Faces in the Neighborhood
Congratulations to Athens Senior Matt Beem on being named a Finalist for the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award. He is one of 120 out of over 3,000 applications statewide. There is one more round of judging to determine the 32 scholarship winners. Please congratulate Matt if you see him as an outstanding representative of the multiple sport student-athlete (Football/Baseball). Go Titans!

 

 Pre-Excused Absence Procedures:
It’s important for students and parents to notify school staff when there will be upcoming, multiple day absences (family trips, surgery, vacations). Pre-excused absence forms are available in the Athens office and should be completed and signed by the parents and teachers involved BEFORE the absence begins. This is a critical process for ensuring that students are able to keep up with their learning and make up their work in the event that an absence is unavoidable.

 
 

Faces in the Neighborhood

Congratulations to Jesse (Athens) and Josh Olsen (Sparta) for recently earning the title of Eagle Scout! 
 
 

Model UN: Congratulations to the West Senior High students that competed at the Canadian American Security Councils in Lansing during the weekend of December 3rd, under the guidance of Mr. Charles Rennie. All 42 of the kids on the team represented Traverse City West with dignity, honor, respect, trust, and distinction.

Special congratulations to the individual award winners who were awarded best delegate in their committee - highest honors. In the picture from left to right; Liam Thomas (Athens), Hannah Yancho (Athens), Ruby Kirby (Athens), Elizabeth Warbasse (Athens), Lennart Wiese (Sparta), and Charlie Pacer (Olympia).  
 

Congratulations to the following Athens students that were recognized for exemplary attendance during 1st Trimester. These students represent the top 10% of Athens attendance.

Abbey Hull	Kaitlin Kramer
Abigail Thompson	Kaitlyn Stewart
Alexander Aprill	Kate Melvin
Alexander Brace	Kayla McGovern-Miller
Alexander Curtis	Kendra Holz
Amanda Swinney	Lisa Lucido
Ashleigh Cole	Logahn Long
Aubrey Hubler	Logan Mericle
Austin Johnson	Madison Graham
Austin Long	Nathan Fewins
Benjamin VanSipe	Nathaniel Fink
Bradley Norton	Nicholas Capell
Brian Cepela	Nicholas Murphy
Brooke Sayan	Nicholas Wilson
Casey Throop	Nick Garza
Christopher Panek	Noah Wilson
Cody Sabins	Nolan King
Coleman Ankerson	Patrick Schuster
Courtney Bailey	Payden Myers
Courtney Shank	Robert Gamelin
Daniel Lan	Ryan Kuhn
Deion Dyal	Sawyer Fekken
Devon Sweeney	Sean Brownell
Dylan Caudill	Seth Whiting
Emily Beckwith	Steven Robideau
Erika Greenfelder	Tia Terpening
Hannah Julian	Timothy Brownell
Heather Swinney	Wesley Hahn
Jayna Brunetti	Zachary Crouch
Joshua Gillissie	Zachary Walton
Kaden Johannsen

Each month we will profile a few of our Athens Staff members. This month we will be highlighting Athens staff involved in our WSH Fine Arts programs: 

 

WIND ENSEMBLE, CONCERT, SYMPHONY and JAZZ BANDS: Ms. Patricia Brumbaugh Patricia Brumbaugh received her BA degree in Music Education from Olivet College in 1972 (where she was selected to serve on the homecoming court!!!), her Masters of Music Education from the University of Michigan in 1986 and is A.B.D. in a Doctoral program in French Horn Performance at the University of Memphis.
 

Pat is currently director of bands at Traverse City West Senior High School where she conducts three concert bands, two jazz bands, and the marching band. Prior to teaching at Traverse City West, Pat served as Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Memphis, conducted the Germantown Symphony, served as the assistant conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony and created and conducted the Memphis Area Youth Wind Ensemble. Ms. Brumbaugh also served for four years as Director of Bands at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and taught for 12 years at Ann Arbor Huron H.S., Jackson Northwest H.S. and Central Montcalm Public Schools in Stanton, Michigan.
 

In 1984, Pat was voted "Outstanding Young Band Conductor" in the nation by the American School Band Directors Association and in 2006, she was voted Outstanding Band Teacher of the Year in Michigan. Pat has conducted All-State Bands in Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and Indiana and is in demand as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor.
 

