Apr 10, 2017 - in your cell phone's app store ..... of a new ID and lanyard at replacement cost. .... website or mobile
Summer 2016
whhs.whschools.org
Monday Aug. 29 First day of school 7:30 am—1:45 pm Full day of classes
Sept. 13, 6-8 pm · Visit classes · Meet teachers · Learn about curriculum · Get involved
Bus schedules were mailed on postcards to students eligible for busing. Routes are also on our school website at whhs.whschools.org and on the West Haven Public Schools free cell phone app.
Students with class schedule concerns should email
[email protected].
· WHHS website: whhs.whschools.org · App: search West Haven Public Schools in your cell phone’s app store
· Facebook: West Haven Public Schools · Twitter & Instagram: @whschools
Welcome, freshmen! Freshman Orientation: Aug. 22, 8-11 a.m. Students entering grade 9 are invited to attend orientation at WHHS to get acquainted with the school, pick up class schedules, and learn about support services and the Freshman Academy. Meet and greet with teachers, school tour, snacks, raffle, class and lunch info, assistance from Peer Advocate students (who also help on the first day of school), scavenger hunt, get your school ID photo taken.
West Haven High School bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2016 June 13, awarding diplomas to more than 350 seniors who together completed nearly 17,000 hours of community service, and were awarded more than $125,000 in scholarships from WHHS and local groups. Grads are now heading to colleges like Yale University, the University of New Haven, Morehouse University and Southern Connecticut State University, trade schools, the military or the workforce. 1
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Cut & Keep
2016-2017 Calendar
(Any dates are subject to change.)
August 22
Freshman Orientation – 8am – 11am
April 20
Spring Band Concert, 7:30pm
August 29
First Day of School (FULL day)
April 27
Jazz Band Concert, 7pm
September 14
Back to School Night
May 1-5
Teacher Appreciation Week
September 26 – 30
Spirit Week
May
Sidewalk Art Field Trip
September 27
8th Grade Open House (tent)
May
K-12 Fine Arts Festival (SRCC)
September 30
Pep Rally
May 6
SAT (at WHHS)
October 1
SAT (at WHHS)
May 1
October 5
College/Career Fair, 6:30-8:30
AP – Chem, Psych Environmental Sciences
October 6-7
Peer Advocate Retreat
May 2
AP – Art History, Physics 1
October 19
PSAT for Gr. 9-11 **Special Schedule**
May 3
AP – Eng Lit, Physics 2
May 5
AP – US History
October 26
Parent’s Visiting – No School
May 8
AP – Biology
October 22
Children’s Theater – 10am, 11:30am
May 9
AP – Calculus
October 29
Fall Festival, Trick or Trunk & Car Show
May 10
AP – Government, Statistics
November 5
SAT (at WHHS)
May 11
AP – Human Geography
November 8
Election Day (no school for students)
May 15
Academic Awards Ceremony
December 1-3
Lend me a Tenor – Fall Play – 7:30pm
May 17
Choral Concert
December 7
Choral Concert
May 18
WHHS Honors Awards
December 9
DECA Winter Wonderland Dance
May 19
Top Twenty Luncheon
December 22
Holiday Band Concert
May 22
Senior Scholarship Night (tent)
December 24 -Jan. 2 Winter Recess
May 23
Adult Ed Graduation
January
Alumni Day
May 25
Senior Prom, Cascade, 6-11pm
January 17-20
Midterm Exams (tent.)
