Monday, December 8, 2008

On the PTO agenda

Dear PTO Members,

We would like to thank the wonderful PTO members who volunteered to distribute the student directories. We really appreciate your willingness to help. Patti Sturdivant has asked that I forward the following requests. This is a busy time of year, so we really would like to thank you for showing our appreciation to the WSHS staff by volunteering for these requests.

The office staff will be holding their staff Christmas party and need volunteers to cover the phones in the front office on Thursday, December 18, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

They also wish to attend the Titan Idol Assembly on Friday, December 19, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m., and need office coverage.

Please call Patti at 503-399-5533 or e-mail her at sturdivant_patti@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Thank you!
December 8, 2008

West Salem High School parents and community:

I have attached a data sheet that shows academic achievement for West Salem High School. Our results are among the best in the district. I am certainly proud of our students.

Please take a look at the calendar of events on the school web-page as well as our parent newsletter, we have a number of events coming up this month.

At our Site Council and PTO meetings, we will be discussing our current bell schedule. We may consider a minor adjustment to some extent for next year. Some students, parents and teachers are concerned with the "all-meet Monday" schedule. We may consider going to the traditional A/B block that most of the other high schools have. We value your input.

We have asked John Divelbiss (English Teacher) to coordinate our efforts regarding Advanced Placement. We are interested in adding additional AP courses for next year as well and encouraging more students to take AP courses.

Congratulations and a big thank you to our Educational Foundation parents that organized such a successful Titan Auction. The event was well attended and raised over $40,000 for the school.

It is a busy time of the year. Our winter sports season is off to a great start, and we have Band, Orchestra and Choir concerts next week.

In appreciation,


Ed John
Principal

West Salem High School Achievement (Excel spreadsheet)

Friday, November 14, 2008

Student Directories available

If you missed your chance to pick up a student directory during conferences, there are still plenty available! There will be some available at the front desk, and they will also be available for students to pick up at lunch during the week of Nov. 17 - 21!

Quantities are limited, so we ask that you take only one per family!

WSHS PTO
November 14, 2008

West Salem High School parents and community:

Last night at the Crystal Apples award ceremony, Holli Tuss, 2008 graduate was awarded the Guido Caldarazzo scholarship.

We also would like to congratulate Dr. Ike Nail. Dr. Nail has been nominated for the Music Educator of the Year awarded by the Oregon Symphony Association.

We had an outstanding assembly on Monday. We had a Veterans Day assembly and invited a WWII hero to talk about some of his experiences. Our students were very attentive and appreciated hearing what Veterans Day meant to him.

Just a reminder that the Titan Auction is coming up next Saturday (Nov. 22nd). This is going to be an exciting event. I appreciate the efforts of the auction committee to make this such a successful event.

In appreciation,

Ed John
Principal

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

November 4, 2008

West Salem High School parents and community:

As the fall athletic season comes to an end and the winter sports begin I realize the year is flying by.
We had a great turnout at parent conferences last week. If you have not had a chance to receive your access code to the In-touch program, please stop by the office to sign up for this important tool to stay in touch with school.
Last Saturday our band took first place in their division at the competition in Eugene. The marching band program this year is certainly impressive.
Speaking of impressive, we had a number of Mr. Dey's science research students present at the West Salem Rotary meeting on Monday and they certainly impressed the group. Presenting their projects were: Ian Love, Ashley Wiens, Marisa Cortright, Erin Apodaco, Nicole Marsaglia, Alex Edison, Alex Dennis, Emily Martin and Michelle Lechner.
A special congratulations to our music department. They are a finalist for the Grammy Signature School program.
We have a lot to be proud of at West Salem High School and I appreciate your support.


Ed John
Principal

Friday, October 17, 2008

Friday, October 17th

West Salem Parents:

Congratulations to our band for their first place finish at the PCI last week. Also I would like to recognize our four Commended Scholars: Claire Coba, Kyle Lenz, Krystle Miller and Marika Straw.
Please remember various music concerts coming up next week and parent conferences coming up October 29th and 30th. At the parent conferences, you will be able to receive an access code for the In-touch program that will allow you to access grades and attendance.
If you have a college bound student in your near future, please take a look at the website: collegeboard.com
Next Wednesday we are honoring 356 students that are on the honor roll for their report cards from second semester last year.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ed John
Principal

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

October 7, 2008

West Salem High School parents and community members:

Last Friday was certainly a highlight as we had State Superintendent Susan Castillo here to present our science teacher, Michael Lampert with the Oregon Teacher of the year award. This was not only an honor for Mr. Lampert, it was an honor for West Salem High School.

