April / May / June Parent Newsletter

 

From the Principal

Dear West Geauga High School Families, 

We will recognize the Class of 2021 at West Geauga High School’s commencement ceremony in less than nine weeks. It is hard to believe the many students we welcomed to the school as freshmen will be walking across the stage to accept their high school diploma.  I am proud of our senior students from Newbury for navigating a change in schools to achieve great results at West Geauga. I am sure all of our senior parents are thinking about how fast time has gone since their kindergarten teacher greeted their child on the first day of school.  We look forward to celebrating all of our seniors on June 3, 2021, on Howell Field as they become West Geauga High School graduates. 

The school year’s end is a hectic and often stressful time for our students. Students will take final exams, Advanced Placement Exams, and complete culminating projects demonstrating academic achievement and growth.  Students in six courses will sit for the state end-of-course exams.  Many of our students need extra support during this busy time, and our teachers and support staff are here to help.  Please contact us and encourage students to reach out if they are struggling in our school.  We have an excellent staff who are willing and prepared to support your child or provide references to those who can help.

Please be sure to review our school’s calendar and website for important dates and school information as we near the end of the year.  On Wednesday, March 31, 20201, I sent a message regarding the upcoming End-of-Course exams and the altered bell schedule on the testing days. If you missed the document, you can find it here.  Please note that a change was made to the April 15th and 16th bell schedule from the original letter.  School for students not taking the English test on those days do not have to report to school until 9:55 A.M.

The year is not over, but this is the last parent-newsletter post for the school year. It has been our pleasure to serve your students.  The pandemic has presented many challenges, but our parents, students, teachers, support staff, board members, and fellow administrators have made the transition to a different way of schooling much more manageable.  I am proud of the work we have been able to produce together during the pandemic. Thank you to everyone in this fantastic community for contributing to the district’s success.  

Have a wonderful spring. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Thank you,

Jay Bishop

From the Assistant Principal

Dear West Geauga Community,

It’s hard to believe we are heading into the 4th quarter. I’m proud of our students, families, staff, and community for their efforts to minimize exposure of COVID-19 allowing the building to offer in-person learning throughout the whole year, THANK YOU!

• Finish Strong: This is the last quarter of the school year, as well as the last opportunities for students to raise their overall class grades. Encourage your child to do their best as we finish the 2020-2021 school year.
• Warm Weather: Spring is right around the corner as is the nice weather. I hope everyone enjoys the warm weather. Students - please remember to abide by the dress code.
• Graduation: A reminder to seniors, as stated in our Handbook, “All Seniors receiving suspensions during the 4th quarter will be excluded from graduation ceremonies.”
• State/National Testing: With Spring comes End-of-Course testing as well as AP testing. Please check our website for testing dates. If your child is participating in any of these assessments, encourage them to get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast.
• Get help if needed: if any student is struggling academically or mentally, please contact our guidance department. We have multiple resources available to offer those who need support.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Sincerely,

Shawn Krippel

_________________________________________________

Updated AP Exam Schedule  

Tuesday, May 4th - AP Calculus AB
                                AP Calculus BC
Wednesday, May 5th - AP English Literature
                                      AP Physics
Thursday, May 6th - AP Computer Science
Monday, May 10th - AP Macroeconomics
Tuesday, May 11th - AP Spanish
Wednesday, May 12th - AP English Language
                                        AP Microeconomics
                                        AP Music
Wednesday, May 19th -AP US History
Thursday, May 20th- AP Government

                                    AP World History
                                   AP Psychology
Tuesday, May 25th - AP Chemistry
                                   AP Statistics
Thursday, May 27th - AP Biology
                                    AP Environmental Science

_______________________________________________________

Yearbook

The end of the school year is closer than we think and time is running out to order your student's 2021 Westwind yearbook. Appropriately themed Up in the Air, its pages will document how we successfully navigated the unknown, and will one day serve as a reminder of a long-forgotten memory for future generations. Here is the link for 3 options to order by April 30, 2021:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Il_pwJJmTqGbrzNVV9hIiAD_tbppafP3uLOFZ4Z7kz0/edit?usp=sharing

____________________________________________________________________

Class of 2021

Senior Save the Dates 

March 2021 – Jostens Cap & Gown Orders OVERDUE

● To purchase a cap and gown or tassel online, visit jostens.com
● For a direct link to a cap and gown package that includes a tassel, click here.
● If the student is borrowing a cap and gown from a sibling/friend, tell Mrs. Talty or Mrs. Meyer ASAP.
● If you are borrowing a cap and gown, you may still want to purchase just a tassel from Jostens as they change each year to match the graduating class.
● IMPORTANT NOTE – ALL gowns will be navy blue this year.


April 2021 - Graduation Participation Agreements Due to Homeroom Teachers

● Agreements will be mailed home and posted on the school website.
● If a student does not have a Homeroom Teacher, agreements should be returned to Mrs. Talty or Mrs. Meyer.

April 16, 2021 - Deadline to submit images for Senior Video - Click here for more information.

May 2021 – AP Testing Occurs - See WGHS School Calendar for exact dates.

Monday, May 10th, 2021 - Senior Internships Begin

Friday, May 14th, 2021 - 7 PM, Prom at the Diamond Ballroom at Landerhaven - Exact details forthcoming regarding cost, seating arrangements, dancing, etc.

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 – Senior Awards Ceremony video will be released on this date. No formal gathering will be held.

Monday, May 24 - Thursday, May 27, 2021 - Senior Final Exams

Friday, May 28th, 2021 - 7:25 - 1:25 – Last Day for Seniors/Cap and gown distribution

Friday, May 28th, 2021 - Car Parade to Honor Senior Students - Tentative Date

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021 - Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony at West Geauga High School Stadium

9:00 AM – Mandatory Morning Rehearsal at West Geauga High School.
4:30 pm – Students arrive at West Geauga High School.
5:30 pm – Commencement ceremony at West Geauga High School Stadium

- Students will each receive TWO general admission tickets. Additional tickets are extremely limited.

- Ceremony will be live-streamed and posted on the school’s Youtube account

Friday, June 4th, 2021 - Commencement Ceremony Alternate Rain Date

Click here for a link to print a copy of the Senior Save the Date flyer. 

