Attention Parents of Juniors! Register your student now for an ACT PREP COURSE with Advantage Pre, which begins on February 22nd.  This is a great way to get ready for the April ACT.  For more information, please call the Washburn Community Education Office at 612-668-3450

Trip to Spain!!  ¡Vengan a comer! (Come eat!)
When:  Tuesday, January 31, 5:00-9:00 p.m.               
Where:  Schlotzsky’s Deli, 3425 West 66th Street Edina, MN
What:    20% of your purchase will go towards the Washburn Students’ trip to Spain.

"Fame" Musical Volunteers Needed!  Sign up today to help out with selling concessions, tickets, cast party, and more for the 'FAME musical using VolunteerSpot. All you need to do is CLICK HERE to volunteer choosing the date and activity that best fits with what you want.
Together we can do great things..." and it is the involvement of so many that contribute to the success of Washburn! Questions? contact Deb Brisch-Cramer, Fame Musical Volunteer Coordinator.

WHS Student Soren Walljasper (4053 Garfield Ave. South) is pursuing a dream, and asking you to help make it happen aboard the Ocean Classroom sailing ship. The Ocean Classroom is an academically rigorous semester at see for just 22 students in the world—and Soren was accepted to be one of them. Now he needs to raise some funds. Please read all about it.

Pizza Dinner @ 5:30 Please RSVP 668-3502
Financial Aid Presentation at 6:00-7:30 in Washburn's Choir Room 122

Baseball fundraiser at BOWLING on 1/29, from 4-7 AND there are some contests and PRIZES!!!!

SOFTBALL Pancake Breakfast
Sunday - Feb. 5th . . . 9 til Noon
Adrian’s@ 48th & Chicago
Adults . . . $10, Kids . . . $5
Fundraiser for our Phoenix trip in March!

ACT Prep Course now being offered through Community Education in advance of the April 14^th ACT. Classes begin on February 22^nd. Please visit the Community Education website or call 612-668-3450 for more details.

We are looking for two volunteers (parents of Junior’s only) to help with Graduation.  This is a limited volunteer position.  For more information, please contact Lisa Jensen at 668-3504.

Washburn High School proudly presents 'Fame' the musical Thursday - Saturday, February 9, 10,11 AND 16, 17, 18 at 7:00 PM AND Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 PM in the WHS Auditorium. Tickets available at the door or in advance -- Adults $10 Students $5.  Come join the fun and get your tickets today! Advanced Ticket Order Form

  The Peace Jam connections class is focusing on Youth Homelessness in our community.  They are going to work at this event, FEBRUARY 9, and would like to invite all students, staff and families to attend this event "EMPTY BOWLS".  Please read ALL the information on the flyer, just a click away!

During Connections Class on Friday, February 10^th, the seniors will meet in the auditorium with a representative from Josten’s.  This company will provide caps and gowns and talk to students about graduation announcements etc.  At this time we hope to have the traditional “graduation packet” available for students as well.  This will include a timeline of events and deadlines and a finals schedule for the end of the school year.  We will post the packet online in three languages and make copies available for parents to pick up if they prefer.  Graduation is June 1^st, Friday, at 4:30 in the Convention Center.

Do you need a quiet space to study homework? Do you need some help in one of your classes?  If so, come to Tuesday Tutoring, in the Media Center, from 3:15pm-4:45pm. Bring books and assignments and we'll help you get to work. We will have teachers and tutors for all subjects.  Tuesday Tutoring will start October 4th and will be held every Tuesday in the Media Center from 3:15pm-4:45pm. Tokens to take the city bus will be provided for those who participate.  We look forward to seeing you!

Sixty-five members of the Washburn Choir will be traveling to New York City this February.  They will perform for NYC public school children and at a church in Long Island, visit the 9/11 memorial, attend a few Broadway shows and workshops, along with other attraction in the Big Apple.   Any questions, please contact Nancy at nancy.lee@mpls.k12.mn.us

 Student Spain Trip meetings: Room 324 at 3:15-4:30 p.m. January 18, March 14. Also, a Parent Spain meeting in room 324 at  6:30 p.m.(note the time!!) on Monday, February 13^th

Have you ever thought it would be fun to host an exchange student, but there is no way your family could do it for a whole year? Now's your chance! In February, Washburn will host 15 students from Argentina for only 2 weeks! Talk to your family about this great opportunity to share our everyday Minnesota culture and make a friend from Argentina.  We have some student applications but need a few more Washburn families to host. Send an e-mail to Mrs. Moreno  or Ms. Lutz for more information.

