Dear High School Families;
It is hard to believe we are already one quarter of the way through the school year. First quarter report cards have been posted to our new Infinite Campus student management system website and we are now three weeks into the second quarter. Since the beginning of the year, students have had the opportunity to use advisory period to get help with course work, attend a club and/or activity meeting or take an Advanced Placement science course.
One goal of the advisory period is for students to seek academic help or to enrich the learning experience. Classroom teachers are available to students either during 5A or 5B advisory periods. Students should communicate their need or desire to meet with their teachers during advisory and obtain a pass. Commonly, teachers will reach out to the students needing additional support and use advisory period to assist their students. Time commitments during advisory and lunch periods are very flexible and allow students to switch lunch periods in order to find a mutual time that works for both the teacher and student.
During the month of November, an Advisory Speaker Series was initiated. The purpose of the series is to provide engaging presentations that are relevant to students’ lives. Information learned can be applied to students academic and/or private lives. Topics include philanthropy, study skills, test taking strategies, dating violence prevention and drug and alcohol awareness. It is also my intention to build student leadership opportunities within this program. Students are encouraged to present topics that are interesting and relevant to their peers. Interested students should see me for more details. Please see the school’s calendar for presentations that will be given during the month of November and during the second semester of the school year.
It is my intention for advisory to contribute to the positive school environment and allow experiences for student growth and academic success. Please encourage your student to take advantage of some of the many opportunities advisory period offers throughout the school year.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Jay C. Bishop
jay.bishop@westg.org
(440) 729-5955
@WestGHigh
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Complete and Total comes to West Geauga High School
The play Complete and Total is an original play by a local playwright, Greg Vovos, about the dangers of heroin and drug addiction. It is the story of a high school senior and how his painful slide into addiction impacts him and his family. It follows the student with a bright future ahead of him, but heroin and addiction quickly become his priority. The senior addict believes in his ability to become clean, but it’s not that simple.
The play Complete and Total is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th and performed by youth from the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. It will be shown during periods 1-4 and 6-8. All high school students will have an opportunity to see it in Room 124 during their social studies class with a short follow up discussion in each social studies classroom. Discussion will be led by social workers, counselors, prevention specialists and other professionals, knowledgeable in the drug and alcohol field.
We invite all parents and community members to attend an evening performance at 7:00 P.M. on November 16th. A question and answer session will follow the play. We hope you will join us! Click here to see a flyer with additional information.
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The bus lanes for morning drop off are for busses ONLY.
Please drop your student(s) off at the south or west side of the building.
Thank you!
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From the Assistant Principal....
I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather. A few quick tips…
- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc. are great ways to communicate via the Internet. Unfortunately, all too often we see the negative side of social networking. Bullying, threats, offensive language, and inappropriateness are everyday occurrences on these sites. Daily, we deal with the after effects of these transgressions. Please monitor your child and speak to him/her about appropriate use of these sites.
- The number one correlation between academic success and potential failure is consistent attendance at school. When students attend regularly, they succeed. Please remember to call the Attendance Office (729-5951) between 7:00 and 9:00 am each time a student is absent. This is a voicemail number, which can receive messages 24 hours a day, so you can even call the night before. Students who do not clear up absences within three days of returning to school will be considered truant and be issued a Saturday School Detention.
- Maintaining a safe, secure and productive educational environment is a high priority at West Geauga High School. Proper attire helps create an atmosphere conducive to learning. Clothing which includes references to alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances is unacceptable. In addition, clothing which depicts graphics or wording with sexual, vulgar, lewd, or indecent meanings or connotations is prohibited. Please also keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Shirts and shorts must be worn at a reasonable length
- Tops must have straps
- Necklines should not fall below an imaginary horizontal line between the underarms.
- The bottom hem of tops should overlap pants or skirts. No midriff exposed.
- No undergarments should be exposed. This includes through sheer fabric or out of low-riding or loose fitting pants.
- No hats at school. Hoods are not to be worn while in the building
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ron Dahlhofer
ron.dahlhofer@westg.org
(440) 729-5957
September - Nathaniel Bihun
October - John Wenger
November - Mariah Barboza
September - Grace Carter
October - Ayah Ighneim
November - Michael Osters
WGHS School Counseling News November/December 2017
It has been a busy fall in the school counseling department. We have met with our seniors and their parents to begin the college application process. The web program Family Connection/Naviance is the most important resource for the counselors and students. This program is allowing the school counselors to begin college exploratory activities with the underclassmen, as well as making communication between home and our department considerably easier. It allows us to submit nearly all of our students' college applications electronically. If your student has an iPhone, there is an app available. We highly encourage our students to use this resource throughout their high school careers! Our career specialist, Mrs. Ann Marn, has also offered her talents in helping our students focus on writing a high school resume, begin career interest inventories and search for colleges.