_____________________________________________________

West Geauga School Counseling News: March/April 2021

FOR ALL STUDENTS

The school counselors strongly encourage everyone to utilize their 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, School Counseling/Guidance, and Naviance Website.

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-K 729-5963      david.callahan@westg.org
Sarah Widman Students      with last names L-Z 729-5965      sarah.widman@westg.org
Lisa Porter Assistant            729-5962                                      lisa.porter@westg.org

SCHEDULING

All returning students will have their core and some elective coursework requested by their teachers. Afterward, students will have the opportunity to select their other elective courses. If needed, each counselor will be meeting with students to make sure the requests are entered. You are encouraged to log in to your student’s Infinite Campus account to view the list of requested courses and discuss them with your student. Any requests made by the teacher can only be changed by the teacher or school counselor. The course override forms are available in the Counselors’ 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, 2021. If you have any questions please contact your student’s counselor.

VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR

There are still opportunities to take advantage of virtual college fairs. The next NACAC sponsored fair is Sunday, May 2nd from 1 -7 pm. Go to www.virtualcollegefairs.org. Students can register for free.

CCP (College Credit Plus):

If you are interested in CCP, we hope you were able to attend the meeting held on January 20th. The PowerPoint presentation from that night is on the School Counseling/Guidance website. Check out the link for all of the CCP Information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dY_osmDfcG1yUkotTYNXb2gNKAv1IZ_q, 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 May 1. If this deadline is not met, your student will NOT be eligible to participate. This includes current CCP students that wish to participate next year. See your counselor with questions.

Kindness

The Counseling staff encourages all students to be kind to one another. Please think about how you act, what you say, and what you post on social media. Kindness will help create a more positive school environment. You may also feel better about yourself if you act with kindness toward a classmate or friend. Maybe you can start with a simple smile and hello in the hallways! As one of our West G students has noted, It is truly not very hard to just be kind to one another.

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 strong. Keep working- You can do it!

Decision Day:

Decision Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 3rd. This will be the day that we celebrate all senior students’ plans for their future. 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 an important survey related to their plans. Included in the survey will be the request for final transcript submission. This will ensure your final transcript gets sent to the school that you plan to attend in the fall. We look forward to celebrating with everyone!

Financial Aid:

Mrs. Tessa Dicker, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in our high school each Thursday from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon throughout the school year. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Dicker by contacting her via email at tdicker@leaf-ohio.org. Due to COVID, she is making time for Zoom calls outside of school hours. 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 a second ACT and/or SAT, and visiting colleges. Check with individual college admissions offices to see what tours and meetings are available. Most schools have opened themselves up to in-person visits. However, they may also offer virtual visits too. It is important for students to show interest!

We met with all the students on March 1st and explained the steps that are needed to start the college process. We encourage your student 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 School Counseling/Guidance website.

Summer To-Do List:
The counselors highly encourage students to begin preparing for the college process over the summer. This includes: updating resume and college lists on Naviance, writing college essays, and completing “brag sheets” for counselors in Naviance. The brag sheets are used to help the counselors write letters of recommendation.

ACT and SAT:
Each junior took the ACT on February 23rd. The scores from this test can be used for the college application process. Juniors interested in attending a college may need an ACT and/or SAT score. Due to COVID, many colleges have offered to remain “test optional” for next year’s application season. Any other attempts at the ACT and/or for a student wishing to take an SAT need to register online. It is recommended that Juniors take each of these tests at least once by June. The good news is you already have one ACT completed!

Students need to register for these tests online.
ACT Registration: www.actstudent.org
SAT Registration: www.sat.org/register

SOPHOMORES

Work hard 4th quarter to get your GPA as high as possible. It will make a huge difference in your future! Even though it has been a struggle due to COVID, 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!

FRESHMEN

You are nearing the end of your first year in high school. What a year it has been! All we can ask is that you continue to do your best in and out of the classroom! If you are struggling in any of your classes, don’t give up! Ask for help, if needed, as it 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. As you choose your courses know that it is important to make sure you can handle the workload and expectations of the classes. Remember the hope is you find the right balance in life! See your counselor for assistance.

_________________________________________________

From the Attendance Office:

Spring is here and summer is on the horizon! The beautiful weather we’ve had in recent weeks is a reminder of the days ahead. 

Please keep in mind, if your in-person student is absent from school and chooses to Zoom into classes, provided the teacher has an online link, they may do so, but they are still considered to be absent, and they must be called in to be excused. Students are not permitted to go back and forth between online and in-person learning environments. 

General Attendance Reminders for all learners 

● Any time a student is absent from school the school must be notified. Please call the absence line at 440-729-5951 to report all absences. 

● If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to vacation, you will need to have a Vacation Request form filled out and turned in to the attendance office with all appropriate signatures 5 days before the absences occur. These forms can be found in the attendance office or by clicking here. 

● Notes for early dismissal should be turned in to the attendance office first thing in the morning your child needs to leave early. Last-minute phone calls, other than true emergencies cannot always be delivered immediately and create unnecessary disruption to valuable instruction time in the classroom. 

● Tardy arrivals to school are considered unexcused even if a parent calls in for the student. If your student is driving to school this year, please remind them of this policy. 

General Attendance procedures for all online learners 

● If a virtual student will miss any or all classes during a particular day, a call needs to be made to the Attendance line at 440-729-5951 for the absence to be excused. 

● For any student who is placed in the online learner status that is marked absent for two or more classes in a day, a phone call will go out to the parent/guardian. A return call is required for these types of absences to be excused. Please check your student’s attendance through the Infinite Campus parent portal to work on clearing any previous absences up. 

● In cases of technical difficulty, (i.e. internet provider outages, inability to join Zoom sessions, etc.) The student should email their teacher directly to report the issue. The teacher will then notify the attendance office. 

Quarantined student attendance procedures for Parent/Guardians 

● Students who are placed in a temporary quarantine and have been approved to attend classes virtually for the duration of the quarantine will need to Zoom in to classes using the zoom codes provided by their teachers at the beginning of the year. Many times these links can also be found on the teacher’s Google Classroom page. 

As the weather begins to warm and we all look forward to Spring and Summer it’s important that school policies regarding leaving early are followed. Students are not permitted to leave the building without parental permission. This includes students who are 18 years old. If you have any questions regarding attendance please give me a call at 440-729-5958. 

