PARENT

CONNECTION

WEEKLY

Fall 2020

October 30, 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 30: Senior Portraits Due Today
November 6, Mindfulness Class for Students at 11:20 a.m.
November 6, 9-13: Lifetouch Photos

General Information

Term 2 Classes Updated

We have updated our "High School Modified Hybrid Learning Plan" on our website to show which courses will be offered as hybrid or occasional hybrid under our modified hybrid learning model. Please review the list hybrid and occasional hybrid courses as more courses have been identified for in-person learning opportunities for term 2.

Note that when reviewing student schedules in Skyward, in-person hybrid courses will show a classroom number below the course name (for example: D216). Occasional hybrid and distance learning courses will show "ONLINE" under the course name.

If you are enrolled in an in-person/hybrid class scheduled for term 2 or semester 2 and you would prefer distance learning, please contact your Associate Principal for alternative options.

Wayzata High School Associate Principals

Last Names A-FJ: Tyler Shepard

Last Names FL-LAQ: Mary Williams

Last Names LAR-RA: Greg Sowden

Last Names RB-Z: Marian Boyd

Trojan Technology Tips for Success

Students need to update their iPads to iOS 14.1.
Instructions for updating
Go to Settings - General - Software Update
Tap Download and Install
We recommend students do this at the end of the night. Plugin the iPad and start the process - in the morning it will be ready for them to use and it will be charged.

Student Settings
In the Safari browser students need to enable the privacy & security setting - Prevent Cross-Site Tracking. This will allow students to view images in Canvas pages and quizzes on their iPads.

This video demonstrates the steps to complete both of the tasks above.

End of Term Curriculum Collection and Distribution
We will be collecting and distributing course materials on Friday, November 13 from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Please look at this chart to see which courses need materials returned and/or distributed. Similar to what we did in the fall, students will check in at the Trojan Head. They will drop off any returned materials there before proceeding to the Media Center door to receive their needed materials. Safety protocols will be in place throughout the process.

Are you unable to attend the Friday distribution event or unable to enter the building? Please fill out our Curriculum Materials Pick Up form and you will be contacted when your materials are available beginning Monday, November 16.

Annual "Tackle Cancer" Fundraiser

We are so excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual Tackle Cancer fundraiser the week of November 2-6. This year's fundraiser is focused around the mantra of "One Community." During these difficult times, the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund along with Wayzata's National Honor Society are choosing to show how our metro community can come together to raise funds to tackle cancer. It's not about how much Wayzata raises or how much Minnetonka raises but, what we can do when we all come together. With this in mind, there are still some ways in which you can donate! Cancer affects everybody and we want to do our part to help find a cure. Please watch this video to see how our school's community members have been directly impacted by this disease.

Buy a Wayzata Strong shirt or bandana on Epay.
Donate directly to the Randy Shaver Fund and mark "in honor of" Wayzata High School.
Don't forget to ask for a company match!

Transferring Schools?

Moving or changing schools? Please contact Nancy Vogt, Registrar, at 763-745-6731 or by email. Nancy will work with teachers to get withdrawal grades if your student is leaving before the term is over and send records to the new school once a records request is provided by the new school. Please also fill out the withdrawal document which notifies our Welcome Center that your student is withdrawing and will allow them to withdraw your student and any other students in your family that might be withdrawing.

Lifetouch School Photos

Lifetouch portrait photographers will be at Wayzata High School on Friday, November 6, and during the week of November 9. Students will be asked to visit WHS one day during the week to have their school portrait taken by signing up for an appointment. Students who are attending hybrid or occasional hybrid classes may have their portrait taken on any day while at WHS by signing up for their preferred time. The school portrait will be used for our Wayako yearbook, Skyward student management system, student IDs, security, and will be available for families to purchase via Lifetouch/Shutterfly.

Note: Senior students do not need to have their photos taken if they have submitted a professional graduation photo for the yearbook unless they want an updated ID.

