5 Students Chosen for UNH Outstanding Senior Program READY GET

Winter 2015
whhs.whschools.org
5 Students Chosen for UNH Outstanding Senior Program
Largest WHHS Group Ever Selected
Jesus Yanez, Sarah
Flynn, Timothy
Arcadapani, Angela
Riehl and Jakub
Grubski with
Monique Bolt, UNH
admissions rep.
Five WHHS seniors are taking four classes each at
the University of New Haven after being accepted
into UNH’s Outstanding High School Senior Program. The students--Jesus Yanez, Sarah Flynn, Timothy Arcadapani, Angela Riehl and Jakub Grubski-will still participate in WHHS senior activities, but
are enrolled at UNH for free this semester for
OHSSP. The group is the largest ever accepted to
OHSSP, as typically, two Westies are selected annually. See School Counseling for program details.
Student Represents WHHS at
Feb. UPenn Debate Tournament
It was only about a year ago that
senior Tatiana Gay found herself at
her first debate tournament, vying
against students from other states
and even another country in a special competition as she represented
the WHHS chapter of the New Haven Urban Debate League. These
days, she’s a top-ranked debater in
the league, winning first place in
multiple tournaments this fall. She
just competed at the Liberty Bell
Classic, a parliamentary debate invitational at the University of Pennsylvania, where she and a partner
won two of five rounds. She was
the only WHHS student who qualified for the event.
WHHS
College/Career
Grades 9-11
Connection Night
Students &
Thursday, March 19
Parents
6-8 PM
!
GEATDY
RE
Workshops, Career Fair, Q & A
1
ARTS AWARD
Senior Toni Chambers received a gold key
in the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art
Awards for her digital work, “6:53 pm.”
The digital illustration was inspired by
doodles in her sketchbook and created in
Photoshop with a Wacom tablet. She
says she experimented with the idea of "a
process," such as math notes, blueprints,
and drafts, to create the final piece.
Dear WHHS families:
I’m sure we all say this every year, but spring cannot come
soon enough! I think it’s safe to say we’re all tired of shoveling and seeing snow predictions in the weather forecast.
At least we have lots to look forward to—concerts, the
School Counseling College/Career Connection Night, the
spring play, school dances, the campus clean-up (we’re looking for volunteers! See “Important Reminders” at the right),
and graduation celebrations.
Here’s an idea for the next time you’re stuck inside on a
snowy day—take a few minutes to answer our School Climate Survey online at whhs.whschools.org. Think we’ve had
too many snow days? Have opinions on your child’s class
workload? Have ideas for school events you think we should
hold? Let us know through the survey! Students, parents and
staff are all asked to participate. Find the survey on
whhs.whschools.org under the Parents and Students tab or
under “Latest News” headlines on the website home page.
We have some other exciting news coming: Our school district will soon be launching a cell phone app. The app will
have all school info at your fingertips, as well as easy access
to Naviance, Registration and Parent Portal. More info will be
released soon.
Pamela B. Gardner
Principal
Cut and Keep
Principal, D122
Mrs. Gardner (203) 937-4360 x7109
pamela.gardner@whschools.org
Assistant Principal, E105
Ms. Martinez (203) 937-4360 x7110
dana.martinez@whschools.org
Assistant Principal, A-F, Grades 10-12, D115
Mr. DellaCamera (203) 937-4360 x7139
John.dellacamera@whschools.org
Assistant Principal, G-N, Grades 10-12, D127
Mr. Shand (203) 937-4360 x7107
