South Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break. It is amazing that we are in December and are coming up on the final few weeks of the First Semester of the school year. I have reminded students this week that the 2nd Quarter finishes at the end of the month. It is important to check grades and work with teachers in order to finish the semester in a good place. This is perhaps the most important academic time of the year!
I send this newsletter every two weeks with information about upcoming events and information to help keep you informed. I hope you find this information useful, If at any time you want additional information, please refer to our school website.
As always, please reach out to our office anytime you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Andy Suttell
Principal
440-975-3628
The Battle of the Bells - Salvation Army
We have entered into the "Season of Giving" South students have a rich tradition of supporting others and we will continue to look for ways to teach our students about community outreach and giving. In that spirit, next week we will be participating in the "Battle of the Bells" More information will be shared with our students in homerooms beginning on Monday.
Senior Picture Information - Due December 21
Senior Picture Directions and Requirements:
- Portraits must be from chest or waist and up. No full body .
- The main focus should be on the student, not the background,. If the students is leaning on a tree, brick wall, or any other objects, the focus must mainly be on the student's face
- No hands, hoods, or hats covering the student's face .
- No props, animals, or other faces in the picture.
- Students must take the picture in school appropriate clothing.
- All files must be submitted as .JPEGs
- Files must be titled "Full Last Name + Full First Name + 23"
- Original digital copy is preferable, but the higher resolution the result the better.
- Please do not submit screenshots, selfies, or any picture from social media.
- The picture must be emailed to south.yearbook@weschools.org
The deadline for submitting a senior picture is Thursday, December 21, 2023, the last day of school before winter break. Failure to submit an acceptable picture will result in using the Inter-State picture that was taken on school picture day or being listed as "not pictured."
Willoughby Unites Update
As I have shared in previous newsletters, Willoughby Unites is a group of South High and Willoughby Middle students who are exploring ways to build relationships within the community. Recently, The Willoughby Unites students continued to hold their community forums. The students spoke with Mayor Fiala and School Board Members- Stacy Menser and Jamie Shatsman. The students are learning the roles of civic leaders, problems our community faces, and what students can do to help our community. A huge thank you to them for spending time with our students.
Winter Formal - Date Announcement!
Senior Class Trip - New York City!
Early this week, seniors had an opportunity to attend a meeting to provide information about the Senior Class trip planned for New York City from April 11 - 14 2024. If you were unable to attend the meeting or need more information, please see the attachment below.
Rebel Recognition - Students of the Week!
Each week, our teachers nominate students who are consistently positive in their approach to school both academically and behaviorally. At the end of each month, each nominated student will have a chance to earn Student of the Month.
The following students have earned Student of the Week. Congratulations!
December State Testing Information
- Students currently in semester-long US Government classes will be taking the US Government End of Course Exam on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 12th and 13th in class. Their teachers will communicate expectations to them, but students should bring their school-issued Chromebook, fully charged.
- Counselors have met with individual students regarding any state test they may need to retake based on their individual graduation plan. Students needing to retake a previously attempted test received an individual notice this week which includes the test(s), date/time, and room number in which they will test. All tests must be completed by December 18th.
Guidance Updates
- In December, guidance counselors will be going into Health classes for 10th graders and Social Studies classes for 9th graders to teach them about Naviance. Naviance is a platform that allows our students to investigate careers and colleges.
- The ACT will be given to all 11th graders in March. A letter was mailed to the homes of students on IEPs and 504 Plans. This letter was asking permission to request accommodations for the ACT. If your child is on an IEP or 504 Plan and you did not receive a letter, please contact your child's guidance counselor.
- Seniors FAFSA update: We have received an update from the Department of Education, and they said that the 24-25 FAFSA will be open by Dec 31st. Technically, it could open earlier than that, but assume it will be Dec 31st. We don't advise that you try to fill it out the first few days that it is open, because historically the system can be slower those days.
- Guidance emailed a "How-To-Request Initial Transcripts Be Sent to Colleges." All transcript requests must go through Naviance for tracking purposes. The link to the video is below. If you or your student has questions or needs help after viewing the video, please contact their guidance counselor. View the Link Here.
Cardinal Credit Union - Student Intern Oppoortunity
Cardinal Credit Union, one of our community partners, have paid internship opportunities available for students interested. If interested, please scan the QR code on the flyer below, or visit our Cardinal Credit Union Kiosk during a lunch period when they are available!
Community Activities, Flyers and Resources
Are you looking for activities for your children? Interested in family programs in the community? There are so many options for Willoughby-Eastlake families, such as city departments of recreation, sports teams, scouting, camps and special events in all of our surrounding communities, plus so much more!
Information from approved organizations who host activities for Willoughby-Eastlake youth and the community are posted electronically. Paper flyers from organizations are not sent home with students. To access the flyers, visit the COMMUNITY link on the district and building website pages Community Activities Flyers
For specific information about the events, you need to contact the sponsoring organization. Flyers are updated periodically during the month so remember to visit often to check for new postings.
