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Table of Contents Campus News .............................................................................................................................................. 2

PTO ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Staff Appreciation........................................................................................................................................ 4

Project Graduation ...................................................................................................................................... 5

EEF .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Student Support Counseling ........................................................................................................................ 7

Speaker Series ............................................................................................................................................. 8

Counseling ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Cheer ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Dance ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

Band.......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Choir ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

Westbank Libraries .................................................................................................................................... 14

Spotlight on Community Partners .............................................................................................................. 17

Chap Connections is a monthly newsletter with the latest PTO news and updates from extracurricular groups on WHS campus. All groups at Westlake High School are invited to submit news each month, in Word or PDF format. To contribute to the newsletter, please email Shalini Komarla at chapconnections@gmail.com

Submission deadline for March Issue: Feb 16th, 2018

February 2018

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Campus News

On our campus, this is one of the busiest times for our extracurricular programs. This is the time of year where boys and girls basketball begin planning for the playoffs and we are looking forward to this year as both teams are currently undefeated in district. Our wrestling team is focused on district, regional and the state tournaments. Our baseball and softball teams have begun their seasons as well with practices and scrimmaging. Our soccer teams have moved from tournament times to district play. We hope you take the time to take in a soccer match as we have two new head coaches, Darci Carruthers and James Baker, leading our student athletes. Boys and girls track begin their preparations for their seasons officially. Our robotics teams are looking towards state and national competitions. Our swim team will soon have their district swim meet as they look to defend or improve their boys’ and girls’ state runner-up finishes from last year. Our lacrosse and rugby clubs are in season as well. Our HST and CERT students are preparing for competition while Model United Nations, DECA and our Debate teams continue to compete and achieve at the highest levels. When you have a campus where nearly 90% of your students are involved with extracurricular programs, the months of January and February may be the busiest. We appreciate all the help from our parents and community who serve as volunteers, coaches and mentors that benefit our students daily.

It’s musical time at Westlake High School. The musical extravaganza at Westlake High School is one of the events that separates our campus from many other campuses in the state. These high quality productions are at the highest levels in singing, dancing, and acting. Our tech theatre crew lights, arranges sound, and will even fly a few actors in this year’s performances. Over the years, we have performed Shrek, Cinderella, Westside Story, Beauty and the Beast, Bye-Bye Birdie, Music Man, The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins. This year we will perform Anything Goes. Our thanks go to our fabulous choir directors: Ed Snouffer, Jenn Goodner, and Steve Sifner. Thanks to David Poole, Jeff Strange, Will Brooks and Michael Essad for their work in this fine production as well. Michael Essad, our new tech theatre teacher, has produced a magnificent set with our students. And we would like to thank all of our fabulous choir parents who put in countless hours to make this such a successful event.

Steve Ramsey, Principal

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PTO

Looking to make a HUGE impact in the WHS Community? We are looking for a Treasurer-Elect who will serve as Treasurer during the 2018-2019 school year. Be part of the team that decides how campus projects will be funded. The PTO is a 501(c)(3) responsible for managing an annual budget of just over $100K/yr. This role is critical in ensuring that we can continue to fund programs at WHS which have included the language lab, campus improvements, PTO bucks, and upwards of 20+ projects/year. We have an EXCELLENT Treasurer in role (Gayle Yenawine) who will teach you everything you need to know. If interested, please contact Debra Thompson at (512) 413-5589 or email westlakeptopresident@gmail.com

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Staff Appreciation

The PTO Staff Appreciation Committee wants YOU! Thank you to all our volunteers that helped us with all the cookies and gift card donations in December. All the staff at WHS were just overjoyed by your generosity. We hosted a breakfast on Thursday, January 18th. We were up bright and early serving breakfast tacos, fruits, breakfast breads and fresh juices. The PTO Staff Appreciation Committee would like to invite you to help us with the next event on Tuesday, February 13. We will be serving a lasagna luncheon complete with salad and a chocolate dessert bar. We welcome everyone to join our Volunteer Committee at any time and are always eager to have more volunteers. We have events planned for each month of the school year, so please join us! The committee offers great flexibility as you can participate as often as your schedule allows and is a great fit for everyone. In addition to helping serve at the event, we need volunteers to donate baked goods and accompaniments.

Please consider joining our committee and contact our Staff Appreciation chair, Christine Machon at machon06@gmail.com if you are interested or would like more information about the program.

