Vol 14. March 5, 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 potluck will be 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the cafetería, followed by the performance in the theater from 7-8 p.m. All are welcome. If you plan to attend the potluck, RSVP through this form. 

West High School is bringing back the ACT pancake breakfast on Tuesday, March 12th! We are so excited to be able to do this fun and FREE event for our students once again. This was an annual tradition prior to COVID, but has not been possible over the past few years due to health protocols. 

Students are welcome to come to the cafeteria before the ACT exam between 7:15 AM and 8:15 AM to fuel up on pancakes, fruit and juice!

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.    

Senior students and families: This is a reminder that graduation apparel orders are due soon! 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

On Tuesday, March 12th, all Juniors will take the ACT + Writing Test at West High School. This will be a Juniors only day District-wide. Students should check into their testing rooms by 8:15. Testing will conclude at approximately 1:30pm. This is a “live” test and students may choose to send their scores to colleges for admission consideration. If students are absent on 3/12, they may take the makeup test on April 9th.  

myACT Account Setup: Students have received instructions through email to complete their myACT account setup. This must be completed prior to taking the ACT on 3/12.

           Transportation/Dismissal: Standard-time testing should be completed between 1:00 and 1:30. Students are expected to leave the building following completion of the exam. Please note that buses will run their normal schedules on test day. Students with accommodations should reach out to their case manager for information on the approximate time in which they will finish their test.

Food: A free pancake breakfast will be provided beginning at 7:15 on the morning of March 12th, prior to testing. Snacks and bottled water will be provided mid-way through the test.  Students with accommodations will be provided lunch during their test.

What to bring on test day: 

• A valid ID. Students will not be admitted to their test rooms without an ID.
• No. 2 pencils
• A calculator. Here is the ACT Calculator Policy. Your student is responsible for knowing if their calculator meets ACT standards of use. If your student does not have a calculator, a simple 4-function calculator will be provided for use during testing.

Cellphones, smart watches, and other electronic devices are NOT allowed in the test room. Students are not allowed to use their cellphone or other electronic device during breaks. Students will be dismissed from testing and their scores canceled if they are found to be in violation of this.

More Assessment Information can be found at:  ACT + Writing 

If you have any questions, please email both Lori Schacht DeThorne (lschachtdeth@madison.k12.wi.us) and Katie Medema (kmedema@madison.k12.wi.us)

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!