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Dear West Scholars & Families,
Spring is here, and with it comes so many amazing opportunities for learning, growth, and celebration! From Fine Arts Week to sports, academic competitions, and more, our scholars are making us proud every single day.
A huge shoutout to the 800+ scholars who made Prom at Monona Terrace an unforgettable night—what an incredible turnout! Beyond that, our scholars have crushed it at DECA Nationals, HOSA, Model UN, Forensics, and so, so much more. Also, on the field, track, and court, our athletes are giving it their all. Come out and cheer them on—we’d love to see you there! Academic celebrations included inducting our newest members of the National Honor Society (NHS), and in a few weeks Honors convocation are coming up.
Lastly, as we head into these final weeks, we know there’s excitement (and maybe a little mischief) in the air...pranks and squirt guns included. While we love seeing our scholars have fun, we also want to remind everyone that safety comes first. Disruptive and/or costly behaviors—whether on or off school grounds—can have serious consequences, so let’s keep the focus on finishing the year strong and celebrating the right way.
Thank you for making West such a vibrant, dynamic community. Let’s make the Best of these last few weeks!
Go West!
Mr. Kigeya
Principal
The Madison West HS
| | If you or your student ordered 2025 graduation invitations or apparel from Midwest Scholastic they were delivered to West on April 29th. Students, please pick up your items in the Highland/Ash office #2211. Note: Cap and Gowns that have been ordered will be delivered and can be picked up on May 14th in the College and Career Center #2405. If you still need to order your Cap and Gown please do so here: Midwest Scholastic West Store as soon as possible. | | |
Fine Arts Week 2025, May 19th-23rd!
Fine Arts Week Kickoff Night- Fri. May 16th 6:00pm-7:30pm
- Art and Music are co-hosting a FAW Kickoff Night this year! Music is hosting its annual Swing Dance from 7-10pm for students, and Art is hosting an Opening Reception for the FAW Art Gallery, 6:00-7:30pm. See below for more details.
The Fine Arts Week Gallery Show- Fri. May 16th - Fri. May 23rd
- This show includes student work from all of the art classes at West. Artwork will be displayed in the gallery, in the gallery hallway, and in the Ash Entrance.
The 4th Annual Mini Gallery- Fri. May 16th - Fri. May 23rd
- Located in the display case at the Ash Entrance, this miniature gallery is filled with the tiny exquisite creations of our talented advanced Ceramics and Painting & Printmaking students!
The Pottery Olympics- Tues. May 20th, 4th hour and lunch
- The Pottery Olympics will be held in the courtyard or in the gallery hallway, location depending on the weather.
- Students will compete in the Tallest Cylinder Challenge and the Partner Throwing Challenge (students pair up and use one hand each to throw on the wheel). Staff, bring your 4th hour class or come out at lunch and cheer for your favorite potters!
The Pottery Sale, Auction, and Art Sale- Fri. May 23rd in the courtyard, hours 3-6
- Students, staff, and families are invited to the Art Sale! Families, please check in and enter through the Welcome Center. The sale will be 10:30am - 2:30pm.
- There will be current student pottery for sale, as well as work from previous students and staff.
- Student vendors will also be selling a variety of other art goods, jewelry, and crafts.
- We can only accept cash or check for all art purchases. (no venmo this year- sorry)
- The Pottery Auction will be held 5th hour (1pm)
Live Painting Demonstrations- Fri. May 23rd in the courtyard, hours 3-6
- Painting & Printmaking students will showcase their skills.
Performances in the AUD- Schedule Below
- Students from every aspect of our performing arts classes will be showcasing their talents throughout the day in the auditorium.
- All visitors to the building are expected to check in through the Welcome Center on the Ash Street side of the building. Please allow yourself plenty of time to find parking, check in, and enter the auditorium between performances.
- There is a visitor's seating within the auditorium where you can enjoy performances.
- School Schedule
1 8:15 - 9:07
2 9:12 - 10:07
3 10:12 - 11:04
4 11:09 - 12:01
5 12:51 - 1:43
6 1:48 - 2:40
7 2:45 - 3:37
We are so excited to celebrate our wonderful student artists in just a few short weeks!
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Join former West High English Teacher Mark Nepper for a conversation about his debut novel, Glory Days in the Rearview: A story of Love, Hope and Redemption. He will be discussing his novel at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 20th, at the 608 Team office at 2208 Regent Street. The presentation and discussion will last about 45 minutes. He is looking forward to this event because it provides an opportunity to reconnect with people from the West High School community.
