Rebel Review

South Families,

Can you believe that Spring Break is just around the corner? In just two short weeks, we will be wrapping up the Third Quarter and heading into a well-deserved break. When we return, the Fourth Quarter will be underway, bringing with it Ohio State Testing, senior celebrations, and the exciting conclusion of the school year. This final stretch always flies by!

My message to our students during this time is simple—stay focused, keep working hard, and continue striving for improvement and growth. Every effort counts! Upon our return, state testing will be an important focus, and I encourage all students to be prepared and put forth their best effort.

I send The Rebel Review every two weeks to keep you informed and to celebrate the great things happening within our school community. Additionally, I encourage you to visit our school website for the latest updates. As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our main office at (440-975-3648).

Thank you for your continued support!

All the Best,

Andy Suttell

Principal

Mark your calendar for these important events during the first few weeks of school:

March 11: ACT Testing for Juniors

March 13: W-E "State of Schools" at the PAC

March 18: 3rd Quarter Ends

March 21: Professional Development Day - No School for Students

March 22 - March 30: Spring Break - No School

March 31: School Resumes

April 8: Spring OST Testing Begins

Our counselors continue to meet with students individually to discuss and ensure that course selections are appropriate for each students requirements and needs. This is a process that will take us into March. If your have any questions or need clarification about courses your child should be taking, please reach out to your counselor.

At South High School we are committed to expanding our offerings through customized learning and innovative programming for our students in order to provide options and pathways that will provide purpose for our students. As we begin the scheduling process, I wanted to make you aware of these options as you begin to work with your child to build their courses for the 2025-2026 School Year. Here are the exciting options that are available for next school year.

FLEX Classes

Classes where meeting time is flexible. We are currently running ten successful and innovative FLEX courses this year. We will be expanding those offerings next year. Class is held every day, but if students demonstrate mastery, each week, they can "FLEX" out, to work on deeper learning assignments in other areas of the building, work on things for other classes, etc. The goal is to build our students' agency, autonomy, and teach them to manage their own time and responsibilities. These are open to any student in grades 9-12 (based on course offerings)

Career Capstone Elective Courses (NEW FOR '25-26)

Semester career exploration courses open to 9th and 10th graders. These courses will be focused on one of four career "clusters," and allow students the time and place to explore how their interests and aptitudes could match up with potential careers. Students will work with their teachers to develop their learning plan for the course, culminating in a presentation where each student will demonstrate their learning. The course will lean heavily on the Portrait of a Graduate Competencies. These will be fun, engaging classes that will inspire kids to start thinking about careers earlier in their educational journey.

Cybersecurity Pathway (NEW FOR '25-26)

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields today. The private sector is buzzing for workers with this skill set. We will be starting our Cybersecurity Pathway next year here at South.

WE Build (NEW FOR '25-26)

Each year, the Construction Trades program through Excel TECC sends EVERY SINGLE ONE of their graduates into full time employment immediately upon graduation. However, space is limited. There are dozens of other students in grades 11 and 12 who will be pursuing careers in the skilled trades who need access to this instruction now. WE Build is a partnership with the Homebuilders Association (HBA) where students will learn the basics of the skilled trades here at school during the day, with the goal of eventually being placed on a job site as a "pre-apprentice" - during the school day!

Internships (NEW FOR '25-26)

Our overarching goal is to produce future ready graduates. That means connecting with our local business community to ensure they have the workforce they need to thrive. To that end, we've partnered with dozens of local businesses to create opportunities for seniors to be released from the school day for internship opportunities in fields of interest (some paid, some unpaid).

**Again, If you have questions about these exciting and innovative programs, please contact your child's counselor throughout the course registration process.

On Tuesday March 11, 2025, The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce is paying for juniors to take the ACT Test at South High School during the school day. All 11th grade students will test and should report to our Competition Gym at 7:45 with their Chromebooks charged and ready for the test. Teachers will remind students on Monday of the testing, and I will send out an email reminder on Monday evening. Please see below for information regarding ACT Testing.

