
Seniors! The California State deadline for the FAFSA or Dream Act applications is March 2nd! If you have not done so already, please submit your FAFSA or Dream Act applications by March 2nd! Otherwise you may miss out on free state aid like CalGrant! Go to fafsa.gov for the FAFSA application or https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ for the Dream Act Application

The Willits teachers will open up today on their online classes if they’re able to and we would like students to connect if they can. We understand that there are still some power issues around town but if you have access please login.

Because of bad driving conditions and multiple power outages throughout the district, Willitst unified schools will be closed today.

Weather Update! Based on the expected conditions, WUSD will not have any on-site instruction on Wednesday the 27th. However, unless there is a power outage at home online instruction will continue on Wednesday as normal.

Parents and Students: We are still operating under our Seemless Summer program. Anyone who is 18 years old or younger, enrolled or not, can receive at no cost a breakfast and/or lunch. Households can pick up to five days at a time including weekends. Meals can be picked up at the Willits High School cafeteria Monday through Friday from 8am to 2 PM. Deliveries are available upon request on a daily or weekly basis. During winter break, meals can be picked up Monday and Tuesday, December 21st and 22nd and Monday and Tuesday the 28th and 29th from 8 to 2 PM. You can call the cafeteria to set up delivery or with any questions you may have at 707-459-7700 ex 1555.

Here is the link to the Spanish Version of the Parent Survey on reopening.
https://forms.gle/qpe4rKuCHWmHo5Hu6

Do you have everything you need heading into the holiday season? The Counseling Department has created a Parent Support page where you can find resources related to accessing food, financial assistance, housing assistance, health insurance, mental health help, and how to support your student with online learning. Go here to access the page: http://willitsunifiedca.apptegy.us/o/whs/page/parent-support--6

So far WUSD has only received responses representing 370 of approximately 1500 students in the district. In order for us to get a clearer picture of your wishes, we must hear from more of our families. Below are the current results. If you have not filled out the survey please click on this link. https://www.willitsunified.com/o/wusd/page/school-reopening

The WHS Academic Decathlon team met today for their first scrimmage of the year. They join 600 other students across California as they take 7 subjects tests about the Cold War online.
The team’s theme this year is about perseverance and overcoming obstacles we face during the pandemic.
The team took extra social distancing precautions in order to take their tests at school today with 2-3 students per classroom. Thank you Coach Colvig for making it happen.

Seniors & Parents! Want to learn more about Financial Aid & FAFSA/Dream Act applications? Mark your calendars for Financial Aid Information Night on Tues November 17th! 6:00-7:10 p.m. for the English presentation and again from 7:20-8:00 p.m. in Spanish! Come connect with an expert! A zoom link will be emailed to students and parents soon.

WUSD has developed a draft plan with input from administration and teachers on how to reopen schools safely. I expect that this plan will have changes to it as time, data and procedures change. A major goal before coming back on site is to develop a viable academic plan, share it with our parents and then poll our parents to determine who wants to send their students back to on-site learning. Without question, WUSD will be following all the County Health Department guidelines for example; masks will be required, social distancing as much as possible, and small cohort sizes. I envision there is a group of parents who are not going to send their child back regardless of the hybrid model we have in place and others who are passionate about getting them back in even if it’s for a short period of time. WUSD wants to provide what the community needs and will have options for either on-site or to continue with distance learning. In order to provide our parents with choices it may require some staff movement and could take some time to put in place. WUSD will be doing a survey with the parents of all students to get information back to help plan for a reopen, whenever that can take place.
The district has all the PPE necessary for staff and students. Every classroom will have a hospital grade air purifier and daily disinfection. Each site will have a set of health standards protocols. (Attached)
At this time, COVID numbers are growing daily and reopening in a fully hybrid model is in not a good idea. The District also has several import safety items on back order, such as air purifiers.
Currently WUSD is allowing students on campus to meet one on one with their teachers as needed, and providing direct services for our students with special needs. In the next few weeks, I would like the coaches to begin athletic conditioning with our students, following all the rules established by the athletic department. With the holidays approaching this is an opportune time to refine the practices and protocols. After the holidays, in mid-January we will have data to determine if it is allowable to reopen. Mark Westerburg
Parent survey https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTNwoD3lYplGUpOBaDjXqVJnggfkQrExjieJOdR5_ts_jzAQ/viewform
More information and Health and Safety Protocols
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1005611/WUSD_Health_and_Safety_Procedures_and_Protocols.pdf

The Mendocino College Spring Schedule is available now! Are you planning to take a college class in the Spring? Maybe ASL-200 or SPAN-200? Check out the class schedule and get ready to register later this month. Open registration is November 21st (online only)! Many of the forms required like the Special Admit form have been digitized so you can submit them online! To learn more about taking college classes as a high school student and the steps you need to complete to apply and register, go to the Willits High School Mendocino College web page: https://whs.willitsunified.com/o/whs/page/mendocino-college--3

