March 7, 2025
25/26 Scheduling Update
Wolverines,
I want to share important information about the upcoming course selection process for the 2024-25 school year.
Beginning February 21st, the Academic Plan portal will open for students to begin their course selection process. We ask that you take time to review both the teacher's course recommendations and your student's elective choices. Students should enter their elective selections into Infinite Campus before meeting with their counselor.
Our counseling team will meet with students during their English classes in the weeks leading up to Spring Break.
If your student does not have an English class at WGHS, they should reach out directly to their counselor to schedule a meeting time.
Please ensure your student completes their course selections and attend both their scheduled counseling meeting and, if applicable, the CCP information session. These steps are essential for proper course placement and scheduling for next year.
If you have any questions about the scheduling process, please don't hesitate to contact your student's counselor.
On March 12th, Juniors will be taking the ACT during school. I want to provide important information about upcoming ACT testing events for our Junior students.
ACT Preparation Resources provided February 18th: Students received an ACT test prep document with valuable resources to help them review and prepare for the exam. This document includes study materials and practice tests. We've also distributed a Student Checklist that guides students through creating their MyACT Account before the March 12th testing date. Completing this account setup in advance will streamline the process on test day.
ACT Testing Day - March 12th: Please note that only Juniors will be on campus on March 12th for ACT testing.
All Juniors should:
Arrive by 7:15 AM
Report to assigned testing rooms (room assignments will be posted in Google Classroom closer to the test date)
Bring required testing materials (details in the preparation document)
Students who have completed their MyACT Account setup in advance will not need to stay after finishing the test form.
If you have any questions about ACT preparation or testing procedures, please reach out to your student's school counselor.
Thank you for your support in helping our students prepare for this important assessment.
Best,
Ryan Patti
March 7th
OMEA Large Group Contest @ Mentor HS
March 12th
ACT Test All Juniors
No School for Grades 9, 10, 12
March 20th
End of Quarter
March 20th
Jazz Band/Steel Band Interact Benefit Concert @ WGHS Gym
7:00pm
March 21st
No School for Students
March 24th-28th
Spring Break
The CommUNITY Room is requesting donations of individual snack bags of goldfish, cheese-its or other snacks as well as granola bars to keep on hand for students. Donations can be dropped off at the Main Office to the attention of Deborah Nanny.
Congratulations to Caden Kaleal 120lb Junior Champion, Zander Joltin 126 Junior 3rd place, and Brian Denamen 165lb Junior 2nd place- on punching their tickets to State this past weekend at Kenston’s District Tournament!
We wish them the best of luck at the State tournament in Columbus this weekend!
This weekend the Interact Club sent 50 student volunteers to help run the Metzenbaum Community Carnival. This set a record for the highest number of volunteers the club has ever sent to one single event! Students helped run games, give out prizes, and manage the carnival. More than 750 community members attended!
Thanks to Jacob Federico, the Counseling Office fish tank is looking fresher than ever! Jacob specializes in aquarium services for both freshwater and saltwater tanks, as well as reptile terrariums and runs his own business.
News 5's 6 a& 11 p.m. anchor, Rob Powers, returns to host the Nordson Academic Challenge 56th season, which on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:30 am. will feature teams from West Geauga, Vermillion and Orange in Episode 12. Mason Towey, Parker Pacifico and Hayden Makuch comprise this year's team. Tristan Morgan, Morgan Savage and Matilda Tumada are team alternates. The team is coached by Mrs. Cindy O'Janpa.
While Mrs. Palus enjoys her maternity leave, we welcome Mr. David Peterjohn as her temporary replacement. Mr. Peterjohn brings 35 years of education experience, including 28 years as a School Counselor. Interestingly, he previously served at WGHS from 1995-1998.
Please reach out to Mr. Peterjohn directly (david.peterjohn@westg.org) with any counseling needs or questions.
All students who are interested in or currently participating in the College Credit Plus program during the 2025-2026 school year (this includes students enrolling in courses offered at West Geauga High School, or, a local college) must complete a Letter of Intent by April 1, 2025. This is a state-mandated deadline with no exceptions. Continuing CCP students are also required to submit a letter of intent by April 1, 2025.
Here are the steps required:
1. Obtain a letter of intent from the Google Classroom or download it HERE. Review this with your parents or guardians.
2. Take a photo of the signature page of the letter of intent (no need to get the counselor's signature as we will sign all forms once they are received).
3. Complete the CCP Intent Form. Upload Google Form. Please complete the questions and upload the intent form.
4. Apply to the CCP Program (Kent, Lakeland, Tri-C, etc).
5. Once admitted, register for courses. You must obtain your counselor's signature before submitting it to the college.
Students and families must review this presentation regarding College Credit Plus policies and procedures. Additional information can be found on the WGHS website.
