Welcome to the online (abridged) version of the Parent's Newsletter.  If you are not receiving your paper copy in the mail, please contact Mrs. Vargas at avargaswheatlandhigh.org or (530)633-3100 x101.

Excerpts from the May 2008 issue...

From the Superintendent

Dear Parents & Guardians:

The 2007-2008 school year is fast approaching the end. It is imperative that all of our senior students maintain good class attendance, passing grades and good citizenship so they qualify to participate in the senior picnic day and the Wheatland Union High School graduation ceremony. In order to participate in graduation exercises, senior students shall not have more than 18 absences in any Wheatland Union High School class period in which they are enrolled during their senior year. I recommend that those senior students who are in danger of not being able to participate in the graduation ceremony due to failing to meet the school attendance requirements, should off set absences by attending Saturday school. Each Saturday school will reduce the senior students total absence number by one full day. Saturday schools are scheduled for May 3, 17 and 31, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

If you have any questions regarding your students graduation status or progress, I am requesting you contact your students counselor, Mrs. Agles or Mr. Rasmussen at (530) 633-3100 extension 108 or 107 for assistance.

I appreciate the cooperation and positive contribution that each parent and guardian makes to our school. Your positive contributions enhances our goal to help each student improve by maximizing opportunities for success and minimizing failure. By working together, we can help our students succeed.

Sincerely,
Mr. Wayne Gadberry
District Superintendent/Principal

From the desk of Mr. Contreras

This month I will not be reporting on the successes or upcoming events of athletic contests or student activities, but rather to call on parents whose students are involved in athletic teams, clubs, organizations and other co-curricular programs. We need your assistance in helping to make these programs more successful by taking an active part in the Booster Club.

The Wheatland High School Booster Club is a school-wide club run by parents generally of students who are involved in extra curricular activities. School-wide is defined as supporting all academic and extra curricular Wheatland High School activities. One myth about the Boosters is that it is for athletics only. This is not true. Although many members have become associated with the Boosters through athletics, most will agree the support encompasses not only the athletic programs, but also campus clubs and organizations, academic departments, music program, drama, culinary arts, field trips, student conferences and award banquets. This has been accomplished through monetary gifts or sometimes loans which the individual program then repays.

We would like to invite you to the meeting on Monday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Wheatland High School library. The Booster Club will be electing new officers and you are welcome to run for an office or if you do not wish to be an officer, the Boosters will also graciously accept your willingness to sign up as a volunteer.

Much of the money raised comes from concessions at athletic events, the Booster Dinner and Silent Auction, and the selling of spirit goods (t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, seat cushions, etc.) These efforts require the assistance of many volunteers so our students can enjoy the benefits whether they be an athlete, an AP History student, drama performer, band member, or involved in a campus club.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to call the school at 633-3100 ext 112. We hope to see you May 5th. Go Pirates! Go Big Blue!

Mr. Contreras
Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Activities Director

WASC Accreditation

WASC Accreditation is the evaluation process that all public schools undergo at least every six years. In this process the school conducts a self-evaluation and then writes a report which describes the school’s goals, strengths, areas of needed improvement and plans for addressing those needs. A group from WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) reads this report and spends three days at the school to determine if the information in the report is accurate. This three-day visit occurred in the spring of 2005.

On April 7, 2008 two members of the WASC group visited the school to observe our progress toward meeting the goals listed in our 2005 report. These visitors indicated that they were pleased with our over-all progress and would recommend that we not have to undergo another major evaluation until the six-year period is up. If you would like to read the specific report:

WASC Visit Report (April 2008)

WASC Team Response (May 2005)

WASC Final Report (May 2005)

Design & Build Team Wins!

Despite small numbers, limited tools and resources, and last minute planning, the WHS Design Build team was the first team done at this years event. Held at Sacramento State University, there were 22 teams competing from 18 high schools in the Northern California region. This was WHS’s 18th appearance at the event sponsored by the Sacramento Builders Exchange. The unique building was designed and drawn by Mr. Jim Sutton of Wheatland, who donated his time on the plans. Members of the team are Tristan Harper, Jordan Ravalin, Alyssa Skinner, Kayla Chapman, Stormy Sanford, John Giles, Mike Bradshaw, Emily Scott, Sean Hulsey, and Matt Dal Porto. Mr. Randy Rasmussen, WHS counselor, also attended with Mr. Magill, the advisor, to monitor the students. The only accident of the team was a skilsaw exploding in Mr. Magill’s hand. After some investigation we discovered that the saw had been plugged into a 220 power receptacle. No stitches were required and we found out how good the first aid kit worked. This building is for sale behind the woodshop for $1800 which includes delivery in the Wheatland area. There is also our practice building which will be completed about the time school is out and will be available or sale. Wheatland also had the most girls of any team at the competition! Contact Jeff Magill at 633-3100, ext 134 for more information.

Senior Picnic Day

Seniors will be heading to Golf Land Sun Splash in Roseville on May 23rd for our annual Senior Picnic Day. This day of fun is open to all seniors who have met the attendance requirement for participation in school related activities. Students must demonstrate a 90% attendance rate in each class period in order to participate. Both excused and unexcused absences, and absences due to suspensions will count against this attendance requirement; however, absences due to school sponsored trips and/or activities are not counted as absences toward this policy. Should you have any questions, please call Mrs. Bishop at 633-3100 ext. 109.