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Project Graduation

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EEF

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Student Support Counseling

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Speaker Series

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DATE TOPIC & SPEAKER

August 31st “The Successful Student: Organized, Accountable, and Self-Aware!”

Becky Fliss, MA www.austinlearningcenter.com September

14th “Study Skills for Students’ Success!”

Donna Balser www.collegenanniesandtutors.com

September 28th

“Late Nights and Long Days: What You Need to Know about Teen Sleep Hygiene!”

Amanda Robinson, LPC, RPT www.amandarobinsonlpc.com

October 12th “Allowing the Pause: Mindfulness-Based Parenting for Happy Confident Kids!”

Nityda Gessel, LCSW, E-RYT www.talkwithnityda.com

October 19th "How to Support Our Westlake Families Coping with a Serious Illness!”

Nicole Hadler, MA www.wondersandworries.org

November 2nd

“A Constellation of Ideas: Working With and Growing Your ADHD Teen!” William Schroeder, LPC www.justmind.org

November 16th

“The Science to Overcoming Performance Anxiety!” Afshan Khan, M.D. www.austinoakshospital.com

December 7th How to Cultivate Your Teen's Confidence, Motivation, and Self Reliance!”

Vanessa Nering, MA, LPC-I Elizabeth Devine, M.Ed, LPC-S www.i360austin.com

January 11th “Legal 411 About Social Media, Sexting, Drugs/Alcohol and More!”

Forrest Bouldin, Sr. Deputy Sheriff, SRO www.tcsheriff.com

January 25th “Letting Go of Your Little Girl: Helping Her to Grow Up!”

Barb Steinberg, LMSW www.barbsteinberg.com

February 8th “Raising Hope: How to Empower Kids for Success Beyond the Nest!”

Kristie Engel, Ph.D. www.hopeandwellnessrising.com

February 22nd

"Promoting Healthy Relationships: How to Talk to Your Teen About Dating, Sex, and Boundaries!”

Rikki Dautel, LMSW Shelby Solomon, LMSW www.centralaustinpsychotherapy.com

March 8th “Why Do They Act That Way? Understanding Neurobiology, Emotional

Sensitivities, and the Skills You Need to Help Your Teens!” Ani Mirasol, LCSW www.animirasol.com

March 22nd “Communicating With Your Teen: Tips on Getting Them to Open Up!”

Sumati Morris, M.Ed., LPC www.austinfamilycounseling.com

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Counseling

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Cheer

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Dance

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Band

The Chap Band wrapped up 2017 with a holiday concert, featuring many different ensembles.

In December, students competed in the Regional Band Contest with 39 earning a spot in a

Region band, and 15 students advancing to Area. On January 13th, these students competed at Akins HS for a spot in one of the Texas All-State Music Ensembles. The Chaparral Band has a record ten band students selected as All-State musicians by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). This is an honor only the top three percent of musicians who initially audition achieve. The following students will perform in San Antonio in mid-February, as part of the 2018 TMEA Convention.

Congratulations to our 2018 All-State Band Musicians!

Emma Cranford, Flute Ethan Lord, Jazz Tenor Sax George Huang, Bassoon Lucca Cidale, Trumpet Annalee Fletcher, Eb Clarinet Joseph Asfouri, French Horn Ethan Dintzner, Bb Clarinet Christopher Lee, Trombone Eeshaan Rehani, Alto Clarinet Jerry Grace, Percussion

For the Elite Visual Ensemble (EVE), Winter Guard season is now in full swing as they prepare to compete on the international stage. Westlake will be one of 150 schools competing in their division at the Winter Guard International World Championships on April 12th in Dayton Ohio. Show your support at their first local contest of the season on January 27th at Bowie High School.

Upcoming Dates:

January 27th Winter Guard Contest @Bowie HS February 3rd Winter Guard Contest @Canyon HS February 10th Winter Guard Contest @ East View HS February 13th 7:00pm Band Concert

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Choir

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Westbank Libraries

Here is just a sampling of what is happening in February at Westbank and Laura’s Library. Please check the website for detailed program information.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

We are conducting a survey about the kind of community people want to live in, and we would especially like to hear from parents in the district. It’s only three questions, and we will share the results with the community. Our hope is to increase partnership opportunities within the community network.

MEDITACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

SUNDAYS | 11AM | WESTBANK LIBRARY

Meditación nos da la oportunidad de hacer una pausa en nuestra vida tan acelerada que llevamos y nos permite conectarnos con nosotros mismos atraves de estar mas conscientes de lo que sucede dentro y fuera de nosotros.

CUERNAVACA ART EXHIBIT: A PICTURE IS WORTH A 1000 WORDS

THROUGH MARCH 5 | LAURA’S LIBRARY

The Cuernavaca Arts Cooperative is a group for visual artists that live in or near the Lake Hills neighborhood. This group’s purpose is to create a community of artists to network, share ideas, support and inspire, and find spaces suitable for art creation and classes.

HEY YA’LL YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUB

FEBRUARY 1 | 4:45PM | LAURA’S LIBRARY

Teen and tween facilitated young adult book club for fans of young adult (YA) literature. Please note, some books contain mature content. The selection for February is GEEKERELLA by Ashley Poston.

LIBRARY HOURS:

Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm

Friday - Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm

Call Us 512.327.3045

Text Us 512-649-2247

questions@westbanklibrary.com

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FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP: HISTORICAL FICTION

FEBRUARY 12 | 5-7PM | WESTBANK LIBRARY

Each month through May on the second Monday, we'll focus on a different genre of fiction writing. In February, we’ll explore writing historical fiction.

ACTIVE SHOOTER PRESENTATION

FEBRUARY 12 | 6PM | LAURA’S LIBRARY

Have you ever allowed yourself to think in-depth about what you’d do in an active shooter event? Would you like to learn some tips on how to increase your chances of survival, and learn an overview of what the Travis County area first responders would do during one of these events? Come and increase your knowledge base with a presentation by Lt. Jack Frost of the Westlake Fire Department.

CUERNAVACA ACTION GROUP CANDIDATE FORUM

FEBRUARY 18 | 1-3PM | LAURA’S LIBRARY

The Cuernavaca Action Group will be hosting a forum for candidates running in the March election for state representative and U.S. representative.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE

FEBRUARY 19 | WESTBANK AND LAURA’S LIBRARY

Both Westbank and Laura’s Library will be closed Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day.

SENIOR LIVING TRUTH SERIES

FEBRURARY 27 | 10:30AM | LAURA’S LIBRARY

In partnership with Austin Senior Resource Alliance, the library is presenting a year-long series of candid conversations with local experts focused on the unique and complex issues facing Austin’s mature homeowners and families. Join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month. On February 27, will discuss “The Truth About Probate for Property Owners.”

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR GENERAL WELLNESS

FEBRURARY 28 | NOON | LAURA’S LIBRARY

Learn ways to increase your immune function, decrease your stress, and live with less pain and more vitality. Presented by Stefanie Dwyer, a licensed acupuncturist.

FOR PARENTS:

“OUTSIDE OF THE BOX” CHILDREN: SPECIAL EDUCATION AND PARENTS AS ADVOCATES

FEBRUARY 7 | 10:30AM | LAURA'S LIBRARY

What do you do when your vision for your child’s education doesn’t align with what is actually happening in the school house? Join us for a conversation about effective and creative ways to bridge the divide between what educational supports parents believe are best for their special needs children and what schools are providing. Presented by Rachel A. Howell, M.Ed.

WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS

FEBRUARY 8 AND 22 | NOON | WESTBANK LIBRARY

On February 8, speaker Kristie Engel, Ph.D. will present “Raising Hope: How to Empower Kids for Success Beyond the Nest.” On February 22, licensed social workers Rikki Dautel, LMSW, and Shelby Solomon, LMSW, will present “Promoting Healthy Relationships: How to Talk to Your Teen about Dating, Sex, and Boundaries.”

ROBOTICS DEMO

FEBRUARY 10 | 11AM | WESTBANK LIBRARY

Join us for a Robotics Demo, where your kids will have hands-on fun with remote-controlled walking, rolling, and off-road robots. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Presented by Dan Taglia, President and Founder of the American Robotics Academy.

BEDTIME BATTLES

FEBRUARY 21 | NOON | LAURA’S LIBRARY

The focus of this workshop is to teach parents how to connect with their kids each night and teach kids how to empower themselves by taking control of the routine. Presented by Melissa Gaber, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate from Gentile Connections Counseling.

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Spotlight on Community Partners