February 26, 2018
From Our Principal

Good morning WHS families,
 
This week is diversity week at WHS.  We are excited about the opportunity and activities that we have planned for all of our students at WHS.  Please check the website for a detailed list of activities.   
 
I would like to take a minute to congratulate our Westlake High School Academic Challenge Team.  The team of Patrick Lee, Kyle Yu, and Jack Wu were terrific representing WHS on Saturday night.  Additionally, Shawn Walls, was named a Speech and Debate All-American. There were only 500 of 141,000 students chosen throughout the United States. Terrific job Shawn!  
 
Mrs. Barth is looking for anyone that has experience with garden design.  The WHS Beekeeping Club is creating a pollinator/cultural garden on the property.  If you have any interest in assisting our students design this  pollinator/cultural garden, please email Mrs. Barth at [email protected].    
 
I also wanted to let families know about a delayed start day in March.  March 20 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 23, 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.

Please join our PTSA Diversity Committee in celebrating Diversity week 

Diversity week  stars today February 26th and goes  until Friday 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 Hispanic 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 the Leadership Challenge Diversity Group*  Under the guidance of Ms McGinty's and funded by the WHS PTSA.
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.
Westlake Council of PTAs is excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Damour to our community!  

Dr. Damour, New York Times bestselling author of  "Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood",  provides realistic balanced expertise and advice on children, both  girls and boys and the journey in raising them.
 
Lisa Damour, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, teacher, speaker, and consultant who directs Laurel School's Center for Research on Girls, writes the monthly Adolescence column for the Well Family section of the New York Times, is a regular contributor at CBS News, and serves as a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Damour draws on years of clinical experience and the latest research to provide sound, practical guidance to parents, teachers, and advocates. 
 
Link to Dr. Damour's articles: www.drlisadamour.com/articles/ 
 
We are proud to provide this valuable program free of charge, thanks to your support of the fundraising efforts of Westlake Council of PTAs this year.  
 
Mark your calendars to join us for this phenomenal presentation Monday, April 23 at the Westlake  High School Performing Arts Center .  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  Presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
 
PRE- REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - click here.    Questions?  Contact Dawn Evans
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)
Westlake Council of PTAs Spring Fundraisers
  
Announcing Spirit Day at SkyZone - Friday March 23
Please show the attached flyer or bring it with you to SkyZone on Friday, March 23 from 12pm - 4pm.   Funds raised go towards programming sponsored by Westlake Council of PTAs.  The event is open to anyone.  Suggested time are PreK-4th grade from 12pm-2pm; 5th - 12th grade from 2pm - 4pm.   No advanced purchase.

Announcing Westlake's Spring Fever Run!
Get out and enjoy a return to spring on Saturday, April 15th by participating in the Spring Fever run.  The Westlake Kiwanis will also be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast.  Fill out the attached form and mail it in or visit here   to register.  Make sure you check off the PTA and earn funds for some amazing new programming. 

Questions on either event?  Contact Jessica Kim at 216.548.0948
International Travel Opportunity

Experience Italian culture in the beautiful cities of Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri!  Travel to Italy-Spring Break 2019.
 
An informational meeting for parents and students will be held Tuesday, March 27 at the Avon Lake Public Library from 7-8 p.m. in the McMahan Meeting Room.
 
For detailed trip information click here. C ontact Ms. Michele Richards for more information.
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.  

Dianne Campo Gigi Redinger Summer Samide
Shannon Olsen Gina Redinger Tom Sammon
John Packis Kelly Regal Jannell Sargent
Sandy Packis Jennifer Regas Nicole Sauer
Jeff Palmer Sarah Reichert Sue Schaefer
Susan Palmer Basma Ricaurte Carol Scheuer
Aditi Parikh Michele Richards Ethan Scheuer
Hilary Patriok LaRaine Rimko Jacob Schober
Lisa Patton Jeffrey Roberts Cherri Schons
Tammi Pavilonis Sharon Roberts Spencer Schons
Ellie Peiffer Barb Rochford Mary Schordock
Kathy Petrick Maricela Rodgriguez Michelle Schultz
Jenny Petticord Margie Rossander Ray Severa
Laura Pica Angela Rosu Heidi Shaver
Nicole Pica Paul Roth Angela Siciliano
Deb Powers Judith Routhier Tracie Sidloski
Trina Powers Jennifer Rujawitz Carrie Simon
Elena Prohaska Matina Salamalekis Connie Sinreich
John Randar Camilia Saliba Timothy Smith
Regina Randar Maria Samarellis Amy Spieth

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.
 
Are you a Local Hero?
We are looking for Local Heros to join our Dodgeball Game. We are looking for all Police, Fire, FBI, Military, Coast Guard, and many more who are in Westlake to join us!   Contact Delicia to join the game, [email protected]
 
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 are on Sale!
Game wristbands are $5.00. Raffle tickets for $1,000 Cash Prize Raffle are $5.00.  Contact your PTA unit Council Representatives.  Checks are payable to Westlake Council of PTAs.
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
26
Choral Concert
15
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
March
21
State OMEA
1
College Night
27
Demon Derby @ St. Demetrios
2-3
OMEA District Contest
May
9-10
Green & White Revue
12
Music a la Mode
13
Wellness Day
19
Prom @ Botanical Gardens
16
Dollars For Scholars
24
Scholarship Night
23
Shamrock Dance
29-31
Senior Final Exams
3/30 - 4/8
Spring Break
31
Spring Awards Banquet
 
 
June
 
 
1
Commencement Rehearsal
 
 
2
Graduation @ Wolstein Center
 
 
4-6
Underclassmen Final Exams
6
Last Day of School

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