CARDINAL COURIER
WILLMAR Senior High
Spring 2015-2016
Volume 25~ Issue 3
Ramp-Up
Advisor
Check-ins
for
TERM 3
Will be
held on
Feb. 22nd 4-7
Feb.25th 4-7
Feb. 26th 7:30-12:30
Please come at your
scheduled time to meet
with your student’s Ramp
Up Advisor. You can
meet with other teachers
before and after.
Spring Break
Mar.21stMar.25th
No School for
Staff & Students
School resumes
on Mon. Mar. 28th
Willmar Senior High Advanced Classes Update
With the addition of our new CIS course offered through Ridgewater College titled “Certified Nursing
Assistant,” I thought it would be a good time to take stock in where our school stands with collegelevel and advanced placement classes. Looking back to 6 years ago, Willmar Senior High offered 15
Advanced Placement courses and other courses that were offered for college credit. That number
has grown to 23. I wrote about our new 1) CNA course in a previous Cardinal Courier, and in this
issue I want to highlight the other fantastic offerings we have in our soon to be published 2016-17
Willmar Senior High School curriculum guide.
Math
The state graduation requirements in math now require all students to complete standards up to
and including the Algebra 2 standards. Willmar Senior high offers 6 classes that exceed these minimum state requirements, including Advanced Algebra 2, Algebra 3, Advanced Algebra 3, Survey of
Pre-calculus, CIS Pre-calculus and AP Calculus.
2) Our CIS Pre-calculus course is a 135 level math class offered for 4 Southwest Minnesota
State university credits. It is the 2nd year of this offering and in 14-15, we had 67 students
in the class and that has grown to 84 in 2015-16. Sections of the course are taught by Kendra Berg and Tom DeBoer, Willmar Senior High teachers who have been accredited by
SMSU.
3) AP Calculus. This is a long standing and popular AP offering and it is taught by Jan Westby.
This year 45 students are enrolled in the 3 term class following enrollment years of 44, 30,
43 and 38.
Communications
Our Communications Department offers two, 2-semester AP courses. In 11th grade, qualifying students can take 4) AP Language & Composition. This course is taught by Linda Saunders and focuses
on reading and analysis of non-fiction prose. There is also extensive writing, grammar, and vocabulary studies in the course. There are 63 students in the course this year.
In 12th grade, qualifying students can take our 5) AP Literature & Composition course. This course
involves extensive reading, research, and writing and focuses on fictional works of literature. This
class also includes the Personal Portfolio that we consider a capstone project in the department for
all graduating 12th graders. The class is taught by Amy Grussing, and we have 64 students enrolled
in the course this year.
Social Studies
Our Social Studies Department offers 3 AP offerings for our students. Lyle Hovland teaches one section of 6) AP Psychology this year and his course covers all of the topics of a college-level Psych class.
Ken Heitzman is our 7) AP American History teacher. AP American History is a 2 term class that focuses on US history from 1877 to the present. We have a new AP offering in the Social Studies department for the 2015-16 school year with the addition of 8) AP Human Geography. This course was
created by Tony Neumann and explores all the topics of a college Geography course.
Also under the umbrella of the Social Studies department is the 9) Kandiyohi CEO course led by Tyler
Gehrking. New this year to CEO is college-level credit through Ridgewater. (Cont. on page 2)
Cardinal Courier
(Cont. from page 1)
Science
The science department has extensive offerings in College in the Schools (CIS) and AP courses.
10) AP Chemistry is an every other year offering taught by Michelle Rambow. It is a 3 term class with a prerequisite of
our College Prep Chemistry course.
11) CIS Biology is an every other year offering taught by Jon Gubrud. This is an introductory college level science course
and students receive 4 credits from Ridgewater College upon completion.
12) Rob Palmer teaches a CIS Human Anatomy and Physiology course through the University of Minnesota. Students
that take this course receive 4 credits from the “U.”
13) CIS General Physics class is a course taught by Rob Flegel. It is a 230 level science class taught through St. Cloud
State University and students receive 4 credits for this two term course.
14) CIS Environmental Studies is another class taught by a Willmar Senior High School teacher through St. Cloud State
University. Mark Ranney teaches this one term course and students receive 4 credits from SCSU.
Project Lead the Way
The Technology Education Department offers several Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses that promote engineering and technology related careers. Students that complete the course listed below with an 85% or better and do well on the final exam receive credit from the University of Minnesota. All of these courses are taught by Mike Kroeker, who has gone through extensive
training to be a certified instructor for these courses.