Pat enjoys woodworking, home remodeling projects, walking/running in the woods at the State Hospital Grounds and Lake Ann State Park and spending time with her six dogs and two cats. She has one son, Jake, who graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in music education (trombone).

 

CERAMICS, METALS & JEWLERY, STUDIO ART: Mrs. Julie Keck Mrs. Keck is one of three Visual Art Teachers as TC West High School and has been teaching for over nine years. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Northern Michigan University and a Master's in Art Education from Western Michigan University. She currently teaches Metals and Jewelry, Ceramics, and all three AP Studio Art classes. When not teaching, Mrs. Keck enjoys spending time with her husband, Brett, and their dog Jasper. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

 

 

THEATRE, STAGE CRAFT, PUBLIC SPEAKING: Mrs. Kristie Bach  Mrs. Bach has been a Theatre teacher with TCAPS for over 20 years. She has a B.A. from University of Michigan, M.A. from Michigan State University, as well as graduate theatre credits from UNLV and University of Wisconsin. She is also the owner of Bach Studios (watercolor art) and the proud mother of 2 WSH graduates. 
 
 

SCULPTURE, COMPUTER ART, PHOTOGRAPHY: Mrs. Clone  My passion for art and technology began in Savannah, Georgia where I received a B.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2002. After earning my teaching certificate and with several years of teaching under my belt, I immersed myself in technology via Full Sail University's Educational Media Design and Technology Master of Science program. During the school day or outside of the school walls, I can usually be found working on my computer completing freelance graphic design jobs, hiking or biking with my husband and stepson, pressing the shutter button on my camera, or crafting new finds from Pinterest... my latest obsession. 
 

 

Athens Staff:  

9th Grade Team: Ms. Brian, Mr. Rintala, Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Stepka  
 

10th Grade Team: Mr. Brown, Mr. Rosenburg, Mrs. Jenkins-Whall, Mr. Dumon, Mrs. Stepka 
 

Neighborhood-wide:
 

Special Education: Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Stepka  

Mathematics: Mrs. Houghton  

Physical Education: Mrs. Prichard, Mr. Ward  

Industrial Arts/Technology Education/Communications: Mr. Morris, Mr. Rennie  

Business: Mrs. Dakoske, Mrs. Prisk  

Language Arts/World Language: Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Kenel-Truelove, Mrs. Kimmel, Mr. Carmien, Mrs. LaBonte  

Science: Mr. Frechette, Mr. Kirby  

Fine Arts: Mrs. Clone, Ms. Brumbaugh, Mrs. Keck, Mrs. Bach

 

Faces in the Neighborhood

Congratulations to Raizel Coiman (Sparta) and Nick Tooley (Athens) who are the Kiwanis Students of the Month for 11-7-11!

 

Each month we will profile a few of our Athens Staff members. This month, our focus is on the Athens 9th Grade Team. Our 9th Grade Team works out of the A211 office.

 

SCIENCE: Mrs. Kate Heydlauff has taught math and science for 4 years at West Senior High. This year she is excited to teach Biology on the 9th grade Athens team. In her free time, she loves to be outside, downhill skiing in the winter and waterskiing in the summer. Mrs. Heydlauff and her husband are expecting their first child in April.

 

MATHEMATICS: Ms. Patricia (Trish) Brian I love teaching mathematics. This is my 25th year as a teacher with TCAPS. I'm proud to be a Titan and a member of the 9th grade team Athens. I have 3 wonderful daughters and I am very close to my family. I enjoy all sports, running, reading and I collect Petoskey stones.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES: Mr. Jeremy Rintala I am in my 5th year at WSH. I teach Economics, Civics and U.S. History. I am also the head hockey coach and assistant golf coach for West. My wife Kelly teaches Language Arts at WSH as well. I have two daughters Ella (7) and Lainie (2). I am looking forward to a great year.

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Mrs. Aimee Cole teaches 9th grade Language Arts, Advanced Placement Language and Composition, and is also the Freshman Class Council Advisor. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, spending time with her husband, and walking her Golden Retriever puppy, Molly.

