Dear T.C. West Parents:

In March 2012, we administered the Michigan Merit Exam & ACT to all WSH Juniors, the PLAN exam for sophomores, and the EXPLORE for freshmen. PLAN and EXPLORE are predictors of success on the ACT. Students took the test seriously and gave it their best effort. Juniors should have already received their ACT scores directly from ACT in the mail. Junior MME scores (The Michigan-specific portion) will be released in late summer 2012. Sophomores and freshmen will receive their scores during Advisory in early May. Advisory teachers and counselors work with students to understand the feedback in these score reports and to help them set personal goals for improvement in order to be prepared for their desired career path.

Results are still being analyzed, but initial information for West Senior High looks positive:

The initial ACT Composite Average (1-36 pt scale) for WSH Juniors (Class of 2013) was 21.2 (up from 20.9 for last spring's Junior testing).

The percentage of Juniors that have already attained all four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks (English, Math, Reading & Science) increased again this year (25% for Spring 2012, 23% in Spring 2011, 22% in Spring 2010).

Composite averages and % of students on track for meeting College Readiness Benchmarks for WSH Sophomores and Freshmen exceeded national averages in almost every category (English, Math, Reading, Science, and overall composite)

More information can be found at:

http://www.act.org/explorestudent/
http://www.act.org/planstudent/
http://www.actstudent.org/

If you would like more information on your son/daughter’s results, please contact his/her counselor.

The last day for seniors will be May 25th, with commencement on Sunday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm. Last day for all other students will be Thursday, June 7th.

Thanks again for sending us such great young adults. I hope to see you around school or at one of the numerous spring activities.

Take care,

Joe Tibaldi

Principal

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

I hope your son/daughter had a great Spring Break and is now ready to settle in for a strong finish to the school year.

As the year closes down, please continue to track your student’s progress on Parent Viewer and contact teachers with any concerns. If you are having difficulty accessing Parent Viewer, or grades are not current, please contact the grade level principal.

As you know, this year we again administered the Michigan Merit Exam, which included the ACT, to all juniors, the PLAN test for sophomores and EXPLORE test for freshman. The students took the test very seriously and we expect good results. Students should receive test results in April. Counselors will also receive the report and use the information to work with your son/daughter on scheduling and career plans. Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions.

Thanks again for a wonderful school. It is a pleasure and honor to work with so many outstanding students and concerned parents. Take care,

Joe Tibaldi
Principal

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

I hope your son/daughter has had a successful second trimester. Third trimester begins on Monday, March 5.

Please continue to track your student's progress on Parent Viewer and contact teachers with any concerns. Extra help is available in all core areas (math, science, social studies, language arts) after school Monday through Thursday in the Library Media Center. The National Honor Society students are also providing tutoring on an individual basis through your son/daughter's counselor and Academic Assistance is also available in the library during lunch hour. There are no excuses for students in need not receiving help. Please encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of these opportunities in addition to consulting with their teachers before and after school.

On March 6th, 7th, and 8th, students in 9th grade will take the Explore test, 10th grade will take the PLAN test, and 11th grade will take the ACT/MME. Please encourage them to get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast during these exams.

Thanks again for your wonderful support this last month! It is a pleasure and honor to work with so many great students and concerned parents.

Joe Tibaldi
Principal

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

The Michigan Merit Exam for juniors is scheduled for March 6, 7, and 8, 2012. Components of the MME include national ACT plus writing, the ACT Work keys, and the Michigan Merit science and social studies exams.

Testing will take place during the morning. All juniors are expected to be on campus during testing times and will be excused from morning TBA programs, including Culinary Arts. If your student has a reduced schedule with no first hour, it is important that he or she be on campus before 8:10 a.m. on those days. Juniors that arrive early can also take advantage of a free breakfast in the commons. Attendance is very important during the testing window so please make every possible effort to ensure your student is present on March 6th, 7th and 8th. Bear in mind that these exams are mandated by State law for juniors, and students that are not present on March 6th, 7th, or 8th will have to be pulled from class to attend the make-up session in late March.