Senior Finals (tent)
January 21
Children’s Theater – 10 &11:30am
May 31, June 1-2, 5
February 20-21
Mid-Year Break
June 1-2, 5-6 Underclass Final Exams (tent)
March
Connecticut SAT
June 1
Senior Band Concert
March 22
Parent’s Visiting Night (Early Dismissal)
June 8
Last Day of School (tent)
March 23-25
Spring Musical, Annie
June 8
Graduation (tent)
April 6-7
Children’s Theatre 10am, 12:15pm
June 8-9
Project Graduation (tent)
April 10-14
Spring Recess 3
Dear WHHS families: It’s already that time again as we prepare for the start of a new school year and welcome back staff and students to WHHS. As summer draws to a close, students should be completing any summer assignments they were given. The first day of school is Monday, August 29, and it is a full day of classes. See the full school bell schedule toward the back of this newsletter, and be sure to keep the calendars of events on the two previous pages. There will be lots going on this year, and we’re excited to have you join us at our many events and programs! I encourage you to pay special attention to the information below this note about our school’s NEASC self-study. Our school is conducting this as part of our NEASC accreditation review process. This is very important to our school and to making improvements that will benefit students and staff for years to come. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey on our school for this self-study last spring. I also hope our students have been reading over the summer. I provided information to the right about where to find book suggestions and the forms we are asking students to submit on each book they read. Info is also on the WHHS website. I look forward to meeting our 9th-graders at Freshman Orientation on August 22, and to seeing all of our returning students on the first day of school. Remember, this is a great time to make a fresh start—whether that’s committing more time to classwork, joining a new club, or launching your own community service project. Let us know how we can help. Have a great rest of your summer. See you August 29th! Sincerely, Pamela B. Gardner, Principal
Principal, D122 Mrs. Gardner (203) 937-4360 x7109
[email protected] Assistant Principal, E105 Mrs. Paredes (203) 937-4360 x7110
[email protected] Assistant Principal, A-F, Grades 10-12, D115 Mr. DellaCamera (203) 937-4360 x7139
[email protected] Assistant Principal, G-N, Grades 10-12, D127 Mr. Shand (203) 937-4360 x7107
[email protected] Assistant Principal, O-Z, Grades 10-12 Mrs. Robles (203) 937-4360 x7103
[email protected] Absence line: 203-931-6899
Residency Hotline Anyone knowing of a family not residing in West Haven but attending our schools is asked to call 203-937-4300. Anonymity will be honored.
Summer Reading All WHHS students should have completed some summer reading while on break. Book suggestions can be found on our website whhs.whschools.org. Students are to fill out and submit a short online form (also on the WHHS website) about the books they have read.
Parents needed for WHHS School Governance Council WHHS needs YOU to serve on its School Governance Council for the 2016-2017 school year. Your commitment is 6 meetings a year at a time decided upon by the School Governance Council. Email
[email protected] if you are interested or would like to nominate someone. School Governance Councils were created by the state’s recent education reform law to enable parents, school staff, students and community leaders to work together to improve student achievement in the state’s schools. School Governance Councils serve in an advisory capacity and are charged with assisting the school administration in making programmatic and operational changes to improve the school’s achievement. 4
Through our partnership with the University of New Haven, WHHS students are offered a number of free spots in the college's summer camps and academies on topics like math, forensics, robotics and engineering. WHHS students like Ian Cooke and Johana Pena (pictured) attended sessions on the UNH campus this summer, getting the chance to learn with students from other schools, states and even countries, use advanced computer software and 3D printers, work with UNH professors, and preview a college environment.
UNH SUMMER SESSIONS Ask your school counselor about more free UNH opportunities for WHHS students.
SCIENCE
STEM
Senior selected for Yale’s Discovery to Cure
Biomedical Science added
Rising senior Alice Li was accepted to Yale's highly competitive Discovery to Cure High School Internship program and spent the summer working in biomedical laboratories while learning about careers in science and medicine. Discovery to Cure focuses on prevention, early detection and treatment of women's reproductive cancers. Alice conducted research with a mentor, gave a presentation on her findings, and heard lectures from Yale physicians, scientists and special guests.
The WHHS’ STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Department has added a Biomedical Science course to its offerings this year. Principles of Biomedical Science will allow students to explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. They will investigate medical history and treatments that could have prolonged the character’s life. They will also design their own experiments. For more information on the course or WHHS STEM program, contact Department Chair Eric Rice at
[email protected].
