What a fantastic week 1! Thank you to all of the parent/caregivers, students and staff that helped us have an outstanding Week 1. Although my (Principal JP), school year did not start as planned as I was out sick for the first 2 days of school, I knew that we were ready. Our staff had prepared. Our students were excited. We experienced a great kick off including a Senior Sunrise on our turf field in front of the school, community building in classes, setting expectations and the tone for One West. Our School. Our Future. Thursday and Friday we began grade level assemblies to kick off the year with our freshman and sophomores. We will continue this week with an assembly for juniors on Monday and finishing up with our seniors on Tuesday. This week we also look forward to welcoming you ALL to our Back to School Night on Tuesday from 6:00-7:30pm. This is an open house event in which you are able to walk your student's schedule with them, meet their teachers and here about what is in store for the semester in your student's classes. The end of this week we will also kick off our first celebration/heritage month with Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month running from September 15th-October 15th. Here's to a fantastic week 2.

Jen Ploeger- Principal- jrploeg@sunprairieschools.org

Chai Lee- Associate Principal- cmlee1@sunprairieschools.org

Ed Ford- Associate Principal- ebford@sunprairieschools.org

As we enter year 2 we are focused on LEARNING! This year in addition to focusing on disrupting inequities and building a culture of care, we are focusing on rigorous and coherent teaching. Our focus on rigorous and coherent teaching includes:

• Common slides at the beginning and end of every class for consistent expectations
• Schoolwide implementation of planners to explicitly teach organizational skills
• Intentional planning and use of the 86 minute block lesson including: beginning of lesson, 3 "engagements" including movement breaking the learning into smaller pieces and allowing predictability for students and a closing activity. The number one feedback we got from students last year was that 86 minutes is a long time to be in a classroom if there is not predictability, movement and variety in the teaching and learning, that's now the expectation consistently across classrooms.
• Our grading practices from last year continue with 90% of a student's grade coming from "summative" activities- tests, quizzes, projects, etc. This is "the game" in which students show what they know and are able to do at the end of the learning. 10% of a student's grade comes from "formative" activities- homework, in class practice, practice quizzes, etc. This is "the practice" in which students are still learning and growing.
• As our teacher teams have worked to identify the essential standards of what students need to know and be able to do by the end o the course new this year students will need to complete ALL summatives in a course to be eligible to pass. This ensures that the teacher has had an opportunity to assess the student on the essential skills and knowledge that they need to be prepared for the next step after that course. Last year this was true in some courses and now it is a common expectation across all courses at East and West. Teachers will be contact with parent/caregiver and student if a student is missing a summative and provide opportunities for the student to recover that opportunity.
• Additional Opportunities. We know that everyone learns at their own rate and in their own way. Students that do not experience success the first time on a summative will be given a minimum of 1 additional opportunity to show their knowledge/skills. Teachers will communicate with the students what learning needs to take place between the first attempt and second attempt to help the student learn and grow before the assessment is taken for a second time.

This Thursday we are hosting our Clubs/Activities Expo during both early and split lunch! As we come together as One West. Our School. Our Future. this year we know that students who are involved in at LEAST 1 club, sport or activity experience SIGNIFICANTLY improved outcomes in grades, behavior and attendance. What club/activity or sport will you be involved in this year? Visit the expo on Thursday during lunch.

Students should have received their purchased parking passes this week. Starting Monday, all students need to park in their designated parking spot. Each of the student spots are labeled with a number and students are expected to park in their personal spot. If someone has parked in your spot please come directly to the front office to complete a "someone parked in my spot" form. All students that desire to park on campus need to have purchased a parking pass ($30/semester) and have their parking pass displayed. Students that park in the front lot in front of the main entrance/athletic entrance or the side lot near Door 24 may receive a parking ticket.

We look forward to our 2nd annual cross town football classic of Sun Prairie West vs Sun Prairie East. Please be on the lookout for a specific email from the athletics department to come at 5pm on Tuesday about expectations and logistics in order for everyone to have a safe and fun night Friday night.

As we start the 23-24 if you are looking for Wolf Wear, please consider supporting the Pack Shack (our school store) and purchasing items for this online store.