15) Introduction to Engineering Design 1 & 2
16) Digital Electronics 1 & 2
17) Principles of Engineering 1 & 2
18) Civil Engineering and Architecture
Art/Music/Business
Students in our Art Department have three opportunities for Advanced Placement Courses. Tonya Oie teaches 19) AP Studio Art
– Drawing, 20) AP Studio Art – 2D Design and 21) AP Studio Art 3D Design. Each of these classes focuses on different pursuits in
art based upon the student interest and abilities.
22) AP Music Theory is an offering in our Music Department as an additional class to take within their music block in 11 th or 12th
grade. Students work independently under the direction of instructor Terry Brau in addition to their regular work load in their
music class as they study for the AP Music Theory Examination in May.
In the Business Department last year, Danielle Mikkelson brought a new CIS offering to our students. 23) CIS Principles of Microeconomics is a course taught in conjunction with Southwest Minnesota State University. The one term Willmar Public School
course is worth 3 SMSU credits.
AP Exam Registration
Post Prom
Registration for the AP exams will open February 20 and
end March 20. Please check the Willmar High School web
site under "For Students" the "AP Exams" for information. Information will also be emailed to parents and
students of AP students. All AP students are encouraged
to take advantage of this opportunity.
Post Prom Masquerade Party
volunteers needed April 29th.
Come see what all the fun is
about! Contact Sherry Russell
[email protected]
Cardinal Courier
2016 WSH Prom
The 2016 Willmar Senior High School prom Serengeti: A Night On The Wild Side will be on Friday, April 29th. A public viewing of
the decorations is set for 5:30pm. The Grand March begins promptly at 6:30pm and the dance will follow from 8:30 - 11:30pm.
You do not need an automobile to be a part of Grand March. Arrangements can be made with Mr. Hovland or Mrs. Neis to walk
through Grand March and be introduced like all other prom guests, without the pressure of having a vehicle.
EARLY BIRD TWO DAY DISCOUNT SALES: APRIL 18th & April 19th. Tickets will be sold during 3rd Block lunches. Willmar Public
School students are charged $35.00 and out of town guests are $45.00. *NOTE*: Out of Town Guests MUST have a copy of their
driver’s license to purchase a ticket.
REGULAR SALES : Tickets will be sold during 3rd Block lunches from April 25th - April 29th. Willmar Public School students are
charged $45.00 and out of town guests are $55.00. *NOTE*: Out of Town Guests MUST have a copy of their driver’s license to
purchase a ticket.
All of the decorations and services to coordinate this prom are funded entirely and solely by ticket sales. No Willmar Public
School dollars are used to host the event.
The prom committee, along with prom attendants, will be busy decorating the gym starting on Friday, April 22nd. Parents are
welcome to help. Decorating will take place on Saturday, Sunday, and also Monday through Wednesday after school. If you can
spare some free time to help, please contact Mrs. Neis at 231-8385.
Each junior and senior student will receive a Prom iBook that includes all of their information and required forms. Basic information for parents and spectators will also be posted on our school website.
In order to preserve the safety and welfare of Willmar Senior High School students, the administration reserves the right to deny
admission to attend the Willmar High School prom. NO ONE under high school age or over 21 will be allowed to attend. Only
those students who are eligible to be a high school student may attend. Each set of prom guests must have at least one junior or
senior student. REMINDER; Freshman students MAY NOT attend Prom, even if they are invited by a Junior or Senior.
If you have any questions, please fell free to contact Principal Paul Schmitz, or Prom Coordinators Mr. Lyle Hovland and Mrs. Jodi
Neis.
School is in session on Friday, April 29th. If a student is going to be absent that day, he or she will need a parent/ guardian to
contact the attendance line to approve that absence.
Willmar Senior High Attendance Office
Please call the attendance line at 231-8462 ASAP 24 hours a day/7 days a week for ANY attendance issues.
Please call this number whether the student is coming late or leaving early. If you get the answering machine it means that we
are out of the office, on another line, or helping customers at the front desk. Please leave a message. The messages get checked
continually throughout the school day.
Somali Line is 320-231-8307 ~ this is an answering machine. Please leave a message.
Spanish Line is 320-231-8305 ~ this is an answering machine. Please leave a message.
We also ask that you call us early in the morning or as soon as possible for any appointments, rather than at the last minute. That
way we don't have to interrupt the classroom. Thank you for your help in this matter!
Or if you would like to email, the address is [email protected]
Cardinal Courier
FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
Testing at WHS
MCA Tests
The MCA’s (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) are
the state tests given to students in a district once a year,
based on their grade level and subject area.
~ MCA Reading is given to all 10th graders. A passing score
is 1050. March 7th – May 6th
~ MCA Math is given to all 11th graders. A passing score is
1150. March 7th – May 6th
~ MCA Science is given to all students who either took Biology first semester this year or are currently taking it. A
passing score is 1050. March 7th – May 13th
These tests are all administered online during a testing
“window”. Your student will be tested on either a Tuesday
or a Thursday. Rosters will be put up on the Guidance
Office windows in advance, so students know when they’re
testing.
