2023-24 Wildcat News

Someone's perception is undeniably their reality, even if it's not entirely accurate. In today's digital age, where information spreads rapidly through social media, false narratives can easily take root without evidence to support them. It's essential to recognize the power of perception and the dangers of blindly accepting information, especially online. Instead, we can choose to prioritize positivity, kindness, and truthfulness in our interactions and communications. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and empathy, we can navigate through the noise of misinformation, promoting a more informed and compassionate society.

#BetterTogether

#WhereEveryStudentThrives

#Kicking76outTheDoor

The Enrollment Portal for the 2024-25 school year is open for new and returning students.

1. Communication from Central Office was sent on April 15th.
2. Snapcodes for returning students was sent out by email April 16th from the District.

To locate your address within the new school zones, check out the New School Zone Map.

To complete enrollment,

• Fill out all information
• Upload proof of residency for new & returning students
• Upload immunization documentation for new students
• **Need to be up-to-date prior to start of school
• **Not allowed to start school without being up-to-date

Thank you!

In my program, students engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world experiences. At the beginning of the year, our class started a project on how to create a business from scratch. The students have learned super valuable skills ranging from crafting business plans, creating logos, advertising to our target market, how to cost out a recipe and decide on a menu price, and more. Students also had the opportunity to get certified in ServSafe to ensure we know what safety measures to take when in the kitchen and serving food to our customers/students.

On Cafe days, students act as the employees of the business and practice skills such as customer service, working in a fast paced environment, learning how to collaborate as a group and work with co-workers / peers.

I am so grateful for the TVA STEM Grant money as it has allowed us to purchase some essential equipment such as new refrigerators, microwaves, coffee machines, and many other items that make this project possible. Because of these resources, our students have had the opportunity to dive deeper into what it is like to start up a business and work in a real-life type of environment.

What truly sets our project apart is not just its educational value but its profound impact on the community and students at West Limestone High School. Through the proceeds generated by our student-run café, we have been able to fund costs for additional class labs and projects, and also give back in meaningful ways. From serving at our local animal shelter and making donations of food and toys, supporting charitable programs like Operation Christmas Child, donated to our local Cattlemen's Association auction, where proceeds went towards funding high school scholarships, hosted our local Veterans during a veterans day luncheon and more!

Overall, our students are learning valuable skills through hands-on activity and actively contributing to the betterment of our society.

Field Trips

• To address problems with chronic absenteeism, students in Grades K-12 who accumulate 3 or more unexcused absences per semester will not be allowed to participate in field trips. Exceptions will be district-wide field trips.
• Note: Students who are suspended out of school (OSS) will not be allowed to participate in class or school field trips during that semester. Students who are assigned in-school suspension (ISS) for 4 or more incidents will not be allowed to participate in class or school field trips during that semester.

Dances & Field Days

• To address problems with chronic absenteeism, students in Grades K-12 who accumulate 18 or more absences, whether deemed excused or unexcused, are by definition chronically absent and will not be allowed to participate in non-academic school activities (e.g., prom, in-school games, dances, and field days).

Semester Exam Exemption

• Students with any unexcused absences will be required to take the semester exam in May.

E-Learning Days

• Students with any unexcused absences will not be allowed to use E-Learning days.

18 or More Absences

• A student is considered as having chronic absenteeism when the student has 18 or more absences regardless if the absences are excused or not.
• Negatively affects our school report card grade

This week's Music Monday song is Boogie Shoes by KC & the Sunshine Band.

Whose favorite is it? Take a guess by sending an email to Matt.Taylor@lcsk12.org. First person with the correct response- WINS!

We are glad to be in a partnership with Grayson Carter & Son Contracting, Inc.

1. Portable Stage: Currently, our Ag Department is building a stage for us to use during end of the year student recognition ceremonies and graduation. The materials were purchased by our partner in education. Also, the Floor Gallery has agreed to help us with covering the stage.

2. Students of the 9 Weeks Recognition: Employees will nominate worthy students who exemplify the Wildcat Way. These students will be honored at a lunch provided by Grayson Carter & Son, Inc. on March 11 & again on April 18. Next year, lunch will be provided every 9 weeks.

3. Employee Recognition: Students will nominate an employee that they want to recognize for making a difference at WLHS. The selected employee will receive a gift basket provided by Grayson Carter & Son, Inc.

4. Outdoor Space: We are in the works of creating an outdoor space. Grayson Carter & Son, Inc. will clean out dirt and add gravel to the space. More to come!!

5. Teaching & Learning: Grayson Carter employees spent some time with seniors discussing various things that would be beneficial to them as they prepare to transition out of school.

