Thanks to everyone that helped us have a FANTASTIC Homecoming week! We had an incredible turnout at our Intermural Football game Monday night in which our SENIORS were victorious. Our Volleyball and Soccer teams brought home victories and our Adapted Soccer Team and Football Team gave it their all. Students participated in a Den Decorating contest and the school was full of festive vibes. We had a wonderful pep assembly on Friday afternoon including dance performances, Hispanic Heritage month celebration with our Latino Student Union, our Adapted Sports Team and Volleyball led a cheer, relay race and so much more. Saturday night the students looked amazing as they had a beautiful evening celebrating and making memories under Neon Lights. Thanks for coming together as One West for a wonderful week.

There are a lot of important updates in the Howl this week so please read carefully! Here's what's in the Howl this week. SENIORS and Senior Parents/Caregivers make sure you read to the end for the Senior Corner:

• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
• Upcoming Events
  
• Athletic Events this Week
• Clubs, Activities and Advisors List
• Daily Announcements
• Lunch News- Second Distributed Dining Opens
• 5th Hour Tutoring
• ACT Prep Information
  
• Wolf Wear
• Yearbook Information- with updated links
• Classroom Corner- Developmental Designs in the Math Classroom
• Athletics Highlights
• SENIOR CORNER:

Attention Seniors- Senior Meeting Monday and Thursday

Free Financial Aid Resources

Virtual College Visits

UW Systems College Information Sessions

Doctor of Pharmacy Info Sessions

• Latinx Heritage Month Slide, One West, Equity Vision, Non-Discrimination

In Case you Missed It:

• Door 24- Morning Practices and Clubs
• Senior Class Meeting Resources
• Adapted Sports Season Information

• Recruitment for AVID Coaches/Tutors

• Classroom Corner- Music (Orchestra)
• HBCU Real Talk
• Music Studio Information
• CBITS Information for 9th Grade Students/Parents/Caregivers
• Subs Needed!

Jen Ploeger- Principal- jrploeg@sunprairieschools.org

Chai Lee- Associate Principal- cmlee1@sunprairieschools.org

Ed Ford- Associate Principal- ebford@sunprairieschools.org

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage allows us to share our culture and add to the outstanding diversity that makes up the Sun Prairie West High School. Thank you One West!

Celebrar la Herencia Hispana nos permite compartir nuestra cultura y contribuir a la extraordinaria diversidad que conforma la Escuela Secundaria Sun Prairie West. ¡Gracias One West!

• October 11th- PSAT 8:30am-12:00pm for registered students
• October 19th- Regular school day from 8:35-3:45pm
  
• October 19th- Conferences 4-8pm
• October 20th- NO SCHOOL- Conferences
• October 20th- Conferences 7:30am-11:30am

As we continue to build ONE WEST it is our goal that EVERY student is involved in at least one sport, club or activity. If you are curious about what options are available check out our current list of clubs and advisors. We will update this as things change throughout the year. If you have an idea that's not on here yet, please reach out to Ms. Beaver, Ms. Ripp and/or Mr. Nee in Athletics and Activities.

Have you ever walked by the screens while in the building at West and thought, I want to make sure my student knows about that? Thank you to for the reminder to include our student announcements here every week so that parents/caregivers can have the same information to remind and encourage student involvement.

Monday, October 9th, the second Distributed Dining Room (1617) will be opening! It will be open during the same times as the lunch line and other Distributed Dining Room(1301). At this location we will offer grab-n-go lunches (subs, pb&j), composed salads and a la carte items (beverages, snacks, desserts.) In an attempt to reduce the amount of traffic in the hallway by the kitchen, we are moving the grab-n-go and composed salads out of the kitchen service completely. They will only be offered in the two Distributed Dining areas.

Is your student looking for ways to get ahead in studying for the ACT? Here are a couple resources:

• FREE - all students have access to Methodize in their Xello accounts. Methodize offers free study guides and practice tests

• For Cost - ACT Prep Plus. Offered by CESA 5, students can register for prep sessions throughout the year.

Are you looking to get some Wolf gear before the holidays? Check out the online school store: https://tinyurl.com/wolf-wear

Thank you to those of you who reached out and let us know that the links in the Howl for Senior Ads and all things Yearbook weren't working. Here you go:

• Upload your Senior Picture: https://tinyurl.com/SPWestSeniorPhoto
  
  • Due date: November 1st, 2023
• Senior Grad Ads for the Yearbook: https://tinyurl.com/SPWestGradAds
  • Due date: November 17th, 2023
• Buy a Yearbook: https://tinyurl.com/spwest24yrbk
  
  • Due date: February 23rd, 2023

As we continue to focus on building a Culture of Care in which all students are seen, known and valued, building relationships and embedding fun in classrooms is key. Max Wersland’s class did a team finish the sketch with a gallery walk included. Students worked in teams to finish a drawing with each student drawing a little piece of the drawing to be continued by their next classmate in line. Once all of the drawings were complete they checked out each others drawings and gave feedback. Students went around with post-it notes and wrote down 2 things they liked and 1 think they wondered about for each piece of art.

