Students who need to pass the English II STAAR Exam will take it Wednesday. If the test is missed, the next available testing time is in July. The schedule is in the WHS Calendar.

Westside High School is proud to announce the 2014-15 teachers of the year. Jay Phillips is the Teacher of the Year, while Lauren Hacker is the New Teacher of the Year.

Both teachers are in the science department, but it is there chemistry with the students that has everybody's attention. The two teachers are just as great with faculty, as they are with students. Ms. Hacker, pictured on the left, credits the support from Mrs. Phillips, pictured on the right, as part of her success in the classroom.

Like most other teachers, Ms. Hacker is not education for the money. The most rewarding part of being a teacher for her is watching the progression of her students.  

"I know it's cliché, but the moment you see the 'light bulb' come on, it's incredibly satisfying," Ms. Hacker said.

For first year teacher, Ms. Hacker, she believes her hard work is paying off.  

"Being a first year teacher is a bit difficult," Ms. Hacker said. "You can't rely on the lessons you had last year-you must make them as you go.  You never know what to expect from day-to-day because you've never had these experiences before. It's pretty much a 'take things as they come' game, and you can never let the little things get to you."

It has been a while since Mrs. Phillips was a first year teacher. Her experiences in the classroom are always educational and entertaining. The faculty and staff think the world of Mrs. Phillips and are proud to have her as a collaborative colleague. Mrs. Phillips feels the same way, especially when it comes to earning this award. 

"It is an unbelievable honor considering all the personality and talent in the building," Mrs. Phillips said. "I feel humbled."

The Westside family congratulates both Ms. Hacker and Mrs. Phillips as the 2014-15 Teachers of the Year.

Congratulations go to Westside's Culinary Program for winning the "Cooking Up Change" competition, sponsored by Aramark Food Nutrition Services and The Healthy Schools Campaign. This is our second year in row winning this competition and look forward to returning to Washington D.C. in June to represent Westside, HISD and the State of Texas. Jalien Noel, Jose Acosta, and Briseida Salas made up Team Westside.

The winning menu for us this year: Cajun Chicken Lollipop with Black Bean Rice, Twisted Texas Cabbage and Greens, Pineapple Crumble  

 The students received trophies, medals, knife bags sets and a trip to D.C. to compete at the Department of Education.  In addition to the competition, the students will have the opportunity to present their ideas to members of Congress on how we can create healthy and exciting lunch meals for students.

To wrap up this month's discussion on alcohol awareness, I wanted to address a very serious topic: alcohol poisoning.  Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant; so, drinking too much or too fast can slow some bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, or breathing to a dangerous level thus causing the drinker to lose consciousness.  Possible signs of alcohol poisoning include unconscious or semiconscious state, slow breathing (eight or fewer breaths per minute or lapses between breaths more than eight seconds), cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin, and a strong odor of alcohol on the breath and coming from the skin.

After recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning, here is what do to next: call 911 immediately, gently turn the person on his or her left side and stay with the person until the medical help arrives.  It is very important to talk to your teen about alcohol poisoning and what to do if they are faced with the issue.  Most importantly, please stress to them not to leave their friend alone to "sleep it off". 

In the case of Carson Starkey, a college student who passed away due to alcohol poisoning from a fraternity initiation, the decision to let him sleep it off proved to be fatal.  After his death, his parents worked with a Texas Senator to create the Texas 911 Lifeline Law.  This law states that a person under 21 won't be charged by the police for possessing or consuming alcohol if the person calls 911 because someone might have alcohol poisoning.  The immunity applies to the person who called for medical assistance, only if the caller remains on the scene until assistance arrives.  Please talk to your teens about this important information and if you have any questions, please contact me: mparsley@council-houston.org.