6. Pink Out Shirt Design: For the 2nd annual Pink Out Day in October, GCAS teamed up with us to design their T-Shirt.

7. Boys & Girls State Registration Fee: The fees for our Boys' State and Girls' State registrations were paid by GCAS.

8. Spelling Bee Winners' Prize Donation: Thank you to GCAS for donating cash prizes to our Spelling Bee Winners!!

9. Senior Field Trip: Our seniors will go on a field trip to tour some worksites of Grayson Carter & Son Contracting on April 12.

Use these codes to enroll in Counselor Pops' Schoology Courses to find out valuable information regarding your class.

• Seniors: Class of 2024: QC5D-M566-8D6J3
• Juniors: Class of 2025: 2GJG-KKMX-FTQRR
• Sophomores: Class of 2026: PHSX-X7MZ-FJZVT
• Freshmen: Class of 2027: VMT4-QHKK-TQ433

From the Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction: Mrs. Allison Usery & Secondary Coordinator: Michelle Mitchell

We are excited to be able to offer additional exam exemption opportunities for juniors this semester. Students will receive one exam exemption for each benchmark score on the March 2024 ACT + Writing State Contract Assessment. For example, if a student scores 18 on ACT English, the student would receive an exam exemption to use on the course of his/her choice. The exemption cannot be used for AP or dual enrollment courses as those exams are required. As we move toward spring testing, we hope this will give your students an extra incentive to try their best. We will work with instructional supervisors on a way to manage the data for you and your teachers. Please share this information with teachers and students!

Benchmark Scores for ACT + Writing

Reading 22

Math 22

Science 23

English 18

AP Exam Schedule

The Athens-Limestone Youth Leadership Program was developed by the Athens-Limestone County

Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. The program is designed to build leadership skills with outstanding tenth and eleventh grade students. Students are chosen through an application and interview process and participation is based on academic performance, school activities, and community involvement.

We are just completing our twenty-fourth year and we feel that the program was again very successful. Using a combination of presentations, workshops, and field trips. Subjects may include but are not limited to Team Building, Community Services, Health Care, Local & State Government, Cultural Arts, Business Industry, Education, and Agriculture. We plan to follow a similar schedule for the upcoming year. To help cover some of the costs incurred in the program there is a $150.00 participation fee. If this fee is a problem, please call the Chamber. This information will be held in the strictest of confidence.

*Students interested in participating in the Youth Leadership program must turn in a completed

application, essay, and 2 personal references to be eligible to interview for the Youth Leadership program by May 1, 2024. *

If you have any questions, contact Ana Norwood at 256-232-2600 or

Ana@alcchamber.org and Cc Pammie@alcchamber.org .

John Williams from Balfour will be at West Limestone High School on Wednesday, May 1st at 8:30 am. He will be taking orders for class rings and letter jackets.

What Every Parent Needs to Know

Athletics and other extra-curricular activities are valued parts of our schools. Students must maintain high academic standards in order to participate in these activities. For the immediate preceding school year:

• High School - Students entering grades 10-12 must have passed 6 subjects that total 6 Carnegie units of credit with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 (must include the four core: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies).

• Middle School – Students entering grades 8-9 must have passed 5 new subjects with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those five subjects.

April

29: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Karen Murray!

29: EOY Reading & Math Benchmark Assessment (Grades 6th-10th) Window Opens

29-3: Employee Annual Benefit Review (Update Insurance) with David Lenhart

30: Deadline to order this Year's WLHS Yearbook

30: Golf Sectionals at RTJ Schoolmaster, Florence

TBA: Limestone County Golf Tournament at Southern Gayles

May

1: School Principal's Day

1: Class Ring & Letter Jacket Order Day

1: Reaccreditation Training by Cognia at 9am for principals/Principals Meeting

2: Instructional Supervisors' Meeting

2: Middle School Dance: Glow Bash in old gym 6-8pm

3: School Lunch Hero Day

3: ACT Regular Deadline for June 8th Test

6-9: Regional Softball Tournament at Florence Sportsplex

6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week

6-10: AP Exams

7: Middle School Gifted Field Trip to Space and Rocket Center

7: Golf Sub-State at Twin Bridges, Gadsden

8: School Nurse Day

8: Tom's Coffee for Staff!!!

9: Spring Play - 5pm

10: EL Team Meeting

10: Spring Play during school hours

11: Spring Play - 5pm

13-17: AP Exams

13-17: State Softball Tournament in Oxford

15-20: Senior Exams: 15-English & History; 16- Math & Science; 17- Electives & CTC; 20 - Makeups

15: EOY Reading & Math Benchmark Assessment (Grades 6th-10th) Window Closes

16: Senior Awards Night at 6pm

17: Underclassman Awards Recognition Day 9-11th at 9am & 6-8th at 1:30pm

17: ACT Late Registration Deadline for June 8 Testing

18: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Magan Stewart!

18: National Speech Language Pathologist Day

20: Happy Birthday to Deputy Cody Lewter!