• September 12th- Back to School Night- ALL Students and Families invited- 6:00-7:30pm
• September 15th- Beginning of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
• September 15th- SP East vs SP West Football Game
• October 4th- Homecoming Parade- Main Street
• October 6th- Homecoming Game- Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium
• October 7th- Homecoming Dance- West Gym

Did you know that last year Sun Prairie Schools were the FIRST schools in the area to start an adapted sports league? Our students competed in soccer, floor hockey and whiffle ball. As the teams enter year 2 please consider supporting this fantastic program by purchasing ASL (Adapted Sports League) apparel: https://spadaptive2023.itemorder.com/

Did you know that we have many fall sports that have been up and running for weeks and that are experiencing GREAT success? Our boys soccer team was just featured in an article about their undefeated, red-hot start. Our football team also heads into Friday's competition against SP East undefeated. Our girls swim team has 3 swimmers with state experience returning to the pool. Our boys are taking the volleyball court for first time in a SP Co-Op team. Girls tennis, girls golf and boys and girls cross country are all in full swing having great seasons. Check the calendar and come support our athletes!

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.

As we prepare to start the year we are in need of awesome subs to help take care of our students when staff are out. Are you looking for a new opportunity? Do you know someone looking? Can you help spread the word? Please help us get the word out so that we can ensure that our students have the very best people supporting them even on days staff (teachers or support staff) need to be out. Having an ample supply of fantastic subs is also a great way to support our staff by allowing them peace of mind when they are out. More information!

• Our wages for substitutes are in the top 5% in Dane County.
• Control your own schedule.
• We financially support you with Department of Public Instruction training (8 hours) for a 3-year substitute teaching license.
• We will provide you with technology training so you have the skills you need to succeed in supporting students and staff.
• Earn a $100 bonus for working 5 days in a month. (More info about the incentive program below)
• Earn an extra bonus for working in targeted schools and positions.
• Lunch provided through our award-winning school nutrition program.
• Full or part time positions are available!

As we start year 2, united as One West, we need to talk about: vandalism and lunch rooms. Last year we had a problem with vandalism at West that cannot continue into year 2. It takes ALL of us to ensure that we are taking care of our beautiful building. Even if you never participated in any vandalism (which is 98% of the student body), together as a PACK we need to be united that this is not who we are as Wolves. If you see something, say something. Positive peer influences can stop the act before it starts. Additionally, if you see something damages report it to an adult right away. This will allow us to pinpoint the time to narrow our search to identify the responsible parties.

Additionally, last year we had a problem with students not cleaning up after themselves after lunch. Both inside in our dining spaces and in the courtyard. We have an incredible, beautiful building and 2 custodians for the entire building during the day. We will miss Alex as he moved to Oshkosh and welcome Dino to day shift. Jose and Dino are fantastic humans and they simply cannot cleanup after 1500 other people during the day. They are here to help make the system function by providing us with toilet paper, towels, etc. It is your responsibility to clean up after yourself. If you see something on the ground, even if it's not yours, pick it up. Clean up carefully after yourself during lunch.

Together we can and will take care of this amazing facility and live out PACK on a daily basis.

We have ~120 Wolves who travel over to East for one or more classes and are also Cardinals. The information below was sent to these families by their advisory teachers at the end of the week but want to make sure that you received it.

How do I know if my student is traveling?

• Receiving information from both East and West
• In Infinite Campus have an enrollment at East
• On your West schedule there is a class period that says: "Class at East"

Below you will find a lot of information about logistics and expectations for advisory for our traveling students. Please read this in its entirety. Some students travel only on A Days, some only on B Days and some students travel both A & B Days. The following logistics/expectations should be followed on any day that a student travels. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Logistics:

Bus Shuttle Schedule: (the shuttle picks up/drops off at Door 1)

Depart from West 8:35 → Arrive at East 8:50

Depart from East 10:10 → Arrive at West 10:25

Depart from West 10:25 → Arrive at East 10:40

Depart from East 11:55 → Arrive at West 12:10

Parking:

Students who drive themselves to SP East will not have an assigned parking spot. Please park along the tennis courts. They should have a blue SP West parking pass with a cardinal on it.

