HS Counseling update! 

We have exciting news to share about our high school counseling department! As you know, our district is deeply committed to supporting students' overall well-being. We've demonstrated this through initiatives such as last year's onboarding of a full-time in-house therapist through Arbor Circle, the creation of various nutrition resources across the district, and the many supports we offer through Panther Pathways, WINWO, and our partnership with the Panther Fund.

Recently, we received approval to hire an additional high school counselor. This means we will now have seven full-time counselors dedicated to our students, which will help reduce caseloads and enhance the support our counseling team can provide for our kids. This is truly a gift.

In order to limit disruptions to students, as well as support a counselor who is currently on parental leave, we will not be making caseload changes until the beginning of second semester. In the meantime, Mrs. James and Sarah Altieris (Inter/Long term counseling sub) will work together to support that counselors caseload.

Our counseling department is one of the best in the state! They are hard working, dynamic people and this addition has given them the 'green light' to do a lot of cool things. I can not wait to see what they are capable of for our kids. 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we make this important and exciting addition. We will have more information as second semester approaches. 

Learning Opportunities!

Need to talk to your counselor? 

See our Counseling Page for more information!

Food pantry: 

Help us fill our food pantry by bringing non-perishable items to the High School anytime!  

Need food assistance?  Please see Mrs. Spreitzer, spreitzere@westottawa.net,  or the office for more information.

Panther Fund: 

The Panther Fund provides financial assistance for all middle and high school students in West Ottawa Public Schools who desire to participate in athletics, arts, music, theater and academics and their ability to participate has been limited due to financial constraints.  The Panther Fund is an outside non-profit and we are thankful for their partnership.  Visit their website at: https://www.thepantherfund.org/ for more information. 

WINWO:

WinWO (When in Need West Ottawa) is an internal resource designed to help students in need of anything from school supplies and backpacks, to clothing, hygiene necessities, and glasses. This support is designed for all West Ottawa students Pk-12 and is funded by our Senior Survivor event (a week-long challenge in which 12 WOHS seniors live at the school and compete to raise money for this amazing fund).  Community and family partnerships are always welcomed during this time of giving within our schools.