The Westlake Update "March 21 - 27"
The Westlake Update, Vol VII, March 21 - 27, 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
Week at a Glance
We are asking that all students, grades 9 - 11 apply for Dual Enrollment with Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Military College by Friday, March 26th.
As a reminder, Westlake High School will transition to remote learning Thursday, March 25 – Friday, March 26, 2021 so that staff can voluntarily attend special COVID-19 vaccination clinics hosted by FCS and the Fulton County Board of Health. FCS Project Vaccinate, which begins March 22 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is the latest step FCS is taking to support employees and our community throughout the pandemic. These days are not asynchronous, they are virtual learning days with live teaching sessions. Westlake High School will remain in remote learning April 12-14 but will return to face-to-face instruction for April 15-16.
Remote Learning Meal Kits
The FCS School Nutrition department will provide free Meal Kits for face-to-face students to take home while they participate in Remote Learning during the referenced vaccination days.
· Elementary schools will distribute Meal Kits on Friday, March 19, for face-to-face students.
· Middle schools will distribute Meal Kits on Tuesday, March 23, for face-to-face students.
· High schools will distribute Meal Kits on Wednesday, March 24, for face-to-face students.
Virtual learners will receive their weekly Meal Kit on Wednesday, March 31, at their regularly scheduled distribution site.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at adamsji@fultonschools.org.
Kind Regards,
Jarvis I Adams, Principal
Student Services Senior Spotlight
5 Strong Scholarship Foundation Scholars
Reyina Champagne
Bianca Haslett
Amari Carthan
Girls Link Up Pitch Competition
HBCU Lunch & Learn -- "Excelling During the Pandemic" -- Sat, 3/27 @ Noon
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an international, public service organization, with a membership in excess of 300,000 women, focusing on five targets as we provide service to our communities. One of the five targets is HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) for Life: A Call to Action. This target centers on the importance of attending and supporting HBCUs. As a member of Target 1: HBCU For Life: A Call to Action committee in our local chapter, Tau Epsilon Omega (TEO), our goal is to introduce students to HBCUs, outline the benefits of attending an HBCU, and guide students on how to navigate the admissions process.
As such, TEO has designed a virtual HBCU Lunch and Learn themed “HBCU Summit: Excelling During the Pandemic.” The purpose of this event is to engage in an open discussion concerning HBCUs as a viable college option, provide specifics and mechanics of attending an HBCU, show how schools pivoted during COVID, discuss application process changes and school safety adjustments, and showcase how these collegiate experiences will enrich the lives of students and set the foundation for future personal and professional successes. To aid this discussion, we have a guest speaker, Dr. Lorri Saddler, Associate Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Admission at Clark Atlanta University as well as a college panel with students representing Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, and North Carolina A&T State University.
Event Details:
WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 2021
TIME: 12:00PM – 1:30PM
WHERE: Zoom (link below)
COST: Free and open to the public
Students and families can register for this event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbcu-summit-excelling-during-the-pandemic-tickets-145350558433?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at programs@akateo.org or visit our website at www.akateo.org.
We look forward to your students' attendance on March 27th!
This Week in Athletics
Assistant Athletic Director - Dr. Ashley Clark (clarkam@fultonschools.org)
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 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.
Thank You Christian Coleman!
College Virtual Visits (Update below)
Florida State University Virtual College Visit
Join Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021, 05:00 PM
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For additional information about college visits, contact:
What’s Next? The Transition from High School Graduate to College Freshman Workshop
What’s Next Workshop?
The Transition from High School Graduate to College Freshman.
This workshop will help students learn about obtaining scholarships before college and during college. Also, this workshop will touch on the transition from high school to college and what to expect in your first year. We have invited some special guests to this workshop to come connect with the students here at Westlake. One of our special guests received so many scholarships before and during her college years, that she never had to pay out of pocket for college. She will be at this workshop to teach students how she was able to make this happen for herself. Who does not like free money?
This workshop will take place March 23, 2021 at 4:30 PM on Microsoft Teams. Please see below for meeting link.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 470-705-1712,,718094368# United States, Atlanta
Phone Conference ID: 718 094 368#
Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021, 04:30 PM
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Breaking Into the Business Part 3
Monday, Mar 29, 2021, 05:00 PM
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Upward Bound FULTON
Upward Bound Fulton
Are you interested in going to college, but need an adviser to guide you on your path? Are you a focus individual? Do you consider yourself a scholar? If so, you maybe an ideal individual for our program. We offer several services
- College tours, tutoring, workshops
- cultural enrichment, counseling, and etc.
For more information on this program, please check out the recruitment video below, as well as the attached flyers. If interested you are interested in this program, please feel free to reach out to: dmcclain@atlm.edu; lclark@atlm.edu; dlee@atlm.edu or
IB Diploma Programme Student of the Month
Abigail's proficiency in Spanish is outstanding. Señorita Wilson say Abigail speaks with ease and comfort in the second language and has immersed herself in the culture and the language. She is also interested in other languages and cultures, so she is pro-active in her learning. Additionally, she is an artists and brings her authenticity, creativity and ingenuity to the IB Spanish class.
