WBHS Family Newsletter
February 2023
Message to Families from Administration
Hello WBHS Families,
Welcome to the second half of the school year! Is it just me or did the first month of 2023 fly right by? We have certainly hit the ground running this year, and plan to continue this speed through this upcoming short month. We had a great turnout at our Gearing Up for High School night for 8th graders and their families on January 25th. Over 850 people were welcomed into the schools for the opportunity to gain exposure to high school academics, athletics, and clubs/co-curriculars. We had a number of current students help throughout the evening, from sharing their musical talents on stage to showcasing our clubs, co-curriculars, and sports in the cafeteria. Our CREW team also offered guided tours to families throughout the building. The evening connected our staff and families, and left all of us so proud of our students and the opportunities we present for them here at the high school.
Looking forward, we are excited to welcome all families in person on Wednesday, March 8, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. for our parent-teacher conferences. More information will be available on this soon, but we hope to see you all there!
Stay warm this February, and as always, please reach out with any questions, comments, feedback, or ideas!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Potter
Executive Principal
West Bend High Schools
262-335-5629
Important Upcoming Dates
February 1-28: WBHS Art Exhibit at West Bend Community Memorial Library (see flyer below)
February 16: Day of Hope Presentation (see flyer below)
February 17, 18, & 19: Anastasia - The Musical (see flyer below)
February 20: No School for Students | Staff Professional Day
February 20: Practice ACT Exam (see below for more information)
February 21 or February 22: Deep Dive Math ACT Review (sign up here)
February 24: Black History Month Celebration (see flyer below)
February 27 - March 4: Charity Week (more info to come!)
March 8: Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
WBHS Art Exhibition
Day of Hope
The WBHS Youth Impact Club presents Day of Hope, a presentation with speakers focusing on mental wellness and suicide prevention education. The event is on Thursday, 2/16, at 5:30 p.m. in the East Cafeteria.
This event is free to attend and open to the public. Please RSVP using the QR code.
Anastasia - The Musical
Black History Month Celebration
Updates from the Counseling Office
Course Registration for the 2023-2024 School year is now underway! Check out all of the Course Selection Materials available and talk with your student about their plan!
Registration should be completed through each student's Skyward account by February 10. If you or your student have questions regarding what classes to choose or what is needed to meet graduation requirements, please reach out to your counselor.
Stayed Tuned for information on Junior ACP Meetings in the March Newsletter!
Counseling Student Survey
When students come to school, we want them to feel safe and secure. With this goal in mind, students will be asked to complete a short survey during Resource to allow staff to learn how many students believe they have positive connections with adults in the high school building. The survey results will help staff to be more intentional about creating opportunities for all students to feel welcome and supported. Questions include:
What is your last name?
What is your first name?
What year are you in school? (9, 10, 11, 12)
What school do you go to? (East, West)
I started school in the WBSD (in K-4, 5-6, 7-8, during HS, this year)
Do you have an adult you have a positive connection with who works for the HS? (Teacher, Hallway Supervisor, Coach, Nurse, Counselor, Librarian, Administrator, Lunchroom Employee, IEP Coordinator, other school employee) (Yes or No)
If you answered Yes
Please identify the adult(s) you have a positive connection with at the HS- check all who apply (Teacher, Hallway Supervisor, Coach, Nurse, Counselor, Librarian, Administrator, Lunchroom Employee, IEP Coordinator, other school employee)
What are some reasons you positively connect with this adult? You can check more than one of the following: (They listen to me. They ask about my life outside of school. They encourage me. I believe I can ask them for help. They have a genuine interest in my success. If I am struggling with something in my life, I can go to them for help. Other.)
If you checked the “Other” box in the last question please explain below. (fill in a response)
If you answered No
Please share what you believe would be helpful for students to build positive connections with adults at the school. (fill in a response)
If you do not wish for your student(s) to complete this survey, please contact their counselor and/or administrator.
High School Schedule
Semester 1 Exam Feedback
Thank you families for your participation in our Semester I exam schedule. I spoke to many students about what they liked about the exam schedule and how we can improve for next semester, and now I am hoping to get similar feedback from you! If you have the time, please fill out this survey to tell us what you liked about the exam schedule and what you would like to see improved for next time!
Updates from the College & Career Center
Earning College Credit on a College Campus
Any high school students who want to take a course at a four-year college or university or a two-year technical school while in high school must fill out an application by March 1 to enroll in Fall, 2023 classes.
The Early College Credit Program (ECCP) allows high school students in grades 9-12 to take one or more courses at the University of Wisconsin System, a tribally controlled college, or a private, nonprofit institution of higher education.
The Start College Now (SCN) program allows students in grades 11 or 12 the opportunity to take college courses at Wisconsin Technical Schools.
Please submit completed applications to a school counselor or the College and Career no later than March 1 for fall classes.
WBSD ACT Preparation
All juniors will take the ACT with writing test at West Bend High Schools on Tuesday, March 7. Only the juniors will be at the high school on this day.
WBHS students can sign up for a deep-dive Math Review with Ms. Damkot on Tuesday, February 21, or Wednesday, February 22, from 2:30 - 4:00. Click on the link to sign-up: ACT Math Review.
There are multiple ACT test prep options available for students in and outside of school including:
Methodize: Students can access the full ACT Prep course in Xello at any time.
All students will receive brief ACT prep lessons using Methodize (in Xello) during their Resource periods.
ACT prep opportunities available at an additional cost through Wisconsin Test Prep and UW-Milwaukee.
Practice ACT Exam on February 20. The deadline to register for this practice exam is February 17. Please register here.
For more ACT Prep options and information, please click on the following link:
School Event & Classroom Highlights
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) club made their way around the building during the last staff work day on 1/23, sharing refreshments & snacks with teachers, which was a wonderful treat!!
Congrats to the WBHS Chess Team for taking 2nd place as a team at the Thomas Jefferson School Tournament and to Aaron Ruplinger for taking a 3rd place individual trophy!
Students in Mrs. Heuer's Culinary Arts II class baked and presented beautiful (and delicious) cakes as part of their Semester 1 Exams.
East Varsity Dance is headed to STATE! Congrats to the entire team for qualifying for first place in Kick! Shout out to Mikayla Schroeder & Aubrey Turcotte for qualifying as soloists!
Students in Personal Finance classes took part in Reality Day on 1/11. This is a simulation of how to manage regular day-to-day finances and work on their money management skills. Thanks to the business education teachers, Glacier Hills Credit Union, and volunteers for their role in making the experience possible.
West Varsity Dance is headed to STATE! Congrats to the entire team for qualifying in Pom and taking third place out of 14 teams. Shout out to Rachel Hopper, Kaitlin McFarland, and Lauryn Seidel for qualifying as soloists!
Optimist Club Oratorical Contest
If you are interested, please complete the registration form by March 9th.
Yearbook Ordering Information
Have you ordered your yearbook for the 22/23 school year? It's not too late to get your order in. If you are not sure if you have already ordered, please contact Sue Maus in bookkeeping at 262-335-5539 or smaus@wbsd-schools.org.
A yearbook is a great way to capture memories of the year’s activities. The cost is $57 and may be paid with check (WBHS), cash, e-Funds (with a small service fee), in person credit or debit card (with a small service fee) or directly with our publisher Herff Jones. Direct orders with Herff Jones do incur a handling fee per book but this is the only option if you wish to order a name plate for your yearbook for an additional charge. To purchase your 2022-2023 yearbook with Herff Jones, please click here: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/job/21582. (You will receive a marketing email from Herff Jones every two weeks until either a yearbook is ordered or you unsubscribe in the email.) All orders are due by late April.