The first semester is all but complete, the students are anxious for the break, and it is a well deserved one!  We have had a great semester at WHS and look forward to adding to the list of academic and athletic accomplishments in the second semester.    I applaud all our efforts and achievements by our students and staff.   And want to thank our parents and community members for their support of our school activities.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

We have reached the halfway point of the month of October.  The first quarter of the 2013-2014 school year is complete and you should receive your child's report card next week.  Student eligibility will start over and not be completed for the first two weeks of the second quarter.  We will run the eligibility report for the first time on Friday, November 1st.  It is helpful if parents reinforce to their child to get the beginning of each quarter off to a good start by completing assignments and preparing for quizzes and tests.  

The fall sports season is winding down the Lady Thunderhawks will compete in the league volleyball tournament this Saturday in Palco and Damar.  The XC teams will compete at the Regional meet next Saturday, October 26th.  We are proud to host this meet at Wheatland High School, it begins at 2PM and will qualify teams and athletes for the state meet in Wamego on November 2nd.  Sub-state volleyball is also Saturday, October 25th in Sharon Springs.  I encourage you to come support our athletes and watch them compete.  

One reminder to all patrons is Wall of Fame Nominations need to be completed by December this year.  Criteria for a nominee is 15 years of service to the district.  The nomination form will then be passed on for review by the Wheatland Alumni Association.  The recognition ceremony is scheduled for homecoming during the high school basketball season.  

Some items to pass along for everyone beginning next week.  (Oct. 7th-Oct 11)  School pictures are October 8th at both the elementary school and high school for students and staff.  Also on October 8th the volleyball team will be conducting their annual pink out during the volleyball triangular at WHS.  Friday October 11th is the final day of the first nine weeks.  Students must have all assignments completed and turned in at the end of school on Friday.  Teachers should have final grades entered on Monday, October 14th.  The 14th is an in-service day for the teachers, there is NO SCHOOL!

Please monitor powerschool for your students grades, lunch balances, and events that could impact them throughout each week.  Upcoming items include, letter jackets, school pictures, sports pictures, college visits, etc.

The week of September 16th thru the 21st is Homecoming week at WHS.  The classes will have a spirit competition throughout the week, as well as daily games played during the seminar period.  Thursday evening will be the pep rally and bonfire beginning at dark.  Everyone is welcome to attend the bonfire and see the festivities.  The Homecoming Parade begins at 2 PM on Friday in Grainfield. And the homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime of the football game.  The week concludes Saturday evening with a dance at the high school sponsored by STUCO.    It is a fun week for the kids, I hope all can find time to come see the work, effort, and energy that goes into the week.
Monitor the daily announcements link throughout the week to ensure you can plan your week for the activities you would like to attend.

Please monitor powerschool for your students grades, lunch balances, and events that could impact them throughout each week.  Upcoming items include, letter jackets, school pictures, sports pictures, college visits, etc.

The school year is off and racing.  As we enter the second week schedules are finalized and hopefully your child has settled in and adjusted to the new school year.  Some helpful items I encourage all parents to do, is spend some time with your child and look over the behavior expectations and policies in the student handbook.  Nothing significant changed, and all was reviewed last week.  Also, weekly try to glance at the calendar that is posted on the district website.  Powerschool is another resource to help keep you informed on the many school activities that your child will be attending and participating in.

The fall sports season begins this Friday, September 30th at Wheatland High School.  The volleyball team will open their season in a triangular with Hoxie and Oberlin.  Our student body has spent time learning the school song.  I encourage all parents and fans to be a part of boosting our Thunderhawk pride and singing along!  The words to the song can be found on the back of the program.

As we approach the half way point of summer it is time to begin preparing for the 2013-2014 school year.  Important dates that everyone should mark on their calendars are the WES/WHS enrollment dates of August 6th and 7th.  Students may enroll and pay fees on Tuesday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.  And Wednesday from 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. This is a good time to turn in completed physical forms as well.

Also a reminder that the mandatory meet the coaches meeting will be Thursday, August 15th at 7 P.M. for all athletes participating in any activity during the school year.  This meeting is required by the Kansas State High School Activities Association to ensure everyone is informed of the concussion policy.

And finally, everyone is invited to the annual Pool Party on August 17th in the Oakley park by the swimming pool.  This year both districts board members will be barbecuing hamburgers for everyone. The districts have also rented the pool for our use from 7 to 9.  This is all free of charge! We hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to meet both new and familiar faces and enjoy a relaxing evening around the pool.