scott.shand@whschools.org
Assistant Principal, O-Z, Grades 10-12
Mrs. Robles (203) 937-4360 x7103
Patricia.robles@whschools.org
Absence line:
203-931-6899
Important Reminders For All Grades
Students must wear WHHS IDs at all times
while at school.
WHHS needs volunteers for Project Graduation, the post-grad event held for seniors.
Email pamela.gardner@whschools.org.
The March Campus Cleanup needs volunteers.
Email: adair.mccormack@whschools.org
The last day of school is currently Wednesday,
June 17. It was moved from June 10 due to
snow days. Check whhs.whschools.org for
more calendar updates.
Dates To Remember
Feb. 26
WHHS/Bailey Collaboration Concert
March 26
Parent’s Visiting Night (Early Dismissal)
Feb. 28
CAPT Prep Session – Science
March 28
EdgePrep
March 28
PTSA casino bus trip
March 4
Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest
April
Founder’s Day – Unsung Hero Dinner
March 4
Mr. Westie Pageant
April 3
PTSA Barnes & Noble Day
March 7
Lil Miss Westie Pageant, 11am
March 10
Dodgeball Tournament
April 6
Spring Sports Parent Meeting
March 12
Spring Band Concert
April 6
CAS Arts Recognition Dinner
March 13
Spring dance, gym
April 13-17
Spring Recess
March 14
Campus Cleanup
April 23
SADD Grim Reaper Day
March 17, 18 CAPT testing
April 23
Jazz Band Concert (tentative)
March 19
College/Career Connection Night
April 25
Junior Spring Fling Dance, Fantasia
March 19, 20 System-wide Children’s Theatre
April 27- May
SBAC Testing
March 23
SCC Scholar Leader Dinner
April 30, May 1-2 Drowsy Chaperone – Spring Musical
March 25
National College Fair
May 2
SAT (at WHHS)
2
Cut and Keep
Students to “Pie” Teachers
in Face to Celebrate “Pi Day”
The annual Pi Day celebration
and contest is set for March
13. Pi is the ratio of a circle's
circumference to its diameter,
approximately
equal
to
3.14159…, and typically recognized on 3.14, which this year
falls on a Saturday. Interested
students must memorize and
recite as many digits of Pi as
they can to their math teacher
or Ms. Amato by March 6 to
enter the March 13 finals. The
three students reciting the
most digits of Pi during the finals can “pie” a teacher in the
face. Students should see their
math teacher for details.
More Math Boot Camps Set
The WHHS Math Boot Camp is
continuing throughout the
year for freshmen who need
extra time learning Algebra I.
The boot camp, which is in its
second year, focuses on small
group instruction and skills
needed for algebra classes.
The next sessions are March 5
and 19 after school. Parents
should look for communication
from WHHS regarding upcoming sessions. For questions regarding Math Boot Camp or
math at WHHS, contact:
Jennifer Kumnick
Department Head
jennifer.kumnick@whschools.org
Mary Ellen Lafo
Math Facilitator
maryellen.lafo@whschools.org
Dr. Nicole Danishevsky
District Math Coordinator
nicole.danishevsky@whschools.org
MATH
Homework Video Tutor, www.PHSchool.com/math
Practice algebra and geometry, get help with homework, review lessons
if you missed class, prep for a test/quiz.
 Under “Student Resources” click on “Textbook Companion Sites”
 Click “PH Mathematics 2004,” then picture of textbook, then
“Homework Video Tutors”
 Choose chapter, lesson, objective
Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 Books online, www.PHSchool.com/math
 Click Successnet Login (don’t create own username/password)
 For username, type: westiestudent
For password, type: whhs123
 Scroll to book you need and click textbook name
 On “Cover Page” type page number you need, click “go” button
To access a worksheet, follow either of these steps:

