Principal's Newsletter-November-2024
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
The first quarter has come to a close and report cards will be posted to the portal in a couple of days. This year we have begun adding new comment choices linked to our work on the Core Competencies. Our goal is to continue to add more comments throughout the year that can provide more specific feedback to students and parents in specific skill areas. In addition to some of our standard comments, teachers may now use comments that relate directly to Communication Skills, Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Social Skills, and Self-Management Skills.
Additionally, I wanted to also highlight that both Math and ELA teachers, once again, administered the STAR Assessment. This assessment is a helpful tool for gauging student readiness in both reading and math proficiency. The STAR Assessment is applicable to grades 9-11 and is specific to course-level work. For example, the STAR Assessment is used in Math to gauge readiness for coursework in Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. The full assessment is used as a diagnostic tool by teachers to evaluate areas of focus for the upcoming year. The student results are posted on the parent portal.
Fall athletics, while coming to a close for some teams, is moving into post-season play for others. The fall season was an impressive one on many fronts.
- Post-season play continues for our undefeated Varsity Football squad as Westlake will host the first round of sectional play against Nanuet today at 6:00 pm.
- Varsity Volleyball won in Round 1 of Sectional play and Game 2 is Saturday, November 2 at Blindbrook HS at 1:00 pm.
- Varsity Cheerleading heads to sectionals on November 3 at Arlington High School.
- Varsity Cross Country will be heading to Section I Championship at Bowdoin Park on November 9 at 11:00 am.
Congratulations to all our fall athletes! Let’s cheer on our Wildcats in post-season play!
The winter sports season is right around the corner with sports clearance underway.
Fall Drama
November is also time for our Westlake Players to shine with their fall drama. This year’s production of You Can’t Take It With You promises to be yet another incredible performance by our young thespians under the direction of Toni and Michael Williams. Mark your calendars for show dates November 22, 23 and 24. We hope to see you at one of the shows.
Yearbook Reminder for Seniors:
From the WHS YEARBOOK STAFF....
Class of 2025! Time to make your yearbook!
Use the links below to submit Senior Quotes, Baby Photos, and Remember When! Seniors must be signed into their school email to fill out forms.
The last day to submit is Wednesday, 11/6/2024
- Senior Quotes https://forms.gle/
R4PP6m3XR88iSEpF9 - Remember When (optional) https://forms.gle/
YrkkjtoFkoS4UXKj9 - Baby Photos (optional) https://forms.gle/
feoSBEjjKLyrBJcK7
Questions? - please email whsyearbook@mtplcsd.org
November Events
Friday, November 1 WHS Quarter 1 Ends
Monday, November 4 WHS Underclassmen Photo Makeup - Auditorium
Tuesday, November 5 Superintendent’s Conference Day -- School Closed
Thursday, November 7 WHS Quarter 1 Report Cards posted to the Parent Portal by end of day
Monday, November 11 Veteran’s Day - School Closed
November 22 - 24 Westlake HS Drama - You Can’t Take It With You - Auditorium
November 27 - 29 Half day - November 27 - Dismissal 11:15 am
Thanksgiving Recess - Nov. 28-29 - School Closed
Regards,
Keith Schenker