Vol 15. March 19, 2024 Versión en español

The annual Madison West All Nations Day performance is planned for Friday March 22nd for students. In addition to the Friday performances, we will have a Multicultural Community Potluck Night followed by an All Nations opening night performance showcasing the various cultural arts of our students and staff at West on Thursday, March 21st! The performance will start at 6:15PM in the West Auditorium and the potluck will take place from 7-8 in the cafeteria. All are welcome. If you plan to attend the potluck, RSVP through this form. 

MSCR is now accepting applications for Driver's Ed. Students must apply by April 15th. Please fill out this form.



Are you a junior who is interested in being considered to attend Badger Boys and Girls State? Badger State is a prestigious week-long program, and a life changing experience. 

Information about Badger Girls State (June 16-21)

Badger Boys State (June 9-15) educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. During the program, high school students between their junior and senior years learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. Over 850 participants leave feeling inspired by the lifelong lessons and relationships developed at Badger Boys State.

This opportunity is for juniors only. Students who are interested will be reviewed by our faculty, who will then select a candidate and alternate to attend this summer.  For additional information about Badger State programs, or to ask questions, visit the Van Hise office on the third floor or complete the Google Form today.    

The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to creating learning spaces where all of our scholars can thrive. As such, all 11th graders in MMSD (and across Wisconsin) took the ACT + Writing test on March 12, 2024. On April 16, students in the 9th and 10th grades will participate in the preACT Secure assessment.

The ACT + Writing and PreACT Secure tests students in English, Reading, Math, Science, and Writing. These assessments help students understand what they need to learn next to build rigorous high school course plans and identify career areas that align with their interests. The assessment scores will not affect students’ grades.

To ensure an appropriate testing environment for the PreACT Secure, April 16 will be a “9th and 10th grade Only” day, meaning only ninth and tenth-grade scholars will attend school. As the Pre-ACT Secure requires strict guidelines and practices for administration, having a “9th and 10th Grade Only” day allows us to provide students with a calm and quiet environment to take the test.

On April 16, transportation will be provided like a regular school day. Ninth and Tenth Grade scholars will be released at the conclusion of the assessment at noon for standard-time students. Students who receive accommodations should reach out to their case manager to find out the approximate time they may finish their exam. Grab-and-Go lunches will be available to all students before they leave for the day. If students need to stay for transportation home, the only option available for them to be will be the cafeteria. A large number of students will be testing throughout the day, until dismissal, and there will be a need for a quiet atmosphere throughout the building.

Students must bring their charged Chromebooks and charger on test day as the PreACT is a computer-based assessment.

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has created an ACT High School Assessments brochure, which gives more information about the PreACT Secure - including how to access sample practice items, what type of scores will be provided, and how the test results will be used. (Spanish version of brochure; Hmong version of brochure)

Please encourage your scholar to take the test seriously, and do the best they can. With your support and partnership, we will ensure every child is on track to graduate ready for college, career, and community!

If you have any questions regarding this assessment, please contact Katie Medema (kmedema@madison.k12.wi.us) and Lori Schacht DeThorne (lschachtdeth@madison.k12.wi.us), West HS Assessment Coordinators.

Are you interested in exploring a part of Costa Rica this summer or next fall? Would you like to improve your Spanish language skills? Do you enjoy meeting new people of all ages? If so, consider this flexible opportunity to engage with a community in Costa Rica. Stay for 2 weeks, or stay for more. You choose!