Click “Extra Practice” on “Cover Page,” choose worksheet from list
OR

Follow first 5 steps above, choose “Worksheet Center” under textbook you’re using, click “Practice Worksheets,” choose worksheet
Algebra 2 Practice With OdysseyWare, westhavensd.owschools.com
Currently available for Algebra 2 (Algebra 1 and Geometry coming soon).
st
 Student User Name: your last name (capitalize 1 letter) and first
three letters of your first name (no spaces)
 Password: Student
 Example: Student’s Name: Noah Webster
User Name: Websternoa
Password: Student
 Choose topic and lesson you want to review
Online Materials For New Pre-Calc Book, connected.mcgraw-hill.com
Videos, quizzes and assessments for immediate feedback, and more.
First-time users only:
 Click “Create New Account”
 Enter Student Redemption Code: 5D3T-N3J3-EP5Q
 Enter First Name and Last Name Initial
 Next screen gives username and password for future use (print, write
it down, take a picture…..)
 Click “Continue” to view book
Returning users:
 Enter assigned username and password
 Click “To Do”
 From “Home” screen you can view textbook: (Click on “Open ebook”)
 Enter page number you need
3
STEM
FRENCH
French Has Busy 2nd Marking Period
French students were busy in the second marking period. They wrote
letters in response to French student
Robert's letter, made family trees,
and completed sketches and tours of
dream houses. After a harrowing
midterm week, French students had
a dinner & movie night at WHHS,
where "Joan of Arc" was shown with
quiche and salad served by their
teacher, Madame Reichert. The
event was open to all students.
Students at the info session
were encouraged to visit:

engineergirl.org

discovere.org

stemtype.stemjobs.com
STEM Info Session Held for WHHS Girls
WHHS recently held a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) info session for female students to discuss careers and WHHS
STEM classes. The session targeted girls because women are underrepresented in the STEM workforce. WHHS has also started a Girls in STEM club.
ENGLISH
English Dept. Plans Salem Trip7
English teachers are excited to take
100 sophomores to Salem May 18.
Students read “The Crucible,” a play
chronicling the 1692 Salem Witch
Trials. As an extension of the play,
students will watch “Cry Innocent”
in Salem. In this live trial reenactment, students will be the jury
and witness testimony. It is critically
acclaimed and has been featured on
several TV networks. Students can
also visit museums, Gallows Hill, Puritan homes, and shops. Permission
slips go home in March.
Engineering Class Helps Habitat for Humanity
The WHHS Civil Engineering and Architecture STEM class recently volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity site in New Haven. The trip corresponded to site management and design units being taught in the classroom and
offered students a chance to give back to the community.
SCIENCE
UConn Engineers Visit WHHS
Engineering students from the University of Connecticut recently visited
WHHS chemistry and engineering students to hold workshops about alternative energy, conduct an experiment,
and discuss industry opportunities. The
visit is part of a partnership with
UConn.
4


