From the Principal
The tragic events that occurred at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida reinforced the importance of the safety messages we continue to have with the students at West Geauga High School. Teachers continue to have conversations with their classes about the A.L.I.C.E. program we utilize to help keep students safe in the event of an active shooter. Students and teachers have asked great questions about what they would do in various situations. These questions are being addressed through class meetings and communication with the staff on an ongoing basis. West Geauga High School continuously holds discussions with our local police departments about the A.L.I.C.E. program and how to better prepare our students and staff in the event of an active shooter on our campus.
As you may have seen on the news and other social media outlets a National School Walkout is planned with participants across the U.S. and internationally for Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Dr. Markwardt and I expressed to the students that we are neither endorsing nor discouraging the walkout. This has opened the opportunity for West Geauga social studies teachers to talk with and educate our students about political movements. These conversations are in an effort to get students thinking about making informed decisions regarding their participation in a walkout. The message was reiterated by Dr. Markwardt and me during class meetings. We would prefer students remain in their classrooms for safety reasons. Please know that if students decide to walk out on March 14, 2018, police will be on campus to help ensure students are safe. In addition to the planned March 14th walkout, another National Walkout is planned for April 20th. A National March is scheduled for March 24, 2018 at our Nation’s Capital.
While meeting with each grade level, Dr. Markwardt informed the students that there will be a greater police presence in our building going forward. Students were notified that the district is planning to redesign the High School’s entrances to tighten access to our building. We also want to make you aware of a newly formed student group in which student safety is discussed with teachers and administrators.
We need your help in preventing acts of school violence. Parents and students are encouraged to say something if they see something. If there are conversations, Snapchat posts, Instagram feeds, Twitter messages or anything that does not sit well, parents and students need to tell someone. Tell a teacher, school counselor or school administrator. No matter how minor it might seem, please do not hesitate in contacting the police or school officials. For the community’s convenience, we have a link at the top left of all building websites allowing concerned individuals to anonymously report. Here is the direct link - https://www.publicschoolworks.com/SHL/bullyingMgr.asp?di=435&dia=ed1n7
Please take the time to discuss this message with your children at home.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Kind regards,
Jay Bishop
Principal
(440) 729-5955
jay.bishop@westg.org
@WestGHigh on Twitter
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From the Assistant Principal...
All students are expected to maintain proper attendance and comply with our Code of Conduct (including Dress Code) as outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook. Saturday School will be open on a bi-weekly basis until June 8th. Students facing disciplinary consequences could have the consequences carried over upon their return to school next August.
As we near the end of the school year and all the related activities and celebrations that accompany it, you will hear this message over and over again: Alcohol and drug related accidents are the number one cause of death of young adults in this country. Monitor your child’s whereabouts and insist that all parties are drug and alcohol free. It’s not only prudent; it’s the law.
Parents often call me asking for advice on how to keep their children from using alcohol and drugs. My advice is to be involved in your students’ lives. Don’t just assume they are making the right decisions. Be a parent; you are not their best friend. Ask questions. If they are going out, verify where they are going. Call the other parents, check out the details. We all want to trust our kids, but we need to let them know the boundaries and let them know we are concerned by checking on their activities.
Ron Dahlhofer
Assistant Principal
(440) 729-5957
ron.dahlhofer@westg.org
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Habitual truant
- Absent 30 or more consecutive hours without a legitimate excuse
- Absent 42 or more hours in one school month without a legitimate excuse.
- Absent 72 or more hours in one school year without a legitimate excuse
- Absent 38 or more hours in one school month with or without a legitimate excuse.
- Absent 65 or more hours in one school year with or without a legitimate excuse.