Thank you, 

Theresa Poelking

__________________________________________________________

West Geauga Kiwanis and Rotary Students of the Month

       

                    

                   March - Jocelyn Moores

                   April - Anthony Formichelli

                   March - Michael Elias

                   April - Emily Vash   

                   

                    

_________________________________________________

West Geauga Educational Foundation 

Funds Programs to enhance learning and efficiency in 

West Geauga Schools

West Geauga Educational Foundation (WGEF) is an independent nonprofit group that raises funds to support innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the West Geauga School System. Teaching and learning, like other areas, evolve. But it isn’t always clear which new approaches might work. “Seed” funding from WGEF allows teachers and students to try new programs, materials and technologies. WGEF is excited to announce the approval of over $19,000 for two grants for Spring 2021.

The first grant is for a Lindsey Elementary School program designed to engage students in non-fiction reading in their Science and Social Studies courses. Enhancing the curriculum with high-interest titles will help foster critical thinking and improve reading skills as students access these titles to do research, for book clubs, and for reports.

You’ve likely heard of STEM—science, technology, engineering and math-- but have you heard about STEAM? STEAM is STEM plus the arts. By incorporating ‘arts’ into STEM, students learn to apply creative thinking and design skills. The second grant is for a STEAM / Makerspace program at West Geauga High School. The goal of this program is to repurpose existing rooms in the high school to create a makerspace—a collaborative work space for creating, learning, and exploring. Students will get hands on learning experience by utilizing technology such as TouchIT TV, a Vinyl Cutter and a Garment Printer as they work on entrepreneurial projects such as designing and creating garments or decals for student groups and fundraisers.

Twice during the school year (November and February), WGEF reviews applications from teachers, administrators, students and parents, to determine which programs to fund that will enrich and enhance educational experiences for West Geauga students. These grants would not be possible without financial support from the community. We thank those who participate in our fundraisers such as the Thanksgiving Day Pancake Breakfast and our recent Matching Gift Campaign. If you would like to learn more, join or make a donation, please visit our website at www.wgef.org.

February / March

 

From the Principal

Dear West Geauga High School Families, 

I hope this message finds you safe and well.  The pandemic has disrupted our lives and often changed the way we carry out our daily activities.  Our families and teachers have adjusted to how we educate our students, and we have all done this remarkably well. Aside from the planned days teaching students online, we have been able to keep our buildings open and the classrooms full of students.  I am proud of our school board, administrators, teachers, students, and families for their role in making the first half of our school year a successful one despite the Coronavirus. Thank you!

As we move to the middle of the third quarter, some important dates are noted in this bulletin.  Our school is administering the ACT to all Juniors on February 23, 2021, at 7:25 A.M.  Only juniors will report to school on this day as all our building’s teachers are needed for the test administration. The February 23rd ACT is a college entrance exam issued by the State of Ohio.  The exam is used by colleges and universities when deciding to accept students into their programs.  Also, the exam is often used to determine scholarships.  The ACT is an important exam, and our teachers have worked with students to prepare them for the requirements of this high stakes assessment.  We wish all our juniors the best on February 23rd.  Additional resources and information regarding the upcoming test day are posted below under the school counseling section.

Also included in this bulletin are the dates of this year’s End-of-Course State Exams. As we near the April 15, 2021 start date for these exams, I will email all of our students and families a modified bell schedule for the testing days. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will take their AP Exams beginning May 7, 2021.  The AP exams will occur without disruption to our bell schedule.  

Finally, we recognize that the Class of 2021 is not having a typical senior year.  Many of the celebrations and activities seniors get to experience have not been able to occur.  As we plan for graduation and determine if prom will occur, I am working with the senior class officers and their advisors to plan fun and safe events for the WG Class of 2021. 

Have a great 2021!  As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Jay Bishop

From the Assistant Principal

Dear West Geauga Community,

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the winter!

Thank you! - We appreciate all students, parents, and guardians that have followed our COVID policies throughout the year. Your diligence and support have a large impact in allowing WGHS to provide the option for an in-person educational experience.

Third-quarter - Historically, and for a wide range of reasons, the third quarter is very challenging for many students. Please be active in your child’s education and encourage them to reach out to their teachers if they need support. The 3rd quarter ends Friday, March 19th.

Attendance - If your child is going to be absent from school, whether in-person or online, a parent/guardian must call the attendance hotline at 440-729-5951. Students who do not attend school face the consequence of appearing before the Geauga County Truancy Officer. This also applies to online learners who do not attend their classes via zoom.

Social Media - It seems as though there are new social media platforms that are being developed daily. Please make sure that you have access to your child’s online profile and review it on a regular basis.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Sincerely,

Shawn Krippel

________________________________________________

West Geauga School Counseling News February

ALL STUDENTS
The Counselors would like to give students three simple suggestions to help make their life experience the best it can be while attending West Geauga High School:

    1.Invest time into your academic studies; there will be a return on your investment!
    2.Find ways to create balance in your life; find time to do an activity that you enjoy!
    3.When you are faced with a problem, try to find a solution. If you struggle with the problem,  find someone to help you develop a solution.

The COVID19 pandemic is impacting everyone. If you need to talk to someone please reach out to your school counselor, teacher, parent, or friend.

Other resources include:
Geauga County COPEline: 440-285-5665 or 1-888-285-5665
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line: Text - 4hope to 741741
Stay Safe. Speak Up! (Student Bullying Report): 1-866-listen2me or https://www.publicschoolworks.com/SHL/bullyingMgr.asp?di=435&dia=ed1n7

Naviance:
The Naviance website has valuable information regarding college planning, scholarships, and careers. You can visit the website at www.westg.org. and click on high school, then School Counseling/Guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the counseling office.

College Credit Plus (CCP):
The CCP Information Meeting was January 20th. Please go this website for more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dY_osmDfcG1yUkotTYNXb2gNKAv1IZ_q. A very important document called the “CCP Intent Form” MUST be returned by May 1st. If this deadline is not met your student will not be eligible to participate in this program.

Virtual College Fair:
All students are invited to OACAC sponsored virtual fairs in February and March. Visit this website for more information and registration: https://oacac.org/student-registration/.
The Kickstart College Fair is canceled this year. Hopefully, our school will be able to host an in-person fair in the future!

