Car Rider Safety:
As another reminder, car riders should not be dropped off or picked up in the student or teacher parking lots. This creates an unsafe situation for the car riders as well student and teacher drivers. We have increased the amount of signs in these areas to make it more obvious that it is off limits for student pick up/drop off. We have had traffic accidents due to this area being too congested in the morning and the afternoons with so many people pulling into or backing out of spaces. The car rider line only takes between 10 - 15 minutes to clear out from WHHS starting at 3:30 pm. Our SRO will be outside periodically to enforce this policy. Please help us follow these expectations to get everyone where they need to be as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you for your cooperation!
NTI Days:
This is just a precaution and to get ahead before the winter weather begins! In the event that NTI is called, it is the student's responsibility to check Google Classroom for their assignments. Teachers have been asked to work with students with technology and internet issues at home on an individual basis. Please reach out to your student's teachers with any questions.
Backpack Snack Program:
The YSC will be collecting items to donate to the backpack snack program in November. As you may know, the federal government shutdown may impact the disbursement of November SNAP benefits. It is not yet known if November benefits will be disbursed on time or at all. If you would like to stay updated on this situation, you can find more information here.
Currently, we know of 174 students at Hills that receive SNAP benefits. Without these benefits, these families may struggle to provide food for their students. The weekend backpack snack program is incredibly helpful to our students who face food insecurity. In November, we will be collecting several items that are provided each week in the backpacks to donate to the program. Please see below for the requested items from each grade level.
Additionally, I am happy to accept any other items to keep in the center for our students. If you know a student that needs support, please send them my way!
Freshmen: Pudding Cups (Any Variety)
Sophomores: Pop Top Soups (Chicken Noodle or Beef Vegetable)
Juniors: Maruchan Ramen (Chicken or Beef; 6 or 12 Packs)
Seniors: Instant Oatmeal Packets (Any Variety)
Blankets at School:
Just a reminder since it is getting colder outside, blankets are not allowed on the bus or at school. If your student needs warmer clothing, please email our Youth Service Coordinator, Ms. Jolly at keelie.jolly@franklin.kyschools.us.
Driver License Requirement:
Students needing to fulfill their Graduated Driver Licensing requirement can register for a free class by going to www.kentuckysafedriver.com and clicking on the Alive at 25 link located under Courses or by calling 502/699-2295. The next course is offered on Thursday, December 4th at The Frankfort Christian Academy from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Holiday Assistance:
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but we understand it can also bring added stress for some families. If your family is in need of support this holiday season, the Western Hills YSC is here to help!
With support from the Western Hills FFA, we are offering Thanksgiving food assistance. To sign up for Thanksgiving food assistance, please fill out this form by November 1st.
To request holiday gift assistance for your Western Hills student, please fill out this form by October 31st. One form must be filled out for each individual student.
Additionally, if you are interested in sponsoring a Western Hills student who requests holiday assistance, please complete this form.
If you have any questions, please contact Keelie Jolly at keelie.jolly@franklin.kyschools.us or 502-875-8400.
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policy Reminder:
This is a friendly reminder that our cell phone policy takes an "Away for the Day" approach during instructional hours. This initiative is designed to increase academic engagement, minimize distractions, foster face-to-face social interaction, and support student safety. Here is a link to our new cell phone policy. To learn more, please visit https://www.awayfortheday.org/. This has been going really well as we are seeing dramatic improvements in our student performance data as it relates to attendance, behavior, and grades. We appreciate your support!
Upcoming Important Dates:
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-29th
Picture Retakes: December 2nd
Winter HOCO: January 17th
