The Howl

It was great to see so many of you come out to our 2025 Course Expo on Thursday night. We are excited to dive into 2nd semester and help students plan and dream about next year and the years to come. This is exciting (and very busy) time of where. The semester change brings newness: new schedule, new opportunity to reset habits, new classmates and potential friendships. We encourage every member of our One West community to lean into this semester change as a chance to reset, renew and recommit to the awesomeness we have had going on as a community this week. Read on to learn more about our focus and what's coming up as we start second semester.

In this week's Howl:

• Greetings Wolf Pack!
• Upcoming Events
• Welcome to Second Semester
• Request Fest is HERE!
• Spring Sports are Coming
• Wolf Study Lounge
• College, Career, Life Readiness Corner
• SOPHOMORES!
• Classroom and Student Spotlights
• In Case you Missed It!

January 27th- No School- Professional Development

January 28th- Free sports physicals for students who receive free and reduced lunch- call 608-834-6977 for an appointment

January 29th- STEM Info session for SOPHOMORE families at WEST 1202 6:00-7:00pm

January 31st- Deadline to order personalized yearbook. Order here.

February 4th- Course Requests due in Infinite Campus!

February, 14th- Deadline to order a yearbook. Order here.

February 16th- February Frost 5K 9am-11am

February 24th- STEM Applications Close for 10th grade at NOON

March 1st- Deadline for Early College Credit and Start College Now

May 10th- Prom!

Welcome to 2nd Semester. We have had an incredible first half of the year and we are excited for "Act 2". The semester change over is a chance for reflection, goal setting, and resetting of expectations.

Logistics:

• Make sure that you check Infinite Campus tonight or first thing in the morning for your schedule.
• Schedules have been changing over the last couple of weeks due to various needs and we want to make sure you have your current and correct schedule. DO NOT use a screenshot from the beginning of the year. It is probably different now.
• If there is something amiss with your schedule and you need a change please fill out this schedule change form.
• A reminder schedules can only be changed within the first 10 days of the semester and a schedule change is a request not a guarantee. Schedules will NOT be changed: to be in a class with your friend or for a teacher change. Yearlong drop requests will be admin reviewed, AP drop requests will be reviewed by our Equitable Multilevel Systems of Support Coordinator- Ms. Cassiday.
• AND... TUESDAY is a B DAY. Yep, the semester starts on a B Day. Yep, that's a bit weird. Nope, we can't change it but will try to avoid it in the future.

Expectation Reset: As we head into 2nd semester we will be resetting, reinforcing and regrounding in high expectations with high support for all students. Due to the cold day last week our expectation reset slides will be happening in block lessons on Wednesday, 1/29.

• Cell Phones: Throughout 1st semester we have seen cell phones cause distraction from learning and from engaging in the class community. As we begin second semester ALL classes will start every class with the first 10 minutes as OFF and AWAY to focus on community building, setting expectations for the time together and centering.

• Attendance Continues to be Focus: As we start 2nd semester we continue to focus on all things attendance. We have seen growth this year but things have slipped a bit. We are focused on:
• Students having a pass EVERY time they are out of the classroom
• No passes first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes
• NO DOUBLE LUNCHING- we have seen an uptick in students missing parts of 3 block because of attending the other lunch
• Missed classes are down but tardies are up. On class to every block, every day.

• Parking and all things Vehicular:
• Students parking in STUDENT LOT only
• Slow down, and stop at stop signs
• Don't use the back fire lane as a cut around
• Parents/caregivers use the designated pick/up drop off location not the front lot

• Strong as a PACK
• Focusing on Pride, Accountability, Collaboration and Kindness both in school and social media
• Restorative resources and community building/conflict resolution

Here's to a fantastic 2nd semester!

Last week our teachers did a phenomenal job setting our students up for RequestFest. Check out these slides that were used to help students know about all of the resources available to help students make intentional choices for their course requests. Due to the cold day we have one more day of RequestFest Prep on Tuesday in which students will go through slides 57-97 to learn about elective departments they may not currently have a class in.

