Hello WHS Families, Students, and Staff,

I want to thank everyone for such a successful start to the new school year!!! Each day as I interact with our students, I am reminded of what great kids we have here at West High!

Our school's Homecoming is just around the corner. Homecoming is such a fun time of year, and it comes with many events that will create lasting memories for years to come. I encourage all of our students and their families to attend our upcoming Homecoming events!

Recently posts on social media resulted in our school operating in a "Secure" status as school administration partnered with law enforcement to investigate the content. I encourage our families not to wait until the school day starts. If students or their families become aware of such concerning content on social media in the evening or during the weekend, we encourage them to call the local non-emergency number to report these concerns so that law enforcement can help investigate the concerns before school resumes the next day.

Attendance protocols have underwent significant changes recently as we have gained new guidance from the state. It is very important for our families to communicate the reasons for absences so that we can resolve attendance questions the day of the absence.

The best approach for our students is to keep this phrase in mind, "Be your BEST, Be AT WEST!!!" In order to help ensure the positive attendance and safety of our students, we have introduced a new e-pass system, Securely. This application provide very beneficial information so we can keep our students safe.

We are not hosting after school tutoring this year, however we have academic supports available during the school day. If a student needs support, we encourage them or their family to reach out to their school counselor so that they can be connected with the support they need during the school day.

I look forward to continuing ahead into the fall months here at West High School. I want to partner with our students, their families, and our staff, to continue to make WEST BEST!!! If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, or compliments, please share them with me.

Sincerely,

-Ms. Rebecca Rieken

riekenr@live.siouxcityschools.com

West High School Principal

#WeAreWEST

Holly Macfarlane is our September staff member of the month. She is a tremendous asset to the culinary department and the building leadership team!! Ms. Macfarlane is a positive influence for our staff and students alike. Keep up the great work! Congratulations!!!

Monday, September 30th we welcome our Westside Community to join us in honoring the memory of our dear teacher and colleague, Mr. Kent Martin as we dedicate a tree and bench to his memory. Following the homecoming parade, we will gather in front of the school for this dedication.

The Football team is dedicating their season to the memory of Mr. Martin and his incredible strength and fight to keep going.

To show your support to both him and the Wolverines, we have bracelets that say "Mr. Martin Strong" in black and green for sale for $5!! You can swing by Coach Bernard's office in the Media Center and purchase yours TODAY!!

Homecoming is right around the corner. The schedule for homecoming week is as follows. Please make sure to check the homecoming eligibility rules to be sure you can purchase tickets to the dance on October 5!

Sunday 9/29 – Coronation 6:30 PM – West High Auditorium

Monday 9/30- Homecoming Parade 6:30 PM – West 19th Street

Tuesday 10/1- Home Volleyball Game 7:00 PM – West High Gym

Wednesday 10/2- PowderPuff Flag Football 4:00 PM – Riverside Field

Thursday 10/3- Away Cross Country, Away Volleyball, Home JVR Football

Friday, 10/4- Homecoming Football Game 7:00 PM – Olsen Stadium

Saturday, 10/5- Homecoming Dance 7:00 PM – West Middle Commons

Homecoming Dance Tickets will be $10 for single tickets, and $15 for couples. They will go on sale beginning Monday, September 30, and sales end Friday, October 4th. Tickets will increase in price by $1 each day they are on sale.

• No truancies on the student's attendance record from September 9th through ticket purchase date. This includes any tardies that are 5 minutes past the starting bell which turn into an absence.

• No behavior referrals resulting ISS or OSS on the student's behavior record from September 9th-October 4th.

• Student must be passing all classes with a 60% or above percentage at the time of ticket purchase.

• Students who plan to bring a guest must complete a guest permission form and have it available at the time of guest ticket purchase. Guest permission forms are available at the Activities desk.
• Guests must be between the ages of 9th grade through 20 years old. No middle school students are allowed.

