March Newsletter

Welcome to the Westlake High School Counseling Department's monthly newsletter. Here you will find important updates about academics, social emotional learning events, service learning opportunities, and much more.

"Start with Hello"

"Start With Hello” is a nationwide program that teaches empathy and promotes social inclusion to empower students to end social isolation. Young people who are lonely or isolated can become victims of bullying, violence, or may experience mental health struggles. “Start with Hello” has the goal of creating a closer, more connected, and inclusive classroom, school, and community. There are three steps to promoting social inclusion:

1. See Someone Alone

2. Reach Out and Help

3. Start with Hello

Throughout the second semester, additional information will be provided regarding the three steps, including Signs and Signals, Ways to Reach Out and Help, and Ways to Initiate Conversations and Connections.

Please join us on March 12th for our College Info Night at 7pm in the PAC. This night is intended for juniors and their parents/guardians. WHS Counselors will present information on the upcoming college application process as well as things to consider as you begin searching for colleges. After the presentation, there will be a panel to assist with answering your questions. The panel will consist of a representative from Seeley Test Pros, College Now, Baldwin Wallace University, and Cleveland State University.

Ohio Seal of Biliteracy—Spring Testing Window 2024

Achtung! Atención! Attenzione! Calling all upperclassmen! Did you know that speaking another language fluently can get you special honors at graduation? WHS will recognize graduating seniors who can demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one other language with the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy. (Click here to learn more.) Since its inception in 2018, the Seal of Biliteracy has been earned by WHS who speak languages ranging from Spanish to Hindi to Korean!

Spring testing for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy will take place from March 25-April 15 for juniors and seniors. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, candidates may test at-home or in school. If you are interested in earning the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy, please complete the 2023-24 Interest in the Seal of Biliteracy form using your @mywlake.org address. You can also find the form on your school counseling class webpage. Questions? Please contact Jenny Petticord, ESL teacher: petticord@wlake.org.

Join Us!

Westlake has partnered with the Cuyahoga County ESC and Kent State University to present QPR Training. This is a 90 minute virtual session that will help equip attendees with the ability to identify warning signs of suicide. Attendees will also be provided with next steps to take if they encounter someone in crisis. Spots are limited, so please register if you are interested in attending.