WHS CALENDAR 
Tuesday, November 10

Girls Basketball - Freshman
vs. Elkins @EHS 4 p.m.

Girls Basketball - JV
vs. Elkins @EHS 5:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball - Varsity
vs. Elkins @EHS 7 p.m.

Wednesday, November 11

Veterans Day Reception
@Commons 5:30 p.m.

Westside Salutes America
@Auditorium 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 12

Magnet Tour
@Library 1 p.m.

College Visit - Texas A&M
@E131 2:15 p.m.

Theatre - Flowers for Algernon
@Black Box 7 p.m.

Friday, November 13
 
Theatre - Flowers for Algernon
@Black Box 7 p.m.

Football Playoff Game - Varsity
vs. Katy @Rhodes Stadium 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 14

Wrestling
Quad Duals @WHS 8 a.m.

Saturday Tutorials
@Classrooms 9 a.m.

HISD School Choice Event
@Yates HS 9 a.m.-Noon

Theatre - Flowers for Algernon
@Black Box 7 p.m.

Monday, November 16

College Visit - University of Missouri
@College Center 1:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball - Freshman
vs. SATCH @WHS 4:30 p.m.

Boys Basketbll - JV
vs. SATCH @WHS 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball - Varsity
vs. SATCH @WHS 7:30 p.m.

Click here to access the WHS Calendar for more events.   
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Westside High School will be participating in the HISD dates for Early Dismissals.   
 
November 18
January 27
February 24 

On
the Thursdays immediately following the Early Dismissal Days, there will not be a Late Start. 
THEATRE PRODUCTION

There isn't just one, nor two, but three shows of our JV T-Pro's production of "Flowers for Algernon". Buy your tickets now, or at the door this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the Black Box. The show starts at 7 p.m., each night.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. We hope to see you there!
THE WESTSIDE SHOWCASE

Mark your calendars for November 17, for the Westside Showcase.

During the evening you and your student will be able to take a campus tour, watch an exciting program showcasing Westside's talent, and choose from an array of academic informational sessions to attend. Click here for the schedule.

You will also be able to learn about the many sports and fine arts programs, as well as the multitude of clubs Westside has to offer.

As you check everything out, you will have the opportunity to meet our students and staff in the Commons.
DON'T FORGET

This is also a friendly reminder for families to join the PTO. 

With membership, families with graduating seniors will be eligible for one of the PTO scholarships awarded at the end of the year.

There will be an application process which will come out later in the year, but be sure to join now! You don't want your student to miss out.
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY VISITS TO WESTSIDE
Throughout the school year, several colleges and universities have scheduled visits to Westside. In order to speak with a representative from each college, you must sign up on Naviance. Sign up for the colleges you are interested in. Don't forget to pick up a pass in A205 prior to the visit.

Upcoming visits:

November 12

November 16


November 20

SENIORS

The Class of 2016 Senior Dues are very important and can be paid any time, but the earlier the better!

The first deadline is coming up, November 24. If paid by then, dues are $150. After Thanksgiving break, dues go up to $175. 

Dues are a one time payment and is mandatory for all seniors.
SUPPORT WESTSIDE
SUCCCESS

The PTO extends a big thank you to all of the families and businesses that have already contributed to our fall check writing campaign, "Support Westside Success". 

Click to see our 2015 Donor List. We would love to add your name! 

The PTO supplements and enhances the learning experience of every Westside student by providing funds for school improvements, scholarships for seniors, staff appreciation events, campus beautification, and much more. 

Every donation in any amount is greatly appreciated. Please print the SWS Form and send in your contribution right away to make the publishing deadline for our new donor wall display in the Commons. 
FACEBOOK

The Westside facebook page is better than ever!  Drop by and catch up on events through pictures and posts.

Don't forget to like us.  Click here to go right now! 

 E-NEWS ARCHIVES 

JOIN OUR LIST

QUICK LINKS

NOVEMBER 9, 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • WESTSIDE SALUTES AMERICA
  • MS. ROMO'S CLASS VISITS AT&T
  • DANCE WITH INERTIANS AND HOLIDAY BALL
  • WESTSIDE WELLNESS: EXPRESS YOURSELF
  • CHOICES CORNER: SUICIDE
WESTSIDE SALUTES AMERICA

Join us as Westside Salutes America with a Veterans Day Program this Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m., in the auditorium.

Westside's JROTC, Band, and Choir will honor the men and women who have served in the US Armed Forces with a beautiful musical program and guest speaker.
AT&T WELCOMES WESTSIDE STUDENTS

On October 29, several Westside students in Ms. Romo's class toured the Houston Training Center to get a sneak peak at the AT&T culture!

The students were treated with the utmost respect! They were even told they would hire them as long as they passed a test and the 8 week training!
 
Ms. Romo would like to thank all the employees at AT&T, especially:
  • Jason Walger - Sr. Training Mgr. Delivery who was in charge of our tour of the Training Center
  • Venessa Harris - Prem Tech Orientation who was the first speaker.
  • Deanna Lewis, Professional - Network Planning Engr- Education, College & Career who was our second speaker.
  • Rosemary Cantu and Elizabeth Rodriguez who made this tour possible.
Special thanks to Renee Robuck, Rebecca Brady-Wert, Cynthia Crellen, Melissa Wright, Priscilla Edwards, and Robin Jones for all their help.
DANCE WITH INERTIANS & HOLIDAY BALL

Spend Saturday, November 21, with your friends to join and perform with Westside High School's Nationally Acclaimed Inertia Dance Company.

Boys and girls ages Kindergarten through infinity are invited to participate in Dance With Inertians.

