Rebel Review

South Families,

I find it amazing that the calendar has turned to May and the 2023-24 school year is quickly coming to an end. It is important that our students balance the celebratory moments that mark the end of the school year with a focus on finishing their academic responsibilities in a good way. Keeping that academic focus is a challenge for many students, but I am confident that our students understand that, allowing us to finish the year positively. It truly has been an outstanding year at South High!

The bulletin this week focuses on the important end of the year events for which our students need to be prepared. Seniors have only 4 days of regular classes followed by their exams, graduation practice and then their Graduation on May 21. For our underclassmen, there is only 11 days of regular classes followed by exams that finish on May 23. All the information that you need about these events can be found below.

As always, please reach out to our office anytime you need assistance!

Andy Suttell

Principal

440-975-3628

andrew.suttell@weschools.org

Enjoy some of the great things that have happened over the past few weeks at South High School.

Our Senior Prom was held on April 26. It was a great evening that our students enjoyed!

Willoughby Unites is a collaboration between South and WMS students. Their year long work culminated with a showcase and visiting local businesses to post flyers and messages about the dangers of texting while driving. This collaboration between our middle school students and high school students has been meaningful and a tremendous success this year!

We want to congratulate our 4 Students of the Month. Each month, any student who has been recognized as a Student of the Week, becomes eligible to earn the Rebel Students of the Month. Students receive a large pizza to share with their friends!! Congratulations to April winners - 9th Grade: Maddie Crooki, 10th Grade: Grady Smith, 11th Grade: Braden Fair and 12th Grade: Sadie Nawrocki (Not Pictured).

Each week, our teachers nominate students who are consistently positive in their approach to school both academically and behaviorally. At the end of each month, each nominated student will have a chance to earn Student of the Month.

Attention Seniors and Senior Families:

Please look over the 2024 Senior Letter that was emailed to you and posted to our website prior to break. It contains important information about Senior events such as Prom, After Prom and Graduation.

Our 2024 Graduation is set for Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30pm. The location for the ceremony is at the beautiful Playhouse Square: Connor Palace at 1615 Euclid Avenue. Each Senior will receive 6 tickets to the graduation ceremony. 2 additional tickets will be made available for purchase allowing for a total of 8 tickets available for each senior. The ticket link, was sent to student and parents earlier last month, and was opened by Playhouse Square on Thursday, April 18. If you need help accessing the link, please call our office to get assistance.

All seniors who plan to participate in Graduation must attend the practice on May 21. Seniors should report to the gym at South by 8:30am. We will take buses to Playhouse Square to practice. Bus return to South at approximately 12:00 pm. If you do not attend the graduation practice, you will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. If you have any concerns, please email Mr. Miller at david.miller@weschools.org.

Seniors have their regular classes through Thursday, May 9. Senior Final Exams will be on Friday, May 10 to Tuesday, May 14.

Senior Exam Schedule

• Friday, May 10 5th - 8th Period Classes
• Seniors arrive at 11:04 for 5th Period Exam
• Monday, May 13 1st - 4th Period Classes
• Seniors leave at 11:04 after 4th Period Exam
• Tuesday, May 14 Senior Make-Up Exams
• Senior Exams must be completed by 10:00am

** Students who have all A's will be exempt from the final in a year long course

Seniors who are done using their Chromebooks may begin to turn them in with the Charger starting Monday, May 6. They may turn in their technology to Mr. Behrend in room 150 before or after school or during lunch periods at the Concession Stand.

Seniors are invited to Senior Breakfast on Wednesday, May 15 from 8:45 to 9:30 am in the Student Union. This will be an opportunity to share breakfast with classmates and enjoy being together on campus one last time. Any senior planning to attend the breakfast should indicate using this form:

Senior Breakfast Form

Immediately after the Senior Breakfast, for those interested, Grant Elementary and Edison Elementary have invited past students to come and walk the halls of the elementary school they attended one last time for a "Clap-Out." Seniors may drive themselves to Grant or Edison, or they may choose to take the bus that will be provided (we have limited space, so these will be to the first 45 to to use the sign-up on each bus) . Buses will leave south at 9:45am and we will meet at 10:00am at each school's entrance. Senior will be at the school to walk the hallways, and leave the buildings by 10:20am . Any senior planning to join one of the clap-outs, please use the links below to sign-up.

Grant Elementary Clap-Out Sign-Up

Edison Elementary Clap-Out Sign-Up

Seniors - The following scholarships are available on Naviance.

