
Wolverines News Newsletter
West High School - Sioux City, Iowa

February 2024
A Message from the Principal...
Hello WHS Families, Students, and Staff,
Recently, I shared with our staff in a weekly newsletter the importance of "finding the good" in each day. As staff, the winter months bring a grind that fellow educators can all relate to. It is important for us to all remember the "why" behind why we became educators. The "good" is easy to find at West High because of our great students and school community!
I thought about how "finding the good" can be a message we can all relate to no matter what our connection to West High is.
As students, I hope you can find the good around you too. From your existing friendships, to new, keep yourselves open to all of the positive relationships among the students of our school. Every student has a relatable story, a unique culture, and a personal characteristic that makes our collective student body the best of the best!
As families, many of you have been a part of the West Community for multiple generations. Despite the tough times that come and go, remember the good in our community, and of our school! The pride of the West Side is like no other I've ever experienced before!
Sincerely,
-Ms. Rebecca Rieken
#WeAreWEST
Congratulations to these February 2024 WHS Students of the Month!!!
Congratulations to Mrs. Shay Ehikioya, WHS February Staff of the Month!!!
Mrs. Shay is a wonderful resource in the Media Center. She greets everyone and always helps with our computer issues.
Congratulations Mrs. Shay!
No School- Monday, February 19
Quick reminder, there is no school tomorrow (2/19) for staff professional development. For middle and high school families, Tuesday's schedule will be a A day.
WHS Hosts Spring Dance- Saturday, February 24
Spring Dance: February 24, 2024
7:30 pm -10:30pm
Dance Requirements:
Students Must:
- Be passing all classes.
- Have 95% Overall Attendance (Can miss a max of 4 blocks between 2/7/24 and 2/23/24)
- Have no Unexcused Absences
- Have No ISS or OSS between 2/7/24 and 2/23/24.
- Have 25% completion in each class on edgenuity
West High Hosts Blood Drive- February 23
Blood Drive:
West High Student Council is hosting a blood drive on Friday, February 23. Every donor gets a snack and free hat as a token of appreciation! See the attachment for donor requirements and more information. *If you are not 18 you need a signed parent permission slip (See Mrs. Ryan or Mr. Hunnel for this form).
Spring Parent Teacher Conferences
Spring Parent Teacher Conference will be held on Monday, March 11th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and on Tuesday, March 12th from 3:05 pm to 5:45 pm.
West High will send out a sign up link through My Conference Time when it gets closer to those dates.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS!!!...
Mrs. Betsy Boetger Chosen as the West High School Teacher of the Year!!!
Recently, Mrs. Betsy Boetger was chosen by her fellow West High colleagues as the WHS Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Boetger serves our school as a Language Arts Supports Teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach. Her dedication to our students and school is commendable! Congratulations Mrs. Boetger on this well-deserved recognition!!!
West High Senior, Mahogany Van Pelt- Essay Chosen for MLK Celebration
West High School student Mahogany Van Pelt was chosen to share the essay she wrote for the MLK Celebration held on January 21.
West High Art Students win Awards!
West High School students exhibited their work in the Eppley Art Gallery visited Morningside University campus on Wednesday, January 31st and participated in a morning of activities including a critique and awards, an art-making session, and a campus tour from Admissions.
West High Awards
1st Place - Allison Lambert
2nd Place - London Vergith
Honorable Mention - Alex Shores & Ian Delaney
West High Math Students Participate in SMART Competition at Morningside University
Math Teacher, Mrs. Jen Gengler accompanied a group of West High Wolverines who participated in the SMART Competition hosted by Morningside University on February 6th.
Out of 20+ teams, two WHS teams consisting of juniors tied for third place overall in the quiz bowl type, timed competition. Those students were: Brayden Jasman, Lance Weerheim, Ethan Frazee, Chance Riley, Miguel DeLeon, Camilla Ramos, Lulu Vaul, and Vera Grom.
Individual winners out of the 80+ who participated were:
Ofelia Rivera- 1st Math
Andy Lam- tied for 2nd Math
Brooklyn Winkel- 3rd Biology
Brennen Frye- tied for 2nd Math
Guadalupe Tule Selected as February 2024 Rotary Club Student of the Month!!!
Guadalupe Tule, a senior at West High School, was selected as the February 2024 Rotary Club Student of the Month. She was honored during the Rotary Club meeting on Monday, February 12, at the MidAmerican Energy Building Community Room.