Students are encouraged to initiate the college application process ASAP and register for CCP courses before the summer break.
Click Here to watch program videos on the Excel Tecc YouTube Channel.
Click Here for the presentation given to all Sophomores.
Click Here for the latest Excel Tecc Newsletter
All Scholarship Opportunities are posted in the Class of 2025 Google Classroom
under Scholarships
West Geauga Education Association Scholarship
The West Geauga Education Association will be offering a scholarship to a senior who will begin his/her freshman year of college in the fall of 2025. Applicants must be pursuing a career in education, or be the son or daughter of an educator. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing a career in education. Academic achievement, community involvement, and activities will also be considered.
Click Here or check Google Classroom for the Application.
DUE DATE: FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 TO THE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT OR SUBMITTED
ELECTRONICALLY TO MRS. RAZZANTE (sandy.razzante@westg.org)
Calling all High School Sophomores and Juniors!
Are you ready to develop your leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and set yourself up for future success? The Leadership Geauga Youth Leadership Institute is back for 2025, and the Chester Township Board is excited to sponsor two outstanding students for this transformative experience.What’s in it for you?
Improve Interpersonal Skills and Confidence – Take the Clifton Strengths assessment and participate in team-based activities designed to help you understand your strengths.
Interact with Local Leaders – Meet professionals from businesses, government, and community organizations—connections that often lead to internships and shadowing opportunities.
Go Behind the Scenes – Tour some of Geauga County’s top businesses and organizations to see leadership in action.
Engage with Diverse Peers – Work alongside students from different ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds, broadening your perspective and understanding.
Program Details:
Dates:
Monday, June 16
Wednesday, June 18
Friday, June 20
Monday, June 23
Wednesday, June 25
Thursday, June 26 – Mentorship Day
Friday, June 27 – Graduation
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to build leadership skills, expand your network, and gain valuable experience that will set you apart for college and career opportunities. Apply now through the Leadership Geauga Form to take the first step toward unlocking your leadership potential!
College Now helps high school students achieve their dreams of going to and succeeding in certificate, two-year and four-year degree programs.
Click Here to schedule a Financial Aid One-on-One Meeting with a College Now Advisor.
Click Here for the latest College Now Student Newsletter
FAFSA Family Size Issue
Please note the following important issue on the Parent contributor side of your FAFSA. After your tax information is imported into your FAFSA, you will come across the question: “Is the family size different from the number of individuals claimed on your 2023 tax return?” The box will be checked to “no”. To ensure that the family size information is being reported correctly, check “yes” and the screen will then show you what family size is being reported. If the number is not correct, you can add the number of additional family members to adjust the total family size on this screen. If the number is correct, you can just go back and re-check the “no” box. Once you’ve confirmed this information, you can continue completing the FAFSA.
It is easy to correct this issue if you have already submitted your FAFSA. You can login and start a correction, review the information, and submit and sign it again. It is still early in the process. If you need assistance in completing your FAFSA or checking the family size that you reported, please reach out to Heidi Spangler, our College Now Advisor, at heidispangler@collegenowgc.org or call/text:216-200-4780
A few helpful links:
Click Here to create your FSA ID. Use your personal email to create your account. Do not use your school email.
Click Here to determine which parent should contribute to your FAFSA form.
Click Here if you think you might be an independent student.
Follow @westgathletics on Instagram for full athletic coverage
Congratulations to Athletic Director, Brandon Stewart and his family on welcoming a beautiful baby girl into the world on February 24th!
Junior Ava Cavelli is a State alternate after her performance at Districts!
West Geauga Alum Alexa Hocevar finished a solid regular season at @iuindy_wbb
Attention Boys Tennis Players:
There will be an important meeting on 3/10 at 3:15pm at the Tennis Courts for those interested in playing this spring.
Congratulations to our West Geauga Wrestlers who qualified at Sectionals to advance to the District tournament that was held on 2/28:
Sectional Placers:
Champion: Caden Kaleal 120lbs, Zander Joltin 126lbs, Brian Denamen 165lbs, Austin Wheatley 175lbs, Nasir Levy 190lbs, Blake Welker 215lbs, Maveric Milnar HWT
2nd place:Danny Sizler 150lbs, Quentin Artino 157lbs
3rd place: Anthony Rini 113lbs
Not pictured: Alternates Daniel Donofrio 144lbs and Chris Paradise 138lbs
Postseason honors for Sophomore guard Faelynn Beckrest start to roll in.
First Team All-CVC Chagrin Division
Third Team All-District
Congratulations to Kara Deister who qualified for the 60H and High Jump for the Indoor Track & Field State Championships!
SENIORS! You have made it so now let's show these colleges and universities what we've got!
Here is the Senior Year Presentation with information about the College Application Process and other additional helpful links! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out or stop by the Counseling Office to see your school counselor.