We have been adding new scholarship opportunities as they become available. Seniors, please continue to frequently check Naviance for these new postings. You may sign into Naviance through your Clever account and access the following scholarships: (Please note - there have been additional scholarships added since my previous newsletter)

• Willoughby Kiwanis Scholarship opportunity (Link to Apply: Kiwanis Scholarship)
  

**As additional scholarships open - they will be made available through Naviance.

**Scholarships are also posted in our Guidance Department. Please stop by frequently to check for new opportunities!!

Guidance visited senior English classes this week in order to explain how to request final transcripts and end of the year information. Mrs. Duffy sent the video link to seniors this morning. The link is also here: Senior Final Transcript Video

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Administration will thank our teachers in several ways throughout the week. I wanted to encourage you and your student to send an influential teacher a note or email thanking them for the impact they are making. There is no greater reward in education than for teachers to hear from students and families. I encourage you to let them know how much they mean to you!!

AP Tests begin May 6. Please see the schedule below for the AP testing Schedule:

May 6 AP Government - Test begins at 7:45am

May 7 AP MIcro - Test begins at 7:45am

May 7 AP Stats - Test begins at 12:00pm

May 8 AP Lit - Test begins at 7:45am

May 9 AP Psych - Test begins at 12:00pm

May 10 AP US History - Test begins at 7:45am

May 10 AP Macro - Test begins at 12:00pm

May 13 AP Calc A/B - Test begins at 7:45am

May 13 AP Calc B/C - test begins at 12:00pm

May 14 AP Eng Lang - Test begins at 7:45am

May 16 AP Spanish - Test begins at 7:45am

May 16 AP Biology - Test begins at 7:45am

May 17 AP Physics - Test begins at 7:45am

Please see the Final Exam Schedule for information about final exams that begin on May 21 to May 23.

See below for Summer School information. Use the Summer School Registration link to sign-up for summer school.

As a reminder to our 10th grade families, South will deliver the Erin's law Presentation on May 9. This curriculum is required by Senate Bill 288. Included in the link is an information letter and Opt-Out option if you choose to not have your child participate in the curriculum. If you have any questions, please contact you child's guidance counselor.

Our Girls Flag Football team will play in the championships at Cleveland Browns Stadium Monday, May 6 beginning at 5:30. Entrance is free. Come cheer on our championship team!

I always love to see our South Students giving back to our community. South student Summer Bliss pledged to donated $25 for every homerun she hit to the Willoughby Police K9 Foundation. Between the high school and travel seasons last year she hit 14 dingers and recently she represented her Willoughby South Rebels and her Ohio Hurricanes presenting Officer Brandon Zinner and K9 Officer Rex a check for $350 as a result of her long balls last year. Great job Summer!

Mark your calendar for these important events over the next few weeks of school:

May 6: AP Testing Begins

May 9: Seniors Last Day of Classes

May 10 - 13: Senior Exams

May 14: Senior Exam Make-ups

May 15: Senior Breakfast and Clap-Outs at Grant and Edison

May 20: Last Day of Regular Classes Grades 9-11

May 21: Final Exams - Grades 9-11

May 21: Graduation Practice 8:30am

May 21: Graduation 6:30pm

May 22: Final Exams - Grades 9-11

May 23: Last Day of Final Exams and Make-Ups

May 24: Begin to Enjoy your Summer!!

Course Registration

Students have completed making course requests for next school year. Our Guidance Counselors will now spend the next several weeks meeting individually with each student to discuss their choices and ensure that courses are appropriate and on track toward graduation. Please reach out to your child's counselor if you have any questions regarding courses and registration for next school year.

Self-Paced Option

We have added some courses that have exciting possibilities for our students called self-paced courses. Self-paced courses will provide customization and deeper learning for our students. These are regular courses, taught by South Teachers. Self-paced classes designed to provided a blend of whole, class, small group and individual learning opportunities. Students who demonstrate mastery will be released from the class attendance requirement for up to two classes per week. This will allow some students more time to work on other assignments/classes, while also providing the students who need it, more one-one-one time with their teachers. For information about a self-paced class, please see the flier below. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of this learning modality for your child, please contact your guidance counselor.

Recently, I have been asked if tutoring is available. At South our National Honor Society students offer opportunities to help struggling students. If any student needs tutoring help or support, please use the QR Code below to indicate your need. You will receive an email return to help set-up this help!

Our store is open for business online and in-person.

Our in-person hours will be Thursday & Fridays during lunch periods.

You can place an online order and pickup in the main office from 7-3. We can also send your order home with your student. The online website is : https://rebelexpress.square.site/

Please follow us on social media to stay updated on new items, special promotions and store hours.

Instagram: @rebels_express

X (Twitter) : @RebsSchoolStore

Facebook : Rebels Express Spirit Shop

We look forward to seeing you!

Are you looking for activities for your children? Interested in family programs in the community? There are so many options for Willoughby-Eastlake families, such as city departments of recreation, sports teams, scouting, camps and special events in all of our surrounding communities, plus so much more!

Information from approved organizations who host activities for Willoughby-Eastlake youth and the community are posted electronically. Paper flyers from organizations are not sent home with students. To access the flyers, visit the COMMUNITY link on the district and building website pages Community Activities Flyers

For specific information about the events, you need to contact the sponsoring organization. Flyers are updated periodically during the month so remember to visit often to check for new postings.

