West Side Story 2.0
October 15, 2021
BEST at West...Be respectful, Engage in learning, Show integrity, Take responsibility
Conferences
We will be hosting parent/teacher conferences on Monday, October 18 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Please use this link https://ptcfast.com/schools/Mankato_West_High_School to schedule conference times with your student’s teachers. You will find your student’s teachers by viewing your student’s schedule on your parent portal in Infinite Campus. If you need assistance with PTCFast please access this video for support.
Other Opportunities to Attend During Conferences
Our Counseling Department will be providing a Financial Aid Workshop beginning at 5:00pm in the Media Center. At this session, guardians will be able to complete FAFSA forms for their senior students.
Our ELL department is hosting a Fall Parent Circle Gathering for all of our ELL families beginning at 4:30 in the cafeteria.
Grade Update
Parenting Tip - We do this on Thursdays so parents can encourage students to get their work done before they make social plans for the weekend.
October 28th is our next grade check date, when teachers will have grades up to date. This is a good day to sit down with your student and review their grades, celebrate some highlights, and make a plan for any classes the student is struggling.
The end of the quarter is November 11th. The quarter grade that a student earns will be 50% of their semester grade. Semester grades are the grades that are reported on the student's transcript.
Standards Based Learning
Grading - Standards Based Learning
Grades will communicate what students know and can do. Grading practices should be consistent, accurate, fair and non-punitive. Grades will serve as communication and self-evaluation tools for students, families, and teachers.
Semester Grade Calculation
The Semester Grade (the grade that goes on the transcript) is calculated by 50% for each quarter grade.
Gradebook Reflects Learning
The gradebook reflects learning rather than behaviors.
Elimination of Extra Credit
Extra credit will no longer be offered. The option to redo or retake an assessment replaces the need for extra credit.
Weighted Gradebook
The minimum weight for this year will be 80% Summative Assessments and 20% Formative Assessments with a shift to minimum 90% Summative Assessments and 10% Formative Assessments by next year.
Summative assessments may include a variety of methods:
Multiple choice tests, written work- papers, essays, shorter response, labs, demonstrations, projects, etc.
Retake Procedures
All students are eligible for a reassessment to demonstrate a higher level of understanding.
Students will have 2 school days from the time their feedback is received to complete their retake form AND schedule the reassessment with their teacher.
Students will be allowed 1 retake per summative assessment.
Students must complete a retake form and agreed-upon relearning activities to ensure that learning takes place before the reassessment. If this process is not followed, the reassessment may be denied.
Relearning activities and reflection may include: corrections, tutoring, discussion, revisiting unfinished formative work, re-teaching, etc.
Reassessments address the same standard(s)/content/skill(s) as the original assessment, but may be in a different form. Different formats may include revisions/corrections, version B of a test, oral responses, etc.
When a student reassesses, the highest score is the one that will be put in the gradebook.
NHS
Mankato West High School Information
West Daily Announcements found in the Parent Portal
Twitter - @BlasingMWHS
FYI - Back Lot
We have a steam line replacement that needs to be replaced before the heating season. This project is slated to start October 18th and be completed by the end of the week. Please look at the picture below to see how this work will affect our back lot.
Red lines are what is going to be dug up to get to the steamline.
No traffic will be allowed around the annex during drop off and pick up times. Please plan for an alternate drop off/pick up location if you typically use door #19.
Family Academy
Upcoming Events
October 18
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 19
Soccer Section Finals - New Prague
Girls vs. New Prague 5:00pm
Boys vs. Worthington 7:30pm
October 20
Jug Game - 7:00pm at Minnesota State University, Mankato
East/West Football
October 21, 22
No School
October 28
Grade Check
November 11
Last Day of First Quarter
November 12
No School - Teacher Work Day