Tule has a 4.06 GPA and is a member of Chamber Choir and Spanish Honors Society. She is also active as a volunteer at her church.
Guadalupe is the daughter of Salvador and Maria Tule of Sioux City.WHS Jazz Choir recently eceived all Superior/Division I ratings!!!
A message from our AFROTC...
Did you know that there are at least 25 homeless students in Iowa? It's a challenging situation, and many of these students face difficulties accessing basic hygiene resources such as showering facilities and toothbrushes. It is important that we support our fellow schoolmates and help them overcome these obstacles. You can show your support by donating hygiene products such as bar soaps, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, and more. There is a drop box available in the office where you can drop off these items. Let's work together to ensure no student has to go through these struggles.
National Honor Society News
The West High National Honor Society consists of 50 students. Over the holidays they donated to 5 non-profits by raising money through working the gate at baseball/softball games, bake sales, and city garbage pickup:
Mercy One Foundation Child Advocacy Center
Support Siouxland Soldiers
Gospel Mission
Noah’s Hope
Safeplace Siouxland
During 1st semester, the WHS NHS student volunteered over 670 cumulative hours!!!
Attention all FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORES and JUNIORS!!! You will be getting information in Homerooms on how to apply for National Honor Society. If you are interested pick up applications in Mrs. Still or Mrs. Hames’ office.
Consider Joining a Club or Activity!
West High Students are encouraged to become involved and join an activity or club! If you have questions about our activity and club offerings, please email our Activities Director, Mr. Gabe Hoogers: hoogerg2@live.siouxcityschool.scom
Comic Club
Are you good at drawing? Do you have a story you want to tell? Then come down to West High’s best place ever: Comic Club! Here at the club, we have many wonderful people working hard to create masterpieces, and you can too! The club meets every Wednesday from 2:55 to 4. The club meets in room 249 in the left hall of the auditorium. If you’re interested, come on down and let’s make some comics!
Quiz Bowl
Do you have a knack for knowing random facts? Do you want to test your knowledge? If so, you should join the West High Quiz Bowl team. Meetings will take place every Wednesday after school in Room 124 from 3-4 PM. No previous experience necessary. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Adams.
West High Pride Club
Are you interested in joining the West High Pride Club? If so, you should consider coming to room 230 on Thursdays after school from 3-4pm. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Russell in room 230. All are welcome.
Consider joining some of our upcoming Spring Activities!
- Girls & Boys Soccer
- Track and Field
- Tennis
Look at the Learning Happening at West High!!!
Fun Learning in Chemistry...
Reminders from from Nurse Mary Mason....
Parents of 11th-grade students: Please see the immunization requirement below. Before the start of the 2024/2025 school year, your student will have to have his/her immunizations updated.
Effective January 11, 2017, the change requires a one-time dose of meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccine received on or after 10 years of age for applicants in grades 7 and above, if born after September 15, 2004; and 2 doses of meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccines for applicants in grade 12, if born after September 15, 1999; or 1 dose if received when applicants are 16 years of age or older. There is no grace period, and it needs to be done prior to the school year starting.
Meningococcal disease caused by any serogroup is very serious. Approximately 10 to 15% of people with meningococcal disease die even with appropriate treatment. Of those who recover, up to 20% suffer from serious after-effects, such as permanent hearing loss, limb loss, or brain damage. Meningococcal vaccines are very safe and effective at preventing meningococcal disease. The meningococcal vaccine is 85 – 100% effective at preventing infection from the subtypes of meningococcus found in the vaccine. The National Immunization Survey (NIS) Teen, 2015 results indicate 75% of Iowa adolescents 13-17 years of age have received one dose of the Meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccine. The national average for one dose of meningococcal vaccine is 81.3%. The meningococcal secondary school vaccine requirement will help Iowa achieve and maintain high adolescent vaccine coverage levels, protecting the health of adolescents, friends, families, and communities.
What does this mean for you? You will need to call your physician’s office and make an appointment for the meningitis vaccine. If you have no insurance, you may call the Siouxland District Health Department at 279-6119 to schedule an appointment. I have reviewed all the current 11th grader’s records through the Iowa Registry Information System (IRIS). If you are receiving this letter your student is not up to date on his/her meningococcal vaccine. Please schedule an appointment to receive the required vaccine ASAP. Records can be faxed to West High at 712-279-6790 with attention to the school nurse. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Mary Mason, RN
School Nurse, West High School
712-279-6772
masonm@live.siouxcityschools.com
Iowa law requires that children enrolling in ninth grade are required to provide proof of a dental screening to their school. As an update on the screening rules, please note the following:
- A screening for 9th grade is valid if it occurs one year prior to enrollment to four months after the enrollment date.
