Willamette High School Blog

Every year some of our students get in trouble by illegal use of motor-assisted scooters. Here are the highlights of the law:

The rider must be 16 and wear a helmet.

They can not be ridden faster than 15 m.p.h.

The rider must use lights at night.

They can be ridden in bicycle lanes or on a street with a posted speed of less than 25 m.p.h.

THEY CANNOT BE RIDDEN ON SIDEWALKS.

THEY CANNOT BE RIDDEN ON A PATH IN A PUBLIC PARK.

Parents, if your child has a motor-assisted scooter, please make sure he or she obeys the laws.

It seems like every teen with a phone texts with their friends. Even I use text messaging with my family and friends.

Sometimes this can cause problems. Sometimes insults are hurled back and forth. Sometimes feelings are hurt and the problem shows up in school. If this happens we will get involved in order to keep a positive educational atmosphere.

A related problem is called sexting. This is sending sexually explicit photos and videos by cell phone. I am sending a warning to all families. Be sure you talk as a family about the increasing problem ...

The 2nd semester begins Monday at 9:15AM in the Cafeteria. We are on a Late Start schedule this day so teachers can fully prepare for classes, new students can register and all students can pick up a copy of their correct 2nd semester schedule.

We use this week to make any room or teacher changes necessary. All students should come to the Cafeteria between 9:15 and 9:55 AM to get a copy of their correct schdule and then go right to class.

By the way...our Exam Review was attended by almost 100 9th graders yesterday afternoon. Be sure and ask your ...

Willamette students will take final exams Wednesday and Thursday on a shortened schedule. While most teachers give an hour-long final exam some give exams over several days and some have previously assigned projects that take the place of final exams.

For 9th graders (who have liley never taken a final exam) we have scheduled a review session on Tuesday the 26th from 3:25-4:30 in the cafeteria. It will be organized by academic department. Many teachers and a group of student volunteers will be available to help 9th graders.

Parents who want more ...

Over two dozen Bethel patrons participate in the First Annual Bethel Community Clean Up this past Saturday. Our students and staff were able to fill a truck from St. Vincent de Paul, including 2 heavy duty 4'x4'x4' corrugated boxes of household goods and 2 more filled with styrofoam.

NextStep Recycling took 2 more boxes of various electronics. KMTR arrived to film the event and aired it twice. Congratulations to WHS staff and students for helping.

Got styrofoam? Got old electronics gathering dust? Got an old mattress? Stuff you don't want and it's too early for a garage sale?

Join the Bethel Community Round-UP this Saturday from 8 AM-1 PM.The WHS National Honor Society is partnering with St. Vincent De Paul and NextStep Recycling to collect and recycle hundreds of different items.

On a few items we will need to collect a small fee: items like printers, microwaves and items over 50 pounds.

Bring clean items to the WHS North Parking Lot (next to Powers Auditorium) on Saturday.

For questions, ...

Long time debate coach Rob Bingham has been honored by the National Forensics League with a Second Diamond distinction award. This reflects the many ourstanding successes our students have had with Rob as their coach.

He will receive this recognition in June 2010 at the National Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

Rob is an educator and coach who can help students reach deep inside and find talents and resources they may not know they have. He is a gifted teacher and well deserving of this award. Congrats, Rob!

Unlike other Bethel Schools, WHS begins classes on January 4 at 8:00 AM sharp! Monday is an "A" Day.

We hope everyone had a great vacation and is well rested. And we expect all students to be in class on time and ready to go with all books and materials.

Is it true that students can keep items they find at school or around the community?

The answer is a big NO!

Our school rules are clear that if anyone finds an item that does not belong to them, that person must turn it in at once. In fact Oregon law speaks to the rights and duties of a finder of money or goods. ORS 98.005 says that any cash or goods valued at $100 or more must be turned in to the police or county clerk within 10 days. Otherwise it is a law violation.

At school, sometimes students think they can keep some item they find laying around.

We will mail report cards beginning Friday, December 11. This is the 12 week grade. The mailing is late due to some printing problems, first with the computer provider we use and then with the folding machine.