Thank you,
Theresa Poelking
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All students in 9th grade English, 10th grade English, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, American History and Government will sit for their end-of-course exams. On testing days, students needing to take their exams will report to school promptly at 7:25 am. All students not taking an end-of course exam will report to school at 9:35 A.M. Students in these courses must report to their tests on the following days:
End of Course Exam Schedule
- Monday, April 16th - English 9, English 10 (Part I)
- Tuesday, April 17th - English 9, English 10 (Part II)
- Thursday, April 19th - American History; Government (Part I)
- Friday, April 20th - American History; Government (Part II)
- Wednesday, April 25th - Biology (Part I)
- Thursday, April 26th - Biology (Part II)
- Monday, April 30th - Algebra I, Geometry (Part I)
- Tuesday, May 1st - Algebra I, Geometry (Part II)
AIR Test Dates Bell Schedule
1º - 9:35 - 10:04 (29 min)
2º - 10:08 - 10:41 (33 min)
3º - 10:45 - 11:14 (29 min)
4º - 11:18 - 11:47 (29 min)
5A - 11:51 - 12:21 (30 min)
5B - 12:24 - 12:54 (30 min)
6º - 12:58 - 1:27 (29 min)
7º - 1:31 - 2:00 (29 min)
8º - 2:04 - 2:33 (29 min)
_________________________________________________________________________________West Geauga School Counseling News March/April 2018
The school counselors strongly encourage everyone to utilize their Family Connection/Naviance account. The students’ personal accounts have valuable information regarding college planning, careers, scholarships, and many other tools. You can visit the website at www.westg.org. Click on high school, Guidance, and Family Connection.
Please follow us on Twitter @WGHSCounselors for updates and information!
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Counseling Office.
David Callahan Students with last names A-G 729-5963 david.callahan@westg.org
Kimberly Zannetti Students with last names H-O 729-5964 kim.zannetti@westg.org
Sarah Widman Students with last names P-Z 729-5965 sarah.widman@westg.org
Michelle Sargent Assistant 729-5962 michelle.sargent@westg.org
SCHEDULING
All returning students will have their core and some elective coursework requested by their teachers. Afterwards, students have the opportunity to select their other elective courses. Each counselor will be meeting with students to make sure the requests are entered. You are encouraged to login to your student’s Infinite Campus account to view the list of requested courses and discuss them with your son or daughter. Any requests made by the teacher can only be changed by the teacher or school counselor. The course override forms are available in the counselor's office if a student wishes to take a course at a higher level than what is recommended by the teacher. Changes can be made through May 1, 2018. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor.
KICKSTART COLLEGE FAIR
Please remember to attend the Kickstart College Fair on Monday, April 9th. The Keynote speaker is Jimmy Malone, Co-Host of the Nolan, Malone, and Kullik Morning Show and Founder of the Jimmy Malone Scholarship Fund. He will speak at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria and the Fair will be in the gymnasium from 6:30 pm-8 pm. This is a free event and there is no need to pre-register. Take advantage of college representatives coming to you own backyard!
CCP (College Credit Plus):
If you are interested in CCP, we hope you were able to attend the meeting held on January 10th. Please contact your school counselor to learn about the advantages and drawbacks of this program.
IMPORTANT REMINDER-- The mandatory CCP Intent Form is due by April 1. If this deadline is not met, your son/daughter will not be eligible to participate. This includes current CCP students who wish to participate next year. See your counselor with questions. Remember, April 1st is in the middle of our Spring Break. Please plan on turning in forms in by March 23rd!
SENIORS
You are in the final stretch of your high school career! Please know that every college requires us to send a copy of your final transcript. This means they are checking to be sure you finished strongly. Keep working- You can do it!
Decision Day:
Decision Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 2nd. This will be the day that we will celebrate all senior students’ plans for their futures. Be prepared to wear gear (sweatshirt, t-shirt) related to your decision. This could be college, military, or workforce. We will be taking pictures and asking each student to complete important information related to his/her plans. We look forward to celebrating with everyone!
Financial Aid:
Mrs. Sandy Hanley, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in our high school each Tuesday from 8:00-2:15 throughout the school year. This is a change from Wednesdays. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Hanley by contacting her at 729-5922, extension 4164 or email her at shanley@leaf-ohio.org. All of the LEAF services are at no charge to our families.
JUNIORS
College Planning:
The junior year is a very important year in the college planning process. Currently juniors should be working hard in their classes to boost/maintain their GPAs, registering for ACT and/or SAT, and visiting colleges. Spring Break is a great time to visit colleges. Check with individual college admissions offices to see what tours and meetings are available to you during that week. It is important for students to show interest!
We met with all the students on February 15th and explained the steps that are needed to start the college process. We encourage your son or daughter to be a frequent flyer and come to our office with any questions as they journey through this process. If you have questions about college planning, we encourage all juniors and their parents to schedule an individual meeting with their school counselor this spring. The presentation is also posted on the Guidance website.
Summer Fun:
The counselors highly encourage students to begin preparing for the college process over the summer. This include: updating resume and college lists on Family Connection, drafting college essays, and completing “brag sheets” for counselors in Family Connection. The brag sheets are used to help the counselors write letters of recommendation.
