WHS Information and Updates-Week 5

Last Week in Review-I thought last week was pretty good week.  The week started with an assembly for 10^th graders to go over the forecasting schedule, spring sports starting and an informative PAC meeting Monday evening.  We recognized the junior and senior class Academic All-Stars and those earning Honor Roll status on Wednesday and Thursday during 3^rd period. During our staff meeting on Wednesday afternoon, we analyzed artifacts that teachers brought representing student learning, open lines of communication, etc.  We continue to familiarize ourselves with our new evaluation system we will be implementing next year.  

Panthers Shine at Regional Solo & Ensemble Contest-Success for Washougal High School at the Regional Solo & Ensemble contest this weekend.  Junior Nick Stevens took first place in the Tenor category and will go to state. The mixed and women's ensembles earned "excellent" ratings and the men's ensemble earned a "superior". The men were among those considered for a winner/ alternate spot for the state contest in their category.  All other WHS solos earned "excellent" ratings. We are extremely proud of all those who competed and earned such high marks for themselves and for the WHS Community. 

WHS PAC Meeting Summary-Thank you to those who attended the PAC meeting on February 25.   We had good turnout, but I am hoping for more at our March meeting. Dessert will be provided at our next meeting….does that help? At the meeting we discussed the forecasting process, increasing parent involvement, 1st semester grades and a closed campus.   I have attempted to summarize some of the details.

• Forecasting Process- There were some concerns brought up about classes that we used to offer (CWS-English block).  I explained that in place of CWS-English we now offer AP Government and Honor Senior English.  It was brought up that sometimes classes that are listed in the curriculum guide are not offered.  This does happen each year. We take what students forecast for and create.  If there are not enough students in a particular course, it may not be offered. 
• Increasing Parent Involvement-There were some good ideas suggested for increasing our parent involvement.  We need to advertise for specific needs that we have.  Those in attendance encourages us to provide a workshop for parents to support their use of Skyward as well as provide teasers in the weekly information and updates.
• 1^st Semester Grades-I shared 1^st semester grades broken down in a variety of ways. It continues to be a priority for us to have more students being successful.  One of the ways we measure progress over all is to analysis our semester grades. We discussed the number of 9^th graders who appear to be struggling.  We talked about current support for 9^th graders as they transition to high school.  The WHS staff is continuing to look at different ways we can support all of our students, but specifically helping incoming 9^th graders.
• Closed Campus-I shared safety concerns I have about 11^th and 12^th graders with parent permission leaving campus during lunch. Increasing the overall safety at WHS continues to be a high priority for the WHS community.  I realize that the off-campus privilege has been something that 11^th and 12^th graders appreciate, and look forward to.  I would like to put together a group of students, parents and staff to look at the issues and concerns associated with a closed campus for the 2013-14 school year.

Curriculum Guide- Students will be forecasting during the week of March 11 for the 2013-14 school year.  Last Wednesday, students reviewed their progress toward graduation by completing a graduation credit check form.  We feel it is very important for both students and parents to be aware of all the graduation requirements.  Please take some time to review graduation requirements and our curriculum guide. You can get all the information you need by visiting the WHS Counseling website at http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs/departments/counseling.htm.  If you have questions, please contact your student(s) counselor.

2013 HSPE Testing Schedule (March 12-14)- During HSPE week, all 9^th and 10^th grade students will be expected to attend.  All 10^th graders will be taking the Writing and Reading HSPE.  All  9^th graders will be working on a variety of activities which will include finalizing forecasting, working on math and/or their other classes, completing Career Cruising activities, etc.  All 11^th and 12^th graders who have not met standard will need to be at school starting at 7:55 to take the exam in which they have not met standard.  Those students will be receiving a reminder this week as well as a reminder will be sent home in the mail.  If you are not sure if you student has met standard, please contact the main office.  11^th and 12^th grade students who have met standard can arrive at the beginning of classes at 11:00 a.m. each day.  If you want to familiarize yourself with the Reading and Writing HSPE check out the following sites:

• http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/HSPE.aspx
• http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/FAQ.aspx
• http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/TestQuestions/Testquestions.aspx

Helpful Suggestions for HSPE Week-During the week your student(s) is taking the HSPE, here are some suggestions:

• Make sure they get enough sleep.
• Have them eat breakfast each morning.
• Let them know you expect them to do their best, but to not get stressed out about it!  It’s just another piece of information about how they are learning, so teachers can help them learn better.
• Ask them each evening what was on the test.  What did they think was hard?  Why?  What did they think was easy?  Why?  Let them know you are interested, but don’t be judgmental about their approaches.
• Be loving and supportive!

Spring Conferences-March 27-29 is Conference Week.  All students will be released at 11:25 am. 
 If you are not sure whether or not you want to meet with your student’s teacher(s) please consider the following examples when you might  want to schedule a conference with a teacher:

• Your student is struggling in a particular class and neither of you are clear on what help is available to get him or her back on track.
• Your student has gotten behind and needs a plan to get caught up.
• Your student is really excited about this subject and interested in pursuing it further.

Parental involvement in a student’s education may not be as hands on in high school but students still need your support. We will be communicating out how you can set up your own parent-teacher conferences in the near future.

Go Panthers!