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
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!
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
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!
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.
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
SENIORSCongratulations, 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
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/______________________________________________
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.