ACT and SAT:
Each junior took the ACT on February 27th. The scores from this test can be used for the college application process. Juniors interested in attending a college need an ACT and/or SAT score. Any other attempts at the ACT and/or for a student wishing to take an SAT, they need to register online. It is recommended that Juniors take each of these tests at least once by June. Students who are planning to apply to selective colleges that require SAT subject tests should begin their ACT and/or SAT testing as soon as possible so that they have time to complete all of the necessary tests. Students need to register for these tests online.
ACT Registration: www.actstudent.org SAT Registration: www.collegeboard.com
Work hard 4th quarter to get your GPA as high as possible. It will make a huge difference in your future! Try to discover new ways to build your resume. Remember, showing a depth of interest can be as important as the breadth of all your activities. Get involved in something you enjoy!
Don’t forget to attend the Kickstart College Fair on April 9th. It is not too early to start the college search process!
FRESHMEN
You are nearing the end of your first year in high school. Work hard to get your GPA as high as possible. It will make a huge difference in your future! If you are struggling in any of your classes, don’t give up! There are options here to help you, including Advisory Tutoring and help before or after school. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness!
Talk with teachers and parents to think about challenging yourself as you start to explore classes for next year. Take on as much rigor as you can. Remember, the hope is you find the right balance!
See your counselor for assistance!
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February - Noah Ickes
March - David Dela Cruz
February - Katie Clay
March - Lily Martin
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HILLCREST STUDENT ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
December 2017
Bella is a sophomore student-athlete on the girls basketball team. She will be earning her first varsity letter for the team this season. Coach Cheryl Rye said, "In Bella's first year on varsity she is already making an impact. She is a determined athlete who has a tremendous work ethic. Bella is a tough young lady who doesn't back down against stronger and bigger opponents. She embraces her role on our team as a one of the first players off the bench and is always positive in her demeanor. Bella is extremely respectful and is a true reflection of the characteristics that our program strives for. This undoubtedly translates into the classroom as well." Bella is also a member of the girls soccer team, where she earned a varsity letter this past fall season and helped advance the Wolverines to the OHSAA District Semi Finals. Off the basketball court, she has recently earned a 3.6 GPA in the second grading period. Although she is still considered an underclassman, she intends on furthering her education in college, studying medicine. Bella enjoys fashion, art, basketball, soccer and working at children's camps.
Senior, Andres Lujan-Salas - Swimming
Andres is a senior student-athlete on the swim team. He will be earning his third varsity letter for the team this season. Andres is one of the team captains. Coach Debbie Diadiun said, "Andres has had a strong work ethic on our team for the last three years and has shown a great deal of improvement in his times and technique. He has worked diligently to juggle work, athletics, and academics. He was the most improved member of the team in the month of December, improving his personal best times by almost half-a-minute in this month, alone. He is well-liked and a great supporter of his teammates." Andres had a great start to the school year academically, earning a 3.6 GPA in his first grading period. He plans on continuing his education and studying in the field of Arts & Photography at Akron University. Andres enjoys taking photos of nature, watching sports, and, of course, swimming!
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Seniors and Senior Parents
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Yearbook 2018
Myth: It's too late to order a yearbook.
Fact: It is never too late to order a yearbook, but ordering now saves you money and guarantees you'll receive a copy. Once the books are delivered in May, extra copies are sold on a first come-first served basis. Act now and thank you for supporting our hard working yearbook staff! Click here for an order form.
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West Geauga Educational Foundation
Funding New, Innovative Ways of Teaching and Learning for more than 30 Years
The West Geauga Educational Foundation (WGEF) is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides funds to enable new and innovative ways of teaching and learning in the West Geauga school system. Funds for new ideas and programs aren’t always available within public school budgets, and that's where WGEF provides support. Each year the foundation reviews applications from teachers, administrators, students and parents, and then chooses programs to fund that will enrich and enhance educational experiences for our students.
For more than 30 years, WGEF has funded more than $500,000 to support educational programs that school budgets couldn't otherwise afford. WGEF also holds fundraisers and events throughout the school year to assist students and enrich education.
Grants Funded by WGEF This Year
WGEF requests teachers, parents and students to submit grants for programs they would like to see implemented and need funding assistance for. Twice per year, those interested submit detailed grants and present their programs to the WGEF board and members. The board then chooses which programs to fund based on criteria such as how many students will be impacted, the program costs, etc. We have funded two programs submitted in the fall of 2017, and will be hosting grant presentations later this month for our spring grants. Find out more about the most recent programs we funded below.
