February 19, 2018
From Our Principal

Good morning WHS families,
 
Thank you to the families that reached out to me with questions related to the tragedy that occurred last week in Florida.  As a school community we will always continue to focus on the safety of our children and our staff.  Chief Bielozer, Officer Fortkamp, and members of the WHS school community will be meeting this week to discuss our procedures as we do each summer.  We will also look at additional training that may benefit our students and staff moving forward.   

We are very proud to announce that we have 5 National Merit Finalists at Westlake High School.  Congratulations to Steven Brewer, Ryan Karpuszka, Patrick Lee, Jack Wu and Kyle Yu. To achieve the qualification of a National Merit Finalist you have to be in the top 15,000 scores of over 1.6 million students that took the PSAT in your graduating class.  We are very happy and proud of the these five young men!
 
Last week we had the privilege to honor a few people associated with WHS at the annual PTA Founder's Day Dinner.  Linda and Joel Tomkalski were awarded the "Ohio PTA Achievement Award" for their service to Westlake High School.  Megan Smith was given the "Helping Hands Award" for her involvement not only at the High School level but also throughout the entire district.  Finally, Technology and Engineering teacher, Scott Kutz, was awarded the PTA "Outstanding District Educator Award!"  It was a tremendous night!   
 
I also wanted to let families know about a delayed start day in March.  March 20th we will be administering an ACT to the entire Junior Class.  Juniors will report to school at the regular time and the Freshmen, Sophomores and Seniors will report at 11:30 a.m. and be on an adjusted schedule. More details will follow in next few weeks. 
 
As always, I encourage you to review the WHS announcements  - t hey are a great source of information that are updated daily.  I also encourage all families to review the Westlake City Schools Profile  - i t is filled with lots of information related to our school district.  And lastly, important dates relating to our students are listed below.
 
Have a wonderful week!

Paul Wilson
Principal -Westlake High School
Westlake City Schools
PHONE:     440-250-1003
TWITTER:    @WHS_Westlake

Friday Morning News:  February 16, 2018
Counselor's Corner

College Night - College Night is an opportunity for students and parents to learn about the college application process. On Thursday, March 1   at 7:00p WHS counselors will be joined by a panel of guest speakers from public, private and community colleges. We will have a brief presentation with an overview of the application process, Naviance, financial aid, and college testing prior to a Q&A with representatives from The Ohio State University, John Carroll and Tri-C to offer their unique perspectives of what colleges look for during the application process! 

 

ACT @ WHS for Juniors - All juniors will take the ACT at the high school on Tuesday, March 20 (this will be a late start for all other students with the day starting at 11:30). The ACT is offered free as one of the state's graduation pathway options to earn a "remediation-free" score in English and mathematics on a nationally recognized college admission exam. More Info lTest Prep

 

SCHOLARSHIPS - First semester focused on getting into college and in second semester the conversation transitions to how to pay for it! Local scholarship applications will be available March 12th, but in the meantime we encourage seniors to check out the scholarship folder on the senior bulletin board in the counseling office. Additionally, students can utilize Naviance for a national scholarship search under the "colleges" tab or visit the school counseling website for scholarship opportunities.

 

ACCUPLACER - Students who plan to participate in CCP next year and have not taken the ACT or SAT should consider taking the ACCUPLACER at WHS on Tuesday, February 20th immediately after school to determine eligibility for participation. There are a few spots left! Students mustapply to Tri-C before taking the Accuplacer. Students can also take the entrance exam at Tri-C if they're not able to participate at WHS on the 20th.

Please join our PTSA Diversity Committee in celebrating Diversity week 

Diversity week starts February 26th and goes until March 2nd.   There will be food samples from Iraq, Turkey, Russian, Ashkenazi Jews, and Asia  during lunch periods. 
 
On Friday, March 2nd, there will be Irish, Greek, Indian, and Spanish dancing with live music in the auxiliary gym during lunch periods.  Spanish club, French club, German club, and Arabic culture club will also  be providing a snack and a Henna Tattoo booth.  
 
*Brought to you by Leadership Challenge Diversity Group* 
IB DP Applications Now Available

Attention Class of 2020 - Applications to become part of next year's cohort of the IB
Diploma Programme (DP) are now available.  Applications can be picked up from Mr. Planisek, the Guidance Department, or online at the IB Page of the WHS Website
 
Applications are only required for students who intend to become full-time IB students.  Students planning on taking an IB course as an elective do not need to complete the application.
 
Applications are due by Friday, March 2.  Contact Mr. Planisek ( [email protected]) with questions.
Congratulations Reflections Winners!

Macy Sinreich, 1st place High School Visual Arts
Leah Bunner, 1st place High School Literature
Kaitlin Willi, 1st place High School Photography
Kaitlin Willi, 2nd place High School Photography
Westlake Music Boosters Needs You at OMEAs!

