Vol 4. October 3, 2023

From Mr. Kigeya

 Dear Madison West Scholars and Parent/Guardian(s),

I hope this Regent Reporter message finds you all in great spirits!  I want to reflect on the incredible Spirit Week and Homecoming Dance we recently enjoyed.  Every thriving school has to take the time to stop and celebrate, and last week was our opportunity to do just that.   

So, I am thrilled to report that our Spirit Week and the Homecoming Parade were a resounding success! Seeing our students come together, showcasing their school spirit, creativity, and camaraderie, was truly heartwarming.  Now, I do want to acknowledge the blunder during our Homecoming Dance – the dimmed lights in the new gym, did not dim enough.  While it was unfortunate that they didn't cooperate as we had hoped, I want to emphasize that you all made the best of it.  Rest assured that we have taken note of this issue and are committed to ensuring that it doesn't happen again. 

Go To School Night

I am particularly thrilled about our upcoming Go To School Night this week.  On Wednesday, Oct. 4th, the doors will open promptly at 5:30 PM for families.  Families will have the opportunity to explore the new additions to our building at their own pace, so be sure to take a moment to discover the enhancements we've made to our school.  We kindly request that families refrain from entering classrooms until 6:30 PM to allow our teachers to prepare for your arrival and classes the next day. 

Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences

In just a few short weeks, we will also look forward to welcoming families to our Parent-Teacher conferences.  Families can anticipate having the option of a virtual or in-person meeting. Parent/Guardian participation in these conferences is vital to the academic success of our scholars, and we value the parent/guardian partnership in that work.  So, stay tuned for an email message with more details as the date approaches. 

Madison West Chapter - United Against Hate

I am also excited to announce a new student club we are launching to unite our school community - the first chapter of "West United Against Hate." This student founded club aims to foster unity, inclusivity, and understanding among our West students and the larger and broader community. By coming together and focusing on bonds us together, we can create a school environment where everyone feels valued and respected.  So, if you’re a scholar that wants to be a part of this movement and work…let your assistant principal know. 

Student Voice in Superintendent Search 

Finally, as we move forward, I want to emphasize the importance of community involvement in our search for a new MMSD superintendent. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in this process, and we welcome your partnership in shaping the future leadership of our school.  

Here are the public listening session:  

● Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. in the cafeteria of Madison La Follette High School, 702 Pflaum Rd.

● Wednesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. in the cafeteria of Vel Phillips Memorial High School, 201 South Gammon Rd.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support, dedication, and enthusiasm for Madison West High School. Together, we will make this academic year one filled with growth, learning, and unity.

Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead.

Sincerely,

Dan Kigeya

Principal

Madison West High School

We are excited to welcome you to our first in-person Go To School Night since 2019!

• We will open our doors at 5:30pm on Wednesday, October 4th, to allow you to view our new spaces.
• At 6:30pm, families go directly to their student’s first hour class, and then follow their student’s course schedule from 6:30pm-8:15pm

We look forward to showcasing our new (but also still under construction) West High School spaces. 

 Best of West

ONE ACT - AUDITIONS

(Cold Reading - scripts provided)

     Thursday - October 19th

     Lunch & after school (4-5pm)

Room: 3333

One acts are 10 min plays which are scheduled to perform during

West Fine Arts Week: May 17- 23rd, 2024

All auditioning actors must fill out audition form

If you can not audition in person you may upload a short video to the audition form

In order to streamline absence reporting we ask our parents and guardians to use one of two options for the 2023-24 school year. 

• Online Reporting Page (preferred)
• Attendance Phone Line (608 204-4100)

This will remove heavy volumes of calls from our SLC offices which will allow us to be better available to assist our families/students immediate needs throughout the school day. 

If your student is going to be absent or late to school, please use the online reporting link below or call the attendance line by 8:00am.  

If you are excusing your student for an appointment or segment of the day please communicate to your student the exact time frame you are excusing them for. If the student leaves early or is late returning from the time reported the extra time will not be excused until the parent/guardian submits a correction on the Online Reporting Page or Attendance Phone Line.

Seniors - have questions about your college application? 

Join West Counselors for a College Application Workshop

When: Wednesday Oct 4th, and Thursday Oct 5th - Lunch

Where: College and Career Center, Room 2405

West counselors will discuss ordering transcripts and test scores, letters of rec, and more. Each session will cover the same material.

No need to sign up - bring your lunch and your questions.

Attention Seniors! We will be hosting volunteers in the College & Career Center on Wednesday October 25th to read college essays. Please read the details on this flier. Email Sarah Quinn sequinn@madison.k12.wi.us with any questions.

Students applying to Edgewood College should plan to attend the On-Site (at West HS) Admission Event with Edgewood on October 10th! 

Torrie Briggs will be here from 10 am -1 pm on 10/10 to assist students with completing the Edgewood Application. After submitting your application, Torrie will share your acceptance and award letter with you!  

If you plan to attend this event, please fill out the google form (click HERE)

Calling all Seniors who are DEFINITELY applying to UW-Milwaukee! 

This is the event for you! We are excited to partner with UWM to offer an on-site (here at West HS) Admissions Event on October 17th. 

Students who fill out the UWM application (either on Common App or the UW Systems Application) by October 10th and sign up for a 15 minute appointment  with UWM Rep Leah Wagner will get their admission decision on 10/17. 

Check out the flier for more information and fill out the google form to indicate your interest in applying to UW-Milwaukee!

We're happy to share that Karly Frisch and Amanda Dyer are West’s new NHS Advisors. Karly has been involved in NHS for many years and Amanda is excited to bring her strong organizational skills and commitment to students to make it a talented team of two.  

Thank you to Gary Powell for his leadership over the years, and thank you to all staff who have participated in the selection and celebration of our scholars. Your strong relationships with students and hard work to support them is appreciated! 

Have you purchased a yearbook?

You can do so in the fees area of Infinite Campus, now through January 3rd. Books that are unpaid by January 3rd will be cleared from IC and not be guaranteed at the end of the year. They will be sold at the end of the year in limited numbers. Please make sure you pre-order your book if you are sure that you would like one.

All Grade Level Photos - New or Retakes (Including Seniors)

October 16th

Senior Pictures

Due October 18th 

For Guidelines, please visit our website.

Submit to whs.seniorpicture@gmail.com

Senior Tribute Information 

Emailed to all senior parents on November 1st

Information is also on our website linked above.

Questions?

1. Check our website.

2. Check our website.

3. Email Ms. Engelbart, jengelbart@madison.k12.wi.us

Advanced Placement Exam Registration

Important Timeline for AP Exam Registration for the 23-24 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 2024 AP Exams

WHEN: MMSD's registration dates are September 11 – October 22, 2023 for this spring's final exams. Exam fees are $125/exam or $160 for Seminar/Research exams, 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 23, 2024.

WHERE: Full registration details are found at aptsusa.com/mmsd

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 https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/assessments/high-school-assessments-for-families/ap-testing-in-madison"