State law requires all students to take these tests and if
they don’t pass, they will be required to do further testing.
Most students take the MCA, but students who receive
special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead.
English Language Proficiency Assessments
The ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are the
tests given to “English learners” or EL students in order to
measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards
for English language development. Most English learners
will take the ACCESS for ELLs, but English learners who
received special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs. EL
students will be tested in their classrooms. The ACCESS
testing window is from now until Friday, March 18th.
ACT
Following a decision by the Minnesota Legislature, all 11thgraders will be offered the ACT plus Writing exam on April
19th. (A makeup day will be made available) Students do
not need to achieve a minimum score however this test
can be used for college admission purposes in most cases,
so students are encouraged to do their best! There are
preparatory materials available for students. If they’re
unaware of where to look for those resources, they should
see their counselor.
For more information on testing, please refer to the Minnesota Department of Education at:
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/JustParent/TestReq/
index.html
Registration for 2016-2017
Wednesday, February 17
Students will receive the Student Curriculum Guide in Ramp Up.
Registration forms will be handed out. Students will take forms
home for parent review and signature. Forms must be returned to
Ramp Up Advisor during check ins.
Thursday, February 18th Meeting
6:00-6:30 p.m. Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
information for parents and students in theater.
6:30-7:00 p.m. Advanced Placement (AP), College in the Schools
(CIS) and Project Lead the Way information for parents and
students in the theater.
Monday, February 29th through Friday, March 4th
On-line registration in the Media Center computer lab.
Course offerings and staff assignments are based on registration.
It is important that students be prepared to continue with a course
once the registration process is complete. Students and/or parents
who wish for additional information when selecting classes are
encouraged to contact one of the counselors in the Guidance Office.
Attendance line has 24 hour
message capability and is staffed
from 7:15-4:30 on school days
ENGLISH: 320.231.8462
SOMALI: 320.231.8307
SPANISH: 320.231.8305
Interpreters can be reached directly for your needs as follows:
Mohamed Hassan (Somali) – 320.231.8353
Jeanette Oehlers (Spanish) – 320.231.8390
Spring Sport Athletes!
Please fill out your MSHSL forms before the first day of
practice. Get your forms and payment in now and you
can get a Student Athletic Pass to attend all home
events for the rest of the school year.
Boys & Girls Track starts Monday, March 14th
Softball starts Monday, March 14th
Baseball starts Monday, March 21st
Boys & Girls Golf starts Monday, March 21st
Boys Tennis starts Monday, March 28th
Spring Sports are just around the corner. Plan ahead, don’t
wait until the last minute!
Thank you!
Cardinal Courier
From The Music Department
The WHS Music Department is on the
move with the season of contests, concerts, AllState performances.
Vocal Solo Ensemble Contest was held
on February 3rd. Ninety four students attended
the contest at Rocori. Willmar’s 44 entries received 35 “Superior” and 9 “Excellent” ratings.
We also claimed six perfect scores and captured
four out of five “Best at Site” performances.
Those students are Andrew Stadem, Jacob Rubio (tied in one site), Max Trochlil and Cole
Woltjer, all with vocal solos. Andrew Stadem
and Max Trochlil with a vocal duet that was accompanied by Anne Haugen on the violin. Band
will be attending their Solo/Ensemble Contest
February 10th and Orchestra will be attending
theirs on February 24th.
Four students were selected to perform
in the ACDA 9-10 Honor Choirs. Those students
are Bronwyn Tollefson, Anna Peterson, Abigail
Hoffmann, and Joely Palmer. Three students
from WHS were selected to perform in the
MNSOTA Mid-Level Orchestra on February 11th.
Those students are Jeremy Pierskalla, James
Bakker, and Maeve Winter.
Seven All State Students will be participating in the All State Band and Choirs on February 12th and 13th. Their final performance is at
Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on that Saturday.
Students participating in All State Bands are
Ashley Olson and Emilie Ziebarth. Students participating in All State Choirs are Erica Ellingson,
Anne Haugen, Alice Lindgren, Max Trochlil, and
Andrew Stadem.
th
Our upcoming concerts are March 7
for Bands (6:00pm) and Choirs (7:30pm), March
8th for Orchestras. All three concerts are at the
WHS Theater and open to the public. Willmar
will be hosting the 8AA Large Group Contest on
March 16th. We also will be hosting Concordia
College’s Chapel Choir on March 18th. This
morning performance will be with the Cardinal
Choir and choirs from three area schools.
Hey Juniors! The ACT Test is coming up real
soon. Are you ready?