WIN Time: (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

All students are expected to sign up (in Flexisched) for WIN (What I Need) Time every Monday (even if they travel that day). The expectations below should be followed Monday through Friday for both advisory and WIN Time.

Expectations:

On days that a student travels:

• If they are leaving from SP West to go to SP East for a 2nd block class they must come to my classroom (3607) or to their WIN Time teacher by the start of advisory (10:08 am) to check in. They will then be dismissed at 10:15 am to either get on the bus or to drive themselves over to SP East.

• If they had class at SP East for 1st block and are arriving at SP West they must go to Mr. Annen in room 1202 (a classroom right off the commons) or to their WIN Time teacher to check in no later than 10:30 am. If they arrive after this time they will be marked as tardy. If they never check in they will be marked as absent. If your student is driving themselves from SP East to SP West the expectation is that they are going directly from one school to the other with no additional stops.

On days that a student does not travel:

• Students will have a different advisory teacher or WIN Time teacher (the one they signed up for on Flexisched) that they should report to for the full advisory time.

Advisory is a graded class so there are lessons that all students must complete. Students are responsible for checking their school email every day for assigned lessons and important announcements.

I know that was a lot of information. Please reach out if you have any questions. I am looking forward to a great year! Go Wolves!

We are so excited as our athletes have begun to take our fields! Before we know it they will be on the pitch, in the pool, on the stage and on the court as well. Please bookmark our 2023-2024 Athletic and Activities Calendar to mark your personal calendars for exciting upcoming events for the year.

As we all prepare for our fall schedules, starting the first day of school on September 5th our building will be open 30 minutes before school starts (8:05am) and 15 minutes after the day is done (4:00pm) unless the student is with an adult at a supervised event: extracurricular/tutoring, etc. Before and after school the students will use the commons. This allows our students time to hang out and connect with friends, get support they need and have appropriate staff supervision. Please plan rides, drop off/pick up accordingly.

We are continuing our Leaders of the Pack program this year. Leaders of the Pack is open to any West Wolf that strives to embody PACK each and every day and is ready to step up as a leader for our community. Activities for leaders of the pack include: volunteering at school wide events, giving school tours, being a buddy for new students and being a guide for our incoming 9th graders. Sign up today!

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This test gives students practice for taking the SAT and is the first step in entering scholarship programs conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The test consists of three sections: reading, math, and writing/language. 11th-grade students can register to take the optional exam in the fall. Please reach out to your student's counselor for more details.

Our motto this year is: One West. Our Community. Our Future! We are coming together in year two as ONE COMMUNITY focused on the learning and success of our scholars. Attendance is a key piece to making that happen. Please read our attendance letter to parents/caregivers here.

Purpose: To create common language, expectations and follow through around cell phone use so that students learn appropriate cell phone etiquette and engage in teaching/learning and peer interactions in class.

Universal Language:

• Off and Away- phone and electronics are in a pocket, backpack or locker- cannot be seen in the classroom, including air pods.

• Teacher Directed- Phone is being used as directed by the teacher in the classroom. Headphones/airpods are being used for music, phone may be out but face down on the table. Music is set then phone is left alone.

• Phone Break- Teacher has directed a class phone break for a set amount of time where students are allowed to use their phone as they would like

Universal Expectations:

• Phone status is set using universal logo and clearly articulated-
  “We are going to be off and away for this portion of class”

• If student is not following expected status the teacher will direct the student to place the phone in the class box or shoe holder for the remainder of class. Student gets the phone back at the end of class with a quick problem solving conversation with teacher.

• If student refuses to put the phone in the box/shoe holder teacher calls behavior support. Youth advocate/dean responds and phone goes to office for the remainder of the day. Documented in IC. Parent/caregiver called for problem solving.

• Repeated instances of going to the office becomes repeated refusal to follow school rules.

• Documented in IC

• Parent/caregiver meeting

• Consistent follow-up with restorative practices coach and/or deans of students which may include: restorative practices referral, lunch detention, ISS, etc.