This week is RequestFest! There will be no WIN until 2/5 as students will be actively working in SP30 to prepare to intentionally request classes:

• Tuesday, January 27th- Overview of RequestFest and work time
• Wednesday, January 28th- Worktime- Explore your options
• Thursday, January 29th- Learn how to enter in IC- IC opens!
• Friday, January 30th- Community connection- sharing of what you are currently planning
• Monday, February 3rd- Optional Affinity Groups to share progress
• Tuesday, February 4th- SUBMIT DAY! ALL students need to have their courses submitted by end of SP30. Teachers will check off every student.

Spring sports are around the corner. Registration begins in Infinite Campus on February 1st. Start dates for sports:

• March 10th- Boys and girls Track
• March 17th- Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse
• March 24th- Baseball, Girls Soccer
• March 31st- Boys Tennis, Golf Boys

If you/your student receive free or reduced lunch you are eligible for a free sports physical this Tuesday, January 28th. Please call 608-834-6977 to schedule an appointment. Please note, this is the only date the clinic is available to provide physicals for students until the summer sport dates are scheduled

This unique opportunity will provide 40 juniors and seniors from Prairie Phoenix Academy, Sun Prairie East, and Sun Prairie West High Schools the chance to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across multiple states this spring. The experience will include campus tours at institutions such as Central State University, Kentucky State University, Tennessee State University, Fisk University, and Lincoln University. In addition, students will visit significant African American historical landmarks, further enriching their learning and awareness.

100% of your donation amount will go directly to our fund for the students taking this trip.

If you would like to provide a donation by check or would like a record of your donation for tax purposes, please follow these steps:

Any donations can be documented on this SPASD Donation Form. Please note "HBCU Trip" in the where/who collected the donation line item. When the donation form has been completed, our business office will keep lookout for an incoming check. If you require an invoice, please email rmrake@sunprairieschools.org and we will have one prepared for you.

• Please make check payable to:
• SPASD Attn: Tara Zuelzke
• 501 S. Bird Street Sun Prairie, WI 53590
• On the memo line please note "HBCU Trip"

New Year, Same Supports! We’re excited to share some updates to our before and after school tutoring support program to better support your learning:

• Afternoon Study Lounge Relocated: The afternoon study hall has been moved to a new space—the Library—to provide a more focused and resource-rich environment.

• Additional Teacher Support: We’ve added more teachers to our tutoring sessions to ensure students get the help they need.

Be sure to take advantage of these new changes and set yourself up for success this year!

Let’s make this a fantastic year of learning and growth!

There are MANY upcoming incredible opportunities to help you move closer to your college, career and life readiness goals. Check out all of the resources and opportunities below.

This Thursday at lunch we will have the UW Clinical Trials Institute here at West for you to learn more about your opportunities to grow with them.

Have you thought that the auto industry wasn't for you? Didn't think that you could have a career in autos? Sign up for a fun and educational workshop with Zimbrick Honda removing gender gaps from the garage. Reach out to Ms. Griffin in Student Services for more info.

Have you ever thought about welding? Didn't think welding was for you? Check out these workshops breaking down barriers in Welding. Reach out to Ms. Griffin in Student Services for more info.

Interested in engineering or computer science? Check out these summer camp experiences... two of them are FREE. Reach out to Ms. Griffin in Student Services for more info.

Sophomores interested in the STEM Academy can visit with a Madison College STEM Academy advisor on Thursday, January 23, during lunches. Applications are available in Student Services and are due by February 24 at noon. The STEM Academy info night for students and caregivers is Wednesday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. in SP West room 1202.

Weather and Climate students created anemometers that are used to measure wind speed.

Congratulations to the Sun Prairie West forensics team on the strong start to their season! They have attended two tournaments so far, and won first place at both competitions! There are usually between 20 and 30 schools at each competition. Forensics is competitive acting and public speaking. We are so proud of how these wolves use their voices!