College application season is upon us! The WHS Counselors are hosting College Application Workshops this week Monday through Friday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. to answer questions and provide help. We are available for individual appointments as well but wanted to offer a time where people could drop in and get help. A zoom link was emailed to Seniors and parents of Seniors. If you didn't make it today, we hope to see you tomorrow! You can also visit the WHS College Information website to learn more about the different systems (UC, CSU, Community College, private, and out of state) and access the applications and more! https://whs.willitsunified.com/o/whs/page/college-types-requirements-applications-deadlines--2

Student Photo Opportunity. Maureen Moore will be at Baechtel Grove Middle School this weekend - Saturday, October 24 from 9 am to 3 pm and Sunday, October 25 from 9 am to 1 pm for school photos! Please see flyer below for details and please let others know. Please contact your school with any questions.

If You Want Your Taxes to Stay Local, Choose Measure I
Willits public schools are in desperate need of maintenance and repairs. Every single school in the Willits Unified School District leaks when it rains, and that’s just the beginning. The longer we defer maintenance, the more expensive repairs will become.
The question is how do we, as a community, raise funds to pay for those repairs? In the upcoming election, there is a statewide proposition and a local ballot measure that address school funding. California Proposition 15 would only guarantee an additional $15,000 per year for Willits schools (or $180,000 over 12 years). Measure I would allow Willits schools to raise $17 million over 12 years.
If Prop. 15 passes, California schools will get 40 percent of the revenue. Of that, community colleges will receive 11 percent. The remaining funds would be divvied up among K-12 schools statewide. Prop. 15 isn’t polling very well, so depending on it to fund local school repairs is a big risk, but even if it does pass, it only guarantees $100 per student per year, not nearly enough to pay for the upkeep required for Willits schools. It’s possible that more revenue could come our way, but there’s no guarantee.
On the other hand, if Measure I passes, 100 percent of revenue would remain local and go toward repairing and maintaining Willits public schools, including charter schools. Because the general obligation bond will be issued in four or more stages, the school board can reduce the burden on taxpayers should economic conditions change or other funding, such as Proposition 15, become available.
As a reminder, Measure I would cost property owners a maximum of $40 per $100,000 of assessed value (not market value) per year. Assessed value is determined by the Mendocino County Assessor and is listed on your property tax bill. If, for example, your house is assessed at $250,000, your overall annual bill would be $100 (that’s about $8 per month).
With these funds, public schools in Willits would have the funds to responsibly fix what is broken and keep school facilities in good repair. Willits Unified projects include replacing broken furniture at schools districtwide, repairing the roof at Blosser Lane Elementary, purchasing portable classrooms at Brookside Elementary and cafeteria tables at Baechtel Grove Middle School, paving parking lots at Willits High and the District Office, updating science classrooms at Baechtel Grove and Willits High, and similar projects.
Proposition 15 is a whole different deal. I’m not recommending a vote for or against Prop. 15; that’s a personal decision. I’m just letting you know that Prop. 15 is unlikely to provide the funds needed to maintain local schools. Please realize that a vote in favor of Proposition 15 does not replace the need for Measure I. With Measure I, you will be able to see your tax dollars at work here in Willits.
In the last election, 162 people skipped over the school bond—leaving it blank rather than voting yes or no—presumably because they didn’t feel they knew enough to make a good decision. My goal here is to provide information so voters feel comfortable taking a position one way or another. Please don’t leave it blank. If you need more information, I am happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach me at the district office at 707-459-5314.

