The Westlake Update
The Westlake Update, Vol IV, February 28 - March 6, 2021
Westlake High School
#OperationA
#OneWestake
Email: adamsji@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/westlakehs
Location: 2400 Union Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 470.254.6400
Westlake an "AP Honor School" & Principal Meetings to discuss Dual Enrollment
Good Evening Westlake Families,
Westlake's Advanced Placement (AP) Program has been recognized for its dedication to exposing students to AP courses in the areas of STEM (Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics). Ensuring that students are prepared for college and career after graduation. This also highlights the hard work of our AP teachers and students as they challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, culminating with the AP Exam in May. We are honored to receive this distinction from the Georgia Department of Education for our efforts during the 2019-2020 academic year!
There will be a series of student and parent Microsoft Teams meetings with the principal to discuss dual enrollment options for the upcoming 2021 - 2022 school year.
- Monday, March 1st at 6:30 pm, current junior parent meeting with the principal.
- Friday, March 5th at 3:00 pm, current sophomore student class meeting with the principal
- Monday, March 8th at 6:30 pm, current sophomore parent meeting with the principal
Meeting links are forthcoming from Mrs. Burke. We are asking that all current 10th and 11th graders complete a dual enrollment application by March 15, 2021. To view a tutorial video of the application process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UoBFlfsNSU
Atlanta Technical College will host a virtual dual enrollment information session with Westlake's students on March 9th at 12:00, all current 10th graders and 11th graders are asked to attend the information session. Below is the login information.
Topic: ATC Dual Enrollment Virtual Information Session - Westlake Time: Mar 9, 2021, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86028577330?pwd=QW52YU5lbFFubXl0cVBJLzMya2hmZz09
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at adamsji@fultonschools.org.
Kind Regards,
Jarvis I Adams, Principal
The pandemic has made it harder than ever for schools to deliver the reliable practice testing experience students need.
Applerouth is now offering computer-based practice SAT, ACT, and PSAT tests as a solution for schools during this time. With computer-based practice:
- Students take the test at school or from the safety of home, without paper tests or bubble sheets.
- Applerouth handles registration, proctoring, grading, and comprehensive score reporting.
- Your students get the practice they need and you get detailed score data, all in one safe and easy-to-implement solution.
Check out our (Intro Video) to see just how easy it is to use the platform. You can also view our flyer about how it works here.
Direct all questions to Administrator Mrs. Hickman at hickmanc@fultonschools.org.
December 2020 Graduate
Congratulations to Sedarius McConnel!! Sedarius graduated early in December 2020 and is now attending the University of Illinois!!!
Middle Years Programme Student of the Week
Kallis Taylor was nominated for her work in her MYP World History class.
Exemplary IB Learner Profile Trait: Knowledgeable
Kallis is hard worker who is dedicated to being her own educational advocate. She is constantly providing insight into every lesson and when called upon to do so steps up as a leader to help students in group activities. Kallis is not afraid to express her opinion and ask questions when other students will not. Kallis is very proactive in making sure that she is prepared for all tasks given to her.
Diploma Programme Student of the Week
Kristen Grace Robinson was nominated for her work in her DP Visual Arts class.
Exemplary IB Learner Profile Trait: Inquirer
Grace is an extremely impressive student! She demonstrates her intentional inquiry skills through a desire to investigate the smallest of details about arts and culture. She is thorough in her research and has a keen eye for the unique qualities of art and artifacts.
Grace is not only a talented artist with paper and ink, her "grace" as a dancer has earned her the prestigious honor of being a finalist for the Governor's Honors Program.
PBIS Student of the Week
Ninth grader, Jasmine Bronner, is the epitome of Westlake P.R.I.D.E and Westlake excellence. She is an amazing student who is laser focused on what she wants to do and who she wants to become. A straight "A" student who is wise beyond her years, Jasmine loves dancing, cooking, and dog training. Jasmine's favorite subject is Chemistry and she aspires to become a chemist so that she can create world class hair products that are safe and effective. Jasmine already plans to attending Georgia Tech and becoming a Chemical Engineer. This freshman is on the move so be on the look out!
Assistant Athletic Director - Dr. Ashley Clark (clarkam@fultonschools.org)
Week of Athletics
Westlake Athletics has a busy week this week. Please come out and support our Westlake Athletics teams. Congratulations to our girls and boys basketball teams advancing to the third round of playoffs. They will be playing at Kell High School, Tuesday March 2nd. Please come out to support them. 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 and social distance at all Westlake Sporting Events.