SENIORS
If you are not sure about your post-graduation plans please stop by our office for assistance. We have resources in the counseling office where you can get information on colleges, apprenticeships, and the military. The door is always open. Please remember to check your college deadlines, follow the application submission procedures, and check the Class of 2021 School Counseling Google Classroom for updates!

Do not forget that schools will require a final transcript at the end of your senior year. Do your best throughout your whole senior year to earn the best grades possible. The finish line is close!

Continue to make good choices...you all have bright futures ahead of you!

Mid-Year Reports:
Some of you applied to schools that require a mid-year report. If you are unsure what your colleges require, you need to go online and check. Please communicate directly with your counselor if you need a mid-year report as soon as possible.

Scholarships:
Information on scholarships our office receives can be found in two places. There are hard copy materials in the scholarship rack in the counseling office. Also, please check Naviance. Scholarship information can be found in the Colleges section of your account. Make sure you take advantage of any opportunity to find dollars to help fund your education.

Financial Aid:
Mrs. Tessa Dicker, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in WGHS one day per week throughout the year. She is in our school on Thursdays. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Dicker by contacting her at tdicker@leaf-ohio.org. All of the financial aid services provided by LEAF are at no charge to our families.

JUNIORS
It is time for us to start working with you on your post-graduate planning and college selection process. Please plan for the following activities listed below:

Junior Class Information and Planning:

Check for updates on the Class of 2022 School Counseling Google Classroom

College Visits:
If you have the opportunity, try to get on the campuses of the schools you have an interest in. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, many schools are offering opportunities to connect with admissions virtually. Make sure it is an official visit by registering online or calling the admissions office. Showing interest in a school is important!

ACT:
As part of the State of Ohio graduation requirements, all current juniors will participate in the administration of the ACT on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Testing will begin at 7:30 am and last approximately 4 hours. Test sections will include English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Students will not complete a writing section.

Students will have the opportunity to select four colleges/universities to receive their ACT scores (free of charge) when they create their MyACT account. Students will receive instructions to create this account on their own time prior to February 23. Students are required to bring a photo id, pencils, and calculator on test day. Students are not permitted to possess or access a cell phone at any time during the test administration or during the break. Additional details will be shared closer to the test date.

Students can prepare for the ACT by visiting the following website:
https://academy.act.org/ The ACT Academy can be very helpful as you prepare for this test!

If Juniors wish to take the ACT a second time or take the SAT the registration process is online. It is a good practice to have students take both exams, and then repeat at least one in order to improve their scores. Students must register for these tests online.

ACT Registration www.actstudent.org

SAT Registration www.collegeboard.com

Please see your school counselor for additional information.

SOPHOMORES

It is time to explore what you really want to do next year. There are many opportunities to consider, like the various levels of West G courses you choose to take that include Advanced Placement, College Credit Plus (CCP), and Excel TECC. Please see below for more information about Excel TECC.

Excel TECC:

February 11 – Students accepted to Excel TECC programs are notified via USPS.
February 26 – Students need to accept or decline their offers to be in Excel TECC programs.

PSAT:

Students should have received an email from CollegeBoard with instructions to retrieve PSAT scores for the test that was administered in October. If you have not created a CollegeBoard account prior to this test you are encouraged to start one and have it connected to Khan Academy. See your school counselor if you need assistance.

FRESHMEN

If you are struggling in any of your classes, don’t give up and think that there is no hope. Ask for help! It is a sign of strength, not weakness. The counselors suggest speaking directly with your teacher if you are having difficulty. Be prepared to ask specific questions. See your counselor for assistance. Our doors are always open!

David Callahan:       Students with last names A-K     729-5963     david.callahan@westg.org

Sarah Widman:        Students with last names L-Z      729-5965     sarah.widman@westg.org

Lisa Porter:               Assistant                                     729-5962     lisa.porter@westg.org

___________________________________________________

Yearbook

Don't miss out on the opportunity to order your copy of the 2021 edition of Up in the Air. You can pre-order your yearbook online at Jostens.com, through the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus or by sending a check made to West Geauga Board of Education for $65.00 with this order form.

________________________________________________

From the Attendance Office:

Thank you all for doing a great job reporting student absences. This has been a challenging year and your diligence in this matter is appreciated. Below are some important reminders as we finish up the second half of the year.

Please keep in mind, if your in-person student is absent from school and chooses to Zoom into classes, provided the teacher has an online link, they may do so, but they are still considered to be absent and they must be called in to be excused. Students are not permitted to go back and forth between online and in-person learning environments.

General Attendance Reminders for all learners

● Any time a student is absent from school the school must be notified. Please call the absence line at 440-729-5951 to report all absences.

● If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to vacation, you will need to have a Vacation Request form filled out and turned in to the attendance office with all appropriate signatures 5 days before the absences occur. These forms can be found in the attendance office or by clicking here.

● Notes for early dismissal should be turned in to the attendance office the day before your child needs to leave early whenever possible. Last-minute phone calls, other than true emergencies, cannot always be delivered immediately and create unnecessary disruption to valuable instruction time in the classroom.

● Tardy arrivals to school are considered unexcused even if a parent calls in for the student. If your student is driving to school this year, please remind them of this policy.

General Attendance procedures for all online learners

● If a virtual student will miss any or all classes during a particular day, a call needs to be made to the Attendance line at 440-729-5951 for the absence to be excused.

● Any student who is placed in the online learner status that is marked absent for two or more classes in a day, a phone call and email will go out to the parent/guardian. A return call from the parent or guardian is required for these types of absences to be excused. Please check your student’s attendance through the Infinite Campus parent portal to work on clearing any previous absences up.

● In cases of technical difficulty, (i.e. internet provider outages, inability to join Zoom sessions etc.) The student should email their teacher directly to report the issue. The teacher will then notify the attendance office.

Quarantined student attendance procedures for Parent/Guardians

● Students who are placed in a temporary quarantine and have been approved to attend classes virtually for the duration of the quarantine will need to Zoom in to classes using the zoom codes provided by their teachers at the beginning of the year. Many times these links can also be found on the teacher’s Google Classroom page.

As the weather begins to warm and we all look forward to Spring and Summer it’s important that school policies regarding leaving early are followed. Students are not permitted to leave the building without parental permission. This includes students who are 18 years old. If you have any questions regarding attendance please give me a call at 440-729-5958.