20: Powder Puff Football Game & Field Day! Kona Ice will be available!

20: Career Tech Graduation, 6pm at Athens Courthouse

21-23: Underclassmen Exams: 21: History & English & electives; 22- Math & Science & electives; 23- Make-ups

21: Graduation at Clements (5pm) and West Limestone (7pm)

21: ACT Late Registration Deadline for July 13 Testing

23: Last Day of School

23: Report Cards

23: Graduation at Tanner (5pm) and East Limestone (7pm)

23: Happy Birthday to Mr. Brady Clay!

24: Teacher Workday

24: Graduation at Elkmont (5pm) and Ardmore (7pm)

26-June 1: AL Boys State at Troy University

27: Memorial Day

June

1: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Tina Coats!

2-7: AL Girls State at Troy University

3: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Olivia Hardy!

6: Limestone Sheriff's Dept. Training at West from 6-8pm

7: ACT Regular Deadline for July 13th Test

8: ACT Test Date

9: Happy Birthday to Mr. Bryan Jach!

15: Happy Birthday to Mr. Austin Hyde!

17: Happy Birthday to Mr. Jaret Britt!

18: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Eric McGee!

19: Juneteenth

20: Summer Begins

July

4: Happy 4th of July!

4: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Sharon Wallace!

9: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Tammy Jones!

13: ACT Test Date

18: Happy Birthday to Mrs. LeeAnn Reed!

20: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Heather Gough!

22: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Alex Chrisman!

25: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Jennifer Freeman!

29: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Cheyenne Bonner!

30: Happy Birthday to Mr. Hunter Camp!

31: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Laura Black & Mrs. Jessica Colbert!

August

1: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Andria Francis!

12: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Karen Carter!

13: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Lunetta Reyer!

16: Football Jamboree vs Elkmont Away 7pm

16: JV Football Jamboree vs Elkmont Away 7pm

23: Football vs Ardmore Home 7pm

24: MS Football Jamboree at East Limestone

26: JV Football vs Lindsay Lane Home 7pm

28: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Traci Daniel!

29: MS Football vs Lindsay Lane Home 5:30

30: Football vs East Lawrence Home 7pm

September

3: MS/JV Football vs Danville Home 5:30/7pm

5: Happy Birthday to Coach Justin Taylor!

6: Football vs West Morgan Home 7pm

9: MS/JV Football vs Clements Away 5:30/7pm

12: Happy Birthday to Coach Kim Cooper!

13: Football vs Danville Away 7pm

14: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Dedi Rolin!

16: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Tracy Jackson!

16: MS/JV Football vs Elkmont Home 5:30/7pm

17: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Ashley Pressnell!

20: Football vs Central Home 7pm HOMECOMING

23: JV Football vs Athens Home 6pm

23: MS Football vs Tanner Away 5:30

27: Football vs East Limestone Away 7pm

30: MS/JV Football vs East Limestone Home 5:30/7pm

October

4: Football vs Hatton Away 7pm

7: MS/JV Football vs Ardmore Away 5:30/7pm

10: MS Football Championship

11: Football vs Wilson Home 7pm SENIOR NIGHT

14: MS/JV Football vs West Morgan Away 5:30/6:30pm FALL BREAK

18: Football vs Deshler Away 7pm FALL BREAK

22: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Tobie Craig!

23: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Chasity Legg!

25: Happy Birthday to Mr. Dakota James!

25: Football vs Brooks Away 7pm

November

1: Happy Birthday to Mr. Davin Kyle!

3: Happy Birthday to Mr. Chuck Chiriaco!

4-8: West Limestone's DC Field Trip

9: Happy Birthday to Mr. Matt Taylor!

11: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Jammie Patrick!

13: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Arlene Adkins!

19: Life South Blood Drive

24: Happy Birthday to Mr. Bob Barber!

December

2: Happy Birthday to Mr. Ben Campbell!

5: Happy Birthday to Mrs. LaTunga Clemons!

8: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Karen Carter!

9: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Karen White!

11: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Bethany James!

13: Happy Birthday to Mr. Chuck Hood!

16: Happy Birthday to Mr. Kerry Gowan & Mrs. Leonah Kyle!

18: Happy Birthday to Mr. Sam Olinger!

19: Happy Birthday to Coach Shelby Davis!

21: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Sherry Mashburn!

23: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Laine Morris!

24: Christmas Eve

24: Happy Birthday to Ms. Stacy Willoughby!

25: Merry Christmas!

27: Happy Birthday to Mr. Anthony Taylor!

30: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Debbie Anderson & Mrs. Laura Mashburn!

31: New Year's Eve!

January

1: Happy New Year!

1: Happy Birthday to Mr. Greg Burchell!

12: Happy Birthday to Mr. Brandon Wallace!