Please stay connected with Westlake Athletics by visiting our website https://westlakelionsathletics.com/ and following us on twitter @WestlakeSports1.
Army National Guard Virtual Visit
Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021, 05:00 PM
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Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Virtual Visit
Join Zoom Meeting
https://famu.zoom.us/j/99286994146
Meeting ID: 992 8699 4146
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,99286994146# US (New York)
+13017158592,,99286994146# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 992 8699 4146
Find your local number: https://famu.zoom.us/u/a8tfQcWLS
Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021, 05:00 PM
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For additional information about college visits, contact:
Mr. Sean Moore
Freshman Spotlight
JROTC Cadet of the Week
Cadet/Captain Jyair Bellot is a Westlake High School Senior and Commander of Alpha Company. He is the consummate professional who applies himself fully to any task presented. He is the first to volunteer, the last to stop work, and supportive to those within his class and the underclassmen in his company and throughout the battalion. Most recently, his leadership during his class/company service-learning project has been exemplary. CPT Bellot was recently accepted into Averett University. He received a Discover Scholarship for Lacrosse in the amount of $3,000 annually, a $2,000 out of state grant for a total of $20,000 over four years.
Athlete of the Week
Counseling Corner
Counselors
Dr. Owens, last names A-Da
Mrs. Crawford, last names Db-I
Ms. Harrison, last names J-O
Mrs. Jackson, (Department Chair) last names O-Se
Mrs. Perry, last names Sf-Z
Mrs. McAdoo, Magnet/IB
Click here to review last week's recordings for our students
Academic and College Resources
9th Grade – Academic Success in High School
- Graduation Requirements/Review 4-Year Plan
- Promotion Retention Policy
- Credit Recovery/Incompletes
- Grades/Honor Points/HOPE
- Naviance
- Dual Enrollment
- Success with Virtual Learning
- Mental Health Resources
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
College Board Virtual College Fair
College Board is hosting virtual events for high school students to connect directly with college admissions representatives and take action on the most important steps for college. Find a list of participating colleges for each fair below.
BigFuture Days Northeast, Sunday, 3/7, 4:00-8:00 PM ET/1:00-5:00 PM PT
BigFuture Days Midwest, Thursday, 3/11, 5:00-9:00 PM ET/2:00-6:00 PM PT
Atlanta Technical College Virtual Dual Enrollment Information Session
Atlanta Technical College will host a virtual dual enrollment information session with our students on March 9th at 12:00. Below is the login information.
Topic: ATC Dual Enrollment Virtual Information Session - Westlake
Time: Mar 9, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86028577330?pwd=QW52YU5lbFFubXl0cVBJLzMya2hmZz09
Meeting ID: 860 2857 7330
Passcode: 7JuX3A
Dual Enrollment
Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program provides funding for students who are dually enrolled at a participating eligible public or private high school, or home study program in Georgia, and a participating eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia. These students take postsecondary coursework for credit towards both high school graduation or home study completion and postsecondary degree, diploma, or certificate requirements. The program is offered during all terms of the school year: fall, spring, and summer semester or fall, winter, spring, and summer quarter.
Who is eligible to participate in the Dual Enrollment Program?
- Students in the 9th graders are not eligible to participate in the Dual Enrollment Program.
- 10th Graders who have a minimum SAT score of 1200 or minimum ACT composite score of 26 in a single national test administration may enroll in any approved courses listed on the Course Directory at a TCSG, USG or private eligible participating postsecondary institution. Note: GSFC must have the required test score(s) in the Dual Enrollment system prior to the student’s Dual Enrollment funding Application being approved by the high school. All eligible 10th Graders may enroll in approved Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses listed on the Course Directory at a participating TCSG institution only.
- 11th & 12th Graders eligible students may take any approved Dual Enrollment courses listed on the Course Directory, at an eligible participating postsecondary institution (USG, TCSG or private). The dual enrollment funding cap is 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
Application Process for Dual Enrollment
To view a tutorial video of the application process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UoBFlfsNSU
Students attending a Georgia eligible participating public or private high school must complete the online Dual Enrollment funding application.
Application Steps
1. You must complete an Admissions Application for the college(s) you would like to attend for approved Dual Enrollment courses. Application Deadline - Regardless of the institution’s deadline, Fulton County School’s deadline to apply for Dual Enrollment:
- For Summer and Fall Term: deadline to apply is March 30th
- For Spring and Winter Term: deadline to apply is November 30th
2. Once you have completed your portion of the application, your parent/guardian must electronically complete the Parent Participation Agreement section of your application. Your parent will receive an email to complete the online acknowledgment.
