The Howl

Welcome to August. The last week has brought a mix of emotions as we grieve the loss of two beautiful Sun Prairie students and the excitements builds toward opening of our brand new campus! This week's Newsletter contains: reminders of resources to support your student and more information about the launch of the school year. We are counting down the days to September 6, 2023 when you get to transform a building to a school and build a community in which ALL are seen, known and valued.

Jen Ploeger- Principal- jrploeg@sunpriaireschools.org

Chai Lee- Associate Principal- cmlee1@sunprairieschools.org

Chad Whalley- Associate Principal- ctwhall@sunprairieschools.org

We want to re-share resources that were provided by the district in an email to parents/caregivers last week on July 27th. Please take a moment to review this information one more time as we work as a community to destigmatize talking about mental health and suicide prevention. Please remember you are not alone in supporting your child/children and they are not alone. We have student support staff available yet this summer and as we start the school year to support your student, please don't hesitate to reach out and we will get them connected: jrploeg@sunprairieschools.org.

August 31, 8:00am-4:00pm and September 1, 8:00am-4:00pm

Click here to reserve your spot for SPWHS back to school registration!

Please note the following services that will be provided on these two days.

Infinite Campus Updates and Permissions

Chromebooks and assistance will be available for you to update your information in Infinite Campus.

Bus Tags

Bus tags will be issued to students who are eligible for transportation. These tags are necessary to ride the bus.

Parking Permits

Parking permit applications are completed at our back to school registration. Please have your student’s valid driving license to show at the time of registration. Further information will be coming in the next few weeks.

Lockers

Student locker use has been minimal the past several years. Because of this, our building has been designed with less lockers. Information will be shared in the first weeks of school on how to secure a locker should your student need one.

Fees

All fees are paid online via credit card or checking account information. Technical assistance will be available for families needing to pay fees. Activity passes will be printed on the student’s ID if paid before or during back to school registration.

School Pictures and ID Cards

Photographers will be on site to take school portraits. ID cards will be printed on site as well. Please click here for more information.

Schedules

Schedules will be open for viewing on Infinite Campus beginning August 26. More information to come on next steps if your student has questions/concerns about their schedule.

Yearbooks

You can order a yearbook or get the form to order a yearbook if you wish.

We are excited to offer multiple opportunities for students to get to know their new school as we launch this fall!

Keys to Success will be held at West High School on Monday, August 29th from 12:00-3:00pm this is an opportunity for students to ground themselves in some High School 101 basics (refresher for our upper classman and a welcome for our 9th and 10th graders), tour the building and begin to build community- this is a student only event. Please register your student here.

As we open our brand new school we are offering orientation nights at 7:00pm starting in the Performing Arts Center. 9th graders: Monday, August 29th; 10th grades: Tuesday, August 30th; 11th graders: Wednesday, August 31st; 12th graders: Thursday, September 1st. Join us for a Welcome from our West High School principal team and staff, walk your schedule to find your classes and begin to build community as we launch our school! This is a student/parent/caregiver event.

At the High School level we do not have a standard school supply list. Many teachers will let your teachers know any specific materials they will need for class during the first couple of days. To start the year please have your student bring a notebook/s, pens/pencils and their Chromebook (more information on Chromebooks to come). Especially over the last couple of years Chromebooks have become our students most important school supply. Many students also benefit from having a binder/s.

• Friday, August 26th- Staff return to work to prepare for students!
• Sunday, August 28th- 3:00-5:30pm West High School Grand Opening Event
• Monday, August 29th- 12:00-3:00pm Keys to Success (Please register here)
• Monday, August 29th- evening- 9th Grade Orientation (details to come)
• Tuesday, August 30th- evening- 10th Grade Orientation (details to come)
• Wednesday, August 31st- evening- 11th Grade Orientation (details to come)
• Thursday, September 1st- evening- 12th Grade Orientation (details to come)
• Tuesday, September 6th- First day of school!

My name is LaRon Ragsdale, your new Dean of Athletics and Activities. I wanted to take a little time to introduce myself to you all. I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to the Madison area in 2010. I’ve worked in education in a variety of capacities for 20 years, beginning with coaching/mentoring and leading to my current position. I have an 11-year-old daughter in 6th grade, she is my rock and my world. I do all I can to model to her that nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself, put your mind to it, and walk in your purpose. I am a vegan of 9 years, an entrepreneur, and I love exploring the world for new vegan delights and experiences. I will do my absolute best to create an experience that meets our diverse community and assist students & student-athletes in achieving goals while enjoying their education & athletic experience. When I look at my interaction with all the students of Sun Prairie West and the overall student population of Sun Prairie, I envision myself working with my daughter. Therefore, you can believe that I will do all I can to build a solid relationship, listen to their needs, and advocate for change that impacts the lives of those often overlooked. Thank you all for your time and I look forward to working with you all soon.

During the month of August we will be sending the Howl out weekly with more information as we gear up for the start of the school year! What questions do you have that we could answer in a future addition of the Howl? We are co-creating a brand new school and we want to hear your voice! Please fill out this quick survey with questions, topics for future newsletters and highlights/future events.

50 Years of Sound of Sun Prairie Saturday night the parents/caregivers, friends, students and staff of Sound of Sun Prairie celebrated 50 years of summer marching band. It was a beautiful night of celebration and music. Now they are off to Florida to perform at Walt Disney World.

5ummer Workouts Our athletes are working hard in the summer sun from 2:00-6:00 at Sun Prairie East! It has been great seeing their dedication and comradery as they push themselves, each other and seek to be their very best. Great work Wolves!

Do you have a highlight? Do you know of something great happening in the Wolf community this summer? Please let me know at jrploeg@sunprairieschools.org so I can include it in the next addition of The Howl.