NURSING
Nursing clinical has begun.
Certified Nursing Assistant
students spend three periods
per day at a medical facility
caring for patients.
CNA class will be running a
blood drive on May 15. This
year's drive is in memory of
Alejandro Zitlalpopoca.
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The WHHS library media center raised
$101.50 for the West Haven Animal Shelter
in February by selling hearts for its book
tree. Next month, the “Reading Rocks tree”
will highlight staff members’ favorite books
in honor of Read Across America Day.
GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR
2015 WHHS Honoree Announced
Junior Jeremy Borelli was nominated
for the 19th annual Governor’s Scholars Award Program. The program recognizes and honors academically talented high school students throughout
Connecticut. Borelli is also a member
of the WHHS hockey team.
TEEN CONFERENCE
Westies Study Teen Issues With Peers
Students Toni Chambers and Mikayla
Hickman will be facilitators at the
Next Generations conference, a Rotary International event at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford Feb. 28. The
session covers topics that affect teens,
including self-image, sexuality, communication and technology. WHHS
students Elliot Sanchez, Chrissy Zaino,
Sara Duprey and Autumn Thomas will
also be attending.
WESTIE GEAR SALE
School Store Shirt Sale
Get a St. Patrick's Day
Westie T-shirt at The
Devils Den! Kelly Green
T's are $8. Tie-dyed T's
are $10.
The library has updated its collection to reflect more recent and relevant materials
and reintroduced Book Weeks featuring
special subjects and authors. Stop down
and see what’s on display this week!
CAPT TESTING
The CAPT science test will be administered to freshmen and sophomores March 17 and 18. Grades 9 and 10 will have full days of school
on those days, with testing in mornings. The test measures student
progress in meeting state performance standards. There will be a 90minute delay for grades 11 and 12 on March 17 and March 18, as they
will not be taking the test.
SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY
Parents, staff and students: Please take the School Climate Survey and
give your opinions on school practices, school environments, family/community partnership, and more. Parents, fill out one survey for
each school your children currently attend. The survey should take a
few minutes. Those with no internet access can request a paper copy.
Answers will be kept confidential and used to improve schools.
SUPERHERO DAY
WHHS held a Superhero Day fundraiser for Bailey Middle School student Rajay Linton, who needs a
heart transplant. With staff and
students donating at least $1 to
wear superhero gear, WHHS raised
$1,420 for Rajay’s care.
Blanket Fundraiser
YEARBOOK
Yearbook is selling Blue
Devil fleece blankets in
Ms. Acquarulo's room,
E-214, for $26. Or email
tracey.acquarulo@whsc
hools.org to purchase.
Yearbook Baby Ads For Sale
Buy a baby ad by April 1 to congratulate a senior in the yearbook.
Options are: congratulatory message, no photos, $5; 1/8 page
with 1 photo, $20; 1/4 page with up to 2 photos, $35; 1/2 page
with up to 4 photos, $60; full page with up to 10 photos, $100.
All photos will be color. Email tracey.acquarulo@whschools.org.
5
Senior Yearbooks
On Sale for $80
Buy a yearbook
before they sell
out. The books
may be purchased
in room E-214.
THEATRE
WORKSHOP
CHORUS, BAND
Samantha D'Amico (bass clarinet),
Charlotte D'Inzeo (clarinet), Rose
Silver (soprano), Jay Silver (bass),
and Taylor Turner (soprano) were
selected for the Connecticut Music
Educators Association’s Southern
Region Music Festival.
Tyler DeGroate (trombone) performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day with
the Salvation Army Band.
The WHHS Theatre Workshop
performed
"The
Laramie Project" in November. The piece focuses on
the aftermath of a 1998
tragedy involving a man in
Laramie, Wyoming, and also
spread a message of equality and acceptance.
The Theatre Workshop’s spring musical is “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Performances are April 30 and May 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m.
matinee on May 2 that is free for senior citizens.
PILLOWTIME THEATRE
CHORUS, BAND CALENDAR

WHHS/Bailey 8th Grade Band and Chorus Collaboration Concert: Thursday, February 26, 7 p.m.
Items will be collected for WHEAT and the West
Haven Animal Shelter at the door.

WHHS Band Spring into Spring Concert: Thursday, March 12, 7:30 p.m., admission of $5. All
Bailey and Carrigan band and chorus members
will be admitted free of charge and will be eligible for a free raffle if they are in attendance.

Students performed “Waking Sleeping Beauty” in the Dr.
Joanne Andrees PillowTime Children’s Theatre in January.
WHHS Choral Concert: Wednesday, May 20, 7
p.m.
BAND FUNDRAISER
CAS ARTS AWARDS RECIPIENTS
The WHHS Band is fundraising to support the
West Haven Animal Shelter's Kuranda
dog/cat bed drive. These beds are durable
and easy to clean, and help elevate pets up
off the ground, which keeps them warmer
and alleviates stress for those with joint pain.
Paw prints are on sale for $1 through March
and will be displayed with the donor's/pet's
names. Contact Cassandra Marcella for more
info at cassandra.marcella@whschools.org.
Seniors Kevin McDaniel and Thomas Nelson have been selected as Connecticut Association of Schools Fine Arts Awards recipients. Kevin was honored for the Music/Video Production
category and has been involved in the Westie News Team and
video production, as well as the WHHS band, and has done musical performances at various school events. Thomas, who was
recognized in the Music/Theatre division, is active in the WHHS
Theatre Workshop and plays guitar in the WHHS Blue Devil Jazz
Band. He has also played on the WHHS football team and made
appearances on TV shows. Both Kevin and Thomas will be honored at a banquet this spring.
6
CHEERLEADING
HOCKEY
New England Hockey Journal
listed WHHS in an article entitled "Six places where high
school hockey still thrives."
The WHHS cheerleaders have seen success
in this year’s competition season:

They earned first
place in both the
Game Day division
and Medium Varsity
Non-Tumbling division at the Dec. 13
Universal Cheerleaders Association Empire Regionals at Stony Brook University in New York. They were honored by Mayor Edward M. O’Brien at
City Hall Dec. 26 for their victory.

