Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your Weekly eNews for April 29
Hello Parents and Guardians,
Several years ago I noted and wrote about a player stealing home in a close baseball game, a brash play at first glance but in reality the function of noteworthy judgement. This play is rare, as evidenced by MLB career leader in stealing bases Ricky Henderson stole home just 4 times in his 23 year career and overall MLB witnesses it less than 2% of all stolen bases being at home plate.
Stealing home is a play of equal parts audaciousness and good fortune. However, there is a bit more to behind the heroics of that particular game. John Porthouse, by all accounts, had demonstrated himself to be a good student in his time at WG and likely knew the likelihood of completing the play against a left handed pitcher (indirect view of baserunner on third) with a slower delivery, two outs in a one run, late innings game, his own speed on the bases, and having a right handed batter to obstruct vision and play of the catcher. As Louis Pasteur noted, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Clearly, John’s understanding of the circumstances and his or his coach’s analysis fostered the boldness of the play and potential to have a favorable outcome.
As a secondary school, we cannot know our students' destinations, yet we can “prepare” their mind. The prepared mind has the ability to observe, make sense, arrive at decisions and act across a complex environments. Allowing them deeper learning opportunities that permit them to seek greater understanding, partnerships, and relevance will undoubtedly allow them the tools to navigate circumstances they will encounter.
One of my favorite aspects of history is that it is not a memorization of facts but rather a fluid interpretation of a complex entity with evidence that requires interpretation and analysis. As the New York Times noted last year: “Historical understanding is not fixed; it is constantly being adjusted by new scholarship and new voices. Within the world of academic history, differing views exist, if not over what precisely happened, then about why it happened, who made it happen, how to interpret the motivations of historical actors and what it all means.” The AP U.S. History exam is largely that, requiring students to analyze multiple documents with differing perspective on the same topic and make meaning from those sources coupled with their own prior knowledge.
Evolving scholarship has raised questions about slavery and the nation’s past and present and addresses the marginalization of African-American history in the telling of the American narrative. This perspective has largely been absent, and its inclusion is both worthy and an important part of preparing minds. Dissent is a revered part of being an engaged citizen and reasoned disagreement has value in support of a strong public education that serves as a cornerstone of our republic. And while earnest rebuttal and critiques are part of historiography, opposition rooted in ideological orthodoxy limits opportunities for preparation for the complexities of deeper thinking and the ability to see a shared path forward. The study of history and students' thinking skills are improved when weighing multiple perspectives and coming to their own conclusions.
In gratitude,
Matt Irvin
Senior Awards Program is TONIGHT!
Staff Appreciation Week is May 3-7
Please Send a Shout-out to Our Staff for Staff Appreciation Day
We will share this link with our staff during the week of May 3.
1. Click on the link above or here.
2. Click on the pink + button (shown to the right) in the lower right corner of the screen to add a note, file, or picture.
3. In the Title, list the staff member's name or group you are recognizing.
4. Type your comment. When finished, click outside the box.
5. All comments must be approved before publishing. Please ensure that comments are positive and appropriate to Staff Appreciation Week.
Thank you,
WGHS Administrative Staff
Students to Receive Sexual Abuse Prevention Education
In accordance with Missouri state law, beginning this school year and every year thereafter, our district will provide age - and developmentally sexual abuse prevention education to students in 6th - 12th grade. The goal of this programming is to keep your children safe.
Students will complete the training on May 4, in their classroom. Please know we are taking into consideration that some students will view this training from home, therefore counselors will be available both virtually and in person. We sent details regarding this training via email to all families on April 28. Please review carefully for information on how to opt out of the training, resources for families, and a link to support from our counselors.
Please notify your child's Assistant Principal with any questions or concerns.
Graduation Details Coming Soon!
Due to inconsistencies with our postal service, we are not mailing this information. We want all families to have this information well before May 14. If you would like a printed copy of the Graduation information, please stop by the Main Office from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Graduation will be live-streamed on our website and the Webster Groves Schools YouTube channel.
20th Annual Jim Schoemehl Run This Saturday
Marketing II's Jim Schoemehl Run is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! The run started in 2001 when the past marketing teacher (Alicia Schoemehl) 's husband was diagnosed with ALS. To help their teacher raise money and awareness, the Marketing II seniors created the Jim Schoemehl Run. Now the run is a community event that takes responsibility, cooperation, and many hours of work by our Marketing II seniors. This year the run is on Saturday, May 1st at 7:30am at Webster Groves High School. Our goal is to raise $18,000 for our ALS sponsor, Bo Powell and his family, and to have over 200 participants in the run. We would love your help in making that happen by registering to run, donating, or just by buying a t-shirt! Registration is now open at https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/SaintLouis/JimSchoemehlRunforALS and to order t-shirts visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/MO/SaintLouis/JimSchoemehlRunforALS . For more information please visit our website at http://jims5k.org/ . Thank you so much for your support and we will see you there! #20yearsrunning!
