Preparing for future success at College Knowledge Night

Our recent College Knowledge Night was a huge success.  This event underlines the importance of preparing for post-secondary education  early, by helping students develop a vision of how their high school studies lead to success after graduation.  Colleges, universities, and programs from across the northwest came out to talk with students and parents about the countless opportunities available upon graduation.

Please remember to visit our college and career website here.  This will give you information on all of the events and programs we offer to WHS students to prepare them for success.

Finally, congratulations to our four scholarship winners, who took home $100 and $500 scholarships to give them a head start on university study!

Willamette Initiatives

Kendall Education Donation
Kendall is donating over $20,000 each month to the 4J and Bethel School Districts. A portion of this will go directly to Willamette based on points earned at Kendall Toyota.  For example, WHS earns 100 points when you “LIKE” Kendall and vote for Willamette.  More information can be found at Kendall’s website and Kendall’s facebook page.

WHS Career Day
Professionals from across Lane County will be coming to Willamette High School on May 23 for our WHS Career Day.  Students will have the opportunity to hear presentations, get employment information, and learn more about job specifics.  More information on the event will be posted to our website in the following week regarding specific presenters and event format.

Upcoming Events

Spring Band and Choir Concerts
Come out and see some great music on May 17 at 7:00 in Power’s auditorium, as the WHS bands take the stage.  All of our bands have been practicing for many months to refine their sound, and will be in top form for this event.  See you all on Thursday!  More info found here on the Spring Band Concert flyer.

Also, on May 24, be sure to come out to see our WHS choirs perform at 7:00 in Power’s auditorium.  They will be performing many pieces that have earned them acclaim this year.

Come out and run!

5K Memorial Run/Walk
On Memorial Day, May 28 at 2:00, Willamette will host the first annual 5K Memorial Run/Walk to support the Chris Kilcullen Memorial Garden at WHS.  There are many already committed to run the event.  All funds from the event will go towards the completion of the garden.  To register, please go to the memorial race flyer.   For facebook information, please go here.

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Midori plays at Willamette High School

On Thursday, world famous violinist Midori came to Willamette High School to play to a packed Powers auditorium, filled with music students from across the district. It was an incredibly moving concert, with refined, beautiful playing that sent a deep quiet over the audience. You could see the wheels turning in students’ heads as they saw this virtuoso before them.

In talking with members of the Eugene Symphony, who helped to support Midori’s visit to WHS, they remarked that one of the highlights of the visit for Midori was her trip to WHS and the incredible attention that students gave during the performance.  It was clear during the question and answer session that our students are very well grounded in music, with questions ranging from a career in music to specifics about the violin. The event was a memorable and valuable experience for all Bethel music students, and highlighted the strength of our music program and its effect on our students.

 Willamette Initiatives

Green Schools
Students from the Willamette Improvement Team represented WHS at the Oregon Green Schools Summit recently. They presented the work that WHS has undergone over the last decade, including our composting program, recycling, green awareness, and gardening. Willamette is at the forefront of this work, and is one of two high schools in Oregon that has been awareded premiere green school designation.

Standards-Based Learning
Willamette continues to ensure that students have the skills they need to be college and career ready with our work on standards-based learning.  Our focus on college and career readiness has profoundly affected our approach to the classroom, as we work to build in students the understanding that high school is a gateway to post-secondary education and success in their working lives.  Our standards-based learning approach to the classroom is designed to provide students with these essential skills, so that each student is focused on acquiring a deep understanding of the learning targets of each subject they study.

Schools throughout Oregon are focusing on standards-based learning as a key to prepare students for the Essential Skills requirements that students must meet for graduation, along with the analytical skills that are essential for success in college and career.

Upcoming Events

College Knowledge Night

A world of information about college awaits

On May 10, we will hold our second annual College Knowledge Night. Last year was a huge success, with over three hundred students attending. We will have college representatives and counselors here from all over Oregon, who will be discussing their schools, the college application process, and other facets of building a plan to make the right choices in the selection of post-secondary education. The event will begin at 6:00, and will be held throughout the building. Follow this link for more details.  This is a must-attend event!