Congratulations to Soliel Curtin and #1 doubles team of Pragnya Vella and Milena Halberg for taking 3rd place at the Big 8 Girls Tennis Conference Match!

Congratulations to our SPW Softball team on their successful mum fundraiser! They sold over 375 mums! Pictures here.

Fall End of Sport Season surveys will be going out to students as seasons wrap up.

Go Wolves! | 2023 SPW Athletic club Schedules

On Mon, Oct 9th during SP30, Seniors will meet in the PAC with vendors from Midwest Scholastic to discuss caps, gowns, and other graduation supplies. If students are not able to attend this meeting, they can receive a packet of information in the front office starting later that day.

There will also be a Senior Class Meeting on Thurs, Oct 12th in Ms. Reimer's room (1408) at 8:00 to discuss a class motto, gift, and other graduation topics. All students are welcome to come and have their voice heard. Please see Mr. Barth or Ms. Reimer for any graduation related questions.

Boys and Girls Club of Dane County is offering FREE financial aid support sessions to help students and families complete the first step in filling out the FAFSA. Click HERE for more information and registration

Each student is unique: help them find their individual pathway.

Specialty virtual fairs offer a convenient way to explore post-secondary options. Encourage your students to join recruiters at one or all of these upcoming events:

Live fair hours are 12:00pm - 2:00pm and 6:30pm - 9:30pm (ET) each date for the following fairs:

• Learning Differences Virtual College Fair - Thursday, October 12, 2023

• First-Generation Virtual College Fair - Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Learn more here or Register now!

Students and Families:

• Use this platform to explore options and services that are available to you at the participating institutions.

• Expert-led educational sessions will guide you on maximizing the benefits of higher education.

• Visit institution booths and chat live with admissions representatives

• Participating students have a chance to win a $50 Starbucks gift card through a TikTok contest. Details will be emailed to registered students.

• This experience will be ADA and WCAG-compliant.

Hear from UW campus representatives about admission, campus updates, upcoming special campus events and more. Campus representatives will be available to answer any questions students may have regarding admission to these campuses. Students and families are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.

• UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater Panel:

Tuesday, October 17 at 4:30 PM - Register Here

Zoom Link:

https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YxfYvGyURqO9Zg9h7KWpeg

• UW Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior Panel:

Thursday, October 19 at 4:30 PM - Register Here

Zoom Link:

https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8JlW3QR5R8K-bsNgTS4OAg

• UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-River Falls, and UW-Stout Panel:

Tuesday, October 24 at 4:30 PM - Register Here

Zoom Link:

https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rHxTD-NBR4mKqcPKzPQWW

Doctor of Pharmacy Information Session (Virtual)

Wednesday, October 25 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CST
Zoom

Join us for an insightful 1-hour virtual info session about the UW–Madison PharmD program.

• Learn about one of the best PharmD programs in the nation and our innovative curriculum
  

• Explore the hundreds of career paths a PharmD degree can unlock
  

• Hear about pharmacy student life and the extracurricular activities available
  

• Gain a better understanding of the PharmD application process and admissions requirements

Register HERE

Preview Day (In-Person)

Saturday, November 4 | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Rennebohm Hall on UW–Madison campus

Experience the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy firsthand at this in-person event. Preview Day is the perfect opportunity for aspiring pharmacists to engage in small-group tours led by current PharmD students, meet pharmacy leaders, and get questions answered by our Admissions team. You will also be able to connect with current PharmD students for valuable perspectives and more!

• PharmD admissions overview

• College students: How to develop a competitive PharmD application

• High school students: What you can do now to prepare for Pharmacy School

• Financial aid and scholarship opportunities

• Experience a cool lab simulation led by current students

• Connect with our students for an insightful Q&A session

• Hear from pharmacists about their unique field of pharmacy

• Tour our cutting-edge research facilities

Register HERE

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

No student may be unlawfully discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student’s sex (gender identity, gender expressions, and non-conformity to gender role stereotypes), color, religion, profession, or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin (including limited English proficiency), ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment is a form of discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the District. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur.

(SPASD District Policy JB)

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at 608-834-6620. Si un estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor contactenos en el 608-834-6620.

If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Hmong, please contact us at 608-834-6630. Yog tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov ntawv ntawm no ua lus Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 608-834-6630.

