West Side Story 2.0

We have had a positive start to the school year at West! I want to thank our staff for continuing to engage students in community building activities and for implementing strategies that increase collaborative learning. Another group I would like to thank for the positive start is our senior class, and the positive leadership they have been sharing. Let's keep this rolling, Scarlets

All exterior doors are locked at 8:45am. If a student arrives after 8:45, they will need to enter through door #1 and check in with security. If parents or community members are visiting the school between 8:45am and 3:35pm, they will also use door #1. Please be prepared to show your drivers' license at the security desk.

Visitor parking is available along the sidewalk by the tennis courts, and is marked with Visitor Parking signs.

This is a change from past years when we had visitor parking between the annex and the main building and visitors entered door #19. This change was made to increase security, and to move the check in location closer to the offices.

This year, Mankato Area Public Schools has transitioned to the ‘I Love You Guys’

Foundation Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency responses. This is

just one of the district’s efforts to further enhance safety and security for our students

and staff.

SRP provides consistent, shared language and actions among all students, staff, and first responders. As we transition to the new system, some language used to describe and instruct behaviors during incidents both inside and outside of our schools will change.

The attached SRP parent communication explains the protocols and the vocabulary used.

Staff has received training on the SRP, and teachers have presented the poster to students as a part of their regular review of classroom and/or school procedures. The SRP does not significantly change how or what actions will be taken during drills or incidents but does provide for improved communication with terms and directives.

The well-being and protection of our students remain our utmost importance. Please contact Mrs. Blasing or Mr. Krause with any questions you may have.

A special election is being held on November 7 asking voters to improve the educational facilities throughout Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS). As parents of our #MAPSready students, we'd like to share with you the referendum plans that will be on the ballot this fall.

The school district is holding a two-question referendum on November 7 for the following:

• Safety + Security at all MAPS school buildings

• Early Learning Access for our youngest learners and families

• Learning + Wellness Spaces for students and staff

• Outdoor Activity Spaces for both high schools, youth recreation and community use

Since 2017, the school district and community task forces have been studying the long-range facility needs at all buildings. The projects included in this fall's referendum were presented to the community through three community surveys, all of which showed significant support for investing in future-focused facilities. As a result, the MAPS School Board unanimously approved moving forward with a bond referendum on November 7.

Please take 3 minutes to watch this video about the referendum. Learn more, including where and when to vote by visiting www.isd77.org/vote2023.

As you can see, West High School would have a number of projects if the referendum passes is November. First and foremost, we would have a secured entrance. The front of the building would bump out and the secured entrance and all offices would be at parking lot level. Above the office area in this addition would be classroom and flex spaces. The music department would have new facilities located where the current gym is, and on the north end of the building PE/athletics would have a 3 station gym, a wrestling room, new locker rooms, classroom space, and a fitness center. The pool would be built at DMMS.

The second question on the ballot would create a new stadium with a turf field, new track, new seating, concessions, and bathrooms. This new stadium would host varsity games for football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls track, boys and girls lacrosse. It would be used for Phy Ed classes, practice space for spring sports and other activities, such as Lancers.

When the new Mankato High School was built in 1950, it was a showcase school, touted as "state of the art." This has been a building that has served us well, but after 73 years, education has changed. The improvements to West High School included in this referendum could make this building "state of the art" once again.

If you would like to hear more about the referendum, please join us in the auditorium Tuesday, September 19, for a community referendum meeting at 5:30pm.

Senior had their class meeting last week. Here you can see the presentation that was reviewed.

"Homework" that was assigned to seniors included:

Cap and Gown Measurements - this includes submitting your name as you would like it to appear on your diploma, along with your measurements to be sure you have the right cap/gown size for the ceremony. This form is due December 22, 2023.

Senior Information Form - this form is to be used by students to provide information about themselves that could be used for Homecoming and Snow Week. This form is due September 19, 2023.

Homecoming Queen Nomination Form - this is where students will submit nominations for Homecoming Queen. This form is due September 19, 2023.

September 19

MAPS hosts a Community Referendum Information Meeting 5:30pm at West

Homecoming Talent Show Auditions after school

September 20

Early Out

Homecoming Talent Show Auditions after school

September 21

Air Force will be in the counseling center 11:30am

September 22

Homecoming Pepfest 9:30am Auditorium

September 26

Picture Retakes

October 2 - 6

Homecoming Week

Dodgeball Tournament - Monday evening

Hall of Fame Banquet - Thursday evening

Special Homecoming Schedule - Friday

October 6

Homecoming

October 9

No School

October 11

Early Out

October 19/20

No School

October 23

Conferences 4:00 - 8:00pm