Willy Wonka comes to WHS!

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: A Musical!
Next week is the culmination of months of hard work: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on May 3-5 at 7:00 in Powers auditorium. This great family event will be full of exceptional music, skilled acting, and a lot of fun.  Please come out and support our students!

The GAPP German exchange and WHS students

Over the last two weeks, Willamette has been host to two groups of international students from Mainburg, Germany and Bangkok, Thailand.  Our German World Languages program has established a sister-school agreement with Mainburg, and each year a group of students either comes to the United States or a group of WHS students visits Germany.  These kinds of relationships are extremely important for our students, as we find ourselves in an increasingly global culture.

These visits provided a great backdrop for learning, and reflect much of the curricular focus of our classrooms, as we prepare students to thrive in our global economy as world citizens.

Willamette Initiatives

Green Speed!

Electrathon!
Mike Hodgert and the electrathon team continue to provide students with the opportunity to learn about green energy, work on fabrication, and race their creations against others around the state. The recent Mapleton race saw more success, with many placing competitively. Willamette offers a wide array of experiences for our students, from business and culinary competitions to metal and wood fabrication.  These programs are essential to Willamette’s comprehensive and complete curriculum.

Upcoming Events

Healthy Woman Program
Bethel is hosting a free women’s health program called Healthy Woman. The April 21 event will focus on children’s asthma and will feature a physician presenter, a dem-onstration of green cleaning products, door prizes, activities for kids of the moms who attend, a Spanish interpreter, and healthy refreshments. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 21, 10:30-12:30 at Cascade Middle School.

April 18 at 7:00!

Teen Proof Your Home
This important event has been rescheduled for this coming week, on April 18 in room 131 at 7:00. Led by Lane County and Ronda Hatefi, this evening is designed to teach parents about how to approach practical safety and the home. Topics will include alcohol, prescriptions, poisons, internet, gambling, and parties.

WHS Athletics

A reminder to check out our WHS Athletics website, which has up-to-the minute information about our teams, programs, and scores.  WHS spirit is alive and well, as is evidenced by the participation of our students this spring in baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and track.

This Wednesday, WHS will be hosting our first home track meet.  Come out and see our students in action!  Events begin at 3:30.

Willamette welcomes incoming 9th graders this week!

This week, Willamette High School staff welcomes incoming 9th graders with our orientation nights on Wednesday and Thursday night at 7:00, 4/4 and 4/5 in Powers auditorium.  This evening is an important transition as students have the opportunity to sign up for electives and get a better sense of what it will be like next year when they begin their high school careers as Wolverines!

We’ll start with a welcome with information about our programs and a review of things to consider as you and your student embark on the high school journey.  Afterwards, families will be assigned to classrooms to be led through the registration of classes by WHS teachers.  Information will be available regarding specific course options and opportunities students will have throughout their four years at Willamette.

In addition, you’ll find extracurricular groups and athletics set up in B bay.  This will give students a snapshot of all the different ways to get involved at WHS, and will allow students to sign up to participate in many of these groups.

If you have questions, please call the WHS office at 541-689-0731.

Willamette Initiatives

Students from the GAPP German-American exchange program

International Students Visit WHS
A number of students from across the globe will be visiting Willamette  over the next two weeks.  As part of our German World Languages program, students from our sister city in Mainburg, Germany will be staying with host families, visiting classrooms, and sharing about German culture and tradition with the students of WHS for the next three weeks.  This annual event has been a powerful vehicle for students to share culture and expand their worldviews.

In addition, a group of 20 high school students from Thailand will be here for two days next week as part of a cultural exchange program.  They will be spending some time in classrooms with the Willamette Improvement Team and visiting other sites in Bethel and beyond.

Upcoming Events

April 18 in room 131!