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Juleen Jenkins-Whall (Athens 10th Grade Team) on receiving a Milken Educator Award (Click here to watch a short clip)

 

 

 

Athens Staff:

9th Grade Team: Ms. Brian, Mr. Rintala, Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Stepka

 

10th Grade Team: Mr. Brown, Mr. Rosenburg, Mrs. Jenkins-Whall, Mr. Dumon, Mrs. Stepka

 

Neighborhood-wide:

Special Education: Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Stepka

Mathematics: Mrs. Houghton

Physical Education: Mrs. Prichard, Mr. Ward

Industrial Arts/Technology Education/Communications: Mr. Morris, Mr. Rennie

Business: Mrs. Dakoske, Mrs. Prisk

Language Arts/World Language: Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Kenel-Truelove, Mrs. Kimmel, Mr. Carmein, Mrs. Labonte

Science: Mr. Frechette, Mr. Kirby

Fine Arts: Mrs. Clone, Mrs. Brumbaugh, Mrs. Keck, Mrs. Bach

 

Sophomores Can Visit Career Tech Center

All sophomores will have the opportunity to visit the Career Tech Center and the MTEC program on December 13th, 2011. Principals from that program visited with our 10th grade students to discuss the various CTC programs on November 29th during advisory. Interested students can sign up to attend a field trip to the CTC and MTEC campuses. In the event of a snow day on December 13th, the field trip will take place on December 15th, 2011.

 

 

Change in 9^th Grade US History Teacher:
We would like to congratulate Mr. Ryan Ranger, who was selected to become the next Assistant Principal at Traverse City East Middle School. Mr. Ranger will be greatly missed by the staff and students of the Athens Neighborhood. We are glad to report that Mr. Jeremy Rintala has taken over as the US History Teacher on our 9^th grade team (effective September 26^th). Mr. Rinatala has previous experience teaching US History at WSH and is also our Varsity Hockey Coach.

 

 

On behalf of our staff, I would like to welcome the students and parents of the Athens Neighborhood to the 2011-12 school year at Traverse City West Senior High!

In the Athens’ Neighborhood Staff is dedicated to creating an engaging learning environment that is personable, professional, positive and safe for all students. To that end, our staff will continue to seek innovative ways to help your son or daughter develop the skills and habits of mind needed to be a productive 21st Century citizen.

2011-12 will be the first year that ALL of our students will be provided with access to a netbook computer. These netbooks have become as essential to class as a textbook. Please take some time at the beginning of the year to discuss where your child will charge it nightly, how to store it properly, and appropriate school related usage of the notebook. Students will be expected to have their charged netbook in class. Our entire building – including the commons and library - is equipped for wireless access for any student who does not have web access at home and needs to complete work before, during or after school.

Students who choose to opt out of taking responsibility for a school-issued netbook will still be expected to complete any work that teachers may assign that requires computer usage. Students are welcome to bring their own Internet-ready device to West, or they may checkout a netbook from our Library Media Center (LMC) on an as needed basis.

To ensure the success for all students, it is essential that we share clear expectations and have consistent communication between staff, students and parents. Our 9th and 10th grade teams (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies teachers) meet weekly to discuss student performance and to identify any information that may need to be communicated home. Our Athens Office will be making a conscious effort to increase our level of paperless (electronic) communication via email, website and Alert Now automated phone calls. For that, and many other reasons, it is critical that your correct phone, email and emergency contact information is in our files.

We strongly encourage parents to monitor their students’ progress using Parent Internet Viewer (PIV). Please contact your child’s teacher to discuss specific issues. Email and phone information for all of our staff members can be located by last name  PIV login information has changed for 2011-12. You will receive a letter from us with the new information. An AlertNow message will be sent to inform you when the letters have been mailed. Login information cannot be provided over the phone for security reasons. Students can obtain the Parent Internet Viewer password for their accounts from our Neighborhood office - located just beyond the left side of the balcony on the 2nd floor - or parents may call and request for the information to be mailed to you. PIV is typically up and running with current grades by the end of September.

Students who may need of academic support have many opportunities available in addition to meeting with their teacher(s). These options include our Academic Assistance lab (open during the school day in the LMC) and Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) which is open after school in the LMC. National Honor Society members and other students are available for tutoring, too.