Jazz Ensemble I is performing this Thursday night at the Marcus Center in Milwaukee. They were chosen as a high school band to open for Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. ink to Wisconsin State Journal Article

Asha Sundaram was named the Winner of the 2025 WYSO Orchestra Concerto Competition.

Although the holidays are behind us, take a moment to celebrate our students by watching or rewatching Sounds of the Season. The SP Choirs sing at the 3:52 mark and the 50:00 mark.

We need YOUR input too! Do you have an idea of something that should be included in the Howl? Your ideas are always welcome. Email our Admin Associate to the Principal, Jordain Blank at jnblank@sunprairieschools.org.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

No student may be unlawfully discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student’s sex (gender identity, gender expressions, and non-conformity to gender role stereotypes), color, religion, profession, or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin (including limited English proficiency), ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment is a form of discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the District. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur.

(SPASD District Policy JB)

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at 608-834-6620. Si un estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor contactenos en el 608-834-6620.

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Hmong, please contact us at 608-834-6630. Yog tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov ntawv ntawm no ua lus Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 608-834-6630.

We strive to keep The Howl as streamlined as possible with all of the important information for our community. To the end once something has appeared in The Howl, it will move here to the "In Case you Missed It!" section. Take a moment to peruse and make sure you have not missed important info!

Signup for Scholarship Help and Work Time- Wednesdays, WIN- 3411 (after RequestFest)

Help the lost be found. We have a growing collection of coats, hats, gloves, water bottles, etc. Missing something? Come check it out in the front office.

Join us on February 16, 2025 from 9am-11am for a 5k to benefit the Alzheimer's Association put on by our Envision club.

Students, a reminder that you need to park in the student lot only. Last week Officer Sessums (Royse) issued warnings to cars that were parked in appropriately, this week we will be issuing tickets for the following:

• Parking in the staff lot at the front or side of the building near athletics
• Parking in traveling staff spaces
• This has become an extreme issue that traveling staff have no where to park when coming back to West to teach

Additionally, a reminder that the back fire lane is NOT a cut through and should not be driven through. Driving through this is causing dangerous situations for students with disabilities that load buses near door 17. This is also will be a ticketable offense (see the blue line on the map below).

Also safe driving reminders:

• Slow down. The top speed in our parking lots or on the frontage rounds around campus should be 15mph.
• Full stops. Please make sure you are making full stops at all stop signs around campus. When you stop you need to come to a full stop behind the line/stop sign. We have had incidents of near accidents from students not coming to a full stop back far enough next to the stop sign.

The Yearbook Club is excited to share that there’s still time to guarantee a yearbook for your student, but don’t wait too long! To ensure you receive a copy, please make your purchase by Friday, February 14th 2025.

If you’d like to add a personal touch, yearbook personalization orders must be completed by Friday, January 31st 2025. Personalizing your yearbook is a special way to make it even more meaningful!

Yearbooks are typically distributed the week before Memorial Day weekend, so your student will have plenty of time to enjoy flipping through the pages of memories with friends before the school year wraps up.

To place your order or personalize a yearbook, please click the link below:
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/3151854/Sun-Prairie-West-High-School/

Thank you for supporting this cherished tradition! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Yearbook Advisors, Ms. Fowler at nefowle@sunprairieschools.org or Ms. Blank at jnblank@sunprairieschools.org

It's time! Start applying for scholarships TODAY. Please be on the lookout for WIN opportunities to apply for scholarships with others. The application is open now for the Local Scholarship Application which is due on February 28th at 4:00pm. Also, check out our scholarship page where we will continually update scholarship opportunities as they come in.

Interested in travel but didn't think it could happen for you? Join Ms. Leamy on a trip to beautiful San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala. Scan the QR code to get more information.

Hey parents/caregivers!

Did you know that the government has rules about what makes a "complete" school meal? It has to include fruits or vegetables at breakfast and lunch. This is because healthy food helps kids learn better!

