ride the bus for the 2022-2023 school year.


2022-23 Bus Form


Application deadline is May 15, 2022.


Thank you,

WGSD Transportation

314-963-6413

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Did You Know?

You can buy your spirit wear online at:

https://wghsparentsclub.org/collections


Items can be picked up in the Main Office after you receive your confirmation email that your order is ready.

Counseling Office Updates

College Fair at Maryville University on April 24

The Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling is hosting a college fair on Sunday, April 24th from 1-3pm at Maryville University. Click here to see a list of colleges and programs attending.



Digital Strike Will Award Online Google Career Certificates

Local digital marketing firm, Digital Strike, has announced they will be awarding 20 area high school students an opportunity to complete an online Google Career Certificate.


Upon completion, this certificate will propel students on the fast track to in-demand jobs within fields that are and will continue to be crucial to our country’s economy, including technology, science, business, finance, energy, and more.


For more information and to apply visit https://www.digitalstrike.com/google-growth-with-digital-strike/



College Admissions Testing

We have fielded a lot of questions regarding the ACT and SAT lately. Here's an article with answers to some of the top questions we hear.


2022-2023 Course Selections

Counselors are meeting individually with all students (during their Science class) to review student transcripts and finalize course requests for the 2022-2023 school year. Parents can view their child’s course requests in the parent portal by selecting the 2022-2023 school year (dropdown menu in upper right hand corner) and selecting “Course Requests” (menu on left). Please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have any questions.


In Person College Visits are Back

Beginning this week, admissions representatives will visit to meet with prospective juniors and seniors to share information about their institutions. Students who would like to meet with admissions representatives should sign up in the counseling office ahead of time and will receive a pass from class. To visit the full calendar, click here. Check back frequently as visits are being added daily.


Upcoming ACT and SAT National Test Dates (Saturdays)

Junior parents: Is your child planning to attend a four year college or university? While many colleges have been “test optional” for the past two years as a result of covid, plans for next year are not yet clear and many colleges will still require ACT or SAT scores for admission and/or scholarships. Here are the ACT and SAT test dates for the rest of the school year.

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Shop the Parents' Club Spirit Store!

The Spirit Store is open! Hours are 8-9:15 a.m. daily.


The online store is open 24 hours a day at https://wghsparentsclub.org/collections.


Every time you shop at the Spirit Store, you are supporting student scholarships and teacher grants!

News from Dr. Irvin

Click here for important news, reminders, upcoming events, and celebrations.