1 Summer 2016 whhs.whschools.org Welcome, freshmen! Freshman Orientaon: Aug. 22, 8-11 a.m. Students entering grade 9 are invited to Meet and greet with teachers, school aend orientaon at WHHS to get acquainted with the school, pick up class schedules, and learn about support services and the Freshman Academy. Aug. 29 First day of school Monday Full day of classes 7:30 am—1:45 pm 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]. Sept. 13, 6-8 pm · Visit classes · Meet teachers · Learn about curriculum · Get involved · 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 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 Conneccut State University, trade schools, the military or the workforce.
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Summer 2016 whhs.whschools.org
Welcome, freshmen! Freshman Orientation: Aug. 22, 8-11 a.m.
Students entering grade 9 are invited to
Meet and greet with teachers, school
attend orientation at WHHS to get acquainted with the
school, pick up class schedules, and learn about support
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
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.
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.
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.
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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.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Senior selected for Yale’s Discovery to Cure
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.
SCIENCE
UNH SUMMER SESSIONS
Ask your school counselor about more free UNH
opportunities for WHHS students.
Biomedical Science added
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].
STEM
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.
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.
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CHILDREN’S THEATRE
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
The WHHS Children’s Theatre will present “Mother
Goose—A Comedy!” by Patricia Barry Rumble this fall. The 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.
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
CAST, SET MATERIALS & PRICES
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.
GLEE CLUB
BAND 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.
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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]
Sports schedules can be ac-cessed through the WHHS web-site (whhs.whschools.org) un-der 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.
SPORT
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
STUDENTS
Football Aug. 19 9 am WHHS - Ken Strong Stadium
All candidates including freshman
Volleyball Aug. 25 2:30pm WHHS Gym All candidates including freshman
Swimming - Girls Aug. 25 2 pm WHHS Pool All candidates including freshman
Soccer - Boys Aug. 25 7:30am WHHS - Ken Strong Stadium
All candidates 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
Fall Sport Start Dates
Participation Reminders
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.
SOFTBALL 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.
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Students in AP classes are expected to hand in summer assignments on due dates.
Parents were mailed and asked to review their student’s school registration info. All students must bring their updates and 2 proofs of residen-cy to school with their name on them by Aug. 29.
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.
Parents who do not want their children approached by U.S. Armed Forces recruiters or to have any communication with their representa-tives should send a letter to Assistant Principal
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.
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.
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.
REMINDERS FOR ALL GRADES
FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES Physical Exam Requirement 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.
FRESHMEN
Campus Connection Trip to be Held this Spring
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.
SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS & SENIORS
FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors to test on October 19 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.
Counselor Meeting 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.
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.
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Common Application Workshop 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.
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 Entrance Exam Information
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 com-pared to the SAT. The ACT is given at nearby schools. Register: www.act.org School Code: 070910
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.
SAT Test Dates (2016) Registration Deadlines Late Registration Deadlines
October 1 (WHHS) September 1 September 13
November 5 (WHHS) October 7 October 18
December 3 November 3 November 15
ACT Test Dates (2016) Registration Deadlines Late Registration Deadlines
September 10 August 5 August 6-19
October 22 September 16 September 17-30
December 10 November 4 November 5-18
Playing Sports in College
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.
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 Re-quest 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.
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.
NAVIANCE/ Family Connection 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. For-got your password? Click “forgot Password” and it will be emailed to you. Announcements for each class will be posted on Family Connection and emailed.
Scholarships
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.
College/Career Fair
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 en-couraged to attend. College/career reps and counselors will be availa-ble to meet with students.
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.
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].
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.
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
Tardiness Policy
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 offend-ers 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.
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 Full pay: $3.25 Reduced price: $0.40
Breakfast Prices Full pay: $1.25 Reduced price: $0.30
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.
Saturday detentions and extend-ed 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.
Detention Policies
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West Haven Board of Education
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
