Regent Reporter - October 25th, 2022

First, we always want to report on the exciting news happening around our school. The month of October is LGBTQIA+ history month. Taking the time to acknowledge, honor, and educate ourselves on the history of the LGBT movement is an important step in our process of being inclusive at Madison West. For those that don't know, the month-long observance of LGBT history occurs in October because it coincides with National Coming Out Day, October 11th. Additionally, the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBT rights occurred in October. This month, we take the time to educate ourselves and honor the LGBTQIA+ movement and history.

In other news...this Friday is the last day of the quarter. That's correct, we've been in school for nine weeks! So, one day this week, each of your teachers will provide you time to redo, re-take or "lift" your current grade. Scholars do take full advantage of this opportunity.

Additionally, I'd also like to remind you of our expectations around teaching and learning. To be a successful scholar, we need each of you to be fully engaged in the learning process. That means showing up to class on time with all your materials ready to go. It also means shutting down your devices. Yes, I’m referring to your cell phones. Remember to keep those phones OFF and away during class time. Colleges and universities aren't going to care how well you kept up with "your story." Also, I want to state explicitly that cell phones used to record incidents involving students or staff is prohibited. What happens if you do? Well, recording a student or staff without their consent is a privacy violation that could result in an out of school suspension. Additionally, using your cell phone in the bathroom is also prohibited, not to mention absolutely nasty.

Lastly, in looking at our tardy data it shows an uptick in the number of students returning late from lunch. At West, lunch is 50 minutes. When I was in school (at West), we got 10 minutes to eat, barely time to chew. We also weren’t allowed to have fun…kidding. The point is, be mindful of your time and get back in time for 6th hour. Onwards!

Best,

Mr. Kigeya

Upcoming Events

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Fall parent & teacher conferences will be on the evening of Wednesday, November 16, and during the day of Thursday, November 16. Due to ongoing construction at West, these conferences will be online only. We will be using the same format as last year. Families will be emailed a link to sign up for conferences through Power PTC, and then meet with teachers on a Zoom video meeting, or a phone call.

We are first asking our teachers to start reaching out to arrange conferences with the families of students who have been experiencing academic and/or social difficulties. If you have questions or concerns in regards to your child and/or think a conference may be appropriate, be sure to reach out to your child’s teachers.

To help you with your planning, please know that all families will have access to sign up for conferences the week of November 7. You can expect an email link to be sent to you that week.

Winter Glow - Winter coats available!

Need a winter coat?

They will be available at 1902 Wright St on October 27th 12pm-6pm and Friday October 28th 12pm-6pm

Blood Drive

West NHS Students will be hosting a blood drive with the Red Cross at Midvale Lutheran Church on Thursday October 27th from 1:00 to 6:00pm. The blood drive is open to everyone including West students, staff, & families. Donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year olds require parental consent). All donors will receive a $10 e-gift card. Here is a link to sign up or use the QR code.

Happening Now

Free Thanksgiving Baskets from Goodman Community Center

To register for a 2022 Free Thanksgiving Basket from Goodman Community Center fill in all required fields on this link. A postcard will be mailed to your mailing address in mid November with pick up instructions. Pick up dates will be November 19 - 21, with specific times assigned. Pick up will take place at Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street.

Health Office Information

The ACL Covid testing site at West will now be open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. Please be sure to arrive before 2:45 pm to ensure that you can have both a rapid test and pcr test collected.

We don’t want our kids to miss anything this year, so make sure your child is caught up on all their vaccinations. MMSD is hosting two vaccine clinics in collaboration with SSM Health for students, families and staff!

Thursday 11/3/22 3:30-7:00pm at Emerson Elementary School
Saturday 11/5/22 9:00am - 1:00pm at Memorial High School

Both clinics will offer the following vaccines:

5-11 years old: Covid Primary Pfizer series 1st dose or 2nd dose, Bivalent Booster
12 years and older & Adults: 1st dose, 2nd dose, Bivalent Booster
Influenza (Flu) vaccines- ages 5+
Tdap vaccine - ages 11+

These clinics are free. SSM and the other insurance providers are working together to cover the cost of the clinics to keep the events free of charge. Please bring your insurance card with you to the clinic.

About COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including recommended boosters.The CDC recommends that all individuals over 6 months get vaccinated against COVID-19. You are eligible to receive the updated bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since your last Covid vaccine (initial series or booster).

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine: What you need to know

For more information, and to sign up, click here!

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