According to data released last month from the Minnesota Department of Education, Westonka Public Schools remains a high academic performer, with students scoring among the top districts in the state on the spring 2014 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). 

Overall, 80 percent of Westonka students are proficient in reading, 81 percent are proficient in math and 70 percent are proficient in science. Westonka had the fifth highest percent proficient in reading in the state this year and the eighth highest percent proficient in math.

A total of 18 students and graduates from the Mound Westonka High School band and choir programs experienced the trip of a lifetime this summer. The group, accompanied by band director Gretchen Chilson, toured and performed across Europe with the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music, visiting England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, and Germany in a whirlwind 16-day tour from July 6-21.

The new school year started with a drumroll, literally, at Mound Westonka High School on Sept. 2. As students assembled in the gym for the Student Celebration Assembly, members of the MWHS drum line put on a performance.

The Mound Westonka High School Link Crew program is celebrating its 10th year. To kick off the exciting year, advisors hosted a Link Crew Reunion Aug. 7 and invited all of the leaders from past years. 

Over 80 members of the junior and senior classes make up the 2014-2015 ensemble of Link Crew leaders, who act as positive role models, motivators, student mentors and teachers for eighth- and ninth-grade students. 

Sonja Graham brings over 20 years of experience with show choirs and performance to her role as director of the Westonka Pop Singers. Some highlights of her career include being a clinician for Minnesota Show Choir Camps, assisting nationally-known director Paul Gulsvig at Shell Lake Show Choir Camps; performing the role of Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense and producing large-scale musical revues.

Pop Singers auditions will be held Sunday, Sept. 14. To register, call Westonka Community Education at (952) 491-8040 or visit www.westonkace.org.