PARENT
CONNECTION
WEEKLY
Fall 2020
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September 11, 2020
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Dates to Remember
- September 14 - First Day of Fall Semester
- September 15 - Open House, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- September 18 - Senior Seminar, 10:00 a.m.
- September 18 - Junior Seminar, 1:00 p.m.
- September 23 - Senior Parent Night, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
- September 25 - Freshman Seminar, 10:00 a.m.
- September 25 - Sophomore Seminar, 1:00 p.m.
- September 29 - Coffee with Principal Scott Gengler & Superintendent Chace Anderson, 7:00-8:30 a.m.
- October 7 & 12 - Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
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Curriculum Information
Curriculum Materials Distribution a Success!
On Wednesday and Thursday we successfully distributed textbooks, art supplies, and even some musical instruments to over 2000 students! As you can imagine, it was a whirlwind event behind the scenes with teachers taking shifts "shopping" for students' books in the Trojan Media Center which looked an awful lot like a college bookstore. While every effort was made to ensure that all students received the materials they needed, we would encourage students to pay close attention on the first day of class to make sure they have what their teachers need them to have.
If a student missed our distribution days or needs to make any corrections to what was distributed there are two ways we would like this to happen. If a student is able to come into the school building, they can make an appointment to come to the Media Center by reserving a time through our Trojan Media Center (WHSTMC) Google Calendar. Use this link to open the calendar page and arrow ahead to next week. There are six time slots per hour each day. Hover over the slots to see the times. Once you choose a time, please indicate in the description box whether we are pulling all materials or if we are making a correction to materials already distributed. With this information, we will be able to have materials ready for them and ensure a safe pick up experience.
If a student is not able to come into the building, please use this form to arrange for a curbside pickup of materials.
Class Schedule Information
Information on class schedules and other frequently asked questions. The only classes that will meet at WHS beginning September 14 are hybrid classes. Hybrid classes are identified when looking at your student's schedule in Skyward, a hybrid class that meets in person has an H at the end of the course number. For example: 021/03H. Questions can be directed to Deb Lange or 763-745-6601.
Should Students Have Cameras ON or OFF?
To monitor and ensure student engagement, the general expectation and practice across the building (and district) is that student cameras are ON when participating in synchronous remote learning. Teachers do have the discretion to make exceptions to this expectation if a particular situation warrants it (personal matter, better connection with camera off, etc.). If your student is experiencing connectivity issues, please let the teacher know.
At the beginning of each block, your student should click on the class Zoom link in order to enter their virtual classroom. Sometimes it helps to think of the Zoom link as the door to the online classroom. Clicking the link allows your student to open the door and enter the room.
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PSAT/NMSQT Early Registration Deadline is September 16
The Preliminary SAT(PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test(NMSQT) is a great tool for students considering college. For the 2020 PSAT/NMSQT, students at Wayzata High School will register online through Total Registration. Early registration is September 16, after this there will be a late fee applied. Registration will close on October 15.
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COVID-19 / Safety At School
Keeping Students Safe at School
Please review this video for guidelines to follow and share with your student(s) as we begin the school year.
A friendly reminder to make sure masks are being worn properly:
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COVID-19 Point Person at WHS
Students, Staff, and Parent/Guardians who have questions related to COVID-19 should be directed to Jean Parsons via email or by phone at 763-745-6616. Dawn Willson is serving as the district COVID-19 coordinator and is also happy to provide additional guidance as needed.
The MDH decision tree was recently updated. We will follow these new exclusion guidelines when working with staff and families. Everyone needs to be prepared to be home in isolation or quarantine if they become ill with or exposed to COVID-19.
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General Information & Updates
Yearbooks - Keep Those Memories Forever!
This will be a year like no other and the yearbook staff is already planning out the 2020-2021 Wayako Yearbook. Be sure to purchase your student's book by September 25 to get it at the lowest price of the year. We are also running a promotion during this time as well. If you purchase personalization you can choose up to four free icons. Visit the the Josten's ecommerce site to purchase your student's yearbook today. If you have any questions, please email whsyearbook@isd284.com. Be sure to follow us @wayakoyearbook on Instagram.
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Support DECA
Need a fun t-shirt for this term? The DECA students designed these fun t-shirts for students, parents, staff and community supporters. Please visit EPay to purchase your t-shirt. The cost is $16 and orders need to be placed by September 25.
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Culinary Express
Culinary Express will be open daily in Expressway for breakfast (7:50-8:20 a.m.) and lunch (11:20 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.). Depot Diner will be available for a hot lunch option daily also. (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Menus are posted on line in NutriSlice. If your student is on campus, please have them stop in for a meal.
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Clubs & Organizations
How Your Student Can Get Involved
Check out the Activities page to find out ways you can get involved in extra-curricular activities.
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Club Y.E.S.
Club Y.E.S. is a youth service program offered to students at Wayzata High School. Any WHS student can register to be in the club that will offer students volunteer opportunities within our communities. The club is flexible, free and a fun way to meet other students. Registration is required and now open. Registration for Club Y.E.S. can be found in EPay. The registration deadline for Semester 1 is October 18. This semester, Club Y.E.S. will be offering service opportunities for students remotely as well as in-person. In-person service projects will require masks to be worn and other safety guidelines will apply. Our communities value and need the help of Club Y.E.S. volunteers, thus it's a great way for students to get involved and make a difference. For more information see the Club Y.E.S. video, or feel free to email Club Y.E.S. Program Manager, Brenda Badger.
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Science Bowl Club
Do you have a student who enjoys science? Would they enjoy spending time with others who do, too? Consider encouraging them to join Science Bowl Club. The focus is on learning and competition, but they don't have to compete to participate! Everyone is welcome to see what the club is like at our first meeting via Zoom on Friday, September 18 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. Please have your student join the Zoom link. If they have additional questions they can email Advisor Amanda Laden.
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Chess Club
Chess Club will begin to meet on Friday, October 9. Meetings will be scheduled each Friday from 3:30-:00 p.m. thru Zoom until in-person school is resumed. The Chess Team has won the State Championship four years in a row. All players are welcome, no matter experience in chess. Please have your student fill out this form if they are interested and would like to be included in further emails from the club. For more details, check out the Chess Club website or contact James Titus if you have additional questions.
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Math Team
A number of students have inquired about joining the Math Team. Math Team practices officially start in mid-October, and all practices and regular-season meets will be held online. Have your student check their newsletter for more information at the end of September or the beginning of October. Email Advisor Bill Skerbitz or check out the Math Team website for more information.
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Class of 2020/Senior Information
Transcript Requests
Please review the instructions on how your student can request transcripts for submission to a post-secondary institution, the military, scholarship application, etc. If you have questions, email Terri Marr or call 763-745-6631
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Senior Yearbook Portraits Due October 30
It's time to get those senior photos taken and submitted to the yearbook staff. Photos are due by Friday, October 30, 2020. Photos that are submitted late are not guaranteed to be printed in the yearbook. Photos need to be uploaded to the Josten's photo submission portal. The upload/user ID is 415463794. Photos must be a JPEG file and they need to be vertical, horizontal photos will not be accepted. Please visit whsyearbook.com for specific details about photo requirements and submission instructions. Be sure to follow us @wayakoyearbook on Instagram. If you have questions, please email wayako.portraits@gmail.com.
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PTO News
Welcome back to school!
Your PTO is still here for you, supporting WHS families and staff during this challenging time. Know that we will be flexible and creative as we find the best way to offer that support. We are still planning to provide most of our past programs, including staff conference dinners, 'Coffee with the Principal' events, scholarships and more! We can only make this happen with your support. Please consider donating by clicking HERE. Any amount is appreciated, however, with a $100 donation, you will receive either a WHS cooler, or blanket, your choice! Stay connected through our PTO website.
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Around the District
How to Access Your Child's Culinary PIN
Stay Home When Ill and Be Prepared to Quarantine
It is important to be prepared as we begin the new school year in the midst of a pandemic. Our new reality will require students, families and staff to check daily for symptoms and stay home if you are ill.
If you or someone in your family is ill, please reference the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Decision Tree document to learn what your next steps should be. Report any student absences into Skyward Family Access, specifying if the absence is COVID-19 related. Our school nurses will follow up with any COVID-19 related cases. If you are tested for COVID-19, even if you feel well, it is important that you remain home and away from others until you receive the results.
Everyone must be prepared to stay home and quarantine for up to two weeks if you become ill with or are exposed to COVID-19. We know being quarantined for two weeks will be extremely challenging, but it is absolutely necessary to stop the spread of the virus. Learn how you can prepare for a possible quarantine.
Our nurses will be working closely with MDH to notify students and staff as soon as possible if you have been exposed to COVID-19 at school. Always answer your phone if MDH is calling.
If you have questions, please contact the licensed nurse at your school.
More detail and helpful information can also be found on our Wayzata Learns webpage.
We are busy preparing our buildings and staff for the start of the new school year, with a big focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19 within our staff and student body. All of our buildings have optimal ventilation and enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures are in place. Our school principals have established new guidelines for everything from entering the building to eating lunch. We need you to understand and follow them so that we can all stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus.
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Community Ed
In partnership with Relate Counseling Center, Wayzata Community Ed is offering a series to parents to help them with tough transitions for their kids. These webinars will take place online and are free to attend with no registration required.
Transitioning to High School - Candi Davenport, MS, LACD and Theresa Tsuchiya, PsyD, LP of Relate Counseling will host this online webinar for parents of incoming high schoolers on how to support their kids through this big transition.
- Date: Tuesday, September 15
- Time: 4:00-5:30 p.m.
- Place: Online via Relate Counseling Center Facebook Page
- Cost: Free with no registration necessary
Wayzata Public Schools Community Ed has created a strategic partnership with A+ Driving School, to provide Driver Education. Find all the information on Drivers Ed online classes on the A+ Driving website.
Join us in our online classrooms! We have many opportunities for our youth and adult learners. You can find all our class options on our registration site.
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Calendar
School Events
District Events
School Board Meetings
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4955 Peony Lane, Plymouth, MN 55446 | Phone 763-745-6600