In closing, I strongly encourage both students and parents to get involved and take advantage of the wealth of unique opportunities that West Senior High is able to offer. In addition to our first-class counseling, college planning, and academic support services, West offers a wide range of courses, clubs and activities for students of all interests and ability levels. Parents are welcome to attend any of our Parent Advisory Meetings. Other volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year. More information is available through the Main Office (933-7500) or our Athens Neighborhood Office (933-7590).

Thank you for your interest in our school. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your son or daughter during the 2011-12 school year.

Sincerely,

Joe Esper
Athens Neighborhood Principal
esperjo@tcaps.net

Martha U’Ren - Athens Administrative Asst. *933-7590
(*Parents – please share any attendance questions you may have through this line 933-7590. Please do NOT send attendance information or questions to us via e-mail.)
Athens Fax Line - 933-7589
Athens All Day Absence Line - 933-7592

Faces in the Neighborhood:
Athens neighborhood is well represented on Student Government and Class Councils. This year’s leaders are:

Seniors
Representatives	Senators	Student Senate Exec. Board
Alex Bondy	Alex Bondy	Lt. Governor – Cameron Seeley
Logan Kellams	Logan Kellams
Cam Seeley	Cam Seeley
Gates Muller	Gates Muller
Mallory Kaysserian
Jacob Diss

 

Juniors
Representatives	Senators	Key Club Officers
Payden Myers	Payden Myers	President – Elizabeth Warbasse
Janette Guba	Janette Guba	Vice President – Wen Fay
Trey Smith	Molly Davis	Treasurer – Hannah Yancho
Elizabeth Warbasse
Josh Wheaton	Student Senate Exec. Board
Molly Davis	Vice President – Payden Myers
	Secretary – Janette Guba

 

Sophomores
Representatives	Student Senate Exec. Board	Senators
Erica Keene	Secretary – Erica Keene	Brady Severt
Christian Geiger		Erica Keene
	National Honor Society Officers
	Treasurer – Clancey Hawke

Freshmen
Representatives	Senators
Tiana Smith	Jimmy Seekamp
Paul Soma	Paul Soma
	Cameron Sipple

 

 

Each month we will profile a few of our Athens Staff members. This month, our focus is on the Athens Office Team.



Martha U’Ren, Athens Administrative Assistant
I moved to Traverse City in March of 2002. My first job at West Senior High was in the Counseling Office. This is my 8th year as the administrative assistant in 2nd floor office. I am married and have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. I spent part of this past summer traveling, including a visit to Athens, Greece! I love working at West Senior High and enjoy the sports and performing arts programs here.

 

 

 

Joe Esper, Athens Neighborhood Principal
2011-12 will be my 2nd year as an administrator at West Senior High, but it will be my first as Principal of the Athens Neighborhood. In addition, I am in charge of coordinating the TCAPS staff that works within the private and parochial schools in the Grand Traverse Area. I came to West Senior High in 2010, after serving as the Curriculum Director for Kingsley Area Schools and assisting the Traverse Bay Intermediate School District’s Instructional Services Team. Prior to that, I taught social studies and technology at Kingsley High School and Buckley Community Schools. My wife and I have three young children. I volunteer with our Titan Football Team. I continue to be amazed at the quality work that the young men and women of Traverse City West produce in the classroom, on stage, and in their athletic endeavors. Go Titans!

Athens Staff:
9th Grade Team: Ms. Brian, Mr. Ranger, Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Stepka

10th Grade Team: Mr. Brown, Mr. Rosenburg, Mrs. Jenkins-Whall, Mr. Dumon, Mrs. Stepka

Neighborhood-wide:
Special Education: Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Stepka
Physical Education: Mrs. Prichard, Mr. Ward
Industrial Arts/Technology Education/Communications: Mr. Morris, Mr. Rennie
Business: Mrs. Dakoske, Mrs. Prisk
Language Arts/World Language: Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Kenel-Truelove, Mrs. Kimmel, Mr. Carmein, Mrs. Labonte
Science: Mr. Frechette, Mr. Kirby
Fine Arts: Mrs. Clone, Mrs. Brumbaugh, Mrs. Keck
 

 

Faces in the Neighborhood
Congratulations to Athens Senior Matt Beem on being named a Finalist for the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award. He is one of 120 out of over 3,000 applications statewide. There is one more round of judging to determine the 32 scholarship winners. Please congratulate Matt if you see him as an outstanding representative of the multiple sport student-athlete (Football/Baseball). Go Titans!