Do you have a morning practice or a club that is meeting in the morning before 8:05am? Please ensure that you are using DOOR 24. It is on the side of the building in the athletics wing. The front office does not open until 8:05am and is unable to have students enter before that time. If entering through door 24 you should be proceeding straight to a supervised activity/club/sport.

This past Wednesday your senior attended the Senior Planning Presentation with their School Counselors. Students were able to get valuable information about post-secondary options, how to apply for colleges, scholarships and financial aid. In addition, they heard from their Senior Class Advisors about graduation and upcoming important dates. HERE is the presentation that was shared for your reference.

We've only been at it for three weeks but already the Orchestra students have been hard at work getting ready for several upcoming performances! You can come see us perform our Fall Concert on Tuesday October 17th at 7pm at SP West PAC, on Thursday November 2nd at the Sun Prairie Public Library where we perform children's books for their Story Time, or on Tuesday November 14th at Empty Bowls where we will provide background music.

Music students in band, choir, and orchestra often come before school (like this intrepid crew) or stay after school for their curricular lessons.

Here we have cellists and violists working on our October concert music (Oct 17th, SP West PAC, 7pm) in their sectional groups. They have to navigate building a community and group identity that helps them perform to their best for the concert. The Chamber Orchestra students have been performing together for a few years so some natural leadership and accountability happens within this group work. They get things done but you can see they are also able to have some fun. The first group is cellists, the others are the violas crammed in my office.

We have also launched our Folk Jam for students who want to learn to play folk instruments or do some alternative and improv styles on their violins/violas/cellos. Here Miles is giving the banjo a try.

Last, this picture is from last year but shows a Senior at our Sun Prairie Public Library Stories and Strings event we collaborate on. Here Alex is showing a little one his violin and helping her make some sounds with his bow. This event is coming up again in a few weeks and the orchestra students are really looking forward to it.

WHAT: HBCU Real Talk: Provided by Big Future for FREE

WHERE: Virtual

WHEN: October 3 and October 10 @ 7pm CT

Real Talk, our virtual event series for Black students and their parents, is back! We’re kicking off the season with two nights to help students decide whether an HBCU or PWI is right for them. These events are the perfect opportunity for students to interact directly with admissions reps and current college students.

Night 1: Tuesday October 3, 7pm

HBCU’s, PWIs and You: Join us and connect directly with HBCU and PWI reps from across the country as they share real talk on selecting a college home that aligns with each student’s personality and college and career aspirations.

Night 2: Tuesday, October 10 7pm

The Real Tea on HBCU’s and PWI’s: Want to know what college life is really like at HBCU’s and PWIs. Students and their families can connect with current Black students who will spill the tea!

Sign up HERE

We are committed to partnering with you in supporting your child as a strong learner. This school year, Sun Prairie West high school is offering a program to students who have experienced stressful events or who are experiencing other stressors in their lives. People who have experienced a trauma or those experiencing significant stress may develop symptoms. This can show up as not wanting to go to school or as difficulties with class work and concentration.

In partnership with Journey Mental Health Center and the United Way, we are offering a program for all 9th graders called REST (Resilient response to the Effects of Stress and Trauma).

The staff at Sun Prairie West High School will be screening all 9th graders on Monday October 9, 2023.

Students whose questionnaire score indicates symptoms of depression or traumatic stress will have a face-to-face conversation with a school staff or REST Team member. These conversations are meant to provide support and to determine what resources would be useful for the student.

This form only covers the screening and follow-up conversation. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in the REST screening, please complete the form below and return to Susi Sirianni, Sun Prairie West school social worker by Friday October 6, 2023 or just reach out to Susi Sirianni and express that you would like your student to NOT participate. If you have questions or would like more information about the REST screening, please call Susi Sirianni at 608-478-1700 ext 5335 or email sesiria@sunprairieschools.org.

As we prepare to start the year we are in need of awesome subs to help take care of our students when staff are out. Are you looking for a new opportunity? Do you know someone looking? Can you help spread the word? Please help us get the word out so that we can ensure that our students have the very best people supporting them even on days staff (teachers or support staff) need to be out. Having an ample supply of fantastic subs is also a great way to support our staff by allowing them peace of mind when they are out. More information!

• Our wages for substitutes are in the top 5% in Dane County.
• Control your own schedule.
• We financially support you with Department of Public Instruction training (8 hours) for a 3-year substitute teaching license.
• We will provide you with technology training so you have the skills you need to succeed in supporting students and staff.
• Earn a $100 bonus for working 5 days in a month. (More info about the incentive program below)
• Earn an extra bonus for working in targeted schools and positions.
• Lunch provided through our award-winning school nutrition program.
• Full or part time positions are available!