Westlake is hosting the district OMEA band competition March 2 & 3. Adult volunteers are needed to ensure a smoothly run event for the participants, directors and judges. We are also in need of baked goods to sell at our concessions table.

You can sign up using this link. Grab a friend and sign up today!
Please note : students will be able to sign up through Mrs. Patriok, this link is for adult volunteers only.
 
And don't forget to join us at our next meeting: Wednesday, March 7th at 7pm in the WHS Library.

It is never too late to  join online and pay via credit card or download  pdf form  (check)
The W Shop - Open Friday, February 23:  10a - 2p


WDAB'S new spirit wear store, The W Shop, will be open this Friday! 

Come see the new store and shop the new gear for spring!  


WCPTA Nominating Committee - 2018/2019

WHS PTA Nominating Committee is currently working on slating members for
positions in the WHS PTA 2018-19.  Do you want to get more involved in the PTA next school year?  We have open Committee positions including Community Service, Diversity, Fall Fundraising/Membership, Faculty Grants, and Website.  All are a minimal time commitment and the majority of the work can be completed from home and/or have a co-chair.  Below is a summary of each position.  Please let me know ASAP if you are interested. Thank you.
 
Community Service -Collaborate with Westlake Council of PTA's and WHS Student Council incollecting food items. Perform other Community Service(s) duties as identified.
 
Diversity - Collaborate with the Leadership Challenge group to assist with Leadership Challenge Group on Diversity Week program(s)/presentation(s).
 
Faculty Grants - Distribute, collect and process Teacher Grant applications. Committee members will award the recipient(s) of Teacher Grants.
 
Membership/Fundraising - Collect membership forms, dues and distribute membership cards. Complete and submit state membership forms as needed. Ensure National PTA and Ohio PTA portions of membership dues are sent to Ohio PTA. Enter membership information to Ohio PTA.  Provide updated membership list to recording secretary.  Organize annual fundraising drive. Collect funds and submit to PTSA treasurer.
 
Website Coordinator - Coordinate submissions to PTSA. Keep posted material current and organized. Website material shall be reviewed and approved by the PTSA president prior to being posted.

Please contact Lauren Falcone first VP, 440-669-4647, [email protected]
Thank you for supporting WHS PTSA!

Thank you to the parents, students, teachers and staff who support WHS PTSA through their membership.  We currently have over 280 members!  A complete list of members to-date can be found here , and each week we will highlight some of those members below.

It's never too late to join WHS PTSA!  You may join online, or   print a membership form and return with payment to the WHS main office.  

Carolyn Hansen Michael Kula Diane McCauley
Betsy Kaiser Erin Kunchik Sean McCauley
Rachael Kane Thuwarakai Kunenesem Kathy McGinty
Chris Karabinus Scott Kutz Katherine McGlynn
Beth Karpuszka Ned Lauver Patty McHugh
Noriko Kennedy Amy Lee Melissa McNamee
Terry Kennedy Joan Lee Julie Meno
Janine Khoury Phoebe Lee Cindy Mog
Rosaleen Kirschnick Lois Leonard Amy Mogyordy
Amy Klenz Marcella Love Marie Nader
Caroline Klessel Deb Mahon Fadia Nadir-Eadie
Lisa Klima Thomas Major Emily Nebraska
Terria Kneisel Sherry Marlette Jennifer Nebraska
Ana Kosakowski Christina Mars Patricia Needham
Shawn Koski Tracy Martello Melissa Neubeck
Tracie Kowalski Anthony Matalavage Elayne Newcomb
Laura Kremser Kim Mather Jacy Nichols
Mark Kremser Rob Mather Elizabeth Noren
Bernadette Kronz Kathi Maxwell Dave Norris
Jeanette Kruse Matthew Mayfoth Diane Norris

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS - 
Dodgeball game, Basketball game and more!
Friday, March 16, 6:00 pm, WHS

Dollars for Scholars is a fun evening for all ages! First, enjoy a NEW Local Heroes Dodgeball Game featuring Westlake Police, Fire, and Westlake City Schools Staff! Next, watch Westlake High School Seniors challenge Westlake City Schools Staff in the annual Dollars for Scholars basketball game!
 
Presented by Westlake Council of PTAs, Dollars for Scholars raises funds to provide scholarships for Westlake High School graduating seniors. Last year, ten $1,000 scholarships were given by Westlake Council of PTAs.
 
Doors open at 6:00 pm. The dodgeball game starts at 6:30 pm; the basketball game starts at 7:30 pm. Additionally, there are raffle drawings (including one for a $1,000 cash prize), children's activities, concessions and more.
 
Donations Needed!
Donations of raffle baskets or single items are needed. Donation ideas include gift cards, sports items, cosmetics/skin care products, jewelry, candy, and wine. Please contact Liz Pirnat ([email protected] or 216-374-8945) with donations. All donations are due by Thursday, March 1st.
 
