Wolverines News March Newsletter

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I want to take this month to share some news of all the great things that have been happening at West High. I am so proud of our students and staff, and their positive efforts need to be acknowledged! I hope you enjoy reading about all the latest highlights as much I did collecting them!!

Sincerely,

-Ms. Rebecca Rieken

#WeAreWEST

From his students...

"Mr. Wall is nice. He is an amazing teacher and very understanding."

"Mr. Wall is very calm and chill. He always helps me with my work."

Congratulations to our West High Jazz Band for placing second at the Northwest Iowa Bandmasters District Jazz Festival! The band’s second place finish qualifies them to compete at the Iowa Jazz Championships on April 5th! Good luck West High Jazz Band!!! We are so proud of you!!!

At the beginning of March, West High Senior, Lily Juhnke, was honored for IBCA and IGCA Academic All-State at Girls State Basketball. She is only the 3rd girls basket ball athlete in school history to receive this honor!

Lily recently committed to attending Augustana University in the fall... best of luck to you Lily! West High is so proud of you!!!

Congratulations to West High Senior, Kenny Lam, for being selected as a National Merit Finalist!

Over the course of February, West High staff and students engaged in activities that recognized February as Black History Month. Staff and students designed and painted an amazing wall mural! (shown below)

Thank you to those students and staff who expressed their vision of some of the history important to them!

Sunday, March 13th, dozens of organizations from Siouxland teamed up to clean up the community before the NAIA Basketball tournament. Our West High Chapter of the National Honor Society, under the supervision of TAG Counselor, Mrs. Chris Still, and her husband Jason, came out to help with the clean-up!

Thank you to the following NHS members and some of their WHS friends for their contribution to cleaning up our community!

Holly Duax

Lily Juhnke

Bella Leon

Maya Augustine

Amy Orellana

Liliana Palmillas

Mahogany Vanpelt

Sophia Becerra

Diana Serrano

• Concert choir was the most prepared for our concert last week.

• Concert choir has been sounding the best that group has ever sounded (since I’ve been at West anyway)

• Chamber was invited to sing at Morningside choir concert March 20, 2022.

• Chorale Tenors/Basses worked hard to help me clear the stage.

• Musical is in full swing and the students are working hard. Abby Hammer should be commended for designing the choreography and teaching it to all of the cast members.

Seniors Ryleigh Fick’s and Emily Zautke’s works are currently on display at the Sioux City Art Center, for the 33rd annual juried Youth Art Month Exhibition: High School Students, until April 10th, 2022.

West High PE students finished their badminton doubles tournament this week!

The B3 badminton doubles champions are:

Devon Smith (senior) and Brayden Stransbury (senior)

The B4 badminton doubles champions are:

Iain Simons (junior) and Jonathon Jones (senior)

Mrs. Logue's students studied Langston Hugh’ poems and showed the main idea with words and pictures.

Every month in Global Voices holds a Home Team Cup Championship activity where they try to incorporate all of the 21st Century Skills (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity) while also building a positive classroom culture. Last month their home teams competed to make the tallest free-standing tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows. Team Clarahan took 2nd block and Team Adams won 3rd, but Team Jensen is coming back with a vengeance at the next championship!

On the 17th and 18th of this month, English I students with Mr. Roberts and Ms. Ripperda will be incorporating math into English. The teachers will be introducing "Into the Wild," a 4th quarter novel, with a "wilderness survival game." The students will be required to choose a certain amount of gear to take into their "trip," deciding what they can afford to purchase and what they are able to carry according to the weight limit. They will have to "survive" various role-playing scenarios by utilizing the gear they purchased, and make critical decisions within the game, potentially coming up with unique and creative solutions to the problems presented.

Ms. Splinter's juniors will be exploring what made the 20’s so special as they begin reading “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and later gear up to inquire what made the classic American authors so powerful and symbolic of our history.

Mr. Lewis classes just finished studying "The Crucible", and recently read Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee", looking at multiple interpretations of the poem.

Mr. Hunnel's English classes recently completed a "Blackout Poetry" assignment.

Blackout Poetry involves taking a text (book/magazine page), finding a poem inside of it,

and blacking out the rest. They can also create art around it as you can see below.

As a reward, Mr. Hunnel used the best twelve to decorating his desk!

In Compass Academy, students work towards weekly incentives which allow students to earn game time, and extra rewards from the classroom store with puzzles and other things not related to food. The student’s earn the rewards through a combination of behavior and academic progress.

In Foundations, students are working on dual coding to promote communication skills!

