January 2016 Parent Connection

Parent Connection Newsletter

January 2016 January 6 September 2011 Financial Aid Night 7:00 p.m., Auditorium January 18 No School for Students January 19 College Planning Night 7:00 p.m., Auditorium PTO Winter Parent Forum 7:00 p.m., Forum B204 January 23 SAT Testing 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

January 28 End of Term 2 January 29 No School for Students February 5 Mr. Wayzata Paegent 7:00 p.m., Auditorium February 6 ACT Testing 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Winter Semi-Formal Dance & Casino Night

8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Gyms Late Start Wednesdays...Visit the

high school website to view all late starts. Click Calendar Link on front page of the website to view calendar. www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ wayzatahs

Character and Scholarship for Life Winter Semi-Formal Dance & Casino Night Saturday, February 6, 2016 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Tickets – $10 (if purchased prior to the dance) or $15 at the door!

All proceeds from this event are going to the NHS Heart Week Charity: MRD–363 Days Food Program www.mrdinc.org The Dance and Casino will be held in Wayzata’s GYM area.

Students must bring socks to wear during the event!

To prevent damage to the gym floor, students must check their shoes!

NHS and Student Council students are providing a SHOE/COAT CHECK! We cannot be responsible for holding purses, cameras, cell phones, car keys, etc. Students must be prepared to hang on to their own valuables.

The tickets price includes admittance to the event and 5 Casino tickets. Students should bring extra money if they would like to purchase items from the BPA-sponsored concession stand or if they would like more Casino tickets.

Tickets are available for $10 on E-Pay (www.wayzataschoolspayonline.com)and will be sold during lunch periods through Friday, February 5. We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE students to purchase tickets ahead of time! Long lines at the door for those who did not pre-purchase tickets should be expected! Students must have their student ID to purchase a ticket. PARENTS – please have your student work with you to purchase a ticket on E-Pay so information is entered correctly.

WHS on-site dances are open to current WHS students and their guests.

Non-WHS students must have a completed Guest Registration form on file before they will be allowed to enter the dance. Please see the website for more information about dances as well as a Guest Registration form. http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/Page/13742

Counselors’ Corner 2015-2016

Important Dates to Remember: January 6

Financial Aid Meeting 7:00 p.m., Auditorium

January 13

Junior Group Guidance

January 19

College Planning Night 7:00 p.m., Auditorium

January 23

SAT at WHS

February 6 ACT at WHS February 8, 10, 11 8th Grade Parent Nights February 10 Freshmen Group Guidance February 11 Sophomore Group Guidance February 18 Curriculum Night/FAFSA Completion Workshop

College & Career Center (CCC) Scholarship Season is underway in the CCC!

Seniors can stop by and pick up Local Scholarship Packets!! There are two types of packets -- one packet uses the “Common Application” (or same application) to apply for scholarships. All applications for this packet must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 and students may apply for up to four scholarships listed in this packet!

The other packet uses a “Separate Application” to apply for each of the scholarships. Every scholarship that is offered in this packet has various requirements and submission deadlines. All of the scholarship applications are on Naviance and directions are provided in the Local Scholarship Packets.

Many local individuals, organizations and businesses provide thousands of dollars in scholarship money specifically for WHS students.

Scholarships are available for students who are pursuing all types of post-secondary programs -- whether they plan to attend a two-year com-

WHS Counselor Assignments: Jane Stapleton Amanda Randall Jennifer Landy Mark Elias Cynthia McGunnigle Sarah Clutter Brian Gildemeister Royce Kloehn Peggy Zimmer

Counseling Office:

Fax:

A – Bri Brj – Dr Ds – Hal Ham – Kar Kas – Mal Mam – Or Os – Sa Sc – Te Tf – Z

763-745-6630 763-745-6631 763-745-6708 763-745-6632

Nancy Vogt Registrar Terri Marr Secretary Kristyn Nelson Secretary

College & Career Center (CCC):

763-745-6639 Deb Musser CCC Coordinator If you need to schedule an appointment with your student’s counselor, please contact the secretaries at the Counseling Office.

munity college, a technical or vocational college, or a four-year college or university.

