Last summer, eleven Westonka students as part of the Westonka Summer Institute (WSI) had an opportunity to visit Peru to study archeology and the history of the world's earliest civilizations. The group climbed Machu Picchu, attended the winter solstice festival, went on an archeological dig, and toured the underground world of the Incas. This was no vacation. This unique summer school came with months of planning, meetings, and course work designed to enhance their immersion experience.

[Globe Trekkers]

Most everyone has heard of the Dixie Chicks, but what about the BrassChix? A trio of brass instrumentalists from the MWHS Band attended a special event in January hosted by the Music Department at the University of St. Thomas. Kristen Holmberg, Christine Osmek and Hanna Brustad attended BrassChix, an annual gathering dedicated to female brass players.

"Brass instrument-playing females are often out-numbered by males, so this is a whole day dedicated just to them," said MWHS Band Director Gretchen Chilson.

[All that Brass]

Tired of this warm weather? Need to cool down? Here's the event for you! DECA is hosting a polar plunge at Rockvam Boatyards on Sat, Feb 11, starting at 10 a.m.

Each participant is asked to raise at least $50. Proceeds will benefit WeCAN and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Donations are tax deductible. WeCAN is a non-profit organization providing basic human services to individuals and families in Western Hennepin County.

[WeCAN Do This!]

MWHS senior Jack Inglis, has earned the highest advancement award offered to Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award. A member of Troop 569, Inglis is one of approximately 4 percent who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster Joe Nastepniak. Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community or church-related service project to earn his Eagle. For his project, Inglis chose to reconstruct a meditation labyrinth on the grounds of Bethel Church. Inglis will be recognized in ceremonies on Sat, Feb 18 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Mound.  

[3rd-Generation Scout]

How many Rubik's Cubes does it take to make Abe Lincoln? Hilltop Primary School second-graders found out it takes a total of 225. Teacher Mara Drill said Hilltop had ordered Rubik's Cubes for everyone in second grade to use in math. "When we ordered the cubes, there was a program where the company loaned out cubes for us to make a mosaic of one of six different famous people," said Drill. "We chose Abe Lincoln because most kids know who he is and President's Day is coming." 

[President Puzzle]

Westonka in the News

Tiger dancers return to state 

Marshall Independent

Hawkettes Section 3AA Jazz Champs!--  

The MWHS Hawkettes are the 2012 Section 3AA Jazz Champions! The Hawkettes took first place with a ranking point of 5 at the Section Tournament this past weekend, qualifying them for the State Tournament on Feb 17 at the Target Center.

Basketball Boys Red-Hot--
Still Lose to Litch & Hutch

MWHS hosted red-hot Litchfield (undefeated in conference play) on Jan 31. Senior Forward Josh Haug had 21 points and 10 rebounds and junior Captain Collin Host added 16 points and 6 assists.

[Red Hot]

Basketball Girls on Same Track as Boys--
Drop Two Games to Litch & Hutch   

MWHS Girls Basketball dropped two road games last week, both against conference opponents.

[Down 2]

Hockey Boys Play Rematch against Holy Family--
Seats' Best Game of Season   

There was only one game scheduled last week for Boys Hockey and it was a gem. The MWHS Boys faced Holy Family Tues, Jan 31 at the Victoria recreation center in a rematch of a December White Hawks 6-3 victory.

[Gem of a Game]

Hockey Girls Gain Top Seed--

White Hawks Wrestlers Lose a Heartbreaker--
Place Second at Rogers Team Tourney   

MWHS Wrestling battled Wright County conference foe Glencoe-Silver Lake/Lester Prairie on Tuesday, January 31, losing a roller coaster dual 39-36.

[Heartbreak Kids]

Friday, February 10

Wrestling Invitational at MWHS, 5:00

Saturday, February 11

ACT Test, MWHS, 8:00-NOON

Boys Swim & Dive, Conference Tournament, Hutchinson Middle School, 10:00

Girls Hockey Section Semi-finals, Mound Thaler Arena, 7:00

DECA Polar Plunge for WeCAN, Rockvam Boatyards, 10:00

Monday, February 13

Large Group High School Band Contest, Delano 4:00-8:00

Nordic Ski vs. TBD, Wirth Park, 3:45

GMS Penny Wars all week

Hilltop Food Drive begins

Tuesday, February 14

Recruiter Visit, Army, MWHS Guidance, 9:00

Boys Hockey at Waconia, 7:00

Girls Basketball at Glencoe-Silver Lake, 7:30

Boys Basketball vs. Glencoe-Silver Lake, MWHS, 7:30

Thursday, February 16

8th and 9th-Grade Distinguished Student Breakfast, MWHS B104 & 106, 7:15

Nordic Ski State Finals, Giants Ridge, 8:00

Boys Basketball vs. Belle Plaine, MWHS, 7:30

Friday, February 17

10th-12th-Grade Distinguished Student Breakfast, MWHS B104 & 106, 7:15

Dance Team State Tournament, Target Center, 2:15 start, MWHS at 4:05

Gymnastics at Delano, 4:00

Saturday, February 18

Wrestling Section Tournament, MWHS, 9:00

Boys Hockey vs. Orono, Mound Thaler Arena, 1:00

Looking Ahead

February 20

President's Day--No School

February 21

Teacher Workshop--No School

February 23

Shirley Hills Book Fair Begins

Shirley Hills First and Fourth Grade Concerts

February 24

GMS movie night

February 27-March 1

Junior Hawkettes Dance Camp

March 2

Conferences, No School

Hawkettes Dance Spectacular

March 12

Spring Break

March 25 
All-District Band Concert