Willmar Community Ed & Rec is offering ZAPPING
THE ACT Seminar on Wednesday and Thursday,
April 6 & 7 from 6:30-9:pm at Willmar Senior
High. This seminar is carefully designed to help
each student do his or her personal best on the
ACT. Students who complete the ZAPS Seminar
and practice our tips and strategies at home typically
raise their ACT scores by 2 to 4 points, Participants
will learn strategies for improving in all four subtests,
take shortened practice tests that mirror the actual
testing experience, and get suggestions for individualized study in the days leading up to the new mandatory ACT for all juniors in MN in late April. Attendees receive a comprehensive Study Guide and
24 practice test workouts with answer explanations. Students should bring a calculator and two
pencils to the seminar. Leaders: Doorway to College
Staff. All this for just $89. Pre registration is required by calling WCER at 231-8490 or online
at www.willmarcer.com
Please mark your calendars for upcoming dates,
schedule changes and early dismissal
Fri., February 26th-No school for students
Fri., March 11th-Pepfest Schedule
Wed., March 16th-Regular Schedule-NO Ramp Up/Zero hour
Fri., April 1st-End of Term 3
Fri., April 29th-2 Hour Early Dismissal
Wed., June 1st-Regular Schedule-NO Ramp Up/Zero hour
Cardinal Courier
Cardinal Courier
Ramp Up Notes
WE HAVE NEW AND EXCITING NEWS!
Would you like your student to have an opportunity to get a job this summer?
Willmar Senior High School is partnering with the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewater College to
bring a Job fair right to the Gym at the High School! On May 3 rd, from 11:30 to 1:30, area businesses are currently signing
up to have a chance to hire our students!
Through Ramp-Up, all grade levels will take time to prepare students so that they are ready with job applications
and interview skills.
9th
For the remainder of the year, these students will be focusing on preparing for the registration process for 10 th grade classes by connecting their career goals and the class offerings here. There will also be a lot of time spent preparing students
for the upcoming Job fair to be held at the high school on May 3 rd.
10th
For the remainder of the year, these students will be focusing on preparing for the registration process for 11 th grade classes by connecting their career goals and the class offerings here. There will also be a lot of time spent preparing students
for the upcoming Job fair to be held at the high school on May 3 rd. They will be given information on college placement
tests to prepare for based on their postsecondary plans and learn what to do over the next two years to build a strong resume.
11th
For the remainder of the year, these students will be focusing on preparing for the registration process for 11 th grade classes by connecting their career goals and the class offerings here. There will also be a lot of time spent preparing students
for the upcoming Job fair to be held at the high school on May 3 rd. Students will also be working on developing a financial
aid strategy as much of senior year is filled with finding scholarships and other financial aid. There will also be three workshops on ACT test preparation before the April 19th test date at the High School.
12th
There will be a lot of time spent preparing students for the upcoming Job fair to be held at the high school on May 3 rd. The
remainder of the year will be focused on preparing for college. We are planning to bring in a panel of current college students to talk about what college is actually like and give the students an opportunity to ask questions. We will finish the
year by collecting what seniors are planning to do after graduation and take time to celebrate those choices.
Thinking about getting your drivers license?
How to get College Credit in High School
Willmar Community Ed & Rec can help. Pick up a flyer for the
next Drivers Ed class in the main office or go to
www.willmarcer.com for details. Classes and behind the
wheel training are offered throughout the year.
Topics will include: PSEO, CIS, AP and PLTW
Meeting is Thursday, February 18th, 6-7 pm
This meeting is for parents and
students(9-11) in the High School Theater
Cardinal Courier
Cardinal Courier
Willmar Senior
High School
2701 30th Street NE
Willmar, MN 56201
Mailing
Address
Goes
Here
HOMEWORK
Homework for students
who have been absent
can be received by
contacting the individual
teacher through parent/
student portal or emailing the student’s teacher
directly using the district
website directory. Students may also access
homework on their iPad.
The Main Office is open
until
4:30
Monday
through Friday
for homework
pickup.
WHS Main & Guidance Office Staff
The following people are available for questions or concerns on
WHS policies, activities, or individual student matters.
Paul Schmitz, Principal
231-8310
Neil Schendel, Ass’t. Principal Grades 11 & 12
231-8311
Scott Hisken, Ass’t Principal
231-8312
Grades
9 & 10
Ryan Blahosky, Activities Coordinator
231-8331
Sharon Tollefson, Counselor
231-8321
A — Gn
Ben Dimond, Counselor Go — N
231-8322
Leah Rosendahl, Counselor
231-8323
O—Z
Jackie Itterman, School Psychologist
231-8326
Sheri Pederson, Social Worker
231-8464
Shaundel Rudolph, Nurse
231-8457
Gene Schneider, Police Liaison
231-8313