Please have your student stop by the CCC if they have any questions about applying for these scholarships. The CCC is open each day from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Or contact the Deb Musser, our CCC Coo rd i n a to r, a t 7 6 3 - 7 4 5 - 6 6 3 9 o r e m a i l deb.musser@wayzata.k12.mn.us.

Counselors’ Corner

Upcoming Group Guidance: Students in grades 9-11 will have group guidance with their counselors between the middle of January and the middle of February (see Important Dates on previous page). The counselors will hand out and review updated transcripts to students and will discuss registration for the upcoming school year.

Juniors will continue to learn about the post-high school planning process. Please ask to see your

student’s transcript, and please take some time to review the group guidance information together.

Junior and Sophomore Parents: Counselors will present on post-high school planning to sophomore and junior parents on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m., in the high school auditorium.

The material presented will include graduation requirements, resources available, SAT/ACT testing information, college entrance requirements and the application process.

Please join us for this informative meeting!

Registration Notice: Registration for the 2016–2017school-year will begin in early February.

Students and families who would like to sit down with their counselor to review their course selections and plans should call the counseling office in January to set up an appointment for some time in February.

Chemical health Monitoring the Future 2015 As 2015 came to a close, an overview of the Monitoring the Future Survey 2015, released a summary of its findings. This may not be “can’t put my book” down reading but nonetheless is interesting to me and is work out of the University of Michigan. This survey is administered annually to American 8th, 10th and 12th graders and s t ays fa i rly c o n s i s te n t w i t h o u r ow n M i n n e s o t a S t u d e n t S u r vey re s u l t s .

Ra n d o m schools across the United States participate in this survey and WHS did several years ago.

I would like to share some of the good news and the not so good news…

The encouraging news is that it shows a continued decrease in the use of alcohol, cigarettes and many illicit drugs over the past five years. Heroin use is at the lowest rate since the survey’s inception in 1992.

There has been a significant decline in the use of synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, since the survey began tracking its use. Five year trends continue to show significant decreases in alcohol use among all grades and cigarette smoking continues to drop and is currently at its lowest rate in the survey’s history.

Areas of concern are the use of e-cigarettes which remains high among teens and past month marijuana use continues to exceed cigarette use among high school seniors. One of the newer trends is to inhale marijuana through the electronic device instead of smoking marijuana. For the first time ever, daily cigarette use was lower than daily marijuana use.

Marijuana use is an interesting topic as it is continually in the news and youth have been softening on their perceived risks of marijuana use however, over 70% of seniors disapproved of regularly smoking marijuana.

A recent WHS survey of juniors indicated that 81% believe it is harmful to drink alcohol.

T h e s e s t a t i s t i c s a r e n o t e a s i ly b e l i e va b l e a m o n g a d u l t s a n d s t u d e n t s b u t o t h e r s u r veys s u c h a s M o n i to r i n g t h e Fu t u re e a s i ly c o m p a re s to o u r ow n s t a t i s t i c s .

Overall, alcohol is still the drug that does the most harm to a higher number of young people than any other substance that our youth have access to. Marijuana comes in second. Heroin and Methamphetamine are very dangerous drugs but we still sometimes forget how dangerous alcohol can be. Keeping a focus on the prevention of underage drinking remains highly important.

Partners in Prevention, a community coalition, will continue its work in this area and your involvement is always welcome. Programs will be offered this spring for parents to increase your awareness.

The Minnesota Student Survey will be administered this wint e r s o w e w i l l g a t h e r o u r o w n d a t a a n d h o p e f u l ly h ave o u r o w n g o o d n e w s .

Have a wonderful 2016.

~Judy Hanson Chemical Health Coordinator

Around WHS New Year Resolutions

Making New Year resolutions may be a worldwide custom, but research shows the vast majority of people break those resolutions within 17 days! Reasons for resolutions’ short life may be due to a lack of commitment, discipline, time and/ or interest. Or it may be because we simply need to look at resolutions in a different light.

A New Year resolution is often stated in the most general manner, much like having a vague idea about a destination, yet having no idea how to get there. Often a resolution is something we’ve never done before but don’t allow enough time for those plans or intentions to become integrated into our lives before giving up.

It’s a matter of trying to incorporate new behaviors without taking steps to create a framework for success.

