I have had the recent honor of participating in some senior recognition moments in our athletic and activities programs--always a bittersweet event. While it is endearing to hear what the particular program has meant to students and families, it is a reminder of the finite time we have with all of our seniors and our hopes for them. Our family experienced that rite of passage several years ago and will have his college recognition next weekend: deep sincere care for our son by his coaches, an acknowledgement of the experience's impact, and a bond between teammates and staff that can be long lasting. This year will mark my last opportunity to be involved in these as principal as well.

I feel the urgency of our work with the limited window we share with your student in the classroom, on the field, or the stage. We hope they are experiencing impactful learning and mentoring this year that will put them on a trajectory to have lives of service and purpose. At times those lessons come in the form of correction or accolade, but ultimately, we work toward the shared goal of a more complete person as we part at graduation.

Best,

Matt Irvin

Here is the zoom registration link:

https://wgsdstl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkde2vrDkpGdQIFg4Abb7g6rmdRuCqkm6I#/registration

Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony

May 17, 2025 6:30pm

Chaifetz Arena

• Doors will open for guests at 5:30 p.m.

• Guests: We are not limiting the number of guests per graduate.

• Tickets: There will be no tickets for entry to Chaifetz Arena.

• Parking: Parking is paid by guests in the Olive/Compton garage. Fees will be announced in the spring. Street parking is available but limited.

• Duration: The ceremony lasts approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the class.

This week we are highlighting a phenomenal opportunity for students to earn A+ hours through service learning & mentoring at TASK: Team Activities for Special Kids. TASK is a year-round instructional sports program, and is looking for volunteers to help mentor young athletes during their practices and games. There are opportunities many days of the week in various sports. Students can volunteer for any sport--no expert knowledge or stellar athleticism is necessary. What is most important is the willingness to be a kind and encouraging buddy to the participant.

Students first register in GivePulse so we can help guide them through TASK's volunteer approval process. Once approved as a volunteer, there will be an online scheduling program where students can pick days, times, and activities independently.

Encourage your child to sign up for this program with a friend--the more the merrier!

November 5 is a PD Day; there is no student attendance!

Here are the remaining days in which there is no student attendance due to professional development:

November 5, PD Day

January 3, PD Day

February 14, PD Day

For juniors/seniors only

Call your child's AP office to report an absence, late arrival, or early departure. Checking out early? When leaving school during the day, students must check out through the assistant principal’s office.

Student Early Release:

1. We require at least one hour notice when calling your student out early. Call the Assistant Principal's office before the designated time and report the absence. You may also send a note with the student to be presented to the Assistant Principal's office before school.

2. At the designated time, your student will receive a pass to check out if you called ahead. The student will check out in the Assistant Principal's office.

3. You will NOT enter the building if you have called the absence in and communicated a pick-up location with your child. However, if you choose to pick up your child in the building, you must do so at the main entrance on Selma Avenue. Upon entering the building, check in with the receptionist. Please bring your driver's license if you are checking in. The receptionist will contact the Assistant Principal’s office to send for your student. Please be aware that not calling ahead to schedule an early release can take up to 30 minutes to send for a student.

Webster Groves School District uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.

Parents & Guardians Getting Started Guide

To stay connected with the learning in our classrooms, please create a Canvas Observer Account which is our district's learning management system. You will find three helpful documents below:

1. Canvas Informational Letter
2. Creating an Observer Account, Logging into Canvas, and Setting Notifications
3. Student Accessing Canvas

If you have any questions please contact Tim Brown, Director of Student Assessment, Data and Learning Technologies at brown.tim@wgmail.org.

The Spirit Store is open! Hours are 8-9:15 a.m., Tuesday - Friday.

The online store is open 24 hours a day at https://www.wghsparentsclub.org/spiritwear.

Every time you shop at the Spirit Store, you are supporting student scholarships and teacher grants!

Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: www.webster.k12.mo.us/wghs
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS