IN THIS ISSUE...
IMPORTANT DATES
October
 Thursday, October 1st
West Community Info Session on the Referenda

Friday, October 16th
Senior Pictures Due

Friday, October 23rd
NO SCHOOL - Staff Only Day

Wednesday, October 30th
End of 1st Quarter
November
Monday, November 2nd
Beginning of 2nd Quarter

Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27th
NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Holiday
West Virtual Learning Information
 
MMSD 2020-2021 School Calendar
QUICK LINKS


October 2020
From Principal Boran
Happy October.  I love fall in Wisconsin.  

As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the smiling faces I saw as I was part of observing a few virtual classrooms this morning. It's easy to get wrapped up with the constant problem-solving and planning ahead that comes with starting a new (necessary but tough) venture like virtual learning, but being reminded of why we're working so hard is always a welcome start to my day.

With our ongoing family updates, you hear from me often now, and I never want to overwhelm you with information. As always, we thank our families and students for continuing to take on this fall semester with grace and optimism.

You can access our last couple family updates below, with helpful reminders about attendance, grading, tech help and more. 


Have a great October.
Counseling News
Check out the October Counseling Newsletter! Also, check out the West High School Counseling website  and Facebook page to stay informed about academic planning and more.


World Language Scholars Program
Interested in becoming and being recognized as a West World Language Scholar? Our World Language Scholars demonstrate global knowledge, are aware of diverse cultures and perspectives, communicate across language and cultural boundaries and collaborate with others to improve world and societal conditions.

The opportunities within the West World Language Scholars Program include both the Global Scholars Program and the Seal of Biliteracy Program. Both are
designed to support your journey toward bilingualism, biliteracy, sociocultural awareness and global competence. The time, effort and thought you invest to complete each requirement for each certificate are designed to lead to the promise of learning something new about the world and your role within it. As you work toward completion of the requirements, focus on experiences that are meaningful to you.

We look forward to your participation in these programs with us on a World Languages adventure!

Check out our presentation and our website for updates to the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy Program and the Global Scholars Program. We will plan have our virtual meetings the 3rd or 4th Thursday of each month from 12:00pm to approximately 12:40pm. Our first meet is September 24 and the second meeting is October 22.
Senior Pictures
Hello Seniors and Parents/Guardians!

Senior pictures are due Friday, October 16th. Do not be late with these as all senior yearbook items will be completed in the First Semester. If you are having trouble making arrangements or are thinking of taking your own, we have a photographer on October 7th that will take yearbook photos for students. Please complete this form if you are interested.

This also means Senior Tributes will occur sooner than later and will be due on November 1st. There will be more information about that coming.

If you have any questions related to the yearbook or senior pictures, please find more info here or email me at [email protected].

Thank you!
MSCR Outdoor Adventure Club
Interested in hiking, kayaking or climbing? MSCR is offering several free outdoor adventure trips open to all MMSD high school students! 

Thurs 09/17 - kayaking at Wingra Creek
Wed 09/23 - hiking at Cherokee Marsh
Thurs 10/01 - high ropes course at Kennedy Elementary
Wed 10/07 - kayaking at Olbrich Park
Tues 10/13 - hiking at UW Arboretum
Tues 10/20 - hiking at Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Space is limited. Click here to register! For more info, email Dane Gottschall at [email protected].
MSCR Teen Yoga and Mindfulness
Teens can learn how to relax their bodies and minds through yoga and mindfulness techniques. We will be introducing flowing sequences that combine breath and movement to promote self-awareness and relaxation. We meet every Monday at 3:30!


Earning Credit Through Work
Are you working or regularly volunteering for an organization?

Did you know that MMSD high school students have the opportunity to earn elective high school credit through work or volunteer experience?

Enrollment in the program is rolling throughout the year and students can earn up to 5 elective credits over the course of high school. Learn more about earning credit through work or volunteer experiences by clicking here.

Contact Sarah Quinn with questions!
Holiday Season Donations
This holiday season we are asking for donations of gift cards to go to West families who are in need of financial support for Thanksgiving and the holidays.  We are requesting $10, $25, or $50 gift cards, from Pick N'Save, Walmart, and Woodmans.  This holiday season will be particularly hard on our community, so please consider making a gift card donation.  Every donation makes a difference and will help the holidays be a little brighter for your West community.
To donate: drop off your gift card donation near the Ash steps at West, on October 5th between 7am-11am, or
October 8th between 2pm-6pm.  Student Services staff will be there to accept gift card donations.
Sleep Tips for Daylight Savings Time Change
Teens need 8-10 hours of restful sleep per night to support physical health, emotional well-being, and learning.  Even though Daylight Savings Time changes are only one hour, it can take a week to adjust.


Theater Update - Play Performance
West Theater Program will be presenting "An Evening of Shakespeare" on November 13,14,20,21 @ 7pm via virtual performance platform.  The link for ticket sales will be located on Madison West High School Theater Website in November.
AP Exam Registration
Important Timeline for AP Exam Registration for the 20-21 School Year

The College Board's Advanced Placement exam registration period continues to 
occur in the fall this school year.

What do families need to know?


WHO: All MMSD students seeking to take Spring 2021 AP Exams

WHEN: MMSD's registration dates are September 8 - October 30, 2020 for this 
spring's final exams. Exam fees have not changed and remain at $110/exam or $142 for Seminar, but please note a $40/exam deposit per exam is due at this time.  The remaining balance will need to be paid between January and February 26, 2021.

WHY: Studies have shown students who commit earlier in the school year have a 
higher engagement and commitment, as well as an increase in scores of 3 or higher across multiple groups.

HOW: Specific registration information regarding MMSD's exam sign up, fee 
payment and AP updates can be found at mmsd.org/ap.
Genin's Mobil-Hilldale Donates to West
Genin's Mobil continues to donate one cent of every gallon of gas sold on Tuesdays to West High School and its Technology Education Department. There are plenty of incentives for people to patronize this fine service station, located at 3505 University Ave., including stopping in for a fill up. We just received a check for $213.83. As of this date, $28,600.94 has been donated to West High School through this grant and the penny per gallon incentive. Rick Genin is a graduate of West High School. A very special thank you to Genin's Mobil and Exxon Mobil Corporation for supporting this program. Make sure you stop by Genin's on Tuesdays to help support West's Technology Education Department. Visit Genin's website.
Join your AP Class Section Online!



West Blood Drive
West will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday October 22nd at the Radisson Hotel. Donation appointments are available from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Students, families, and staff are all welcome to donate! Donors must be at least 16 years old (16-year-olds require parental consent) and must meet height/weight requirements.

The Red Cross is taking many steps to ensure that drives are safe. In addition to the standard safety protocols, the Red Cross will be checking temperatures, requiring masks, providing hand sanitizer, following social distancing, and frequently sanitizing surfaces.

Donating blood is especially important right now because many blood drives scheduled at businesses, high schools, and colleges have been cancelled over the last 6+ months.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or visit the website.


Please email Ms. Frisch with any questions or if you need help signing up.