- Provide your parent/guardian’s email address.
- Parent/guardian may visit GAfutures.org\DE parent to electronically sign the agreement.
3. Your eligible participating high school counselor must approve your Dual Enrollment courses and funding application by entering the courses that you plan to take through Dual Enrollment. YOU MUST provide the counselor with a list of courses that you plan to take. A list of approved Dual Enrollment courses can be found on the Dual Enrollment Course Directory: https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/scholarships-grants/dual-enrollment/course-directory-2020-2021-beginning-summer-term-2020/.
4. You must be accepted by the college. The eligible participating college must approve your Dual Enrollment courses and funding application.
NAVIANCE
We want to remind you that all students in Fulton County Schools now have access to Naviance, which can be accessed through ClassLink. Starting this year, Westlake will be using Naviance to process and submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other college application documents.
This year as you begin your senior year, we strongly encourage you to visit Naviance to research colleges, careers, and scholarships! After doing your research and once you compile a list of colleges you are applying to you will find that different colleges will require you to apply using different platforms. Below you will find a list of the most common platforms colleges use to have their students apply:
- Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/
- Coalition https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/
- GaFutures https://www.gafutures.org/college-planning/
- Common Black College Application https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/
- Individual College Application
Important Changes to Common Application and requesting letters of recommendation: For Common Application, once you create your account, we ask that you NOT invite any teachers or counselors to write letters of recommendation through Common App until after you match your Common App account with your Naviance account. Requesting letters of recommendation in Common App before matching your Naviance account will create errors. Therefore, please hold off on requesting recommendations until after you match your accounts. To learn more about this process, you can watch the Common App Matching video: https://www.screencast.com/t/gxEQkElyo1. Once you match Common App to Naviance, you will then be able to request transcripts and teacher recommendations in Naviance Student.
These videos will help you understand this process better: ·
- Common App Matching: https://www.screencast.com/t/gxEQkElyo1
- Students Requesting Transcripts: https://www.screencast.com/t/Bk6kjS5ySK
- Requesting Letters of Recommendation: https://www.screencast.com/t/VD4X5XiMU
- Naviance Overview Video https://www.screencast.com/t/I4G09d3MlI
We hope that you will find these resources helpful. If you have any questions about Naviance Student and the college application process, please contact your assigned counselor.
SEL Parent Connection
Healthy boundaries are important to protect our safety and take care of ourselves. Boundaries are guidelines and limits we set for ourselves and our relationships. This week students will learn the importance of healthy boundaries, how to identify one's own boundaries, and how to know when a boundary has been crossed.
Parents, take time to talk with your teen about his or her boundaries. Support him or her to set their own boundaries. As much as teens need guidance, they also need acceptance.
Parent Tip of the Week
Planning is key for helping your teen study while juggling assignments in multiple subjects. Since grades are important, planning for studying is crucial for academic success. When your teen has a lot to study for, you can help him or her break down tasks into smaller chunks and stick to a studying calendar or schedule so he or she doesn't end up cramming for multiple tests all in one night. Note taking is vital so remind your teen to take notes in class, organize them by subject, and review them at home. Remember parents, most teens need help with organization and studying. Just because they are now in high school doesn't mean that they can do it all on their own....They are still learning and developing good habits that they can take with them after high school.
Parent Spotlight-Fredrick S. Lynch, CPA
Fredrick Lynch was born in LaGrange, GA, and moved to Atlanta during his high school years, where he attended and graduated from Banneker High School. He is a graduate of Tuskegee University (B.S.-Accounting) and Devry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management (Masters in Accounting & Financial Management). He was introduced to accounting in High School and it’s been his passion since that time. He is the CEO of FSL Tax and Accounting Services located in East Point that provides financial literacy and support to small business owners in the Atlanta area. He is an advocate for supporting his community by volunteering for organizations such as the PTA, being a member of Prince Hall Masons, and mentoring a group of high school students to start a stock investment company. He has been married to Trista for 20 years and they have two daughters, Jadyn (Westlake Junior) and Brooke (4 yrs old). He enjoys teaching others about financial literacy, vacationing with his family, and reading a good book. Fred has made a $1000 donation to Westlake High School supporting teachers and the Westlake girls softball team.