Celebrations
- Columbia Scholastic Press Association announced the yearbook and digital winners from its 38th Gold Circle Awards program. Senior Jaden Fields earned a Certificate of Merit for her Single Sports Photograph “Junior challenges Glendale player for ball in season’s first match.”
- Congratulations to Jerid Enyard for qualifying for the 2021 USAG Development National Gymnastics Championships, which will be held in May!
Amelia Dorsey, WGHS student, illustrates book for Childrens Hospital (interview starts at about 1:43 minutes)
Term 4 Schedule
Term 4 Schedule for Virtual Program
Did You Know?
The 2021-22 school year starts on August 23. Sports dead week is August 2-6, and fall sports begin on August 9.
The full 2021-22 calendar will be published on our website in late May/early June.
Learning at WGHS
Free Breakfast and Lunch Available for All WGSD Students
During in person learning and distance learning, Webster Groves Students will continue to have access to FREE breakfast and FREE lunch Monday-Friday.
Meals are available for pick-up at Webster Groves High School and home delivery. Students who have opted for in person learning, will be able choose their meal choice daily in the classroom.
For home delivery or meal pick up , please sign up using the below link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfH08CJCOJnb0mqz6Cg45vKq9mllDBcKBWFJWwbBoiM96s-9A/viewform?usp=pp_url .
Please contact us at pelant.nancy@wgmail.org with any questions.
Check out our menus at https://webster.nutrislice.com/ or download the Nutrislice app!
Counseling Department Updates
Attention Juniors!
The deadline to register for the June 12th ACT is Friday, May 7. Students should register and pay online at www.myact.org. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch qualify for a fee waiver from ACT. Please see your college counselor to request one.
Exploring Career Speakers Series
The Greater St. Louis Area Exploring Program is excited to offer young adults ages 14-20 the opportunity to virtually meet and network with professionals from a variety of career fields. What education or training do you need for this career? What does a typical day look like? What do you like most about your job? These are just a few examples of what you might learn in the career workshops. The workshops are free and you may attend as many as you like.
All virtual programs will start at 5:00pm
· Wednesday, May 12th -No College required-careers not requiring at college degree
Visit https://scoutingevent.com/312-Exploringcareerspeakers to register.
Scholarship Information for Seniors
St. Louis Area Scholarship Search St. Louis Graduates Scholarship Central (Note: Many of these applications have not opened up yet so keep checking back.) This is also where you can apply for Interest Free Student Loans from Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.
Where can you find other scholarships? There are a number of scholarship databases out there. While it can seem a little overwhelming, it can be very rewarding if you put some time into it.
National Scholarship Searches
Fastweb
College Board’s Big Future
Peterson’s
Unigo
Cappex
As a reminder, WGHS school counselors and social workers are working to support the academic, social and emotional, and post-secondary planning needs of our students. If you or your child are having difficulties or need assistance, please reach out to their counselor or social worker.
School Counselors
A-E Alex King (king.alexandra@wgmail.org)
F-K Ken Winingham (winingham.ken@wgmail.org)
L-R Joe Hepfinger (hepfinger.joe@wgmail.org)
S-Z Simone Cunningham (cunningham.simon@wgmail.org)
College and Career Counselors
A-K Karen Verstraete (verstraete.karen@wgmail.org)
L-Z Jennedy Lombard (lombard.jennedy@wgmail.org)
School Social Workers
Anne Gibbs (gibbs.anne@wgmail.org)
Anne Marie Guntli (SSD) (guntli.ann@wgmail.org)
Technology
For students or families having technology issues, please do the following:
- For specific Canvas issues, contact Ms. Liz Forderhase at forderhase.liz@wgmail.org or call her at 314.963.6400, ext. 11928.
- Below is a link to the technology support ticket system we are utilizing to help give our learners and families the most efficient system to help us keep track of technology support requests. Use this site to submit when you are having technology difficulties with your child's equipment/access/accounts/etc.
https://wgsd.on.spiceworks.com/portal
As always, you are welcome to contact us at 314.963.6400 for assistance.
Webster Groves High School
Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: hs.webster.k12.mo.us
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS