Welcome to the week before break! This week can bring up a variety of emotions in all of us: exhaustion, excitement, joy, grief, anxiety, stress. We are here to support each other as we head into break with all the emotions that it can bring. We are looking forward to a Winter Community Celebration on Friday afternoon as we celebrate each other, the hard work we have put into this fall, our work of coming together as One West and a PACK and preparing for time apart from our community. We hope that you all have a safe break. Due to break the next Howl will be on January 7th.

Please take a look at all the important information of upcoming events and important dates in this week's Howl:

• December Planning for Joy: Winter Celebrations from within our Community and Around the World
• Upcoming Events- Check it out! Lots of important things coming up
• Online School Store
• Three-Sided Approach: Students Learning Bell-to-Bell: Week 3- Den Passes
• Winter Community Celebration
• Scheduling with a Purpose and Course Expo
• Parking Reminders
• Staff Appreciation Breakfast
• End of the Semester
• Staff Appreciation Breakfast
• IMPORTANT SENIOR INFORMTATION
• Spring Musical Auditions
• Dane County Youth Assessment
• Classroom, Staff and Student Spotlights
• Reality Rocks- Taking a deeper look
• 9th Grade Networks
• Chemistry
• Physics
• English 9
• Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl
• Coach Spotlight
• New School Record- 51 Points

In Case you Missed It:

• $40 Fee
• Food Drive for Sunshine Place
• Welcoming Schools
• Three-Sided Approach: 1st 10/Last 10 and Lunch
• Bucky Book
• Yearbook Info
• Course Request Season is Approaching
• Academic and Career Planning
• Cap and Gown Donations
• 5th Hour Tutoring
• ASVAB Testing
• Parent Partnership Meetings
• Senior Caps and Gowns

• Monday, December 17th- Friday, December 22nd- Regular school days! (even for seniors!)
• Monday, December 25th-Monday, January 1st- Winter Break
  

• Tuesday, January 9th- Course Expo- 5:00-7:00 PM at West

• Thursday, January 11th- Course Expo- 5:30-7:30 PM at East

• February 13th- Dane County Youth Assessment during school

Have you ever walked by the screens while in the building at West and thought, I want to make sure my student knows about that? Here are our student announcements so that parents/caregivers can have the same information to remind and encourage student involvement.

New merch link is open now! Order your Wolf Wear Today!

We are two weeks into our Three-Sided Approach! The three-sided approach focuses on supporting students learning bell-to-bell, even the week before break! This week we continue to focus on no passes for the 1st 10 min or the last 10 minutes of class, staying in class til the bell AND will be adding a focus of using den passes when students are using the den space. Thank you to the work of our Instructional Coach and ELMSS coordinator we will be rolling out new universal den passes this week. This allows us to know who has permission to continue their learning in the den and who needs help re-engaging in their classroom learning environment. Let's finish strong as we head into break!

As we continue to work to build community and celebrate as a PACK we are holding a Winter Community Celebration on Friday afternoon. Students will be able to choose from different activities as we celebrate, learn from and about each other and build community. This is a community celebration for ALL (yes Seniors, you too!) students, attendance will be taken. If your student has a conflict and cannot attend the community celebration please contact Ms. Renee Johnson as early as possible at 608-478-1707 and follow our normal attendance procedures.

Last week your students heard a presentation from the High School College, Career and Life Readiness Coordinators. Students were introduced to resources that will enhance their course selection process. The presentation attached discusses ways for students to make more purposeful decisions in the course selection process. “Blueprints” were introduced to help students match career pathways with their academic and career goals. The presentation can be viewed HERE

Mark your calendars now to come to one of two course expos when we get back from break. The Course Expos will contain the same information, attend the one that works best for your family but please plan to be there! Teachers will be available to talk about courses for next year so that you can make your best choices. Course Expo dates: Jan 9th at West and Jan 11th at East.

As we reach the halfway point in the year a few parking lot reminders:

• When dropping off or picking up students use the designated drop-off/pick-up lane OUT SIDE of the student parking lot. We have had many parents/caregivers waiting for students IN the student parking lot, this blocks students in causing students to be late to work, etc. Additionally, student drop-off/pick-up should not take place in the visitor/staff parking lot at the front of the school, this additionally causes congestion.
• While waiting to pick up a student DO NOT pull into handicap parking lots if you do not have handicap plates or placard. We have had many instances of families picking up students that need access to these spaces to load the student and their wheelchair and they cannot access them because others are using the space for waiting.

We know that with a student population of ~1400 students drop-off/pick-up can be a very busy time and waiting can cause frustration. However, if we all work together and follow the system everyone's needs will be met. Thank you!

Amazing members of our community are putting together a staff appreciation breakfast on Tuesday, December 19th. Below is the sign up sheet if you would like to help donate food or assist with the breakfast. Thank you!

Ending the Semester: Once we return from Winter Break the end of the semester will be quickly upon us. Reminder that semester grades are the grades that count for your transcript, credits, GPA and colleges! Semester grades also have immediate athletic consequences for Fs and Incompletes. Please work NOW so that you are thriving by the end of the semester.

• Late Work Deadline: The last day for students to turn in late work is Friday, January 5th.

• Last New Summative Date: The last day for new summatives to be presented in class is Friday, January 12th.

• Week of January 14th: The last week of the semester is used for reflection of learning, summarizing learning or additional opportunities to show growth, skills and knowledge, community building and closing out of learning communities in preparation for schedule changes.

Are you a senior interested in speaking at this year’s graduation? Do you have a great idea for a senior class gift? If you’re interested in learning about these topics and more, come to 1408 on Thursday 12/21 at 8am. Ms. Reimer and Mr. Barth will discuss the procedure for selecting senior class speakers and more. Please email Mr. Barth or Ms. Reimer with any questions.

NOTE to Senior Parents/Caregivers and Seniors students- You DO have school on Friday! A inventive rumor has started that Principal JP said that seniors don't have school on Friday. This is NOT true. We look forward to seeing you all Friday!

Do you have questions on how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? The FAFSA is the form a student needs to complete to apply for financial aid, such as grants and loans. Plan to attend a College Goal Wisconsin event in-person or virtually to receive free information and assistance completing the FAFSA. Sun Prairie East is hosting January 10th!

When: Wed, January 10th, 6:00 pm

Where: Sun Prairie East High School- LMC

Who: Anyone who is planning on attending college for the 2024-2025 school year

Why: Hands-on-help to guide you through the application process

• All attendees automatically entered to win a $1000 Scholarship

NOTE: It is highly recommended that Students attend the event with a parent so the FAFSA can be submitted that evening

• Please arrive before 6 p.m. since the event starts promptly at 6 p.m.

• The FAFSA completion event begins with a short presentation on tips to complete the FAFSA.

• After the presentation, families will proceed to a computer lab to complete the FAFSA.

Click here for a list of what to bring.

Last week Seniors viewed a presentation about Scholarships. Many resources were shared including the Local Scholarship Application. All seniors are encouraged to apply. Applications are due February 28, 2024. Students can find the application on our scholarship website or in the presentation. HERE is the link to the presentation.

Right when we get back from break it is time for auditions for our Spring Musical: Beauty and the Beast. ALL students are invited and encouraged to audition. See you there!

Since 1980, every three years over 20,000 Dane County youth in grades 7-12 are surveyed regarding their opinions, concerns, attitudes, behaviors and experiences to provide educators, community agencies, parents, policy-makers and funding bodies the data needed to inform grant writing, program development and public policy. The last survey was administered in 2021.

Dane County school districts, including SPW, will be administering the Dane County Youth Assessment to all students on 2/13/2024. Please review the links below for more details on the survey, participation options and who to contact for questions.

Parent consent HERE

Consentimiento de los padres AQUI

Did you read about Reality Rocks last week and wonder more specifics of what students are experiencing? Take a lot at this short video to learn more about what our students are learning at Reality Rocks from paying taxes, cost of childcare, and more.

"As our 9th grade networks are being established this year, the Air network started a new tradition of selecting students of the month for being recognized for their hard work in the following categories; Community, Academic, Focused. Here are this month's winners!" - Mr. Block

Chemistry students recently completed a Flame Test Lab. In this experiment, different unknown metals are burned and students will identify the metal based on the color of the flame. How does it work? Heating the atoms in the flame excites the electrons. When the electrons are excited, they move to the next orbital, or energy level. As they fall back down to their original energy shell, they release the energy in the form of light.

Physics students recently used their knowledge of forces, collisions and impulse to design and build a compartment for an egg drop. The students are thinking about creating a design that would reduce the amount of energy transferred from potential to kinetic energy on the egg shell. Some ways to do this would be to decrease the final speed of the egg using air resistance, increasing the time of the collision using some sort of cushion, transferring the energy into something else, or whatever else they can think of!

Students in English 9 recently finished reading their independent book for the narrative unit. Students created one-pagers to analyze their novels. Afterwards, they participated in a gallery work to check out each other’s work.

Ethan Xiong, Sripada Themmera, Gabe Herold, and Jacob Hamen competed in the Finance and Investing Challenge Bowl. The team represented both Sun Prairie East and West and won the consolation bracket! If you see any of these students around school, be sure to say congrats! The Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl is a quiz bowl competition that helps teach high school

students about personal finance and economics. FICB aligns with statewide instructional standards and is an effective strategy to promote learning.

This week we highlight Coach McIntosh Boys Varsity Head Coach

Friday Night Chris Davis Jr. set a new school record for points in a basketball game with 51! Congrats Chris!

If you don't already, please follow SP West on Facebook!

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

No student may be unlawfully discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student’s sex (gender identity, gender expressions, and non-conformity to gender role stereotypes), color, religion, profession, or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin (including limited English proficiency), ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment is a form of discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the District. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur.

(SPASD District Policy JB)

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at 608-834-6620. Si un estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor contactenos en el 608-834-6620.

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Hmong, please contact us at 608-834-6630. Yog tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov ntawv ntawm no ua lus Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 608-834-6630.

Information from previous Howls that's too important to miss!

In the last few weeks we have gotten a few questions concerning a $40 fee that you may have received a bill for in the mail if it has yet to be paid in Infinite Campus. This $40 fee is to cover consumable costs for all of your students classes. In the past students were charged separate fees for many classes, examples include: foods, art, some science classes, etc. This meant that some families were paying hundreds of dollars in additional fees based on their students' interests, course load, etc. The business office at a district level did an analysis last year and revised our fee structure. Now students are charged one blanket $40 fee for all courses. This money goes to funding consumable items by students, things that they consume and/or take home. Please reach out to Principal JP if you have further questions.

As we continue to bring our equity vision at SP West and the District's equity statement to life we wanted to share information regarding Human Right's Campaign's Welcoming Schools. HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools is the nation's premier professional development program providing training and resources to elementary school educators to: Embrace All Families, Create LGBTQ+ and Gender Inclusive School, Prevent Bias-Based Bullying, Support Transgender and Non-Binary Students. HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. The program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. It is designed to uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students. This week we are re-elevating Welcoming Schools resources to our staff and community. Learn more about Welcoming Schools here.

This past week I (Principal JP) had the opportunity to collaborate with other educators from around the country at the AVID National Convention. Throughout the week we collaborated in strategies to support teachers and students in teaching and learning through instructional strategies, systems, supports, etc. The challenges faced by High Schools across the country are REMARKABLY similar and aligned to the challenges we face at SP West. One of the areas of focus universally is: supporting students to be engaged in their learning community (classroom) from bell-to-bell, particularly as we continue to come out of the pandemic. Here at SP West we are developing a three-sided approach to supporting students bell-to-bell.

As we continue to focus on creating One West it will take ALL of us to support our students, EVERY student to be thrive in their classroom from bell-to-bell. The three-sided approach includes:

• Adult Accountability: We will be focusing on following up with staff regarding expectations that have been laid out throughout the year. Each week we will have a specific focus that we are reteaching for students and staff. We will then follow-up with individual staff to identify additional support needed if the expectation is not yet being followed, examples: no passes first 10 and last 10 minutes of class, using den passes when students are in the den, supporting students not leaving class early and not issuing passes during lunch time. T

• Root Cause: We will be talking to students who are currently not in class from bell-to-bell to understand what they need to be in class and taking steps to meet those needs. We will also be intentionally partnering with the parents/caregivers of these students to support their student thriving in class.

• Student Accountability: In addition to adult accountability and working to solve root causes, we will also be focused on student accountability. Supporting students to reach high expectations while strengthening systems and structures to eliminate barriers that currently exist.

This week we will be getting additional feedback from staff, parents/caregivers and students on details on the strategy and specific next steps and will be sharing more details next week in the Howl.

This week our focus is students being in and engaged in class for the FIRST 10 and LAST 10 minutes of class. This means that no student should be out on a pass of any kind (den pass, bathroom pass or blue pass) during the 1st 10 or Last 10 minutes of class. These two moments are the most beneficial learning moments of the classroom as the learning goal for class is established, community is connected and then the learning from the day is reviewed, summarized and reflected on at the end of class.

ONE WEST:

• Parents/caregivers: please talk to your student about the importance of arriving to class ON TIME and staying IN CLASS for the first 10 minutes. Please also check-in on the importance of being in class for the LAST 10 minutes, not leaving on a pass or leaving the classroom early.
• Students: Challenge yourself to be IN CLASS during the FIRST 10 and LAST 10 of EACH block this week (no passes during that time, arriving on time and not leaving early).
• Staff: Empower students to be in class for the FIRST 10 and LAST 10 by not issuing ANY passes during this time. Being prepared with a strong opening and closing slide/activity. Teaching from the door at the end of class.
• Floor Team/Admin: Support students being in class for the FIRST 10 and LAST 10 by walking students back to class.