Ticket Sales Coming Soon!
Game tickets are $5.00. $1,000 Cash Prize Raffle tickets are $5.00.  
Attention WHS graduating seniors!  Don't miss these Ohio PTA Scholarship Opportunities!

Are you planning to enroll in a 4-year college?
Are you planning to enroll in a 2 or 3-year technical, vocational or associate degree program?
Are you a special education student planning to enroll in a 2, 3, or 4-year program?
 
Be sure to check out the Ohio PTA website for various scholarships, including an Academic Scholarship, a Technical Scholarship and a Special Needs Scholarship.    Deadline for submission is March 1, 2018.
Career Development Corner

Did you know that Westlake High School has a Career Shadow Program for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students? This is a great opportunity for students to gain first-hand knowledge about a specific career field. 

The Career Shadowing Office is located near Attendance. Students can stop down to pick up an application or Click here for a printable application with requirements. Contact Bernadette Kronz, Career Development Specialist at [email protected] or 440-250-1028 for more information.
Wellness Day - March 13 - Committee Members Needed!

Preparations have begun for the 14th Annual WHS Wellness Day!  Wellness Day includes grade level assemblies and the ever-popular Wellness Fair.

Are you in, or interested in: health, fitness, nutrition, safety, emotional wellness, or a related field?  Would you like to be a part of Wellness Day, have a booth idea for the fair, or help on the committee?  Please contact Bernadette Kronz for more information!
Class of 2019 - Important Info

Attention Juniors and Parents:  The Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV4/Menactra) is required for school attendance and students need to be vaccinated BEFORE the start of their Senior year.  At least one dose must be given at age 16 years or older.  An updated immunization record needs to be turned in to the school nurse before the start of the 2018-19 new school year.  Please begin submitting records as you complete well visits or call your health care provider to fax a copy to school if the vaccine has already been given.  Click HERE for complete details.
 
Questions?  Please contact: 
Betsy Kaiser, RN
(440) 250-1120   
Westlake Girls Softball - 2018!   Registration is Now Open!

Join us this summer for Girls Softball - Register online at westlakegirlssoftball.org at the discounted rate!  Registration price increases after 3/18/18 - so register today!
Also, please visit our new and improved website for more information on our program! 

COACH-PITCH * KID-PITCH * FASTPITCH
The Westlake Girls Softball Association is designed to promote an exciting, friendly,  and competitive environment for all girls to enjoy the game of softball.  Our goal is to inspire the girls by promoting their softball talents, teaching and developing the fundamentals and teamwork, and providing an environment that is fun for all.

Our WGSA recreation league is intended to provide a safe and friendly sporting environment and is a great way for your child to be a part of a team atmosphere and develop new and long lasting friendships.  It is an introduction to the sport of softball and offers a relaxed environment.  We offer divisions from Grades K-12.

Thank you!  And we'll see you all out on the softball fields this summer!
Westlake Baseball League - Registration & Pre-Season Camp

Registration is open for the 2018 Westlake Baseball League season for grades PreK-12. Registration ends March 31. Register BEFORE the March 31st dead line and save $20.  

Westlake Baseball League Pre-Season Camp - March 14th, 19th & 21st
WBL Pre-Season Player Camp. This camp is free and ONLY for our PRE-REGISTERED Rookie, Minor, Major and Pony League players (grades 1-9 this year). Player Camp will be held at the Rocky River and Westlake Force complexes. You will be able to purchase optional baseball pants, belts and WBL apparel at this event. Discounted pricing at the pre-season camp only.

*EVERYONE INVITED!* Westlake Youth Baseball Night with the Cleveland Monsters!  March 24th
Flyer Connection


A flu guide for parents  from the CDC.

Support the boys' and girls' lacrosse teams  March 4 at Hooley House.

Berea PTA Council is hosting a  Family Resource Fair  March 10 for children of all abilities and ages.

College Now Greater Cleveland  offers help to adults looking to start or restart their postsecondary education.

Strike It Big for Milestones Bowl for Autism  will be March 11 at Spins Bowl in Independence.

UH St. John Medical Center and The City of Westlake host the annual  Community Safety and Wellness Fair  on May 19 at the Westlake Recreation Center.

dates
Important Dates:
February
April


15
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast


21
State OMEA
19
President's Day - NO SCHOOL
27
Demon Derby @ St. Demetrios
22
Band Concert
May
26
Choral Concert
12
Music a la Mode
March
19
Prom @ Botanical Gardens
1
College Night
24
Scholarship Night
2-3
OMEA District Contest
29-31
Senior Final Exams
9-10
Green & White Revue
31
Spring Awards Banquet
13
Wellness Day
June
16
Dollars For Scholars
1
Commencement Rehearsal
23
Shamrock Dance
2
Graduation @ Wolstein Center
3/30 - 4/8
Spring Break
4-6
Underclassmen Final Exams
6
Last Day of School

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