Enjoy what our community has to offer!
Rebel Express - South High Spirit Shop
Rebels Express, the South High Spirit Shop, would like to welcome everyone back to school!
Our store is now open for business online and in-person.
Our in-person hours will be Thursday & Fridays during lunch periods.
We will be open in the evening on September 6th during Open House from 6pm- 8 pm
You can place an online order and pickup in the main office from 7-3. We can also send your order home with your student. The online website is : https://rebelexpress.square.site/
Please follow us on social media to stay updated on new items, special promotions and store hours.
Instagram: @rebels_express
X (Twitter) : @RebsSchoolStore
Facebook : Rebels Express Spirit Shop
We look forward to seeing you!
Crossroads Health Services
If you believe your child is experiencing challenges in terms of their mental well-being, it is important to reach out to your principal. To meet your child’s needs, it’s essential to collaborate with the principal and school personnel to explore resources and services available at school. In addition to Crossroads Counselors, the District also has family liaisons and guidance counselors who can provide needed interventions and support.
Safer Ohio School Tip Line
- 1-844-SaferOH (844-723-3764)
- Calls or texts are answered by analysts within Ohio Homeland Security. If action is needed, the analysts immediately forward information to local school officials, law enforcement agencies and the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) for action and follow up.
PowerSchool - Settings and Alerts
PowerSchool is the official gradebook and attendance record for our school. From the Parent Portal, you are able to set alerts for low or missing assignments, as well as tardy and absent alerts to keep account for period to period attendance of your child. Please take advantage of these settings and alert features.
With today's closure, it is also a good idea to check you notification settings in the Parent Portal to ensure you are receiving school and district closing notifications and other information.
Below are links for PowerSchool to assist you. If you need any further help getting set up with the Parent Portal - please call our office.
Quick Reminders!
Attendance
- Anytime a student is absent, the office needs to verify that student's attendance. If you know your child will be absent, tardy or leaving early, please call the office attendance lines. The ouor office will not have to call you! If we know you are picking them up - you do not have to come into the building. Students will come out at the time you have requested pickup. Thanks for helping us keep our students safe.
- Attendance Line - 440-283-2180
- Late/Early Line - 440-975-3652
- Main Office Line - 440975-3648
Guidance Counselors and Schedule Information
At this point, you should be able to view your schedule in Powerschool. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing Powerschool or any other problem with your schedule, please contact your counselor directly. Please be mindful that there are many factors that go into changing student schedules at this point, your counselors will work to do the best they can, but there are situations where we simply do not change schedules as we are this close to the school year.
Guidance Counselors
Mrs. Alison Grant; Student with Last Names A to G: Alison.Grant@weschools.org
Mrs. Celeste Duffy: Students with Last Name H to O: Celeste.Duffy@weschools.org
Ms. Virginia Joyce: Students with Last Name P to Z: Virginia.Joyce@weschools.org
South High Administration
As a reminder, the administrative team at South is eager to work with you and our students to support student success in any way. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the appropriate grade level administrator:
Mr. Andy Suttell, Principal: andrew.suttell@weschools.org
Mr. David Miller, 11th and 12th Grade Principal: david.miller@weschools.org
Ms. Jennifer Neumeyer, 9th and 10th Grade Principal: jennifer.neumeyer@weschools.org
Showing the Rebel Way All Day
We will begin to focus our students on behavior that help them keep their focu on their learning and the instruction of their teachers. As we begin the year, students will hear about the Rebel Way. Three easy ways to exhibit the Rebel way are the following:
Showing the Rebel Way All Day:
Show up on time - To school and EVERY class. Parents can set alert settings in PowerSchool for notifications when a student's period attendance does not match their daily attendance. Put away all personal technology in class - No cell phones or earbuds while in the classroom. Please remove earbuds from the ears during class. Cell phones/headphones are allowed to be used quietly in Lunch, full period study halls, and the hallway between periods. Pictures/video ARE NOT PERMITTED:in restrooms, locker rooms, or any area where there is “reasonable expectation of privacy,” nor in classrooms or of unsuspecting persons. Be cognizant of what is in the background of your pictures and videos regardless of where you are! Check your dress - No hoods or ski masks on in the building. You may wear a baseball or beanie cap if desired. Please express your personal style without the use of see through or revealing clothing. Attire with profane, vulgar, or drug/vape/alcohol references will not be permitted at any time. Undergarments should not be showing.
District Reminders
Bussing Information: The radius for school transportation widens from Middle School to High School. Transportation information will be listed in PowerSchool Parent Portal on August 14th. Transportation can be reached at (440) 975-3736.
School Fees, Lunch Accounts & Free/Reduced Lunch Application: Manage student meal accounts & Apply for free and reduced meals at https://www.weschools.org/PayForIt.aspx
Open Positions at W-E Schools
Check out the Employment page to find opportunities for joining the Willoughby-Eastlake team: https://www.weschools.org/AssistantSuperintendent.aspx