 

 Pre-Excused Absence Procedures:
It’s important for students and parents to notify school staff when there will be upcoming, multiple day absences (family trips, surgery, vacations). Pre-excused absence forms are available in the Athens office and should be completed and signed by the parents and teachers involved BEFORE the absence begins. This is a critical process for ensuring that students are able to keep up with their learning and make up their work in the event that an absence is unavoidable.

 
 

Faces in the Neighborhood

Congratulations to Jesse (Athens) and Josh Olsen (Sparta) for recently earning the title of Eagle Scout! 
 
 

Model UN: Congratulations to the West Senior High students that competed at the Canadian American Security Councils in Lansing during the weekend of December 3rd, under the guidance of Mr. Charles Rennie. All 42 of the kids on the team represented Traverse City West with dignity, honor, respect, trust, and distinction.

Special congratulations to the individual award winners who were awarded best delegate in their committee - highest honors. In the picture from left to right; Liam Thomas (Athens), Hannah Yancho (Athens), Ruby Kirby (Athens), Elizabeth Warbasse (Athens), Lennart Wiese (Sparta), and Charlie Pacer (Olympia).  
 

Congratulations to the following Athens students that were recognized for exemplary attendance during 1st Trimester. These students represent the top 10% of Athens attendance.

Abbey Hull	Kaitlin Kramer
Abigail Thompson	Kaitlyn Stewart
Alexander Aprill	Kate Melvin
Alexander Brace	Kayla McGovern-Miller
Alexander Curtis	Kendra Holz
Amanda Swinney	Lisa Lucido
Ashleigh Cole	Logahn Long
Aubrey Hubler	Logan Mericle
Austin Johnson	Madison Graham
Austin Long	Nathan Fewins
Benjamin VanSipe	Nathaniel Fink
Bradley Norton	Nicholas Capell
Brian Cepela	Nicholas Murphy
Brooke Sayan	Nicholas Wilson
Casey Throop	Nick Garza
Christopher Panek	Noah Wilson
Cody Sabins	Nolan King
Coleman Ankerson	Patrick Schuster
Courtney Bailey	Payden Myers
Courtney Shank	Robert Gamelin
Daniel Lan	Ryan Kuhn
Deion Dyal	Sawyer Fekken
Devon Sweeney	Sean Brownell
Dylan Caudill	Seth Whiting
Emily Beckwith	Steven Robideau
Erika Greenfelder	Tia Terpening
Hannah Julian	Timothy Brownell
Heather Swinney	Wesley Hahn
Jayna Brunetti	Zachary Crouch
Joshua Gillissie	Zachary Walton
Kaden Johannsen

Each month we will profile a few of our Athens Staff members. This month we will be highlighting Athens staff involved in our WSH Fine Arts programs: 

 

WIND ENSEMBLE, CONCERT, SYMPHONY and JAZZ BANDS: Ms. Patricia Brumbaugh Patricia Brumbaugh received her BA degree in Music Education from Olivet College in 1972 (where she was selected to serve on the homecoming court!!!), her Masters of Music Education from the University of Michigan in 1986 and is A.B.D. in a Doctoral program in French Horn Performance at the University of Memphis.
 

Pat is currently director of bands at Traverse City West Senior High School where she conducts three concert bands, two jazz bands, and the marching band. Prior to teaching at Traverse City West, Pat served as Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Memphis, conducted the Germantown Symphony, served as the assistant conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony and created and conducted the Memphis Area Youth Wind Ensemble. Ms. Brumbaugh also served for four years as Director of Bands at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and taught for 12 years at Ann Arbor Huron H.S., Jackson Northwest H.S. and Central Montcalm Public Schools in Stanton, Michigan.
 

In 1984, Pat was voted "Outstanding Young Band Conductor" in the nation by the American School Band Directors Association and in 2006, she was voted Outstanding Band Teacher of the Year in Michigan. Pat has conducted All-State Bands in Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and Indiana and is in demand as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor.
 