Last year we experimented with allowing students to order food through DoorDash, GrubHub, etc. Through this experience we learned that students experienced significant loss of instruction waiting for food, even when it was no fault of their own but the food delivery system was running late. Additionally, it led to several instances of conflict stemming from food being stolen and taken accidentally. SPASD has a strong wellness policy to focus on the health and wellness of all of our students and staff which fast food during the day did not support.

This year we are implementing: Dine-In Only. We will continue to be a closed campus with all students staying on campus throughout the school day and are discontinuing ordering of outside food by students during the school day. To support students in having healthy options they are excited to eat during the day we are developing the following systems/supports:

• FFA partnership with school nutrition

• ProStart partnership with school nutrition

• Lunch advisory student group

• What do you want to see?

• Students if you are interested in being a part of the lunch advisory- please reach out to Principal JP

Please bookmark these two VERY important documents so they are always at your fingertips. Please note that our bell schedule times have shifted this year (start time 8:35, end time 3:45).

Bell schedule A/B Calendar (the A/B Calendar says East at the top but it is a district document that is the same across all schools using an A/B schedule)

Preliminary transportation information is viewable in Infinite Campus by logging into Campus Parent, click on ‘More’ then choose the Transportation tab. If the bus stop does not look accurate, please contact Kobussen. Pickup and drop off times are continually changing as new students enroll and other students move out of the district. Final busing information was emailed to families on Thursday, August 31.

Busing information will be sent before school starts for 4K students and children that receive specialized transportation.

Your child will receive a bus tag either at their back to school event the first day of school. All students are required to have their bus tag with them to ride the bus to/from school with the exception of the first day.

Please contact Brinda Thompson at brinda.thompson@kobussen.com or (608) 825-8700 ext. 5509, if you have questions or concerns about your child’s bus route or stop. If you have any other questions related to busing, please contact either Lisa Sprindis at lasprin@sunprairieschools.org or Rhonda Page at rspage@sunprairieschools.org.

As we prepare for our first home Wolf football game of the year this Friday night, please review the updated event guidelines for the 2023/2024 school year. We are beyond excited to take the field, stage, pool, court, pitch, course and so much more as Wolves for the first time. Together we can make these fantastic, safe and enjoyable events for all.

Visitors accessing the building use the orange spaces and access this lot near Rebel Rd

Caregiver drop off and pick up is indicated in red with access from Blue Wolf Way

Student parking is indicated in green and can be accessed from Blue Wolf Way or Ironwood. More details on student parking will be shared at orientation night.

As we enter Year 2 and build One West we are focused on continuing to build a culture of care, disrupting inequities and rigorous and coherent teaching. Our 3 goals this year for school improvement are:

• Teacher teams collaborate to develop engaging lessons and meaningful assessments for a block setting and reflect/adjust based on feedback from students/peers
• Students, staff and parents/caregivers will have a sense of belonging in the SP West community through consistent communication, collaboration and common expectations.
  
• Every staff member will actively work toward creating an equitable SP West community.
  

Last year we did a thing that has not been done in over 40 years in Wisconsin: we launched a comprehensive, public High School! The work that was done by this community was no small feat. We learned new spaces, overcame logistical obstacles, built new teams, new systems and structures. It was all new. As a staff we came the historic High School, CHUMS and from across the state and beyond to enter a new building and become the staff of West High School. We experienced significant successes and accomplishments, as well as, challenges and difficulties. We are ready to launch year 2: focusing on our successes and addressing our areas of challenge.

One West. Our Community. Our Future. Our theme for the year is One West. Our Community Our Future.

• Staff. As a staff our year long focus is to break down barriers and create partnerships across teams, departments and experience from Youth Advocates to Teachers to Student Services, Nutrition, Custodial, Admin Associates and beyond. Every adult that works with our students is an educator. This year we are intentionally deepening community and intentional connection.

• Students. As we continue to build West and focus on One West. It is our goal to have 100% of students engaged in a sport, club or activity throughout the year. Our data has shown an incredibly high correlation between involvement in one club or activity and academic success. We are in the process of launching several new clubs/activities and developing additional student voice feedback opportunities including our new Student Senate which will consist of leaders from groups across West to collaborate, break down walls and co-create what it means to be a Wolf.