To ensure the BEST possible testing situation for your student, please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep the night before, has a good breakfast, and is on time. Encourage your student to do his or her best so they are well prepared for this set of tests. Advisory teachers will distribute more information about the Michigan Merit Exam during a seminar period in February. Juniors will also do the survey (non-academic) portion of the ACT during Advisory on February 15th.

For those of you who wish to find out more about the MME, visit the web site www.michigan/gov/mme. ACT information can be found at: http://www.actstudent.org/. If you have further questions about the Michigan Merit Exam or ACT, please feel free to contact Athens Principal, Joe Esper at 231-933-7591.

Finally, because of the classroom space necessary to properly administer the Michigan Merit Exams, seniors will not have classes in the morning on March 6th, 7th, and 8th. Seniors will participate in job shadowing opportunities, visit local colleges, and attend an end of the year activity in the auditorium on March 8th at 9:45 a.m. Seniors will report to campus at 2:00 p.m. on March 6th and 7th, school lunch will not be provided for seniors on these days.

Freshmen and sophomores will participate in the PLAN exam on March 6th and 7th. The PLAN is a precursor to the ACT and will give your student feedback on their progress compared to the National ACT College Readiness Standards. PLAN information can be found at: http://www.actstudent.org/plan/.

In addition to the PLAN test, freshmen and sophomores will have the opportunity to participate in a number of other activities on March 6th and 7th, including Jeff Hass’ “Building Bridges with Music” program and a visit to NMC/Maritime Academy/M-TEC (sophomores only).

More information will be provided by email, as we get closer to the testing week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Take care,

Joe Tibaldi
Principal

 

I would like to take this time to wish you a Happy Holiday season. Please make time to share this joyous season with family and friends.

I am very proud to say that, in the spirit of giving this holiday season, a number of school groups have reached out to those in need. The National Honor Society sponsored a clothing drive and West Side sale; Key Club organized a coat drive for needy students in the area and sponsored “Pennies for Pasta” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Student Senate had a blood drive with Michigan Blood and sponsored a toy drive; our football program continued their “Toy Blitz”; and the staff collected money to buy holiday gift cards for West students. We are truly fortunate to have such caring students and staff at West Senior High.

Have a Happy Holiday season! I hope to see you at some of the winter events offered at school. Please remember that if you have any concerns, please feel free to call or email me at any time.

Sincerely,

Joe Tibaldi

 

We had an outstanding first trimester due to the combined efforts of students, parents and staff.

We continue to have students excel in the classrooms. In October, we recognized 155 10th grade students, 158 11th grade students, and 151 12th grade students for earning a 3.5 G.P.A. last year. Quite an impressive number! 26% of our students earned a 3.5 G.P.A. or better last year.

Congratulations to our two National Merit Semi-finalists, Eric Fegan and Trey Hines. These students scored in the top 5% of all students tested in the state of Michigan on the PSAT.

Last year, we had 401 students take A.P. exams and 78% earned a 3 or better on the test. This year, 764 students are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. That is a 52% improvement from last year. A big thanks to the teaching staff for encouraging students to take rigorous classes but also to the students for taking challenging college level courses in high school.

Finally, congratulations to all of our athletes on a successful fall season. Special recognition to the Boys’ Soccer team for their 2nd consecutive Big North Championship, the Boys’ Cross-Country team on their second consecutive Big North Championship, the Girls’ Volleyball team on their District Championship, and the Girls’ Cross-Country and Boys’ Cross-Country team for qualifying for the state meet.

Thanks again for all your support. Please feel free to call with any concerns and we hope to see you at school, Madrigal Dinners or athletic events this winter.

Joe Tibaldi

 

I hope your son/daughter is having a great start to the 2011-2012 school year. Student involvement around school has been fantastic. This year’s “Bleacher Creatures” have been awesome at sporting events, and at the Homecoming Dance, we had over 1200 students attend, our largest attendance ever.

This year we are making a change in the third trimester Parent-Teacher Conferences format. All parents will be asked to attend a student-led conference. Over the years, we have struggled to have more than 50% of parents attend and with voicemail, email, and Parent Viewer, we feel that you can readily access your students’ grades on a day-to-day basis. When we had a Freshman Academy, we piloted student-led conferences and had over 98% of parents attend. Student-led conferencing is a student-driven conversation between the student and parent/guardians reviewing his/her growth over the course of the year. Students will use an electronic portfolio to guide the conversation. This twenty minute conversation will happen during the last conferences of the school year, which is Wednesday, May 2.