WHS Lifetouch Portraits Appointment Scheduling Fall 2020

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 five-digit number. It is the first part of the student's school email address and typically includes the first five letters of their last name + the first 3 letters of their first name + 000. Students have until November 1 to pay for their exams or an exam order will not be submitted for them.

Class of 2021/Senior Information

Senior Portraits

Senior portraits are due Friday, October 30. Be sure to visit the WHS Yearbook website for all the information about picture requirements and submission details. If you have any questions, please email wayako.portraits@gmail.com.

Senior Class Graduation Party

Senior Party Co-Chairs Lauren Hoffman and Dawn Zouber are excited to begin planning the Class of 2021 Graduation Party. If you are interested in being involved with the planning committee or have questions, please email Wayzata.seniorparty@gmail.com.

Art Department Feature

The Art Department at WHS is thrilled to be back in action this year offering a modified hybrid learning experience for our art students. Students in Painting, 3D Design, Ceramics, Advanced Drawing and Unified Arts classes have been coming into school once a week (in small designated groups) to work alongside their peers and their teacher in our studio classrooms. We are thrilled to continue to provide our students experiences working with clay, printing on a printing press or soldering metals in 3D design despite this pandemic. The WHS Art Department and our students are keeping their heads high while they continue creating. This modified hybrid experience has been so successful that more of our art courses will be offering a modified hybrid schedule next term. #wayzatacreates

It is the mission of The Wayzata Visual Arts Department to prepare culturally responsive, life-long learners through a challenging, comprehensive art curriculum that focuses on the creative process, innovative thinking skills and by creating authentic learning experiences for each and every student.

Clubs & Activities

Spanish Club

Does your student have an interest in Spanish? They can join us at our Spanish Club meetings for the month of November which are set for 11/6 and 11/20 on zoom. Find our school year schedule here. If your student is interested in joining the Spanish Club, they can register using Epay. If they have any questions, or they need the link to our zoom meetings, they should email Profes Jakucki or Profes Vlach.

Skills USA

We will be hosting an informational meeting for Skills USA on Friday, November 6 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in D216 (Wood Shop). Students can come and hear about this amazing club and get details about how the club will run this year! More information available on the Skills USA webpage or students can also reach out to Advisor Kyle Swenson. The meeting will be finished in time for students to ride the bus home.

GSA - Gender Sexuality Alliance

GSA is back! We have started weekly meetings every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. If you are interested in joining or have questions, please reach out to the staff advisors, Cali Fielder or Alison McKernan. You can also get connected to our GSA student advisors via Remind. To join Remind, please text the GSA code @43gdkg to 81010. You'll be signed up to receive reminders and get the link to all GSA meetings. GSA is a safe space for all LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

Health & Wellness Resources

Online Mindfulness Class for WHS Students

Encourage your student to join the Mindfulness class. Mindfulness is a powerful, research-based practice that can help teens reduce stress and anxiety, and improve focus and concentration. This mindfulness class consists of six sessions in which students will learn basic mindfulness practices and develop strategies for self-care and stress reduction. The course also includes:

strategies for navigating school-related and/or test anxiety
practices for working with overwhelm and distraction
relaxation and calming exercises

Encourage your student to join us via Zoom for any or all of the following Fridays from 11:20 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The Zoom link is available in the student newsletter.

Mark Your Calendars for these remaining dates: November 6, December 11, December 18, January 15, January 22

Substance Use & Mental Health during COVID-19: What to do About It

If you missed the presentation on Tuesday, October 27, by Cindy Doth, Outreach Manager & Substance Use Support Specialist at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, you can watch the presentation here. Cindy discusses the relationship between substance use, mental health, and COVID-19. Here are some additional fact sheets related to alcohol & marijuana use. Cindy is available by phone at 763-509-3953, email or for individual appointment scheduling.

College Visits and College Fairs

Don't Miss the Virtual College Visits

Encourage your student to attend and join them on the visit! This is a great opportunity to explore what the different colleges and universities have to offer your student. Students 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.

Virtual College Visits at WHS

Around the District

Distance Learning Meal Options

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.

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 Brian Combs, 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: 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.