Rescheduled Teen Proof Your Home Event
Due to snow, the Teen Proof Your Home event has been rescheduled for April 18, from 7:00 in room 131 at Willamette High School.  This event will be very informative, led by Lane County and Ronda Hatefi. This evening is designed to teach parents about how to approach practical safety and the home. Topics will include alcohol, prescriptions, poisons, internet, gambling, and parties. 

Natives Culture Night
Come to Peterson Barn on April 18 from 6:30-9:00 for the Native Culture Night.  This event is being sponsored by Lane ESD, and will involve Bethel and other outlying districts.  More information can be found here for Natives Culture Night. 

International Baccalaureate Info Meeting
Prior to the start of freshman orientation on 4/4 and 4/5, there will be a short IB presentation to give students and families the opportunity to learn more about the IB program as they embark upon their high school career.  The presentation will be hosted by our IB coordinator, Jade Starr, and will begin promptly at 6:00 in the studio theater, which is located near Powers auditorium.

 Athletics

Austin Stricker(Left) Alex Hart (Center) Jalen Drath (Right)

Hockey Success
Three students at WHS, Jalen Drath, Alex Hart and Austin Stricker, took part in bringing home the State Championship title to the Willamette Valley Wolfpack, a hockey team made up of high school students from throughout the area.  These WHS students had eight consecutive wins, which led them to a league championship and their team’s first-ever Oregon State Championship. Nice work!

LaMichael joins the Wolverine Nation!

On Wednesday, LaMichael James visited WHS and treated our students to some personal time with him. He answered questions ranging from his favorite movie to the things he learned most in his time at the University of Oregon. He talked about education and its central importance in students’ lives, and the event was a huge success. Four TV crews, the Register Guard, and some ardent fans were all in attendance. In addition to his visit, he donated $5000 worth of athletic equipment to WHS!

This event was another opportunity to showcase our great school to the community and build school pride. The Wolverine Nation is alive and well in Bethel!

 Willamette Initiatives

Mr. Wolverine

The 2012 Mr. Wolverine contestants

On Saturday, Mr. Wolverine contestants and coordinators celebrated the culmination of their fundraising and volunteer work for the Children’s Miracle Network with the Mr. Wolverine pageant.  The night was a huge success, and the students collected over $39,000!  This program has been a central part of Willamette High School, as it showcases how philanthropic works benefit the entire community.

 Upcoming Events

Teen Proof Your Home
On March 21, from 7-8 in room 131, WHS will host the Teen Proof Your Home event, led by Lane County and Ronda Hatefi. This evening is designed to teach parents about how to approach practical safety and the home. Topics will include alcohol, prescriptions, poisons, internet, gambling, and parties.

8th Grade Orientation
On April 4 and 5, Willamette will welcome our incoming 9th graders.  Students will be signing up for courses and hearing about some of the exciting things they’ll be experiencing in just a few months.  Athletic and extracurricular groups will be present as well to let students know about all the different activities to get involved with at WHS.  Prairie Mountain and Cascade will come on April 4, and Meadow View and Shasta on April 5.  Orientation will begin at 7:00 in Powers auditorium.

Athletics

It’s great to celebrate success, and I want to congratulate the girls basketball team for the amazing run that took them to the State finals against Springfield. They played with heart and spirit all season, and we are very proud of them.  The boys basketball team played down the wire throughout the season, and had a great game in Bend to finish the season.  WHS swimmers also excelled, with many placing at our district meet.

In wrestling, there were many hard fought wins.  Congratulations to sophomore Joe Jones for his 4th place finish at 160lbs in the State Wrestling Championships. Joe also placed 6th as a freshman and continues a long tradition of state placers for Willamette wrestling with 1-3 state placers during 12 of the last 16 years.

The 2011-2012 team moves on to the State title!

WHS Community:

Come out and support our girls basketball team as they take on the Springfield Millers for the 5A State title!  The game starts at 6:30 at Matt Knight Arena.

Go Wolverines!