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, or if the engage in acts that jeopardize school safety, 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, or school violence, by posting on social media will 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 or school violence. 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

Anthony Henriks, assistant principal: henrika@live.siouxcityschools.com

Pam Husk, assistant principal: huskp@live.siouxcityschools.com

Our ProStart 2 class visited the Country Market on Hamilton Blvd. It is owned and operated by Tammy Donovan---a West High mom!! We got to look at the vegetables they grow on their farm, cool trinkets they sell, and ask some questions. We learned where the farm is located (Elk Point), why she started her farm, and how her family works together to contribute to the farm and the market. We bought yellow watermelon, colorful corn, and we were gifted some tomatoes. We got to learn the ways of her starting her business, like she enjoyed building a living with family and planting and selling along side them. We also learned that she does not use pesticides on her produce. Another cool thing is that she offers a matching program for customers using EBT, and will be going to Washington DC this month to celebrate being part of that government program! She said she is happy to support families eating healthy! Thanks Miss Tammy!!

Mrs. Husk has been working closely with her Freshman teachers to help get our Class of 2028 off to a solid start!!!

We are so excited to be working with all of our students to help them in mastering their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills. Soon we will be starting our short story unit focusing on plot structure, characterization, and other elements that contribute to great story telling.

(Left to right: Ms. Rebensdorf, Ms. Ripperda, Mr. Antonio, and Mr. McHugh)

In Algebra 1 students took their Initial Knowledge Check in ALEKS to begin the school year. We then began Unit 1 Solving Equations and Inequalities. Our first DCA will be given the second week of October.

(Left to right: Ms. Saltzman, Mrs. Ransom, Ms. Schroeder, and Mrs. Jorgensen)

We will be covering an introduction to biology and the characteristics of life. From there, we will move into cells, cell theory, organelles, and other cellular structures. We will also introduce students to lab procedures with a microscope lab. Left to right: Mrs. Bravo, Mr. Case, and Mr. Hinds

In our American History PLC, we are working on guided readings and vocabulary terms for our first unit. We will be working on CFAs to check for understanding for each of the guided reading sections. Left to right: Mr. Nelson, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Felix

At the beginning of the year, in Freshmen Seminar, we will be working on school and classroom procedures/expectations, identifying personality/learning styles, learning how to navigate school technology platforms and time/classroom management skills. Left to right: Mrs. Boetger and Mrs. Cofield

Hello, West High!

Mr. Henriks here with a sophomore update! The year has been off to a great start. I am beyond excited to be back at West High and working with our wonderful students. This community has been very welcoming and patient with me as I learn a new role. Thank you all very much for that!

Again, thank you for such a warm welcome and never hesitate to reach out for any questions, comments or concerns! I’d love to hear from all of you!

#WestisBest

With the school year underway, West High would like to spotlight some of our fall activities that have been hard at work so far this school year. Getting involved in activities in high school offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers and explore new interests. There's no shortage of ways to engage. Join our fine arts, clubs, sports teams, or extracurriculars to stay involved this school year! These activities can help you develop teamwork skills and create lasting memories. Plus, diving into these activities can make the transition into the school year more enjoyable and fulfilling. Wondering what other activities we have to offer at West High? Visit Ms. Sands or Hr. Hoogers in the main office for a complete list of our activities at West High! Go Wolverines!

Interested in Drama, Speech or Debate? There will be an informational meeting in Ms. French’s room (room 211) on Thursday September 12th right after school. If you are unable to attend, stop by her room on B days or send her an email.

Play Auditions

Auditions will be held on the 16th and 17th right after school! If you are unable to make it but want to be part of the production please email Ms. French.

Online Passes and Ticketing

Purchase activity passes to our sporting events through Bound to get into all home games hosted by West High School between August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025. Use the link below to purchase yours today!

Student Pass - $30

Adult Single Pass - $100

Family Pass - $240

Senior Pass - $30

Reminder: the #SCCSD will continue to use the BOUND Sports App for tickets and season passes to all regular home high school athletic events. Cash will not be accepted at the gate.

All season athletic passes and individual tickets can be purchased through https://bit.ly/missouri-river or in the BOUND Sports App.

To purchase tickets on https://bit.ly/missouri-river, click on "Home" under Sioux City East Black Raiders, Sioux City North Stars, or Sioux City West Wolverines, and select “Tickets” in the main menu.