If You Want Your Taxes to Stay Local, Vote on Measure I
Willits public schools are in desperate need of maintenance and repairs. Every single school in the Willits Unified School District leaks when it rains, and that’s just the beginning. The longer we defer maintenance, the more expensive repairs will become.
The question is how do we, as a community, raise funds to pay for those repairs? In the upcoming election, there is a statewide proposition and a local ballot measure that address school funding. California Proposition 15 would only guarantee an additional $15,000 per year for Willits schools (or $180,000 over 12 years). Measure I would allow Willits schools to raise $17 million over 12 years.
If Prop. 15 passes, California schools will get 40 percent of the revenue. Of that, community colleges will receive 11 percent. The remaining funds would be divvied up among K-12 schools statewide. Prop. 15 isn’t polling very well, so depending on it to fund local school repairs is a big risk, but even if it does pass, it only guarantees $100 per student per year, not nearly enough to pay for the upkeep required for Willits schools. It’s possible that more revenue could come our way, but there’s no guarantee.
On the other hand, if Measure I passes, 100 percent of revenue would remain local and go toward repairing and maintaining Willits public schools, including charter schools. Because the general obligation bond will be issued in four or more stages, the school board can reduce the burden on taxpayers should economic conditions change or other funding, such as Proposition 15, become available.
As a reminder, Measure I would cost property owners a maximum of $40 per $100,000 of assessed value (not market value) per year. Assessed value is determined by the Mendocino County Assessor and is listed on your property tax bill. If, for example, your house is assessed at $250,000, your overall annual bill would be $100 (that’s about $8 per month).
With these funds, public schools in Willits would have the funds to responsibly fix what is broken and keep school facilities in good repair. Willits Unified projects include replacing broken furniture at schools districtwide, repairing the roof at Blosser Lane Elementary, purchasing portable classrooms at Brookside Elementary and cafeteria tables at Baechtel Grove Middle School, paving parking lots at Willits High and the District Office, updating science classrooms at Baechtel Grove and Willits High, and similar projects.
Proposition 15 is a whole different deal. I’m not recommending a vote for or against Prop. 15; that’s a personal decision. I’m just letting you know that Prop. 15 is unlikely to provide the funds needed to maintain local schools. Please realize that a vote in favor of Proposition 15 does replace the need for Measure I. With Measure I, you will be able to see your tax dollars at work here in Willits.
In the last election, 162 people skipped over the school bond—leaving it blank rather than voting yes or no—presumably because they didn’t feel they knew enough to make a good decision. My goal here is to provide information so voters feel comfortable taking a position one way or another. Please don’t leave it blank. If you need more information, I am happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach me at the district office at 707-459-5314.

The Class of 2021 and their parents are invited to Senior Overview Night on Tuesday October 13th from 6:00-7:00 p.m with the WHS Counselors! We will be discussing all pertinent events to look forward to this school year and will try our best to answer any questions you might have about what to expect. A google calendar invite was sent to all seniors through their Willits Unified emails with the zoom log-in details. See you on Tuesday 10/13!

Hello parents and seniors! The Counselors have published the list of Important Dates for Seniors to help you with planning for this school year. It was emailed to all senior students Willits Unified email accounts. Please review it and mark your calendars for all of the exciting events to look forward to this year!

Virtual College & Career Fair Tuesday October 6th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Open to all students in grades 9-12 in Mendocino County. Hosted by Ukiah High School. Go here to register: https://rb.gy/bepsp3
This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about options in higher education across all systems, as well as, have the direct opportunity to talk with many community members who represent diverse career paths including the medical field, law enforcement, Cal Fire, city government, business sector, sustainable living and technology, military and many more!

Seniors! The FAFSA/Dream Act Application window is now open! If you are planning to go to a 4-year college, community college, or technical/trade school after high school, fill out the FAFSA or Dream Act application! Go to FAFSA.gov to start working on your application. An email was sent to all seniors with more information including how to request an FSA I.D. We will be hosting a virtual Financial Aid Information Night on Tuesday 11/17 at 6:00 p.m. and another one at 7:20 p.m. for Spanish speaking families. Mark your calendars and join us as we learn more about financial aid from the experts!

Congratulations to the following certified staff, you have attained permanent status with WUSD! We greatly appreciate your dedication to the students and district.
Lucas Brown, District School Psychologist
Melissa Coughlin, Teacher at Brookside
Katrina Hall, Teacher at High School
Trisa Hall, Teacher at Brookside
Patrick Keough, Teacher at BGMS
Kirsten Myers, Teacher at Brookside Speech and Language

All of Brooktrails has been reopened with the exception of third gate.

Due to fire conditions WUSD schools will be closed on Tuesday Sept. 8th.

Today was the last day to request a schedule change. If your student is in a dual enrollment Mendocino College class (CSC-201, ENG-200, or SCT-164), please submit the required paperwork as soon as possible. Students may contact their teacher or counselor to request the forms.

HOTSPOT at home
For people who have cell service this is how you make your iphone a hotspot so your chromebook can connect to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NToTQfrdNHg
This is how you turn your Android phone into a hotspot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Y1HS4j8SU
This would work for people who have good phone service but don't pay for home internet service. This is how you can check to see if a hotspot will work in your location. The hotspot is simply just like the phone for access to the internet.

