THE HOWL
Monday, October 5th, 2026
Dear families,
Help Us Celebrate Our Outstanding Students!
Every day, we see our students making great choices, showing leadership, and putting incredible effort into their academics. Our recent data has shown a significant difference in attendance, positive behaviors and a huge reduction in vaping. To recognize and celebrate these positive behaviors, we are expanding our Student Reward System through our Timber Tokens program. We would love your support!
We are currently seeking donations to stock our reward program and keep our students motivated throughout the year. If you are able to contribute, here are a few ways to help:
Gift Cards: Small denominations (5–15) to places high schoolers love, such as local coffee shops, fast food restaurants, movie theaters, or Amazon.
Rewarding Items: Individually wrapped snacks, school spirit gear, electronics accessories, or other fun items teenagers appreciate.
Cash Contributions: These funds allow us to purchase specific, highly-requested items or fund larger prize drawings for the students.
Physical donations can be dropped off at the main office during regular school hours, and monetary contributions can be made to Sun Prairie West High School.
Thank you so much for your continued partnership and for helping us create a positive, encouraging environment for all our students. We truly appreciate our incredible parent community!
Peg Shoemaker
Principal
College Rep Visits
Representatives from the following colleges will be in Student Services during WIN time this week. Sign up in FlexiSched with Mrs. Griffin.
Wednesday, October 7 - Harris-Stowe State University (HBCU)
Thursday, October 8 - Madison College
Student ID's
Do you need a new student ID for our new ID policy and check in procedure? We are now able to print ID's in the front office. If you had a photo taken at registration or picture retake day and have misplaced your ID then a replacement ID can be reprinted for you. A fee of $5 will be entered in Infinite Campus. Once the fee is paid the ID will be printed and left in the front office for you to pick up before/after school, during passing time, or during your lunch period. If you still need a photo taken this year you will receive a link to schedule a time to come to the front office to have a photo taken and an ID printed. DO NOT come to the front office without an appointment or during instructional time! Please email Tina Schwersinske @ tmschwe@sunprairieschools.org to request an ID
Wisconsin Education Fair
On Thursday, October 15th, juniors and seniors have the option to attend the Wisconsin Education Fair during the school day, where they will have a chance to meet with over 80 College/University representatives. Students can gather valuable information from 4 year schools, 2 year schools, military and specialty schools. Here is a LIST of the schools attending.
Juniors and Seniors will attend from 9am-9:45am
Students should register HERE
Once registered students will receive a barcode. Students will use that barcode when communicating with the representatives. This way the schools can send follow up material.
**This will be a one time exception for students to use their cell phones during class time. Students can also choose to use their chromebook to access their barcode.
All bags must be left in block 1
Traveling juniors and seniors are welcome to attend and should start the day in room 1202 so we can take their attendance
Read-Along Corner 📖
Welcome to the official launch of our Anxious Generation read-along! As our staff dives into the Introduction and Chapter 1, we are thrilled to have you reflecting alongside us.
In this opening section, Jonathan Haidt lays out the core transformation that has reshaped modern childhood over the last decade and a half.
🗝️TL;DR- Key Takeaway: Around 2010–2015, youth mental health experienced a dramatic shift. As smartphones with front-facing cameras and high-speed internet became ubiquitous, a "play-based childhood" rooted in real-world independence was rapidly replaced by a "phone-based childhood." He asserts that overprotection in the real world and under protection in the online world has caused an increasingly anxious generation.
💬 Table Talk Question: "When you think back to your own middle or high school years, what unsupervised real-world experience helped you build confidence?"
⚡ Try This Week: The Dinner Table Rule. Pick one meal this week where all devices—including adults'—are stored completely out of sight so everyone can be fully present.
College Goal WI
SENIORS - Do you need FAFSA help? College Goal WI is Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m. in SP East’s LMC. Financial aid experts will be available to offer support as you fill out the FAFSA. All attendees are entered into a drawing through College Goal WI to earn a scholarship!
It is highly recommended that both the dependent student and a parent/caregiver attend the event together so that the FAFSA can be submitted that evening. Things to bring with you:
Your own device (chromebook or laptop)
FSA IDs for both the student and parent/guardian. You must have this before completing the FAFSA. You can create one here.
2025 Federal Tax Return and W2s.
2025 untaxed income records (if applicable)
Driver’s license
Social Security Number, Alien Registration Card or Permanent Resident Card
Date of birth for parents
Month and year of parents’ marriage, divorce or separation
* If you can’t attend College Goal WI, check out these resources and video guide for filling out the FAFSA form.
