As we embark on a brand new week, we look forward to our first Parent/Caregiver/Teacher conferences! Conferences are a great opportunity for parents/caregivers and teachers to connect face to face or virtually through Google Meet to check-in as we finish our 6th week of the school year. It is hard to believe we are already 1/4 on the way through 1st semester. We have learned a lot about each other and are diving into the content, but still have time to grow together!

October is National Bullying Prevention month. We know that SP West is not immune to bullying and together we can ensure that EVERY students feels seen, known, valued and safe within our SP West community. October 18th, is a Unity Day: wear and share orange for kindness, inclusion and acceptance. Read on to learn more about how we can prevent bullying and harassment within our community.

Here's what's in this week's Howl:

• Upcoming Events
  
• Parent/Caregiver/Teacher Conferences
• No School 10/20- Conferences!
• Athletic Events this Week
• Daily Announcements
  
• Bullying Prevention Information
  
• Wear and Share Orange on October 18th
• 5th Hour Tutoring
• Classroom Corner- FCS, Latinos Unidos, Wolves, Cardinals and Otters!
• Classroom Corner- Baby Chicks!
• Classroom Corner- State Honors Band Students!
• One West, Equity Vision, Non-Discrimination

Senior Corner:

• Attention Seniors- Scholarships!
• Free Financial Aid Resources
• Virtual College Visits
• UW Systems College Information Sessions
• Doctor of Pharmacy Info Sessions

In Case you Missed It:

• Classroom Corner- Developmental Designs in the Math Classroom
• Wolf Wear
• Yearbook Information- with updated links
• ACT Prep Information
• Clubs, Activities and Advisors List
• Lunch News- Second Distributed Dining Opens
• Music Studio Information
• Door 24- Morning Practices and Clubs
• Adapted Sports Season Information
• Senior Class Meeting Resources
• Recruitment for AVID Coaches/Tutors
  
• Subs Needed!

Jen Ploeger- Principal- jrploeg@sunprairieschools.org

Chai Lee- Associate Principal- cmlee1@sunprairieschools.org

Ed Ford- Associate Principal- ebford@sunprairieschools.org

• October 18th- Wear and Share Orange for Bullying Prevention
• 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

Fall conference week has arrived! Conferences with teachers will be available both Thursday evening and Friday morning. Conferences are available in person, through Google Meet or via phone- which ever works best for you. If you have yet to hear from your classroom teacher about conference sign up you should be receiving an email from them TOMORROW (10/16) with an opportunity to sign up to check-in with your student's teachers. Traveling teachers that teach at both East and West will have one day that they are available in person at one school and one where they are available at the other school, their location will be noted in their SignUp Genius. We look forward to seeing you this week.

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.

Nationally 1 out of every 5 students (20%) students report having been bullied. The percentages of individuals who have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lifetimes have more than doubled (18% to 37%) from 2007-2019. School-based bullying prevention programs decrease bullying by up to 25% (source).

Since 2006, October has been recognized as Bullying Prevention Month! During the first half of October we continued to celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month (through the 15th) and now we will focus on Bullying Prevention through the end of the month. Over the next three Howls we will be sharing information about bullying and bullying prevention. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers and students to talk about bullying prevention, both to check-in if your student is experiencing bullying and to help come together as a community prevent bullying. If you/your student is experiencing any kind of bullying please have them connect with a trusted adult at school or stop by student services on the third floor. Here is the contact information for our student services department.

To ground us in the conversation here are some important definitions from our SPASD Behavior Matrix:

“Bullying” is defined as deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying may be repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. It includes, but is not necessarily limited to such behaviors as stalking, cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercing, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.

“Cyberbullying” is defined as the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, text messages, instant messaging, personal websites, social media, or hacking into or otherwise gaining access to another’s electronic accounts (e-mails, social media, etc.) and posing as that individual to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others and involves an imbalance of power.

“Hazing” is defined any intentional or reckless act which endangers the physical health or safety of a student, or is meant to induce pain or humiliation, or that results in property damage or theft and is directed against another student or students, for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate.

"Harassment" is defined as Behavior toward or between students based on any personal characteristic described above which substantially interferes with a student's school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Harassment can arise from a broad range of physical or verbal behavior that can include, but not be limited to: physical or mental abuse, racial insults, ethnic or religious slurs, unwelcome sexual advances or touching, sexual comments or jokes, sexually explicit derogatory statements or discriminating remarks that are offensive or objectionable to the recipient or which cause the recipient discomfort, humiliation or which interfere with the recipient's academic performance.

On Tuesday, October 10th, our Family Consumer Science classes (Foods 2 and Multicultural Foods), teamed up with our Latinos Unidos club and SP East's Latinos Unidos to put on an incredible experience for our 5th grade Otter neighbors from Meadowview. The 5th grade students walked over to West where they teamed with their "big kid cooks" to make (and eat) homemade tortillas and watch dancing from across Latin America from the United East and West Latino Student Unions. The 5th graders even got to get up and join in the fun. Check out this testimonial from one of our Wolf students and check out these awesome pictures of the inter-age, inter-school collaboration and fun.

Pip pip, hooray! There's new life in the ag room! Our Large Animal Science students have worked hard incubating eggs throughout the last 3 weeks. They have tracked data at each step, candled the eggs and saw embryonic movement, and today, met their chicks for the first time. Students will continue to work with these chicks, monitor their health, and experience their growth stages. Welcome to the agriculture room little buddies.

Congratulations to the following students for being selected for the 2024 State Honors Band and Orchestra: Chris Kopotic - Trumpet, Logan Kostelac - Tuba, Bella Horan - Euphonium, Gabby Horan - Flute, Gwen Severson - Violin, Asha Sundarum - Flute and Quentin Whitmore - Trombone. These students will be performing as a part of the state music convention later this month.

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.

As we head into the winter months, more and more scholarship applications will be available. Make it habit to visit our SP West Scholarship page HERE. We will post scholarships that we receive information on that are most applicable to our students. Check it out.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!