They placed third in the Medium Varsity Game Day event in the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship in February in Orlando. From left, front to back, Oriana Orsini,
Giovanna Frater, Emery Johnson, Emani Martinez, Tamera McCray, Jenna Perno, Taylor McCray, Monica Ghaly, Debbie Rosemond, Leatrice
Alston, Amani Cayo, Destiny Velez, Rebecca White and Davina Rigsbee.
SOFTBALL
Kial Watts signed a Letter of
Intent to attend Hampton University on an Academic Scholarship and play softball.
UNIFIED SPORTS
The Unified Sports basketball
team will participate in the SCC
Basketball Tournament February 23 in New Haven and the
March 12 CIAC Tournament in
Stratford.
SOCCER

Sophomore Salah Oumorou
was named the New Haven
County Boys Soccer MVP.
This is the second year in a
row a WHHS student has
earned the honor.

Marissa Paccapelli signed a
Letter of Intent to attend the
University of New Haven,
where she will continue her
soccer career.
VOLLEYBALL


LACROSSE
The boys lacrosse team participated in LaxGiving in
Hamden to raise money and
collect food for local food
pantries. They also played in
the November Sticks For Soldiers tournament, which
raised $115,000 for veterans
who lost limbs serving our
country. This is the second
year the team has been involved in the events.
Girls volleyball Coach Kate
Coldren was chosen as the volleyball Coach of the Year by the
SCC. The team also made it to
SCC and CIAC play-offs. Kate is a
physical education teacher at
Carrigan Intermediate School.
The girls volleyball team has
received the Southern Connecticut Board of Volleyball
Officials’ Sportsmanship Award.
7
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
Seniors Jolie Morrell and Justin Tuschhoff are
CIAC Scholar Athletes of the year for WHHS. They
will be honored May 3 at Aqua Turf.
FOOTBALL
More than a dozen employees of Sikorsky Aircraft
are donating time and expertise to mentor eight
WHHS football players. The Sikorsky employees
have helped the team with fundraisers, attended
games, welcomed students for a tour of the company’s facility in Stratford, and helped students
map out post-high school options.
GOLF CLUB
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Anyone interested in golf should sign up with Mr. Bonito in
room C13 as soon as possible. The group meets Wednesdays
after school starting in April. Tee times are 2:30 p.m. for ninehole rounds. A bus is provided from WHHS to Orange Hills
Golf Course or driving range and back to school. Joining the
nine-week club costs $135. Students need their own golf
equipment, a USGA rulebook and an interest in playing at a
higher level. Beginners should expect to be challenged by
playing on a full-length golf course and following USGA rules.
DECA
The WHHS Student Government raised over $200
to donate to Massachusetts General Hospital for
Multiple Systems Atrophy research in honor of
lifelong Westie Thomas “Tinker” Blake.
Student Government also collected 63 pairs of
jeans for the Jeans for Teens project, which is run
by clothing store Aeropostale. The jeans will be
distributed to local shelters.
YOU GOT RAKED
Student Government,
Leos and VolunTEEN
members raked and
bagged leaves for
WHHS neighbors this
fall as a goodwill gesture. Teachers Trish
Thompson, adviser of
Student Government,
and Adair McCormack, adviser of VolunTEEN, also helped.
SOPHOMORE CLASS
The sophomore class is holding a dodgeball tournament March 10 at 6 p.m. Six people per team
can sign up at $10 per person. Sign up outside
D204 and pay fees to Mr. Backman by March 3.
HOSA CLUB
The Health Occupation Students of America Club
visited a nursing home in December. Students
sang, read and visited with residents, ran bingo,
transported residents, and used therapeutic communication, as well as foreign language skills, to
reach out to many. They also donated calendars
and large-print books to patients.
The WHHS DECA
chapter will compete in the February 25 state competition at Aqua Turf.
Around 20 members plan to attend.
TEAM
