Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your WGHS Weekly eNews for May 16
Hello WGHS Families,
As we set to close out our school year with graduation Saturday night and finals in the next week, we are called to reflect on the year. We are closing in on the last of our teams still active and many of the last concerts behind us as well.
For our seniors, a more sweeping gaze is necessary and connects to the poem, "September, the First Day of School," by Howard Nemerov. I think of it often as my wife and I have a senior-to-be in both college and high school next year. The piece begins with a parent dropping off a child at elementary school and takes the reader through the parent’s experiences as a student and their hopes for their own child--very powerful and not fully known. The last stanza speaks to the adults in the school who care for the child:
My child has disappeared
Behind the schoolroom door. And should I live
To see his coming forth, a life away,
I know my hope, but do not know its forms
May the fathers he finds
Among his teachers have a care of him
More than his father could. How that will look
I do not know, I do not need to know.
Even our tears belong to ritual.
But may great kindness come of it in the end.
That line is alarming in the realization of how much time and influence we outsource to our schools and reiterates the responsibility of educators. The final line echoes a line from earlier in the poem and speaks to an outcome not often articulated as an outcome for schools. Our community is bettered by kind, thoughtful, and gracious citizens, and I am hopeful we are sharing in that work for 339 young people Saturday night.
Just a reminder that finals begin next week: On the early dismissal days, students are released at 11:40 a.m. The schedule is below.
Best,
Matt Irvin
Next Week's Schedule:
Monday: A Day
Tuesday: Final Exam A Day; Students will take their 1st period final.
Wednesday: Final Exam Schedule: 2nd and 3rd hour exams; School dismisses at 11:40 am.
Thursday: Final Exam Schedule: 4th and 5th hour exams; School dismisses at 11:40 am.
Friday: Final Exam Schedule (last day of school): 6th and 7th hour exams; School dismisses at 11:40 am.
A Peek at the Week Ahead
- 5/17: A Capella Extravaganza, 7pm, Auditorium
- 5/18: Class of 2024 Graduation, 6:30pm, Chaifetz Arena
- 5/24: Records Day; Last day of school
Final Assessment Information
Assessments
An extended measurement of learning, or assessment, will be given at the end of 1st and 2nd semesters in all classes. This assessment will count for a specific percentage of the overall grade to be determined by each department. Assessments may include:
Project
Final Exam
Presentation to the class
Not all teachers will be giving a traditional final exam. However, all students will follow the final exam schedule. Teachers will inform students in advance if they are taking a final exam.
Assessments are an important part of the student’s grade and educational experience. Every effort should be made to be sure the student is at school for exams/projects, and vacations and other commitments are avoided at this time.
No final exams or assessments will be completed early. If a student must miss an exam/assessment, a parent must notify the appropriate assistant principal. The student will receive an Incomplete (I) and will need to make up the assessment at the teacher’s convenience. For students who are engaged in MHSAA athletics or activities, a grade of Incomplete (I) may have a negative impact on their eligibility.
Finishing the Semester Strong
Students are encouraged to collaborate with teachers regarding additional opportunities to demonstrate learning throughout the semester. Students and parents are encouraged to monitor academic progress and teachers are expected to communicate concerns regarding learning and growth with parents.
While we want all students to maintain learning and to stay current with assignments and coursework, in the case that this has not fully occurred, students are encouraged to discuss options for improvement directly with their teachers. Students may also reach out to their guidance counselors for support.
Teachers have always been encouraged to provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate learning. Opportunities may include:
Quiz/test retakes and/or corrections
Ability to submit late or missing assignments
Completion of alternative assessments
Extended deadlines on assignments
Final Assessment Format and Attendance Expectations
A comprehensive assessment will be given at the end of 1st and 2nd semesters in all classes. Each final exam period will be 95 minutes in length. The final assessment will count between 10% and 20% of the final course grade with the exact percentage to be determined by each department. Students will not take finals in Academic Lab, student assistant periods, Independent Period, Peer Tutoring, or Study Hall. Exams are an important part of the student’s grade and educational experience. Every effort should be made to be sure the student is at school for exams and vacations and other commitments are avoided at this time.
On the first day of finals, everyone is expected to be in attendance, as it is a special schedule. On the exam half-days, students should not be in the building if they do not have an exam or are not studying in Academic Lab; otherwise, they are expected to report to class, and attendance will be taken. Activity buses are for athletes only. Everyone else should promptly exit the building. Students are also prohibited from going to Hixson.
Important Attendance Information
If your student elects to stay home during an Academic Lab exam, student assistant period, Independent Period, Peer Tutoring hour, or study hall, please contact your Assistant Principal’s office for attendance purposes.
Important Immunization Information for Rising Seniors
Please be aware that all 2024-25 12th grade students are required to submit proof that a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) has been received after the age of 16. This vaccine protects against the bacteria that causes meningitis.
According to the State of Missouri and WGSD Board of Education policy, documentation regarding this vaccination is required to attend 12th grade. Exemption cards from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health are also acceptable forms of documentation.