SOCIAL STUDIES Judge/WHHS alumnus visits students for Law Day Connecticut Superior Court Judge Peter Brown, a WHHS graduate of the Class of 1980, visited social studies students in the spring in honor of Law Day, which honored the 50th anniversary of Miranda Rights. When he was a student at WHHS, Brown was in the band and president of the Student Government. In addition to serving as a judge since 2004, he is also a professor of criminal law at the University of New Haven. Assistant State's Attorney Marjorie Sozanski and Supervisory Assistant Public Defender Paul Eschuk joined the judge at WHHS to discuss their jobs and Miranda Rights. 5
WRITING Creative Writing Club Creative Writing Club will meet Sept. 22 in F211 with Mrs. Ficaro for new and returning members who love to write.
An audition information meeting will be in the Little Theatre Sept. 12 right after school. Auditions are Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. We’re looking for 4 men and 4 women. All roles are open; no prior experience is necessary. For more info, see Stage Manager Devin Pascale, ASM/Crew Chief Karen Cacaeres or Mrs. Maher.
THEATRE WORKSHOP Coming to the WHHS stage this winter:
Lend Me A Tenor Dates: Dec. 1, 2 & 3 ……..7:30 p.m. Dec. 3……………..2:00 p.m. (matinee free for senior citizens)
Tickets: $8 in advance $10 at the door $5 students (including college) with ID
A Cleveland opera company is welcoming a world-renowned tenor. Through a hilarious series of mishaps, the star is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out, with some thinking he is dead. A last-minute replacement is tasked with taking the stage and fooling the audience into thinking he's the famous tenor. The show is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE
BAND
The WHHS Children’s Theatre will present “Mother Goose—A Comedy!” by Patricia Barry Rumble this fall. The
WHHS band students were treated to Bach, Beethoven and Mozart in the spring at the Young People's Concert by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra at Yale's Woolsey Hall. The interactive show also broke down beats and notes to show youngsters what goes into composing a piece of music. This is the second year in a row West Haven schools have attended the symphony.
world-famous, fun-loving Mother Goose is now retired in Mother Goose Resort Spa, where she has time to keep active and pursue her favorite hobbies. She’s really into sports and fitness and gets tweets and texts, and even letters, from children all over the world who want to know how she got the ideas for her nursery rhymes. Assisted by the stage manager, she uses comedy sketches and audience participation to show how her nursery rhymes and characters came about. With energetic new twists — including a daredevil Humpty Dumpty, a suspicious Bo Peep, and a dancercising Mrs. Sprat — Mother Goose skates, jogs, and scuba-dives her way into your hearts.
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
When: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Where: WHHS Little Theatre Admission: kids 12 and under are free; all others are $5 at the door
GLEE CLUB Glee Club Meeting This year’s first meeting of the Glee Club is Sept. 20 in F211 with Mrs. Ficaro for new and returning members who love to sing.
CAST, SET MATERIALS & PRICES
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WHHS band and art students showcased their work in the school district’s annual Fine Arts Festival at the Savin Rock Conference Center. Students also created Disney chalk drawings outside on the Savin Rock boardwalk.
Fall Sport Start Dates
Participation Reminders
SPORT
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
Football
Aug. 19
9 am
WHHS - Ken All candidates Strong Stadium including freshman
Volleyball
Aug. 25
2:30pm
WHHS Gym
Swimming - Girls Aug. 25
2 pm
WHHS Pool
Soccer - Boys
Aug. 25
7:30am
WHHS - Ken All candidates Strong Stadium including freshman
Soccer - Girls
Aug. 25
7 am
Painter Park soccer field
All candidates including freshman
Cross Country Boys & Girls
Aug. 25
9 am
WHHS - Elliot Marnell Track
All candidates including freshman
All
student-athletes must be cleared by a sports physical before the start of try-outs.
Medical
forms must be submitted to the Athletic Office before you can participate.
For
more information, contact Athletic Director Jon Capone:
[email protected]
STUDENTS
All candidates including freshman All candidates including freshman
Sports
schedules can be accessed through the WHHS website (whhs.whschools.org) under the Athletics tab, or on the school district’s free cell phone app (search West Haven Public Schools in your cell phone’s app store.
BOYS TENNIS
UNIFIED SPORTS Students Charlie Jefferson and Michelle Ankrah were honored in the spring at the annual Unified Sports Michaels Cup Banquet for their participation in WHHS' Unified Sports program. Unified Sports gives students with special needs a chance to hone their skills in soccer, basketball, track and other sports and work with student “partners,” who are often from other sports teams.
SOFTBALL WHHS boys tennis team members earned the title of Division II SCC champions for the second year in a row in May under the leadership of WHHS teacher and Coach Jason Kirck. The team played Hamden at Yale Tennis Courts. Last year was the first time the team ever won the SCC DII championship.
The press box at WHHS Frank Biondi Softball Field was named for Thomas “Tinker” Blake in a May ceremony at a home softball game. Blake, a 1974 WHHS grad and lifelong Westie who has been involved in multiple West Haven sports programs, attended the ceremony with his family.
FOOTBALL Former WHHS football Coach Ed McCarthy was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame this summer in Louisville. 7
REMINDERS FOR ALL GRADES Students in AP classes are expected to hand in summer assignments on due dates.
Mrs. Patricia Robles with this request. WHHS IDs must be worn and are required to get lunch. Failure to wear one results in the issuance of a new ID and lanyard at replacement cost. Defacing one or wearing/possessing a peer’s will result in disciplinary action.
Parents were mailed and asked to review their student’s school registration info. All students must bring their updates and 2 proofs of residency to school with their name on them by Aug. 29.
Students may not participate in school activities any day they’re absent, including but not limited to: athletics, practices, rehearsals, concerts, performances, class/club activities. (Exceptions may be made with principal’s prior permission.) Students may not join in co-curricular activities during suspension (ISS or OSS) and may not resume participation until the next calendar day.
All students will take school photos in September. Picture forms will be sent home before picture days. See Mrs. Suraci or Ms. Acquarulo with questions. Money is due the day of pictures. Freshmen will have photos taken at orientation. WHHS communicates with families through School Messenger using contact info from Power School. Please update your Power School contact info, including email address.
School property loaned to students, including but not limited to lockers and desks, may be searched anytime. Students are financially responsible for damages stemming from vandalism or malicious or careless behavior. Obligations remain on file until resolved.
Parents who do not want their children approached by U.S. Armed Forces recruiters or to have any communication with their representatives should send a letter to Assistant Principal
FRESHMEN
FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS
Counselor Meeting
Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors to test on October 19
Freshmen will be introduced to their school counselor in small groups in September to hear about graduation requirements and procedures and receive a WHHS Freshman Handbook.
On October 19, sophomores and juniors will take the PSATs at no cost. Taking the PSATs is a great opportunity for students to prepare for the SATs. Juniors could be eligible to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship based on junior year PSAT scores. PSAT results are not officially reported to colleges unless colleges specifically request them senior year. Freshmen will take the 8/9 PSAT on the same day.
FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES
SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS & SENIORS
Physical Exam Requirement
Campus Connection Trip to be Held this Spring
All students in grade nine must complete a physical examination at some point during the year to be in compliance with state law. Without written evidence of a physical examination and adequate immunizations, your child can and will be excluded from school when he or she becomes a sophomore. Contact the school nurse with questions or concerns at 203-937-4360 X7115 or 7113.
The School Counseling Department’s Campus Connection trip will not be held this fall, but will instead be offered this spring. More details will be sent to students and parents later this year.
JUNIORS & SENIORS
College/Career Reps to Visit WHHS College/Career Representatives will continuously visit WHHS throughout the year. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to check Naviance (upcoming visits are located under the college tab) and the Career Center when representatives will be visiting. Registration for College visits must be done via Naviance. 8
College Entrance Exam Information SAT: Seniors considering attending a 4-year college should take the SAT Tests. Students who are interested in highly competitive schools should consider taking the SAT II subject tests. Check with your college of interest as to what SAT II tests they require. Register: www.collegeboard.com School Code: 070910
Students can take the SAT for free if they receive free or reduced lunch. Students can receive their SAT fee waiver in the School Counseling Department.