Fans who download the BOUND Sports App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store can purchase tickets in the app and present their mobile pass at the gate.

Questions? Call the East High, North High, or West High office for assistance.

If a student was not able to get their picture taken during our early laptop check out days, there will be another opportunity on October 18.

If you'd like to get a head start on ordering your cap and gown, please scan the QR Code below! If you have questions, please contact our Counseling Secretary, Ms. Kassing: kassins@live.siouxcityschools.com

Students will need the Cap, Gown, Tassel, and Stole to participate in commencement. Those items will all come together in the Cap and Gown unit. You have choices from Packages or individual items depending on your needs for graduation.

Email a .jpg file to her at schillk@live.siouxcityschools.com or bring a physical copy of your photo to her in the library.

Photo Requirements:

• Portrait-orientation (up and down and not wide)
• High resolution JPG file
• No costumes, pets, props, or hand gestures in the photos
• No "selfie" photos or photos with social media filters
• Attire for photographs must comply with West High School’s dress code

Preorder your 2024-2025 yearbook now! Order online at yearbookforever.com or see Mrs. Schiller in the library 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, 2025.

At West High our counselors loop with their grade level class throughout all four years, and students identified as TAG will loop with Mrs. Still. As students and families have questions, please contact the counselor for that student's grade level, or the TAG counselor, either by email, or by leaving a voicemail for that counselor.

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 Mrs. Husk.

*We will no longer have clothing except for homecoming and prom dresses, thank you!

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, Anthony Henriks, Interim Assistant Principal- henrika@live.siouxcityschools.com

9th grade primary contact, Pam Husk, Assistant Principal- huskp@live.siouxcityschools.com

What does this mean for you? You will need to call your physician’s office and make an appointment. If you have no insurance, you may call the Siouxland District Health Department at 279-6119 to schedule an appointment. Records can be faxed to West High at 712-279-6790 with attention to the school nurse.

West High School Nurse Contact Information:

Mary Mason, RN

School Nurse, West High School

712-279-6772

masonm@live.siouxcityschools.com

Iowa law requires students to have certain immunizations, vision screenings, and dental screenings before starting school in the fall.

Your student will not be able to attend school without proof of the required immunizations and screenings.

Iowa law requires that students entering 12th grade have two doses of the meningococcal vaccine. Students must have one dose of the meningococcal vaccine and proof of the vaccination turned into their school before the first day of school on August 23, 2024. Students who do not have their first dose of the meningococcal vaccine or their immunization record turned in by August 23 will not be able to start school until those steps are completed.

Students have until September 23, 2024, to get their second required dose of the meningococcal vaccine and turn in their completed immunization record to their school. Students who do not complete their second dose or turn in their immunization record will not be able to attend school after September 23 until those steps are completed.

If your student needs vaccinations, we highly recommend you call your family doctor to schedule their vaccinations today. If you do not have insurance, you may call Siouxland District Health Department at 279-6119 for assistance.

The District and our school are continuously updating families on important school information, closings and cancellations, and other announcements. Information is shared through email, phone calls, and text. Make sure we can connect with you by keeping your contact information updated in our records. If you need to change your contact information, please contact the school office.

The District has cell phone protocols in place to ensure an engaging and distraction-free environment for our students. The protocols restrict the use of electronic devices during the school day.

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please contact our school office. Alternatively, if your student needs to contact you, they should come to the office.

For more information on our protocols for electronic devices, please review the 2024-2025 Parent/Guardian & Student Handbook on the District website.

Volunteers are needed to join the District’s Grassroots Advocacy Committee. As a volunteer, you will receive email updates about important legislative events that could impact public education and be asked to contact local and state leaders to advocate for our schools. Volunteer today and let your voice be heard! Contact Communications@live.siouxcityschools.com to volunteer.

Looking for a part-time or full-time career with flexibility? Instructional assistants, bus drivers, and food service staff are needed to join our amazing team! Check out the District’s openings today!

You now have a more convenient way to connect with your student’s teacher! The District has partnered with TalkingPoints, a communication tool that allows you and your student’s teacher to easily communicate via text message. Messages will be sent to you in your family’s primary language. Watch for more information on this exciting tool coming soon!