From the Principal's Desk, 2-17-11

Sunday, May 26, 2013

From the Principal’s Desk

Greetings, Parents,

Each year children across the state take the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT).  This year your child will be taking the ISAT on February 28th and we will conclude testing on March 3rd.  At WJHS, students generally take two tests each day from about 9:00 AM to about 11:00 AM.  Students in 7th grade will be tested in the areas of math, reading, and science.  Our 8th graders will be tested in only math and reading.

ISATs are the academic yardstick by which Illinois schools are measured.  Every year our students perform very well on these tests, which is a tribute to the great learning experiences they have at school and the close home/school partnership we share.  In the coming weeks, I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about these tests.  Please remind him/her to do his/her very best.  Additionally, please help your child to be well prepared for the tests.  This includes getting a good night's rest, having a good breakfast the mornings of the tests, and arriving to school on time.  As always, I know our students will score well on this important assessment.  If you have specific questions about the test or the schedule, you can contact me or your child's teacher.

Thanks and have a great weekend,
Dave

Highlights

Don't miss the PTO meeting on Thursday, February 17 @ 6:00 pm! Join Ray Lechner and Dave Palzet in the WJHS Cafeteria for an important discussion about the financial condition of the District and the proposed cuts to staff and programs if added revenues are not received. If you cannot attend the meeting on February 17, you may attend the PTO meeting at Central School on February 16 at 7:00 p.m. or at Romona School on February 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about the referendum. Our District's financial situation and call for referendum present significant issues for our schools and for the community at large. If you did not have an opportunity to read Dr. Ray Lechner's latest Scoop, click here. To view Dr. Palzet's presentation to the School Board about the impact of increased class sizes at the middle school and at WJHS, click here. If you have specific questions about the financial condition of the District and the referendum, please e-mail Dr. Lechner or attend the next PTO meeting on February 17.

Illinois Standard Achievement Testing (ISAT) will take place February 28 – March 3. Click here to read about ISAT testing at WJHS.

PTO Volunteer Opportunities: It's time to start planning for next year! Looking for volunteer opportunities? Would you like to stay involved at the Junior High? The PTO is starting to look for parents to fill PTO Board positions for next year. If you think you might be interested in a Board position, please contact Anne Marie Montaquila at ammontaquila@sbcglobal.net or Carrie Armour at cbarmour@comcast.net.

YOU: warm, caring, generous with your time! ME: needy! WJHS parent seeks other WJHS parents for cafeteria duty in March. With only a few weeks to go, there are still eight open slots in March for volunteers willing to help out in the cafeteria. Please contact Gina Kennedy at gina.b.kennedy@comcast.net or 251-4888 if you can help.

Eighth Grade Graduation Video - We would love to have any photos from your child’s 8th grade year at WJHS. Please send any digital photos of sports, band, field trips and classroom activities to photos4wjhs@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, February 17
"State of the District" PTO Meeting, 6:00pm, WJHS Cafeteria, speakers Dr. Ray Lechner & Dr. Dave Palzet (see details above)

Friday, February 18
8th grade – NTHS freshman course selection & level change request need to be returned to homeroom teachers.

Saturday, February 19
Inspired Youth Tutoring, Buses leave at 9:15am & return at 12:45pm, Margate Park

Monday, February 21
NO SCHOOL: Presidents’ Day

Tuesday, February 22
NO SCHOOL: Teacher Institute Day

Thursday, February 24
7th Grade Social Dance: Last class (makeup for Feb. 1 cancelation)

Email Julie Geyer at wjhshighlights@gmail.com by Tuesday evening to submit announcements for next week’s Highlights.

The only way to teach respect is to model it ~ Todd Whitaker