Warrior Connection - april 5

This year at West Minico, we have spent a great deal of time talking with students about what it means to be a Warrior. Being a Warrior is about showing courage, determination, and heart—especially when things are challenging. It means doing the right thing, staying strong, and supporting others.

If you have ever been in our building during passing periods or lunch, you know how busy it can feel with over 500 students moving at once. At times, it can feel chaotic, and we do continue to work through some areas of concern, including ongoing challenges in the boys’ bathroom. Even with those moments, I want you to know how proud I am of our students. I truly believe we have the best kids, and I am grateful to you for raising such great young people and sharing them with us each day.

We are also working through a small increase in students bringing items to school that are more like toys than tools for learning. We will be providing clear guidelines for what is considered an appropriate fidget. As a reminder, if an item becomes a distraction or is being played with, it will be considered a toy and may be taken. It may be helpful to remind your student to leave those items at home.

Finally, 8th grade students will begin ISAT testing this week with the Science assessment. It is very important that students are at school and on time during testing days. Being present and starting the day in a calm, routine way helps students feel more confident and perform their best.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Johnson

Principal

West Minico Middle School

April 6

• After School Tutoring 3:50-5:00

April 7

• 8th Grade Science ISAT 7:50 AM-9:30 AM
• Warrior Wellness Crew 3:50-5:00
• PTO Meeting 4:00

April 8

• After School Tutoring 3:50-5:00
• Track Meet @ South Hills

April 9

• Warrior Wellness Crew 3:50-5:00

We are excited to share that our 8th grade students will be participating in Reality Town this year—a hands-on simulation designed to help students experience the financial responsibilities of adulthood. During this event, students will take on the role of a 30-year-old adult with a career, salary, and family situation, and will work through budgeting for real-life expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, and more.

To make this experience possible, we are seeking volunteers to help run business booths throughout the event. Reality Town will take place on May 7, 2026, at West Minico Middle School. Volunteers will receive training the morning of the event, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please scan the QR code included or contact Khali Vandever at kvandever@minidokaschools.org.

We appreciate your support in helping provide meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for our students!

We are beginning ISAT testing and are excited for our students to show the growth they’ve made this year. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and progress.

Attendance and punctuality are especially important on testing days. Arriving on time helps students avoid make-up sessions and ensures they can test in a calm, focused environment. Please also make sure your student brings their laptop fully charged each day of testing.

Testing Dates:

• 8th Grade Science: April 7 at 7:50 AM
• ELA (All Grades): April 21–23
• Math (All Grades): April 28–29

To help your student do their best, we encourage:

• A good night’s sleep before each testing day
• A healthy breakfast
• Arriving at school on time and ready to go
• Encouragement and a positive mindset

We are proud of the hard work our students have put in this year and look forward to celebrating their success!

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, attendance continues to be one of the most important factors in student success. Every day at school matters—not just for learning new content, but for building routines, staying connected, and finishing strong. We encourage families to help students show up on time, ready to learn, and committed to making the most of each day. Let’s work together to keep our students engaged, present, and prepared, because every minute truly counts at West Minico.

Our 2025–2026 yearbook has been sent to print, and we have purchased a limited number of additional copies for families. We currently have 50 yearbooks available, which will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

If you would like to ensure your student receives a yearbook during the last week of school, we encourage you to purchase as soon as possible.

Yearbooks are $28 and can be purchased online through PaySchools or in the school office.

Don’t miss the opportunity to capture and remember this school year!