Thank you,
Theresa Poelking

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End-of-Course Testing will be as follows:

Thursday, April 15th - English 10 (Part I)

Friday, April 16th - English 10 (Part II)

Monday, April 19th - American History, Government (Part I)

Tuesday, April 20th - American History, Government (Part II)

Thursday, April 22nd - Biology (Part I)

Friday, April 23rd Biology (Part II)

Tuesday, April 27th - Algebra I, Geometry (Part I)

Wednesday, April 28th - Algebra I, Geometry (Part II)

AP Exams

Monday, May 3rd - AP US Government

Tuesday, May 4th - AP Calculus AB

                            AP Calculus BC

Wednesday, May 5th - AP English Literature

                               AP Physics

Thursday, May 6th - AP US History

                  AP Art History

                                           AP Computer Science

Friday, May, 7th - AP Chemistry

Monday, May 10th - AP World History

                                    AP Macroeconomics

Tuesday, May 11th - AP Spanish

                                    AP Psychology

Wednesday, May 12th - AP English Language

                                              AP Microeconomics

                             AP Music

Friday, May 14th - AP Biology

                                                    AP Environmental Science

Monday, May 17th - AP Statistics

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                West Geauga Kiwanis and Rotary Students of the Month

                

                    December - David Allen

                  January - Gregory Bullis

                

                  February - Kenneth Kirk

  

                     December -  Sofya Goncharenko

                     January - Emily Cobb

                     February - Elizabeth Piekarski

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West Geauga Educational Foundation – Grant Money Available

Do you have an innovative or new teaching idea for a school program, initiative, tool or learning aid? The West Geauga Educational Foundation (WGEF) is a non-profit group that provides funds to help introduce new and innovative learning methods to students at West Geauga schools. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has provided more than $500,000 in funds to support educational programs. Each year the foundation receives grant requests from teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

Some programs the foundation has funded over the past two years include: Live streaming equipment for WGMS Athletics, Google Virtual Field Trips for Westwood & Lindsey Elementary Schools; 21st Century Classroom for Lindsey; Aquaponics Global Food Production for West Geauga High School; iPad Pros for the Middle School and IXL Online Learning Tool for all West Geauga Schools.

Anyone in West Geauga School District can apply for a grant—this includes teachers, administrators, students and parents. The West Geauga Educational Foundation has $20,000 available for grant funding for the remainder of this 2020-2021 school year. If you’re interested in applying for a grant for your innovative or new teaching idea, complete and submit our application which can be found at wgef.org by February 12, 2021. Contact Caise McHale at 216-789-4842 or wgedfoundation@gmail.com with any questions.

December / January

From the Principal

Dear West Geauga High School Families,

I hope all of you were able to have a nice Thanksgiving. In talking with many of our families, I know adjustments were made to the traditional Thanksgiving plans typically made to celebrate the holiday. It doesn’t sound like we will be back to normal anytime soon, but it does look like hope is on the horizon.  

Our students have been outstanding during this pandemic.  I am proud of all of our online and in-building students for making school a priority despite the challenges associated with facemasks, social distancing, and online learning.  Thank you to our families for supporting your children, their teachers, and the school in making education a priority.  Many of you have had to make adjustments to your daily lives to see that your child is successful in school. Thank you! 

It is hard to believe, but the end of the semester is less than two weeks away.  Midterm exams will run from December 15, 2020, through December 17, 2020. Please click here for the midterm exam information.  If your student has does not have exams on certain days or times, parents may excuse them from school by reading and completing this form.  Best wishes to all of our students for a strong first-semester finish.

As Dr. Markwardt noted in his email to district families on Thursday, December 2, 2020, all high school students will continue to work remotely through December 11, 2020.  In-building students will return to the high school on December 14, 2020.  Winter break begins on December 18, 2020. Please view our full calendar on the high school’s website for important dates and events.

I hope all of you have a safe and relaxing holiday season. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, 

Jay Bishop

Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Dear West Geauga Community,

I hope everyone is doing well!  

We made it through the first semester - It goes without saying, this year has been like no other.  However, I am proud of how our students, community, and staff have responded to the challenges presented by COVID-19.  True, there were many unforeseen situations resulting from the current pandemic, but together we were able to navigate through these obstacles together.  The support which many of you have expressed is much appreciated!  

Going Online - As we transition to a time of virtual learning, please remember that students are required to attend their Zoom classes in an environment suitable for learning.  Students should not be working, driving their car, or partaking in other activities that are not conducive to the educational process during class time.  

Attendance - Success in the classroom starts by showing up.  1st period begins at 7:25 am for all students. Please ensure your child is ready for the day.  If your child is absent from school, regardless of whether they are virtual or in-person, a parent/guardian must call the absence into our attendance hotline at 440-729-5951.  Students who do not attend school face the consequence of appearing before the Geauga County Truancy Officer.  These policies also apply to online learners who do not attend their classes via Zoom.  

Parent-Student Handbook - If you have not already done so, please read the WGHS parent-student handbook, which can is found on our website.  The handbook is a great resource that can answer many questions.  All content found in the handbook applies to in-person and virtual learning environments.  

Social Media - We appreciate those of you who have had tough conversations regarding social media and appropriately treat others. 

  

VAPES - Please talk to your son/daughter about the health concerns regarding vapes, JUUL’s, etc.  

Face Masks - All students must wear face masks when in the high school.  Face masks need to comply with Board Policy 8420.02.  Ensure face masks are appropriate for school and not disruptive to the educational process.  Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.  

I am looking forward to a wonderful second semester!  

Sincerely,

Shawn Krippel

Assistant Principal 

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Yearbook

Order your copy of the 2021 Westwind, WG's Yearbook today! Click this link for ordering options!

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WGHS School Counseling News December/January

During these challenging times please remember that we are here for your student. Feel free to contact us via email or phone. Our doors and virtual doors are always open.

Due to the inability to get into classrooms and see students in person, we have created a Google Classroom for each class. This classroom contains important information for your student. All the students should have been given access to their Classroom. If they are not able to access please contact the Counselor’s Office. Below is a list of the Google Classrooms that were shared with students in each class:


Class of 2021 School Counseling

Class of 2022 School Counseling

Class of 2023 School Counseling

Class of 2024 School Counseling


Dates to Remember: 

The PSAT was administered to the sophomore class and some freshmen and juniors. The results should be available sometime at the beginning of December.

