Westonka Public Schools
Westonka Public Schools

WESTONKA News ~ October 5, 2012  

The Westonka Edge: Small school advantages, big school opportunities, real-life success stories!™
This Week's News
Sen. Franken at MWHS
Homecoming Wrap-Up
Hilltop Octoberfest
Fitness Fun at Shirley Hills
Whack-a-Car
September Feature Teacher
Westonka in the News
Sports Highlights
Upcoming Events
Quick Links





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Sen. Al Franken Addresses MWHS Seniors--
Latest in Series of Political 'Round Tables'

Over the past four years, Mound Westonka High School has welcomed sitting members from various branches of government to political "round tables" with MWHS seniors. Last year, the high school was honored by a visit from Rep. Erik Paulsen, who spoke on his role in the U.S. Congress. This year's seniors had the opportunity to exchange ideas with a U.S. senator.

 

Sen. Al Franken addressed the entire senior class on Wednesday, Oct. 3 in the high school's Little Theater. Franken spoke candidly about the challenges he currently faces in Washington and the reasons why he feels privileged to represent Minnesota in the Senate. 

 

[Senator Visits]

That's a Wrap!--
Homecoming 2012 Comes to a Close

Perfect weather, enthusiastic crowds and events designed for the entire community contributed to an exciting Homecoming Week.  

 

MWHS Assistant Principal Marty Fischer said the community atmosphere was evidenced by the many adults, students of all ages and staff members taking part in the festivities. "Thanks to everyone who had a part in making Homecoming 2012 one of the best ever!" Fischer said.  

 

[Homecoming Wrap-Up]

Hilltop to Kick off Fall with Octoberfest--
Annual Carnival Fundraiser 

Mark your calendars for the annual Hilltop Octoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

Organized by the Hilltop PTA, the fall carnival features games, prizes, food and a silent auction featuring themed classroom baskets. Last year's carnival raised over $24,000 for school activities such as Adventures in Art, scholarships, the Operetta, Specialist in Residence and more.

 

Octoberfest organizers want to continue the fundraising tradition this year and hope to see everyone there.

 

What: Octoberfest at Hilltop Primary School

When: Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

  

[Hilltop Octoberfest Website]

Pop Singers Say 'Hello' Again--
Celebrating 40 Years of Entertainment

The 2012-2013 cast of the Westonka Pop Singers is opening this performance season with the Hello Shows Oct. 13 and 14 in the Little Theater at Mound Westonka High School.   

 

The group continues to celebrate 40 years of entertaining the Westonka community with this year's theme, "Hit the Lights." In celebration of the milestone anniversary, the Pop Singers organization is hosting a brunch reunion for Pop Singers alumni at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14, prior to the matinee performance.  

 

What: Pop Singers Hello Shows at MWHS Little Theater 

When: Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2:30 p.m. (Preview show Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Pop Singers alumni reunion brunch Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.)  

 

[Hello, Hello]

Shirley Hills has Fun with Fitness--
Cross-Country Runs Recess

 

Shirley Hills Primary School students had fun with fitness when members of the Mound Westonka High School cross-country team joined them for recess Sept. 26. Coach Chris "Butch" Humbert brought 23 of his 45 cross-country runners across town to Shirley Hills to do some running and plyometric drills with the kids.

    

"We emphasize the joy of movement and running and how you don't have to be fast to have it be rewarding," Humbert said. 

 

[Fitness Fun]

Student Senate Hosts Whack-a-Car--
A Smashing Fundraiser!

The Mound Westonka High School Student Senate drove a junk car through the Homecoming Parade and then raised funds by charging $1 per "whack" at the car during the pre-game festivities.  

 

A portion of the proceeds from the Whack-a-Car fundraiser will be donated to Western Communities Action Network (WeCAN) for purchasing school supplies for needy families. Thanks to Mr. Boser for donating the car!

 

[Smashing Photos]

Westonka Congratulates Sue Simonson--
Lord Fletcher's September Feature Teacher
The first Lord Fletcher's Feature Teacher of the new school year is Sue Simonson, a business education teacher at Mound Westonka High School and the district technology integrationist.
MWHS Assistant Principal Marty Fischer said Simonson is one of the most gifted educators he has worked with.

 

"[Simonson's] talent is so multi-faceted, from her classroom teaching ability to her ability to connect with students through Link Crew and Advisory to her work with leading our district with technology integration," Fischer said. "Sue truly has a heart for kids and matches that with her heart for adults. We are lucky to have her in Westonka. She is one of a kind!"