Pat enjoys woodworking, home remodeling projects, walking/running in the woods at the State Hospital Grounds and Lake Ann State Park and spending time with her six dogs and two cats. She has one son, Jake, who graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in music education (trombone).

 

CERAMICS, METALS & JEWLERY, STUDIO ART: Mrs. Julie Keck Mrs. Keck is one of three Visual Art Teachers as TC West High School and has been teaching for over nine years. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Northern Michigan University and a Master's in Art Education from Western Michigan University. She currently teaches Metals and Jewelry, Ceramics, and all three AP Studio Art classes. When not teaching, Mrs. Keck enjoys spending time with her husband, Brett, and their dog Jasper. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

 

 

THEATRE, STAGE CRAFT, PUBLIC SPEAKING: Mrs. Kristie Bach  Mrs. Bach has been a Theatre teacher with TCAPS for over 20 years. She has a B.A. from University of Michigan, M.A. from Michigan State University, as well as graduate theatre credits from UNLV and University of Wisconsin. She is also the owner of Bach Studios (watercolor art) and the proud mother of 2 WSH graduates. 
 
 

SCULPTURE, COMPUTER ART, PHOTOGRAPHY: Mrs. Clone  My passion for art and technology began in Savannah, Georgia where I received a B.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2002. After earning my teaching certificate and with several years of teaching under my belt, I immersed myself in technology via Full Sail University's Educational Media Design and Technology Master of Science program. During the school day or outside of the school walls, I can usually be found working on my computer completing freelance graphic design jobs, hiking or biking with my husband and stepson, pressing the shutter button on my camera, or crafting new finds from Pinterest... my latest obsession. 
 

 

Athens Staff:  

9th Grade Team: Ms. Brian, Mr. Rintala, Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Stepka  
 

10th Grade Team: Mr. Brown, Mr. Rosenburg, Mrs. Jenkins-Whall, Mr. Dumon, Mrs. Stepka 
 

Neighborhood-wide:
 

Special Education: Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Stepka  

Mathematics: Mrs. Houghton  

Physical Education: Mrs. Prichard, Mr. Ward  

Industrial Arts/Technology Education/Communications: Mr. Morris, Mr. Rennie  

Business: Mrs. Dakoske, Mrs. Prisk  

Language Arts/World Language: Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Kenel-Truelove, Mrs. Kimmel, Mr. Carmien, Mrs. LaBonte  

Science: Mr. Frechette, Mr. Kirby  

Fine Arts: Mrs. Clone, Ms. Brumbaugh, Mrs. Keck, Mrs. Bach

 

Faces in the Neighborhood

Congratulations to Raizel Coiman (Sparta) and Nick Tooley (Athens) who are the Kiwanis Students of the Month for 11-7-11!

 

Each month we will profile a few of our Athens Staff members. This month, our focus is on the Athens 9th Grade Team. Our 9th Grade Team works out of the A211 office.

 

SCIENCE: Mrs. Kate Heydlauff has taught math and science for 4 years at West Senior High. This year she is excited to teach Biology on the 9th grade Athens team. In her free time, she loves to be outside, downhill skiing in the winter and waterskiing in the summer. Mrs. Heydlauff and her husband are expecting their first child in April.

 

MATHEMATICS: Ms. Patricia (Trish) Brian I love teaching mathematics. This is my 25th year as a teacher with TCAPS. I'm proud to be a Titan and a member of the 9th grade team Athens. I have 3 wonderful daughters and I am very close to my family. I enjoy all sports, running, reading and I collect Petoskey stones.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES: Mr. Jeremy Rintala I am in my 5th year at WSH. I teach Economics, Civics and U.S. History. I am also the head hockey coach and assistant golf coach for West. My wife Kelly teaches Language Arts at WSH as well. I have two daughters Ella (7) and Lainie (2). I am looking forward to a great year.

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Mrs. Aimee Cole teaches 9th grade Language Arts, Advanced Placement Language and Composition, and is also the Freshman Class Council Advisor. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, spending time with her husband, and walking her Golden Retriever puppy, Molly.