Excel TECC Opportunity Week: December 7-10; Sophomores and parents are invited to attend virtually. Please go to the Excel TECC website for more information:https://www.mayfieldschools.org/exceltecc_home.aspx.

Please click the links below to learn more about Excel Tecc's programs and to apply. 

Monday-Thursday 7-10 December – find Excel TECC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgAtASWGxA9G4095TBDevQ

Visit with Excel Tecc teachers during their video Q&A sessions Tues-Wed-Thurs – see pdf attachment or go to the following form on Google for ALL the links:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S7Tj0AoAcXKHe9DQuN1jn0G-b1cqbemD/view?usp=sharing 

Apply to Excel TECC here: https://excel.enrolltrack.com/StudentPortal/#

More information will be shared via the Class of 2023 School Counseling Google Classroom.

College Credit Plus (CCP) Information Night: January 20, 2021, at 7 pm. Students and parents need to attend this meeting if there is interest in the program. If this meeting needs to be virtual more information will be shared.


FOR ALL STUDENTS
Students: We have an "open door" policy. If you need to speak to your counselor, just drop in. If we are unavailable, write your name on the sign-in sheet outside of the counselor’s door and we will find you as soon as possible!


SENIORS
Please remember that this is the time of year to work on college applications! Please remember to check your college deadlines and follow the application submission procedures. Check the Class of 2021 School Counseling Google Classroom for videos to help with the process! Remember: Please give your counselors and teachers at least two weeks to get supporting documents/letters completed. Know your deadlines! See your counselor if you have any questions.

Test Scores: Remember your ACT or SAT test scores must also meet the college deadline. Please make sure you have requested scores be sent directly from ACT or CollegeBoard to the institutions you are applying to. Please disregard if you plan on applying to schools using the “test-optional” policy offered by many universities.

Scholarships: Start looking in Naviance for scholarships. There is also a scholarship rack in the Counseling Office. Make a habit of visiting our office and check if anything new has come in and checking your Naviance account. Please give counselors two weeks' notice for deadlines on scholarships, too.

Financial Aid: The FAFSA is open for next year. A representative from the Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF) is available to discuss financial aid options, scholarships, and the FAFSA form. Mrs. Tessa Dicker, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in our high school each Thursday throughout the school year. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Dicker by contacting her at tdicker@leaf-ohio.org. There is also a sign-in sheet in the Counselor’s Office. All of the LEAF services are at no charge to our families.
 

JUNIORS
Reminder - this is your last year to work on maintaining or bringing up your GPA. Remember that when colleges receive your transcript next fall, your cumulative grade point average is only based on your high school classes completed in the Middle School, 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade marks. If you are having difficulty in a class, your school counselor is always here to help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Also, start thinking about what you want to do after high school. A good resource, to begin with, is Naviance. See your counselor if you forgot your login. Start planning college visits (if possible) and registering online for the ACT and/or SAT.

The ACT will be administered to all juniors for free on February 23, 2021, at West Geauga High School.

When is the last time you logged on to your Naviance account? You have been given a task to complete the “Strengths Explorer”. Please find the time to complete this before winter break.

SOPHOMORES
Mr. Hayes, Excel TECC's (Technical Education Career Consortium) counselor met with sophomores via Zoom in November. Opportunity Week is December 7-10. Students and parents will be able to learn about programs and meet with program teachers. Please visit the Excel TECC website for more information: https://www.mayfieldschools.org/exceltecc_home.aspx..

As soon as you get your PSAT results remember to connect your scores with Khan Academy where you will get a personalized plan to improve. Stop by our office for help if you need any assistance.

FRESHMEN
Well, you are about to finish your first semester at West Geauga High School! Are you making progress in your classes? If so, keep up the good work. If not, arrange for help before or after school with your teacher. In these uncertain times and with virtual learning think about emailing your teacher. See your counselor for help, too. Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!


David Callahan          Students with last names A-K    729-5963     david.callahan@westg.org
Sarah Widman          Students with last names L-Z     729-5965     sarah.widman@westg.org
Lisa Porter                Assistant                                     729-5962     lisa.porter@westg.org

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Attendance

I hope this year's Winter Newsletter finds you all healthy! It certainly has been a different kind of year for all of us. I appreciate the great communication regarding your student's attendance over the past few months. Listed below are some general attendance reminders as well as a list of attendance items for those students who are virtual learners and students who are approved to be online learners for a limited period of time.

Please keep in mind, if your in-person student is absent from school and chooses to Zoom into classes, provided the teacher has an online link, they may do so but they are still considered to be absent and they must be called in to be excused. Students are not permitted to go back and forth between online and in-person learning environments without the approval of Mr. Bishop or Mr. Krippel.

General Attendance Reminders for all learners
● If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to vacation, you will need to have a Vacation Request form filled out and turned in to the attendance office with all appropriate signatures 5 days before the absences occur. These forms can be found in the attendance office or by clicking here.

● Notes for early dismissal should be turned in to the attendance office the day before your child needs to leave early whenever possible. Last-minute phone calls, other than true emergencies, cannot always be delivered immediately and create unnecessary disruption to valuable instruction time in the classroom.

● Tardy arrivals to school are considered unexcused even if a parent calls in for the student. If your student is driving to school this year, please remind them of this policy as we head into the winter season. Encourage them to plan ahead and prepare for snow on cars and unfavorable road conditions.

General Attendance procedures for all online learners
● If a virtual student will miss any or all classes during a particular day, a call needs to be made to the Attendance line at 440-729-5951 for the absence to be excused.

● For any student who is placed in the online learner status that is marked absent for two or more classes in a day, an email will go out to the parent/guardian. A return call from the parent or guardian is required for these types of absences to be excused.

● In cases of technical difficulty, (i.e. internet provider outages, inability to join Zoom sessions etc.) The student should email their teacher directly to report the issue. The teacher will then notify the attendance office.

Long-term absence procedures for online learners
● Parents will need to notify the attendance office by calling the absence line at 440-729-5951 if a student will be absent for any reason and is not able to join Zoom sessions. If the student is absent due to illness but their symptoms improve, they can join classes remotely and they will not be marked absent if they attend online.

Quarantined student attendance procedures for Parent/Guardians
● Students who are placed in a temporary quarantine and have been approved to attend classes virtually for the duration of the quarantine will need to Zoom in to classes using the zoom codes provided by their teachers at the beginning of the year. Many times these links can also be found on the teacher’s Google Classroom page.

