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Dear Community,

We are excited to announce that, on April 1st, we will be starting our construction for next year’s remodel. We are grateful that we have been given this opportunity.  Our teachers have begun packing up their belongings they will not be using the rest of the year and cleaning out the building. Hard work has been going on for a while; however, our next stage will affect our community just a bit.

A FEW CHANGES TO ACCOMMODATE CONSTRUCTION:

  1. THE FRONT ENTRANCE WILL BE CLOSED.  Starting Monday, the contractors will begin building a temporary wall and fence outside of our main doors. This will close all access to the front doors. The new entrance will be on the north side of the building between the auditorium and the gym. There will be signs to assist you with direction.
  2. NO PARKING IN FRONT – Parking on the east side (front of school) will not be available. Contractors will be taking up the south side of the parking area. Parking will be available on the north side of the building. Pick up and drop off will remain the same – north and south side only. The front will still be used for buses only.
  3. POD CONTAINERS – Some of you may have noticed we have POD containers on the South West side of the school. We will eventually (date unknown) receive four more containers that will be placed on the north side of the pick-up and drop off area. This will not interfere with the drop off/pick up route, but it will affect some of the parking areas. Please drive carefully through the parking lot and watch for children. We strongly advise to drop students off on the curb and not in the middle of the parking lot. Many of the cars and PODS make it more challenging to see.
  4. CONTRACTORS IN THE BUILDING – The construction people will only be allowed in the front four empty rooms of the building. They will not be allowed through our school, except for a select approved contractors.
  5. COPPER HILLS SUMMER OFFICE – The administrators and office personnel will be located at Copper Hills this summer. More information to come.

 

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Greetings WHMS Families!

CALENDAR

* The last performance of High School Musical is Monday, March 18.  It is sold-out, but stand-by seating may be available.

* 9th Grade PCCR meetings with WHMS counselors is Wednesday, March 20 from 4-7pm.

* Thursday, March 21 is the last day of 3rd Quarter.  No school on Friday (Grade Transmittal Day).

* Tuesday, April 2nd is Copper Hills High School Sophomore Orientation Night.

NEWS

* Please remember to drop off and pick up students in the NORTH and SOUTH driveways only.  Schools must keep a separate zone for buses.  the EAST driveway is for buses only between 7:20 - 7:45 and 2:50 - 3:10.

* The school closes at 3:00.  Unless a student has made arrangements for tutoring, all students should be on their way home by 3:00.

* As the weather warms up, please make sure your student is wearing dress-code appropriate clothing.  When arms are hanging at the sides, no skin should be visible from fingertips up, including mid-riffs, and shoulders should be covered.

* Information about construction will be sent next week.

Thank you for sharing your amazing students with us!

WHMS Administration

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WHMS Week-at-a-Glance

Monday, March 4 - Homeroom

Tuesday, March 5 - RTI

Wednesday, March 6 - RTI; School Community Council @ 4:30

Thursday, March 7 - RTI; In-school musical preview during RTI

Friday, March 8 - Late Start

Other Information

  • Parents, we would love your feedback!  Please take 5 minutes to take the survey sent out to your email.  Survey results help us know what we are doing well and what we need to improve.  There is also a place where you can leave specific feedback for a teacher, counselor, or administrator.  We want to hear from you.  Thank you!
  • Please remember to use only the north and south driveways for drop-off and pick-up. Even if there is not a bus in the bus zone, we need to keep it clear.

Save the Date!! Students will perform High School Musical on March 14, 15, 16 and 18.  Tickets will soon be available.

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WHMS Week-at-a-Glance

Monday, February 25 - Homeroom

Tuesday, February 26 - RTI

Wednesday, February 27 - RTI

Thursday, February 28 - Minute-to-Win-It Rewards Assembly

Friday, March 1 - Late Start

Other Information 

  • Parents, we would love your feedback! Please take 5 minutes to take the survey that was sent in a Skylert on Monday.  Survey results help us know what we are doing well and what we need to improve.  There is also a place where you can leave specific feedback for a teacher, counselor, or administrator.  We want to hear from you.  Thank you!
  • Please remember to use only the north and south driveways for drop-off and pick-up. Even if there is not a bus in the bus zone, we need to keep it clear.
  • The attachment includes information about our upcoming remodel. Construction will begin before the end of the school year.  Please watch for updates.
  • Save the Date!! Students will be performing High School Musical on March 14, 15, 16 and 18.  Tickets will soon be available.

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WHMS Week-at-a-Glance

Monday, February 18 - No School

Tuesday, February 19 - Homeroom

Wednesday, February 20 - RTI; WIDA TESTING

Thursday, February 21 - RTI; WIDA TESTING; All 8thGraders to the state capitol; Teacher                     Transfer Fair 4-6pm @ Copper Hills High School

Friday, February 22 - Late Start

Other Information

N/A

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After School Tutoring is available, anyone can come, just show up!

Tutoring starts at 3:00 ends at 4:00. Students must be in the tutoring rooms by 3:00.

Math - Get help with math!

Tuesdays - Mrs. McCann - Room 221

Thursdays - Mr. Garfield - Room 216

Study Hall - General help and computer access!

