East High Newsletter

What a great first month for me here at East High School! It has not taken me long to see why East has such a great reputation. The students have been so welcoming and couldn't be more proud to work with such a positive, hard working faculty and staff.

Just these past few weeks we have had three amazing concerts from our very talented music students. A tremendous amount of work and dedication goes into preparing for these performances and I would like to thank our Music students for all their efforts as well as our Music Department Faculty for all of their hard work and professionalism. Another great opportunity to see our students' talents comes later this week as our Drama Club presents “A Christmas Carol” on Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8. Both shows start at 7pm and we hope you will be able to join us.

I would just like to congratulate all of our student athletes for their hard work and resiliency during the fall sports season. Your commitment to your academics as well as the determination you carry with you to excel in athletics is inspirational to all of our students.

Speaking of inspiration, on November 8, we will have the honor of inducting 3 new members to the Williamsville East Wall of Fame. Congratulations to Mir Ali, Paul Homer and Carolyn Upton for this great achievement. We will be holding a student assembly for the inductees on this day as we feel it is a great opportunity for our students to hear from former graduates who have excelled in their profession and community.

Lastly, the Marking Period ends this Friday, November 8. Please feel free to reach out to our teachers with any concerns or questions. Our first Family Conference Night will be on 11/13. Information on how to sign up for conferences has been sent out through WITS.

Respectfully,

Jason T. Swenson

Principal

It’s time to pass the Torch to an extraordinary colleague who fully embodies the spirit of our school community. For the month of November, the Torch will be in the well-deserved hands of someone who is not only caring and deeply engaged in our community, but is also a constant source of support to her students. In overhearing a recent conversation between students, I heard one say to another, “I love her! She’s the best.”

Her commitment to detail, her creative vision, and her standard of excellence are exactly the ingredients that make her a valued teacher and colleague. She dedicates herself without fail, often giving up time on nights and weekends to attend all of our school events - a steady and shining example of dedication and passion. Whether it’s a game, a performance, or a show, she is always present, ensuring that every important moment is beautifully captured. Many of us attend events, but there isn’t anyone among us who is present at as many as her.

It’s long overdue that Kathleen Kramer receives this recognition. Year after year, she churns out top-quality thinkers and a yearbook that rivals and surpasses even professional publications. I, for one, am constantly inspired by the standard of excellence to which she holds herself and that she also invites her students and yearbook club members to achieve. In many ways, she’s the unheralded quiet heartbeat of our school. She is a true standard bearer and the perfect person to carry the Torch. Congratulations, and thank you for always inspiring us, Kathleen!

Store Closes Sunday, November 17th.

The Williamsville East PTSA winter Online Apparel sale is open through Tuesday, November 12th. Please click on the following link to order:

WEHS PTSA Online Apparel Sale

Orders will be available for pickup before the winter break.

Looking for something sooner? We have t-shirts, hoodies, and pants available now for purchase in the School Store.

Please contact willeastptsa@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you!

Tickets are $10.00 for general seating. Tickets are sold at the door - one hour before show time

Scan here to order pictures.

The District’s application to offer the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Seal of Civic Readiness program at each of our high schools was approved for the 2024-2025 school year

The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal distinction on a student’s high school transcript and diploma that they have attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, skills, mindset, and civic experiences. It can also be used as a graduation pathway.

In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all the requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and at least two points in Civic Participation.

Seal of Biliteracy

The District’s application to offer the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Seal of Biliteracy program at each of our high schools was approved for the 2024-2025 school year.

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first century skills; recognize the value of world and home language instruction in schools; and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society. The NYSSB takes the form of a special seal that bestows an honor to the student. The seal is affixed on the student’s diploma and there is a notation of the award on the official transcript.

Please check the Athletics Tab on WITS for updates regarding each sports tryout dates and times.

East's very own Aashi Parashar won a bronze medal in individual sparring and silver medal in team sparring for Team USA at the WKC World Championship in Albufeira, Portugal. Congratulations, Aashi!