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West Geauga Education Foundation

Please click here for the full WGEF Newsletter.

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West Geauga Kiwanis and Rotary Students of the Month

Congratulations Raeanna & Sammy!

                           

                       November - Raeanna Cenni

                           

                       November - Sammy Aidja  

 

October/November

 

From the Principal

Dear West Geauga High School Families,

This week began the second quarter of the school year for our students.  I commend our students for the positive attitude displayed throughout the building and in the online environment.  We have had many changes this year. It is great to see the students’ ability to adapt to the requirements due to COVID-19 and persevere despite the pandemic’s challenges. We have done remarkably well by keeping the virus from interfering with our academics.  I attribute this accomplishment to our families, students, and the West Geauga staff and administration who set and follow the established protocols.  Great job!

On October 16, 2020, Superintendent Dr. Richard Markwardt asked online students’ families to notify me by October 30, 2020, if they would like their student to attend school in-person beginning the second semester. Please let me know by emailing me at Jay.Bishop@WestG.org.  We must hear from you so we can prepare our staffing needs for the remainder of the year.  If I do not receive an email from you, your child will continue their instruction online for the rest of the school year. 

On Friday, October 23, 2020, we will post first-quarter report cards to students’ Infinite Campus accounts. Please review your child’s grades and reach out to our teachers if you have any questions or concerns. Please be sure to save a copy of the report card to your computer. Contact our guidance assistant, Lisa Porter, at Lisa.Porter@WestG.org if you would like a copy sent to you in the mail.

Thank you again for a nice start to the school year.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Thank you,

Jay Bishop Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Dear West Geauga Community,

I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and is looking forward to a fun and productive 2020 - 2021 school year.

Our current situation can be challenging, especially for schools, but the district has been hard at work preparing for the upcoming year. Many thanks to the West Geauga Board of Education, Dr. Markwardt, and his staff, Mrs. Karen Pavlat and her staff, custodial staff, teaching staff, and clerical/support staff for all their efforts over the summer.

As we begin the 2020-2021 school year, here are a couple of reminders:

Enjoy the school year – Even with all the challenges facing us today, we still need to keep in mind that the educational process should be an enjoyable experience. What can be better than learning about multiple subjects, seeing friends, and being surrounded by caring adults? West Geauga High School is a great place to be!

Parent-Student Handbook – Please review the 2020-2021 WGHS Parent-Student Handbook found on West Geauga High School’s main webpage.

Arrival to School – Upon arrival at the High School, students will go to their lockers then report directly to their 1st-period class. Students are not permitted to wander the halls. Doors open at 7 A.M., and 1st period begins promptly at 7:25 A.M.

Parking Passes – Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors with a valid license and insurance are eligible to drive to school. Students need to apply for a parking permit. The application can be found under “forms” on the main high school web page.

Face Masks – All students are required to wear face masks. Face masks need to be in compliance with Board Policy 8420.02. Ensure face masks are appropriate for school and not disruptive to the educational process. Failure to wear a face mask may result in disciplinary action.

School issued bookbags – To help limit the number of times students will need to go to their lockers, the school provided transparent book bags. Students are encouraged to carry their materials in these bookbags.

Social Media – There are many social media platforms students use to communicate. However, we often see and hear about the negative sides of social media. Please make it a point to have family discussions that address topics such as harassment, bullying, threats, sexting, etc., as well as the negative repercussions that result from these types of posts.

Vaping – West Geauga Local Schools has a zero-tolerance for vapes and any other type of tobacco products, drugs, and alcohol. Violators will be held accountable according to the West Geauga High School Code of Conduct.

Sincerely,

Shawn Krippel

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Yearbook

Order your copy of the 2021 Westwind, WG's Yearbook today! Click this link for ordering options!

Seniors! The deadline for submitting your portrait & baby picture is September 30. Simply submit both using THIS Google form! Please email year.book@westg.org with any questions.

Parents of seniors: Want to congratulate your senior with a personalized grad ad in our yearbook? It's never been easier! Click this link for more information. The deadline is November 13. Please email year.book@westg.org with any questions.

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West G School Counseling News                       October 2020


Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. During these trying times, please know that we are here for your student. Please reach out via email or phone, so we can do what we can to assist!

We are happy to announce that our office has an intern for the first semester. His name is Peter Kaplan, and he is completing his graduate studies at John Carroll University.

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, our staff is utilizing Google Classroom to deliver important information. Please make sure your student has access to their Graduation Year’s Counseling Classroom (For example, Seniors should be viewing Class of 2021 School Counseling). Please contact a member of our staff if there is any difficulty in gaining access.

Please follow us on Twitter @WGHSCounselors for updates and timely information!

W.G.H.S. Counseling Staff

Mr. David Callahan (Students A – K)      (440) 729-5963       david.callahan@westg.org

Ms. Sarah Widman (Students L – Z)       (440) 729-5965      sarah.widman@westg.org

Mrs. Lisa Porter (Assistant)                     (440)729-5962       lisa.porter@westg.org

Mr. Peter Kaplan (Intern)                         (440) 729-5922 x 4164 peter.kaplan@westg.org

Student/Parent Notes

SENIORS

Congratulations, you are almost at the finish line! Please remember that you still have work ahead of you. You can do it! Colleges will want to see your first semester grades and your senior year-end grades.

Come visit your counselor if you need help with career or college information. We have information for the military and apprenticeship programs, too. Remember to focus on your strengths! Set goals for this year, put them in writing, and do the things required to meet those goals!

College Applications:
This is the time for seniors to begin filling out their college applications. The school counseling department will NOT be meeting students in their English classes as in the past due to COVID19. We are also canceling the Student Parent Application night that was scheduled for September 23rd at 7 pm. Our staff is still committed to helping your student with this process. The PowerPoint presentation will be posted on the School Counseling/Guidance website: https://www.westg.org/School%20Counseling.aspx. There will also be a series of short videos posted to the Class of 2021 School Counseling Google Classroom to review the steps needed to complete the college application process. More importantly, we will be happy to meet with students one-on-one to discuss the steps needed to complete their applications!
If needed, we can set up phone conferences or Zoom meetings.