“Complete and Total” – Geauga Lyric Theater Play Presented to WGHS Students
Alcohol and drug use by middle and high school students continues to be a major problem in society today. The goal of student education about alcohol and drugs is always abstinence and being 100% drug free. West Geauga and other schools devote part of their curriculum, encourage drug free groups, and provide programming and presentations to identify and explain the dangers and risks of underage drinking and drug use for students.
Last fall, Linda Miller, MSSA, LSW, found a creative way to engage students about the dangers of alcohol and drug use to students, linking a local theater production about substance abuse directly to West Geauga HS students at the school.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild presented “Complete and Total,” an original play by local playwright Greg Vovos, about a high school senior with bright prospects who painfully slides into addiction, impacting his future and family. The play was presented eight times during school along with an evening performance for parents and community members. After each performance, groups of students returned to their classrooms to discuss the play with licensed professionals to help develop healthy options like resistance, decision making and refusal skills, and improve self-confidence. The social workers and prevention counselors were also available to talk with students individually and direct them to resources that could help.
WGEF was proud to fund this unique program, providing students with a look at student addiction, helping to raise awareness, and recognizing pitfalls to avoid becoming part of the alcohol and drug abuse epidemic.
Elementary Robotics and Coding
STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, is an educational model designed to educate students in these four subject areas, while practicing problem solving skills. Encouraging students to explore STEM-related concepts at an early age will help them develop a passion for these disciplines. Heather Howell, a teacher at Lindsey Elementary, was hired this year to create and implement a new STEM program for all West Geauga Elementary students at both Lindsey and Westwood Elementary.
Heather developed a robotics and coding program to bring interest, engagement, and knowledge to STEM learning, providing a basic robotics program to students to spark their interest in computer science, technology and problem solving. Her intent is for K-5 students to apply their block coding knowledge to a robot to make it perform a certain task, like navigating a maze, turning in a circle, or moving to a specific sight word.
The program allows students to become hands-on roboticists at an early age, applying block knowledge coding from a previous STEM class to make robots come to life. Students program and modify their robot’s actions to complete a challenge or solve a problem. The robots can be differentiated for each grade and ability level, extending learning levels from grade to grade, giving more complex tasks to older grades and more simplified tasks to the younger grades.
Heather developed a robotics and coding program to bring interest, engagement, and knowledge to STEM learning, providing a basic robotics program to students to spark their interest in computer science, technology and problem solving. Her intent is for K-5 students to apply their block coding knowledge to a robot to make it perform a certain task, like navigating a maze, turning in a circle, or moving to a specific sight word.
The program allows students to become hands-on roboticists at an early age, applying block knowledge coding from a previous STEM class to make robots come to life. Students program and modify their robot’s actions to complete a challenge or solve a problem. The robots can be differentiated for each grade and ability level, extending learning levels from grade to grade, giving more complex tasks to older grades and more simplified tasks to the younger grades.
The program required iPads and a classroom set of robots and accessories. The Dash and Dot robots come with a pre-made curriculum and challenges, which the older students will be able to immediately dive into. Each grade level has different goals for their robot and will use a variety of classroom and academic resources to learn with.
The students are extremely enthusiastic about the new STEM class and are learning many new concepts within science, technology, engineering, math and computer science that will prepare them for their future endeavors. By funding this robotics grant, all K-5 students will be able to add coding and robotics to their list of skills.
WGEF was proud to fund the Elementary Robotics and Coding program, giving young students hands-on experience with robots, how to program them to execute basic tasks, and expanding on West Geauga schools’ STEM curriculum.
The students are extremely enthusiastic about the new STEM class and are learning many new concepts within science, technology, engineering, math and computer science that will prepare them for their future endeavors. By funding this robotics grant, all K-5 students will be able to add coding and robotics to their list of skills.
WGEF was proud to fund the Elementary Robotics and Coding program, giving young students hands-on experience with robots, how to program them to execute basic tasks, and expanding on West Geauga schools’ STEM curriculum.
We are always seeking fresh ideas and welcome educators and parents to join WGEF. We invite you to attend a meeting to find out more about us. Please see the meeting schedule below for the remainder of the 2017-18 school year.
DATE
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TIME
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LOCATION
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March 21
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7:30 PM
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Middle School Community Room
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April 18
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7:30 PM
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High School Library
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May 16
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7:30 PM
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Middle School Community Room
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