SAT Test Dates (2016) October 1 (WHHS)
Registration Deadlines September 1
Late Registration Deadlines September 13
November 5 (WHHS)
October 7
October 18
December 3
November 3
November 15
ACT: The ACT has become another option for most college admissions and is recommended. Many students take the ACT to see if they score at a higher level than the SAT. The ACT is more of an academically orientated test compared to the SAT. The ACT is given at nearby schools. Register: www.act.org School Code: 070910 ACT Test Dates (2016)
Registration Deadlines
Late Registration Deadlines
September 10 October 22
August 5
September 16
August 6-19 September 17-30
December 10
November 4
November 5-18
FairTest: The FairTest is the National Center for fair and open testing for college admittance. The website (www.fairtest.org) lists colleges/universities who deemphasize the use of standardized tests by making admission decisions about a substantial numbers of applicants without using the SAT or ACT.
Common Application Workshop
Playing Sports in College
Seniors are invited to Common Application workshops September 22 and 27 and October 6 and 18 during periods 7 and 8. Students must register on Naviance. The Common Application is a universal application used by 500 colleges to date. Students will receive assistance filling out the Common App, as well as the various forms that accompany the application. Once the application is completed, copies of the Common App can be sent to participating colleges.
Students interested in playing sports in college should check their eligibility with the Athletic Department. Students must register with the NCAA to participate in any Division I or Division II sports, or receive athletic scholarships for college.
Counselor Meetings Seniors will be meeting with their school counselor in September and October for portfolio sessions and to start a short list of colleges in which they are interested in applying. Graduation requirements and postsecondary planning will be discussed. Seniors will also sign a contract which will be mailed home regarding their graduation requirements.
College Application Reminders *Students are responsible for contacting the College Board or ACT in order to have their official SAT or ACT Score Reports sent to the colleges to which they are applying. Please note: WHHS does not send SAT/ACT scores to the colleges.
*Students are responsible for notifying School Counseling in a timely manner when completing a college application online by requesting a transcript via Naviance. *All College Application and Letters of Recommendation Request Procedures are in the College Procedural Handbook, which will be given to seniors in September and can be found on the School Counseling page on whhs.whschools.org. 9
NAVIANCE/ Family Connection School Counseling Staff for 2016-2017: Dr. Rose Paolino Mrs. Norma Merced Miss Heather Patch Mrs. Heather Doraz Ms. Dora Barnes Mrs. Deborah Kachmar Mrs. Holly Benedetti Mr. Leonard.Adams
(A-Ba) (Bb-Dao) (Daop-Gum) (Gun-L) (M-Pau) (Pav-Smith) (Sn-Z) Intern
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Scholarships
College/Career Fair
Scholarship info is available in School Counseling and the Career Center. A list of scholarships will be updated on a monthly basis and accessed via Naviance and student email. We encourage students to register with fastweb.com, a scholarship source.
The WHHS College/Career Fair is on October 5 from 6-8:30 p.m. All grades are welcome, but seniors and their parents are especially encouraged to attend. College/career reps and counselors will be available to meet with students.
PowerSchool Parent Portal Parents can become more connected to WHHS and, more importantly, your child’s education, teachers, attendance records, homework and more through PowerSchool Parent Portal. You can email your child’s teacher instantly or check grades. The sign-in to Parent Portal for West Haven schools is www.ps.whschools.org. For assistance, call 203-937-4300 or email
[email protected].
WHHS PTSA The WHHS PTSA had a successful year of senior scholarship fundraising last year, awarding over $5,500 in scholarships. Join now and become eligible for a scholarship when you’re a senior. The PTSA meets on the first Wednesday of every month in the conference room by the Little Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Give us your email for meeting and activity reminders. Parents, students and teachers may join for $7. You don’t have to attend the monthly meetings to be a PTSA member.
http://connection.naviance.com/ westhaven All students must use Naviance and check their email for college and career planning. All college and campus visits, programs, and on-site college interviews will be emailed and posted there. Students may attend events only if registered on Naviance. Freshmen will be introduced to Naviance and Parent Codes will be mailed. For those who already have codes, remember to use Naviance for post-grad plans. Forgot your password? Click “forgot Password” and it will be emailed to you. Announcements for each class will be posted on Family Connection and emailed.
