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West Side Story 2.0

January 21, 2025

West SideStory 2.0 January 21, 2025

Finals Week

As we approach the end of the semester, I want to take a moment to share some updates about finals week. This important time allows students to demonstrate their learning and growth over the term. Finals will take place Thursday and Friday, with a modified schedule to ensure students have adequate time to focus on their exams.

Please encourage your student to prepare by reviewing their notes, getting plenty of rest, eating healthy and staying positive. Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students' success.

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Thursday

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Friday

Registration for the 2025-26 School Year

Although we are just getting to the end of first semester, it's time to look forward to the exciting possibilities that the next academic year holds. Registration will take place in February.


Choosing your courses is a crucial step in shaping your high school experience and preparing for your future endeavors. We have a diverse range of classes that cater to various interests, learning styles, and aspirations.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you begin the registration process:

  1. Explore Your Options: Take the time to reflect on your information in Xello. Consider your interests, future goals, and any academic requirements you need to fulfill.

  2. Seek Guidance: Our staff is here to assist you in making informed decisions. Feel free to reach out to them for advice, clarification, or any questions you may have about the registration process.

  3. Plan for Success: Think strategically about your course load. Balance your schedule to challenge yourself while ensuring a healthy workload that allows you to excel academically.

  4. Embrace New Challenges: Consider stepping out of your comfort zone by exploring courses that pique your curiosity. High school is an excellent time to discover new interests and talents.

  5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for communication from the school regarding registration deadlines, information sessions, and any additional resources that may aid you in the process.

We look forward to partnering with you in creating a fulfilling and enriching academic experience for the upcoming school year. Your education is the foundation of your future success, and we are here to support you every step of the way.


9th - 11th Grade Registration Presentations

Counselors will be meeting with each grade level to give an overview of the registration process during the first week of February. As the semester comes to a close, teachers will be sharing with students which classes are available in their departments, and which interests/strengths line up with different courses.


Mark Your Calendar: Registration Open House - Students and Families grades 9-11

Thursday, February 13, we will hold a registration open house from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Teachers will be available in their departments to share information about the courses they teach and to answer questions. Each department will have an information table in their hallway with information about the classes they offer and information about clubs and activities.

We will also be holding mini-sessions on dual enrollment courses, work based learning, and AVID. Details will be coming soon in regard to time and location of each session.

At 6:00pm, in the auditorium, we will be having a registration meeting for our DMMS families who will have freshmen next year. Anyone who is interested in hearing more about the registration process is welcome to attend.


Registration Window

The registration window will open in Infinite Campus on Monday, February 3rd and will close on Tuesday, February 18th. We want to give students and families ample time to make informed decisions around course registration. Once the window closes, students are not able to make changes to their requests. Student registration requests drive our staffing process and determine which courses will run the following year.

AVID

The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Elective is a unique course that is designed to help students develop essential skills for college and career readiness, including time management, critical thinking, organization, and effective study habits. In AVID, you will learn how to maximize your potential in high school and unlock future success. In AVID, students build confidence, improve collaboration skills, and gain access to a supportive community focused on achieving goals.

If you are a student interested in achieving everything you can in high school and already have your sights set on big goals after graduation, AVID is the perfect class for you. Students in the AVID Elective class are encouraged to enroll in advanced and challenging courses so that they can practice building confidence in their work, managing responsibilities, and practicing overcoming difficult and challenging situations.


AVID isn't just a class—it's an opportunity to dream big, plan ahead, and take charge of your future.

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Scarlet Pride on Display at the Xcel Energy Center

Our boys' hockey team faced an unexpected challenge during the Duluth Tournament when their sticks were stolen, leaving them unable to compete. However, in true Minnesota "State of Hockey" spirit, the community has rallied around our team, with support from the Minnesota Wild paving the way for an exciting resolution.

We are thrilled to announce that the game has been rescheduled and will take place at the Xcel Energy Center on February 10th. The puck drops at 7:00 PM, and admission is free. This is a fantastic opportunity to show our Scarlet Pride and fill the X with support for our team.

More details will follow, but let’s come together to celebrate our players and this special event.

Go Scarlets!

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When to Stay Home When Sick

If a student exhibits the following symptoms, they should stay home, as their illness may hinder their ability to participate in school and could potentially spread infection to other students and staff.


  • Fever, including a fever with a new rash.

  • Vomiting in the preceding 24 hours.

  • Diarrhea that is greater than two bowel movements in a 24-hour period.

  • Skin sores that are draining fluid or an unexplainable rash on the body.

  • Respiratory virus symptoms that are worsening or not improving and not better explained by another cause such as seasonal allergies.


Students can return to the school setting when:


  • The child has not had a fever (and is not using fever-reducing medicine) for at least 24 hours.

  • Vomiting has been resolved for 24 hours.

  • Diarrhea has improved, the child is having no more than 2 bowel movements per 24-hour period.

  • Uncovered skin sores are crusting, and the child is under treatment from a provider. The rash has been evaluated by a healthcare provider and treated as necessary.

  • Respiratory virus symptoms are getting better overall for at least 24 hours.



Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “When Students or Staff are Sick.” August 2024.


**Please call or email the attendance line when your student is sick and will miss school.**

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Green Out!

Mental Health Connections with the West Boys Basketball team is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Night on January 28th at 7:30 pm. To support mental health we will be having a Green Out. Please attend the game wearing green to support awareness around mental health and wellness.

Mental Health Connections will be selling T-shirts for 10.00 each!

Mankato West Robotics Team

West High Robotics Teams Shine at St. Cloud Tournament

January 4th was a day to remember for West Robotics, as our teams delivered outstanding performances at the St. Cloud tournament. Despite technical challenges and a few tough matches, our students showcased determination, creativity, and skill, bringing home top honors and proving once again why Mankato West Robotics is a force to be reckoned with in the robotics world.


The highlight of the day was when two West teams - Llamas and Immortal - formed an alliance that went home as Tournament Champions! This incredible achievement demonstrates not only the individual strength of our teams but also their ability to collaborate and strategize under pressure.


The Llamas team didn’t stop at the Tournament Champion award. They also earned the coveted Excellence Award, the highest honor in any robotics competition. This award goes beyond tournament results, recognizing teams that excel in every facet of the competition, including their performance on the field, judges' recommendations, the quality of their engineering notebook, and their professionalism during interviews.

This wasn’t the Llamas’ first Excellence Award either. They also earned this top accolade at the MSU Mankato Tournament in December, making their consistent performance a point of pride for our entire program.


Another West team, Whisper, received the Innovate Award for their creative and well-documented approach to robot design and gameplay strategy. The award highlights a design or strategy that stands out for its effectiveness and ingenuity, and Whisper’s attention to detail paid off in a big way.


Congratulations to all our teams for their incredible achievements. With such talent and determination, the rest of the season promises to be just as exciting!

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The Llamas and Immortal

Carter James (senior), Jacob Goblirsch (senior), Luke Haggerty ( senior ), and Evan Honken ( senior ). Also led by students on Immortal: Max Spriggs (sophomore), Chase Rademaker (sophomore), Chase Chronic, (freshmen), and Colten LIndsay (freshmen).

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Whisper

Sam Anderson (sophomore) , Zichun Lin (Junior) , Jack Morgan (sophomore) , Jaxon Parker (Junior) , Logan Peters (Junior), and Prith Ray (Junior).

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Student Council Fundraiser

No need to cook on February 4th! It's the Student Council Chipotle fundraiser from 5-9pm and the North Mankato location.

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West/East Booster Club Raffle Tickets

These funds help to build our high school booster club programs. The money raised goes a long way to enhancing the Activities experience for our participating students.

$20.00 per ticket

Please contact West coaches for tickets or visit the West Activities Office.

Tickets will also be available at the Basketball Games on February 18.

Drawing February 18, 2025

Prizes drawn during Boys & Girls Basketball games at MSU- Top 4 prizes will be announced during half-time of the boys game. Need not be present to win.

GRAND PRIZE $5,000

List of Cash Prizes

(1) $5000, (1) $2500, (2) $1000, (3) $500, (3) $250, (20) $100, (25) $50

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Yearbook Ordering

​The 2025 yearbook is now on sale. The yearbook staff is working hard to tell the story of all the students this year making this book a one-of-a-kind. Don't miss out on all the great memories!

School ID: 723781

https://mankatowestyearbooks.weebly.com/

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Senior Corner

Grad Pictures for Yearbook

Grad pictures, due date & forms- MARCH 3RD

Submit your Senior Forms in the google form listed below

https://forms.gle/K9CiyjqUTfLoexQT8


Scholarship Opportunity - Message from Gustavus

New this year, Gustavus is offering one Mankato West High School senior a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, housing, meals, and fees—a chance to pursue their degree at Gustavus without financial barriers.

We value our local community and want to celebrate the achievements of students, both inside and outside of the classroom, right here in our hometown. All a student needs to do is apply to Gustavus by February 15 to be considered. No additional scholarship application is required.

Counseling Office

Click here to see the most recent Counseling Office updates.

Upcoming Events

January 21st

Girls Basketball VS. Albert Lea @ 7:30 pm

January 23rd

1st Day of Finals

Boys Hockey VS. Faribault @ 5:15 pm

Swim & Dive VS. Owatonna @ 6:30 pm

Girls Basketball VS. Owatonna @ 7:30 pm

January 24th

2nd Day of Finals & Last day of 1st Semester

January 27th

NO SCHOOL

January 28th

1st Day of 2nd Semester

Adapted Floor Hockey- Franklin Elementary School @ 4:30 pm

Girls Hockey VS. Willmar @ 5:15 pm

Swim & Dive VS. New Prague @ 6:30 pm

Boys Basketball VS. Faribault @ 7:30 pm

January 30th

Wrestling VS. EAST @ 7:00 pm

Girls Hockey VS. Northfield @ 7:15 pm

January 31st

Gymnastics VS. Winona @ 6:30 pm

Girls Basketball VS. Rochester Mayo @ 7:30 pm

February 1st

Girls Hockey VS. Rochester Mayo @ 4:15 pm

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