Principal's Update

Progress Monitoring Assessment #2

Dear 9th and 10th grades Parents and Students of West Boca,
During the week of January 13, the second State Reading test will be administered.
This test is only for 9th and 10th grade students. We will have a regular bell schedule each day and we anticipate that no other classes or grade levels will be impacted.
Specific date and test location information has already been shared with teachers and students can inquire with them. Also, please have your 9th or 10th grade student check their student email accounts as the same information will be coming to them there.
While most students will be tested in the auditorium, students with IEP, 504 and ELL plans may be testing in other locations like the Media Center. Students are encouraged to reach out to our ESE contact Ms. Lombardi and our ELL contact Ms. Singer for specific directions.
Please remind your students to bring their fully charged Chromebooks and chargers every day, but especially on their test day. Students testing in the auditorium may also bring a light sweater or jacket if they choose to.
Students, please take this test seriously as poor performance may result in a loss of an elective class and placement in Intensive Reading.

The Bulls Wrestling team competed in the Palm Beach Gardens Invitational over the winter break on January 3rd and 4th. This highly competitive tournament featured a 32-man bracket with schools from across Florida and even one from Pennsylvania.

The Bulls demonstrated impressive strength, advancing six wrestlers to the second day of competition. Three wrestlers reached the placing rounds: Darin Worthington at 126 lbs., Chad Joseph at 126 lbs., and Daniel Damm.

Darin Worthington qualified for the 5th/6th place match but it was uncontested. Both Chad Joseph and Daniel Damm reached the finals. While both wrestlers fought valiantly, they ultimately finished in second place in their respective weight classes. Daniel Damm, in particular, had a closely contested and exciting match that could have swung either way, ultimately losing by a narrow margin of 13-12.

The Bulls' performance at the Palm Beach Gardens Invitational showcased their talent and dedication.

Nicoll Verjan participated in the 2024 U.S. Congressional App Challenge, a national contest surrounding student app development, and received an Honorable Mention.

Our first West Boca Civil Air Patrol meeting is on Tuesday 1/14 at 6:30pm in Room 12-203.

Parents are welcome to attend as we are looking for parents to start a Booster Club for our Squadron.

Agenda:

Welcome / Introductions

Uniforms

Formation walk thru

Great Start Overview

Team-building

Closing and Social Time

Most items on this newsletter are clickable and will open to a website for more information.

2024-2025 PTSA Board

Gabriele Bauer, President

Adriana Salcedo, Vice President

Viviane Jardim, Treasurer

Orshi Galantai, Secretary

Business Sponsorship Opportunity
Visit https://westbocaptsa.memberhub.com/store or email ptsawestboca@gmail.com for more information.

Because we can do more together, than apart!
Website: https://westbocaptsa.memberhub.com/| Email: ptsawestboca@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

The free and reduced lunch has an exception- Cambridge AICE Tests are not included. We still encourage everyone to do the paperwork though if they are eligible.

SAT/ACT Fee Waivers - SAT and ACT offer a test fee waiver program to eligible students that covers the regular registration cost of the exam. To determine eligibility, you must complete the survey at this link EVERY YEAR, so please visit the link today. Once you receive your eligibility letter, please contact your child's school counselors for your waiver.

Emails sent with important testing information will always have IMPORTANT in the subject line. Please be sure to read them! Please email cassandra.bray@palmbeachschools.org for the fastest response to your testing questions. We hope you have a great year!

PSAT Scores are now available through the student's collegeboard account.

For more information understanding your scores, please click on the links below.

PSAT NMSQT Understanding Scores for Students & Families

PSAT NMSQT Score Information

Understanding Your Digital PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Video

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today officially released the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), 10 days before its Dec. 1 goal. The online FAFSA form is available to all students and families at fafsa.gov, and the Department is processing submissions and sending them to schools. The paper form is also now available for students to submit.

See announcement from U.S. Department of Education

Student Resources (resharing):

• “Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account” Page—A new resource that explains what families and partners need to know about creating a StudentAid.gov account.
• Pro Tips for Completing the FAFSA Form—Updated tips for preparing to fill out and submitting the FAFSA form. This resource will also be linked from the StudentAid.gov Dashboard to promote easier access for students and their required contributor(s).
• Federal Student Aid Estimator—Provides an estimate of the 2025–26 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Federal Pell Grant eligibility calculation.
• “Who’s the Parent on the FAFSA Form?” Wizard—A new, stand-alone tool to help students and families determine who will need to provide contributor information on the 2025–26 FAFSA form prior to starting the application.
• Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA Videos—Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA form, who is a FAFSA contributor, and what happens after submitting the

Students can now submit their community service hours through SIS. Students must complete the entire form and upload supporting documentation in order to get approved.

Please see attachment for further information.

Tap below to view our Underclass info night presentation.

Attention Seniors, the Bright Futures application is now open. Please make sure you apply by August 31, 2025 in order to qualify. It will only take about 10 minutes so please do not wait. You are able to apply and continue testing until August 31, 2025. Even if you plan on attending out of state, please make sure you apply as you are eligible for up to 5 years after you graduate high school.

• Our mission as counselors is to provide services for students to meet their academic, career, and social/emotional needs. We also aim to create a nurturing and safe environment by creating inclusive spaces and advocating for diversity. This is accomplished through collaboration with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to ensure the success and achievement of all our students
  

• Counselors

  Please join the Guidance Department Google Classroom! It is a GREAT way to keep up with ongoing announcements, student opportunities, and useful information! We are consistently updating our Google classroom, so please sign up!
  
  Jodi Mochel
  (A -C)
  Lauren Marciante
  (D-H)
  Lindsay Wolfe
  (I-M)
  Suzanne Prince
  (N-R & W-Z)
  Fallon Canepa
  (S - V)
  ESOL
  

  Elena Singer
  (Coordinator)

  Daniel Keller
  Academic Coach, Grades 9-10
  Daniel Keller
  Graduation Adviser, Grades 11-12

  
  

-Yearbooks are currently on sale on yearbookordercenter.com using the school code 831. The cost is $90, and prices will increase on 1/1.

-Senior Tribute Ads are now on sale and can be purchased and created on yearbookordercenter.com using the school code 831. Ad sales end on January 12th.

SENIORS: The deadline to have your photo taken and included in the yearbook is December 13th. If you have not taken or scheduled your photo, please do so ASAP with Cady Studios.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Mrs. Tomaszewski at rachel.tomaszewski@palmbeachschools.org or stop by 4-213.