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Juleen Jenkins-Whall (Athens 10th Grade Team) on receiving a Milken Educator Award (Click here to watch a short clip)

 

 

 

Athens Staff:

9th Grade Team: Ms. Brian, Mr. Rintala, Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Stepka

 

10th Grade Team: Mr. Brown, Mr. Rosenburg, Mrs. Jenkins-Whall, Mr. Dumon, Mrs. Stepka

 

Neighborhood-wide:

Special Education: Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Stepka

Mathematics: Mrs. Houghton

Physical Education: Mrs. Prichard, Mr. Ward

Industrial Arts/Technology Education/Communications: Mr. Morris, Mr. Rennie

Business: Mrs. Dakoske, Mrs. Prisk

Language Arts/World Language: Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Kenel-Truelove, Mrs. Kimmel, Mr. Carmein, Mrs. Labonte

Science: Mr. Frechette, Mr. Kirby

Fine Arts: Mrs. Clone, Mrs. Brumbaugh, Mrs. Keck, Mrs. Bach

 

Sophomores Can Visit Career Tech Center

All sophomores will have the opportunity to visit the Career Tech Center and the MTEC program on December 13th, 2011. Principals from that program visited with our 10th grade students to discuss the various CTC programs on November 29th during advisory. Interested students can sign up to attend a field trip to the CTC and MTEC campuses. In the event of a snow day on December 13th, the field trip will take place on December 15th, 2011.

 

 

Change in 9^th Grade US History Teacher:
We would like to congratulate Mr. Ryan Ranger, who was selected to become the next Assistant Principal at Traverse City East Middle School. Mr. Ranger will be greatly missed by the staff and students of the Athens Neighborhood. We are glad to report that Mr. Jeremy Rintala has taken over as the US History Teacher on our 9^th grade team (effective September 26^th). Mr. Rinatala has previous experience teaching US History at WSH and is also our Varsity Hockey Coach.

 

 

On behalf of our staff, I would like to welcome the students and parents of the Athens Neighborhood to the 2011-12 school year at Traverse City West Senior High!

In the Athens’ Neighborhood Staff is dedicated to creating an engaging learning environment that is personable, professional, positive and safe for all students. To that end, our staff will continue to seek innovative ways to help your son or daughter develop the skills and habits of mind needed to be a productive 21st Century citizen.

2011-12 will be the first year that ALL of our students will be provided with access to a netbook computer. These netbooks have become as essential to class as a textbook. Please take some time at the beginning of the year to discuss where your child will charge it nightly, how to store it properly, and appropriate school related usage of the notebook. Students will be expected to have their charged netbook in class. Our entire building – including the commons and library - is equipped for wireless access for any student who does not have web access at home and needs to complete work before, during or after school.

Students who choose to opt out of taking responsibility for a school-issued netbook will still be expected to complete any work that teachers may assign that requires computer usage. Students are welcome to bring their own Internet-ready device to West, or they may checkout a netbook from our Library Media Center (LMC) on an as needed basis.

To ensure the success for all students, it is essential that we share clear expectations and have consistent communication between staff, students and parents. Our 9th and 10th grade teams (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies teachers) meet weekly to discuss student performance and to identify any information that may need to be communicated home. Our Athens Office will be making a conscious effort to increase our level of paperless (electronic) communication via email, website and Alert Now automated phone calls. For that, and many other reasons, it is critical that your correct phone, email and emergency contact information is in our files.

We strongly encourage parents to monitor their students’ progress using Parent Internet Viewer (PIV). Please contact your child’s teacher to discuss specific issues. Email and phone information for all of our staff members can be located by last name  PIV login information has changed for 2011-12. You will receive a letter from us with the new information. An AlertNow message will be sent to inform you when the letters have been mailed. Login information cannot be provided over the phone for security reasons. Students can obtain the Parent Internet Viewer password for their accounts from our Neighborhood office - located just beyond the left side of the balcony on the 2nd floor - or parents may call and request for the information to be mailed to you. PIV is typically up and running with current grades by the end of September.

Students who may need of academic support have many opportunities available in addition to meeting with their teacher(s). These options include our Academic Assistance lab (open during the school day in the LMC) and Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) which is open after school in the LMC. National Honor Society members and other students are available for tutoring, too.