What are the benefits of taking the ACT Test

• Free: Students and their families pay nothing for this administration of the test.
• Local: Testing occurs during the school day, at the student’s school.
• Useful: The ACT test—which includes multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science—measures what students have learned in high school. Student test results can be used for admission to many colleges and universities. Test results help students determine their academic readiness for college and provide career guidance based on information they provide to ACT.

How do students prepare for the ACT test?

• ACT, offers the following preparation resource: act.org/info-for-examinees: This preparation resource includes test-taking strategies, tips for each content area, and a complete practice test.
• ACT Practice Tests are also available on your student's Edmentum Portal which can be accessed through their Clever Account.

I invite and encourage you to attend the Willoughby-Eastlake-State of the Schools on Thursday, March 13 at 5:30pm. Our superintendent, Dr. Ward, will discuss the exciting and innovative programing that is occurring with our district. Showcases demonstrating our Portrait of a Graduate from our students will also be part of the evening.

On March 13, South High School will present to students the Say Something program, as required by House Bill 123. For your information, please see the 2025 Say Something Information Letter. The letter explains the program and offers a link to additional resources that help to create a safe school environment. Within the letter is an opt out form for you to let us know if you do not wish for your child to participate on in the presentation. If you are choosing to opt out of the program, please fill out the form by March 10. As always, if you have any questions, please contact your child's counselor or the main office at anytime.

I want to mention that Tuesday, March 18 marks the end of the Third Quarter of the school year. I will communicate when grades will be posted to PowerSchool. Please encourage your child to finish this important time of the year in a good way.

Just a reminder that there is no school on Friday, March 21 as our students start their Spring Break then. Students will return from Spring Break on Monday, March 31.

Guidance Department Information:

Mrs. Grant – Alison.grant@weschools.org, 440.975.3653 Serving students A-G

Mrs. Scripp – Lindsay.scripp@weschools.org 440.975.3624 Serving students H-O

Ms. Joyce – Virginia.joyce@weschools.org 440.975.3657 Serving students P-Z

We have access to National Honor Society (NHS) tutors every period of the day. Please reach

out, if your child is struggling in core subjects and we can help them connect to an NHS tutor.

Scheduling information

It is an exciting time in the Guidance Department. Counselors are meeting with students to discuss their choices for next year and help with future plans. Please take time to discuss your child’s future plans and how their choice of courses in high school will help with careers. South High School is offering many new and exciting courses that will aid students in choosing a strong course of study, making them competitive as they move forward in their academic and career path . Please encourage your students to choose classes that will appropriately challenge them. Counselors are here to help with the decision making process. Counselors will continue to meet with students until mid-March.

Scheduling process and tentative timeline:

Week of February 24: Counselors will continue individual meetings with 11th grade students. Once those meetings are complete we will begin the process with our 10th grade students.

Week of March 3: Counselors will hopefully finish our 10th grade students and begin to meet individually with our current 9th grade students

CCP Intent Forms - Available Now

If your child is interested in College Credit Plus (CCP), please help them fill out the Letter of Intent to Participate. The form is available on Schoology/PowerSchool. The form is also linked through the CCP Checklist.

Senior Scholarship Opportunities - Available on Naviance

You may sign into Naviance through your Clever account and access the following scholarships. If you are unsure how to navigate Naviance scholarship information, guidance has created a tutorial here: Scholarships on Naviance.

Athletic Eligibility - Check your Schedules, Talk to your Counselors or Coaches

Athletic eligibility is incredibly important to consider during the scheduling process! If you plan to play sports please be aware of the requirements to be eligible. Review your students’ schedules and make sure they are carrying at least five credits in order to be eligible to play/participate in athletics or school activities that require eligibility. Looking ahead. Fall sports and related activities, the student must be carrying and passing 5 credits

in the 4th quarter in order to participate in the Fall. Physical Education does not count toward athletic eligibility. If you have questions, please reach out to your student’s coaches or counselors at any time!