Team PACE collected donations from
WHHS band concert attendees, staff
and students to create care packages
for homeless veterans. The 19 packages had toiletries, hats, gloves, scarves,
nonperishable food and more, and
were donated for distribution by the
VA Hospital.
DANCE TEAM
The Dance Team participated in the American Heart Association's Wear Red Day campaign Feb. 6 and performed a special line dance mash-up at the WHHS basketball game that
night. Parents, students, the West Steppers and staff joined
in. The team also fundraised for the heart association.
DEBATE TEAM
WHHS Yale Urban Debate League members competed in
November and December. In November, Brisa Cruz, who
was partnered with Hillhouse School students, was on a
team ranked 1st for novice teams and 4th overall. Tatiana
Gay and Jamie Kelley were ranked 7th, and Tatiana was the
9th-ranked speaker. In December, New Haven Mayor Toni
Harp and New Haven Superintendent Garth Harries were
judges. Tatiana and her Sound School partner won first
overall, trophies and $500 each. Samuel Mursko also competed with over 40 other students from New Haven-area
public high schools.
8
CHARGE INTO THE FUTURE
Representatives from local colleges gave previously screened
WHHS applicants on-the-spot decisions during WHHS On-Site
Admissions Decision Days this fall and winter. The following
students were accepted during on-site days.
Fernando Hernandez, Jamie
Kelley, Alexandra Young & David Martins, Albertus Magnus
College. Received priority grant
money for applying early, and
over $21,000 in scholarships.
Eduardo Martinez, Khaladah
Barnes, Alexandra Young, Blair
Ludovoconi & Jessica Lowry
(absent for photo), University of
Bridgeport, with $75,000 in
scholarships.
Mariah Charlotten, Claudio
Quezada, Whitney Bibens, Jamie Kelley & Grace Mwine,
Western Connecticut State University, with two as candidates
for honors program.
Maurice Jones, Adriana Yanez,
& Haroon Chaudhry, Post University. Earned combined total
of $25,000 in scholarships.
Jakub Grubski, Jenna Perno,
Musharaf Chowdhury, Blair Ludoviconi, Taylor Lambert, Jeana
Carrano, Jamie Kelley, Whitney
Bibens, Rachel Cabral, Yalda
Jabarkhyl, Qayla Crawley, Kelly
Sulivan, Mikayla Hickman, Jolie
Morrell, Joey Pascale, Alexia
Perez, & Ariana Allen; Southern
Connecticut State University,
with 9 recommended for meritbased scholarships.
9
During a special On-Site Admissions Decision
Day at WHHS, University of New Haven representatives accepted 13 Westies. Thanks to
the UNH-West Haven Public Schools partnership, the students will only pay half-tuition
for UNH. They are: Jakub Grubski; Olivia
Quagliani; Jolie Morrell; Tim Arcadipani; Anthony Lockhart; Cassidy Allen; Paul Danyliw;
Yalda Jabarkhyl; Kayley Carr; Cindy Nguyen;
Michael Smith; Sarah Flynn; and Angela
Riehl.
CHARGING AHEAD
More than three dozen WHHS students have
gotten to take a class at UNH this year for
free through the Charging Ahead program.
Students must qualify through grades and
apply, and can earn college credit.
Fall 2014 participants: Amal Al-Harbi, Timothy Arcadipani, Stephanie Latella, Andrea
Lavado, Alice Obas, Tristan Perez, Olivia
Quagliani, Jesus Yanez, Susannah Beyl, Elizabeth Brunt, Alyssa Golde, Avolyn Nieves, &
Autumn Thomas.
Spring 2015 participants: Lizi Bowen, Toni
Chambers, Claudia Flores, Jamie Kelley,
Amanda Lopez, Soukeyna Mbaye, Maria
Nahuatlato, Joey Pascale, Alexia Perez,
Claudio Quezada, Annasse Rajeh, Kharl
Reynado, Matthew Ruzicka, Nurul Sauffian,
Ann-Lyssa Asare, Gabriella Athitang, Sophia
Chavez, Nayo Daniel, Sarah Dunham, Brianna Hackett, Samuel Mursko, Melissa
Shea, Delaruelle Tarpeh, Niama Toupou,
Brittany Tulchin, & Lizzet Tuxpan.
SAT COLLEGE ENTRANCE TEST
Students considering 4-year colleges should take the SAT. Those
interested in highly competitive schools should consider SAT II subject tests. Check with your college as to what SAT II tests are required. Register: www.collegeboard.com
SAT Practice:
www.collegeboard.com/satskillsinsight
SAT Test Dates
March 14
May 2