VARSITY BOUND INFO
The Sioux City Community School District and the Missouri River Activity Conference uses BOUND for tickets and season passes to all regular home high school athletic events.
Sioux City Community School District season athletic passes provide entry to sporting events at East High, North High, and West High —excluding postseason games and postseason activities (concerts, plays, performances, etc.). A pass can be used for all home events for the school in which the pass was purchased.
Pass options and prices are as follows:
- Student Pass (K-12) - $30
- Adult Pass (18+) - $100
- Senior Citizen Pass (62+) - $30
- Family Pass (2 Adults and Children) - $240
Individual tickets for all high school athletic events are also available for $7/each.
All season athletic passes and individual tickets can be purchased through gobound.com or in the BOUND App. Fans can download the BOUND App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Once a purchase is made, the ticket or pass will appear in the BOUND App. The ticket or season pass must be presented in the BOUND App at each athletic event for entry.
Two parents/guardians and children (K-12) living at the same residence are eligible for the family season pass. When placing an order online, families should indicate the number of family members in the "Number of Tickets Needed" box. Once a family pass is purchased, passes must be assigned to each family member in the BOUND App.
Fans who are unable to make a purchase online or through the BOUND App are encouraged to visit the main office at East High, North High, or West High from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday for assistance.
Preorder your 2023-2024 yearbook now!
You can order online at www.yearbookforever.com or see Mrs. Schiller in Room 236 before school, during Homeroom, or after school.
The cost is $40 right now and increases $5 at the end of every quarter. Sales run until April 30, 2024.
March 20-April 30: $55
Seniors- Time to Order your Graduation Cap & Gown!
For Questions or Assistance, please see Ms. Chauncey in the Main Office.
West High Food Pantry
The West High School Food Pantry is available to meet the needs of the West side community. We can assist families with food, limited toiletries, and diapers.
Please call West High School with any requests, 712-279-6772 ask for Mr. VanBuren or Mrs. Husk.
*We will no longer have clothing except for homecoming and prom dresses, thank you!
Parents/Guardians must excuse all student absences within 24 hours of the absence occurring.
School Safety Update
A priority of our school must be student safety, both emotional and physical safety. Students must feel and be safe at all times, both in and out of school.
It is important to remind our students and families of our student handbook which outlines district expectations for our student code of conduct. In this code of conduct, item 12 states:
12. Disobeys Classroom Rules or Engages in Disorderly Conduct or Fighting — Classroom and/or school rules include written rules, teacher and/or administrative instructions, and the general educational prohibition against all forms of cheating, fighting, or material disruptions to the learning environment.
If students engage in fighting at school they will receive school consequences. Such consequences may include being suspended from school until an intermediate school hearing at which night school may be recommended. Students who are found to be promoting school fighting by posting about school fights on social media may also receive school consequences.
West High School is a school all should be proud of, and a place where all should be safe. Our students, families, and staff should not be tolerant of school fighting. We need to work together to continue to demonstrate West High Pride by engaging in behaviors that are Welcoming, Engaged, SAFE, and Trustworthy.
Please help our school achieve this safety in the following ways:
- When students, families, or staff become aware of unsafe situations, they will notify the school administration and staff immediately.
- If unsafe situations arise, students will seek school staff assistance immediately and they should not be a bystander who encourages or records such unsafe situations.
West High School Administration always welcomes communication regarding school safety. Staff may call the school during school hours at 712-279-6772, or they may email school administration directly:
Rebecca Rieken, principal: riekenr@live.siouxcityschools.com
Gabe Hoogers, assistant principal hoogerg2@live.siouxcityschools.com
Brant Bemus, assistant principal: bemusb@live.siouxcityschools.com
Pam Husk, assistant principal: huskp@live.siouxcityschools.com
Reminder that all Sioux City Community High School campuses are closed. This means that students may not leave for lunch, and students may not have food delivered (not even by a parent/guardian.)
Student Code of Conduct
District ACT Exam for all 11th Graders- April 9th
The ACT exam will be given to all juniors on Tuesday, April 9th. There will be no school for 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students. If a senior or sophomore would like to take the ACT, please contact a school counselor.