Field Biology students are currently in the process of completing our hunter’s ed unit, and getting close to their field day! DNR Conservation Officer Stacy Bragg will be coming in within the next two weeks to run the field day, which will confirm the training the students need to get their hunter’s certification FOR LIFE!!

During Earth and Space students used a Jeopardy game to answer questions about volcanos, earthquakes, and erosion.

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, Ms. Higgins Algebra I students will be playing math battleship. Students will be multiplying binomials and simplifying them, then telling their partner the answer as the spot they would like to “Hit”. If they got it correct, and it was where one of their ships was, then they are one step closer to sinking their partners ships.

The students will be drawing to show their knowledge of rotations, reflections, and translations.

GeoPhysics students are exploring a Unit on Trigonometry and doing research on how Trig is used in many careers. Students have been getting instruction from Mrs. Schiller in the library and will be creating presentations. These presentations will be shared to some of our elementary schools. They will also be having speakers come in for some of the areas to speak about real-life Trigonometry applications with jobs.

Students in Comp. II just finished reading The Kite Runner, and some students made kites to represent what they've learned. They went out and flew them a couple weeks ago and enjoyed the nice weather!

The Sioux City Community School District (SCCSD) plans to offer one session of driver education class this Summer at West High School. The class will start on Tuesday May 31, 2022 running for 4.5 weeks finishing on Friday July 1, 2022. Dates could change due to weather or COVID regulations. Class times and drive sessions will be assigned after student registrations are completed. Classroom or driving sessions will be held Monday through Fridays with driving lessons beginning as early as 7 am and ending by 5:30 pm. Students will have an opportunity to select preferred driving sessions after they are enrolled in the course. Schedules and class time will be assigned after request have been received. Start and End dates could change or vary due to weather or illness outbreak.

Registration for Summer Traffic Education will begin on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 7 pm with the deadline for all registrations ending on Wednesday April 13th, 2022 or once all spots are all filled. Spots are filled on a first come first serve basis.

Cost for the class will be $385. (School fee waivers are accepted for reduced price of $175 or free). YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES In order to register:

1. The student must be 14 years of age.

2. The student must have a valid Iowa learner’s permit. (Spots will not be held or granted to any student not having a permit before registering).

3. A complete deposit for the class fee must be made to the high school you are registering at in order to be completely registered.

Registration forms must be filled out online only and will be processed in the order in which they were received. Our bookkeepers will call to process payment. If the class fills, those remaining will receive notification that they will be held on the waiting list for another session which is anticipated during the Summer of 2022 at each of the high schools. Students will be placed at the schools in which they enrolled. Registration is limited to 48 available spaces at each of the high schools. Enrollment will be accepted, based on the date and order in which registration forms are received and time stamped, until capacity is met. Students placed on a waiting list are not guaranteed a place in the class.

For questions, contact John Torno (North High School) at (712) 239-7000 x3511

Attention West High Girls... If you missed the informational meeting for joining the West High Girls Wrestling Team, please contact Coach Hessenius, or Mr. Green, Activities Director.

WHS Boys Tennis-

Trivia Night, March 29th, 7pm

West High Media Center

WHS Band-

The West High Band is selling Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee until March 21st. If you are craving donuts, coffee, or would like to support the band program, make sure you see a band member to make your order today! Donuts and coffee will be delivered on Saturday, April 2nd, or can be picked up on Monday, April 4th when you get to school.

West High Student Council will be having a blood drive Tuesday, March 29th from 9am-2:30pm in the Media Center.

There are a few simple "rules"- students are strongly encouraged to come and see Ms. Bernard in the freshman house office to get more info and sign up! It is very easy to sign up and can be done with a quick scan on your phone from a scan code. The attachment on this email has the scan code.

Please keep in mind if you sign up the two most important things are:

*Students must be 16yrs old to donate

*Students ages 16-18 MUST have a Parental/Guardian Permission Form completed before donating (these are available in the Freshman House Office.)

*Staff are encouraged to participate too!

This school year, the District will again offer the ACT to all students in the junior class. Please mark your calendar. The test will be administered during the regular school day on Tuesday, April 5. All junior students are required to attend school and participate in the ACT exam. Students in the freshman, sophomore, and senior classes will not have school on this day. There will be no fee for juniors to participate in the exam. The ACT is being provided courtesy of the District. The data from this exam will allow the District to analyze how the curriculum aligns with the ACT, and in turn, help educators continue to prepare students for success. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.

