The Howl
PreACT Planning
Dear 9th and 10th Grade Scholars, Families, and Caregivers,
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, we will administer the PreACT Secure exam to all 9th & 10th grade students during the school day.
Why the PreACT?
The PreACT Secure is a state-mandated assessment that helps monitor students’ academic readiness for college and careers. There is no cost for participation. In addition to providing data to our educators to inform future instruction, it also provides valuable information to support student growth. The assessment helps students:
Identify academic strengths
Spot areas to improve
Gain experience with ACT-style questions
Plan for college and career readiness
What’s on the PreACT Secure?
English – 35 minutes | 48 multiple-choice questions
Math – 45 minutes | 36 multiple-choice questions
Reading – 40 minutes | 33 multiple-choice questions
Science – 35 minutes | 36 multiple-choice questions
Testing Location
9th and 10th grade students will test at their primary school of enrollment
JEDI Virtual students will test at the Prairie Phoenix Academy location
Test Day Details
Students will begin testing at the regular school start time.Dismissal will be at 1:00pm. Students with individualized testing schedules will receive additional communication from assessment coordinators.
Bring your fully charged device, a water bottle, and a snack (you may access your snack during break). All other testing materials will be provided. It is optional to bring an approved calculator.
Room assignments will be posted in common areas.
To maintain a secure testing environment:Large bags, cell phones, smart watches, and other electronics are not permitted in testing rooms.
Bus routes will run as usual for students testing that day.
We ask that 9-10th graders arrive between 8:00 and 8:35 am, with testing beginning promptly at 9:00 am. Room assignments will be communicated directly with scholars and posted on test day. All students must be in their assigned location at 8:35 am. Failure to do so will result in scholars needing to make up the exam at a later date and time.
PreACT Secure Schedule - Tuesday, April 7th
Testing Schedule
8:05-8:35 am
9-10th graders report to testing locations for check-in
9:00 am
Test sessions begin. Scholars arriving after this time will not be permitted to take the test and will need to make up for the test at a later date and time.
12:00
Morning testing is completed. Students will have lunch.
1:00 pm
Buses run after school routes.
*Students with accommodations may have a different schedule for this day. If applicable, a separate communication will be shared.
Students approved for testing accommodations will receive additional information about their individualized schedules. If you have questions, please contact your school’s assessment or student services team:
Amy Giza and Ami Fimreite (504), Kevin Proper and Kira Jacobson (Multilingual), Steph Sauer (IEP)
Preparing for the PreACT Secure
Students are encouraged to explore preparation resources, tutorials, and practice questions to become familiar with the testing experience.
Learn more about the PreACT Secure here:
ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - English
ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - Spanish
ACT High School Assessments Information for Families - Hmong
The PreACT mirrors the ACT, so these materials can double as preparation for both assessments: Test Prep & Kaplan Test Prep & PreACT Secure Practice Tests
All students also have access to free ACT & SAT prep through a program called Methodize that students can find under the Resources tab on Xello (an academic & career planning application on school issued devices).
We look forward to this opportunity for our scholars to demonstrate their college and career readiness and take the next steps toward their post-secondary goals.
No School for 11th & 12th Graders on Tuesday, April 7th
Dear 11th & 12th Grade Scholars,
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, all 9th and 10th grade students will be taking the PreACT Secyre exam during the school day. 11th & 12th grade students will not attend school that day. This schedule allows us to provide a focused testing environment for underclassmen. Regular
We appreciate your support!.
With respect for your education,
School Assessment Coordinators
Prom
SP West’s Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Pay close attention to the following deadlines.
APRIL 27 @ 8:00AM: Prom Guest Forms are Available
MAY 7 @ 3:45PM: Prom Guest Forms are Due
MAY 11 @ 8:00AM: Prom Tickets go on sale
MAY 14 @ 12:00PM (Noon): Prom Ticket Sales End
Summer Opportunity for Advanced 8-11th Graders
Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) is still accepting applications for its summer sessions. The high school program, Expand Your Mind, offers academic enrichment, the opportunity to experience life on a college campus, and a way to connect with peers from across the U.S. and beyond who share common interests. Students select from over 20 STEM, humanities, and fine arts courses and can stay in the dorms at Macalester College or attend as a day student. Need-based financial aid is available. This is a great opportunity for bright and motivated young people to explore their passions and meet their people.
FAFSA
NEW! Virtual FAFSA Events
Do you need help completing the FAFSA? College Goal Wisconsin is hosting two free virtual FAFSA help sessions.
Their expert volunteers will guide through the process, answer questions and help ensure your application is complete.
Who can attend: High School seniors, college students, parents, and anyone needing FAFSA assistance
What to bring: Your FSA ID, tax and asset information, and any FAFSA questions
Format: Online session via Zoom.
Date:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 6:00-7:00pm
A Student Above!
Whether it’s guiding new students, offering a helping hand, or simply being a friendly face, their kindness does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Trevor, for your welcoming spirit and leadership!
UW Madison Precollege Business Events
The following opportunities are being offered by the UW Madison School of Business and Precollege Programs. Event information and application materials are included in the linked handout:
Precollege Summer Camp: Business Basics - June 15-18, for current freshmen (applications due by April 30)
Precollege Summer Camp: Junior Business Basics - June 22-25 OR June 29-July 2, for current sophomores and juniors (applications due by April 30)
UW Madison Engineering Summer Program
UW Madison is hosting an Engineering Summer Program from July 11-July 31. Current sophomores and juniors can apply by March 2. More information and application links can be found on this website.
Senior Cap and Gown
Seniors: Remember that you need to place your order for your Senior Cap and Gown for graduation. Orders can be placed through the Midwest Scholastic store linked here.
Donations
We kindly invite you to support our school community by contributing to student recognition, staff appreciation efforts, and cap-and-gown assistance for graduating seniors. Your generosity helps us celebrate hard work, honor dedication, and ensure every student can walk proudly at graduation. Thank you for making a meaningful difference! Donations can now be made through the Infinite Campus school store. Donation Link
Event Guideliness
Please review the SPASD event guidelines. Our athletes are ready to take the field, stage, pool, court, pitch, course and so much more this school year. Together we will continue to make these fantastic, safe and enjoyable events for all.
All West students will need their student ID or if they have not yet received their 25/26 student ID, they will need to look up their Infinite Campus profile. This can be done in advance and screenshotted for quick access.
Building Hours
- Building opens at 8:05: Students may enter the building at 8:05 and will remain in the commons 8:20. Between 8:05-8:20 students may eat breakfast and socialize in the commons. At 8:20 students may begin to move to their classes.
- If your transportation situation makes it impossible to drop off your students later than 8:05 they will be allowed to stand in the vestibule (between the glass doors) until 8:05, particularly on inclement weather days
- Building Closes at 4:00: At 4:00pm the building closes daily. All students must be with an adult (coach, club/activity, 5th hour tutoring, etc) or leave the building for safety as we do not have supervision available after 4:00pm.
Please plan rides, drop off/pick up accordingly.