All WUSD schools will open on August 31, 2020 with a Distance Learning program. This plan is based upon the Governor’s order for school districts within counties placed on the state Watch List. Even though our county is not currently on the Watch List (as of August 4, 2020), Dr. Doohan has advised that our county data meets the criteria and is therefore recommending that all schools in Mendocino County open with a Distance Learning model.
The state has defined the requirements for schools in order to provide high quality learning for all students. Our instructional program will be very different than it was in the spring, when we were mandated to close with little to no planning time. Teachers and staff have been working throughout the summer to develop methods and curriculum that will be effective and engaging. All students will be scheduled to be online daily at specific times to receive instruction from their teachers and to participate in activities where they will interact with their peers. Independent activities will also be part of the instructional program and will take place during specified time periods. Teachers will create a daily schedule for their classes that will outline the specific times and activities that students must complete. You will receive information regarding the specific schedules within the next couple of weeks.
The district is committed to helping our families and will be reaching out with phone calls beginning August 17th. We appreciate your support as we continue to fine-tune all of the many details involved in our instructional delivery method. I have every confidence that with the help of our parents, our staff can provide an excellent program that addresses your students’ needs.
For households unable to receive Internet we are looking at the possibility of opening school campuses on a limited basis, we also purchased equipment to have Wi-Fi on our school buses that will be placed around the community for internet access, as well as working with our local businesses to open up Wi-Fi to the public. WUSD will also provide devices such as chrome books, iPads, and headphones for all students who need them. In most cases grades 3-12, your child should have their own device.
We truly miss you and look forward to the days when we can reopen schools, please stay tuned for more detailed information in the near future. Thank you all for being a part of Willits Unified School District.
Mark Westerburg

At the July 17th WUSD School Board Meeting, two important decisions were made. First, we will start school on Monday August 31st. Secondly, the WUSD schools will begin the year in a remote (distance) learning environment.
It is the goal of the staff to provide a much improved educational experience for students. In grades TK-2 we will focus on packets for students that go with our curriculum and will allow parents to follow the process. In grades 3-5 we will be using workbooks and technology provided by WUSD to enhance the work. Baechtel Grove Middle School will be using a schedule that provides four periods of core instruction, one of PE and an elective period. They will have live online instruction every single day from the district adopted curriculum. We are also providing parent support for technological and other questions and concerns, as well as informational training. You will be able to call the school directly and get a response from designated staff. We all believe that you need to be adequate and meaningful partners in this work. At the High School students will have a three period schedule where the courses last six weeks. Each school will be providing parents and students with many details and procedures in late August before we start.
We will transition to on site classroom instruction as soon as the health guidelines allow us to do so. If we want our children back at school, as a community we need to continue to follow health guidelines, to not get on the county watch list with the state. The district is working with other local governmental agencies to provide more free internet access, as well as exploring opening up our school libraries to download assignments.
The CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Sports have been shifted to two seasons with one beginning in mid December and the second season starting in mid March. The majority of sports will be offered, just compacted into two seasons.
Their online instruction will look very different this year, as teachers increase their knowledge of virtual instruction. We will be in communication with families as the situation changes. Please stay patient as we transition to this changing environment.

The WUSD School Board is meeting tomorrow night to do some needed business and discuss the reopening options for the fall. There will not be a decision made, it is to soon to know what it will look like on Aug. 31st. When we do consider opening in the fall it will be in a more Covid prepared schedule or remotely. Our goal is to allow parents choice of doing independent study or back in classroom instruction if the conditions allows it. I use the restaurant mentality, if we can’t be in the inside of the restaurant, we can’t be in the classrooms. If the rules are some percentage capacity in the restaurant with masks we will try and provide that option in classrooms.
In mid-August our goal will be to call each family and ask parents to choose an option of in class or independent study and we will make the staffing adjustments needed. Beyond staffing we will need to make building specific plans for situations that may occur. Our goal is to provide the safest environment we can and give parents options. If we had to start tomorrow our data is trending the wrong way and the guidelines are locking down more not less, so we would be on home instruction.
If you would like to give the board information please use my email address to do so. ( markwesterburg@willitsunified.com ) If you would like to participate in the zoom board meeting this is the address https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9782489039?pwd=V0U2cUtHZUMzQk5xR3d5Vy9wT1JkZz09 There is also a chat box to ask questions or use your time during the public comments section.
The WUSD staff is working hard this summer to get ready for this new situation that provides the safest and best academic environment we can financially afford to do.

Attention all recent PE students and athletes. WHS is preparing for a deep clean of the locker rooms. We have removed all leftover items from the locker rooms to the stage in the main auditorium. Please come by and pick up your items on Wednesday, July 1st between 11:00 and 1:00 p.m.
Please enter through the side door of the auditorium, and please wear a mask. If you can't make it, email the following address, by Friday, July 3rd and arrangments will made, email address is karenthiel@willitsunified.com.
If you do not come by or make other arrangements, all goods will be donated to charity.
Thank you!

Willits high school graduation live stream. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm14iSqMtl-7TKLnLP5NkFQ/live

Graduation is Friday Night at 6:30. It is very important this year to know the guidelines we are required to follow. There can be no guests in the stands or on school grounds. The seniors are in the box of the truck and the family is in the cab. In short, we are a parking lot, not a gathering. I posted a picture of the processional route that should begin about 7:15. The firetruck will lead us around town in a slow processional that ends back at the stoplight at Commercial Street. Parents and friends who line the processional route please remember the health department guidelines. I want to thank all the first responders and city employees for helping to make this happen. G0 Wolverines.