Parent conferences are coming soon. The parent conference schedule will be sent to you in the near future. The two days are Wednesday evening, October 29th and all day Thursday, October 30th. At that event we will have someone there that will help you receive your password for the new In-Touch system that will allow you access to grades and attendance.

The School-Talk Summit is Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:00pm at McKay. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting to hear the superintendent talk about issues in the school district.

Sincerely,


Ed John
Principal

Monday, September 29, 2008

September 29, 2008

West Salem High School parents and community:

In the next few days you should receive our school newsletter. Please note the calendar of events. Parent conferences are coming soon and we have a number of music concerts in October.

I have attached a flier for the School-Talk Summit (PDF) that will take place at McKay High School at 7:00pm on October 22nd. Parents are invited to attend this informative meeting that will be hosted by superintendent Sandy Husk.

Several of us attended the Oregon TAG conference in Portland on Saturday. We received some important information and picked up some great ideas to incorporate.

This is our seventh year and I feel it is our best year yet. I think we are off to a great start and good things are happening.

It is my pleasure to work with such a supportive community.

If you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Ed John
Principal

503-399-5533
john_ed@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Monday, September 22, 2008

September 22, 2008

West Salem High School parents / community:

We have started week four and things are rolling along smoothly. All of our athletic teams are doing well. Congratulations to Brett Smith, he was selected as the Oregonian athletic of the Week. We are proud of the fact that our band was selected to be a part of the dedication ceremonies this Friday at Riverfront park for the Tom McCall statue.

In addition to our two National Merit Semi-finalists (Alex Dennis and Sally Moyer) we received word that we have three Commended Scholars: Kyle Lenz, Krystle Miller and Marika Straw.

If you are interested in being a member of our school site council, we need a couple more parents. Please let me know if you are interested or need more information.

In appreciation,

Ed John
Principal

Monday, September 15, 2008

Sept. 15, 2008

West Salem Parents:

We are off to a great start. Our enrollment is up this year to 1,705. That is about 85 more than last year. Don't be surprised if we are looking for a portable next year.

We are proud to recognize our two National Merit Semi-finalists: Sally Moyer and Alex Dennis.
Our athletic teams and our music programs are in full swing. I am looking forward to great things from both of those programs this year.

We have a freshman parent night scheduled for Monday, Sept. 29th. If you have a freshman, I encourage you to attend that meeting.

If you need the email address of our staff members, please stop by the office to pick up a list. We want to have good communication with parents.

I am looking forward to keeping you up to date on events at West via this blog.

Sincerely,
Ed John
Principal

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Site Council representatives needed

We are in need of parent representation on Site Council. Site Council is an advisory body that helps provide input to the school. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please let us know.

Thanks!

P.S. The date of Homecoming has been changed from the original schedule. Homecoming will be Thursday, Oct. 9.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

School starts next week!

School starts next week: Tuesday for freshmen, Wednesday for everyone else.

Announcements:
  • Talented and Gifted (TAG) program updates available from Nancy Ingersoll. Her office hours for parents and students will be 8th period, Room B-127.
  • First home varsity football game is Sept. 5.
  • Music Day is Sept. 6.
  • Homecoming is Sept. 19.
  • Education Foundation meeting is Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Titan Room. Parents are invited to attend!
  • Entertainment Books are available from students in the music programs.
  • Interested in advertising in this years' student directory? Contact Christy Beckstrom for details.
To be added to the WSHS parent e-mail list, please contact Missy Page.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Taking Care of Business


Taking Care of Business Days is the 13th and 14th of this week. Make sure to stop by the PTO table and sign up for our e-mail updates.

Taking Care of Business Days
Wed. Aug 13 - Seniors 9-11 a.m./Freshman 1-3 p.m.
Thurs. Aug 14 - Juniors 9-11 a.m./Sophomores 1-3 p.m.
Thurs. Aug 14 - MAKEUP for ALL GRADES 6-7:30 p.m.