ACT Test Day Information

On Tuesday, April 5th, all juniors will be taking the ACT test. The ACT test is a standardized test used for college admissions, college athletics eligibility, and scholarships. The following information is for the testing day:

Start time: 7:55 a.m.

What to bring:

• Two #2 lead pencils
• Calculator-students do not need a calculator but may use one on the math section of the test.

What NOT to bring:

• No food or drink is allowed in testing rooms.
• No smart watches or air pods
• No cell phones. If a student breaks the cell phone policy, he/she will be dismissed from the testing site and the answer sheet will not be scored.

End time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Grab and Go lunch after testing!

West High School will be delivering the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress to all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students.

10th grade students will complete the Science portion of these assessments during their science classes on April 20th.

9th, 10th, and 11th grade students will complete the Reading, Language, and Math assessments during the mornings on April 26th and April 27th.

Make-up opportunities will take place for students who were absent on those days.

12th grade students will engage in senior-level specific activities in the WHS gym on August 26th and 27th while the other grade levels are testing.

Senior Students - Important Dates:

Senior Student Mandatory Meeting April 6th @ 8:15 am or 2:00 pm

National Honor Society Induction April 6th (Invitation Only)

Top 5% Banquet April 27th (Invitation Only)

Kind World Banquet April 28th (Invitation Only)

AP Testing May 2nd- 11th

Notify Colleges for acceptance/decline by May 1st

WITCC Classes end May 5th

College Decision Day/Signing @ West High May 5th

Request Final High School Transcript by May 6th

Request Final WITCC Transcript by May 6th

Seniors Last Day- May 19th

Honors Assembly May 25th @ 6:30 pm

Graduation Practice May 27th

Graduation May 28th @2pm

2nd Semester Senior Checklist:

* Complete FAFSA (if not done)

* Complete Scholarship

* Compare and Analyze financial aid packages from colleges.

* Pass your classes

PROM ELIGIBILITY

Prom will be held this year on Saturday, May 14th. Ticket sales will begin the week of May 3rd.

In order to purchase a ticket for prom, the following eligibility requirement must be met:

• · No truancies in the attendance record beginning 4th quarter, Friday, March 18th.

• · No ISS or OSS in the behavior record beginning 4th quarter, Friday, March 18th.

• · All classes must be at a passing status, 60% or above.

• · If a student is enrolled in an Edgenuity course(s), the course(s) must be at 75% complete.

· Complete all Kuder Navigator Tasks

PROM GUESTS:

· All guests who are a student with the Sioux City Schools will be held to the same eligibility criteria as the 12th grade student inviting them.

· Each 12th grade student will be allowed up to one guest.

· 12th grade students purchasing a ticket for their guest must have their guest complete, and provide upon ticket purchase, a guest form (which can be picked outside of the main office.)

Summer school provides students with an opportunity to recover credits from the previous school year(s). Students will either recover their credit(s) by completing a packet of work from the course, or by completing a course through “Edgenuity” (a credit recovery online program). The options available depend on the status of their failed credit, and the semester the failed credit occurred in.

Dates: Tuesday, May 31 – Monday, June 27, 2022

Time: 8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Location: West High Media Center

Transportation & Lunch: Transportation and lunch will be available, details to come…

• 12th Grade Immunization REQUIREMENTS
• Meningococcal Vaccine

Students entering 12th grade will need proof of two doses of meningococcal (A, C W, Y) vaccine; or 1 dose if received when the student was 16 years of age or older. According to the state law, students that have not received at least one dose of the vaccine will not meet the mandatory immunization requirements and there is no grace period granted to catch-up.

Your student may have already received this vaccine during their regular physical exam. If you feel they have had this vaccine, please bring the valid, signed certificate of immunization documenting your student has had the vaccine to the school nurse. You can contact your health care provider's office to get this paperwork if necessary. Our school fax number is 712-279-6790.

The West High School Food Pantry & Clothing Closet is available to meet the needs the West side community. We can assist families with meals, clothing, toiletries, and some household goods. Those in need may contact the school to arrange a time to select items they need, but we would also be happy to prepare a pick-up order to meet your needs. Please call West High School with any requests, 712-279-6772, or email Mr. Van Buren: vanburm1@live.siouxcityschools.com

March 18: Make-up snow day

April 14-18: Spring Break- No School

May 14: Senior Prom

May 19: Last Day for Seniors

May 26: Last Day of School

May 28: Graduation Commencement @2:30

We continue to focus on increasing positive attendance at school...

As parents and guardians are anticipating an absence for that school day, please call the school to report that absence, 712-279-6772.

