Regent Reporter - October 11th, 2021

It’s the middle of October and finally we’re starting to experience fall-like temperatures with evening temperatures dropping quickly. The Homecoming Dance is Saturday, October 16th -- the details are listed below. It’s expected to be in the upper 40’s so dress warm. Students, remember that you’ll need your student ID to enter the dance along with your ticket. Thank you to the students, staff and community members who have volunteered their time next Saturday to help out.

We also want to thank those who helped make such a success of our Homecoming parade, outdoor AUD (and a big thank you to Summit Credit Union for providing ice cream to our students), and Homecoming game.

The loss of Simon Bilessi, West senior, this past week adds another layer of sadness against the changing face of the Coronavirus and how we are adapting to the rapid pace of change in our world. We know that the effectiveness of our work is built on the kinds of relationships and trust we build with our students, our families and ourselves. We are humbled by the gifts of our students and their grace and patience as we continue to pivot and adjust.

Enjoy the day.

Did you know?

The next edition of the counseling newsletter is live! Check out the October Counseling Newsletter here.

Happening Now

Reminders about Covid Testing Requirements & Testing Clinic Sign-up

There are still many questions surrounding COVID testing requirements for our students. I would like to review the information regarding COVID testing protocols and locations for COVID testing.

If your student is out ill with symptoms that can be consistent with COVID-19 they must stay home and receive a negative PCR test before they return to school. The PCR test looks for genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This test is sent to a laboratory for processing and results are usually received within 24 to 48 hours.

If your child is a close contact to someone with COVID-19 and is unvaccinated they need to be tested prior to leaving a 7 day quarantine and returning to school. For this testing it is acceptable to use a rapid antigen test or a PCR test. Home testing kit results are not permitted to leave quarantine after 7 days. If your child is a close contact to someone with COVID-19 and is fully vaccinated testing is recommended, but not required and again a rapid antigen or PCR test is acceptable.

West now has testing on campus that is performed by COVID Clinic. At this time testing is only available to our staff and students. COVID Clinic performs testing Monday through Friday from 7:45 am until 4:30 pm. No appointment is necessary, but you should pre-register your child at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/. Please note that at this time COVID Clinic is performing both the rapid antigen test and the PCR test concurrently. You will receive the rapid antigen test results the same day, but your student can not return to school until they receive a negative PCR result.

Public Health Madison Dane County also has information regarding community testing sites available at https://www.publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/testing

Speak Up Speak Out

Students were introduced to the new program Speak Up Speak Out last Friday during the Standard Response Protocol presentation. Parents, please read this letter to learn more about Speak Up Speak Out, which is a place to submit confidential tips about safety concerns.

October Update from Summit Credit Union

Upcoming Events

Homecoming Dance

COVID Safety Regarding Homecoming Week: Due to the potential risk of required quarantining, we strongly recommend that all who attend homecoming assemblies, large events, and dances be fully vaccinated. In the event that unvaccinated individuals attend events and there is a positive case, they will be considered a close contact and not be able to attend school or participate in co-curriculars during the quarantining period. We will do our best to provide a safe event for all; however, we know that each family has to make the best-informed decision for their student when it comes to participation in events and functions.

Dance Information

Saturday, October 16th on school grounds at Mansfield stadium (Located at Memorial High School)

COVID screener prior to attendance will be required and designating timing for attendance at the event. You will be emailed screener on Saturday the 16th and it must be completed to attend and gain admission to the dance.

All students and staff will be masked outside during the dance.
9th and 10th graders will be able to attend the dance from 7:00pm-8:30pm.
11th and 12th graders will be able to attend the dance from 9:00pm-10:30pm.
Homecoming will be West students only, no guests.

Dance Logistics

Dance will be held on the track at Mansfield Stadium.
You will check in and enter at the gates (similar to where you enter for football games.
You will be given a wristband at the entrance to help ensure accurate contact tracing if needed.
Make sure to bring your ID. You will not be admitted without your ID and your paper ticket
In case of inclement weather communication will come via email and social media.

Tickets for the Dance

We will begin selling tickets for Homecoming Dance next week. Ticket details are as follows:

When? Tickets are sold Monday, October 11th through lunch on Friday, October 15th. Students can buy them before school, at lunch or after school.
Where? Tickets are sold in SLC offices.
Cost? Tickets are $5.
Attention students from Shabazz, Blue Lion High and STEM Program: You may come to West and enter the Welcome Center to purchase Homecoming tickets after 2:30 on Mon-Thurs.
Remember: Students must bring their ticket to the dance in order to receive a wristband at the entrance.

Future Planning Workdays

On Thursday, October 21, Seniors will have their next opportunity to participate in a Future Planning Workday. These days are designed to give seniors work time to complete tasks related to their plan for after high school. Students will be participating through their Science class or invited to join a group if they do not have a Science class. We want to make sure that all students have the opportunity to participate!

Here are the slides in English and Spanish.

We will have representatives from area colleges available to help answer questions students may have. Students should come prepared to work on their post high school planning tasks and bring their chromebook. West Counselors will also be available to check in and support students.

We hope that this dedicated time during the school day will be helpful for students to take care of important planning tasks.

Reach out to ACP Co-Coordinators Sarah Quinn or Amanda Dyer with questions.

Monday, October 18th is an Early Release Day

There has been some confusion regarding the schedule for Monday, October 18th - that day is indeed an early release day, and will follow the same early release schedule as we have had since the start of the 21-22 school year.

Get Involved

Clubs & Activities

West is known for its extensive list of Clubs and Activities! Check out all of the clubs that West has to offer on our website https://west.madison.k12.wi.us/students/clubs-activities. Don't see a club you're interested in? Get a group of friends and start one! If you are interested in starting a club contact Ms. Abby in the Regent Office (ajkuehni@madison.k12.wi.us).