2020 NorCal Cyber Virtual Summer Camp The Northern California Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Hub at the Sacramento County Office of Education, in partnership with California Community Colleges, is supporting FREE, week-long Virtual Summer Introductory and Advanced Cyber Camps for Middle School and High school (7th-12 trade) students! This opportunity to learn about cybersecurity at no-cost is made possible through generous donations and contributions of NorCal Cyber partners and sponsors. Please provide registration to your school office so you can keep your Chromebook over the summer! Go here to register =>https://www.norcalcyber.org/

Tomorrow is the deadline to request Pass/Fail grading for Spring Semester Mendocino College classes instead of letter grades. Please click the following link then "Drop/Refund" to learn how to request pass/fail grading. https://www.mendocino.edu/announcements

Online registration for next school year 20/21 is now open through the Aeries Portal. You can find the link for online registration on willitsunified.com under Parent Resources. Once you enroll your student through the portal the registrar at WHS will make contact with you.

Did your student miss the deadline to drop a college class? The deadline to request Pass/Fail grading is Fri 5/22. Please click the following link then "Drop/Refund" to learn how to request pass/fail grading instead of a letter grade. https://www.mendocino.edu/announcements

The deadline to drop Spring Semester Mendocino College classes with an Excused Withdrawal (EW) is tomorrow, 5/15! If your student is currently enrolled in a college class & is not completing the work or will most likely fail, have them email their teacher and request to drop.

The deadline to apply for next year's Link Crew team is tomorrow! Must be a Junior or a Senior for 2020-2021. Go to the WHS Link Crew website to learn more about the program. The application is at the bottom of the page. http://willitsunifiedca.apptegy.us/o/whs/page/link-crew--7

To: Students, Parents and the Willits Community
Willits Unified School District is pleased to announce that we have been given approval to host a unique graduation ceremony on June 5th, at 6:30pm.
Details that must be followed:
Maize Field at Willits High School
Each family will be allotted one vehicle, preferably a truck, with the student in the bed of the truck, and family inside the cab of the truck.
Only immediate family members (parents & siblings)
No one is to leave their vehicle - no exceptions
Staging will be in the front parking lots prior to the start, please be on site by 6:10 as we will start the procession at 6:30pm.
Trucks will proceed along the road adjacent to the baseball field (north side)
Trucks will enter the track at the North entrance and proceed around the track, parking as close to the car in front of them as possible.
Students will be announced when they enter the track area
As the trucks proceed around the track, they will pause in front of the WHS sign and be and a photo in Cap & Gown will be taken.
Parents & Students are encouraged to decorate their vehicle in order to celebrate the occasion.
The graduation ceremony will take place once all vehicles are parked along the track.
Once the graduation ceremony concludes, the families will leave by the north entrance and be escorted through town by local first responders along a route that allows the extended families & community to celebrate the achievements of their graduates.
Keepsake banners will be hung along main street, to honor our Willits graduates and will be available for pick up by the families at a later date.
The event will be live streamed on youtube & Facebook live
-If you have a truck to loan for the ceremony or need to request a truck please contact:
Marian Lohne - Assistant Principal at WHS
707-459-7700 ext. 1509
marianlohne@willitsunified.com

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school will get extra food benefits. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits. P-EBT benefits help families in California buy food when schools are closed because of the coronavirus emergency.
Families will get up to $365 per eligible child on their P-EBT card to use on food and groceries.
Families with children who get CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Most will get their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May. P-EBT cards will begin arriving around May 12, 2020.

The deadline to drop Spring Semester Mendocino College classes with an Excused Withdrawal (EW) is extended to 5/15! If your student is currently enrolled in a college class & is not completing the work or will most likely fail, have them email their teacher and request to drop.

All middle and high school students need to understand that my message about moving up to the next grade level, means that you will go to the next grade. However, if you are not doing your work, you will be repeating those required classes and be credits short that you need to make up. Regardless of your grade credits are required to graduate.
Reminder regarding graduation status! Those seniors who meet the state graduation requirements will receive diplomas. Those seniors who don't complete the coursework, we will continue to work with you even into July and August. We are only a few weeks away from the end of the school year, so now is the time to finish strong.
June 5th is still currently the date of graduation
The school district is going to wait until we have specific guidelines from the state or county health department that covers the time period of June 5th or beyond, prior to announcing any graduation plans.
Mark Westerburg

Is your student enrolled in a Mendocino College class? They may qualify for a $250 cash grant! Click the link to learn more about the grant and how to apply: https://mendovoice.com/2020/04/mendocino-college-foundation-offers-emergency-grants-to-students-contributions-sought/