Financial Aid Night:

LEAF presented a virtual Financial Aid Night presentation to West Geauga School seniors and their parents on Wednesday, September 30th, at 7:00pm. The presentation focused on all aspects of the financial aid process. Topics covered include the FAFSA form, CSS Profile, scholarships, grants, loans, and other items related to college access. Please click here to view the presentation.


Admissions Counselor School Visits:

This year many College Reps are setting up virtual visits to make connections with West G students. Some are still planning in-person visits. Students are encouraged to check the schedule for these virtual/in-person visits and register in Naviance. It is important to show interest in the schools you may be applying to!

JUNIORS

This is your last year to work on maintaining or improving your GPA. Set some solid academic goals for yourself this year and try to stick to them. Remember that when colleges receive your transcript next fall, your cumulative grade point average is only based on your 9th, 10th, & 11th-grade marks. This is a good time to start exploring your career and college options. Do not forget to utilize your Naviance account!

SOPHOMORES

You have one year under your belt. Congratulations! Now that you have figured out what high school life is all about, why not make some positive changes? What can you improve on from last year to make this year even more of a success? Continue to build your resume by volunteering and participating in school and community activities.

FRESHMEN

Welcome to West Geauga High School! This is an exciting year for you because you have the opportunity to start fresh. You have a clean slate, so stay organized and work hard. Please remember the school counselors are available to help you reach your goals. Do not forget that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!

NEW STUDENTS

A quick message to all the new students: Please know that we are happy that you are now West G students! Stop by and say hello. If you are a virtual student, please feel free to email us, and we can set up a Zoom meeting. We are here to help!

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Important Attendance Information for the 2020 - 2021 School Year

It seems like every year I am writing about something new related to attendance. Thank you for always going with the flow and adapting to these changes. This year is no exception. Many things have changed with our new options for learning environments here at the high school and the restrictions related to COVID 19.

Students who are learning on-line and in-person need to be called in absent if they are going to miss the entire day or just a portion of it for any reason.

Online students who miss a class during the day and have not notified their teacher of technical difficulties or been called in as an excused absence will be marked unexcused. Two periods of unexcused absences on the same day will result in a call home.

Please call our absence line each day your child will be out of school no later than 7:25 A.M. When calling your student in absent, please make sure to leave detailed information about your child’s absence on the confidential absence line 440-729-5951. Thank you for your assistance.

For additional information regarding the attendance during COVID, please review a copy of this email sent by Mr. Bishop on September 13, 2020

Opening Day paperwork - OneView

At this time Online Forms are overdue. If you have not yet done so, please complete them as soon as possible. Online forms can be accessed via the online forms link under the parent tab on our school website or by using this link: https://westgeauga.esvportal.com/admin/login.aspx If you have any questions, please call the office, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and have a great 2020 - 2021 school year!

Mrs. Poelking

______________________________________________

Did  You Know?

Most home West Geauga High School athletic events and playoff games are streamed and recorded live for the entire West Geauga community. You can catch the events online at on our school's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/WestGeaugaAthletics/

______________________________________________

September -  Gabby Ramirez

October - Alexander Lavin

November - Raeanna Cenni

September - Patrick Garrett

October - Athena Hocevar

November - Sammy Aidja

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Parent Mentor, Geauga County

What is a Parent Mentor?

A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child or children with a disability who is employed by the local Educational Service Center to help families and school districts by providing support, information, and training services. Since it is vital that districts and families work together in a positive and productive fashion to benefit all students that are served by an IEP, 504 plan or with any special accommodation, the Parent Mentor is available to facilitate communication between families, teachers, and administrators, all the essential people of the child's planning team. Working together, as a unified team, can empower your child to succeed, not only in school but in the years to come.

For those of you whom I may have not met, my name is Michelle Frygier. I am the Parent Mentor for Geauga County through the ESC of the Western Reserve. A unique aspect of this position is that Parent Mentors provide guidance based on a combination of training and personal first-hand experience. I am also a parent of a child with a disability. My children receive their services through the Kenston School District and my daughter is a student in the Geauga ACHIEVE program in the West Geauga Middle School. I have experienced how a child is assessed and receives services as well as the ETR and IEP process. I know it can be overwhelming and confusing at times and this is when the Parent Mentor can assist and offer some support and information. Additionally, there is no cost to families to utilize the services of a Parent Mentor.

Everyone's family situation is different, no matter what type of challenges your child may face in school or at home. There are various obstacles, and many triumphs with each child with any type of disability or medical challenge. As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand first-hand the many challenges and concerns faced daily by parents of genuinely exceptional children.

West Geauga has excellent and caring teachers, administrators, and parents, and as a unified team, we can work together to help your son or daughter be the best that they can be in school and beyond. My cell number is 440-635-6714, and my email address is mfrygier@escwr.org. I also have a webpage, https://www.escwr.org/ParentMentor.aspx, that contains links to valuable resources and opportunities. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, and I look forward to working with the families in the West Geauga School District.

________________________________________________________

Special Education Family Survey

West Geauga families, this is a link to complete the Special Education Family Survey by ODE and OSU. Please click here for the letter / link to complete the survey.

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West Geauga Educational Foundation: September 2020 Update

The West Geauga Educational Foundation (WGEF) is a non-profit group that provides funds to help introduce new and innovative learning methods to students at West Geauga schools. Each year the foundation receives grant requests from teachers, administrators, students, and parents. This past spring, the foundation approved a $5,000 grant request from Lindsey Elementary Principal, Meagan Bellan for a program titled, “Books Matter”. This program was developed to support the West Geauga School District’s anti-bullying efforts.

Anyone in the West Geauga School District can apply for a grant. Over the years, WGEF has approved grants for each of the West Geauga Local Schools. The West Geauga Educational Foundation has money available for grant funding this 2020-2021 school year. If you’re interested in applying for a grant for your innovative or new teaching idea, complete and submit our application which can be found at https://wgef.org/grant-application by November 13, 2020. We are particularly open to virtual support options. Contact Caise McHale at 216-789-4842 or wgedfoundation@gmail.com with any questions.

These grants would not be possible without our active members and the financial support from West Geauga parents and the community. We thank those who attend our annual fundraisers such as the Thanksgiving Day Pancake Breakfast. If you are interested in becoming involved and helping to assess potential programs for students in the West Geauga School District that are not funded as part of the district's core curriculum or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.wgef.org.

Heinen's Teaming up for Education