2014 Back to School

Back to School Edition

B o a r d o f E d u c at i o n

John Collier, President

Ron Rowe, Vice-President

Dr. Donald Wilson

Shane Bartee

Ryan Rotterman

Antonio Cutolo-Ring

Justin Webb

A d m i n i s t r at i o n

Dr. Mark Harpst, Interim Superintendent

Dr. Logan Lightfoot, High School Principal

Ryan Ramey, Assistant Principal

Rebecca Henshaw, Elementary Principal

Dr. Regina Knott, Dir. Of Special Services

August 12

Elementary Open House

in the ES Gym 5:45 pm

7th Grade/New Student

Orientation in the

Performing Arts Center

6:30 pm

August 14

First day of school

Full day

August 15

HS Football Jamboree

At Gower 6:00 pm

August 26

HS Softball

At WP 4:30 pm

1103 Washington Weston, MO 64098

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID WESTON, MO

64098 PERMIT NO. 2

West Platte School District

Social Media Be one of the first to know what’s going on at West Platte. Follow the West Platte School District’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. The links are on our website, www.WPSD.net.

The West Platte School District has made communication a priority. We have implemented and will use many forms of communication, and we want to ensure that you GET CONNECTED.

Website The District’s website provides a wealth of information, photos from our staff and students, as well as news and announcements. Check out our website, www.WPSD.net.

COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR

The annual College/Career Fair will be held on September 30, 2014 in the High School Gym at West Platte. All Jun-iors and Seniors are given the opportunity to speak with various college, vocational school, and military represent-atives. Area schools are also invited to attend the fair.

CAREER DAY INFORMATION & INVITATION

The annual Career Day will be held on the morning of September 30, 2014 for all Freshmen and Sophomores. Last year, there were enough presenters to expand the Career Day to the Junior High students, and this is the plan for this year as well. This is an opportunity for business owners and employees to share infor-mation about their jobs with students. More information will be provided when details have been finalized. If you have any questions or concerns about the College/Career Fair or the Career Day, please call Corrine Allee at 640-2292 ext. 201.

REGISTRATION Find information on what you need to do to enroll or register.

P3

WELCOME BACK Dr. Lightfoot & Ms. Henshaw welcome students back from summer break.

P4

INFORMATION Find information about food service, bus transportation, & tablets before school starts. P5

UPCOMING EVENTS

The West Platte School District has made communication a priority. We have implemented and will use many forms of communication, and we want to ensure that you GET CONNECTED.

If you need a school supply list, go to http://wpsd.net/forms/school-supply-lists

Dear West Platte Parents, Students, and Community, Although it seems like the busses just pulled out for the last trip home of the 2013-2014 school year, August 14th is coming quickly and the same busses will be bringing our students to school for that special first day of the 2014-2015 school year! During my few months back at West Platte, I have marveled at the tremendous oppor-tunities our small school district offers our students. The level of instructional tech-nology is extraordinary, and these skills will serve our students exceptionally well as they become lifelong learners. Our student’s exposure to foreign language (Spanish) in all grade levels from preschool throughout high school is unparalleled and doesn’t exist in a majority of districts many times our size. Our teacher to student ratios are the envy of all surrounding districts and optimize learning at every level. The number of high school Advanced Placement courses and dual credit college courses is indica-tive of a district’s efforts to provide high school students with large school opportuni-ties in a small school setting. Our grounds and facilities are equally impressive and represent the quality of our town and community. While there is more to boast about, the “bottom line” is…… the students, staff, parents and patrons of our commu-nity have much for which to be thankful and proud of at West Platte. As a parent and/or patron, we want you to be a part of the great things happening at West Platte. We encourage not only your participation in your child’s education, but encourage your input and continued communication. Most important information can be found on our district’s website (www.wpsd.net), but don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns you may have. It is an honor to return to my hometown to serve as Superintendent of Schools where I grew up, began my teaching career, and later began my administrative career. I am encouraged and excited to be a part of this community once again. The motto the district adopted during my first year as Superintendent in 1991, “ Preserving the past, and building the future” resonates more true than ever as it truly reflects the many wonderful opportunities our school and community provide for an excellent quality of life. Once a Bluejay, always a Bluejay! Have a great 2014-2015 school year! Respectfully, Dr. Mark Harpst Superintendent of Schools

Registration for elementary students will be from Au-gust 2 to August 14 in the West Platte Elementary School between the hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm.

Fall Registration for Grades 11-12 will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fall Registration for Grades 8-10 will be held on Fri-day, August 8, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stu-dents need to bring completed registration packets (mailed home over the summer) and any payment that is due to the high school office. Once they have turned in all necessary paperwork to the office, they may pick up their schedules and locker assignments. Students can make changes to their schedules at this time, if needed. Students will have the first three days of the semester to make schedule changes as well. If you are a new family to the area, please DO NOT attend the general registration sessions on Au-gust 7 and 8. This time is only reserved for students who currently attend West Platte Jr.-Sr. High School. We want to ensure that we are able to devote our full attention to you and your student.