IB Middle Years Programme Student of the Month
Mr. Thomas says that Nasir has been making major improvements this school year. He's been fully engaged in the lessons. Nasir has been leading the discussions in class and expressing himself vividly with his writing!
Freshmen Spotlight
Continue to be: Prepared. Respectful. Involved. Dedicated. Enthusiastic.
JROTC Cadet of the Week
Westlake High School (WHS) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Lions Battalion is proud to introduce everyone to this week's Cadet of the Week, Cadet/Captain (C/CPT) Dominque Evans. Ms. Evans currently serves as the Bravo Company Commander. She is a Leader Education Training (LET) 4 and Senior. C/CPT Evans is a native of Atlanta Georgia. She is a highly engaged WHS Scholar and Cadet who's previously held previous positions in JROTC included Squad Leader and First Sergeant. Ms. Evans was a member of the JROTC Drill, Raider, and Service-Learning Teams. She has mentored elementary school children while participating in the JROTC Junior Achievement initiative. This spectacular young lady has accumulated over 100 hours of community service.
Out of all the colleges/universities that C/CPT Evans has been accepted by her intentions are to attend Georgia State University where she will major in Nursing or Physical Therapy. Additionally, she intends on serving in the military in some capacity soon. C/CPT Evans maintains a 3.5GPA. She has exceled in the program and around school. She brings a high degree of ethical and moral standards that will serve any organization that she is a part of well.
Graphic Design Student of the Week
Athlete of the Week
King Huff
King Huff is a sophomore and the co-captain of the Boys Varsity Tennis team. He is our returning player and beginning to show his dominance on the doubles court. King has done well uniting his team and improving on his skills with each practice. We are proud of his efforts and impressed with his continued leadership.
Maurice Laurent Jr.
Maurice Laurent Jr. is one of our new Boys Varsity tennis players. He is a junior and the co-captain of the Boys Varsity team. He shows off his power and skills on the courts and is a dynamic player to watch. MJ, as we call him, is a hard-working student, who likes to build up the enthusiasm and fun when the team plays their matches. We are looking forward do seeking him excel both on and off the courts!
ATL Black History Film Festival Contest Winners
Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. hosted an essay and film competition to celebrate Black History Month. The contest rewarded teens and young adults that live in Fulton County. Students participating in the contest are asked to respond to the following prompt: “Why my unsung hero should be celebrated during Black History Month.”
Students were asked to write an essay or create a video about a 20th century figure who made a significant contribution to Black progress and American history in the areas of science, government or education. In the end Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr., The Jarvis Hayes Foundation & Friends of Wolf Creek presented 3 Westlake scholars, Isabella Cavienss 1st place video, Mercedes Fletcher 2nd place essay.
Junior Isabella Cavienss 1st Place Video
Sophomore Mercedes Fletcher 2nd Place Essay
Counseling Corner
Counselors
Dr. Owens OwensS@fultonschools.org (A – DA)
Mrs. Crawford crawforda4@fultonschools.org (DB – I)
Ms. Harrison HarrisonT1@fultonschools.org (J – N)
Ms. Perry PerryDB@fultonschools.org (O – SE)
Mrs. Jackson ReeseS@fultonschools.org (SF – Z)
Mrs. Mcadoo McAdooN@fultonschools.org (All Magnet Students)
WHS Counselor's Twitter Page: @whsdenkeepers
Academic and College Resources
Tips for Managing Stress
1. Relaxation and Meditation
- Focus on breathing — taking long and slow deep breaths while disengaging one’s mind
- Body scan — concentrating on different body parts while releasing tension and relaxing
- Mindfulness meditation — sitting in a comfortable position and paying attention to the present moment
2. Physical Exercise
- Yoga
- Regular work out routine
3. GET Organized
- Being disorganized can make school tough to manage.
- Simple tools like planners and timers can make a huge difference
4. Support Groups/Counseling
- National Safe Place, an organization that helps teens in crisis: 1-888-290-7233
- The Trevor Project, a hotline that helps youth: 866-4-U-TREVOR
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
2021 SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Summer School
Summer School is an opportunity for high school students to clear incompletes from Spring 2020-Spring 2021, accelerate, or recover credits during the time between school years. This includes students who receive services via an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Face-to-face (F2F) and virtual offerings exist and often provide students with a broader array of options than those available during the school year. The summer sessions are condensed versions of content provided during the school year, and students must have their course requests validated by their counselor before being enrolled.
For Summer School 2021, students who have previously failed a course have the opportunity to retake the course for free through Fulton Virtual School. Students may take up to two credits at no cost. In addition, students who have Incompletes from the Spring 2020-Spring 2021 can attend summer school at no cost in order to clear the incompletes. Students clearing an Incomplete can choose to participate through Face-to-Face Summer School or Fulton Virtual School. Students who choose to accelerate through Fulton Virtual School during the summer will require tuition.
