Principal's Newsletter
May 9, 2020
Greetings Thomas Titans-
There have been a few emails this week with questions about end of the year events to both Schroeder Principal Mr. Benz and myself. We will be putting out a communication very soon to answer these questions with as much detail as possible. I realize that some districts are publicizing their plans for virtual graduations and not knowing what Thomas and Schroeder have planned creates questions and some anxiety. Please be patient. We have met with class officers for the Class of 2020 and these are the priorities they have asked that we try to meet:
1) A graduation ceremony that includes as many of their classmates as possible in one space at one time. This was their number one "ask" and they proposed doing this in July if it helps to get the class together.
2) A graduation ceremony that includes as many guests (family members) as allowed by county health guidelines.
3) The students wanted a virtual or drive thru ceremony as an absolute last resort.
This coming week there is expected to be some updated guidance for regions of NYS according to Governor Cuomo. It is our hope that with the new guidance, we can make public some of the details we have tentatively planned for Graduation 2020. Once we have this final event planned, we will put out a complete Senior Events Timeline sheet at each high school.
As always, if you have question or concern you are free to email at glenn_widor@webstercsd.org. If it is an urgent matter you can text or call my cell at 645-4615.
Take care, stay safe and enjoy this week's update.
Glenn
The Webster Graduation Trucks Are Out!
NEWS Channel 8 Honor Roll Salute
Do you want to recognize your senior and give them a salute? Check out the NEWS Channel 8 Honor Roll Salute. Here's the website where a parent can submit nominations:
Each day they will recognize 6 seniors from our area during their newscasts!
Dear Class of 2020 Seniors,
We hope that you enjoyed last Friday’s senior lawn sign delivery parade! It was wonderful to see so many of your faces.
It is bittersweet that as signs were being delivered, we learned that school buildings will remain closed for the conclusion of the 19-20 school year. As a result, the end of senior year will deviate even further from our original vision.
We can only begin to imagine how you must be feeling at this moment. The loss of customary senior year experiences is one that we grieve with you. Please know that every effort is being made to honor your class and reimagine traditional events. Rest assured, your class officers are a part of our collaborative team, providing a voice for the class in the decision-making process.
You are an amazing class, and we promise that your accomplishments will be celebrated in the best way possible!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nina Sidoti and Miss Christine M Schotthoefer
Class of 2020 Advisors
IMPORTANT CLASS OF 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS
STAY CONNECTED
While we are physically away from school, we will be relying on the electronic platforms below to stay connected. If you have not already done so, please join the senior class Google Classroom pages and sign up for Remind messages.
For seniors only:
Class of 2020 Google Classroom (code: dvfntf2)
Counseling Portfolio Google Classroom (code: xjkmj5t)
For seniors AND families:
Remind: Text @b34ga to 81010
Instagram: wthsclassof2020_
Senior Slideshow:
We are creating a slideshow of pictures to celebrate your time in Webster schools. Pictures can be from elementary school to present day. If you have pictures that you would like to be included, please send them to wthsclassof2020pictures@gmail.com by June 1.
CLASS OF 2020 FUNDS
Senior Trip:
Rest assured that all payments for the senior trip will be refunded/voided. If you made a cash payment, or your check has been deposited, a refund check will be issued and mailed to the address listed for you in Infinite Campus. Check payments that have not been deposited will be voided and destroyed.
Class Dues:
Our intention is to use funds generated from Class Dues contributions toward an end of the year celebration, graduation, and on a commemorative gift for each senior.
Questions/Concerns/Objections:
Please complete the linked Google form by Friday, May 15 to share your questions/concerns/objections regarding Senior Trip payments and/or Class Dues contributions.
Student Voice of 2020
You definitely have a story to tell- be the Voice of 2020. While we await guidance on what graduation 2020 will look like, be assured that we WILL have a graduation ceremony and you will have a chance to celebrate your high school graduation. Be a part of the history and write a speech to be delivered at your ceremony.
Speeches should:
-be about 5 minutes in length
-speak to a larger theme that applies to many people
-Stress the positive in a message of hope
Students should submit speeches to Mr. Widor at glenn_widor@webstercsd.org by May 29th. Students should videotape their messages and then share that file. When taping your message, pretend you are delivering it to your class. Dress appropriately, speak clearly and do your best!
A faculty committee will select 2-3 students to speak at graduation.
Speeches are due by May 29th!
Show you are a member of the Titan Family...
SENIORS!! IMPORTANT - EXIT SURVEY for FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
Exit Survey with Final Transcript Request for Class of 2020
With graduation around the corner we would like you to take a minute and
reflect on your post high school plans and your time at Thomas High
School. The Exit Survey Class of 2020 will provide you the opportunity to
do both as well as indicate where you want the registrar to send your final
transcript. The required 8 question survey will only take a few minutes to
complete.
Directions for completing the exit survey
1. Sign into your Naviance account
2. Click on “the about me” tab
3. In the drop down menu select “My Surveys”
4. Select “Surveys not started”
5. Click on Class of 2020 senior exit survey
6. Please answer all questions that apply to you
Note the following:
Question #3 – List all the schools you applied to and the admissions
decision. VERY IMPORTANT: (1) Check the box indicating the
school you will be “attending” AND (2) Check the box “send final
transcript”
Question #7- List all scholarships you have been offered (even from
schools you are not attending).
Counselors are available should you need clarification.
Thank you
The Thomas Student Center
https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=wths
Order a Yearbook- It has been a year to remember!!
Don’t forget to order a copy of the yearbook for your student. Their origin story is happening now. A yearbook is a powerful tool for keeping track of every step of the journey.
Order Yearbook ››
Yearbook sale has been extended until the end of May.
Titan Updates
LINK CREW is LOOKING for YOU!
What? Link Crew is a student centered leadership and mentor program. Upperclassmen support our incoming freshmen and their transition to the high school.
Why? It's a wonderful way to get involved and give back to your Titan family & add to your leadership experience.
When? The application is available now through June 1st at midnight. It is a 2 part virtual application process this year. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO START YOUR APPLICATION!
Thomas Student Center has started a Remind account.
Join us at the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11txNXlEo595gtwQlalmVn9p5eNa5U5si/view?ts=5ea07045
Wash your hands and be safe!
Thomas Principal