WINTER LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
March 2026 Newsletter
Graduation gets closer and closer every day. How prepared are you? Let's check in and see where we're at!
- CREDITS: Have you completed all of your credit requirements? Check with your Learning Specialist or Mrs. Snively in the Student Services office. Together, you can take a look at your current progress report and see where you're at, and where you need to focus.
- CRLS: Have you completed your CRL (career) profile? Contact Mrs. Sperling to see what needs to be done.
- DIPLOMA: How would you like your name written on your diploma? If you have not confirmed this information yet, please contact Ms. Laney in the front office.
- GRADUATION: Would you like to participate in our Graduation ceremony in June? We have not yet confirmed all of the final details quite yet, but we will very soon! We have an enormous selection of caps & gowns in every color to borrow along with a tassel that will be yours to keep. If you wish to purchase your own cap & gown, visit https://minersgrad.com/
Considering college after high school but not quite sure yet? Do you know what your future college plans are and want to get a head start? Give Expanded Options a try!
The Expanded Options Program (EOP) was created to allow eligible students to enroll in post-secondary courses for college credit. The Coquille School District has proudly partnered with Southwestern Oregon Community College, Clackamas Community College, Umpqua Community College, and Portland Community College to give our students the opportunity to explore their educational and career options, while earning dual credit toward both their high school diploma and their college degree.
Contact Ms. Laney for more information and to schedule an intake meeting. slaney@coquille.k12.or.us or (541)824-6902.
*****TRIGGER WARNING: The following article contains sensitive subject matter*****
The body and brain of a growing kid comprises a very delicate system. Some of the most upsetting influences to this system are tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. AS little as one single use can be all it takes to develop a devastating addiction or even overdose (verywellmind.com, 2020).
The effects of addiction encompass not just the addict, but their friends, family, and loved ones as well; carving a path o destruction and loss. This damage is not always fixable, there is often no "going back". The anatomy of an addict's brain and life are forever altered.
Making smart choices in your youth creates a solid foundation for your health and future. Though saying "NO" is not always easy, nor is it always seen as "cool", it is the best choice you can make to set yourself up for success. If you think a friend or family member has a problem with substance abuse, talk to an adult you can trust - like a parent, coach, or teacher - right away. Remember, treatment is available and people CAN get better (NIDA, 2020). Visit https://nida.nih.gov/ for information and resources.
*****TRIGGER WARNING: The following article contains sensitive subject matter*****
Self-injury is any deliberate, non-suicidal behavior that inflicts physical injury to a person's own body (lifesigns.or.uk, 2008). Self-injury does not look the same from person to person. It is a unique coping mechanism that takes many forms including cutting, scratching, burning, and even non-lethal forms of self-medicating. Around 10% of young people engage in some form of self-injury.
The myths and misinformation surrounding self-injury create devastating stereotypes and stigma that make it difficult for most people to talk about. Feelings of fear and shame lead them to hide what they are doing.
If you are a person that is engaging in self-injury, please find somebody you can trust; a friend, family member, school staff member, coach, etc. If your friend is confiding in you with this information, that means they trust you. LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT. This is a big deal for them. Encourage them to get help without pressuring too much. Above all, treat them with kindness. They are a person, just like you. Visit https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/mental-health-symptoms/self-harm/ for more information and resources.
As the cold and flu season insists on lingering, students and adults alike are still coming down with the dreaded "bug". Following is some good, common sense advice to follow if your student is feeling under the weather. This is a list of instructions, not medical advice. Please contact your healthcare provider with any health concerns or questions:
1. FEVER: Temperature of 100.4 or above. Student must be fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine.
2. NEW COUGH ILLNESS: Symptoms improving for 24 hours (no cough or cough is well-controlled).
3. NEW DIFFICULTY BREATHING: Symptoms improving for 24 hours (breathing comfortably). Urgent medical care may be needed.
4. DIARRHEA: 3 loose or watery stools in a day OR not able to control bowel movements. Symptom-free for 48 hours OR with orders from doctor to school nurse.
5. VOMITING: One or more episodes that is unexplained. Symptom-free for 48 hours OR with orders from doctor to school nurse.
6. HEADACHE WITH STIFF NECK AND FEVER: Symptom-free OR with orders from doctor to school nurse. Follow fever instructions above. Urgent medical care may be needed.
7. SKIN RASH OR OPEN SORES: Symptom free, which means rash is gone OR sores are dry or can be completely covered by a bandage OR with orders from a doctor to school nurse.
8. RED EYES WITH COLORED DRAINAGE: Symptom-free, which means redness and drainage are gone OR with orders from a doctor to school nurse.
9. JAUNDICE: New yellow color in eyes or skin. After the school has orders from doctor or local public health authority to school nurse.
10. ACTING DIFFERENTLY WITHOUT A REASON: Unusually sleepy, grumpy, or confused. Symptom-free, which means return to normal behavior OR with orders from a doctor to school nurse.
11. MAJOR HEALTH EVENT: Like an illness lasting 2 or more weeks OR a hospital stay, OR health condition requires more care than school staff can safely provide. After the school has orders from doctor to school nurse AND after measures are in place for the student's safety. Please work with school staff to address special healthcare needs so the student may attend safely.
