Scarlet News and Notes
December 8, 2019
Assuring Learning Excellence and Readiness for a Changing World
10 Days to Winter Break
Let's also remember to have some fun! I have had people asking about ugly sweater days, ugly sweaters are fun, right? Let's make the next two Tuesdays Ugly Sweater days.
To help ease the demands and stresses December can bring, we will cancel the staff meeting for 12.17, and there is nothing to prepare for the staff meeting this Wednesday.
If you can, I would encourage you to attend the concert this Friday. This is one concert where you can hear band, choir, and orchestra performing, with all three coming together for one piece. It is amazing.
Let's Get to Know...
Laura Blasing from the English department. Laura grew up in Hastings, and attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for both her bachelors and masters degrees.
Laura is married to Zach. They have a daughter, Lydia, who is a year old, and a dog named Eddie. In her free time, she likes to go for walks, spend time with family, and read. This year, she is looking to grow and learn from her students.
Kai Sill from the Science department. Kai teaches physics, AVID 9 and AVID 10. He has been in education 9 years, all of those years at West. Kai says, "A bad day at school is still probably better than a bad day in any other profession I can imagine."
This summer, Kai completed his MSHSL Head Coach Certificate.
Kai was born in Fairmont, MN, but spent most of his life in Marshall, MN. He has one sister that lives in Green Bay, her husband works for the Packers at Lambeau Field. Kai attended three different universities, four if you count the year he spent at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and says he would go back to school in a heartbeat.
Kai is married to fellow teacher, Emma, who teaches Health Science at East, West, and Central. They have a daughter Svea (Svay-ah) who is one. His free time is dedicated to training and racing, trying to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. Kai also coaches Cross Country and Track.
This school year, Kai is excited to have his own room! What also excites him is the chance to use what he has learned and perspective he has gained serving as CIC for three years. He feel more prepared and competent in his teaching practice and better able to learn from his students to better meet their needs.
Crissy Makela, from the math department. Crissy teaches Algebra IIB, Pre-Calc Enriched, and AVID 12. She is starting her 25th year at West. Crissy attended JJ Pearce High School in Richardson, TX and University of Iowa.
Crissy has three kids: a junior in college, a senior in high school and an 8th grader. In her free time, she likes to garden, watch the kids, go to the lake, and go for a run. Crissy is also our varsity Girls Soccer coach.
Joe Johnson, our new Activities Director. Joe has worked in education for 15 years. He began his teaching career as a physical education and health teacher, as well as a 3 sport coach. Before coming to Mankato West, he spent one year teaching AVID and working with students who need more support.
Joe grew up in Janesville MN. He received his undergrad at MNSU, Mankato and graduate degree at St. Mary's University. Most recently, he is in the process of finishing up his Leadership degree at MNSU, Mankato.
Joe's family is all in the area. He has an older brother who is married and has 2 young children and he has a younger sister. In his free time you may find him exercising, riding bike, smoking meat, and spending time with friends and family.
Joe is excited about developing new relationships and becoming a part of all the activities here at West! Go Scarlets!
Tech Audit
Thank you, Paul, for supporting our technology integration!
Announcements - New Format
Teachers can refer to the link below or they can log into IC and see it on the main page under "current daily announcements." Please be sure to read the announcements every day during 1st hour.
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/16g2mTFtapOkmD55i-fB6u0uAUWZViyCB4JTXVseQ2MA/edit
Thank you, Cheri Maes, for your work on our announcements!
Reminders
Student Surveys
Be sure to have your students complete feedback surveys before the end of the semester. Here is one you can use google form survey
Calendars
Subscribe to the WHS Staff Master Calendar to see field trips, events, different schedules, drills, activities, etc.
15 Minute Meetings
Two weeks left! Most of you have had or have scheduled your meeting with me. If you have not, please talk to Jodi asap.
IC Messages
When sending a message to parents/guardians using Infinite Campus, please make sure to include your class name, grade level (if appropriate) and West High School in the message so it is more clear for those families that have multiple students at different buildings and grade levels. Infinite Campus does not tell the family which school or grade the message has been sent from.
The Week at a Glance
Monday
Events
Winter Concert 7:30pm auditorium
Tuesday
Late Start - PLCs at West
Department Rep Meeting 3:15pm Room 210
Family Connections Meeting 4:00pm Room 116
Events
Boys Hockey 7:15pm at ASA
Boys Basketball 7:30, gym
Wednesday
Staff Meeting 3:15pm Media Center
(nothing to prepare, no need to bring anything)
Thursday
Game On Thursday
Events
Boys Swim and Dive 6:00pm MSU
Girls Hockey 5:15pm ASA
Boys Basketball 7:30pm Gym
Friday
High Five Friday
Events
Holiday Festival of Music 7:30pm Auditorium
Coming Soon
December 23 - January 1 - No School, Winter Break