• Parents/Caregivers. As we enter Year 2 we are focused on communication and connection with our parent/caregivers: increased communication from the classroom and increased opportunities for connection and involvement.

As we move into year 2 of an SPASD community with 3 High Schools in Sun Prairie (Sun Prairie East, Sun Prairie West and Prairie Phoenix Academy) we are united in our high expectations and high levels of support for students. Please grab a cup of coffee, refill your water or your favorite beverage and carefully read through our Student Handbook. This includes LOTS of important information from academics to student/parent/caregiver support to school nutrition and student fees.

As we continue to create our identity and pride in being Sun Prairie West High School, we strive to foster a positive school culture and safe, effective, engaging learning environment for all students by being ONE PACK living out our community agreements every day.

• Pride: I do my best at all times.

• Accountability: I take responsibility for my actions.

• Collaboration: I work well with others.

• Kindness: I try to understand others and their feelings.

We will be grounding ourselves in PACK at the start and throughout the year in the classrooms, hallways and extracurricular events. Our schools buses, athletic and other curricular events are an extension of school and we will shine to the community by having high expectations in those spaces as well. We will be teaching and learning about PACK during SP30 to launch the year.

If your student is interested in parking in our SP West parking lot and currently has a valid driver's license (not learning permit) you may purchase a parking permit at registration. Here are the Parking Permit Guidelines for the 23-24 school year. Please review these together as student and parent/caregiver.

SUN PRAIRIE WEST HIGH SCHOOL

PARKING PERMIT GUIDELINES 2023-24

We are excited to be able to provide students and staff with ample parking opportunities to have consistency of parking relatively close to the building. Students may access the student parking lot by purchasing a Sun Prairie West Parking permit for $30/semester and abiding by our parking guidelines.

Students who violate the parking regulations or traffic laws will be subject to various disciplinary actions by the school administration or local police which include but are not limited to:

● Issuance of a $30 Parking Citation (Students and/or parents will be responsible for all fines)

● Repeated violation of parking regulation may result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense

● Suspension of parking permit

● Revocation of parking permit

● Issuance of detention, In-School Suspension and Out of School Suspension

Parking Regulations at Sun Prairie West High School:

• Students must park in the student parking lot outside of the Performing Art Center only. Students are not allowed to park in the lot directly in front of the Main Entrance/Athletic Entrance or the side parking lot near Door 24. Both of these parking lots are reserved for staff and visitors.

• Parking permit number must match parking stall number during regular school hours/days-7:00 am-3:45 pm

• Permit must be hung from the rearview mirror clearly visible from the front windshield

• Vehicles must be registered to the assigned parking permit. A change of vehicle must be registered at the Main Office.

• Students are not allowed to loiter in cars during school days/hours.

• Unsafe driving will result in parking permit suspension/revocation

• Students are not allowed to go to their car during the school day, they must ensure they have all their materials with them when entering the building.

• Parking privileges may be suspended or revoked as part of a disciplinary action for violations of the student code of conduct.

• Revoked/suspended parking permits are not refunded.

• Parking permit numbers are randomized and assigned to specific students. Students may not trade parking permits with others.

IF A CAR IS PARKED IN YOUR ASSIGNED PARKING STALL, REPORT THE LICENSE PLATE INFORMATION TO THE OFFICE

Do not take another numbered stall...temporarily park in a visitor stall

Please reference your signed Student Parking Registration Form for additional rules, regulations and notices.

See other side for map of numbered parking stalls.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and while we aren't in September yet we know that transitions, such as the start of the school year, can cause additional stress for our young people. Here are resources as we work as a community to destigmatize talking about mental health and suicide prevention.. Please remember you are not alone in supporting your child/children and they are not alone. We have student support staff available yet this summer and as we start the school year to support your student, please don't hesitate to reach out and we will get them connected: jrploeg@sunprairieschools.org.

During the month of August we will be sending the Howl out weekly with more information as we gear up for the start of the school year! What questions do you have that we could answer in a future addition of the Howl? We are co-creating a brand new school and we want to hear your voice! Please fill out this quick survey with questions, topics for future newsletters and highlights/future events.