All good things must come to an end, and as September approaches, students of all ages are preparing to go back to school once again. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or sophomore year of high school, there are many important dates that should be marked down on your calendars.
Orientations
The first day of school for Elementary, Middle and High School students is August 30, and the first day for Kindergarten is August 31. Before that, however, there are a few different orientations for students in a range of different age groups.
The Kindergarten “Meet and Greet” for parents and children is August 30th. Beginning at 9:30am, students with last names beginning with A-K are invited to the school for a look around and to meet the teachers and administrators. Students with last names beginning with L-Z will begin their meet and greet at 1:00pm.
On the same day, the Cowing Early Childhood Program will have two meet and greets as well. Beginning at 9:30am, morning and full-day early childhood students and their parents will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the school and classrooms. The Afternoon Early Childhood students will begin their orientation at 1:00pm. The first day for these students will be the following Tuesday, September 4.
Students entering first grade also require an orientation prior to the first day of school. From August 27-29, students and parents will report to their child’s school and receive information regarding their first year of elementary school. Your day of attendance depends on the school your child we be attending. Information was sent home a few weeks ago containing more information.
The Grade 9 and New Student Orientation will take place at the High School on August 21 at 8:00am. At this event, students will receive their schedule as well as partake in different orientation activities to familiarize themselves with the building and high school atmosphere. This day serves to get new students more comfortable with the school and answer any additional questions they may have. Because this event is intended for students only, buses will be taking routes throughout town to assist with transportation concerns. Orientation information as well as the bus schedule will be sent home to the proper students before the event.
West Springfield High School - Important Dates and Information
Chromebooks may be picked up at the WSHS Library on August 17, 23 and 24 between 8:00am-1:00pm. Athletes and Band Members will also be allowed to pick them up on August 21. In order to be given a chromebook, students must have a Chromebook Acknowledgement Form signed by their parent, the insurance form and proper insurance payment. Payments may be made online through Payschool, but the student must bring proof of the successful payment.
The fall sports season for all teams begins before the first day of school. The most important aspect of playing a high school sport is to have an updated physical- it must be completed within 13 months of the start of the season. If the school hasn’t received a copy of the physical, the student will be prohibited from practicing until it is received. Impact testing, otherwise known as “the concussion test,” are to be completed by athletes and band members every two years. This year, all first-year athletes and students going into their junior year sports season must complete an updated test. They may go to the school on August 17, 20 and 22 between 10:00am-12:00pm to complete the test. The first day of tryouts for all sports, besides football, is August 23.
Student schedules will be available through Powerschool on August 22.
District Updates
This summer, the District Improvement Plan was updated for the next three years. In summary, Superintendent Richard is striving for teachers and administrators to focus on the “whole student,” meaning they will focus on the personal needs of the student and provide support in the classroom and throughout the community.
In addition, the Superintendent is looking to provide a higher level of education and understanding than ever before. As stated in the District Improvement Plan, teachers and administrators will “promote an understanding of academic content at a much higher level by weaving global awareness, financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy, and civic, health and environmental literacy into core subjects.” Simply, teachers will implement real-world occurrences and examples into their lessons in order to realistically apply the curriculum to students lives. Richard also shares the vision of his plan: “A high-quality education is the fundamental right of every child. All children will receive the respect, encouragement, and opportunities they need to build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be successful, contributing members of a global society.” Students’ needs in the classroom will be put first, and educators will work to transform the student into a positive, active member of today’s world.
The town has also added another program to educate those throughout the community. The Teen Center, located to the left of the High School, will open as an outlet for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) as well as Adult Basic Education (ABE). This location is completing its renovations now, and until it is finished, classes will partake at the High School. This outlet will aim to more personalized learning approaches and a chance for students to receive additional help with their studies.
As summer concludes, the West Springfield Public School District prepares tirelessly for the arrival of students and for their next year of education to begin. As a parent, be aware of the specific changes that are being made. The school system cares deeply about each student, and wants to shape them to be the most successful person they can be.
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