We will mail most or all Friday afternoon and any remaining ones on Monday.

One printing glitch we did not fix is the number of tardies that will show up. On some report cards--we don't know whose--an incorrect number appears. Usually it is one or two off the correct number. We decided not to wait any longer for a fix

Parents can check for ...

It is important that our student-athletes do well academically. We go above and beyond the OSAA standards for eligibility. We ask that they pass all classes in which they are enrolled during their sports season.

Report cards are out this week. Any in-season athlete who is not passing all classes is suspended from competition (not practice) until December 17. During this two week period of time, they can work on getting caught up and still practice to stay in shape.

We want to have our athletes take their academics seriously.

Today teachers entered grades for the 12 week mark. Report cards will be verified, then printed and will be mailed early next week. If you do not receive a report card by December 11, call us at 689-0731.

Parents of 9th graders are invited to come to the 2nd informational meeting of the year dealing just with improving success for Freshman. It is December 8 and the social time begins at 6:30 with the program from 7-8PM. Join us in the cafeteria.

Our Leadership class is sponsoring a canned food drive to help those families who are struggling this year. Students may contribute cans of food to their classroom teachers in the next few weeks. All donated food will end up helping local families.

We are again inviting parents of 9th graders to learn more about the 9th grade year. On December 8th, in the cafeteria, we will host the 2nd meeting of the year so parents can learn how to help their 9th graders succeed in high school. PUT THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR!!!

Topics will include: How to finish the semester strong! What will Final Exam Week be like in core academic areas? What to do if my child is failing a class? What is Change Arena?

Door prizes will be awarded as at the last meeting.

More information will follow in the mail!

As part of our on-going school safety work on behalf of students, we have trained our staff in crisis management. This includes drug and alcohol identification, tragedy responses and Lockdown drills. While we have never had to lock down for a weapon or intruder on campus, we have done that several times for incidents in the nearby community.

This week we had two practices, one announced and one not announced. Teachers have a set of procedures to follow for a variety of situations and our students responded very well. We will continue to practice ...

All professionals know the value of regular training. In education there are many areas for which teachers need training to do the best job for students.

This fall already, during Late Start times and our October 23 Grading Day our staff has been trained in the following: 1) Writing Goals to improve student learning, 2) Using electronic grading for Home Access Center, 3) School Safety and, 4) Child Abuse reporting.

Some of these topics are required by law and some are for the improvement of the education and safety of WHS students. Future topics ...

Congratulations to seniors Hannah Gillette and Yevgeniy Goleta who were selected Students of the Month. They will be hosted at 4 lunch meetings of the Eugene Emerald Rotary over the next month. They will learn what kinds of service projects Rotarians participate in and they will get to meet dozens of Rotarians who live and work in Eugene and Springfield.

Emerald Rotary has a long relationship with the Bethel District and Willamette High School and sponsors a $1000 scholarship and the awards for our Academic Awards Night in May.

Congratulations to Cobin Sessner, Tim Cammann and Donald Young who were selected to the Oregon All State Jazz Band. This is a great honor for these students, our director, Mr. Ellis and the entire Bethel music program. Only 15 students are selected annually and for one school to have three student musicians selected is AWESOME!

Corbin plays Alto Sax, Tim and Donald are Trombone players. The most recent Wolverine selected in a previous year was Brian Gilette.

Report cards are in the mail! The first 6-week report card was just mailed and will arrive home soon. Enclosed is a form explaining how to sign up for Fall Parent Conferences. These will be held on November 10 from 1PM-8:30 PM and November 12 from 4PM-8:30PM. November 11 is a Holiday.

Parents can request to meet with up to six teachers and counselor for 10 minute conferences which are held in the cafeteria.

Any parent who did not receive the report card and the conference information should call us at once at 689-0731.

Congratulations to Miguel Lomeli and Kaila Lee who were selected to be students of the month by WHS and Eugene Emerald Rotary.

Rotary is the world's oldest and largest service club for adults with over one million members in more than 100 countries. I am a long time member of Rotary. The Emerald Rotary Club has a decades long history with WHS. One positive program is the Student of the Month program which honors over a dozen WHS students each year.