Glory Days in the Rearview
A Story of Love, Redemption, And Hope - By Mark Nepper
Synopsis
We all remember that person from high school. You know, the person who seemed to glide through every aspect of those years -- academics, athletics, clubs, social interactions. They were popular and successful but more significantly likeable. Everyone expected they would do the same after high school. Life, though, has a way of interfering with our plans and expectations. One disappointment can lead to a string of disappointments and failures until every day becomes a struggle. Those circumstances take Robb Cesario from the heights of high school glory to midlife, where a quagmire of quicksand threatens to pull him under. Desperately struggling to maintain family connections amid tragedy and sadness, Robb returns to his roots. He tries to find his way back to the life he and everyone else imagined for him.
Author bio
Mark Nepper is a former award-winning newspaper reporter and state and nationally honored high school English teacher. He spent much of his life helping students find ways to tell their stories. He continues mentoring writing teachers in his role as co-director of the Greater Madison Writing Project. He also created and directed Writing Your Life workshops for senior citizens to help them tell their stories. He decided he should start telling his own stories and has written his debut novel, Glory Days in the Review: A Story of Love, Redemption and Hope. He is an avid bicyclist and wood carver and is exploring the joys and frustrations of watercolor painting. Mark lives in Madison, Wis.
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2025 Graduation Photography | | | Please use this link/QR code to sign up to receive 2025 graduation proofs from our Graduation photography partner - Empire Photography. | | |
It’s almost time to pick up your yearbook!!
Distribution will be Thursday, June 5th & Friday, June 6th
in the hall outside of the Gallery (by the Welcome Center)
7:40 - 8:00am and 12:05 - 12:40pm
Tables are set up by grade level and then by half of the alphabet. Please look for the line you should be in!
These times are set to allow all students to get to their classes on time. They will not be handed out outside of those times. Books not picked up during that time will not be available during the summer.
How to see if one has been purchased:
- Log Into Infinite Campus
- Go to Fees - Filter by 2024-2025 and Paid
No Yearbook in Paid Fees?
- We will have some extras for sale, $50 cash only. Limited availability.
Photo ID is required, No Exceptions!
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Families,
Your student’s safety and wellbeing within our school is of utmost importance to us. We want our students to feel secure and confident at school and are asking for your support in ensuring this.
As we move into the last couple months of the school year, we pause and ask you to review the below document regarding the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) with your student(s). This document provides detailed information of what to do during each of the five emergency protocols - Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter, and Hold. In going over this document with your student, you are helping to clarify any misconceptions, reiterate expectations, and further partner with us to promote and ensure safety within our building.
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West families. Attendance matters! Our data from the first semester shows that if students are at school 90% or more of the time, there is a 99% chance they will pass all of their classes. MMSD’s goal is 95% attendance district wide. Research shows that students who attend 94% or more of their school days are more likely to be at grade level in math and in reading, less likely to develop school refusal or anxiety and more likely to graduate high school.
How to check your student’s attendance with Infinite Campus
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Dear families,
We’re going to Spain and Portugal during Spring Break of 2026, and you’re invited!
I'm excited to tell you more about the trip being planned with EF Tours, my educational travel partner who I have traveled with twice before. The informational meeting will be on Tuesday, May 20th from 6-6:45pm in room 3317. Please be sure to register for this informational session to be considered for this opportunity: https://bit.ly/42BTyFP
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
How this opportunity will benefit your student
What we’ll see and do on our trip
Everything that’s included in this experience
How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period
There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Thanks,
Cara Rea-Garcia
Biology Teacher
cmreagarcia@madison.k12.wi.us
Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.
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Costa Rica Youth Exchange | | | |
Looking for fun, enriching , and flexible summer experiences for your child? Our Spanish Immersion Program is the perfect way to combine learning with play, culture and unforgettable memories. learn naturally while having fun
Why Parents Love our Program!
- Full Spanish immersion Kids learn naturally while having fun.
- Flexible schedule to fit your summer plans.
- Hands on activities, outdoor fun, and creativity.
- Safe, supportive , and nurturing environment.
- Opportunity to volunteer 50 hours in a month.
Ages: 15-17
Location: Tilaran, Guanacaste , Costa Rica.
Dates: flexible options available all summer long!
Spots are limited - register today!
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How to Excuse your Student (Absences) | | | | | |