Need a gift for you or someone else this holiday season? DECA is selling Bucky Books for $35. Each purchase comes with extra coupons to Kwik Trip and HyVee as well as a $10 certificate to Chick-fil-A or Nitty Gritty. If you are interested, please reach out to Jason Benisch via email, jcbenis@sunprairieschools.org. Purchase your Bucky Book today!

Yearbooks must be ordered by February 23rd, 2024 to be guaranteed a copy of the 2024 Yearbook. Go to www.jostens.com. Type in “Sun Prairie” and make sure you click Sun Prairie West. The yearbooks for East and West are different from each other, so it is very important that you purchase the correct yearbook. You may also visit the following link directly: https://tinyurl.com/spwest24yrbk

It is hard to believe that it is almost December! This means that course selection is coming up! Now is the time to start to review your student’s transcript and graduation requirements. In preparation, here is what you need to know:

• NEW Sun Prairie Course Guide will be available before Winter Break

• Course Expo

• SP East - January 11, 2024 from 5-7pm

• SP West - January 9, 2024 from 5-7pm

• Students will receive support in choosing courses from teachers in January

• Students can schedule individual appointments with their counselor at any time, if they need support

• Students will submit course selections in Xello early February

Please continue to look for more detailed information in December.

A newly developed, statewide, user-friendly website and toll-free number, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929), provides families with convenient, direct access to compassionate and knowledgeable children’s resource guides. Click here to access the Wisconsin Wayfinder webpage.

Dear Sophomore Students and Families,

During SP30 on Monday all Sophomore students heard a presentation about how to reach their academic and personal goals while in High School. The presentation included topics such as:

• Credits

• Graduation Requirements

• Academic Help

• Transcripts (What is it? How to read it.)

• Standardized Testing and Scheduling

• Academic and Career Opportunities

You can find the presentation HERE or on our Student Services website.

Do you have a Sun Prairie West graduation cap and gown in good shape, lying around and you are looking to get rid of it? Please consider donating for our new senior students who are unable to purchase a cap and gown. If so, drop off at our main office and thanks for considering. Any questions, please contact student services school social worker, Susi Sirianni, sesiria@sunprairieschools.org

Sun Prairie Area School District is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year: The school district has a special education screening program to locate and screen all children with suspected disabilities who are residents of the district and who have not graduated from high school. Upon request the school district will screen any resident child who has not graduated high school to determine whether a special education referral is appropriate. A request may be made by contacting Jennifer Apodaca, Director of Student Services, Sun Prairie Area School District, at 608-834-6520, or by writing her at 501 S. Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Read our Annual Child Find Notice here.

This year we are offering the ASVAB Career Exploration Test on Friday, December 15. It is a no-cost career planning tool. The ASVAB offers information about all options after high school for college-bound students and those interested in other pathways. It is a great opportunity for those who are not sure about what they want to do after they finish high school. This test will be available to any sophomore, junior or senior. The test will be administered by Education Service Specialists and school personnel. The test takes about 2 hours to complete and scores will be provided after. Student scores will NOT be released to the military unless requested .

The ASVAB is designed to help students:

• Learn more about themselves and the world of work.

• Explore occupations in line with their interests and skills.

• Discover all the ways to enter the career fields they are best suited for

• Develop an effective strategy to achieve their career goals.

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Saldana (cmsalda@sunprairieschools.org), school counselor.

Please use the QR code or this LINK to sign up by December 5, 2023 or sign up in Student Services

We are excited to bring back our Parent/Caregiver Partnership Monthly Meetings every SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH 6:00pm-7:00pm at West. This opportunity is open to ALL West Wolf Parents/Caregivers and is an open dialog about what is going well, what we can improve on and how we can partner together. Accomplishments of last year's Parent/Caregiver Partnership include:

• Providing dinners for teachers at Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Creation of our SP West Equity Vision (in partnership with staff and students)
• Improvements to the Howl
• The development of this year's Cell Phone Policy
• Implementation of Dine-In Only
• Problem solving of current issues

See you Wednesday night!

If Seniors did not turn in a paper order form for caps/gowns on Oct 17th, they can still order online at mwscholastic.com. Paper order forms will no longer be accepted. Please see our Graduation FAQ with more questions.