Vol 4. November 2024 Versión en español

Dear Regent Scholars and Families,

On Tuesday, we had a federal election day where the nation re-elected Donald J Trump. Our scholars and staff have been experiencing a range of emotions. Some are thrilled, while others are anxious. Regardless of perspective, Madison West remains deeply committed to upholding our WEST HOUSE values and principles of being inclusive. 

For those that need support, Student Services and our Restorative Justice coordinator will continue offering a space for processing. Our staff will be mindful of our scholars, who are often marginalized and have been targets of negative messaging. We are a public school that welcomes all. 

In academic news, November includes our important parent-teacher conferences. We will host in-person conferences on the evening of November 14th, followed by a (hybrid) format on the 15th (hybrid: families have the option of virtual or in-person). Please check your messages for details on scheduling a conference for your scholar.

Lastly, let’s stop, recognize, and celebrate several meaningful observances this month. National American Indian Heritage Month and National Family Caregivers Month. We also observe Veterans Day on November 11th and National Transgender Awareness Week, November 13th to 19th, culminating in Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. Finally, we look forward to our Fall Break on November 27th and 28th, which some of us celebrate as Thanksgiving. 

Finally, I want to express how incredibly proud we are of all the hard work our scholars have done in and out of the classroom. We see your accomplishments. 

Best regards,

Mr. Kigeya  

Principal

The Madison West 

ACCESS Test of English Proficiency!

For our students with multiple languages at West High School, the window for their state-mandated test of English proficiency opens on December 2 and runs through January 31st. Students will be testing during their English classes the first week(s) of December, and one more date tbd in January. Contact Ryan Watson rwatson@madison.k12.wi.us , Rachel Wood rewood@madison.k12.wi.us, Katie Medema kmedema@madison.k12.wi.us  for questions on the ACCESS test, or Faith Hoenecke fahoenecke@madison.k12.wi.us on the State Seal of Biliteracy.

During the week of November 11-15, 2024 we celebrate National School Psychology Awareness Week to highlight the important work our school psychologists and other educators do to help all students thrive.

We would like to recognize our School Psychologists at West: Rachel Becker, Ellen Carpenter, Brooke Gard, Taylor Newman, and Julianne Zygmunt

WEST Night at The Heights

Before or After the school play November 8, 9, 15, 16 4- 10 pm

Heights Kitchen, 11 N. Allen Street (around the corner from Regent Market Co-op)

Wine Specials for West patrons with a donation to the theater program!

Sommelier MJ Hecox is opening the doors with local and woman-owned food truck Monsoon Siam Thai Street Food.

Support West, support local makers, go see The Importance of Being Earnest!

Contact Sarah Quinn if you’re interested in speaking on a career panel, presenting at the Equity Symposium, or have an opportunity for students that we should post on the Job/Volunteer/Internship board!

Hello Parents / Guardians,

Greetings from West High School.  We, the student engagement department, are excited to share with you all the ways our roles support your student(s) educational experiences at West. 

Our department consists of Ms. Grant, the Multicultural Student Services Coordinator (MSC), Ozanne Anderson (Coach O), Student Engagement Specialist (SES), Mr. Mike Alston, Student Engagement Specialist (SES) and Ms. Mikiea Price, Student Engagement Specialist (SES).  As a team, our role allows us to build relationships with student(s) and provide student-wellness support where needed.

Student supports can look like academic coaching, social emotional support, organizing  educational and cultural field trips, regular check-ins, creation of student engagement spaces within the building and within the community as well. Our roles also allow us to be integrated  into the core operating systems at West high School (i.e, Student Services, Behavior teams, Instructional teams, Restorative Justice,  Culture and Climate, and Administration). In addition to our high school presence, we are also present in our feeder middle schools supporting Wright, Cherokee and Hamilton MIddle Schools on a weekly basis.

One of our core values is uplifting humanity and ensuring that every student feels seen, heard and loved. This is prioritized in all that we do.  Various student clubs, one of which is BSU (Black Student Union) led by the Engagement Team Advisors and Family and Community Engagement (FACE) are just a few examples of how we approach these values. 

We are so honored to be a part of your students(s)’ growth journey and we are looking forward to connecting with our families soon.  If you have any questions, needs, or concerns, you can reach us individually at; Ms. Grant- aggrant@madison.k12.wi.us; Mr. Mike- mdalston@madison.k12.wi.us;  Coach O.- ojanderson@madison.k12.us. and Ms. Mikiea- mlprice@madison.k12.wi.us.

Also, stay tuned…more information is coming concerning events, club opportunities, parent engagement opportunities, and upcoming field trips

Kindest Regards,

-Your Student Engagement Team