WHS Minnow sinks most spectacularly

A brave crew of teachers set sail on the WHS Minnow at the United Way “Float Your Cardboard Boat” Event on Friday. 

Out of 14 boats entered, the WHS teacher team won a prize for…. “Most Spectacular Sinking”  

Congrats and kudos to the crew: Mr. Messer, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Shore, Mrs. Marks and Mr. Glassel, and also to :  Mr. Zeitler and the students who helped build the WHS Minnow!  Go Panthers!

Slice of Spice, Quarterback Club to host tailgate party

Laughlin's Slice of Spice and Western's Quarterback Club are hosting a tailgate before Western hosts CAAC rival Lumen Christi in football Friday night.  Kick-off is at 7 p.m. at the Dr. George M. Baker Memorial Field.

Stop in for a refreshment or a snack before the game....and again afterward as the restaurant is staying open late just for Western fans! (Okay, there may be some Lumen Christi fans there as well.)

Slice of Spice is located on M-60, in Spring Arbor's Village Crossing Mall. Questions regarding the Quarterback Club, or this event in particular, can be directed to club president Tom Dirlam at tomdirlam@comcast.net.

Athletic Department making use of digital media

Western's Athletic Department has developed a new tool for sharing news and information with athletes, parents, and fans. The web site, westernpanthersports.com, has been up and running for several months.
"It's easier for college scouts, parents, and others in the community to specifically read about an athlete or event rather than trying to find it on the Western High School website," Athletic Director Mr. Jason Porter said. "I want us to be the standard for Jackson county. My hope for getting a new website out there is to allow more people to know about us."
Visitors to the site will find regularly updated posts from coaches, Mr. Porter, and Mrs. Bassett, as well as Athletic Trainer Chris Cowan.
"You'll find that each individual sport has their own page on this website," said Mrs. Bassett said. "You can also find schedules and coaches' contact information."
A significant feature of the website is it allows readers "follow" it on Twitter and "like" it on Facebook. "This way if you are not able to attend a sporting event, you can still get updates," Mrs. Bassett said.

Students encouraged to cheer for teachers at cardboard boat competition

Today at 3 p.m. seven Western teachers will participate in the United Way's “Float Your Cardboard Boat” competition at Cascades. 
Having chosen the Gilligan's Island as their theme, Mr. Messer and Mr. Glassel will be floating in the cardboard boat as the Skipper and Gilligan. 
Members of the Western community are encouraged to cheer them on as they attempt to float on their cardboard boat across the slimy pond. The more people cheering them on to win this charity event, the more likely they are to win a prize. Other teachers participating in the event are Mrs. Shore, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Marks, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Glassel, Mr. Messer and Mr. Hoffman.

Sept. 12 to be first early release day of 2012-13 school year

Wednesday bell schedules should be posted around the school. On Aug. 12 students will stay with their third hour teacher for what will normally be power play. This time will be used to help sophomores, juniors and seniors sign up for power plays. Freshmen have an assigned program for the first session of power play.

First day of school to begin with pep assembly

About ten minutes into first hour Tuesday, students will be excused to the gymnasium for the Welcome Back Assembly.

"The band is going to play, teachers will be introduced, it's going to be all sorts of exciting," WHS Principal Mrs. VanRiper told the faculty at last week's staff meeting. 

After the assembly, students will be excused to their second hour classes. During second hour, teachers will distribute wrist bands and pencils imprinted with this year's theme, "UP 2 U".