Face-to-face Summer School courses will be offered for special education students who require an adapted curriculum (those assessed on the Georgia Alternate Assessment 2.0) that demonstrate learning loss and/or need to clear incompletes from Spring 2020- Spring 2021. These students can choose to participate in face-to-face summer school June 7-June 24 and/or July 1-July 22 at select summer school sites. Special education transportation can be provided per the student’s IEP and through the registration process.
If you have questions about summer school, please contact your student’s school counselor at his/her local high school. After June 5th, please contact the summer school location serving your student’s high school.
Face-to-Face Summer School Learning and Teaching Department http://www.fultonschools.org/SummerSchool
470-254-6883
470-254-1244 fax
Fulton Virtual School Instructional Technology Department
http://www.fultonschools.org/FultonVirtual
470-254-6578
470-254-1244 fax
Atlanta Tech Certificate Programs Virtual Event 3/24 @ 12:00 p.m.
Recently, Atlanta Technical College has partnered with Fulton County Schools. ATC has several certification programs that students can complete with the funded 30 credit hours and Hope Career Grant. Below you will find a list of certification programs ATC offers that are available with this great opportunity. ATC is hosting a special session for Fulton County Schools on March 24th at 12:00 P.M.
Please use the link or SCAN to register for the information session: https://forms.gle/dr1wuixALwW6Q2Lo9
QUESTIONS? Contact us at hsadmissions@atlantatech.edu or 404-224-4511.
Approved Programs for Technical Certificate
Air Conditioning Technician Assistant
Auto Collision Repair Assistant I
Auto Collision Repair Assistant II
Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician
Auto Engine Performance Technician
Auto Engine Repair Technician
Auto Transmission/Transaxle Technician Specialist
Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist
Automotive Climate Control Technician
Certified Construction Worker
Certified Warehousing Distribution Specialist
Commercial Truck Driving
Commercial Straight Truck & Passenger Driving
Commercial Wiring
CompTIA A+ Certified Preparation
Design and Media Production Specialist
Diesel Engine Service Technician
Diesel Truck Maintenance Tech
Diesel Electrical/Electronic Systems Tech
Drafters Assistant
Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Emergency Medical Responder
Emergency Medical Technician
Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Technician
Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist
Network Support Specialist
Nurse Aide
Patient Care Assistant
PC Repair and Network Technician
Plumbing Technician Residential/Commercial
Residential Wiring
Harvard Diversity Project
The Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project (“Harvard Diversity Project”) is an official program of Harvard College headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The program is an accelerated course of study in which students are taught by Harvard's assistant debate coach and are exposed to higher-level academic disciplines such as philosophy, political science, humanities, rhetoric, and much more. Students attend class each Saturday from August 2021 through June 2022.
The Harvard Diversity Project consists of 34 weeks of instruction, culminating in an opportunity to attend a two-week residency at Harvard in the summer. The program year is then followed by a year of service to the organization and community, instilling in our scholars the very essence of “building as we climb.”
If you are ready to expand your mind, network with like-minded, motivated students, and change the world, then this program is for you! Click her to apply: http://harvarddcdp.org/apply/.
National Hispanic College Fair
Click Here to register: https://gotocollegefairs.swoogo.com/CC_NHCF_Georgia_NCarolina_SCarolina
Fulton Schools College and Career Academy
Welcome to the Academy! We are excited about the great teaching and learning that takes place daily at FSCCA. But don't take our word for it. Click on the video below to hear from FSCCA current and former students, parents, and partners.
Fulton Schools College and Career Academy Video
Dual Enrollment - Deadline to Apply for Summer 2021 or Spring 2021 is March 31st
Helpful Dual Enrollment Links:
Dual Enrollment Admission Requirements
Dual Enrollment Course Directory
Request Transcript for 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 grade 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. Students can request a transcript for dual enrollment through GA Futures Request Transcript for Dual Enrollment.
Application Steps
1. You must complete an Admissions Application for the college(s) you would like to attend for approved Dual Enrollment courses.
Fulton County School’s deadline to apply for Dual Enrollment:
- For Summer and Fall Term: deadline to apply is March 31st
- For Spring and Winter Term: deadline to apply is November 1st
2. After you have been accepted by the college for dual enrollment, you are now ready to complete the Dual Enrollment Funding Application ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UoBFlfsNSU&feature=youtu.be). Your parent/guardian must electronically complete the Parent Participation Agreement section of your funding 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. YOU MUST provide the counselor with a list of dual enrollment 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/. Your counselor must approve your Dual Enrollment courses and funding application by entering the courses that you plan to take through Dual Enrollment
4. 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.
Mandatory Bridge Bill Activities
At each grade level, students are required to complete activities focused on college and career awareness. FCS has included the state-required activities in Naviance under "Important To-Dos and Tasks". Below are student Bridge Bill Guides for each grade level.