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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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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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:
- Invest time into your academic studies; there will be a return on your investment!
- Find ways to create balance in your life; find time to do an activity that you enjoy!
- 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.
Please see your school counselor for additional information.
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
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