This is what is happening over the next couple of weeks in our counseling department:

3-11 ACT Test will be given during the school day to all current 11th grade students

3-13 “Say Something” presentation for the entire school. This program is based on the

Sandy Hook Promise which is a House bill that was designed to help young people understand

how to stay safe and protected in school.

Each year, our friends at Cardinal Credit Union present the Mad City Money Scholarship Competition. This event is a culmination of WE Schools' partnership with CCU to provide financial literacy instruction to our students. Teams of seniors can compete during the school day to try to win the "Game of Life." Teams will be given a career/job title, an income amount, and a family situation. Each team must live within their means while visiting tables such as "housing, insurance, transportation, food/clothing," etc. This is an incredible event for our seniors to earn some scholarship money! I encourage all to get involved!

Teams can register by scanning the QR code below. See Mr. Quinlan in room 106 if you have any questions. This year's Mad City Money event is happening on March 19th, and begins at 9:00 AM. Students will be excused from class for this event.

I want to continue to tell you how hard the staff at South High School works and shows care for our students. Please consider using our Staff Shout-Out Form anytime you want to recognize the good work of any staff member at South. Nothing is more meaningful to an educator than to hear that they are making an impact with their students and community.

As we enter the Second Semester of the school year, Senior events and planning for the culmination of the school year becomes a main focus. In my newsletters moving forward, I will provide a section on information for your planning for the end of the year. This week, I want to provide the important dates of some senior events that are currently on our calendar:

March 10 Senior Prom Fashion Show

March 21 Senior Letter Sent Out - Will have detailed information on all Senior Events

March 31 Prom Tickets go on sale

April 25 Prom

May 15/16 Senior Exams

May 19 Senior Breakfast

May 27 Graduation at Palace Theatre

Jostens was on campus delivering cap and gowns on Thursday, March 6. If you weren’t able to pick up your cap, gown, and other graduation items on March 6, please pick up your items in the main office when you are able to. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00am to 2:30pm. If you still haven’t ordered your cap and gown, we have extra caps, gowns, and tassels for purchase in the main office. Ordering for caps and gowns must be done before Spring Break to ensure delivery prior to the graduation ceremony. Remember, you must have a cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony on May 27th. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Contento in the main office.

Prom Fashion Show tickets are now available - click here! If you haven't attended one of the prom fashion shows in prior years, this is an event you do not want to miss. All students and families are welcome to attend and watch our very own Senior models walk the runway showing off the latest prom fashion trends. There will be vendors on site, concessions available and raffle baskets up for grabs. All proceeds benefit the Rebel Families After Prom fund, providing a safe and sober activity for our seniors to attend following Prom.

Monday, March 10th

Vendors & Raffles 6pm, Runway Show 7pm

Performing Arts Center at North High School

Tickets:$5 for Students, $10 for Adults

We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate your support of this special event. If you have a business and would be interested in setting up a vendor table, please click here to sign up. If you would like to provide a basket donation for the raffles, please reach out to Rebel Families at wsrebelmoms@gmail.com.

I wanted to begin to get Senior Parents some initial Graduation information as you begin to plan for this celebration. Our Graduation is set for Tuesday, May 27 at 6:30pm. The location for the ceremony is at the beautiful Playhouse Square: Connor Palace at 1615 Euclid Avenue. Each Senior will receive 6 tickets to the graduation ceremony. Once those tickets have been determined, there may be an opportunity for 2 additional tickets. More specific information will be coming as we get into the Spring,, but I wanted to give you this information for planning purposes. As always, please call me with questions as you have them.

Cirino Photography, our official commencement photographer will be taking photos before, during and after the ceremony. The images taken will all be available online within approximately 5 business days and will be active for 30 days. Please click on the link below and then hit SUBSCRIBE

https://my.photoday.com/gallery/willoughby-south-commencem

Or you may also Text the code CPSOUTH25 to 90738 and receive gallery communications via text message. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cirino Photography at 440 953-8200

We have extended the deadline to Spring Break as senior picture submissions are still being accepted. If you have not turned in your senior picture for the yearbook, there is still plenty of time! Please see the information below for submission details.