Parents, leave your kids with us while you get a head start on your holiday shopping. The instructional clinic is from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., followed by the performance at the Holiday Ball from 5-6:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is $35 and $40 at the door. Dance clinic t-shirt and snacks provided. Click here for the form. Email questions to Mr. Paule at [email protected].

WESTSIDE WELLNESS: EXPRESS YOURSELF
Self-identity and self-expression are two main focuses of high school students. Many students hold in their thoughts, opinions, and ideas for fear of rejection or criticism. Teenagers are discovering who they are and what they want to do in life, but the truth is that they already possess so much of that knowledge within; they just need to feel the freedom to express it!

Repressed emotions build up and affect teenagers' mental health, as well as their behavior toward themselves and others. Studies have linked artistic expression with lowered risk of depression. Self-expression also improves working memory, promotes emotional growth, decreases a sense of anxiety or alienation, and increases feelings of optimism.

We must all find unique ways to express ourselves, but the following suggestions are a great place to start:
  • Write thoughts, stories, and ideas in a journal.
  • Draw, paint, or find your own way to create visual art!
  • Interact with nature, and build something or begin planting a garden.
  • Sing, act, or dance in private or on a stage!
  • Find a cause you care about and commit to it. (http://www.volunteermatch.org/)
  • Speak your mind!
 
An upcoming opportunity for self-expression: The Westside GSA is hosting "Westside Coming Out Day" on Wednesday, November 11, at A Lunch. This is an all-inclusive event promoting acceptance of different identities and is not meant to brand anyone; rather, students will have the opportunity to label and introduce themselves as they please (including the simple label of "human"!).

Love, acceptance, and the space to be seen and heard are all we really need!
CHOICES CORNER: 
LIFE'S DIFFICULTIES CAN BE SHARED
Suicide is the third leading cause of death, for those between the ages of 10-24. This translates into 4,600 deaths per year in the United States alone. Males were 81% of those deaths and 19% were females. Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss, especially in a family or school setting. As a result of this being a touchy topic, some families may choose to keep suicide, suicide attempts, and suicide ideations off-limits in discussions.

Suicide is preventable and there are steps in reducing the chances of engaging in any form of suicide, however, we want to make sure we are aware of the risks. Risk factors associated include: a family history of suicide, history of mental disorders (specifically clinical depression), history of substance or alcohol abuse, unwillingness to seek help because of the embarrassment or stigma that comes along with suicide, as well as impulsivity or aggressive behaviors.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect us from this epidemic by staying connected with others, joining a support group, seeing a therapist, gaining skills around conflict resolution and most importantly seeking help.
 
What signs do we look for?
  • Giving belongings away because they are making plans to end their life
  • Isolation, wanting to be alone
  • Constant feelings of sadness, crying frequently included
  • Not able to sleep or sleeping too much
  • Lack of interest in activities they use to love
  • Statements like, "I'm better off dead", "I can't live with this", or "I don't have a reason to be here"
How to Help
  • Don't ignore it
  • Show them care and concern
  • Don't belittle them or their situation or call them crazy
  • Seek help from a trusted adult
  • Have them call the 24 hour hotline 1-800-273-8255 that comes in English and Spanish
References
The CDC 
Preventing teen suicide. [electronic resource]. (2012). Rochester, MN : Mayo Clinic, 2012.
 
Parents, if you suspect your is child acting differently, maybe displaying extreme sadness, not liking to engage in activities they use to love, constantly being alone, crying frequently, signs of self-harm, or other different behaviors there are steps to take during this  process.
 
Questions to Ask
1. What's wrong, how can I help? Your child wants to know you care by engaging in how they feel.
 
2. Are you thinking about hurting/killing yourself? This question may seem too forthcoming, or you may feel like you will make it worst by asking or put the thought in their head; however, if your child is seriously contemplating this they want you to ask. Consider this, if they were to go through with ending their life wouldn't you want to know and not be caught off guard when it's too late? Parents, let's stay active and focus on what can be done to avoid experiencing this kind of event.
 
How to Respond
If they say yes, maybe, or sometimes please refrain from saying things like: "That's crazy!" "It's just a boy!" "It's just a girl!"  "You'll get over it". "It's not that serious." "Don't be such a drama queen." "You are just trying to get attention." 

While attending to your tone, body language (this includes your facial expressions). Instead, show your love and support and say : "How can I help?" "We will get through this together." "Let's keep you safe".  Afterwards, proceed to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist. Although you may feel as though your job is done - it's not. Continue to be involved in your child's treatment process every step of the way.
 
Create a Plan
Find someone they can talk to, someone that knows how to help, a doctor, a counselor, your minister, or a trusted adult. Make a list TOGETHER of people they can call and talk to with, 3-5 names and numbers, including the suicide hotline (1-800-273-8255.) In addition, if you have pills, lock them up. If you have guns, please remove from the house, including bullets. Lastly, during this process don't leave your child alone; if they are seemingly having an episode take them to the hospital or call 911.
 
Remember, the only way to find out if something is wrong with your child is to ask. Trust your gut and pay attention to the small warning signs. Parents, you've got this! If you have more inquiries please don't hesitate to ask and email me at: [email protected] I am here for the Westside family...you included 1-800-273-8255.
 
Download the MY3 Support Network it's free! It comes in Spanish, too! It's an app that saves the top 3 people to call when needed with suicide prevention tips for your teen.
We value your feedback!

Please direct comments or questions to Craig Malinsky
at [email protected].

Visit us on the web at www.westsidewolves.org.

It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activities.