In an attempt to find resolutions for unresolved absences, parents and students will be contacted within 24 hours to determine the reason behind the unresolved absence.

If a student is absence for more than 20 minutes of a scheduled block, and that absence is unexcused, it will be considered a truancy.

Students are expected to have a pass at all times during the instructional block if they are outside of their scheduled class.

West High School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave at anytime, including during the lunch block, unless they are traveling to/from an excused absence, or to/from another school campus.

Students may not bring outside food into the school building, or have food delivered to the school for pick up.

If your contact information has changed since registration, please call West High School, 712-279-6772, with an update of the information. Emergency contact information is also highly recommended. Being able to successfully communicate with our families is very important to us!

During the school day, any WHS student with a study hall in their schedule will have opportunity for academic intervention with WHS teachers. Students who are failing a course will be expected to work with a designated teacher during study hall until their grades are passing.

After school tutoring will be available for any WHS student from 3:00-4:00 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the WHS Media Center. Busing home will be available to students leaving WHS at 4:15 and dropping off at the nearest feeder elementary school.

Night School is available to any student working on credit recovery/acquisition via Edgenuity. Night School will be 3-7pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, and 3-5pm on Wednesdays in the SWS/AEC classroom, Room 265.

Saturday School will be available to any WHS student on the following dates from 9am-12pm in the WHS Media Center:

• 4/9
• 5/7
• 5/21

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 grade level administrator directly:

West High School, 712-279-6772

12th grade, Rebecca Rieken, Head Principal- riekenr@live.siouxcityschools.com

11th grade, Steve Green, Assistant Principal & Activities Director- greens@live.siouxcityschools.com

10th grade, Brant Bemus, Assistant Principal- bemusb@live.siouxcityschools.com

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

All Iowa public school districts are required to administer an annual school climate and culture survey to students in grades 3-12 called Conditions for Learning Survey (Survey). The survey is designed to measure their engagement in school, safety, and the overall learning environment.

From April 1-29, parents and families of students in preschool through grade 12 will also have the opportunity to participate in the Parent Conditions for Learning Survey. The survey contains similar items to those on the student survey, focusing on areas that range from student safety and positive adult and student relationships to school rules and how they are enforced. The parent survey will be accessible to parents or families online from April 1-29. Participation in the survey is encouraged, but it is completely voluntary, and all questions are optional to answer.

Please watch your email on April 1 for more important information regarding this survey, including opt-out information if you do not wish for your student to participate and a link to the parent survey.

Looking for ways to get your students involved this spring and summer? Sign up for the District’s Virtual Backpack program and receive weekly updates and information about free community events, summer sports league registration, and more. Virtual Backpack is your one-stop resource for upcoming events and opportunities. Sign up for the weekly Virtual Backpack email: https://bit.ly/3tRKVVi

Find a new career that matches your goals and schedule. Job openings are available for teachers, substitutes, food service, bus drivers, summer employment and more. Visit the District’s Career section for a complete listing and to apply!

Do the terms Snap map, private account, or ghost mode sound familiar? If you answered no, you are not alone. Many families are unfamiliar with these social media terms and others. The District website offers information for parents on the most popular social media platforms and tips for keeping kids safe online. Information is available here: https://bit.ly/3mgwsz7

Every student in our building has given a rapid COVID-19 testing form to take home to their parents/guardians. A student must have a signed consent form on record as well as verbal consent from their parent/guardian prior to the administration of a rapid test. Rapid tests are available to students who start displaying COVID symptoms during the school day.

Convenience at your fingertips! Download our new mobile app for easy access to the school calendar, events, and all the information you need about the Sioux City Community School District. The app is available to download now in the app store on your mobile device.

An engaged community makes our District stronger. That is why we have made it easy for you to connect with us whenever it is convenient for you. We encourage you to take advantage of Let’s Talk!, our 24/7 online submission site. Reach out with your ideas, questions, concerns, and praise. To make a submission, please visit http://www.siouxcityschools.org/lets-talk/.

The Sioux City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas: Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Arts, Technology, & PLTW.

The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices. The District is required by Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs, activities, or employment.

Inquiries or grievances under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to Dr. Dora Jung, Director of Student Services & Equity Education/Title IX Coordinator at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075, jungd@live.siouxcityschools.com. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations to the District may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, or both. Please see District Board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.

Contact us!

Principal: Rebecca Rieken

Website: https://www.siouxcityschools.org/west-high-school/
Location: 2001 Casselman Street, Sioux City, IA, USA
Phone: 712-279-6772
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCityWestHighSchool/
Twitter: @WHS_Activities