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Wayzata High School

Fall 2020

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October 9, 2020

Newsletters will be sent weekly on Fridays to parents/guardians & students. If you have questions or suggestions regarding the newsletters, email Deb Lange. We value your feedback. Past newsletters are available on the WHS website.

Dates to Remember

  • October 12: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
  • October 14-16: MEA Break/No Classes
  • October 19 -23: Virtual  Homecoming Week
  • October 23: Homecoming Football Game

Sports Update

It is game time for Trojan Football and Volleyball!

Volleyball and Football have been given the green light to compete this fall beginning in October. Both will play an abbreviated season with strict limits on spectatorship as directed by the Minnesota High School League and the Minnesota Department of Health.

 

Varsity football attendance has been capped at 250 spectators (125 for each competing school) per game. No tickets will be sold at the gate and passes will not be honored. Volleyball, as with other indoor sports, will not be allowing spectators. Wayzata High School prohibits tailgating and/or viewing parties on campus grounds.

 

Below is a list of Trojan varsity fall sports along with their attendance policy and remote viewing options:

  • Cross Country: Spectators are limited to two per runner.
  • Girls Swimming and Diving: No fans/parents attending meets. Live streamed on YouTube.
  • Girls Tennis: Spectators must remain outside the fence.
  • All-Levels of Volleyball: No spectators allowed (including students or family members). Matches live-streamed on NFHS Network*
  • Varsity Soccer: Attendance is limited to 250 total spectators. Games live-streamed on NFHS Network*
  • Varsity Football: Games are limited to 125 spectators per school. Games live-streamed on NFHS Network*

*Requires a monthly subscription fee.

PLEASE NOTE: No exceptions will be made to these attendance policies. All spectators must adhere to Covid-19 policies by practicing safe distancing of 6 feet or more and also wearing face coverings.

To view the competition schedule for all Wayzata sports, visit Lake Conference Schedules.

General Information 

Reporting of Technology Absences
If your student is having technology issues and will be absent from class because they unable to get connected, please enter the absence via Skyward Family Access. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update their student's absences.

AP Exam Registration for Term 1

The AP exam registration deadline for Term 1, Semester 1 and ALL Independent Study courses is fast approaching!  Students must complete Step 1 and Step 2 prior to  November 1. 


Please Note:  Students who will be taking an AP course that starts Term 2, Term 3, or Term 4 will NOT register for these AP exams at this time.  More information will be provided after the start of these courses.


Step 1: Joining the AP Course on the College Board Site

Most students have completed this step in their AP Classroom.  Completing this step gives students access to course materials and provides the College Board with the information needed to generate a testing ticket for the May exam day.  Students have until November 1 to complete this step or risk incurring a $40 late fee (per exam) assessed by the College Board.


Step 2: Pay AP Exams on the Total Registration Site

Most students still need to complete this step.  Students will go to Total Registration.  If a student has taken the PSAT or an AP exam in a previous year, they have a Total Registration account already.  Please read the prompts carefully and provide the requested information.  As part of the registration process, students will need to provide their school email address and their Skyward user login.  This is NOT a 5-digit number.  It is the first part of the student's school email address and typically includes the first 5 letters of the last name + the first 3 letters of the first name + 000.  Students have until November 1 to pay for their exams or an exam order will not be submitted for them. 

AP Course and Exam Registration
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Purchase Tickets

The Woods
The Woods will be an original devised theater piece created by the ensemble with guidance from director, Sandra Struthers. The ensemble will take elements of folklore, urban legends, and spooky stories to create an immersive walk-through experience in the woods behind the high school. The perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit, audiences will be invited to walk along these haunted trails in safe, socially-distanced groups.

 

October 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31 at 6:00, 6:20, 7:00, 7:20, 8:00, 8:20, 9:00, and 9:20 p.m.

 

Poster Design: Paloma Golston

Graphic Design Teacher: Emma Carroll

More Information

2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Award

Has your student been making a difference through volunteering on an on-going basis? The 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Award application is now open and applications are being accepted until November 10. Three Wayzata High School students will be named as honorees from Wayzata for 2021. Application Instructions for 2020-2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. This award honors students who have been doing on-going volunteer service with a specific organization or cause. If your student is  a Boy Scout or Girl Scout looking for recognition for their scouting service activities they should go through their council to apply for this award, rather than Wayzata High School. The certifier for Wayzata High School is Brenda Badger.  Students should email the certification page of their application to Brenda Badger and not to Principal Gengler. Note: This is not the 2020 President's Volunteer Service Award application notice; that will come out in November.

