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Wolfpack Howler
Volume 20 Issue 9 - Nov 22, 2021
School Board Meeting Information:
I wanted to make you aware of some topics that will be on the agenda at upcoming School Board Work Sessions and Meetings. You can always access School Board Meeting Agendas online: School Board Meeting Website: Agendas & Zoom Links
Masking - Semester 2:
- Tentatively the School Board is scheduled to have whether to continue or end Universal Masking for 2nd Semester as an action item at their December 7 Regular Meeting.
School Efficiency Task Force:
- Last May the Board enlisted a firm, Western Demographics, to begin examining district facilities and how we are using the space available. In September Western Demographics presented the report of their findings. Following the presentation the Board voted to create a Task Force to explore possible options for effective use of our facilities. (Sept 21 - Board Meeting Agenda Item)
- The Task Force was created from a cross section of the community; business owners, parents, military representatives, Fairbanks Native Association, community members, teachers, school staff, and principals. They have had their first meeting and will be continuing to meet over the next several weeks to explore and identify options.
- A report from the Task Force will be presented to the Board at a December 6, 2021 work session. Following the presentation of the report to the board there will be an opportunity for the public to give input on the various options identified by the Task Force.
- School Efficiency Data and Observations Report
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Take care,
Sarah Gillam
Principal, West Valley HS
Traffic Reminder - NO CARS in the BUS ZONE
PTSA Volunteer and Donation Sign-up
The last week of the semester, PTSA will be showing our appreciation for the Wolfpack Staff AND providing snacks for students between their finals. Below are sign-up opportunities for families to do what they can - bring in breakfast items, or SNACKS - WE NEED LOTS OF SNACKS! OR you can come in to hand out snacks. There are 3 different opportunities below:
- Drop off breakfast items early (6:30am) the morning of Dec. 15 OR the day before.
- Bring in SNACKS - Sign up for as many slots as you'd like - those can be dropped off NOW
- Volunteer between 9-9:45am on the days of finals to hand out snacks.
Native Heritage Month
- Join Migrant Education and Alaska Native Education as we celebrate Native Heritage Month through weekly storytelling, resource sharing, and book giveaways! Check out our Facebook pages for the weekly giveaway information!
- UAF Native Heritage Month Schedule of Events
- Tanana Chiefs Conference: Legacy of Our Elders Project
- Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: Educational Video Playlists
- Check out the lineup of Indigenous musicians scheduled to perform for the First-Ever Rock Aak’w Festival November 5-6.
- Moccasin Marking Video Course
- Sealaska Heritage will sponsor a lecture series on Southeast Alaska Native history in November in honor of Native American Heritage Month. All lectures will be live-streamed on their YouTube channel at noon Alaska time.
WVHS Counseling Office: 479-4221 ext. 46520
Willie Blackburn | A-F (10th-12th) ext 46525
Colleen Johnston | G-N (10th-12th) ext 46524
Anna Sprague | O-Z (10th-12th) ext 46527
Teesha Lane | all Freshmen ext 46523
Upcoming Events:
Link to School District Calendar | Special Weeks Class Rotations
NOV | Native Heritage Month
NOV 25 & 26 | Thanksgiving Holiday - No School
DEC 1 | West Valley PTSA General Membership Meeting @ 7:00pm / Zoom & In-Person
DEC 6 | School Board Work Session - Building Utilization Presentation
DEC 7 | School Board Meeting - Vote on Masking for 2nd Semester Scheduled
DEC 15, 16, & 17 | Final Exams - Early Release
FEB 1 | School Board Meeting - Vote on Building Utilization Tentatively Scheduled
FINAL EXAMINATION POLICY
Final examinations will be given in all classes. Parents are expected to call in excuses by 10:00 AM on the day of the absence. Final examinations are given during the last three days of each semester and are scheduled for two (2) hours each. No one will be exempted from a final exam. Final exams are administered under the following conditions:
Final exams are to be given during the scheduled exam period. By School Board Policy, no exam is to be given early, without exception.
The office will check all absences. Only legitimate unavoidable absences will be excused.
There will be no passes during final exams and students will not be allowed to leave early.
If a final examination must be missed, the exam will be given after the scheduled time by arrangement with the teacher. If a student is withdrawing from school early, School Board policy will determine the circumstances and requirements for completion of the semester. The counseling department is available to assist students in this case.
Thank You for Wearing Your Mask!
As a reminder, everyone entering West Valley needs to have a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times when they are in the school building. This includes all activities outside of our school day as well.
We have been providing masks to those in need of one, however, we do ask as families are able to please send their student to school with at least two masks so they have a backup in case they need it.
Exposure Alerts - Opt In
The alert would only notify you of a possible exposure in the classroom, similar to what we did at the very start of the school year. All staff and students should continue to follow the Wellness Check Information daily and not report to school if any symptoms develop. Staff and students can schedule a free testing appointment with Beacon Monday thru Friday.
Thank you for all of your support to keep our school a safe and healthy place for our staff and students.
Antigen Screening Testing - Why get tested regularly?
Why is our school doing Antigen testing for COVID-19?
Regular testing is a safe, effective way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many people with COVID-19, especially children and teens, don’t have symptoms but can still spread the virus, so regular testing helps find infections before they can spread to others.
Why should I get regular Antigen Screening Tests?
Here are some reasons why a person should regularly antigen test:
- Frequently visit an elderly person
- Frequently visit a person with an underlying condition (high risk)
- Have younger siblings at home who are not yet able to get vaccinated
- Piece of mind
- Possible exposure to a COVID positive person
- Prevent an asymptomatic COVID positive person to spread the virus
- You can still get COVID even if you are vaccinated (break through cases)
How and when can my student get tested?
Getting tested once a week or every three days after a possible exposure are suggested timelines for screening testing in schools.
Our school nurse, Corinne Roe, can easily and quickly conduct antigen testing in her office. Students can come down and see her during Extension, lunch, or before school. Parent permission is required before testing can occur (most students have forms on file already).
Beacon is also offering antigen testing (see link below), but parents must be present for their testing.
UPDATED Wellness Check - Symptom Free Schools
West Valley High School
Email: contact-wvh@k12northstar.org
Website: https://www.k12northstar.org/westvalley
Location: 3800 Geist Road, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Phone: (907)479-4221
Facebook: facebook.com/wvhWolfpack/
Twitter: @wvhWolfpack