Freshmen Success Night

This Thursday, March 8, WHS will be hosting our second Freshman Success Night  from 7-8 in the WHS Cafeteria. Parents of current ninth graders will have the opportunity to learn about graduation requirements, registering for classes, college and career readiness opportunities, the International Baccalaureate program, and much more essential information for you to support your freshman. This event will be interactive, with stations focused on each of the components listed above to give families a chance to discuss questions and explore supports for sophomore year.

A letter was sent home last week outlining details of the Success Night.  Please call the office at 698-0731 if you have questions or would like to know more about the event.

Willamette Initiatives

WHS Music

Musicality

The Topnotchers and Jazz Band just returned from the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.  Here’s a video to check out that proves just how great they all were.

The success of our music program, Bethel-wide, has had a huge effect on students’ appreciation and involvement in the arts. We feel grateful to have a strong program here at WHS for our students.

Game on.

WHS Chess Team
The Willamette Chess team continues to create a dynasty!  They brought home the co-championship this past weekend in a hard fought battle of intellect against some top teams from across the state.   Mike Myers, our chess coach and a WHS math teacher, mentored an impressive team throughout the season.  If your student is interested in participating, please have him/her check in with Mike to get details on practices and contests.

DECA

The WHS DECA team had 5 students place in the top 11 in the State for their events at the recent State competition in Portland, led by business teachers Marcy Boyd and Mona Stiffler.  This is a huge accomplishment, as they were competing with students from all over the state of Oregon and may have a chance at attending Nationals in Salt Lake City in April where they would compete with students from all over the country including Canada and Puerto Rico.  Senior Victoria Libby was also elected the Oregon DECA STATE officer.  She’ll represent both Willamette and the District 2 Region of the State of Oregon for the upcoming year as Vice President.

Upcoming Events

Visitation Week
We will offer tours of Willamette High School on March 13-15 to introduce prospective students to our school.  These tours will begin at 10:00 and 2:00, and will be an hour-long. Please call the office at 689-0731 for more information.

These tours do not replace our school visits we currently have for students and families as part of 8th Grade Orientation,.  More information regarding 8th Grade Orientation will be sent home in the coming weeks.

Open enrollment has made it possible for students to transfer to schools of their choice – as long as there is available space and the transfer request is submitted during the month of March. If you know someone who would like to transfer to Bethel, here’s the Transfer Request form.

Parent Gambling Awareness Night
On March 21st,  from 7 to 8pm, Willamette High School will be hosting an informational presentation on gambling and its effects on families.  This will be a joint presentation with Lane County and Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization.  The event will be in room 131, right next to the office.  For more information, visit the OGAO facebook page.

Athletics

Go Wolverines!

We have had a very successful winter season, and we’d like to thank all of you for coming out and supporting our teams, week after week.  Your presence at our games makes a huge difference to our students and our school, and is why Wolverine Nation is taking off.

Our girls basketball team continues to move forward in the playoff rounds.  Next up, we’ll be facing Milwaukie on Wednesday at 8:15 in Matt Knight Arena.  See you there!

Look for information over the next months on more college and career events to help build this culture of success for each student at WHS!

Willamette Initiatives

Wolervine Nation!

Students will be joining the Wolverine Nation this week. On Friday, students will pay $1 for a Wolverine Nation shirt and will sign a pledge that will grant them free access to playoff games and transportation to Matt Knight Arena for state tournaments. This pledge is aimed at getting our students behind the school and unified under the big W. Look for them to be a force at future games!

WHS Chess Team

WHS Chess Team

Chess Team The WHS Chess Team is flying again. They are headed to State in great shape, and have won a state title in either varsity or jv the past four years!  Mike Myers, our chess coach and a math teacher at WHS, is continuing a tradition of excellence with these students as they build the analytical skills to excel.

Upcoming Events

Trivia Night is Coming!

BEF Trivia Night

The BEF Trivia Night is this Friday, February 24! Put together a team or come alone and show the community what you know. Tickets can be purchased for $5 in the WHS office. The event starts at 6:30, and all proceeds benefit BEF and their wonderful grants they provide to teachers each year.