It certainly appears that we will not be returning to normal classroom settings for the remainder of this school year. All school sites have made plans to continue with modified school instruction through the end of May. The first week of June will be used for students to turn in all assignments and for teachers to assign grades. All students will be moved to the next grade unless discussions about retention have already taken place.
Although very unlikely- if it is possible before this school year ends to bring back a limited number of students, the District would consider the following: Brookside grade 2 only, Blosser Lane grade 5 only, BGMS grade 8 only and all seniors at WHS. In regards to graduation our preference is to wait it out, meet as a group and make it happen. As I have stated before, we can do it in August if necessary. I prefer this idea over a virtual ceremony.
Middle school and high school campuses are planning to hold a summer school session from July 27th through August 14th. WUSD is willing to provide support to all other summer session programs which use our facilities so they may become operational.
In regards to the governor's comments about starting school July 1st. There are more problems with that Idea than good. A major issue for a third of our students is transportation, can they get on the bus, with such a confined space we would have to limit buses to 12 students and this is a problem. Another large issue is the heat in July, only about 40% of our facilities have air conditioning and classrooms would be very warm. Along with this are summer jobs, summer school, cleaning facilities, adding 20+ days to teachers' work year, new teachers who won't be here yet, plus all the added cost for operations for a month and half. Although we are anxious to all be together again an early start is not the best plan. When all the students come back in August we will all work aggressively to get back on track.
I commend all of our parents and staff for working through this situation, hang in there. My biggest concern in coming back together is the health of our adult staff, the impact from the virus can be harsh and we have a small number of substitutes available. The need to social distance even with a small group is very tough with young kids. If we do have to create A and B days for students to limit the exposure we will do so. Bus routes, siblings, teachers, children and creating off day work for students will be a challenge but we will do it if necessary.
In conclusion, we are waiting it out and hopeful that summer will get us a little closer too normal. Our goals for Willits Unified are to finish the year in distance mode, have a graduation ceremony, provide whatever educational services we can in the summer and get ready for next school year.
Mark Westerburg

Does your student want to take college classes this summer? In-person registration 11-1 pm today. Click the link to search for classes. Classes will be online only. Contact your student's counselor for help with K-12 Agreement form. https://service.mendocino.edu/student/courses

Link Crew is recruiting for next year! Must be a Junior or a Senior for 2020-2021. Go to the WHS Link Crew website to learn more about the program. The application is at the bottom of the page. Deadline to apply is 5/15. http://willitsunifiedca.apptegy.us/o/whs/page/link-crew--7

Tomorrow is the deadline to drop Spring Semester Mendocino College classes with a 'W' or 'EW'. Click the following link then "Drop/Refund Policy" to learn how to request an 'EW' (recommended if planning to drop) & the steps to drop. https://www.mendocino.edu/announcements

Is your student enrolled in a college class? Is it working out? The deadline to drop college classes with a 'W' or 'EW' is Sun 4/24. Please click the following link then "Drop/Refund Policy" to learn how to request an EW & steps to drop. https://www.mendocino.edu/announcements

I have attached a link to the CENSUS 2020. It is very important for school funding to have an accurate census for the district. Federal funding inTitle Programs, food service and grant opportunities come from census data. It is very quick and easy to do. https://my2020census.gov/

WUSD April 15, 2020 School Board Meeting Video
https://youtu.be/dOmTXIUzBlU

Uniform Turn in. With the unfortunate circumstances facing our nation, our baseball season has been cancelled! My heart goes out to all of our players, coaches and parents , but especially our seniors, this is not fair at all!
So now comes the hard part. We need to collect all baseball uniforms, varsity pullovers, jerseys and pants.
The coaches will be at the front of the high school this Thursday at 6pm to collect everything. Now keeping the current 6ft distance please just pull into the bus line and we will have container out just simply show what you have and drop them off out the window . If for some reason you can’t not make it to the high school, please get a hold of Coach Travis or Coach Jim and we will make arrangements.
Thank you
Whs baseball coaching staff

Willits Unified Schools has extended the Modified School period through Friday May 1st. All the Mendocino County Schools will be under this extension. We will be monitoring the situation. I look forward to returning to school as soon as it is safe for staff and students to be together.