Monday & Wednesday - Mr. Koyle - Lab 215

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Free and reduced school meal applications are now available online. Please visit www.jordandistrict.schoollunchapp.com to complete and submit the application (opción en Español disponible).

Hard copy applications are also available in the main office of the school. Completed hard copy applications should be submitted to the school's main office.

If you need further assistance, please contact JSD Nutrition Services at 801-567-8760.

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WHMS Week-at-a-Glance

Monday, January 28 - Homeroom

Tuesday, January 29 - RTI; After-School Math Tutoring (Room 221); 2019-2020 Course Selection Parent Night (6pm for 7th-going-to-8thgraders; 7pm for 8th-going-to-9thgraders)

Wednesday, January 30 - RTI

Thursday, January 31 - RTI; New Student and Group Pictures

Friday, February 1 - Late Start

Other Information

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Band & Orchestra Information

West Hills Middle School BAND, CHOIR, and ORCHESTRA Questions and Answers

There’s a dollar sign on the registration card. How much do music classes cost?

There is no instructional fee for band or orchestra. Band and orchestra students do need an instrument which can be rented or purchased at local music stores or online. The school also rents some instruments (see below). For choir students, the voice is the instrument.

What class should I take?

BEGINNING BAND

For students who have little or no experience in band. Instruments include FLUTE, CLARINET, SAX, TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, TROMBONE, BARITONE, TUBA, and PERCUSSION.

CONCERT BAND

For students who have ONE YEAR of experience in band. Instruments include FLUTE, CLARINET, SAX, TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, TROMBONE, BARITONE, TUBA, and PERCUSSION.

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA

For students who have little or no experience in orchestra. Instruments include VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, and BASS.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA

For students who have at least one year of experience in orchestra. Instruments include VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, and BASS.

What if I don't have an instrument?

Music stores have rent-to-own programs that cost between $20 and $60 per month, depending on the instrument. West Hills has several different instruments available, including: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horns, Baritone Horns, Trombones, Tubas, Violas, Cellos, String Bass, and Percussion (drums.) The Jordan District rental fee is $80 per year, and can be paid in installments. Fees are waived for students with free lunch.

What about guitar?

Guitar is offered in the 8th and 9th grade.

What are the best reasons to take band, choir, or orchestra?

  • Making music is fun. Making music well is AWESOME!
  • West Hills Middle School musicians make lifelong friends.
  • Musicianship connects students to the culture of our civilization through positive self expression.
  • University music departments give students scholarships, ranging from 1/4 to full tuition.
  •  Music makes you smarter. Students who learn music score higher on math, language and a science tests. Every additional year of music study raises lifetime test scores.
  • Learning music provides genuine self esteem based on work related achievement.
  • Music at West Hills has a wonderful tradition of talented performance.
  • West Hills is the “Best Hills.”

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AP Parent Information

What is AP Human Geography?

The purpose of AP Human Geography is to “introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.” (from the College Board AP Human Geography course description)

AP courses are designed to give students the experience and challenge of a college course while on their high school campus. AP classes are rigorous and demanding, and only highly qualified and prepared students should enroll.

Who Should Take AP Courses?

“The content of AP courses is more sophisticated than that in typical high school honors courses. Students should have had practice in analyzing content, drawing comparisons, and reasoning through problems. They must be able to read perceptively and independently. Additionally, students will need to be proficient in writing clear, concise essays. Students who are not skilled in these areas must be even more highly motivated to make up deficiencies at the same time they are taking more rigorous courses. The earlier students prepare for AP or college courses by taking the most rigorous classes available, the more likely will be their success. The keys to success are motivation, self-discipline, and academic preparation.” (from Advanced Placement Q&A, http://professorlamp.com/ed/TEA/AP.html, emphasis added)

AP Human Geography does not simulate or emulate a college-level course; it is identical in content and difficulty to a college course. Students who do not have a Lexile score in the range of college freshmen (1300- 1450) may find AP Human Geography difficult. Additionally, students who are not able to commit enough time outside of class to complete readings, essays, and other assignments may not be fully prepared for the AP test.

What About The AP Test?

The goal of the course is to cover the material required by the College Board in order to prepare students to take and pass the AP test in May (the current cost of the test is approximately $98, which students and their families are responsible for paying). Students who pass the test (scoring a 3, 4, or 5) may receive credit at the college or university of their choice for an introductory Geography course (approximately three credit hours).

AP courses and AP tests are difficult, and ninth graders taking AP Human Geography will take the same test that juniors and seniors in high school will take.

What Does This Mean?

AP classes are intended to be rigorous, challenging classes. They are designed to give accelerated students the opportunity to be challenged at a college level and to earn college credit. As with any AP course, there is always a chance that, despite the best efforts at preparation of the student and teacher, you may not receive a passing grade on the AP test. You also may not receive an A grade each quarter and you will not be given “busywork” assignments or extra credit to earn additional points if your grade falls below an A at the end of the quarter. If you want to earn an A you must be doing “A” work (reading, studying, turning in assignments on time, doing well on tests, etc.)

Other Issues:

Students who choose to enroll in AP Human Geography are asked to commit to the entire school year; you may not be able to transfer to a lower-level course at the quarter or semester. Please only choose to enroll in AP Human Geography if you are highly motivated, eager to learn, and can read and write at the upper high school or college level.