Instead of taking the vague, broad-brush approach of New Year resolutions, consider resolutions as goals.

Then make those goals SMART, a practice first introduced in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran and adapted throughout business and management ever since. The acronym gives direction and clarity to prop e l u s f o r w a r d : Specific: identify what it is you want to accomplish with as much detail as possible Measurable: quantify, establish an indicator of progress Attainable: what skills, attitudes and abilities are needed?

Relevant: does the goal matter, is it worthwhile, is the time right?

Time-bound: what is the time frame or target date for completion?

As a simplistic example, in place of the common New Year resolution of “exercise more”, take a S M A RT g o a l a p p r o a c h . I n c o r p o r a t e a m i n i m u m o f 1 5 0 m i n u t e s o f m o d e r a t e ly s t r e n u o u s e xe r c i s e p e r w e e k i n t o my r o u t i n e b y wa l k i n g 3 0 m i n u t e s t h r e e days each week and playing basketball one hour on Saturdays to improve overall conditioning

While many New Year Resolutions are often individually focused, SMART goals can involve the entire family. What are your family dreams and hopes for the New Year and how will you make them a reality? Spend more quality time together? Then how, when, where, who?

Henry David Thoreau, American author and philosopher, wrote “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals”.

If “be a better person” was on your New Ye a r resolution list, take a page from Thoreau and use SMART goals to help you actually become that better person in the coming year.

Article Submitted by Lynda Lankford, WPS District Nurse

Around WHS Club Y.E.S. (Youth Extending Service) Wayzata High School students involved in the Club Y.E.S. Youth Service Program are making a difference. During the fall season (September through November), Club Y.E.S. students served our communities by volunteering a combined total of 3,679 hours through Club Y.E.S. service projects.

Students in Club Y.E.S. are expected to volunteer ten hours a semester. It is the re- sponsibility of students to track their own hours and they are encouraged to keep a log of their volunteer activities and hours for future purposes. First semester hours for Club Y.E.S. members are due Thursday, January 28. Wayzata High School does not report volunteer hours on transcripts. Follow this link for more information about Club Y.E.S.

Attention all Students of Spanish!!

We are currently registering for the 2016 National Spanish Exam which will take place on Friday, March 11, 2016 and is open to all students who are enrolled in Spanish at WHS. The cost of the exam is $8 and can be found on E-Pay ( w w w. w a y z a t a s c h o o l s p a y o n l i n e . c o m ) .

P l e a s e c o n t a c t M o n i c a V l a c h a t monica.vlach@wayzata.k12.mn.us or 763-7456984 with any questions. The Registration deadline is Friday, January 15, 2016. Gracias!!

Remember...

The Late Start schedule for Wednesday, February 3, 2016 has been cancelled!

WHS will follow a traditional schedule and school will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Questions? Call 763-745-6600 Thank you!

SCUBA TRIP, SUMMER 2016

Does your child have aspirations of becoming a Marine Biologist or have a love for the ocean and a desire to SCUBA dive? Well, we have a trip for you! Wayzata High School will be taking students on a trip to Grand Cayman Island this summer.

As part of this trip, students will be certified to SCUBA dive, and will spend eight days on Grand Cayman Island SCUBA diving and learning all about the marine ecosystem of the Caribbean. The cost of the trip is $2800, which covers all costs: SCUBA certification, airfare, food, lodging, dive equipment and textbooks. The trip will take place the last week of July (spills over into August).

This trip is open to all students who are currently in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Erik Christenson at 763-745-6969, erik.christenson@wayzata.k12.mn.us, or have your student stop by A402 at the high school.

Around WHS PTO UPDATE

Happy New Year! By now, folks are back from winter break and looking ahead at what 2016 has in store, among which might be a resolution (or two) to start, stop, change, or continue something over the next 365 days. As I thought about resolutions, and sought “new-yearrelated” inspiration for this article, I came across a quote that best fit this month’s message: “We spend January…walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives…not looking for flaws, but for potential.” - Ellen Goodman

I had been thinking about things I haven’t gotten to yet this school year on the PTO--action items and to-do lists (some from summer brainstorming!) that haven’t been checked off yet. After finding the above, I thought, what a pleasure to turn this perspective around a bit, and to look ahead, seeing the potential to still do so much with the time remaining in 2015-16. It was energizing, to say the least!