Order your yearbook now and benefit from the lowest price of the year! Yearbooks will cost $70.00 until 12/31/17. After the new year, the price will increase to $75.00 Click here for an order form.
If you haven't submitted a Grad ad to your senior, please email year.book@westg.org to see if any space remains.
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23, 2017 7:30 to 11:30 AM
WHERE: Chesterland McDonald’s, 8329 Mayfield Road, Chesterland
What’s on the menu: a breakfast of pancakes and sausage with juice, milk, coffee or tea for $5.00. Eat breakfast in the restaurant or take it to go. Please note that on Thanksgiving morning, McDonald’s will only open for the WGEF fundraiser during the hours above and their regular menu will not be available.
For almost 30 years, WGEF has been hosting this holiday breakfast, with the help and support of John Powers and his team at the Chesterland McDonald’s. “Make Thanksgiving Day a little easier for your family this year by getting breakfast at McDonalds,” said Caise Rode McHale, WGEF President. “At the same time, you’ll be helping to support innovative and enriching learning experiences for West Geauga students.”
WGEF is a non-profit organization that provides funding to enable new ways of teaching and learning in the West Geauga School System. Each year the foundation trustees review applications from teachers, administrators, students and parents and fund educational programs over and above what school budgets will allow. The foundation is grateful for our community’s continuing support.
Interested in volunteering at WGEF’s Thanksgiving Breakfast? Please email:
Steve Goden at sgoden@roadrunner.com
Caise Rode McHale at caise28@gmail.com
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September - Nathaniel Bihun
October - John Wenger
November - Mariah Barboza
September - Grace Carter
October - Ayah Ighneim
November - Michael Osters
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WGHS School Counseling News November/December 2017
It has been a busy fall in the school counseling department. We have met with our seniors and their parents to begin the college application process. The web program Family Connection/Naviance is the most important resource for the counselors and students. This program is allowing the school counselors to begin college exploratory activities with the underclassmen, as well as making communication between home and our department considerably easier. It allows us to submit nearly all of our students' college applications electronically. If your student has an iPhone, there is an app available. We highly encourage our students to use this resource throughout their high school careers! Our career specialist, Mrs. Ann Marn, has also offered her talents in helping our students focus on writing a high school resume, begin career interest inventories and search for colleges.
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
Dates to Remember:
The PSAT was administered to the sophomore class and some freshmen and juniors. The results should be available sometime in mid-December.
Excel TECC Opportunity Day: December 12, Sophomores are invited to attend as a field trip. Permission forms will be given to students and available in the counseling office.
Excel TECC Opportunity Night: December 12, 7 pm at Mayfield High School. Parents of prospective sophomores are encouraged to attend.
CCP Information Night: January 10, 7pm in Room 124.
FOR ALL STUDENTS
The guidance website has valuable information, regarding college planning, scholarships, and many other timely topics. You can visit the website at www.westg.org, click on high school, then guidance. If you have any question or concerns, please call the school counseling office. Students: we have an "open door" policy. If you need to speak to your counselor, just drop in. If we are unavailable, leave a note, 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 (Senior College App Process PowerPoint can be found on the Guidance website). 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.
Scholarships: Start looking in Family Connection/Naviance for scholarships. There is also a scholarship rack in the Counseling Office. Make a habit of visiting our office and checking if anything new has come in and checking your Family Connection account. Please give counselors two weeks notice for deadlines on scholarships, too.
Financial Aid: The FAFSA timeline has changed and is already open to submissions 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. Sandy Hanley, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in our high school each Wednesday throughout the school year. 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. There is also a sign-in sheet in the Guidance 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. Do not forget to take advantage of the tutoring available during Advisory period. Also, start thinking about what you want to do after high school. A good resource to begin with is Family Connection/Naviance. See your counselor if you forgot your login. Start planning college visits and registering online for the ACT and/or SAT.
When is the last time you logged on to your Family Connection/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 will meet with all sophomores on November 13. Opportunity Day for all Excel TECC is Thursday, December 12. Students are able to visit programs during the field trip that school day and parents are invited to Mayfield High School that evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. You got your report card. How are you doing? What can you change to achieve even more success? If you need some help, see your counselor.