Financial Aid Night Set for November Financial Aid Night at WHHS is Wednesday, November 2, at 7 p.m. There will be a presentation by an expert consultant about FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). In addition, students may access studentaid.com, a reputable website for students and families which provides individual services and a college cost and planning guide.
School Governance Council School Governance Councils enable parents, staff, students and community leaders to improve student achievement. Guided by the WHHS School Climate Plan, the WHHS SGC identified a need for parents to get more involved in their child's schooling and is working toward that goal. The SGC needs new members—please consider getting involved. For more info or to join, email
[email protected] or visit whhs.whschools.org.
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) New and existing members of the School Counseling Parent Advisory Committee are welcome. Call Dr. Rose Paolino at x7118 or email
[email protected] for info. PAC’s goal is to increase communication between parents, school and community in matters of school guidance services. 10
On whhs.whschools.org: *Bus schedules and routes *Daily menus for the cafeteria *WHHS 2016-17 Handbook *Alerts for schedule changes *Teacher webpages *Naviance, Parent Portal links
Tardiness Policy
WHHS Bell Schedule
The first bell rings at 7:26 a.m. Students must be in their period one class before the 7:30 a.m. bell or they are considered tardy. All students entering school after 7:30 a.m. MUST report to the main lobby security desk to sign in and receive a pass to their period one class. Repeat offenders may be assigned an extended (3-hour) detention, a Saturday (4-hour) detention, in-school suspension, and/or referral to attendance committee. Parents will be contacted for a meeting.
Daily Schedule
Advisory Schedule
Food and Drink Policies The WHHS cafeteria has several offerings each day, including: —Made-to-order salad bar —Made-to-order deli bar —Pizza with several different choices —Hot entrée of the day: see online menu —Grill area: chicken patty, hamburger, cheeseburger
Lunch Prices Breakfast Prices
Full pay: $3.25 Full pay: $1.25
Reduced price: $0.40 Reduced price: $0.30
Early Dismissal Schedule
Applications for Free/Reduced Meal prices Please fill out an application as soon as possible (must be before Oct. 1) to determine whether or not you are eligible for free or reduced meal benefits in the National School Lunch Program. This can be found on whhs.whschools.org.
Meal Payment Accounts My School Bucks is the online payment system for parents to apply money to their student’s meal account. To register, visit myschoolbucks.com. You will need your student’s ID number. Once you’ve signed up, fund your student’s account via the mySchoolBucks website or mobile app, which is for iPhone and Android.
90-Minute Delayed Opening Schedule
Detention Policies Saturday detentions and extended detention (three hours) are scheduled as an alternative to being suspended for smoking, failing to comply with the School Board policy regarding tardiness, truancy, or other infractions which are not threatening, violent or
disruptive to the educational process. Saturday detentions are scheduled once a month from 8 a.m.—noon, and students must to complete community service. Extended detentions are held twice a month on Wednesday from 1:50 p.m.-4:50 p.m. 11
WHHS on Social Media Facebook: facebook.com/whschools or search West Haven Public Schools Twitter: twitter.com/whschools or @whschools Cell phone app: Search West Haven Public Schools in your app store
NONPROFIT
West Haven Board of Education
ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #545 NEW HAVEN, CT
1 McDonough Plaza West Haven, CT 06516-5257
WHHS Core Values & Beliefs for Learning The West Haven High School community is dedicated to providing a positive and safe environment that celebrates differences while inspiring students to be self-motivated learners, critical thinkers and effective communicators. We believe all students should have access to 21st- century educational opportunities to prepare them to be responsible, ethical, and contributing members of a global society. Academic Expectations for Student Performance West Haven High School Students will focus their learning on:
Critical and Creative Problem Solving Constructing and/or Analyzing Arguments Based on Evidence Meaningful and Fluent Communication Digital and Informational Literacy
Social Expectations for Students West Haven High School Students will focus their learning on:
Actively participating, within the school community, both independently and collaboratively Taking responsibility for their actions and obligations Civic Expectations for Students West Haven High School Students will focus their learning on:
Demonstrating respect for themselves and others Promoting a positive and safe school climate Promoting and demonstrating the components of a healthy lifestyle 12