To this end, know that we, the PTO, resolve in 2016 to continue our efforts to increase parent engagement, whether through emails, announcements, or parent forums on interesting, relevant topics. We have several opportunities for additional communication vehicles, from which you can learn more about happenings around WHS, things your students and their teachers may already know about through daily Newsbreaks, Trojan Tribune, PA announcements. We will work with teachers, students, parents and the WHS administration to prioritize those opportunities in upcoming months, setting a path which can be built upon well-past this school year.

For parents, I challenge you to try this perspective as well. Actively seek out opportunities in the next few months to engage with your student, and “life at WHS.” There are several 2015-16 forums, school event, volunteer opportunities, plus Term 3 conferences, i.e., the potential to do much along these lines yet this school year.

Other thoughts might be to talk regularly with your child about classes they are challenged by or passionate about. You can ask your student about recent Newsbreak topics, or request they bring home a copy of the Trojan Tribune for you both to read and discuss. Decide what you can do to be more informed and engaged…and do it.

Upcoming PTO events over the next few months:

 January 19 Winter Parent Forum, 7:00 p.m. in Forum Room B204 – A “State of the District, High School and Student Body” presentation.  February Staff Appreciation Dinner (during Parent/Teacher Conferences) – Please watch for upcoming volunteer opportunities!!

 March Speaker: Bestselling Author and Speaker, Harlan Cohen, on topics of Transition for Parents – Watch for upcoming details of this event which will be held @ WHS on March 15, 2016!

We will continue to keep you posted on events, and act on opportunities we identify to help you connect with your student and WHS. Meanwhile, enjoy this time of new beginnings, new adventures, and the opportunity to realize the potential for a very productive, informative and engaged 2016!

Regards,

~ Julie Julie Wexler President, PTO 2015-16

Around WHS AdvAnced PlAcement vS concurrent enrollment What’s the difference?

With the rigor of the present-day high school curriculum, many students have enrolled themselves in AP classes. AP (Advanced Placement) is a program offered by College Board that provides students an opportunity to complete college-level courses in high school.

Students who score well on the AP test given in May are likely to receive credit for an equivalent course if they choose to proceed to college. While this program is fairly well-known to students and parents at Wayzata, a similar program, CE (concurrent enrollment), also offers college credits to ambitious high school students. CE, also known as dual enrollment, allows a student to obtain credits for a college level course taught at a high school. The class is low-cost and it is not necessary for a student to complete an exam like the AP test to recieve credit. This course is not offered through an organization like college board but by the colleges themselves. The curriculum for CE is also more consistent with work in the real world.

AP tests offered in May often take several hours and are completed on a scantron

High School 101 High School 101 is an essential class that will your teach your son or daughter on how they can perforn better in high school and get ready for life after graduation.

Students will learn how to get organized, how to study effectively to get the highest test score possibe, and establish better communication skills with adults and other students.

Every high schooler should take this class to develop these crucial skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Course Content

Although CE classes are similar to the ones offered in college, they are taught in a High School environment

In High School 101, we attain the skills listed above through reading educational books about how people succeeded even when the odds were agianst them. One example is the book “Teenagers Preparing For The Real World” by motivational speaker Chad Foster. We hear his inspiring story, and he urges students to stay motivated and driven in their academic career, and adult life.

So which one?

In order to decide which program is right for you, it’s important to determine the amount of rigor and content you want in your class. CE offers topics that are more immediately applicable in the working world.

However, a major flaw of CE is the inability of the credits to transfer to many colleges. Since it is coordination between the school and local colleges, it is often difficult to maintain those credits when going out of the state.

AP is a far more rigurous program that offers a greater variety of subjects. In addition, AP credits are widely transferable and accepted by most colleges. Nonetheless AP credits are harder to obtain due to the difficult nature of the test and score requirements on the AP test. The test, scored out of 5, does not affect your grade in the class but is necessary to pass in order to receive credits.

Although a passing score is 3, many presitigious colleges require at least a 4 or even a 5 for you to recieve credit.