As soon as you get your PSAT results, remember to connect your scores with Khan Academy. Stop by our office for help if you need any assistance.
FRESHMEN
Well, you are finished with your first quarter at West Geauga High School! Was your first report card a good one? If so, keep up the good work. If not, do not forget to take advantage of the tutoring available during Advisory Period. See your counselor for help, too. Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness! Also, be open to the information covered in the Freshman Mentoring with topics offering help with the transition to the high school.
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The Senior Internship Program, endorsed by the school administration and Board of Education, is designed to provide interested and eligible seniors with the opportunity to participate in meaningful, independent projects of their own selection and design.
Full details and the internship packet will be available in December. In the meantime, you can click here to see the internship timeline.
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 Secretary 729-5962 michelle.sargent@westg.org
Dates to Remember:
The PSAT was administered to the sophomore class and some freshmen and juniors. The results should be available sometime in mid-December.
Excel TECC Opportunity Day: December 12, Sophomores are invited to attend as a field trip. Permission forms will be given to students and available in the counseling office.
Excel TECC Opportunity Night: December 12, 7 pm at Mayfield High School. Parents of prospective sophomores are encouraged to attend.
CCP Information Night: January 10, 7pm in Room 124.
FOR ALL STUDENTS
The guidance website has valuable information, regarding college planning, scholarships, and many other timely topics. You can visit the website at www.westg.org, click on high school, then guidance. If you have any question or concerns, please call the school counseling office. Students: we have an "open door" policy. If you need to speak to your counselor, just drop in. If we are unavailable, leave a note, 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 (Senior College App Process PowerPoint can be found on the Guidance website). 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.
Scholarships: Start looking in Family Connection/Naviance for scholarships. There is also a scholarship rack in the Counseling Office. Make a habit of visiting our office and checking if anything new has come in and checking your Family Connection account. Please give counselors two weeks notice for deadlines on scholarships, too.
Financial Aid: The FAFSA timeline has changed and is already open to submissions 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. Sandy Hanley, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in our high school each Wednesday throughout the school year. 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. There is also a sign-in sheet in the Guidance 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. Do not forget to take advantage of the tutoring available during Advisory period. Also, start thinking about what you want to do after high school. A good resource to begin with is Family Connection/Naviance. See your counselor if you forgot your login. Start planning college visits and registering online for the ACT and/or SAT.
When is the last time you logged on to your Family Connection/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 will meet with all sophomores on November 13. Opportunity Day for all Excel TECC is Thursday, December 12. Students are able to visit programs during the field trip that school day and parents are invited to Mayfield High School that evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. You got your report card. How are you doing? What can you change to achieve even more success? If you need some help, see your counselor.
As soon as you get your PSAT results, remember to connect your scores with Khan Academy. Stop by our office for help if you need any assistance.
FRESHMEN
Well, you are finished with your first quarter at West Geauga High School! Was your first report card a good one? If so, keep up the good work. If not, do not forget to take advantage of the tutoring available during Advisory Period. See your counselor for help, too. Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness! Also, be open to the information covered in the Freshman Mentoring with topics offering help with the transition to the high school.
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HILLCREST STUDENT ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
September 2017
Junior, Rachel Ange - Tennis
Rachel is a junior student-athlete on the girls tennis team. She will be earning her third varsity letter for the team this season. She has helped lead the girls tennis team to their first Chagrin Valley Conference championship last season and their second this fall. She was 8-2 in the month of September to bring her overall record to 14-2 for the year. She went 2-0 in the CVC tournament to earn First Team CVC honors. She will be competing on Friday October 13th in the OHSAA District tournament with her partner in doubles, Mackenzie Hanford. Coach Dimattia said “She has been winning in a dominating fashion. She leads by example both on the tennis court and off.” She has also been a member of the girls fastpitch team and will also be earning her third varsity letter this spring season. Off the athletic fields she has been able to maintain a 4.4 GPA. She serves as the Student Council Secretary and is a board member of the Interact Club. She intends on furthering her education by attending college to study in the field of business but is undecided on which school she will attend. Rachel enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Senior, Joseph Conrad - Soccer
Joseph is a senior student-athlete on the soccer team. He will be earning his second varsity letter for the team at the end of this season. Coach Gerhardt said, "Joey is a team player who exemplifies respect, sportsmanship and fair play. Joey Conrad is the leader of our defensive chain and a role model for all players on the team, especially the underclassmen. Joey is highly skilled, possesses great soccer sense and is a very competitive central defender who is all business in practices as well as in games. A senior and student of the game, Joey is a key player in the Wolverines success on the soccer field this year.” Joseph is also a member of the track team and has earned two varsity letters. Joe has also excelled in the classroom where he has retained above a 3.75 GPA. Joseph plans on continuing his education in the field of aeronautics at Kent State University to eventually become a licensed commercial pilot. In his free time, Joseph enjoys camping, hiking snowboarding and playing soccer.