Are you concerned about your student's mental health? A mental health resources page has been created to help provide information. Please check it out: http://willitsunifiedca.apptegy.us/o/whs/page/mental-health-resources--18

Could your family use $200 in cash assistance during this time? Check out this opportunity from Scholly for parents or students to apply for: https://myscholly.com/relief/?fbclid=IwAR1C6Ai1SHKg8BhWZrW6GdJaCCGLhlNIWVkfJkGDhjla0FP5Guo7HZ661GA

The best way to contact staff is through email. All district emails are first and last name @willitsunified.com. For example markwesterburg@willitsunified.com Important information for WUSD is located on the district website under the Modified School Information link. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19avYBzh8L5XfvixXwXPz6-Yg23G08uyF

Mendocino County will be going into a shelter in place at 10 PM tonight. Based on that all buildings will be closed on Thursday until further notice. The phones will be monitored and checked remotely. Student food pick up at WHS will continue as scheduled.

I have put together a folder of information to share with parents and students during this non-classroom instruction time. It is my intent to continue to add to this as we go through the weeks. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19avYBzh8L5XfvixXwXPz6-Yg23G08uyF?usp=sharing

Hello Class of 2020 and Local Scholarship Providers!
Willits High School will be closed from 3/17 through 4/12. Some of our plans for the Local Scholarship Program have changed. Please see the attached document that outlines how we will move forward. I have included it as a google doc and a pdf in case some of you are unable to view the google doc. Nicole Burke is available via email if anyone has any questions.

All school sites will be open on Monday for students to get any materials they need, but normal in-class instruction will be suspended until April 13. Students will be expected to begin their packets or online instruction. Please say turned into information because this is a changing situation. It will be our hope to have our libraries open for students who need access. Breakfast and lunch will be provided through the high school in a pick up and go fashion.

I am meeting with the county health department, doctors and the other superintendents from the county today at 12:00. We will be determining when and for how long schools will need to be closed. This is a unique situation and it is important to get the best information available. Please look for a posting at 2 pm for an update. I am fully aware of the reasons to close and stay open.

Possible School Closure Information. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X2u4VIP0WIb3GZNR1xeqlw15ud0ehOYu/view?usp=sharing

Here is the most current county information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus

WUSD will be putting a plan together this week for a home study program for students if the health conditions require it. All buildings were disinfected this weekend. Please watch this video. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-facts-about-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

The girls varsity basketball team won big last night against Saint Helena. Mark your calendar’s for Thursday the girls play their last home game of the year against Fort Bragg.

Measure G Information Nights- Open Community Forum
Please join School Board President, Alex Bowlds and WUSD Superintendent, Mark Westerburg to discuss and ask questions about Measure G; the school bond initiative for Willits Unified School District coming up on the March 3, 2020 election. There will be two meetings held at Willits High School, Media Center, 299 N. Main Street. For more information please contact the District Office 459-5314 ext. 1101
February 4, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
February 10, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

Measure G Information Nights- Open Community Forum
Please join School Board President, Alex Bowlds and WUSD Superintendent, Mark Westerburg to discuss and ask questions about Measure G; the school bond initiative for Willits Unified School District coming up on the March 3, 2020 election. There will be two meetings held at Willits High School, Media Center, 299 N. Main Street. For more information please contact the District Office 459-5314 ext. 1101
February 4, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
February 10, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

Senior photos will be taking place at Willits High School on Wednesday, January 22nd and Thursday, January 23rd. Please pick up your order forms in the front office if you still haven't received one. Mrs. Silva-Brown will be coordinating the day of schedules for photos.

Due to snow and weather conditions Willits unified school district will be closed today at all sites.

Seniors and Parents,
Join the Sober Grad Committee Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30 PM in the Willits High School Media Center.
Bring your ideas and enthusiasm!

Attention Willits High School Seniors and Parents,
Join the Sober Grad committee meeting on Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30 pm. They will be meeting in the Media Center at Willits High School!

Hot Winter's Night is happening tonight at Willits High School at 6:30 PM. A delicious soup dinner will be served in the cafeteria at 5:00 PM as well as a silent auction put on by the Sophomore Class. Come and enjoy a wonderful night full of music, art and drama!

Willits High School is collecting canned food thru Wednesday, December 11th. Come by and drop off some canned or non-perishable food items in the office and help support a wonderful community organization this holiday season.

Cross Country League Championship in Santa Rosa on November 13. Brieana Evans placed 8th in girls varsity, Logan Simms placed 10th in boys varsity, and all participants ran personal best times.
North Coast Championship in Hayward yesterday. Incredible improvement throughout the year. Self motivated and hard-working athletes, who also know how to have some fun. You represented Willits High School very well. Last fall athletic event.

Willits High School is currently under a temporary lock-down for safety reasons. There is no active issue at the High School it is being done as a precautionary measure.

It is the end of the first trimester for this school year. Minimum days have been adjusted to allow for final exams and teacher grade reporting time. All schools will have minimum days on Thursday and Friday this week. Only WHS/SHS will release on Friday at 11:15 a.m.

