Hello WGHS Families,
A candidate for a teaching position asked our committee to identify a unique attribute of Webster Groves High School. My response is that our size allows many academic, athletic, or club options for students to pursue, yet small enough for a student to find a role in one or more of those settings. A student may be a musician and part of an athletic team or be in a dramatic production coupled with membership in STUCO. I am resharing one of my favorite examples of this below, embodied by a graduate that was a scholar, an athlete, and an active member of several school organizations:
In baseball, stealing home is a play of equal parts audaciousness and good fortune. However, there is a bit more behind the heroics of that particular game. John Porthouse (class of 2019) by all accounts had demonstrated himself to be a good student in his time at WG and knew the likelihood of completing the play against a left-handed pitcher (indirect view of the base runner on third) with a slower delivery, two outs in a one run game, late inning, his own speed on the bases, and having a right handed batter to obstruct vision and play of the catcher. As Louis Pasteur noted, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Clearly, John’s understanding of the circumstances and his coach’s analysis fostered the boldness of the play and potential to have a favorable outcome.
As a secondary school, we cannot know our students' challenges or destinations, yet we can “prepare” their mind. The prepared mind has the ability to observe, make sense, arrive at decisions and act across complex environments. That preparation happens at Webster when our students find the right balance of comfort and challenge in multiple settings. Bravo to you and our staff for creating deeper learning opportunities that permit them to seek greater understanding, partnerships, and relevance that will undoubtedly allow them the tools to navigate circumstances they will encounter.
Best,
Matt Irvin
Did You Know?
Reminder for early dismissal requests:
We require at least one-hour notice before a dismissal can take place. Please keep in mind our unit offices are closed for 30 minutes during lunchtime.
It is less disruptive to the class if students that must leave school early depart at the time of the bell, between classes. If that is the case, after you call the unit office, please tell your student to head to their unit office when the bell rings. However, we understand that sometimes that cannot always happen.
Please call or email your unit office for any early dismissal requests, or call 314-963-6400 and follow the prompts.
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.
Summer A+ Hours Volunteer Opportunity for Freedom School
Students can volunteer to assist with small groups of K-5th grade students at Freedom School this summer and earn ALL their A+ hours for all of high school!! This program will be held at Peace UCC's site on the Eden Campus. Interested students should register on GivePulse, and then Chelsea Center staff will reach out to guide them through the volunteer application process. In the meantime, they can be getting a brief resume together!
The Freedom School organization empowers youth to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves, their families, and communities with hope, education, and action. Volunteers will be working alongside seasoned staff as they mentor younger students through various activities such as reading time, STEM activities, games, etc.
The session will run from June 16 - July 25 from 8 - 4pm. (There will be no school July 19/20, and no school July 4th.) There is a required training session on Tuesday, May 27th from 10am - 12pm (lunch included). Students will receive A+ and Statesmen Service hours for the training day as well as the days they volunteer.
Freedom Schools® at Peace provides enrichment through a research-based and multicultural program model that supports K-5 scholars and their families. The culturally competent learning model is built on literacy, leadership and social advocacy, and its curriculum is rooted in the Freedom Summer of the Civil Rights Movement.
Information about this and other opportunities can always be found on our website at bit.ly/chelseacenternews.
Shop the Parents' Club Spirit Store!
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!
Webster Groves High School
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