A Great Opportunity for your Student!

Do you know what it takes to launch a successful life and career? Target is hosting Prepare to Launch, a 4-session virtual series starting Friday, October 16, featuring employees and executives from over 24 companies. They will get to meet these amazing speakers, along with successful tech entrepreneurs as they share stories, lessons learned, and must-have skills that have advanced their careers. We hope to see your student there and can't wait to help them launch into a successful future!

 

Series Dates & Times: 

Be Curious:  Friday, October 16 (8:45-11:00 a.m.)
Be Bold:  Friday, October 30 (8:45-11:00 a.m.)
Build Meaningful Relationships: Friday, November 13

(8:45-11:00 a.m.)
Demystifying Tech Careers:  Friday, November 20

(8:45-11:00 a.m.)

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Steps to Attend

Lifetouch School Photos

We are currently working with Lifetouch in creating a safe workable plan to bring students in for school photos.  Once the dates have been confirmed, you will receive an email with the details.  Stay tuned! 

English  Department News

Exciting news! Academic Mentors serving as reading and writing tutors are now available to help students. They can be requested in the HUB located in MyApps. 

 

Writing tutors have been trained in cognitive coaching and supporting students in a variety of writing efforts.


Reading tutors have been trained to support students in "during reading strategies" such as note taking and annotating. 


Both teachers and students can request to work with an Academic Mentor via Zoom. Most are also willing to work with a student in person at WHS. Their times of availability are provided in the HUB.


New English Elective Courses!

The English Department is also excited about two new courses that are available as term electives this year.
Poetry: Students will look at both modern and classic forms of poetry and study a variety of poets and movements with specific emphasis on how poetry reflects and shapes culture and its ideas, beliefs, and practices.
The World of Cinema: This course examines the changing landscape of visual media through the historical, cultural, and theoretical topics reflected in a diverse offering of  cinematic works from around the world. Specific areas of study include international films from several countries, influential female directors and their films, underrepresented protagonists in films, film critique through diverse lenses, the inspiration behind popular and influential films, and the new cinematic applications to social media, web series, and streaming services.

Clubs & Activities

Math Team

Math Team's first informational meeting will be held on Monday, October 12, at 3:30 p.m. via this Zoom link.  (Note: To use the link,students must be logged in to their isd284.com account via the SSO login method on zoom, just as we do for our classes.)


Come check out what Math Team is all about, meet the coaches, learn how to register, and see what our online season will entail!


Question should be directed to  Mr. Skerbitz  or Mr. Barnett 

 

Check out the WHS Activities Page for more information on Clubs, Performing Arts & Forensics opportunities. 

College Visits and College Fairs

Don't Miss the Virtual College Visits

Encourage your student to attend! Details about these visits and other upcoming virtual college fairs. Your student can sign up for the virtual visits on the WHS Hub on the MyApps Portal.  Please contact Deb Musser in the College and Career Center (CCC) with any questions.

Explore Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Week 

Fall is a great time to explore Minnesota's 37 state colleges and universities during the week of October 12-16. Each of the 30 colleges and 7 universities of Minnesota State will be offering special visits -- including virtual visits -- for high school students over MEA Break. Students can learn about the admissions process, various degree programs, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, applying for financial aid and more! Click around this interactive map for campus information and highlights. Application fees will be waived during the week of October 25-31. For more information and to register, visit Minnesota State Week. 

Virtual U.S. Service Academies Information Night

Representatives from all five service academies -- U.S. Military Naval Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy -- will be in attendance for a virtual information session on October 12 from 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m.. Students and families will be able to learn and ask questions about the academy experience and the nominations process as well. Virtual information session link/ID/passcode. Meeting ID: 859 1491 5511, Passcode: 666008.

Class of 2021/Senior Information

FAFSA Completion Workshop For Seniors

Wayzata High School, in collaboration with Minnesota College Goal, is pleased to offer a free financial aid workshop on Wednesday, October 28 from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. via Zoom to help your student complete and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Six volunteers from area colleges will be on hand. This workshop is for students who plan to attend any postsecondary institution next year. Families will be broken into private Zoom Rooms with a financial aid specialist, who can answer specific FAFSA questions. 


If you are interested in receiving help with individual questions on the FAFSA, please register with a time preference. A Zoom link will be emailed to you the week prior to the event. 