Football and Cheerleaders Parents Night photos. Click on this website to see some great pictures. https://jordaneadsphotography.pixieset.com/footballandcheersrnight/?fbclid=IwAR2dX-9EP080pJvAy9WZjlKJ1Wymva0iAxPTS7xt2uYLZIKDnHk5BbcuECg

Willits Unified Schools will not be in session tomorrow October 30. The school has planned in-services days for Thursday and Friday. So there will be no school for students on Thursday or Friday as well. The football game scheduled for Friday night will be played at its regular time if we have power, if not it will be played at 1 o’clock and 3:30 on Friday afternoon.

Due to power outages Willits unified school district will be closed on Tuesday the 29th. There is a pending Wind advisory for Tuesday night that may prolong the power shut down. I will keep you posted on our status as soon as I know definite information. Stay safe and alert to changing conditions.

Due to power outages there will be no school for Willits Unified on Monday the 28th. I will post again Monday afternoon to let everybody know our status for Tuesday.

This is a reminder for Monday morning. If you do not have power at home you can assume that the school does not have power either and we will be closed. I will keep you posted on the power situation at our school as time goes on.

WHS Seniors and Parents: It's time to order announcements, class rings, cap & gown units, and other apparel. Order online at www.academicnorcal.com or by mailing in your order form and payment to Academic Affairs. Contact the WHS office if you need more information.

WHS seniors and parents, the representative from Academic Affairs will be on campus during lunch on Wednesday, October 16th. Students will be able to place orders and ask questions in regards to purchasing and ordering class rings, graduation announcements and other memorabilia.

All of the Willits schools have power and will be open today.

Good Evening. Please be advised that there is a chance of a power outage in the Willits area scheduled for tomorrow October 9th. If you have power at your residence tomorrow morning, assume that school will be in session during regular scheduled hours. If you do not have power at your residence tomorrow morning, assume school will be canceled. In the event of a power outage during the day, school will continue to be operational until the end of the school day. We will continue to update you as we receive further information. Mr. Westerburg

To clear your student's absences, please utilize the attendance email at whsattendance@willitsunified.com. All uncleared absences will translate to a cut on the attendance record.

Hello class of 2020 and parents! The Counselors will be having a Senior Overview Night on Thursday September 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m in the WHS Media Center. Overview Night is a walk through of important dates and events that will take place this year. See you there!

Hello Parents of Willits High School we are looking for parents who would like to join the Willits High School Site Council. If you are interested in serving as a Site Council Representative please contact the Willits High School office at 707-459-7700 and ask for Amanda.

Film Club has made their first film.
Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHBjUFw2GFaDI65hJvNsPKQ/featured?disable_polymer=1

Hello class of 2020 and parents! The Counselors will be having a Senior Overview Night on Thursday September 26th. It will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m in the WHS Library/Media Center. The purpose of Overview Night is to walk parents and students through all of the important dates and events that will take place this year, what to expect, and how to get help/support/resources. We hope to see you there!

Hello Willits High School families. This is a reminder that Picture retake day will be on Wednesday, September 18th. If your student did not have their picture taken before school started they will need to have it taken this Wednesday, September 18th. If your student would like to have a retake of their picture that was taken before school they will have this done on Wednesday as well. Thank you and have a great day.

The Wolverines (boys Soccer) will start their season on Tuesday Sept. 10th. They have started with a strong pre-season and high ranking from state and sections. Please come and cheer them on.

The boys varsity soccer team had their first loss. It was was against Top seated Fortuna. The boys were resiliant despite a early crucial mistake in the defense they stayed strong and kept Fortuna scoreless in the second half. That is the best that the Wolverines have done against them.

Hello Parents and Guardians of Willits High School students.
We would like to invite you to Willits High School's Back to School Night, tonight August 29th at 6:00 pm . We hope to see you all there.

If you are going to volunteer with WUSD this year you need to have your fingerprints done. The company Print Your Mitts, will be at Brookside Elementary Open House on Thursday at 6 PM until 8. WUSD has a form that the DOJ charges us $32 for us to have processed and Mitt Your Mitts will charge you $30 for their service. If your interested please have 2 checks available to use. We greatly appreciate our volunteers. We don't have any choice on the rules or cost. I would get there early, last year there was a line.

Reminder: All WUSD schools are on regular schedule today. Our first minimum day of the school year will be next Tuesday, August 27th.

Hello Willits High School parents! The Counseling Department would like you to know that students and parents have the first five days of the term to request a schedule change. Students must submit a blue slip requesting a schedule change to the counseling office. Blue slips are available in the main office. After the first five days of the term, there are no more changes. Not all requests can or will be accommodated. Upperclassmen receive priority. It may take the counselors a few days to get to a student's request. Please be patient as they are both working through hundreds of schedule change requests.

Chromebook insurance can be paid online! Students in the 1:1 Chromebook take home program can log into Worth Ave Group here => https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/willits