West Side Story 2.0

Many of our students will go on to a college or university and will need to know how to navigate finals week. Our last two days of the semester provide students with a taste of what it is like to have finals. For students in AP classes, in May they will take the AP exam. Having 80 minute block periods provides our AP students with authentic practice of an AP exam. Finals also provides students with one more opportunity to show what they know. For students who may have struggled during the semester, finals provides them with the opportunity to demonstrate they have learned the standards needed to pass the course.

Yes, all students need to attend all of their classes. If a class is one that completed a project for the final exam the teacher will have a meaningful learning activity for students to engage in during the time designated for finals.

No, students need to stay in the classroom for the entire 80 minute period. Throughout the day, students will need to be in their classroom, study hall, or the media center.

Yes, attendance is required as any other school day. If students do not need the additional study time a guardian may call the school to excuse the student from attending study hall.

Friday afternoon is set aside for students who may need to take a final they missed or need more time to complete their exams. Buses will run on the normal schedule and students are welcome to stay at school. Students will need to be in a teacher's classroom, the cafeteria, or the media center.

On both Thursday and Friday of finals week, students will have an extended open lunch period (see schedule above). If your student plans to leave campus for lunch, please visit with them in advance about your expectations and remind them to demonstrate their BEST behaviors by making good choices, following pedestrian safety procedures, and positively representing Mankato West High School out in our community. Students will need to keep track of time during this open lunch to make sure that they are back in the classroom to take their finals on time. The West cafeteria will also be serving lunch both days for students who choose to stay on campus.

If a student had a textbook from a class that is only 1st semester, they need to return their textbook to the media center before the end of the day Friday, January 19. During this time students could also check out any textbooks they will need for 2nd semester. Check out of new textbooks will go on through the following week.

Kam was a student spotlight award winner at the school board meeting on January 8th for his efforts in making everyone feel welcomed at West High School. Every morning you will find Kam in the lobbying greeting everyone as they come to school. His genuine enthusiasm and kindness creates a welcoming atmosphere that sets a positive tone for the entire school day. Whether it's fellow students, teachers, or staff, Kam makes a conscious effort to ensure that everyone feels valued and feels a sense of belonging.

Check out this link to see what is happening in the Counseling Center.

Kicking off the new year and assisting students navigate the new FAFSA changes, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC's The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are hosting Ready, Set, FAFSA!, a series of financial aid webinars for Minnesota students and families as they prepare for the college-going process. All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Questions will be answered live in the chat, and for each session attended, students will be entered to win a $500 scholarship.

The series, which runs Tuesday evenings Jan. 9 through 30, will cover important information on how to create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID), which is required for all students and contributors; applying for the FAFSA and Minnesota Dream Act (for undocumented students); general financial aid information; as well as how to understand your offer letters from your selected colleges.

• January 16, 2024, 7 pm – Apply for FAFSA
• January 23, 2024, 7 pm – Apply for MN Dream Act
• January 30, 2024, 7 pm – Understand your Offer Letter

Click here to learn more and register for each session.

January 15

No School - MLK Day Observance

January 18

Finals - Classes in hours 1 - 4

January 19

Finals - Classes in hours 5 - 7

January 22

No School - Teacher Work Day

January 23

1st day of 2nd semester