We believe student-led conferencing will increase student ownership and parent involvement. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their work, growth, and achievement. These conferences will also help improve communication and presentation skills, which will be a life-long skill for our students. They will also be creating an electronic portfolio through Advisory and will be able to take this portfolio with them for college and job interviews.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

I hope to see you around school or at extra-curricular events.

Joe Tibaldi,
Principal

 

I hope your son/daughter has had a great start to the 2011-2012 school year.  It is exciting to see students so happy and engaged in learning around school.  We truly are fortunate to have such wonderful students to work with at West.  The entire staff encourages you to visit the high school and attend the numerous co-curricular activities offered at West Senior High School.  Your participation in these events, and attendance at school related meetings (like the next West Parent Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, October 31^st) sends a powerful message on the importance school involvement has in your home. 

I would also like to take this time to introduce Mr. Danial O'Berski to you.  Danial is the new assistant principal at West Senior High, replacing Konrad Molter, who is now the principal at Glen Lake Community School.  We are sad to see Konrad leave, but excited to have Danial join the West Senior High Administrative Team. 

This is Mr. O'Berski's first year as Special Education Principal at West Senior High.  Before coming to West Senior High, Mr. O'Berski was the director and lead instructor at TCAPS' Off Campus Education. Off Campus provides social support and educational opportunities to the district’s expelled and at-risk student population. Dan was raised in Traverse City attending Traverse City Central High and NMC, where he has been an adjunct professor since 2004. Mr. O'Berski attended Oakland University for his undergrad and the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Ferris State University for his graduate studies. Dan lives in Old Town with his wife and new son – he’s perfect! She loves to garden. He loves to run!

We are proud to have Mr. O'Berski join the staff at West Senior High. 

Joe Tibaldi, Principal

 

All meetings take place in the library and begin at 7 pm. These meetings are open to all parents and we encourage your attendance. This important group helps us to make decisions that affect all students.

We hope to see you there!

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

In March 2012, we administered the Michigan Merit Exam & ACT to all WSH Juniors, the PLAN exam for sophomores, and the EXPLORE for freshmen. PLAN and EXPLORE are predictors of success on the ACT. Students took the test seriously and gave it their best effort. Juniors should have already received their ACT scores directly from ACT in the mail. Junior MME scores (The Michigan-specific portion) will be released in late summer 2012. Sophomores and freshmen will receive their scores during Advisory in early May. Advisory teachers and counselors work with students to understand the feedback in these score reports and to help them set personal goals for improvement in order to be prepared for their desired career path.

Results are still being analyzed, but initial information for West Senior High looks positive:

The initial ACT Composite Average (1-36 pt scale) for WSH Juniors (Class of 2013) was 21.2 (up from 20.9 for last spring's Junior testing).

The percentage of Juniors that have already attained all four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks (English, Math, Reading & Science) increased again this year (25% for Spring 2012, 23% in Spring 2011, 22% in Spring 2010).

Composite averages and % of students on track for meeting College Readiness Benchmarks for WSH Sophomores and Freshmen exceeded national averages in almost every category (English, Math, Reading, Science, and overall composite)

More information can be found at:

http://www.act.org/explorestudent/
http://www.act.org/planstudent/
http://www.actstudent.org/

If you would like more information on your son/daughter’s results, please contact his/her counselor.

The last day for seniors will be May 25th, with commencement on Sunday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm. Last day for all other students will be Thursday, June 7th.

Thanks again for sending us such great young adults. I hope to see you around school or at one of the numerous spring activities.

Take care,

Joe Tibaldi

Principal

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

I hope your son/daughter had a great Spring Break and is now ready to settle in for a strong finish to the school year.

As the year closes down, please continue to track your student’s progress on Parent Viewer and contact teachers with any concerns. If you are having difficulty accessing Parent Viewer, or grades are not current, please contact the grade level principal.

As you know, this year we again administered the Michigan Merit Exam, which included the ACT, to all juniors, the PLAN test for sophomores and EXPLORE test for freshman. The students took the test very seriously and we expect good results. Students should receive test results in April. Counselors will also receive the report and use the information to work with your son/daughter on scheduling and career plans. Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions.

