Vol 1. Back to School - August 2025 Versión en español

Dear West Scholars & Families,

Happy New (School) Year! Whether you’re a returning face or new to our West family, we’re thrilled to have you here. You belong, you matter, and you’re a vital part of what makes this community so special.

West isn’t just a school—it’s a community where every scholar and staff member can thrive. As we step into a world reshaped by AI and new technology, we’re doubling down on what really matters: the power of strong, rigorous learning and the timeless magic of putting pencil to paper. That’s right—we’re on a mission to make the humble composition book cool again, because some of the best thinking still happens when ideas flow freely onto the page.

This year, we’ll continue breaking down barriers and challenging biases while ensuring every scholar has what they need to succeed. Yes, we’re preparing you for a digital future—`but we also know deep learning happens through wrestling with big questions, thinking critically, and making connections that matter. And let’s not forget: joy, creativity, and discovery belong in every classroom, whether we’re coding, calculating, or crafting an old-school essay.

Strong relationships remain our foundation. Together, we’ll build a community where every voice is heard and everyone has a stake in our shared success. Excellence, fairness, and opportunity aren’t up for debate—they’re what we stand for and what we do.

So let’s make this year one for the books—literally. The future is calling, and West scholars will be ready to meet it, one sharpened pencil and big idea at a time.

Here’s to a bold, brilliant 2025-26!

With Regent pride…Go Blue!

Dan Kigeya ’97

Head Principal

Madison West High School

Please join us on August 12th and 14th for our first Lifetouch School Picture opportunities for the 2025-26 school year!

Picture Day will be held in the Luehring Gym at West High School. Use the Athletic Entrance on Regent Street to enter the building at the designated time.

To order your pictures, please use pre-order ID event code: EVTZ9G86H

Tuesday August 12th: 

last names A-G 11am-3pm

last names H-M, 3pm-6pm

Thursday August 14th:

last names N-T, 7:30am-10am

last names U-Z, 10am-1pm

The last name time designation is not rigid. Please try to stay in your appropriate 'last name' time slot to help balance the flow of students. If you can only join us for a session that is outside of your last name time, please still come and get your picture taken and pick up your student ID. 

Seniors are welcome to come to picture day to pick up their Student ID and take an updated photo if they choose not to have separate senior photos for the yearbook.

You will also receive your student ID at this event.

Makeup photo session: September 8th @ West

Retake photo session: October 6th @ West

Online enrollment for the 25-26 school year is open! Families should complete the enrollment process and pay school fees 100% virtually as the West building remains closed until the end of August. You can access the MMSD online enrollment at this link. Registration and Enrollment

For returning families:

Families with students continuing in MMSD will complete the process fully online. If you need to verify date of birth and/or parent-student relationship or have a change to key information you should contact Felissia Jackson at 608-204-3073.

For new families

Families completing the application for new students should contact Felissia Jackson at 608 204-3073 to schedule an online appointment with a school counselor. New families can use the enrollment checklist as a guide to help them prepare the enrollment documents they need for their student’s enrollment.

Hello Class of 2029!

We’re excited to welcome you to Freshman Orientation Day on Tuesday, September 2nd at West High School!

You’ll tour the school, walk your schedule, find your locker, meet classmates, and explore clubs at the Carnival of Clubs. View full schedule for the day HERE. 

Bring:



• Homeroom room # (listed on your student schedule on the HOUSE line)
• SLC assignment - Ash/Highland/Regent/VanHise (Line 9 of your schedule)
• Cash/Card (optional) – for purchasing West gear at the School Store and drinks at Tom’s Coffee Truck during the Carnival of Clubs
• Comfortable clothes & shoes
• Backpack – to store your Chromebook
• Water bottle

Students are required to remain on campus for lunch. A grab-and-go lunch will be provided, but students are also welcome to bring their own.

Questions? Contact Katie Medema at Kmedema@madison.k12.wi.us.

Cao-oke for Madison West Fine Arts

Join West High students, families, and alumni for a musical night of sing-along fun and performances. Request a song, make a donation, and help Mr. Cao raise funds for wireless mics for the choir, theatre, a cappella groups, and Fine Arts Week! Thursday August 28th from 6-8:30pm. We can't wait to see you there! Students welcome with a parent.

West NHS students will be hosting a blood drive at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Thursday August 28th from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. This drive is open to everyone (students, parents, staff, and West friends & neighbors)!

Donors who come to give August 1-28, 2025 will receive a $15 e-gift card.

Sign up to donate using this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WestHighSchoolWI

You can also sign up using the blood donor app and sponsor code: Westhighschoolwi

Class schedules will be available in Infinite Campus starting on Friday, August 22nd.  New Regents will also receive their Smaller Learning Community (SLC) and counselor assignment at that time.

The West counseling team has implemented a schedule change policy in an attempt to keep changes to a minimum and prioritize students who need technical changes to their schedule.   The schedule change electronic form will be available after schedules are released on August 22th.

Families! Please review this updated parking and dropoff sheet for the 25-26 school year. If you have any questions, please reach out to AP Katie Medema (kmedema@madison.k12.wi.us) Thank you!

Families seeking free or reduced-price meals must establish their eligibility every school year and can do so by completing and submitting a single household application. Qualified families will receive free school breakfast and lunch meals for their student(s), reduced fees and other educational benefits. Even if you aren’t sure your household qualifies, we encourage everyone to apply. Completed applications may also help the school qualify for educational funds and other meal programs.

For the quickest processing time, submit applications online.