The MEDCAMP program is accepting applications from highly motivated students 18 years and older who have graduated high school by the time of MEDCAMP and be enrolled at a college or university entering their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of undergraduate education, and GPA of 3.0 or greater.
Participants selected to participate in MEDCAMP must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident of the United States, or a United States National and reside or go to school in Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Holmes, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Trumbull or Wayne Counties. First consideration is given to applicants from areas that are underrepresented in health care professions, especially rural and those areas in Appalachia.
Required Application Materials
Latest transcript from high school or undergraduate institution with GPA.
A letter of recommendation from a science, math teacher, guidance counselor, faculty member or a community member relating to your interest in a health career.
Personal statement describing your future desired career in a health profession.
Important Dates
February 2025: Application opens
April 18, 2025: Application deadline
May 16, 2025: Acceptance notification
West Geauga High School is committed to supporting students' continued success. The Senior Internship program, designed in collaboration with the administration and supported by the Board of Education, offers eligible senior students an opportunity to engage in a meaningful, independent project of their choice and design. All participating students will be exempt from the final two weeks of the school year. Final grades for the grading period and semester exams for participating seniors will be calculated before the internship begins.
Dear Senior Parents and Guardians,
We’re excited to share details about our upcoming After Prom event on May 2, 2025! This special celebration will run from midnight to 2:00 AM at WhirlyBall in Bedford, with bus transportation provided from the West Geauga High School (this is a correction from the last communication which stated the buses would transport from Generations Reception and Event Center/Guidos). ALL seniors and their guests are welcome to attend After Prom, even if they don't attend the prom itself.
To make this safe, memorable celebration possible, the After Prom Committee is requesting a suggested donation of $35 per student. Your support will help provide entertainment, food, prizes, transportation, and security while keeping ticket prices affordable for all students.
Donations can be made either:
By check: Payable to "West Geauga After Prom" and mailed to PO Box 1014, Chesterland, OH 44026
Online: Through Cheddar Up at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/parent-letter/items?cart
Additionally, we're seeking parent volunteers to help make this night unforgettable. If you'd like to get involved, please email wghsafterprom@gmail.com with your contact information.
The deadline for donations is March 1, 2025. Questions? Contact the After Prom Committee at wghsafterprom@gmail.com.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and memorable celebration for our seniors!
The yearbook staff is hard at work and does not want you to miss out on this year's book: Wolverine Country. Time is running out to pre-order your 2025 yearbook for the $65 discounted rate! Please order here directly through Jostens today. If you're unsure if you've already ordered, contact Kelly.Klampe@westg.org. The price goes up to $80 when pre-ordering ends in early April.
ATTENTION PTO MEMBERS!
We have several committees that need more helpers!
Many hands make light work, so grab a friend and join a committee!
Bring all your exciting new ideas - we LOVE to hear them!
MS Spring Dance Committee: The Middle School Spring Dance will be here before we know it! We need someone to take the lead on planning and decorating for this highly anticipated event. Don't worry, we have lots of tips and tricks from the past few years and will be here to help. We need a point person and some other folks to help do the legwork on this one! Tentative date is May 9th.
Senior/Kindergarten T-Shirt Exchange: Prior to graduation, Seniors present Kindergarteners with a student-designed commemorative "Class of" t-shirt in a heart-warming ceremony held during the school day. Parents are welcome to attend and additional shirts will be available for sale. We are beyond excited for this new tradition to begin this Spring 2025!
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5th-9th, 2025. Share your suggestions, assist with the organization of the week, or even volunteer to manage one day. You can never get started too early on this kinda thing!
Color Run Committee: An annual FUNdraising event for WGMS, students receive a white t-shirt which, during the run/walk, gets tie-dyed with non-toxic colored powder thrown at them by friends, faculty, and parents! Prizes are awarded to biggest fundraisers. Slated for Spring 2025 (but open to discussion on timing).
Parent Engagement: Want a behind-the-scenes peek into your kiddo's school day? This new committee volunteers to support teachers in their classrooms, attend to the teachers' lounges, and create an open and welcome environment for parents during the school day. All ideas, no matter how grand, are welcome and accepted!
Thank you in advance!
-Your West G Upper PTO Board-
On behalf of everyone at West Geauga High School, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Upper School PTO for all of your hard work in making this year’s Snow Ball such a huge success! From the beautiful decorations that transformed the space, to the well-stocked concession stand, the fun and engaging games, and the dedicated chaperones who helped ensure everything ran smoothly—none of it would have been possible without your time, effort, and commitment.
Your dedication and generosity truly made this event special for our students, creating memories that will last a lifetime. We are so lucky to have such an amazing PTO that continuously goes above and beyond to support our school community.
West Geauga High School
440-729-5950
www.westg.org