October 2017
Freshman, Nicola Ehrbar - Soccer
Nicola is a freshman student-athlete on the girls soccer team. She will be earning her first varsity letter for the team this season after starting and playing in every game. Overall she had 11 goals and 7 assists. One of those goals was versus Chagrin Falls in an OHSAA Sectional Final game, where she helped lead her team to a 2-0 victory with a goal from 35 yards out, advancing the Wolverines to the District Semi Finals. Coach Kori Chapic said, "Her hard work and athleticism this season has made her an outstanding asset to the West Geauga girls soccer program and a leader for the team to look up to." She earned Second Team All Chagrin Valley Conference honors. She is also a member of the girls basketball team and will be seeing a significant role in the program this winter. Off the athletic fields she has earned 4.08 GPA in the first grading period. She intends on furthering both her education and athletic careers in college but is undecided at this early stage of her high school experience. Nicola enjoys baking, hiking and playing sports.
Freshman, Johnny Patterson - Cross Country
Johnny is a freshman student-athlete on the cross-country team. He has earned his first varsity letter for the team this season. Johnny, as a freshman, was consistently West Geauga's number one runner this year. His fastest time was 18:00, which helped him earn Second Team All Chagrin Valley Conference honors. He lead the boys cross country team to second place finishes at both the McDonough and Andrews Osborne Invitationals. Amongst freshman competing at the OHSAA District Meet at Madison High School, Johnny finished 3rd and 32nd overall. Coach John Boylan said, "Johnny is only a freshman but leads by example. He will be fun to watch as he matures as a runner. I am excited and looking forward to the next 3 seasons with Johnny." Johnny has also been successful in the classroom as he recently accomplished a 4.25 GPA in his first grading period at the high school. He plans on continuing his education in the field of biology but is undecided as to where he will attend. Johnny enjoys running, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.
The Senior Internship Program, endorsed by the school administration and Board of Education, is designed to provide interested and eligible seniors with the opportunity to participate in meaningful, independent projects of their own selection and design.
Full details and the internship packet will be available in December. In the meantime, you can click here to see the internship timeline.
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If you haven't submitted a Grad ad to your senior, please email year.book@westg.org to see if any space remains.
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WGEF THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST 2017
Thanksgiving Day Pancake Breakfast at Chesterland McDonald’s
Sponsored by West Geauga Educational Foundation
The last think you’re thinking about on Thanksgiving morning is making breakfast. But your family is hungry! Don’t stress! Visit the Chesterland McDonalds, where once again, the West Geauga Educational Foundation (WGEF), will be serving breakfast! WHEN: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23, 2017 7:30 to 11:30 AM
WHERE: Chesterland McDonald’s, 8329 Mayfield Road, Chesterland
What’s on the menu: a breakfast of pancakes and sausage with juice, milk, coffee or tea for $5.00. Eat breakfast in the restaurant or take it to go. Please note that on Thanksgiving morning, McDonald’s will only open for the WGEF fundraiser during the hours above and their regular menu will not be available.
For almost 30 years, WGEF has been hosting this holiday breakfast, with the help and support of John Powers and his team at the Chesterland McDonald’s. “Make Thanksgiving Day a little easier for your family this year by getting breakfast at McDonalds,” said Caise Rode McHale, WGEF President. “At the same time, you’ll be helping to support innovative and enriching learning experiences for West Geauga students.”
WGEF is a non-profit organization that provides funding to enable new ways of teaching and learning in the West Geauga School System. Each year the foundation trustees review applications from teachers, administrators, students and parents and fund educational programs over and above what school budgets will allow. The foundation is grateful for our community’s continuing support.
Interested in volunteering at WGEF’s Thanksgiving Breakfast? Please email:
Steve Goden at sgoden@roadrunner.com
Caise Rode McHale at caise28@gmail.com
We hope to see you and your family on Thanksgiving morning!
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