Your child can receive this vaccine from your regular healthcare provider, any of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health locations and most Walgreens/CVS locations. Should you choose to have your child vaccinated at the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, please bring your child’s vaccination record and a letter from me available upon request. The vaccine is routinely given at the 16 year check up so if you believe your child has already received this dose of the vaccine, please obtain that documentation and send it to me via fax, email, or mail.
We ask that the vaccination record be turned in to the nurse's office no later than August 1, 2024.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. Thank you!
Rachel Huertas, MPH, RN, CHES®
District Lead Nurse
Webster Groves School District
P. 314-918-4150
F. 314-963-6483
Students Honored in MIJA's April Photo of the Month
Sophomore Sam Enlund won second place in Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association's April Photo of the Month contest, and junior Tate Harcourt earned an honorable mention.
2024-25 School Calendar is LIVE
Please visit our 2024-25 school calendar here. This live calendar, specific to WGHS, contains all dates and daily schedule for next year. Dates are subject to change.
Graduation Live-Stream links to share with your loved ones:
https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/wghs: Our website's main page will feature a link to the live-feed of the ceremony.
https://youtube.com/live/QKpcfUGLyVE?feature=share: The live stream will be featured directly on Chaifetz' YouTube channel. The video will broadcast live just before 6:30 p.m.
Photos
A professional photographer will take a picture of each graduate as he/she receives his/her diploma. If you wish, you may purchase these pictures. Since the picture of each graduate is being taken, no one will be allowed in the area where the graduates are seated during the ceremony. We encourage you to take photos before seniors report to practice at 4:45 p.m. See instructions for ordering from Inter-State Studios on the link above.
Arena Contact Information
For specific ceremony questions or lost and found inquiries
Main Phone Number: (314) 977-5000
Guest Services: (314) 977-5018
E-mail: chaifetzguestservices@slu.edu
Final Reminders for Our Graduates:
1. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DECORATE YOUR CAPS.
2. Please don’t chew gum once the processional begins.
3. Graduates should wear clothing appropriate for this special occasion: collared shirts, slacks, skirts/dresses, and appropriate shoes. Wearing shorts under the gown is not appropriate. No flip flops are allowed.
4. All graduates are expected to conduct themselves with dignity in the manner befitting this occasion. Participation in the graduation ceremony is not compulsory. Any graduate who misbehaves, or who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substances, will not be permitted to participate in the commencement exercise. No signs are allowed on your caps and disruptive behavior during the ceremony will result in your immediate removal.
5. Please go to the Olive/Compton Garage for parking. ADA Parking is available in the Olive/Compton Garage.
6. The after-Graduation Party/lock-in begins at 10:30 pm on 5/18 at WGHS. You should have received information from the Parents’ Club about this event.
Review the full graduation information we previously shared: Full Graduation Information
Congratulations, WGHS Class of 2024!
Chelsea Center Opportunities
Looking to get your student A+ hours over the summer? Then check out these opportunities offered through the Chelsea Center!
If you or your student are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Arens at arens.kerry@wgmail.org or have your student stop by the Chelsea Center in room 200 at Webster Groves High School. Otherwise, they can scan the QR codes and, using their school gmail account, log in to our online platform at wgsd.givepulse.com to register today!
Counseling News
AP Exams May 6 - 17th
Did You Know?
The 2024-25 school year starts on August 20. Sports dead week is August 3-9, and fall sports begin on August 12.
The full 2024-25 calendar is now available on our website.
WGHS Attendance Procedures
Call your child's AP office to report an absence, late arrival, or early departure. Checking out early? When leaving school during the day, students must check out through the assistant principal’s office.
Student Early Release:
We require at least one hour notice when calling your student out early. Call the Assistant Principal's office before the designated time and report the absence. You may also send a note with the student to be presented to the Assistant Principal's office before school.
At the designated time, your student will receive a pass to check out if you called ahead. The student will check out in the Assistant Principal's office.
You will NOT enter the building if you have called the absence in and communicated a pick-up location with your child. However, if you choose to pick up your child in the building, you must do so at the main entrance on Selma Avenue. Upon entering the building, check in with the receptionist. Please bring your driver's license if you are checking in. The receptionist will contact the Assistant Principal’s office to send for your student. Please be aware that not calling ahead to schedule an early release can take up to 30 minutes to send for a student.
For attendance, please call 314.963.6400 and listen to the prompts.
ParentSquare
Webster Groves School District uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.
Create a Canvas Account to Stay Connected
To stay connected with the learning in our classrooms, please create a Canvas Observer Account which is our district's learning management system. You will find three helpful documents below:
- Canvas Informational Letter
- Creating an Observer Account, Logging into Canvas, and Setting Notifications
- Student Accessing Canvas
If you have any questions please contact Tim Brown, Director of Student Assessment, Data and Learning Technologies at brown.tim@wgmail.org.
Shop the Parents' Club Spirit Store!
The Spirit Store is open! Hours are 8-9:15 a.m., Tuesday - Friday.
The online store is open 24 hours a day at https://www.wghsparentsclub.org/spiritwear.
Every time you shop at the Spirit Store, you are supporting student scholarships and teacher grants!
Webster Groves High School
Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: www.webster.k12.mo.us/wghs
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS