The Howl
As we all know, our community is going through a difficult time. As we approach August, we remain committed to preparing our scholars, staff, and community for the 2025-26 school year.
In addition to focusing on academics, this will mean providing support when it comes to healing, rebuilding trust, and restoring relationships. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more details on our next steps as a learning community.
This week's Howl is focused on lots of important information of things to watch for and dates to mark on your calendar as we approach the start of the school year.
In the Howl this week:
- Upcoming Events
- Grading Shifts
- No Cell Bell-to-Bell
- Leaders of the Pack
- Registration
- Keys to Success
- Welcome Back Wolves Night
- Bell Schedule and A/B Schedule
- Fall Sports
- School Supplies
- Welcome New Staff
- Summer HIghlights
August 5th- Football Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
August 11th- Girls Golf Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
August 12th-
- Girls Swim and Dive Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
- Girls Tennis Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
August 16th-
- Community 5K- 8:00am and 8:30am
August 18th-
- Boys and Girls Cross Country Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
- Boys Soccer Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
- Boys and Girls Volleyball Begins. Reach out to Ms. Ripp to join.
- Registration- North Gym- All students and their parents/caregivers 8:00am-4:00pm
August 19th- Registration- North Gym- All students and their parents/caregivers 8:00am-4:00pm
August 20th- Jazz Kick Off at East 6-9pm. Click Here to register.
August 21st-
- Keys to Success for incoming 9th graders and new students. West PAC 9:00am-11:00am
- Jazz Kick Off at East 6-9pm. Click Here to register.
August 25th- All Staff Return
August 27th- Welcome Back Wolves Night! 6:00pm-8:00pm
September 2nd- First Day of School!!!
September 3rd- Fall Musical: Guys and Dolls- Auditions 4-6pm
September 4th- Fall Musical: Guys and Dolls- Auditions 4-6pm
October 13th-17th- Homecoming Week!
Another area where students and families will see some adjustments is around our cell phone and electronic device policy. While the policy around devices has always been that they should be off and stored away, we have found that the implementation of that policy has been inconsistent. This year a strong focus of our school culture will be limiting distractions during instructional time.
We understand this is a "hot" topic currently in our schools and we will also be sending out more information and the changes families will see and what students can expect as we near the start of the school year.
Do YOU want to be a Leader of the Pack? Leaders of the Pack is open to any West Wolf that strives to embody PACK each and every day and is ready to step up as a leader for our community. Activities for leaders of the pack include: serving on Student Senate, volunteering at school wide events, giving school tours, being a buddy for new students and being a guide for our incoming 9th graders. Sign up today!
Calling ALL incoming 9th graders and new students to SP West. Keys to Success will be held at West High School on Thursday, August 21st from 9:00am-11:00am at West High School. This is an opportunity for students to be welcomed into West, get to know the building and start created connections with staff and students. ALL new students and incoming 9th graders are welcome! We are excited to see you there! Haven't registered yet? No problem. Please register TODAY.
Join us for a Back to School Night: Welcome Back Wolves Night! This evening held before school on August 28th from 6:00pm-8:00pm provides an opportunity for community building, meeting teachers, launch of expectations and vision for 2024-2025 school year. More details to come but mark your calendar for a fantastic night of community as we continue to build and rebuild One West.
At the High School level we do not have a standard school supply list. Many teachers will let your teachers know any specific materials they will need for class during the first couple of days. To start the year please have your student bring a notebook/s, pens/pencils and their Chromebook (more information on Chromebooks to come). As we implement our new Bell-to-Bell No Cell practices this year it is essential that every student has a charged Chromebook every day. Many students also benefit from having a binder/s to organize their materials.
Nick and Asha
Asha Sundaram and Nick Ruplinger recently toured Spain with a group of Wisconsin Musicians. Note - for any of you following Nick’s career the piccolo is just a prop, he was involved as a percussionist!