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

**Failure to submit an acceptable picture will result in using the picture that was taken on school picture day or being listed as "not pictured."

Scholarship opportunities are added to Naviance as they become available. Seniors, please continue to frequently check Naviance for these new postings (Scholarships on Naviance) You may sign into Naviance through your Clever account and access the following scholarships: (Please note - there have been additional scholarships added since my previous newsletter)

• The Ross and Carmella DeJohn Memorial Scholarship
• Lake County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship
• Association of Specialists in Aging 2025 Scholarship
• Tom & Bea Horwatt Scholarship 2025
• Frank & Wendy Platzar Legacy Scholarship
• Fields of Learning
• Mark Sturdevant “19” Scholarship (Cleveland State University)
• Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland (4 scholarships)
• Janice Southworth Memorial Scholarship
• Willoughby South High School Athletic Boosters (South)
• Lake County Fair: Arthur F. Warren Memorial Youth Scholarship
• Willoughby Baseball League: Dick Nicholl Memorial Scholarship
• E.B. Miller Memorial Scholarship
• Student View Scholarship Program
• Andrew Karode Scholarship for Nerds (South)
• Tri-County Scholarship (Lake Erie College)
• The Americans of Italian Heritage Scholarship
• 2025 Rita Matteo Memorial Scholarship
• Willoughby-Eastlake Teachers Association: Richard Mele Memorial Scholarship
• Artemis Awards & Apparel: A Moment of Excellence Scholarship
• Society of Professional Journalists: Philip Porter Scholarship
• Berlin Family Scholarship
• Royalview PTO Scholarship
• The Nancy Theiling Thuma Memorial Scholarship
• Gerry Gallagher Memorial Scholarship
• GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Scholarships
• The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio
• USBC Lake-Geauga Scholarship
• 2024-2025 Willoughby South Alumni Scholarship
• ABB Engineering Scholarship
• Frank Jason Feola, Ph.D. Legacy Scholarship
• Balanced Man Scholarship (University of Cincinnati)
• Hagan Scholarship 2025 - 2026
• 2025 Lake County Farm Bureau Scholarship
• Willoughby Band Boosters Scholarship
• Mad City Money (Cardinal Credit Union)
• Willoughby Junior Women’s Club Community Involvement Scholarship
• UH Lake Health Careers Scholarship
• 2025 NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship
• UH Lake Health Careers Scholarship
• Willoughby Western Lake County Student Scholarships

Enjoy some pictures and information of some of the great things happening at South over the last two weeks.

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 Rebel Student of the Week during the past 2 weeks. Congratulations!

Our Students of the Month winners receive a pizza from Pizza Booyah during their lunch period to share with friends! Congratulations to 9th Grade Dominick Damiano, 10th Grade Lucas lazar, 11th Grade Noor Kang, and 12th Grade Daphne Burdette for being our January 2025 Students of the Month!

Congratulations to South Soccer Senior Hunter Porz and South Football Standout Drew Vilk. During a ceremony earlier in the year, Hunter signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Tiffin University on an athletic scholarship. And last week, Drew signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Otterbein University on an athletic scholarship. National Letter of Intent signings are incredible moments that are the result of years of hard work! We are so thrilled that we have had several over the last few months! We could not be more proud of Hunter and Drew for their tremendous accomplishments both on the fields and in the classroom. Hunter and Drew continue the tradition of being tremendous examples of student-athletes. They are both, and will continue to be, outstanding representatives of Willoughby South! Congratulations! We wish nothing but the best to both of you on your next academic and athletic journeys.