15: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Lauren Kyle!

23: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Amanda Gibbs!

25: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Bethany Matthews!

February

1: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Anita Kyle!

2: Happy Birthday to Mr. Ryan Griffin!

3: Happy Birthday to Mr. Doug Ezekiel!

4: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Nissi Clingan!

5: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Kimberely Sutton!

9: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Sarah Carr!

12: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Sarai Bender!

17: Happy Birthday to Mr. Brad Dean!

23: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Kecia Maddox!

March

10: Happy Birthday to Mr. Brayden Clem!

14: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Benita Andrews!

15: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Christi Bolton!

16: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Shelley Kennemer!

20: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Phyllis Malone!

22: Happy Birthday to Mr. Zach Linley!

April

8: Happy Birthday to Mr. Tim Ferguson & Mr. Weston Stewart!

11: Prom at the Lofton

18: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Stacy Cook & Mr. Russ Gant!

19: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Nancy Christopher!

20: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Lisa Davis!

21: Happy Birthday to Nurse Gina!

22: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Molly Fenn!

28: Happy Birthday to Mrs. Shirley Messer!

Yes, WE ARE! Take a moment to see the accomplishments of our Wildcats this week. If I omit adding something to our newsletter, please let me know and I'll highlight your accomplishment in our next newsletter.

Limestone County Career Technical Center Team of 3

Sucely Vicente Alvarado (West Limestone)

Sintique Roblero (West Limestone)

Samantha Kleopfer (Athens High School)

The 3rd annual WLHS Softball Teacher Appreciation night was a success! We are so appreciative of what these people do every single day, and this is our way to show them a small token of our love and appreciation!

Congratulations to Laney Gough who was the low medalist for the Limestone County Girls' Golf Tournament!

CONTACT INFORMATION: You may find a complete list of our staff on our website www.westlimestonehigh.org. There are direct links to each staff member to help make it easier for you to communicate with any one of them.

ARRIVAL TIMES: Please be aware of our arrival schedule.

7:20am: Arrival time - Students arriving on campus must either go to the gym or cafeteria until 7:45. Staff will report to the assigned duty role.

7:45am: Bell Rings to go to 1st Period

7:50am: Tardy Bell Rings

DISMISSAL TIMES: Please be aware of our dismissal schedule.

3:00pm: Dismissal Bell - Students will remain in seat until the bell rings.

STAY UPDATED: To stay updated on what's happening at West Limestone High School or any Limestone County school, please keep your child's information up-to-date in PowerSchool when you enroll and throughout the school year. If your phone number or email changes throughout the year, please email Anita Kyle at Anita.Kyle@lcsk12.org to make those corrections.

LUNCH INFORMATION: If you need to add money to your child's account, please use the following link: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home

Breakfast: FREE for all students

Student Full Paying Lunch: $2.60

Student Reduced Lunch: $0.40

Visitor Lunch: $5.00

TITLE I STATUS: We are a Title I School. Our status as a Title I School is determined by the percentage of students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Title I Schools are provided federal money based on their rank of the percentage of free/reduced lunches within our school district. This money provides schools with the necessary funds to hire staff to reduce classroom sizes or interventionists who work with students to close achievement gaps. Some schools use the money to purchase software, provide professional development, or provide other instructional materials needed.

Based on last year's free-reduced lunch count, our school will receive about $148,824.12 which will be used to hire two teachers and two interventionists. Of that amount, $2276.17 will be used for Parent & Family Engagement. The committee chose to purchase paper that will be used to print i-Ready reports, progress reports, report cards, and other school-related activities to share with parents.

These funds are highly beneficial to our school, so please complete the free/reduced lunch application today at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict. The link is found on our webpage www.westlimestonehigh.org and on the District webpage www.lcsk12.org. Choose "Alabama" and then choose "Limestone County BOE" for our school district to start the application.

NURSE UPDATES:

• Steps to Staying Healthy
• CDC Respiratory Virus Update
• Free Covid Tests

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: If you feel your child could use some school-based counseling or you would like some recommendations for outside services, please see our school counselors Mr. Bob Watson and/or Mrs. Verena Owsley.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION: When your child is absent, you have 3 days to return a note for it to be counted excused. Notes after 3 days will not be accepted. Attendance

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: To address problems with chronic absenteeism, students in Grades K-12 who accumulate 18 or more absences, whether deemed excused or unexcused, are by definition chronically absent and will not be allowed to participate in non-academic school activities (e.g., prom, in-school games, dances, and field days). Chronic Absenteeism

E-LEARNING DAY: Each student who meets the requirements of the E-Learning Day Policy, can use up to 6 days a year without being considered absent. See the E-Learning Day form below for the requirements.

STUDENT SUCCESS: Check out these AMSTI Family Guides to Student Success