West Side Story 2.0
January 3, 2024
Welcome Back!
Happy New Year!
Welcome back to another exciting chapter of our academic journey! I hope each of you had a restful and joyful winter break, filled with moments of laughter, warmth, and connection with loved ones. The break was undoubtedly a time for recharging and reflection, and I am confident that each of you returns with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. Our dedicated teachers and staff are ready to support you as we embark on the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. Let's approach the remainder of the semester with enthusiasm, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Here's to a successful finish to semester 1!
Semester 1 and Finals
January 19th is the last day of semester 1. On January 18th and 19th we will run a different schedule as we will be engaging in end of the semester final exams. Classes will be 80 minute periods, and you will find the schedule below. Each course will have a final assessment. This final assessment will not be a separate category in the grade book, but will be the last summative assessment for the semester.
Senior Corner
Senior Portrait Specifications for Yearbook - deadline to submit your pictures is January 26, 2024.
Triple A Award
Congratulations to Allison Banse and Brody Koberoski on their Triple A Awards.
The Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple 'A' Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in Minnesota State High School League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.
Let's Dance
It's Orchesis Show weekend!
Orchesis is the Mankato West Dance Team. The team meets November through early January. The students learn and perform multiple dances in our January showcase. These dances are taught by the Senior leadership team and a few are choreographed by the students themselves.
2nd Semester Course Schedules - Can I make changes to my schedule?
Schedule adjustments/corrections are considered when the following criteria apply:
A. A schedule conflict due to two or more courses being offered in the same hour.
B. PSEO students who need to change their schedule to accommodate college courses.
C. Closed or cancelled courses.
D. Need courses to meet graduation requirements.
E. Special Education requirements
Should a student need to make a schedule adjustment/correction, students are reminded to check the graduation requirements to see if their request can be granted. Then they must meet with their counselor to discuss the change. Some requests may be denied because of student overload in a class, or for other reasons. Program changes after the opening days of school will be granted only in rare cases. The assistant principal must approve all program changes.
If you wish to request a program change, you should be aware of the following:
A. You must carry a minimum of six classes each semester.
B. If you choose to drop a class, and thus take less than the minimum of six classes, you may receive a grade of WF, Withdraw Failing, which will count as an F in computation of your grade point average. You may also be assigned to an additional supervised study hall.
C. If you wish to drop a seventh class, you may do so during the first quarter of the course with the Grade of W, Withdraw, which has no penalty toward your grade point average. You may be assigned to a supervised study hall.
D. If you wish to drop a seventh class after the first quarter of the class, you may receive a WF (see B above).
E. You may not add classes after the first week of the semester.
FAFSA Event
Please join us Tuesday January 9th at 5:30 in the Media Center to learn about the new changes to the FAFSA form from a financial aid representative from MSU-Mankato. This meeting will provide important information about financial aid for any parent who has a child going off to college next year. Many changes have been made to the FAFSA this year so we highly encourage parents to attend even if you have already completed the FAFSA in the past for yourself or other children. Please park in the back of the building and enter through Door #12 (near the gymnasium). The event will be on the 3rd floor in the Media Center. We hope to see you there!
Counseling Center Update
Check out this link to see what is happening in the Counseling Center.
Alumni News
I recently received a message from a Scarlet family who hosted an exchange student 33 years ago. He is now 48, and sent a picture of himself wearing his West sweatshirt. Once a Scarlet, always a Scarlet!
Upcoming Events
January 4 - 6
Orchesis 7:00pm in the Auditorium
January 9
FAFSA Meeting 5:30pm Media Center
January 11
Link Crew Follow Up - Extended Scarlet Time Schedule
East/West Boys Basketball 7:30pm at East
January 12
East/West Girls Basketball 7:30pm at East
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