In the book called Deeper Learning, written by researchers Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine, they conducted observations and interviews of students and staff over six years from purportedly successful innovative high schools that were suggested as “leaders” in preparing students for the demands of twenty-first century life.

Sadly, they noted most students experienced lack of engagement, and “bored, disengaged compliance” during their day. However, in these recommended model schools, pockets of vibrant learning settings and a “hidden curriculum” in extra-curricular and electives that allowed students to do deep learning and rise above the norm with intellectually dynamic experiences. Mehta and Fine observed “…we stumbled into spaces that initially lay outside of our study—art classes, debate club meetings, newspaper, Model UN, athletic practices—these same students looked and sounded totally different. In these spaces, they were actively engaged and eagerly assuming roles as leaders.” Yesterday we celebrated multiple student-athletes who signed their letter of intent and will open Neil Simon’s Rumors on stage later this month. We know we are only sharing a chapter in their growth and development as scholars and performers in their realm. My belief is that these students have had exposure to an alchemy that will serve them well--we are as optimistic as we are proud.

A parent previously shared their impression of their child’s experience at the end of four years in a fall activity. They shared their appreciation of the program and its leader’s intentionality in the development of participants’ character and creating a belonging, inclusive community. I am hopeful that this thoughtful note is representative of many extracurricular settings that act as additional well-designed learning environments for our students. Additionally, at our Curriculum and Preview Night next week, we feature our curricular and activity opportunities for prospective students. Cheers to all that participate, mentor, and support "the show" with a gaze that moves from the immediacy of the scoreboard to the promise of the horizon.

Best,

Matt Irvin

This dynamic event is especially designed for prospective, incoming freshmen, and current WGHS families, as well as for our entire WGSD community!

Amazing things happen at Webster Groves High School when students are allowed to discover their passions, embrace their journey to self-discovery, and work with caring staff who foster their tenacious will to become scholars, craftsmen, and artisans. At WGHS, we strive to offer intellectually dynamic experiences.

On November 12 from 6-8pm, we invite you to visit WGHS and embark on a journey of self-discovery:

• See students in action, especially for our elective courses
• Tour the building
• Attend informational sessions regarding curriculum and general information about WGHS
• Shop in the Spirit Wear Store
• Witness our THRIVE student businesses deliver their pitches in the Digital Strike Pitch Competition
• Learn about experiential learning and opportunities through our Chelsea Center
• Learn more information about WGHS clubs, activities, and sports
• Meet with department chairs and ask questions
• Participate in fun activities

Here is the zoom registration link:

https://wgsdstl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkde2vrDkpGdQIFg4Abb7g6rmdRuCqkm6I#/registration

LINK FOR TICKETS

Exciting News for Class of 2025 Parents!

We’re thrilled to announce that our Class of 2025 Senior Parents T-shirts are now on sale!

Show your support and pride by purchasing your very own T-shirt. They’re perfect for wearing to the Senior Party, showing school spirit, or just for everyday comfort.

Shirts are available through the Spirit Wear Store Under the WGHS Store Merchandise Tab. All orders must be placed by Friday, November 15.

Don’t miss out! https://www.wghsparentsclub.org/spiritwear

Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony

May 17, 2025 6:30pm

Chaifetz Arena

• Doors will open for guests at 5:30 p.m.

• Guests: We are not limiting the number of guests per graduate.

• Tickets: There will be no tickets for entry to Chaifetz Arena.

• Parking: Parking is paid by guests in the Olive/Compton garage. Fees will be announced in the spring. Street parking is available but limited.

• Duration: The ceremony lasts approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the class.

Best Seats in the House - 2024 Turkey Day Pep Rally

Win a SEAT AT THE PEP RALLY!

Support the mission of the WGHS Parents Club!

Click the link or scan the QR code to see what you get if you win!

PEP RALLY RAFFLE TICKETS - URL/QR CODE:

https://www.wghsparentsclub.org/BestSeatsintheHouse-2024PepRally

Win a SPOT AT THE 2024 TURKEY DAY GAME!

Support the mission of the WGHS Parents Club!

Click the link or scan the QR code to see what you get if you win!

TURKEY DAY GAME RAFFLE TICKETS - URL/QR CODE:

https://www.wghsparentsclub.org/BestSeatsInTheHouse-2024TurkeyDayGame

This week’s featured Chelsea Center experience is an opportunity to explore careers in social services and helping pathways. On November 20, the Chelsea Center will take a career exploration trip to the International Institute of St. Louis, which works with the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) to provide opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive. The International Institute's work aims to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for all. Students will tour the facility and meet with staff in various departments including Education, Economic Development, and Resettlement & Placement.

This trip is open to ALL WGHS students. Interested students should sign up on GivePulse and come to the Chelsea Center for a permission slip. Students are eligible to earn A+ job shadow hours for their participation.

In the Chelsea Detrick Experiential Learning Center, we work to match students with experiences aligning with careers they want to explore, passion areas of interest, and service learning opportunities. Students can come see us anytime upstairs at WGHS in room 200 to learn more. Follow along with our current opportunities via our newsletters posted at bit.ly/chelseacenternews.

Visitors must have an appointment to enter WGHS.

For the safety of our students, we ask that you make an appointment prior to visiting the high school if you would like to see a staff member. Thank you for your assistance on this!

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

Parents & Guardians Getting Started Guide

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:

1. Canvas Informational Letter
2. Creating an Observer Account, Logging into Canvas, and Setting Notifications
3. 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.

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!

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