Opening Doors Career Event

On 3/15, WHS will be hosting the Opening Doors—Working Together career event from 4-6 in the cafeteria. The event is designed to increase awareness of public sector employment opportunities and career paths, and to provide information and networking opportunities to all communities of color, veterans, youth, the Latino community and the general population which will positively contribute to applicant success.

Midori

Midori Visit

The famed violinist, Midori, is coming to Willamette High School on April 26!  Music students from around the district will be in Powers Auditorium to experience this special event.

As your student enters the second semester, I want to urge all of you to check in throughout the semester with your student to assure that he/she is receiving the support and help needed to academically excel.  It’s important to check in with your student, to use Home Access Center, and to communicate with teachers, counselors, and administrators so that we can all work together to help your student be successful and reach his/her potential.

Thanks to all of you for your support throughout the first semester!

Willamette Initiatives

Uruguayan Teacher Arrives
Alfonso Vermúdez, a teacher from Montevideo, Uruguay, will be our guest at Willamette High School as part of a teacher education partnership with Paul Stieber, our English Language Development teacher.  He’ll be at WHS and other district buildings until February 16. Paul has planned a full itinerary for Alfonso, including presentations about Uruguay and classroom visits.

Kilcullen Garden Work

The Senior Courtyard undergoes a transformation

The work on the senior courtyard and the Kilcullen Garden con-tinues, and expect excavation to be done over the next two weeks. We will be doing substantial plantings, new cement pathways and walkways, and benches. This area will look very nice when work is completed!

Willamette Signage
The WHS Signage Committee met last week and got the ball rolling as we work to design appropriate signage for the building. We’ll be using the new W logo, and will be putting in directional signs both inside and outside the building to help our patrons find their way around more easily. This will take place in phases.

Upcoming Events

Jazz Night
Coming in just a week is our last Willamette Jazz Night!  Come out and experience some great jazz and top notch singing, enjoy pie or some other great dessert, and support our very talented musicians as they prepare for their trip to Idaho for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.  The show begins at 7:00 in the WHS Cafeteria.

Bethel Education Foundation Trivia Night
The First Annual  BEF Trivia Night is February 24!  Come out to the Willamette High School Cafeteria at 6:30 pm to experience an incredibly fun evening.  Tickets are $5.00 per person.  Please come to the WHS office to purchase tickets for this fun event.

Willamette Athletics

Spring Sports
We’ll be holding our annual Spring Sports Parents Night on  March 12.  Please put that on your calendar if your student is playing a spring sport.

If your student has a busy schedule this week, be sure to support him/her in being prepared both mentally and physically for the demands of finals.

Willamette Initiatives

The goal for every student at WHS!

Grad Requirement Progress
More students continue to pass the OAKS and LPA reading assessments to meet the requirements of the Essential Skill of Reading, which is a graduation requirement for all students. Willamette high school students are now nearing the 95% mark!  This is a significant increase in the number of students passing the state assessment (just three years ago, we had 58.5% of students pass this assessment).  We are hopeful that we can continue to work with those that need the extra support in order that all students reach proficiency by June.

Mike Hodgert and students build the future.

Willamette Electrathon
The Willamette Electrathon program was featured recently on KMTR.  This program has been central to preparing students for many different careers in metals, engineering, and mechanics.  Check it out here.

School Alerts
In the event of snow, ice, or emergency,  you can sign up for Flash Alerts.  This free service will send you an email or text message if school is cancelled or delayed.  Go online to FlashAlert, enter your email information and follow the on-screen prompts. You will receive school closure information as an email or as a text message.

In the case of bad weather conditions, always double-check through the local media outlets, either TV or radio, for any school closures or delays.  If you hear nothing about Bethel on local radio or TV it means that Bethel Schools are on a normal schedule.

Athletics

Our Athletics website is up and running. Please check it out for up-to-the-minute news about all of our WHS teams.  Our winter season is well underway, with lots of great play.  Please come out and support our Wolverines!  Hope you all got to see our boys double overtime victory last week over North Eugene.