(WHHS)
June 6
Registration Deadlines
Late Registration Deadlines
February 13
April 6
May 8
SAT/ACT Testing Accommodations:
Any students eligible for testing accommodations for the ACT or SAT, need to
see their school counselor for an application. The application needs to be filed at
least 4-6 weeks before the test date.
ACT Test Dates
February 7
April 18
June 13
February 27-March 3
April 17-21
May 22-27
ACT COLLEGE ENTRANCE TEST
The ACT has become another option for most college admissions.
Many students take the ACT to see if they score at a higher level
than the SAT. The ACT is more of an academically orientated test
compared to the SAT. The ACT is given at nearby schools. Register:
www.act.org
Registration Deadlines
January 9
March13
May 8
ALUMNI DAY AT WHHS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Parents interested in joining the School
Counseling Advisory Committee should
call Dr. Rose Paolino, Department Head,
937-4360 x7118. The next meetings are
February 26 and April 30 at WHHS. The
goal is to increase communication between parents, school and community
regarding guidance services.
Around two dozen recent
WHHS grads were back on
campus in January for annual
Alumni Day Q & A sessions.
Alumni shared insight on college life, undergrad coursework, living in dorms, feeling
homesick, pros and cons of
going to school outside of CT
or in state, and other related
topics with WHHS seniors.
Late Registration Deadlines
January 10-16
March 14-27
May 9-22
COLLEGE FAIR TRIP
Counselors organized a trip to the Historically Black College and University Fair in
New York this fall, giving more than 25
students a chance to hear from colleges,
receive admissions decisions and scholarships, and attend college prep workshops. WHHS student Thomas Brim was
accepted into Virginia State University,
Tuskegee University and Morgan State
University with scholarship offers.
2014-15 School Counseling Staff by first letter of student last name:
Dr. Rose Paolino
(A-Ba)
Mrs. Norma Merced
(Bb-Dao)
Mrs. Heather Kannengeiser (Daop-Gum)
Mrs. Heather Doraz
(Gun-L)
Ms. Dora Barnes
(M-Pau)
Mrs. Danielle Marseglia (Pav-Smith)
Mrs. Holly Benedetti
(Sn-Z)
Miss Kiernan Kelley
Intern
10
rose.paolino@whschools.org
norma.merced@whschools.org
heather.kannengeiser@whschools.org
heather.doraz@whschools.org
dora.barnes@whschools.org
danielle.attard@whschools.org
holly.benedetti@whschools.org
Kiernan.kelley@whschools.org
SOPHOMORES
FRESHMEN
Freshmen met with their school
counselor in January to review
their academic standing and
goals for the year as a component of their Student Success
Plan. Please review your child’s
goals, which may be found on
Naviance (My Planner tab).
JUNIORS
Junior portfolio sessions will be
scheduled with students and
parents in February, March and
April to discuss student success
and postsecondary plans. Notification will be mailed home.
College-Bound Juniors: Winter
and spring are very important
times to be visiting college campuses so you know where to apply in September. Campuses
give a completely different impression in the summer when
they are deserted than during
the academic year. It is important that you:
→ Make an appointment with
your counselor to review and
finalize colleges you have selected, and ask about how you visit
college campuses.
→ Use Naviance to see the probability of being accepted to a
college based on your GPA,
rank and PSAT scores.
→ Ask parents to plan for the
April break and visit your faraway campuses.
→ Use your winter/spring weekends to visit nearby campuses.
See your school counselor with
your questions.
Student Success Planning/Portfolio
sessions will be scheduled from
February–May. Sophomores will
also participate in the “Do What
You Are” personality assessment in
April. The “Do What You Are” is
completed via NAVIANCE, a webbased program students are ex-
pected to utilize for their college
and career search. This assessment
is a component of their Student
Success Plan. Results will provide
students with valuable information