Here's the deal:

• Complete meals = Government funding: When your child takes a complete meal (with fruit or veggies), the school gets money from the government to help cover the cost.

• Incomplete meals = Costs for you: If your child refuses the fruit or veggies, the school doesn't get that funding. This means we might have to charge your account, even if your child gets free or reduced-price meals.

• Lots of tasty options: We offer a variety of fruits and veggies every day, including fresh salads and always at least two fruit choices.

Why it matters:

• Healthy bodies = Healthy minds: Fruits and veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals that help kids grow and learn.

• Fighting childhood obesity: Eating healthy foods helps kids maintain a healthy weight.

Let's work together to make sure our kids are getting the nutrition they need to succeed in school! Encourage them to try something new from the salad bar or fruit options.

Remember: Hungry kids can't learn!

Did you know that you can be a full time Madison College student your Junior and Senior Year studying STEM while still being a Wolf? The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy is an INCREDIBLE opportunity for students thinking about entering those careers and wanting a jumpstart on the next step of their education. This program is FREE and includes additional supports as you transition to the college level. Sophomores, apply today!

At Badger Precollege, we create innovative programs for students in grades 2–12 who want to explore their academic interests, learn more about the college experience and meet new friends. Our programs support educational and social growth by challenging students’ curiosity and expanding their academic interests. Summer 2025 program registration opens January 13

We offer a range of courses, from engineering and computer science to art and psychology. You can explore all of our summer 2025 courses at the link below. Choose a subject you already know and love, or pick something new to explore in a low-risk environment!

Registration for all summer programs opens on January 13, 2025. Courses fill up on a first-come, first-served basis, so mark your calendars and apply early. Limited need-based scholarships are available.

We look forward to seeing you next summer!

Search Badger Precollege classes

Nourishing Our Future: Enhancing School Meals. The Sun Prairie School Nutrition Department is committed to providing nutritious and delicious meals that fuel your child's growth and learning. We are excited to share some of the ways we are improving our school meals program:

1. Fresh, Local Ingredients:

• Farm-to-School Partnerships: We are partnering with our distributors, Gordon Food Service and V. Marchese to bring fresh, seasonal produce to your child's plate. Every Middle School and High School in the district has a Hydroponic growing tower and supplies us with fresh Romaine lettuce for our entree salads and salad bars.

• Reduced Processed Foods: We are minimizing the use of processed foods and artificial additives. Our homemade roasted vegetable recipes are well liked by the students and contain small amounts of olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. These include roasted fresh broccoli, butternut squash and green beans.

2. Diverse and Flavorful Menu Options:

• Cultural Cuisine: We are offering a variety of cultural dishes to introduce your child to new flavors and cuisines. New recipes this year include Asian seasoned rice, long grain and wild rice, taco meat made from scratch and more.

• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: We are expanding our vegetarian and vegan menu options to cater to diverse dietary needs. This year at our High Schools and Middle Schools we have plant based chicken nuggets and buffalo wings, spicy black bean burgers, black eyed peas and rice, along with many cheese entrees and salad options.

3. Educational Initiatives:

• Nutrition Education Programs: We are meeting with classes, student council groups and student clubs to share nutrition information and receive feedback from students as to what they would like to see offered for breakfast and lunch at their schools.

• Taste Testing: We are involving students in taste-testing new menu items to encourage their input and preferences.

We believe that healthy eating is essential for a child's overall well-being. By providing nutritious and delicious meals, we are supporting your child's academic success and future health.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, Barb Waara, Director of School Nutrition

bmwaara@sunprairieschools.org 608-834-6527

Our before and after school tutoring is up and running!!! Schedule out time this week to stop by the Wolf Study lounge to get help, catch up, or study for your classes.

• Morning Tutoring: 8:05 AM – 8:35 AM

• After-School Tutoring: 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM- Activity bus available at 4:45pm
  

Questions? Reach out to Nehemirah Barrett @ntbarre@sunprairieschools.org

Great work on the progress made! Keep up the great work.