See Yourself Here

District Office: 816-640-2236

Elementary Office: 816-640-2811

High School Office: 816-640-2292

816-517-8717

High School 8:10 am to 3:05 pm

Elementary School: 8: 10 to 3:10 pm

The Mission of the West Platte School District is to develop students with a healthy intellectual, physical, social and emotional balance that will enable them to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a changing society.

You are invited to attend the 7th Grade/New Student Orien-tation on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. High school students need to bring a record of all courses completed (an unofficial transcript is acceptable for scheduling purposes) or have it faxed to 816-386-2293. It is imperative that you bring a copy of your child’s immunization records when you come to enroll. Students are not permitted to enroll in school without this information. In addition, the school nurse will be available to collect any updated immunization records and answer any questions. Unfortunately, if immunizations are not current, your child cannot come to school on August 14, 2014. If you have any questions or concerns about 7th Grade/New Student Orienta-tion, please call the Guidance Counselor, Corrine Allee at 816-640-2292, ext. 201.

Here’s what to expect: Pay class dues ($5.00 for 7th grade) Update personal information and pick up schedules Receive locker assignments in the High School Office Attend a program in the Performing Arts Center where

you will be introduced to your teachers and hear lots of information about being a 7th grader/new West Platte student!

Tour the school and find your classes. National Honor Society and Student Council members will be available to show you around. You may bring your locker organizers, classroom supplies, etc. Teachers will be in their rooms to answer questions.

Enrollment for new elementary students will be from August 2 to August 14 in the Elementary office between the hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm. You will fill out enrollment forms, provide a copy of your student’s immunization records and proof of residency. If you have questions, please contact the office at 816-640-2811.

Visit our website at www.wpsd.net for all upcoming dates, calendar events and news for the 2014-2015 school year!

Dear Parents, I would like to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for the welcome I received last year when I returned to West Platte. Thank you for your support throughout my first year as the elementary principal. Thank you for being involved in your child’s education. And most of all, thank you for the wonderful students you send to us every day! I am excited for the 2014-15 school year to get underway. We will continue to focus on enhancing our character education program, incorporating technology into learning and reinforcing consistent behavior expectations. With the great staff that is assembled through-out the West Platte School District, there is not a doubt in my mind we will be very effective in achieving these goals. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have questions or concerns. I have a very open door policy and enjoying getting to know all of the families of our students. I look forward to working with each of you to ensure the success of all students. Respectfully, Ms. Rebecca Henshaw Elementary Principal

Booster Club

Chamber Jays

PTO

Quarterback Club

Room Parent

WP Community In Action

Lunch money can be paid during time of registration. Free and reduced priced breakfast and lunches are avail-able for students who qualify. Applica-tions for free or reduced price break-fast/lunch are available in the main office of each building. The list of stu-dents who participate in this program will remain confidential. All ID cards, regular price or free/reduced, will be identical. For a list of our school lunch prices for the 2014-15 school year, visit our website at www.wpsd.net/departments/food-services.

Food Services Student Tablets Bus Transportation

The District contracts our transporta-tion services through Apple Bus Com-pany in Cleveland, Missouri. Linda McDowell is the Transportation Direc-tor and can be reached at (816) 517-8717.

The District runs six routes plus one for early childhood. There is also a bus available for special needs students. Each of the routes are no longer than 45 minutes. The school also runs a Vocational School bus route from the school to the Northland Career Center in Platte City, daily.

West Platte School District promotes an environment which leverages tech-nology to provide a superior education system and prepares its students to succeed in a global society. Therefore, each student at West Platte will be given a tablet, keyboard, a charging cord and case once they have a signed agreement on file with the school office. High School students will pick up their tablets when they register, and elementary students will pick their tablets up during their first days of school. There will be a technology usage fee of $30 to cover tablet use for the year and any accidental damages.

“It’s the singer not the song that makes the music move along.”

Dear Students, Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year. The above quote is actually from the lyrics of a song by one of my favorite bands, The Who. While this band predates you, the meaning is still quite applicable today. One of the biggest joys of being an educator in our district is the fact that we get to work with West Platte students each day. Without a doubt, you carry on a legacy of students who show excellence and leadership in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and within the community. I encourage each of you to take full advantage of this upcoming school year and make your own legacy. Our teachers are thrilled to begin a new year of learning and growing. They are prepared to give you their best each day. They will challenge you to reach your highest potential. That being said, the choice to achieve excellence lies within you. I truly believe we have a top-notch school and staff; however, it is each student within our school that makes West Platte such a special place. Get ready, get involved, and don’t miss this opportunity to achieve great things. Remember, you are the decisive element. After all, it is the singer, not the song, that makes the music move along! I look forward to welcoming you back in a few short weeks. I love being your principal!

Dr. Lightfoot

SEE YOURSELF HERE…….WPSD.NET