Each test also requires a registration of $92 whereas CE is free for the student.

Student Opinion: “The work load is significantly higher,” says 11th grader Dylan Braith, “I feel

there is a greater amount of pressure at home and at school because you need to pass the AP test to get credits. My CE class is easier to handle and even allows for a retake on the final test.”

nt e stude s e h t y f njo Please e ompliments o !C articles eur’s Graphic d Mr. Tor n Class...

Desig

Public Speaking

Throughout the course of this class, students will be encouraged to speak in front of the class and express their opinion on current topics of discussion. Speaking in front of a class makes students more comfortable speaking amongst their peers and learn the valuable skill of speaking in front of large groups.

Student Testimonials

I talked to a student who recently took High School 101, and here’s what he had to say: “High school 101 was a really great experience for me, it taught me real world problem solving skills, and I am definitely glad I took it, and would reccoment it to new students.

Around WHS Happy New Year!! It’s officially 2016 which

means our seniors are graduating this year!!

Senior

Parents,

w e n e e d yo u .

T h e 2 0 1 6 S e n i o r Pa r t y is looking for parents to help us out.

How? • Donate your time by volunteering with Culinary Express. For each two-hour shift worked (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) we earn $25. Two volunteers per day means $50 and goes toward the Senior Party!

Volunteers are needed for several dates in January and for the rest of the school year. Sign up: http:// www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b44afac2aa46table or there is a link on the senior party website.

• Committee chair volunteers needed for fundraising, transportation and entertainment. Consider volunteering to help make this an incredible night for our seniors!! Interested in volunteering in other ways, please contact our party chairpersons at wayzata.seniorparty@gmail.com .

• Donate items for prizes like gift cards (no big ticket items please). Items can be dropped off at WHS main office. Please identify “Senior Party” when dropping off.

• Cash donations. Donations by cash or check (made to Wayzata Senior Party) can also be dropped off. Again, please label “Senior Party” when dropping off. All donations are tax deductible!!

• Senior Parents Social! Kick off our seniors’ last semester at WHS at the 1st Annual Senior Parent Social at Rock Elm Tavern from 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 31. Come to meet and greet other senior parents while enjoying complimentary appetizers and fabulous drink specials. A free-will donation box will be available benefiting the WHS Senior Party. Many thanks to Rock Elm Tavern for sponsoring this event!!

Senior Apparel: There are a limited number of short and long-sleeved t-shirts available. Your student can purchase in the Trojan Locker Room during lunch or contact Peggy Weaver, peggyw65@gmail.com, to place an order.

If we haven’t communicated with you it’s because we don’t have your email address. Please send your email address to wayzata.seniorparty@gmail.com. Lots of important information will be sent out in the upcoming months!!

Stay informed via our social media sites: Fa c e b o o k : 2 0 1 6 W H S S e n i o r P a r t y ( h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / 2 0 1 6 - \ S e nior-Party-730198087066296/timeline/) Twitter: @ Wa y z a t a P a r t y 1 6 ( h t t p s : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / Wa y z a t a P a r t y 1 6 ) Instagram: Wayzat aSrPa rt y2016 Senior Party website: http://wayz a t a s e n i o r c l a s s p a r t y. w e e b l y. c o m /

Thank you to everyone who attended the Stress Buster Chipotle Fundraiser in December and helped spread the word!

We greatly appreciate your efforts and are happy to announce the total raised was $658.68!!!! That money is imperative for us to keep providing a bit of stress relief for all our wonderful WHS students!

A BIG Thank You to Jonny Pops who donated 3,300 all natural popsicles for our students on December 14! Brian Wessels from Jonny Pops, helped our volunteers distribute the pops to students and told them of their mission which is in line with ours, “that every act of kindness—no matter how big or small— goes a long way”. They sure did brighten our student’s day!

PLEASE support Jonny Pops when you are shopping at Cub, Lund’s & Byerly’s, Kowalski’s, Kwik Trip, Holiday and more.

Our next STRESS BUSTERS day will be Wednesday, January 27. We are pleased to bring in animals from North Star Therapy Animals. Students may visit the animals before school from 6:45–7:30 a.m. and after school from 2:20–3:20 p.m. Studies have shown that interaction with animals provides sensory stress relief and other physiological benefits. Stroking an animal lowers blood pressure and decreases the heart rate which can help a person quickly feel calmer and less stressed.