Thanks again for a wonderful school. It is a pleasure and honor to work with so many outstanding students and concerned parents. Take care,

Joe Tibaldi
Principal

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

I hope your son/daughter has had a successful second trimester. Third trimester begins on Monday, March 5.

Please continue to track your student's progress on Parent Viewer and contact teachers with any concerns. Extra help is available in all core areas (math, science, social studies, language arts) after school Monday through Thursday in the Library Media Center. The National Honor Society students are also providing tutoring on an individual basis through your son/daughter's counselor and Academic Assistance is also available in the library during lunch hour. There are no excuses for students in need not receiving help. Please encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of these opportunities in addition to consulting with their teachers before and after school.

On March 6th, 7th, and 8th, students in 9th grade will take the Explore test, 10th grade will take the PLAN test, and 11th grade will take the ACT/MME. Please encourage them to get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast during these exams.

Thanks again for your wonderful support this last month! It is a pleasure and honor to work with so many great students and concerned parents.

Joe Tibaldi
Principal

 

Dear T.C. West Parents:

The Michigan Merit Exam for juniors is scheduled for March 6, 7, and 8, 2012. Components of the MME include national ACT plus writing, the ACT Work keys, and the Michigan Merit science and social studies exams.

Testing will take place during the morning. All juniors are expected to be on campus during testing times and will be excused from morning TBA programs, including Culinary Arts. If your student has a reduced schedule with no first hour, it is important that he or she be on campus before 8:10 a.m. on those days. Juniors that arrive early can also take advantage of a free breakfast in the commons. Attendance is very important during the testing window so please make every possible effort to ensure your student is present on March 6th, 7th and 8th. Bear in mind that these exams are mandated by State law for juniors, and students that are not present on March 6th, 7th, or 8th will have to be pulled from class to attend the make-up session in late March.

To ensure the BEST possible testing situation for your student, please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep the night before, has a good breakfast, and is on time. Encourage your student to do his or her best so they are well prepared for this set of tests. Advisory teachers will distribute more information about the Michigan Merit Exam during a seminar period in February. Juniors will also do the survey (non-academic) portion of the ACT during Advisory on February 15th.

For those of you who wish to find out more about the MME, visit the web site www.michigan/gov/mme. ACT information can be found at: http://www.actstudent.org/. If you have further questions about the Michigan Merit Exam or ACT, please feel free to contact Athens Principal, Joe Esper at 231-933-7591.

Finally, because of the classroom space necessary to properly administer the Michigan Merit Exams, seniors will not have classes in the morning on March 6th, 7th, and 8th. Seniors will participate in job shadowing opportunities, visit local colleges, and attend an end of the year activity in the auditorium on March 8th at 9:45 a.m. Seniors will report to campus at 2:00 p.m. on March 6th and 7th, school lunch will not be provided for seniors on these days.

Freshmen and sophomores will participate in the PLAN exam on March 6th and 7th. The PLAN is a precursor to the ACT and will give your student feedback on their progress compared to the National ACT College Readiness Standards. PLAN information can be found at: http://www.actstudent.org/plan/.

In addition to the PLAN test, freshmen and sophomores will have the opportunity to participate in a number of other activities on March 6th and 7th, including Jeff Hass’ “Building Bridges with Music” program and a visit to NMC/Maritime Academy/M-TEC (sophomores only).

More information will be provided by email, as we get closer to the testing week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Take care,

Joe Tibaldi
Principal

 

I would like to take this time to wish you a Happy Holiday season. Please make time to share this joyous season with family and friends.

I am very proud to say that, in the spirit of giving this holiday season, a number of school groups have reached out to those in need. The National Honor Society sponsored a clothing drive and West Side sale; Key Club organized a coat drive for needy students in the area and sponsored “Pennies for Pasta” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Student Senate had a blood drive with Michigan Blood and sponsored a toy drive; our football program continued their “Toy Blitz”; and the staff collected money to buy holiday gift cards for West students. We are truly fortunate to have such caring students and staff at West Senior High.

