Friday, December 4, 2020

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:

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  









 

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

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.

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


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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/
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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.


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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.








Wednesday, January 29, 2020

January / February




From the Principal

Dear High School Families;

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope you enjoyed time with friends and family over the break while finding a moment to relax.

One of my goals as West Geauga High School’s principal is to eliminate barriers that keep students from accessing the many academic, social and athletic opportunities available. Ideally, we would like students to come to school with their minds focused on giving their best. We realize this can be difficult with daily life and the distractions commonly associated with being a teenager. In prior newsletters and parent meetings, I have discussed ways to reduce or eliminate these distractions. One of these ways is to teach children how to appropriately use social media sites and applications.

Social media certainly has its benefits. We use it to keep in touch with friends, read the news, and keep up with current events. We also know that social media has its drawbacks. Negative and hurtful messages are posted online daily. West Geauga High School administrators and counselors know the drawbacks very well. A significant amount of time is spent investigating, counseling and mediating individual and group situations that arise because of social media. In the process of looking into these situations, we read student postings and text messages. Messages often include inappropriate, offensive, and explicit language. We sometimes encounter slanderous, harassing or intimidating comments students make towards their peers.

Counselors and administrators often talk to students about the appropriate use of social media. We also discuss the long-term harmful effects of inappropriate use of social media. I encourage you to actively continue these conversations at home and closely monitor your child’s social media accounts. As these young adults learn and grow, mistakes are made. We can work together to prevent decisions from being made that have negative consequences that prevent students from learning and growing to their potential. For more information, click the links below.

Thank you,
Jay Bishop
Jay.Bishop@westg.org
@WestGHigh

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From the Assistant Principal

Dear West Geauga Community,

Hope everyone is off to a great New Year as we begin the 3rd quarter


  •  Thank you to all students, staff, parents, guardians, and community members for all your efforts in the 1st semester. We are looking forward to a great 2nd semester of school!
  • With the start of the new semester, some students began new classes on our first day back, January 6th. Each child should check Infinite Campus to ensure they are enrolled in the correct classes. If there is a discrepancy, have your child contact their School Counselor.
  •  Snow is coming, please be safe on the roads. Talk to your child about driving in hazardous conditions and precautions they should take.
  •  Please remember, if your child is going to be out of school for the day, to call our Attendance Office (729-5951).
  •  VAPES and SOCIAL MEDIA – have conversations with your child about these items as it relates to their well-being.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Sincerely,
Shawn Krippel

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End-of-Course Testing will be as follows:
Thursday, April 16th -  English 10 (Part I)
Friday, April 17th -  English 10 (Part II)
Monday, April 20th American History, Government (Part I)
Tuesday, April 21st American History, Government (Part II)
Thursday, April 23 - Biology (Part I)
Friday, April 24th Biology (Part II)
Tuesday, April 28th Algebra I, Geometry (Part I)
Wednesday, April 29th Algebra I, Geometry (Part II)

AP Exams
Monday, May 4th AP US Government
Tuesday, May 5th AP Calculus AB
                              AP Calculus BC
Wednesday, May 6th AP Literature
Thursday, May 7th  AP Chemistry
                                 AP Physics
Friday, May, 8th AP US History
                            AP Art
                            AP Computer Science
Monday, May 11th AP Biology
                               AP Environmental Science
Tuesday, May 12th  AP Spanish
                                 AP Psychology
Wednesday, May 13th AP Language
                                     AP Microeconomics
                                     AP Music
Thursday, May 14th AP World History
                                  AP Macroeconomics
Friday, May 15th AP Statistics


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Yearbook


Yearbooks will be arriving at West Geauga at the end of April. If you pre-order now, you can still save. Order forms can be found by clicking the Yearbook Information tab at the top of the newsletter.

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Class of 2020



The Class of 2020's Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at 7:00 PM at Severance Hall. Each student will receive 6 free general admission tickets. Please submit all extra tickets and loge ticket requests through the Google form shared to your student's school email no later than February 3, 2020. Additionally, cap and gown ordering have already taken place. If your student has yet to buy a cap and gown package, please visit jostens.com and place your order as soon as possible. All students will wear navy blue caps and gowns. If a student is planning on borrowing a cap or gown, please let Mrs. Talty know.

Here is a copy of the link shared with your student for the extra tickets. 

After Prom Flea Market information 

Important Dates:
                 May 1st Senior Decision Day
                 May 4th Senior Awards Ceremony
                 May 8th Prom
                 May 11th Senior Internships Begin
                 May 26-29 Senior Final Exams
                 June 1st Seniors Last Day
                 June 4th Commencement 


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Attendance

Happy New Year from the Attendance Office!

I hope everyone is refreshed and ready to tackle the second half of the year after a wonderful winter break. As a reminder, 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 online under the forms link. If your child is missing school for medical reasons please provide a note from the doctor and turn in to the attendance office.

Notes for early dismissal should be turned in to the attendance office first thing the morning the day the student 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 and suspension points will be issued. The accumulation of 10 points in a 10 week period will result in Saturday School. If your student is driving to school this year, please remind them of this policy.

Thank you and have a great second semester!

Mrs. Poelking

440-729-5951 (Attendance Line)


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West Geauga School Counseling News 
January/February

ALL STUDENTS
The Counselors would like to give students three simple suggestions to help make your life experience the best it can be while you are at 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.
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 guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the counseling office.

SAVE THE DATE--Kickstart College Fair:

All students are invited to the Kickstart College Fair. The fair will take place at YOUR school on Monday, April 20, 2020. The fair will be from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This fair will be a great opportunity to explore schools and meet admissions counselors. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending!
SENIORS

If you are not sure about your post-graduation plans please stop in 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 Naviance 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 a bright future 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 as soon as possible if you need a mid-year report.

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 at 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 729-5922, extension 4164 or by emailing 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 Student Meetings:

During Government classes on Friday, February 21st

College Visits: If you have the opportunity try to get on the campuses of the schools you have an interest in. 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 an administration of the ACT on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. 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.

During the pre-administration session, students will have the opportunity to select four colleges/universities to receive their ACT scores (free of charge). Students are required to bring a photo id, pencils, and a calculator. 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!

For more information about the ACT please click here.


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 who are planning to apply to selective colleges that require SAT subject tests should make sure they register for tests by the end of the school year. 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 really explore what you 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. We will be meeting with you about course scheduling during your Advisory period or Study Hall. Please see below for more information about Excel TECC.

Excel TECC:

February 13 – Students accepted to Excel TECC programs are notified via USPS.

February 28 – Students need to accept or decline their offers to be in Excel TECC programs.

PSAT:

Students should have received an email from College Board with instructions to retrieve PSAT scores for the test that was administered in October. If you have not created a College Board 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





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                     December - M Jahlee Thomsen
     
                    January - Jacob Solomon












                         December  - Eli Harvey

                         January - Amelia Prexta