Please let your student(s) know this is optional, and to simply show up at the Guidance Counseling (B201) office during those times if they would like to attend. Animals will remain in the presence and control of their human partners. Teams are registered and insured. Should you have any questions please contact Kathi (huenemann@yahoo.com). For further benefits of animals and stress reduction https://petpartners.org/learn/benefits-human-animal-bond/ .

Thank you for your continued support of STRESS BUSTERS through donations and volunteering. We always need more of both, please visit http://www.wayzata.k12. mn.us/domain/2642 for further information.

Around WHS T h e Wa y z a t a L e a d e r s h i p A c a d e m y s u p p o r t s t h e W H S Mission Statement “Character and Scholarship for Life” Trojan Pride has been developed to intentionally and purposefully promote and develop character and leadership qualities in our students. Teachers look for students who demonstrate one of The Pillars of Trojan Pride during the school day and will send a Trojan Pride Character Card home. Each week we draw a student to showcase Trojan Pride.

TROJAN

PRIDE

WINNERS

FOR

DECEMBER

Chloe Winston (11) Nominated by Ms. Dawn Johnson for building and sustaining positive relationships!

Paige Burstein (11) Nominated for building and sustaining positive relationships by Ms. Johnson!

Sydney Hayden (12)

Nominated by Mr. Olson for taking responsibility!

WERE...

Emily Olson (11) For demonstrating all Five Pillars of Success!

Nominated by Ms. Johnson!

Eston Taylor (11)

Nominated by Ms. Lephart & Ms. Ledman for showing respect and taking responsibility!

Charles Engdahl (10) Nominated

by Profe Vlach for showing respect, buliding and sustaining positive relationships and taking responsibility!

Kilee Schultz (11)

Nominated by Ms. Lephart & Ms. Ledman for demonstrating all Five Pillars of Success!

Fletcher Craft (12)

Nominated by Ms. Sheryl Kleinart for taking responsibility, making ethical decisions and being inclusive!

Profe Monica Vlach

Around WHS Freshmen Parents/Guardians!

Complete Payment for Respect Retreat today!

The “Respect Retreat” is for ALL Wayzata freshmen and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2016. If you have not paid the fee for the retreat, please do so online by visiting E-Pay! If you have questions, please contact Ann Brattain, ann.brattain@wayzata.k12.mn.us or call 763-745-6707.

VOLUNTEER CORNER

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.”

–William Shakespeare Happy New Year! Hope your holidays were filled with laughter and love.

Please let me know if you would like to volunteer in 2016.

Opportunities come up throughout the year; to see what’s available click on the link: http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/whs/pto/volunteer.

Information can also be found on the WHS website: Go to the For Parents tab, click on PTO, then click Volunteer Sign-Up.

If you are interested in being included on a General Help List, please contact Catherine Christiansen: whsparentvolunteer@wayzata.k12.mn.us The General Help List is a low time commitment, as it fits your schedule, opportunity.

You will be notified via e-mail when needs arise.

Thank you!

Around WHS Purvaja Marella

A Global Voice for Autism

612-245-8794 Purvaja@globalvoiceforautism.org

Although the Minneapolis Somali Community has a higher rate of autism than any other population in Minnesota, they also faced the greatest difficulties when attempting to access autism services. A Global Voice for Autism, a non-profit organization that exists to help children with autism in conflictaffected communities communicate independently is working to change that. Through community-based parent training programs, parent and sibling support groups and community education initiatives that reduce autism stigma.

According to the Autism Society, the national autism rate is estimated at 1 in 68 births. However, in the Minneapolis, 1 in 32 Somali children are diagnosed with autism. The Somali language does not have a word for autism and this diagnosis is often accompanied by confusion, shame and stigma for families.

A Global Voice for Autism is seeking financial support for their upcoming program in the Minneapolis Somali community. In order to support the program, we are partnering with Wakami Connections, a women’s empowerment organization in Guatemala to sell handmade bracelets. The bracelets are $15 each.

