Next Tuesday, November 4, Westonka voters will consider two important levy renewal requests that will have a critical impact on current and future students of Westonka Public Schools.

KEY FACTS

• Question 1: A renewal of an existing operating levy that generates approximately $1.6 million in revenue, which is equal to about 32 teachers. There is no tax increase associated with this levy renewal.

• Question 2: A renewal of an existing capital projects levy for technology, including infrastructure, digital curriculum, devices and support staff. This levy renewal includes an inflationary increase of approximately $1.92 per month on a typical ($300,000) home. If the levy is not renewed, the district would see a reduction of $750,000 for next school year.

• Learn more at http://referendum-information.westonka.k12.mn.us/ (includes an online tax calculator)

• Find your polling place: http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

[Referendum Website]

The 2013-2014 Westonka Public Schools World's Best Workforce Plan replaces the state-mandated "Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement." The plan serves as a blueprint that demonstrates how our current strategic plan and supporting district initiatives and plans work together in a concerted effort to create a quality workforce equipped with the necessary skills for the 21st century. Click the link below to read Westonka's World's Best Workforce Plan report.

The past three years have been a whirlwind for globetrotting 2011 Mound Westonka High School graduate Sarah Silverstein. During her college career, she has had the opportunity to study abroad in both Italy and New Zealand, and she is currently working as an intern in South Africa.

Silverstein said it was a trip to China with the Westonka Summer Institute immersion program in 2010 that gave her the travel bug, and she credits the MWHS DECA program for inspiring her to pursue a career in social and economic development.

The Mound Westonka High School Theater Department is proud to present "Band Geeks," a high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere, as the fall musical this year.

"Come for your children, stay for yourself" is the mantra for Westonka's Early Childhood Family Education programs, according to ECFE Coordinator Sarah Grimm. The ECFE program, which is unique to Minnesota, celebrated 40 years of educating families the week of Oct. 20-25, as proclaimed by the governor.

A total of 120 girls and their special dates, which included dads, grandpas and uncles, attended the annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, Oct. 24. 

Education Coordinator Sarah Heyer said, "It was a fun and memorable night for all!"

The Mound Westonka High School National Honor Society and Student Senate are collaborating with Memorial Blood Center, which will bring two Bloodmobiles to the high school on Nov. 4. The blood drive is open to anyone aged 16 or older in the community. Time slots are from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click the link below to learn how to sign up.

The 7th Annual Mound Westonka Volleyball Spiketacular will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3 and Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The sport of volleyball is variable in itself, but add mixed-grade teams and staff members, and you get a whole new spectacle that is the Spiketacular. The tournament is headed by coach Katie Jo O'Gara and is a fundraiser for the MWHS volleyball program. Admission is $3, or $2 with a food shelf donation.