Yesterday, we were able to send out Indoor Track team off to the state competition with a clap out at the end of the day. Our Track program has had tremendous success over the past year. By qualifying for the state indoor meet, our current Rebels are continuing the tradition of this success. Good Luck this weekend - we know you will make us proud!!

Our combined North-South Robotics Team, including 4 South members - Zach Mog, Asher Burnworth, Sharon Sharma and Brady Ayala, have competed and qualified for the prestigious state competition. This is an incredible accomplishment considering this is the first year for the team, and it is composed of 9th and 10th graders. Due to our team's inexperience, and the fact they have competed against mostly upperclassmen, they have become the talk of the competition, and have drew praise from everyone involved! Very impressive first year - good luck this weekend!

Last weekend our Athletic Boosters held their annual Raffle Dinner Fundraiser. This years event was attended by over 200 members of our community. Simply put, this was an absolutely outstanding event. I wanted to thank you, our community and our Athletic Boosters for the support. Our athletic programs receive consistent support and benefit from your generosity and pride. Thank you South Community for this wonderful evening and celebration.

Rebels Express, the South High Spirit Shop, would like to welcome everyone back to school!

Our store is now open for business online.

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

With the cold weather months approaching, it's important that everyone is aware of the district's calamity day policy. Please see the Willoughby-Eastlake Letter for info about how and why the decision to close school is made, and how you will be notified.

Willoughby South High School has 3 phenomenal Booster Organizations that support the students!

• Our BAND BOOSTERS support our Rebel music and band programs
• Our REBEL FAMILIES support our Rebel academic programs and provide scholarships
• Our ATHLETIC BOOSTERS support our Rebel athletics teams

Please support these fine organizations! They volunteer their time to give back to our kids in so many ways!

Cardinal Credit Union provides South Students with a free checking account. They put the first $20 into an account for you. An ongoing bonus is that they add a dollar to the account for every dollar you earn throughout your entire high school experience. Cardinal also wants to reward you for you’re A’s at our Kiosk during lunchtime at South HS! IF you have one of their FREE CARDINAL ACCOUNTS, Cardinal will give you a $1 for every A. Just see us at our Kiosk at lunch with any documentation from your student records and your High School Mascot Debit Card so we have your account number, and Cardinal will add the bucks to your account!!!!

IF you do not yet have an account, see us at our Kiosk and we’ll help you get started!

It is time to start preparing for Graduation! See the attached flyer for all of the information you need to order your Cap & Gown, Graduation announcements, Senior Ring and other items. At our Senior Class Meeting in the First Semester, seniors were provided with an ordering packet. If you did not receive the packet, please stop by the office to pick one up.

Senior Flier Information

Sophomores - It is time to order your Class Ring! Your ring is a symbol that you are a part of South HS and your graduating class. It is also a reminder of all of the great moments and accomplishments you will have while you are here. See the attached flyer for all of the information you need to design and order your Ring.

Class Ring Information

The Argus, South's annual year, is busy planning the 2025 yearbook edition. Please see the Argus Update 2025 for information about our yearbook, school pictures and senior photo information. If you have any questions related to the yearbook, please email them to our Yearbook Advisor, Ms. McChesney at south.yearbook@weschools.org.

Bussing Information: The radius for school transportation widens from Middle School to High School. Transportation information is now available in PowerSchool Parent Portal. Please call Transportation Department at (440) 975-3736 if you have any transportation questions.

Food Services Flyer

Please see the following for information about our Food Services - Food Services Flyer

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

The Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools and the Cleveland Food Bank will provide monthly produce for any family in the community. The markets are open from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Service will not begin prior to 10 a.m. See the posting below for upcoming dates and location.

In partnership with the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, our district is excited to offer a limited number of "Drive to Succeed" scholarships, thanks to a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). These scholarships provide free driver training scholarships to low-income high school students.

If your child meets the income requirements and has a temporary permit, they may be eligible for a scholarship. Please note that only 20 spots are available for the year. To learn more or to apply, please contact your child's guidance counselor. We encourage eligible families to apply!