Half of the proceeds for each bracelet will support A Global Voice for Autism’s Minneapolis program and half of the proceeds will support indigenous women artisans in Guatemala. To purchase these bracelets and empower women and children with autism in conflict-affected communities, contact Wayzata High School student, Purvaja Marella, at purvaja@ aglobalvoiceforautism.org.

Fine Arts Wayzata Players held their annual Holiday Points

Party on Dec. 17 and over 100 students attended! We heard Sonia Gecker speak of next year’s new theatre classes, CABARET -Wayzata’s spring musical and announced Spotlight Awards for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

If your student DID NOT attend this important meeting, please remind them to check with Mrs. Beherns in D207 to check their point sheet if they are considering lettering in Drama. It is the student’s responsibility to record the points and get them signed-off by either Ms. Sonia Gecker, Mrs. Cindy Beherns or a Board Member three times a year!!

Winter Coffee House takes place January 8, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. We have a great group of performers including vocal, bands, magic acts and dramatic works. Tickets are $5/Students ($8 @door) $8/Seniors and $10/Adults. Seating is limited to 100 seats and can be purchased during passing time blocks and/or after school in D207. Box Office will open the night of the show at 6:00 p.m. to sell any remaining seats. It is sure to be a fun time so don’t miss it!!!!

Upcoming Calendar Events: January 8, 2016:

Winter Coffee House Production

7:00 p.m., Black Box Theatre January 21 & 22, 2016:

Competition One-Act

7:00 p.m. Main Stage/Auditorium February 4, 2016:

Drama Club Meeting

2:30–3:30 p.m.

S P O T L I H G T AWA R D S a r e g i v e n o u t Hennepin Theatre Trust and Wayzata High School participates in this event every year.

Wayzata High School’s fall production of “Beauty and the Beast” earned 15 Spotlight Awards including “Outstanding Overall Performance”! Other top honors included Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Outstanding Movement/Dance Performance, Outstanding Technical Crew, Outstanding Overall Technical Team, Outstanding Costume Crew, Outstanding A/V Board Operators, and special individual performance awards awarded to Sam Sanderson (Lumiere), Olivia Pak (Mrs. Potts), DeeDee Sperry (Belle), Erik D a g o b e rg ( B e a s t ) , a n d S a ra Pa u ly ( Sta ge M a n a ge r ) .

b y

t h e

We are very proud of out cast and crew and of our community who supported this wonderful production.

Committee members Allegra Pompeo, Sam Sanderson and Kate Piering worked hard on the “Tea for Tots,” which was a huge success! 50 Tots and 78 adults gathered before the matinee show for a little lunch, pictures with the cast, games and fun. $600 was donated from the afternoon festivities to Interfaith Outreach and contributions received were used to sponsor four families for holiday gifts! Also 17 bags of food were donated as well.

Thanks to all the parent volunteers who worked at the sell out shows and ushered each performance.

W h a t a w o n d e r f u l d e b u t m u s i c a l f o r o u r n e w d i r e c t o r, S o n i a G e c k e r !

Fine ArtS We have three amazing productions coming to you in the next two months: Competition One-Act The Debutante A Play in One-Act

By F. Scott Fitzgerald January 21 & January 22 @ 7:00 p.m. on Main Stage/WHS Auditorium

Set in the early 1920’s, The Debutante takes place on the evening of Rosalind Connage’s “coming out” into society as a debutante and eligible for marriage.

The first scene takes place in Rosalind’s bedroom, where she is getting ready for her party with the help of her mother, Mrs. Connage, and her younger sister, Cecelia. Glamorous, a bit vain, but very romantic, Rosalind is eager to start her life as an adult woman in high society. Alec Connage, her brother, returns home for the event with his friend and roommate, Amory Blaine. Rosalind and Amory meet for the first time and the first inklings of romance begin to appear.

The second scene, at the p a r t y, shows Rosalind turning down her other suitors for Amory, who appears to be the perfect match for Rosalind.

The play ends with them dancing together in their own world, as the party around them continues. $5/Students, nights of

$8/Seniors and $10/Adults and can be the shows at 6:00 p.m. in the

Almost, Maine - 9/10 grade play A Romantic Comedy

By John Cariani February 18 & 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre February 20 at 2:00 p.m. in Black Box Theatre

purchased the box office.