Enjoy what our community has to offer!

If you believe your child is experiencing challenges in terms of their mental well-being, it is important to reach out to your principal. To meet your child’s needs, it’s essential to collaborate with the principal and school personnel to explore resources and services available at school. In addition to Crossroads Counselors, the District also has family liaisons and guidance counselors who can provide needed interventions and support.

Crossroads Informational Letter and Opt Out Form

Safer Ohio School Tip Line

• 1-844-SaferOH (844-723-3764)
• Calls or texts are answered by analysts within Ohio Homeland Security. If action is needed, the analysts immediately forward information to local school officials, law enforcement agencies and the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) for action and follow up.

PowerSchool is the official gradebook and attendance record for our school. From the Parent Portal, you are able to set alerts for low or missing assignments, as well as tardy and absent alerts to keep account for period to period attendance of your child. Please take advantage of these settings and alert features.

With today's closure, it is also a good idea to check you notification settings in the Parent Portal to ensure you are receiving school and district closing notifications and other information.

Below are links for PowerSchool to assist you. If you need any further help getting set up with the Parent Portal - please call our office.

PowerSchool Full User Guide

PowerSchool Quick Guide

Attendance

• Anytime a student is absent, the office needs to verify that student's attendance. If you know your child will be absent, tardy or leaving early, please call the office attendance lines. The ouor office will not have to call you! If we know you are picking them up - you do not have to come into the building. Students will come out at the time you have requested pickup. Thanks for helping us keep our students safe.
• Attendance Line - 440-283-2180
• Late/Early Line - 440-975-3652
• Main Office Line - 440975-3648

At this point, you should be able to view your schedule in Powerschool. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing Powerschool or any other problem with your schedule, please contact your counselor directly. Please be mindful that there are many factors that go into changing student schedules at this point, your counselors will work to do the best they can, but there are situations where we simply do not change schedules as we are this close to the school year.

Guidance Counselors

Mrs. Alison Grant; Student with Last Names A to G: Alison.Grant@weschools.org

Mrs. Celeste Duffy: Students with Last Name H to O: Celeste.Duffy@weschools.org

Ms. Virginia Joyce: Students with Last Name P to Z: Virginia.Joyce@weschools.org

South High Administration

As a reminder, the administrative team at South is eager to work with you and our students to support student success in any way. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the appropriate grade level administrator:

Mr. Andy Suttell, Principal: andrew.suttell@weschools.org

Mr. David Miller, 11th and 12th Grade Principal: david.miller@weschools.org

Ms. Jennifer Neumeyer, 9th and 10th Grade Principal: jennifer.neumeyer@weschools.org

We will begin to focus our students on behavior that help them keep their focu on their learning and the instruction of their teachers. As we begin the year, students will hear about the Rebel Way. Three easy ways to exhibit the Rebel way are the following:

Showing the Rebel Way All Day:

• Show up on time -

• To school and EVERY class. Parents can set alert settings in PowerSchool for notifications when a student's period attendance does not match their daily attendance.

• Put away all personal technology in class -

• No cell phones or earbuds while in the classroom. Please remove earbuds from the ears during class. Cell phones/headphones are allowed to be used quietly in Lunch, full period study halls, and the hallway between periods.

• Pictures/video ARE NOT PERMITTED:in restrooms, locker rooms, or any area where there is “reasonable expectation of privacy,” nor in classrooms or of unsuspecting persons. Be cognizant of what is in the background of your pictures and videos regardless of where you are!

• Check your dress -

• No hoods or ski masks on in the building. You may wear a baseball or beanie cap if desired.

• Please express your personal style without the use of see through or revealing clothing. Attire with profane, vulgar, or drug/vape/alcohol references will not be permitted at any time. Undergarments should not be showing.

Seniors are required by law to provide proof of MCV4/meningococcal meningitis vaccination. It is very important that you submit updated immunization information to our clinic via fax (440-975-3645), or hard copy (return to clinic ). If you have any questions, please email them to our School Nurse at eileen.krancevic@weschools.org.

Willoughby South High School has 3 phenomenal Booster Organizations that support the students!

• Our BAND BOOSTERS support our Rebel music and band programs
• Our REBEL FAMILIES support our Rebel academic programs and provide scholarships
• Our ATHLETIC BOOSTERS support our Rebel athletics teams

Please support these fine organizations! They volunteer their time to give back to our kids in so many ways!

Bussing Information: The radius for school transportation widens from Middle School to High School. Transportation information will be listed in PowerSchool Parent Portal on August 14th. Transportation can be reached at (440) 975-3736.

School Fees, Lunch Accounts & Free/Reduced Lunch Application: Manage student meal accounts & Apply for free and reduced meals at https://www.weschools.org/PayForIt.aspx

Open Positions at W-E Schools

Check out the Employment page to find opportunities for joining the Willoughby-Eastlake team: https://www.weschools.org/AssistantSuperintendent.aspx