   

[Feature Teacher]  

Westonka in the News
Signature splashes at Mound-Westonka/Holy Family
What were just hopes for the Mound-Westonka/Holy Family girls' swimming team solidified into determined confidence the moment the doors to the Mound-Westonka pool opened for practice in August.

New guidelines change food at Westonka schools
Changes to school lunch at the district include requirements for fruits and vegetables everyday, calorie limits.

MWHS Homecoming coronation
On Sunday night, a large crowd gathered in the MWHS gymnasium for a coronation to select homecoming king and queen.
 
MWHS runners place high at Grasshopper invite 
The White Hawks cross country teams placed high during their annual home meet, the Grasshopper Invite, at Gale Woods Farm on Sept. 19.
 
'Cats take M-W 3-2
After a tough two weeks of ties and losses, the Waconia girls' soccer team earned a 3-2 victory over Mound-Westonka on Sept. 27.  
Sports Highlights

White Hawks Girls Swim & Dive--

Continues Undefeated Run 

The MWHS-Holy Family team remains undefeated in dual meets this season after defeating Dassel-Cokato at a Sept. 27 meet and upsetting Lakeville South to take home gold in the Maroon and Gold Invitational Sept. 29. 

  

[Golden Girls]

 

Football Falls Short on Homecoming--  

Waconia Defeats White Hawks 35-19 

Despite the enthusiasm of the Homecoming crowd in Haddorff Stadium on Sept. 28, the MWHS football team fell to Waconia 35-19, handing the Wildcats their first win of the season. The White Hawks are now 0-4.
 

[Photo Slideshow by BJ Johnson]

 

White Hawks Split in Volleyball Action--

Served Second Loss of Season 

The MWHS volleyball team defeated the visiting Sibley East Wolverines on Sept. 25 by a score of 3-0. Two days later, WCC rival Waconia served the White Hawks their second loss of the season. The White Hawks are currently ranked second in Class AA.

 

[Setters Split]

 

Boys Soccer Goes 1-2 on Week--

Tough Contests Versus WCC Opponents 

The MWHS boys soccer team lost to Wright County Conference rivals Holy Family and Waconia in tough contests Sept. 26 and 28. However, the White Hawks ended the week on a high note with a 2-0 win in a non-conference game against Providence Academy. 

    

[WCC Woes]

Upcoming Events
Friday, October 5

Football at Orono, 7:00

 

Saturday, October 6

Girls Swim & Dive Invitational, St. Catherine University, TBD

 

Monday, October 8

GMS Photo Re-take Day

School Board Meeting, ESC Community Room, 7:00

 

Tuesday, October 9

MWHS Photo Re-take Day, 7:00-9:00

Shirley Hills Vision & Hearing Screening

Girls and Boys Soccer Sections, TBD

Girls Tennis Sections, Gustavus Adolphus College, TBD

Volleyball vs. Hutchinson, MWHS, 7:00

 

Wednesday, October 10

Shirley Hills Vision & Hearing Screening

 

Thursday, October 11

GMS Parent Conference, 4:00-8:00

Girls and Boys Soccer Sections, TBD

Cross Country Conference Tournament, Lake Rebecca Park, 3:30

Girls Swim & Dive at Litchfield, 6:00

Volleyball vs. New London-Spicer, MWHS, 7:00

Pop Singers Preview Show, MWHS Little Theater, 7:30

Tickets $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors at the door

 

Friday, October 12

GMS "Hats for Haiti"

Girls Tennis Sections, Gustavus Adolphus College, TBD

Football vs. Annandale, MWHS Haddorff Stadium, 7:00

 

Saturday, October 13

Hilltop Octoberfest Carnival, 11:00-3:00

Boys and Girls Soccer Sections, TBD

Girls Tennis Sections, Gustavus Adolphus College, TBD

Pop Singers Hello Show, MWHS Little Theater, 7:30

Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors at the door

 

Sunday, October 14

Pop Singers Hello Show, MWHS Little Theater, 2:30

Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors at the door

 

Looking Ahead

 
October 15

GMS Penny Wars begin

 

October 16

MWHS & GMS Parent Conferences

 

October 17

MWHS & GMS Parent Conference, HT & SH Teacher Workshops

No School

 

October 18 & 19

MEA Break, no school  

 

October 23

Shirley Hills Photo Re-take Day

 

November 1

Shirley Hills Fall Book Fair Begins

Westonka News Contact

Feel free to contact me with suggestions or questions heistadb@westonka.k12.mn.us.

Becca Heistad, Communications Coordinator
Community Relations/Community Education  
Westonka Public Schools

5901 Sunnyfield Rd E   

Minnetrista MN 55364

Cell 952.200.7805 | www.westonka.k12.mn.us  
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