
West Side Story 2.0
September 1, 2023
Let's Get the School Year Started!
Thank you to all of our students and families who were able to attend Open House last Wednesday. It was so good to see so many people in the building!
Teachers were hard at work this week and they are ready for our students' return. We are so excited to welcome the 1215 Scarlets who will be starting school on Tuesday!
This is going to be the best year yet!
First Day of School
Tuesday, September 5th is our first day of school. We will begin with an all school assembly in the auditorium at 8:45am. In the auditorium, 9th graders go to the balcony, 10th grade sits in the left hand section as you enter the auditorium, 11th grade in the right hand section, and the seniors are in the middle. Students will be dismissed to their first hour class at the conclusion of the assembly.
Below you can see the schedule for Tuesday.
Lunches
We will have two lunches this year, A and B. A lunch is before 4th hour, B lunch is after 4th hour. On Tuesday, students should report to their 4th hour class, immediately following 3rd hour. Their 4th hour teacher will tell them which lunch their class will have.
Wednesday and Thursday
Friday - Subs on the Sidewalk
Check out the schedule for Friday...
End of the Day Dismissal - Student Pick Up
Cell Phones
When students are in a class, personal devices need to be silent and out of sight from bell to bell. Before school, after school, passing time, lunch, and study hall are all acceptable times for students to use their devices. If there is an emergency, and you need to get in touch with your student during a class time, please call our main office at 507 387-3461 and we will get your student for you.
This policy is being implemented to help promote student engagement in their learning and to support their social/emotional health as well. A strong partnership between school and home will be important as we make this change. We look forward to working together to support students' academic success, as well as their social/emotional health.
The information below will be shared with students during the first week, and will be posted throughout the school.
Safety and Security
Attendance
Daily attendance is so important in high school. When students are absent, they can make up assignments, but nothing can replace the authentic learning experiences that are created with their peers in the classroom.
Minnesota State Law requires children from age 7 through age 17 to attend school. This is called compulsory instruction or compulsory attendance and falls under MN State Statute 120A.22. This law informs our district attendance policies and impacts students and
families at West High School in the following ways:
Student Responsibilities:
Attend each class and arrive on time, prepared to learn and participate.
Inform teachers and office staff in advance of pre-excused absences.
Have a parent/guardian call the office within 48 hours of an absence.
Be aware of their own status in regard to tardies and absences in classes.
Family Responsibilities:
Encourage students to attend school regularly.
Notify the office by phone on the day of your child’s absence. Absences not verified within 48 hours of the student’s return to school will remain unexcused.
Limit absences by scheduling appointments, vacations, college visits, etc. on non-school days.
Notify the office in writing or by phone of a pre-excused absence at least 1 day prior to the absence.
Who decides what is an unexcused absence from school?
Minnesota State Law (MN 120A.22) gives schools specific guidelines around what can and what can not be considered an excuse for missing school. Please be aware that the school administration holds the final say in whether an absence is excused. Parents/guardians notify the school of the reason for a student's absence. The school must determine whether the reason fits the school board approved criteria and meets the requirement of the law.
Meet Mr. Wittmer
Mr. Wittmer is excited about the journey ahead, and getting to know each and every one of our Scarlets. He will be working closely with our student support team to ensure all students are supported in their academic and social/emotional needs. He is also leading our PBIS team, encouraging students to be their BEST!
Information for Scarlet Families
West High School Family Calendar
Infinite Campus: Parent Portal
- Attendance
- Grades
- Daily Announcements
Canvas: Click on this link to learn how to access your child's Canvas account.
- Assignments
- Course Content
- Course Calendar
Twitter: #ScarletPride
@BlasingMWHS
@WestScarlets
Events this Week
September 5
First Day of School
All School Assembly 8:45am Auditorium
September 7
East/West Girls Tennis 4:45pm at West HS
East/West Girls Swim and Dive 6:30pm at East HS
Girls Soccer 7:00pm at Caswell North
September 8
Subs on the Sidewalk
September 9
Boys Soccer 2:00pm at Caswell North
Upcoming Events
September 16
Pack the Stands (Soccer)
September 20
Early Out
September 22
Homecoming Pepfest 10:30am Auditorium
October 6
Homecoming