In closing, I strongly encourage both students and parents to get involved and take advantage of the wealth of unique opportunities that West Senior High is able to offer. In addition to our first-class counseling, college planning, and academic support services, West offers a wide range of courses, clubs and activities for students of all interests and ability levels. Parents are welcome to attend any of our Parent Advisory Meetings. Other volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year. More information is available through the Main Office (933-7500) or our Athens Neighborhood Office (933-7590).

Thank you for your interest in our school. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your son or daughter during the 2011-12 school year.

Sincerely,

Joe Esper
Athens Neighborhood Principal
esperjo@tcaps.net

Martha U’Ren - Athens Administrative Asst. *933-7590
(*Parents – please share any attendance questions you may have through this line 933-7590. Please do NOT send attendance information or questions to us via e-mail.)
Athens Fax Line - 933-7589
Athens All Day Absence Line - 933-7592

Faces in the Neighborhood:
Athens neighborhood is well represented on Student Government and Class Councils. This year’s leaders are:

Seniors
Representatives	Senators	Student Senate Exec. Board
Alex Bondy	Alex Bondy	Lt. Governor – Cameron Seeley
Logan Kellams	Logan Kellams
Cam Seeley	Cam Seeley
Gates Muller	Gates Muller
Mallory Kaysserian
Jacob Diss

 

Juniors
Representatives	Senators	Key Club Officers
Payden Myers	Payden Myers	President – Elizabeth Warbasse
Janette Guba	Janette Guba	Vice President – Wen Fay
Trey Smith	Molly Davis	Treasurer – Hannah Yancho
Elizabeth Warbasse
Josh Wheaton	Student Senate Exec. Board
Molly Davis	Vice President – Payden Myers
	Secretary – Janette Guba

 

Sophomores
Representatives	Student Senate Exec. Board	Senators
Erica Keene	Secretary – Erica Keene	Brady Severt
Christian Geiger		Erica Keene
	National Honor Society Officers
	Treasurer – Clancey Hawke

Freshmen
Representatives	Senators
Tiana Smith	Jimmy Seekamp
Paul Soma	Paul Soma
	Cameron Sipple

 

 

Each month we will profile a few of our Athens Staff members. This month, our focus is on the Athens Office Team.



Martha U’Ren, Athens Administrative Assistant
I moved to Traverse City in March of 2002. My first job at West Senior High was in the Counseling Office. This is my 8th year as the administrative assistant in 2nd floor office. I am married and have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. I spent part of this past summer traveling, including a visit to Athens, Greece! I love working at West Senior High and enjoy the sports and performing arts programs here.

 

 

 

Joe Esper, Athens Neighborhood Principal
2011-12 will be my 2nd year as an administrator at West Senior High, but it will be my first as Principal of the Athens Neighborhood. In addition, I am in charge of coordinating the TCAPS staff that works within the private and parochial schools in the Grand Traverse Area. I came to West Senior High in 2010, after serving as the Curriculum Director for Kingsley Area Schools and assisting the Traverse Bay Intermediate School District’s Instructional Services Team. Prior to that, I taught social studies and technology at Kingsley High School and Buckley Community Schools. My wife and I have three young children. I volunteer with our Titan Football Team. I continue to be amazed at the quality work that the young men and women of Traverse City West produce in the classroom, on stage, and in their athletic endeavors. Go Titans!

Athens Staff:
9th Grade Team: Ms. Brian, Mr. Ranger, Mrs. Heydlauff, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Stepka

10th Grade Team: Mr. Brown, Mr. Rosenburg, Mrs. Jenkins-Whall, Mr. Dumon, Mrs. Stepka

Neighborhood-wide:
Special Education: Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Stepka
Physical Education: Mrs. Prichard, Mr. Ward
Industrial Arts/Technology Education/Communications: Mr. Morris, Mr. Rennie
Business: Mrs. Dakoske, Mrs. Prisk
Language Arts/World Language: Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Kenel-Truelove, Mrs. Kimmel, Mr. Carmein, Mrs. Labonte
Science: Mr. Frechette, Mr. Kirby
Fine Arts: Mrs. Clone, Mrs. Brumbaugh, Mrs. Keck