Nearly 700 students visit WHS on August 22, 2011

WOW!  What an amazing turn out today.  We had nearly 700 students pay fees, get their pictures taken, pick up a variety of forms and wonder when they could see their schedules.  It was great to see so many students thinking ahead and planning for the start of school.  

First, I want to thank all of the individuals who helped with today's events.  There is no way we could do what we did today if it weren't for the hard work and dedication by WHS staff.  In addition to WHS staff being on hand, we had support from district office personnel, and even a recently retired WHS member came back to help....THANKS JUDI!  I also would like to thank one volunteer in particular who was there from beginning to end...THANKS MR. LONEY!  You were a huge help!

Regarding the schedules, they will be posted Wednesday. We are still in the process of making sure students have full schedules and that classes are as balanced as possible.  If students and/or parents are unable to access schedules online, please feel free to come to WHS and we will assist you with accessing Skyward.  We realize that not everyone is able to access their child's information for a variety of reasons, so we will be printing off schedules for those who ask.  All students will be receiving a schedule prior to classes starting Tuesday morning.  

On Monday, August 29, counselors will be available for schedule changes.  It is very important to us that students have the best possible schedule; however, it is not always possible to ensure every student has all of the classes desired. Not all schedule changes wanted will be granted.   We have established criteria for making schedule changes.   This will be a "first come, first serve" situation, so please expect possible wait time.  If you have questions regarding what to expect on this day, please feel free to call us.  

Please join us Thursday, August 25 from 6:00-8:00 we will be hosting our Open House.  If you have any questions regarding Open House or school starting, please do not hesitate to call at 954-3100.

2011-12 School Year Quickly Approaching

It is that time again!  Here we are on the brink of a new year, new challenges, and the starting point of the 2011-12 school year.  The dedicated and caring staff at Washougal H.S. is committed to making high school both memorable and meaningful for all WHS students and their families.

  

I am constantly reminded, most often by our students, that the start of the new school year is the perfect time to  dream big and set goals.  We have all had an opportunity to put the previous school year in perspective and have  hopefully, “recharged our batteries”, and have begun planning for a fresh start to a successful school year.

The WHS staff is passionate about our work. We understand the importance of improving our effectiveness in order to best prepare students for the challenges they will face after high school. Regardless of whether students attend a four-year university, two- year college, technical school, the military, apprenticeship program or go directly into the workforce, our students must be prepared to continue learning in order to face the future.

I am looking forward to getting the school year started, and to working closely with students and families this year.  I pledge that the WHS staff will strive to make improvements in the ways we collaborate with students, and in the effectiveness of our partnerships with families and the community.

I have included some upcoming events you may want to attend or know about.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call 954-3100 or email me at aaron.hansen@washougal.k12.wa.us

August 17  Football Practice Starts

August 22  Fall Sports Practice Starts 

August 22  Pictures, Fees, ASB Cards/Student I.D. will take place Monday, August 22 starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m..  At this time, your son or daughter will have a school photo taken and will be  able to pay fees for the year.  The schedule for the day is listed below.

Step 1:  Pay fees in the ASB office.  ASB cards are $35 and an additional fee of $100 will be charged   

for students involved in activities/sports.  An ASB sticker will be placed on the ID Card.

Step 2: All WHS students must have a student ID card with them at all times while on campus.  Go to the commons to have your ID picture taken.  This must be done whether or not you are purchasing a picture packet.  When this step is completed, you will be given an ID card. You will need this ID card to check out library books, attend games and dances, and to leave campus during lunch (juniors and seniors only).  

Step 3:  Pick up parking forms, off-campus lunch pass forms, and free and reduced lunch forms in the office.  Off-campus lunch pass forms must be turned in with a parent signature to the main office. Once the completed form is turned in, the student will be issued an off-campus lunch sticker to be placed on the back of the student ID card.  Juniors and Seniors will not be allowed to leave campus unless they have an off-campus sticker.  Off- campus privileges can be revoked. Please refer to the student handbook for additional information.

August 24    
There will be a mandatory “New Student” meeting to forecast each new student’s schedule with his or her counselor on Wednesday, August 24, at 9:00 a.m. in the Counseling/Career Center.  Please arrive on time.  We look forward to meeting you and your student.

August 25    
WHS Open House will be Thursday, August 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  We will  begin in the Commons with representatives from clubs, activities, athletics and other academic programs from 6:00 - 6:30.  Teachers will then be available in their classrooms from 6:30 – 7:30 to answer questions.  From 7:30– 8:00 we will be answering general questions in the auditorium.

August 30    
On the first day of school, Tuesday, August 30, freshmen and new students will begin the day at the regular time, 7:55 a.m., and will be in orientation sessions until 9:55.  The school day for returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors will begin at 9:55 a.m.  There will be ONLY ONE bus run that day at the normal time. Returning students who ride the bus should plan to come at 7:55 a.m. and check in at the Commons.

The staff looks forward to working with you to ensure that your son or daughter has a good school year. If you need to contact a teacher, counselor, or administrator, do not hesitate to do so. Our e-mail addresses and phone extensions are on the webpage.

Calendar of Coming Events:

AUGUST

17    Football Practice Begins

22              Schedule Pick-up and Picture Day (8:00-4:00)

22              Fall Sports Practice Begins

25              Open House at 6:00 – 8:00 (Starts in WHS Commons)

30    First Day of School: New students report at 7:55, Returning Students at 9:55

SEPTEMBER

1     Boys Golf Jamboree @ Cedars Golf Course

2     Varsity Football vs Hudson’s Bay

2-5         NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

6     School Picture Retake Day

6     Girls Volleyball vs Ft. Vancouver

7     Girls Soccer vs Ft. Vancouver

7     Girls Volleyball vs Seton Catholic

12    Boys Tennis vs Columbia River

13    Girls Soccer vs RA Long

13    Girls Volleyball vs RA Long

14    Boys Tennis vs Hudson’s Bay

15    9^th Grade Football vs Ft. Vancouver

15    Blue Note Cafe

19    AP Information Night in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

19    Boys Tennis vs Mark Morris

19    Boys Golf vs Hockinson @ Orchard Hills

22    Girls Soccer vs Mark Morris

22    Girls and Boys X-Country vs Mark Morris

23    Homecoming Varsity Football vs Clatskanie

24    Homecoming Dance (8:00-11:00)

26    Boys Golf vs RA Long @ Orchard Hills

27    Girls Soccer vs Black Hills

28    Boys Tennis vs Battle Ground

28    Seniors & Parents Night in the auditorium (6:30-8:00)

30    Varsity Football vs RA Long