Miguel and Kaila were nominated by their teachers for their academic success, good citizenship and ...

I am happy to announce that WHS has 3 new student clubs this fall in the areas of photography, international students and bicycling. All clubs are open to all students at no cost.

The first is "Foto Fun." This club is help students interested in photography improve their skills. They will meet after school several times a month and will take some field trips to various locations around the local area. Science teacher Mr. Sean Kenna is advisor.

The "International Club" was formed to give our international students a chance to take part in fun activities ...

WHS students can access a math tutor on Saturdays thanks to a volunteer. Our main office conference room is the site of the free tutoring for any Algebra or Pre-Algebra student. Just come by at the dates and times listed below.

Saturday, October 17, 10AM-11:30AM

Saturday, October 24, 10AM-11:30AM

Saturday, November 7, 10AM-1:30AM

In addition, we have a tutor after school in the library every day until 4:30PM. And students can see a teacher during study hall time.

No appointment is needed...just drop by.

The annual LCC College Fair is Sunday. I strongly encourge all WHS students to attend. It is held from 12-3 this Sunday on the LCC campus. Over 90 colleges and universities will have booths and there are presentations on Admissions and Financial Aid.

Seniors can enter a drawing to win a $500 college scholarship. I recommend even Frosh, Sophs and Juniors who are thinking of college attend. It is not too early to learn more. See ya up there!

It is critically important for our students to be in class on time. School starts at 8AM and our teachers begin class right away. Every day there are students who come late.

Sometimes this is because a student leaves the house late. Sometimes it is because parents are late and this makes the student late. When this happens, teachers have to spend time on students who enter late instead of continuing the lesson.

I am asking all students and parents to establish a habit of getting here and being in class by the time the tardy bell rings. Thanks.

Willamette teachers will publish/post grades for students at least  twice a month, on the 1st and 15th. These are available on Home Access Center. Directions will follow at the end of this entry.

In addition to grades parents can see their student's class schedule, attendance, report cards, transcripts and Oregon Test Scores.

Some teachers will publish/post grades more often depending on the nature of the class, when assignments are due and the number of students in their classes. Since we are posting grades several times a month, we encourage parents ...

Any student who has not tried our new Panini and Smoothie Bar for lunch is missing out on a great treat. Just opened last week, it offers grilled panini sandwiches, smoothies and fresh fruits all as part of the regular lunch program.

Students may pay in cash, have money on deposit or use the free and reduced program. The number of students lining up attest to the taste and quality of the fare.

Everyone should give it a try!

In late September I make visits to all 9th grade World Studies classes. I enjoy welcoming the new freshmen and listening to their experiences from the first weeks of school and answering questions.

I also have several messages for them. 1. I ask them to be safe and respectful during the day, especially if they are off campus for lunch. 2. I outline grduation requirements--24 credits and passing state tests in reading and writing. 3. How to get help during the day and after school if they are getting behind.

Finally, I tell them about several recent ...

For the past week, the three assistant principals and I have been meeting with all students in classrooms. In addition to a "Welcome Back" message, we distribute the Student Handbook, discuss ways to set goals for the year and answer questions.

Parents: ask your student to share the Handbook. It has a new format that is easier to read and understand. We ask all students to read and understand the school rules. This is a good goal for parents also.

Next week Mr. Jamieson will begin visits to 9th grade classrooms to personalize the welcome and share ...

Last night our 9th Grade Success Team hosted an informational night for parents of 9th graders. For 90 minutes parents heard from staff and students about many ways to help their students succeed.

The highlight was speeches from students Joe Shay, Miguel Lomeli and Kaila Lee describing how they decided to succeed in high school. Each found a different path to success and graduation.

Several parent questions came up. "I have a question about something my daughter said happened in class." Answer: 'Call or email the teacher.'

Question: "How can my student ...

Are you the parent of a 9th grader at WHS? Would you like to hear from selected WHS staff and upperclassmen about how to help your 9th grader be successful?

Come to our Ninth Grade Success Night, Tuesday, September 15, at 7 PM in the Cafeteria. Three seniors and over a dozen staff will be there to explain and answer individual questions.

Refreshments will be available at 6:30 PM. We hope parents of all 430 9th graders will attend.

WHS students have the privilege of going off campus at lunch. To keep this privilege, we that ask that students follow a few simple rules of courtesy and safety. It is important that all our students are good citizens.

Students who drive, should drive safely and follow all traffic laws.

Students who walk should be polite, use the sidewalks, cross streets at the crosswalk with the yellow "walking man" and put trash in a trash can.

Any student who does not follow the rules of courtesy and safety will lose the privilege of leaving campus at lunch.

Our annual start of school registration is Tuesday, September 8. Students have a chance to register, pay fees, have a student body card made and ensure they get the classes they want. It is the official first day of school!

Any student who misses registration will likely lose their elective classes. This year's budget cuts have made for very tight scheduling. Students who do not complete registration will have to reschedule after September 10 and be last in line for classes.

Any changes to your schedule need to be made on Wednesdy at Change Arena.

On Wednesday, September 2, we host our annual Meet the Wolverines Parent Parent Night.

Starting at 6 PM at Wolverine Stadium you will have a chance to meet coaches, our new Athletic Trainer Tim Schley, and hear welcomes from Athletic Coordinator Barry Bokn and from me.

It is the ideal time to hear from your student's coach what are the goals and rules of the program, how playing time is earned, and to meet other parents.

Parents of WHS athletes are invited to attend a session with former college coach Bruce Brown. Bruce will speak at South Eugene HS at 7PM on Sunday, August 30.

Bruce will talk to us about how parents can motivate and support our ahtletes during the season and after the season.

There is no charge for the session. Bruce comes to Eugene courtesy of Bi-Mart who has worked for years to support students in their athletic efforts.

Call all fall sports athletes! This is the time to get registered for the fun and excitement of our fall sports: football, volleyball,  Co-ed Cross Country and Boys and Girls Soccer.

Registration is August 18. If you miss it, you can register the first day of practice on August 24. Registration packets are available in the front office.

State of Oregon rules say you have to have passed 5 classes last spring and be on track to graduate with your class.

Playing a sport is a great way to get involved in school. While we have to limit the number of ...

Many of you have asked what a high school principal does when there are no students in school. We spend our time on many different projects.

Along with my assistant principals we make sure that student schedules are accurate. We put particular emphasis on the schedules of 9th graders since they do not go to change arena.

In additon, I meet with over 20 families of incoming 9th graders to welcome them to WHS and answer questions about high school.

I also meet with over 30 families of current WHS students who have not done well to help them make a ...

Often students need extra help in passing classes or passing Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate Tests.

Our teachers are generous with their time! Every teacher has Personal Assistance Time 2-3 times a week in his or her classroom. Students who need help in a class--say math--can find a math teacher during that student's study hall or off campus time.

In addition, teachers are around before or after school. We also have a staff member in the library daily from 3:30-4:30 to provide quiet study and support.

Beyond this, we have 4 tutors--students ...

We are preparing to welcome the new members of the Class of 2013--the current Bethel 8th graders.

Today we gave student-led tours to 8th graders from Cascade, Shasta and Prairie Mountain School. On Wednesday, we will give a tour to the 8th graders from Meadow View school. 8th graders get to see the halls, lockers and classrooms they will inhabit for the next four years. They were welcomed by Assistant Principal Peter Burrows and Principal Jim Jamieson.

Mr. Jamieson told the 8th graders that while 9th grade is more demanding than 8th grade, there ...

The State Board of Education and the Legislature have increased the diploma requirements for Oregon students. The current juniors will have to earn 24 credits instead of the current 23. In addition graduates will have to earn an extra credit in Math, English and Science.

While this certainly raises standards for students in makes for very unpleasant choices in this recession. How do we add more seats in classrooms in those areas? Do we hire more teachers in those areas? If so, is there extra money from the state?

Do we reduce elective offerings ...