 

Before your individual session, we ask that you complete the following: 

  1. Create an FSA ID for both one parent and the student. Separate emails, phone numbers, and social security numbers will be required. Here is a video of how to do this: FSA ID help video.
  2. Create an account for the FAFSA and begin filling it out.
  3. Items to have accessible:
    a. Social Security Number (both student and parent)
    b. Driver's License Number (if you have one)
    c. 2019 Tax Returns for Student and Parent
    d. Information on Savings, Investments, and Business & Farm Assets for Student                               and Parent
    e. Records of Untaxed Income

It only takes about 30 minutes to complete your FAFSA. If you have any questions about Minnesota College Goal or our workshop, please call or email Ms. Zimmer. If you would like an interpreter on hand, we can arrange that if you let me know which language is needed. 
 
We hope to see you at our event via Zoom!

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.

Shout Out! 

Club Y.E.S. students are "remotely" serving senior living facilities by creating fall festive decorations to brighten the tables and hallways within the senior living facilities and to remind our senior neighbors that we are "still here for them." Students have been STEPPING UP big time to make a positive difference (social distance style) for our community partners. These decorations are being enjoyed by residents at Cherrywood Pointe of Plymouth.

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Around the District

Distance Learning Meal Options


Planning travel out of the state or country?
Regardless of whether your students are attending Wayzata Public Schools through hybrid learning or through Distance Choice, the district is required to account for students. Please ensure that the Welcome Center has a copy of your family's Extended Vacation form on file prior to your travel.


October Wayzata Legislative Action Committee Update
The Wayzata Legislative Action Committee (LAC) held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 7. Jim Westrum, Executive Director of Business and Finance for Wayzata Public Schools, provided a financial update to the committee, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on district finances and additional funds received from the state and federal governments to off-set expenses related to health and safety and ensuring a high-quality education for all students. As a reminder, all seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota Senate will be up for election this year. The Wayzata LAC sent a six-question Q & A to all legislative candidates on the November 3 ballot. The responses that were received are available on the Legislative Action Committee’s webpage. To find out who represents you, what is on your ballot, and more election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The Wayzata LAC is a non-partisan group of citizens that monitors legislative activity as it affects K-12 education and advocates positions on behalf of the district. For more information, please visit the Wayzata Committees webpage or contact Diane Hayden or Ben Johnson, your school’s Wayzata LAC representative.


Community Ed

Wayzata Public Schools Community Ed has created a strategic partnership with A+ Driving School, to provide Driver Education. New class time added - 4:00-7:00 PM! Find all the information on Drivers Ed online classes on the A+ Driving website.


Parent Tool Kit: Mental Health and COVID-19
Changes in our routine, lack of control, and fear of the unknown can cause our mental health to suffer. Talking about mental health as a family can be intimidating but we’re here to help. Led by Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults, this workshop will help you understand more about mental health and how we can support our children’s mental health and well being (as well as our own!).

  • Date: Thursday, October 22
  • Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Place: Online
  • Cost: $0
  • Learn more

Parent Tool Kit: Friendships, Relationships, and Social Distancing
Friendships are incredibly important to young people. How do we help our children foster healthy friendships and connection during a time of social distancing? Join Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults in conversation and activities to learn what we can do to help our children navigate friendships and relationships.

  • Date: Thursday, November 5
  • Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Place: Online
  • Cost: $0
  • Learn more
Financial assistance is available or call 763-745-5200 for more information.
 

Calendar

School Events

Friday, October 9, 2020
National Honor Society Blood Drive
8:20 AM - 1:40 PM
 
Saturday, October 10, 2020
ACT Testing
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
 
Monday, October 12, 2020
Parent-Teacher Conferences
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
MyTime Senior Meeting: Lifetouch Cap & Gown Presentation
9:35 AM - 10:15 AM
 
Friday, October 23, 2020
The Woods: Fall Experiential Theatre Performance
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 
Saturday, October 24, 2020
ACT Testing
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
 
The Woods: Fall Experiential Theatre Performance
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
FAFSA Completion Event for Seniors & Parents
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
 

District Events

Thursday, October 22, 2020
Parent Tool Kit: Mental Health and COVID-19
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Parent Tool Kit: Friendships, Relationships and Social Distancing
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Wayzata High School Fall Musical Senior Citizen's Performance
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 

School Board Meetings

Monday, October 12, 2020
School Board Regular Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 
Monday, October 26, 2020
School Board Work Session
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
 

QuickLinks
Student & Parent Handbook  | Lunch Menus | Health & Attendance Office

Daily Announcements | NewsBreak | Trojan Tribune

School Board Agendas & Minutes | Communicator Newsletter | Community Connection Flyers

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4955 Peony Lane, Plymouth, MN 55446  |  Phone 763-745-6600

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