West Side Story 2.0

October 23, 2023

Conference Night

It was great to see students and families Monday evening at conferences. Thank you to those of you who were able to join us! If you weren't able to make it, we will have another round of conferences and break out sessions in late January/early February.

Here is the presentation from one of the breakout sessions on Monday evening:

Tips and Strategies for Supporting Students and Stress Management

Addressing Rumors: Facilities Bond Referendum November 7

In recent weeks a Minneapolis-based political action group has been sharing inaccurate information about the district and the proposed referendum. We are working hard to address the misinformation they have mailed and broadcasted in our community.

The Minneapolis-based group has questioned our planning process and raised a concern about unchecked spending.

TRUTH: The District has been working through a long-range facility planning process for several years, with an intensive process beginning in 2019. This work has been reported regularly at MAPS school board meetings. The proposed projects were submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education through the required Review and Comment process and received a favorable review. This legislative requirement ensures the District follows an appropriate planning process and the funds requested align with the proposed project. This process ensures accountability of all bond funds.

The mailings and ads funded by the out-of-town group suggest that Mankato residents must choose between academics and facility updates.

TRUTH: Educating students is our business. Our mission statement makes it clear that our commitment is to ensure all students have the knowledge and skills to be successful and contributing citizens. Our staff works hard every day to deliver quality and meaningful lessons that align with our curriculum. We are constantly looking for ways to improve. Updates to our facilities are one of those ways. The bond referendum allows us to address facility needs, which in turn improves the learning experience, all while safeguarding the operating budget funds designated for teaching and learning.

We are committed to making sure you are getting accurate information and that your questions are answered. Most importantly, exercise your right to vote on or before November 7.

Question 1 - West High School

Question 2

Community Tours

Would you or your neighbors like to take a tour of the facilities at West High School? We are offering community tours next Monday, the 30th and Thursday, November 2nd at 6:00pm. We will start in the lobby area. This tour will provide our community with an honest look at our facilities and how we compare to other local high schools.

Section Time!

Good luck to our athletes in section play this week! Wednesday is Volleyball, Thursday is Cross Country and Saturday is Football - all at home! Let's get out and show our Scarlet Pride!

Counseling Center Update

12th Grade Scholarship Search:

The time has come for Seniors to begin looking for scholarships! Xello is the college and career platform we use at West and is also where we house information for local and regional scholarship opportunities. Within Xello, there is also a link for other larger scholarship search websites students can go to and sign up to receive information about scholarships across the nation.

To access Xello, go to your OmniID Portal. From there, click on Xello and follow these instructions to access the local and regional scholarships. Scholarships will continue to be added as the school year goes on.

11th Grade Planning Meeting:

Here is a link to the presentation for the 11th grade planning meeting. If you have further questions, please contact the 11th grade counselor, Justina Bisch, at jbisch1@isd77.org. Some of this information will also be shared with 11th graders on Wednesday, November 1st during their English classes as well. Students will also take part in Xello career exploration at that time as well.

Check out this link to see what is happening in the Counseling Center.