Vol 12. February 6, 2024 Versión en español

West is excited to be hosting an Equity Symposium for all students and staff on the afternoon of April 4th. This will be an amazing opportunity for students and staff to learn from Madison scholars,  community organizers, and leaders. 

There are a couple of ways that our West community can support this afternoon of learning. 

• Consider presenting or performing at the symposium. More information on this link. 
• Consider donating to help us cover the financial cost of the event. 

Reach out to Sarah Quinn (sequinn@madison.k12.wi.us) if you are interested in contributing to the event or would like to learn more.  

There is a new, convenient way for families to request an absence through their Campus Parent Portal. Now available, absences can be requested via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. 

If you have multiple children who will be absent, including students at different schools within the MMSD, this feature will allow you to select and request absences for multiple students at one time.

Entering an absence request is quick and easy, and can be done using your desktop computer or the Parent Portal app on your mobile device. Follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.
2. Select More from the Navigation area.
3. Select Absence Requests.
4. Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence.
5. Submit your request.

For a quick look at what steps to take, check out our quick guide graphic. For more detailed instructions, visit this Absence Request Guide.

Our staff will be notified of the absence. While you may continue to request absences by calling your school’s attendance line, requesting absences via the Parent Portal is an easy way to process the request from your phone, computer, or tablet. 

Please note that even though an absence can be requested via the portal, it does not mean that the absence is excused until it has been reviewed by school staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school’s main office. 

Senior students and families: This is a reminder that graduation apparel orders are due in a few short weeks! To avoid late fees, please order online at www.mwscholastic.com, or mail Midwest Scholastic your paper order form and deposit to:

Midwest Scholastic

PO Box 83 

Mt Horeb, WI 53572

If you have any questions regarding Graduation Apparel ordering, please email Midwest Scholastic at questions@mwscholastic.com

For questions concerning Graduation 2024, please reach out to Katie Medema - kmedema@madison.k12.wi.us

Our graduation ceremony has been shifted to the Alliant Energy Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI. Graduation will take place on Saturday, June 8th, at 1 PM.

Students have the opportunity to attend 2 upcoming college fairs. Transportation is provided and requires registration. On February 21 there will be an HBCU Fair at Memorial HS - info HERE. Registration for transportation is due this Friday, February 9! On March 11th the WI Education Fair will be held during the school day at Madison College - info HERE

This week is National School Counseling Week.  Please take a minute this week to say thank you for everything our West counselors do for our students and the West community. Check out their monthly newsletter to see some of the great things they do.  https://www.smore.com/zqd7c-west-counseling-dept-newsletter

George Gershwin performed in the auditorium of West High School 90 years ago, on January 24th. To honor this anniversary, the combined West High School Concert, Symphonic, and Honor Bands performed "Strike up the Band" by George Gershwin.