Have a Happy Holiday season! I hope to see you at some of the winter events offered at school. Please remember that if you have any concerns, please feel free to call or email me at any time.

Sincerely,

Joe Tibaldi

 

We had an outstanding first trimester due to the combined efforts of students, parents and staff.

We continue to have students excel in the classrooms. In October, we recognized 155 10th grade students, 158 11th grade students, and 151 12th grade students for earning a 3.5 G.P.A. last year. Quite an impressive number! 26% of our students earned a 3.5 G.P.A. or better last year.

Congratulations to our two National Merit Semi-finalists, Eric Fegan and Trey Hines. These students scored in the top 5% of all students tested in the state of Michigan on the PSAT.

Last year, we had 401 students take A.P. exams and 78% earned a 3 or better on the test. This year, 764 students are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. That is a 52% improvement from last year. A big thanks to the teaching staff for encouraging students to take rigorous classes but also to the students for taking challenging college level courses in high school.

Finally, congratulations to all of our athletes on a successful fall season. Special recognition to the Boys’ Soccer team for their 2nd consecutive Big North Championship, the Boys’ Cross-Country team on their second consecutive Big North Championship, the Girls’ Volleyball team on their District Championship, and the Girls’ Cross-Country and Boys’ Cross-Country team for qualifying for the state meet.

Thanks again for all your support. Please feel free to call with any concerns and we hope to see you at school, Madrigal Dinners or athletic events this winter.

Joe Tibaldi

 

I hope your son/daughter is having a great start to the 2011-2012 school year. Student involvement around school has been fantastic. This year’s “Bleacher Creatures” have been awesome at sporting events, and at the Homecoming Dance, we had over 1200 students attend, our largest attendance ever.

This year we are making a change in the third trimester Parent-Teacher Conferences format. All parents will be asked to attend a student-led conference. Over the years, we have struggled to have more than 50% of parents attend and with voicemail, email, and Parent Viewer, we feel that you can readily access your students’ grades on a day-to-day basis. When we had a Freshman Academy, we piloted student-led conferences and had over 98% of parents attend. Student-led conferencing is a student-driven conversation between the student and parent/guardians reviewing his/her growth over the course of the year. Students will use an electronic portfolio to guide the conversation. This twenty minute conversation will happen during the last conferences of the school year, which is Wednesday, May 2.

We believe student-led conferencing will increase student ownership and parent involvement. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their work, growth, and achievement. These conferences will also help improve communication and presentation skills, which will be a life-long skill for our students. They will also be creating an electronic portfolio through Advisory and will be able to take this portfolio with them for college and job interviews.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

I hope to see you around school or at extra-curricular events.

Joe Tibaldi,
Principal

 

I hope your son/daughter has had a great start to the 2011-2012 school year.  It is exciting to see students so happy and engaged in learning around school.  We truly are fortunate to have such wonderful students to work with at West.  The entire staff encourages you to visit the high school and attend the numerous co-curricular activities offered at West Senior High School.  Your participation in these events, and attendance at school related meetings (like the next West Parent Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, October 31^st) sends a powerful message on the importance school involvement has in your home. 

I would also like to take this time to introduce Mr. Danial O'Berski to you.  Danial is the new assistant principal at West Senior High, replacing Konrad Molter, who is now the principal at Glen Lake Community School.  We are sad to see Konrad leave, but excited to have Danial join the West Senior High Administrative Team. 

This is Mr. O'Berski's first year as Special Education Principal at West Senior High.  Before coming to West Senior High, Mr. O'Berski was the director and lead instructor at TCAPS' Off Campus Education. Off Campus provides social support and educational opportunities to the district’s expelled and at-risk student population. Dan was raised in Traverse City attending Traverse City Central High and NMC, where he has been an adjunct professor since 2004. Mr. O'Berski attended Oakland University for his undergrad and the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Ferris State University for his graduate studies. Dan lives in Old Town with his wife and new son – he’s perfect! She loves to garden. He loves to run!

We are proud to have Mr. O'Berski join the staff at West Senior High. 

Joe Tibaldi, Principal

 

All meetings take place in the library and begin at 7 pm. These meetings are open to all parents and we encourage your attendance. This important group helps us to make decisions that affect all students.

We hope to see you there!