regarding their individual learning
styles, careers and colleges that
match their interest.
SENIORS
Grades: Seniors need to maintain a high level of grades. Colleges will be
requesting mid-year reports. When you receive those long-awaited acceptance letters, please bring a copy to your school counselor.
Scholarships: A list of scholarships is available on Naviance and in the
School Counseling Office and Career Center. Information regarding the
most popular scholarships and scholarships pertinent to West Haven residents will be emailed to the students via Naviance. Seniors should be
checking their email and Naviance website at least once a week for updated information regarding colleges/careers and scholarship information.
Midyear Reports: If you have applied to a Common App college that requires a midyear report and midyear grades, email or see your counselor.
Do not assume anything is sent automatically; many of you have already
been accepted and your colleges may not require it. If you are unsure, call
your admissions office (admissions phone numbers are in Naviance when
you click on the college name).
Important Senior Dates
March 25: Gateway Application Day, periods 6 and 7. Sign up in the School Counseling Office. Seats are limited.
March 28: EdgePrep SAT/ACT Test Preparation, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. , at WHHS. Take
advantage of this opportunity for WHHS
students. Cost for first 20 students is $99,
and the cost for additional students is
$135. For more details, see your school
counselor. You may register at
www.tutapoint.com/edgepreplive/whhs.
May 1: Community service hours must
be completed. Remember, 40 hours entitles you to a cord at graduation. A suggested list of places to complete your
hours is available in School Counseling.
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NCAA Eligibility: Students
interested in applying for
sports at the college level
should check with their
coach to see if they are eligible. Students must register
with the NCAA in order to
participate in any Division I
or Division II sports, or receive any form of athletic
scholarship for college.
Forms are available in the
Athletic Office.
Selective Service: Any males
approaching age 18 MUST
register with the selective
service to be eligible for financial aid. For more details,
visit your area post office.
NONPROFIT
West Haven Board of Education
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
1 McDonough Plaza
West Haven, CT 06516-5257
West Haven High School Core Values
The West Haven High School community is dedicated to providing
a positive and safe environment that celebrates differences while
inspiring students to be self-motivated learners, critical thinkers
and effective communicators.
We believe all students should
have access to 21st- century educational opportunities to prepare
them to be responsible, ethical, and contributing members of a
global society.
Academic Expectations for Student Performance
West Haven High School Students will:
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Demonstrate competence in literacy through reading,
writing, and public speaking.
Use current technological resources to enhance research
and learning skills.
Apply mathematical and scientific reasoning and skills to
solve problems in a variety of real-world situations.
Use critical thinking to interpret, analyze, and create.
Social Expectations for Students
West Haven High School Students will:
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Actively participate, within the school community, both independently and collaboratively.
Take responsibility for their actions and obligations.
Civic Expectations for Students
West Haven High School Students will:
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Demonstrate respect for themselves and others.
Promote a positive and safe school climate.
Promote and demonstrate the components of a healthy
lifestyle.
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