“On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.”

Tickets are available after school in D207 or may be purchased at the door the time of the performance; $10/Students, $12/Seniors and $15/Adults. Seating is limited to 85 seats per performance.

Twelve Angry Jurors – 11/12 grade play A Drama

By Reginald Rose

“A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. ‘He doesn’t stand a chance,’ mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts.

“This is a remarkable thing about democracy,” says the foreign-born juror, “that we are notified by mail to come down to this place—and decide on the guilt or innocence of a person; of a man or woman we have not known before. We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict. We should not make it a personal thing.”

But personal it is, with each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes! Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become 12 very angry people.”

Tickets are available after school in D207 or may be purchased at the door the time of the performance; $10/Students, $12/Seniors and $15/Adults. Seating is limited to 85 seats per performance.

Athletics 2015-2016 Wayzata High School Athletic Registration Information All participants in athletic programs at Wayzata High School must be fully registered prior to the athlete’s first practice/tryout.

Note: Student-Athletes may participate in only one athletic program per season. This also includes Showstoppers (fall) and Clay Target (spring).

A student-athlete who has transferred to WHS during their high school career, is moving into the school district, or is a foreign exchange student should register in person accompanied by a parent/guardian.

You must complete the following steps to be cleared for participation:

Step 1: Submit a current Sports Qualifying Physical Examination dated after 6/15/2013. Form must be signed and dated by a physician. Well-child physicals will not be accepted. Form must clear student for Athletic participation. Sports Qualifying Physical Exam can be faxed to 763-745-6625 or dropped off at the Wayzata High School Activities Office.

Step 2: Submit the 2015-2016 Minnesota State High School League/Wayzata High School Athletic and Activities Eligibility Form. This form must be turned in each school year. Submit form at www.wayzataschoolspayonline.com.

Step 3: Fee Payment. Submit payment at www.wayzataschoolspayonline.com. If you are paying in person, you must pay with check or cash.

If all three steps are not completed, your student will not be allowed to participate, tryout, and/or receive any equipment. Please complete steps in order.

Sport Girls’ Synchronized Swim Boys’ & Girls’ Adapted Bowling Boys’ & Girls’ Adapted Softball Girls’ Softball Boys’ Track & Field Girls’ Track & Field Baseball Boys’ Golf Girls’ Golf Boys’ Tennis Boys’ Lacrosse Girls’ Lacrosse

Grades

Registration Dates

Season Begins

7-12 7-12 7-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12

Feb. 16 – March 2 Feb. 16 – March 2 Feb. 16 – March 2 Feb. 16 – Mar. 9 Feb. 16 – Mar. 9 Feb. 16 – Mar. 9 Feb. 16 – Mar. 16 Feb. 16 – Mar. 16 Feb. 16 – Mar. 16 Feb. 16 – Mar. 23 Feb. 16 – Mar. 30 Feb. 16 – Mar. 30

March 7 March 7 March 7 March 14 March 14 March 14 March 21 March 21 March 21 March 28 April 4 April 4

Intramural (Gr. 9-12) #of Weeks/Sessions Golf - Session 2 5/5 Table Tennis 5/5 Badminton – Session 2 5/5

Day(s) of Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Fees $165 $115 $110 $160 $160 $160 $160 $160 $160 $135 $150 $150

Registration Dates April 11 - 22 April 11 - 22 April 11 - 22

Coach & Phone Number Signe Hensel, (763) 476-9649 Nancy Icopini, (763) 745-6743 Nancy Icopini, (763) 745-6743 Amber Hegland, (763) 745-6741 Aaron Berndt, (763) 745-6959 Lori Cade, (763) 745-6978 Bobby DeWitt, (763) 745-6124 Allan Christopherson, (763) 745-6906 Mike Schumacher, (763) 745-6830 Jeff Prondzinski, (763) 745-6999 Chad Herr, (612) 578-0595 Lindsey Eichenlaub, lindseyeichenlaub@gmail.com Season April 25 - May 23 April 26 - May 24 April 27 - May 25

Fee $80 $25 $25

Athletic Dept. Phone Number: 763-745-6620 • Athletic Dept. Fax Number: 763-745-6625