You can also access the monthly newsletters through the counseling website: https://hs.wpsd.net
On October 24, West Platte is hosting Arrive Alive. This is an annual event that is coordinated between West Platte and North Platte, with alternating years for hosting. Juniors and seniors participate in activities meant to educate them on the dangers of distracted and/or impaired driving. Some of the activities available include: driving a golf cart with goggles that simulate impaired driving, an electronic driving simulator with distracted and impaired driving features, field sobriety tests, an explanation of what to do in the event of a traffic stop, and an activity that demonstrates the mind's inability to fully focus on multiple tasks. Students in grades 7-12 will also hear from Think First, a group that educates students on brain and spinal cord injuries and includes speakers who have survived accidents but have injuries to their brain and/or spinal cord. Overall, it is a very powerful program with an important message for our young drivers.
A seatbelt check prior to the event shows that 100% of our student drivers and the majority of our student passengers are using their seatbelts. The largest population not wearing a seatbelt was the adult drivers.
On October 10, the juniors and seniors attended the College and Career Fair at Missouri Western State University. This Fair gives students the ability to speak to college admission representatives from a variety of colleges and collect materials to help them make decisions about what colleges might be in their future. More than 50 colleges and military branches were available for our students.
From exploring initial interest, to selecting and paying for college, these discussion starters provide guidance and insight to facilitate the conversation for families.
Students age 14-20 have the ability to be a part of a unique career exploration program. Exploring KC provides students with an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of career fields and network with professionals in those fields. They get hands on experience to help determine if a career field is the right fit. There is an annual fee of $24 and some career posts will charge a small additional fee to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, or gear.
Currently, Exploring KC has job shadowing opportunities in the following career fields:
On October 16, students in the Health class participated in the SOS: Signs of Suicide Prevention Program. This program gives students the tools they need to recognize the warning signs of suicide in themselves and their friends and get help. It uses the acronym ACT: Acknowledge there is a problem, show them you Care, and Tell a trusted adult.
The 7th grade students will participate in the Middle School version of the SOS: Signs of Suicide Prevention Program during their FACS Wheel rotation each quarter. The first group participated on October 3.
There will be a parent night on Tuesday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the PAC. All parents are encouraged to attend to learn valuable information about teen suicide prevention.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has developed websites about Trauma-Informed Schools and Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention. The West Platte Counseling Department has added resources to these sites. You can learn more about it at:
There will be a Financial Aid Night on Thursday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the PAC. All families are welcome, but the focus will be on juniors and seniors and their parents and the college financial aid process. There will be a representative from MCC-Maple Woods' Financial Aid Office here, plus a representative for Missouri MOST 529 Savings Plan, and an opportunity to ask A+ questions.
Please feel free to contact me!
Corrine Allee
Direct Line: (816) 354-7708