West High School Counseling Team and Support Model
West High School Counseling Team
Ms. Caroline Chauncey, Counseling Secretary
Mrs. Chris Still, TAG Counselor
Mrs. Steph Hames, 9th Grade
Ms. Josie Pratt, 10th Grade Counselor
Ms. Ashley Benson, 11th Grade Counselor
Mr. Anthony Zeliadt, 12th Grade Counselor
Important WITCC Timeline for Spring Semester
West High School Administration Team
Our team invites parents and guardians to connect with them anytime throughout the school year so we can partner with you as we guide our students to success. All are welcome to call West High School to schedule an appointment, or email the administrator directly:
West High School, 712-279-6772
12th grade primary contact, Rebecca Rieken, Head Principal- riekenr@live.siouxcityschools.com
11th Grade primary contact, Gabe Hoogers, Assistant Principal & Activities Director- hoogerg2@live.siouxcityschools.com
10th grade primary contact, Brant Bemus, Assistant Principal- bemusb@live.siouxcityschools.com
9th grade primary contact, Pam Husk, Assistant Principal- huskp@live.siouxcityschools.com
Mr. Gabe Hoogers, Activities Director
Mr. Brant Bemus, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Pam Husk, Assistant Principal
High School Bell Schedule
A senseless shooting happened this month at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa. Our hearts are with the staff and families impacted by this tragedy and the entire Perry community.
Keeping our district community safe continues to be a top priority for all of us at the Sioux City Community School District. You are an essential part of keeping our buildings safe. We also work with law enforcement on an ongoing basis to evaluate our safety protocols and procedures. Information on our standard response protocols is posted throughout our buildings and available on the District's website.
As always, if you see or hear something suspicious, speak up. Together, we can keep our schools safe. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students, families, and colleagues. Please keep the Perry Community School District in your thoughts.
What’s Happening in Siouxland
Stay connected with family-friendly activities, programs, and clubs in the community through Virtual Backpack. The e-newsletter, which includes information from various Siouxland organizations, is sent out monthly to all district families. Or, view the most up-to-date lists of events and activities on the Virtual Backpack website.
Important Reminders for School Meals
If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals, you will need to complete the online application if you have not done so already.
Families that do not qualify for free or reduced meals can deposit money into their student’s MySchoolBucks account. Information on meal prices for the 2023-2024 school year is available on the District’s website.
For questions or assistance with school meals, please contact the District’s Food Service Department at 712-279-6860 or 712-279-6862.
Is Your Contact Information Up-to-Date?
The District sends out important information regarding school closings and cancellations and other updates to our families via phone, email, and text. Additionally, our school will contact you in case of an emergency or student health concern. Make sure your contact information is updated in our system and that your phone accepts the school’s phone calls. Doing this will ensure you receive school communication promptly and we can reach you in case of an emergency. To make updates to your contact information, please contact our office.
Be Smart About Social Media
In the social world we live, many kids use some form of social media. While social media can help kids connect with friends and family, explore new interests and areas of the world, and enhance their creativity, it can also lead to risks and added responsibility. Social media can be harmful if it is not used appropriately.
Without meaning to, kids can easily share more online than they should. Kids often post photos of themselves online or use their real names, birthdates, location, or school name. This information can make them easy targets for online predators or others with bad intentions.
Additionally, kids sometimes forget that photos, videos, and comments made online can’t be taken back after they have been sent or posted. It’s impossible to completely erase something once it’s been posted online. This may not cause problems for a child now but can lead to issues years later as they apply for college or a job. It is common for a college admissions office or recruiter to scour the internet for information on an applicant, ultimately discovering something a child may not want them to find. If a child would be embarrassed for a family member or future boss to see a photo or video, they shouldn’t post it.
Studies have shown that social media can negatively impact a child’s mental health. The pressure to get “likes” or keep up with other peers online can lead to depression and anxiety as well as unrealistic expectations.
What can families do?
- Limit the time kids spend on social media.
- “Friend” or “follow” your kids’ social profiles and remind them never to “friend” strangers.
- Encourage kids to use privacy settings.
- Remind kids that mean behavior is never okay, including online.
Check out the District’s website for additional social media tips.
Main Office: 712-279-6772
Email us: CommWHS@live.siouxcityschools.com
Head Principal: Rebecca Rieken
Assistant Principal: Brant Bemus
Assistant Principal: Pam Husk
Activities Director: Gabe Hoogers