ACES is still looking for a permanent host family for Zainab Mohsin. She is the sweetest young women and will be a joy to any loving host famiy.She is 16 years old, from Pakistan. She is very involved in school, Younglife, Nordic Ski team, and volunteers at the public library. For 16 she is very conscientious and mature. She is also eager to learn and experience American life. She is on a YES scholarship through the State Department (YESprograms.org). The program was started after the 9/11 attacks, to promote communication and better understanding, and grants scholarships to teens, ages 15-18, in primarily Muslim countries. It is a highly selective and competitive scholarship and students go through a rigorous orientation to prepare for the program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sarah at sarah.philippe001@gmail.com or 612-236-7436. 
In addition: More Host Families Needed
A 2nd semester family is needed for a 16 year-old Norwegian boy, here with ICES and currently attending Washburn. He is doing very well at school and at home, outgoing and friendly, active in sports, plays drums, a fine student with excellent English. Would like to have teen-age siblings, please!
Families are also needed for two students due to arrive in the USA for the 2nd semester: A 17 year-old Australian boy, home is outside of Melbourne. An outdoor kind of guy, he enjoys swimming, camping, hiking, kayaking; watches sports, movies and plays cards. Highly motivated, punctual, gets along with everyone, and is ready to give any new situation "a fair go". Would like to give his host family insight to Aussie culture, food and sports; hopes he will be in school where students are friendly and welcoming!
A 16 year-old boy from Shenzhen, China; enthusiastic, very creative; he has applied for patents for three of his inventions. Other hobbies are swimming, baseball and drums; he enjoys astronomy and architecture, has a dog at home. Attends a Protestant church weekly. 7 years of English, trustworthy, responsible, outgoing, comes from a happy family.Students have their own insurance and spending money. Area rep provides ongoing support and assistance to students, families and the school. For more information, please contact: Carol Hines, ICES, Phone: 888-258-1101 (Day or evening!)
E-mail: chines@icesusa.org

The Washburn Arts Council sponsored a second “Cabaret @ Jacks” (corner of 46th and Bryant Ave) on Friday night. January 13. The profits from this show will go towards scholarships for the NYC trip and other arts opportunities. Thanks again for your amazing support!

      Read the information on a student driven, student led publication sponsored by MPS Community Education. We are looking for students to join us!

This is to inform you that textbooks and library books are available for students to borrow for time periods while attending Minneapolis Public Schools. Most textbooks are due back at the end of the school year and most library books are checked out for a month. There are no fines for late library books. However, lost or destroyed books must be paid for. Minnesota law (Minn.Stat. 123B.37 Subd. 1(b) allows this. In particular, Seniors and students leaving the District need to abide by this law. This school will restrict participation in extra-curricular events, like prom and other events, including the participation in the graduation ceremony, until a student has cleared all of his or her fees or obligations.

The Minneapolis School District held its first STEM Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 30^th.  Approximately 300 9^th graders from all the Minneapolis high schools attended the three hour event, held at Lincoln Community School, including many students from Washburn.  At the Expo, students met with representatives of area colleges and professionals from local industries. They conducted experiments and learned more about post-secondary options in the STEM field.  Students formed small groups with professionals from an array of STEM backgrounds.  Computer programmers, engineers, professors, and others discussed their careers and answered questions from the students.  In addition, students were amazed by the University of Minnesota chemistry department, which did a number of experiments that involved fire and explosions.  The end of the Expo had all the students together for a drawing for prizes.  Washburn’s  own Chengla Xiong won an iPad 2!

Parent Volunteers are needed to plan the Senior Party. Last year it was on the Jonathan Paddleford. Please read the details attached

December 19th 
The WHS Music Department, under the direction of Nancy Lee and Tim Martin, presented a blizzard of Holiday music featuring performances by Miller Voices, Women's Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Men's Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Saxophone Quartet. What a wonderful night!

The Washburn High School Arts Council meets on the first Saturday of each month. Please join us and find out how you can get involved in supporting the many incredible music and art events Washburn has to offer! Questions contact Deb Brisch-Cramer.

2 Washburn debate teams made it to octofinals at the MDTA JV/Novice State Tournament December 2-3, 2011!!
Team Ella Johnson/Logan Jones and the team of Ellen Dymit/Conor McClun!!

What a great show! Thanks to the great music department!

Washburn families: Seeking 5-6 host families for students from China (Beijing area) for the 2012-2013 school year.  These students will be seniors at Washburn.  Their plan is to graduate and attend college or university in the United States.  There is a $5,000 stipend for hosting.  Please consider this unique opportunity and spread the word throughout the community.  Contact:  Linda Conley   668-3406 or linda.conley@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Good news for our debate team this weekend at the Concordia Tournament. Varsity team Brandon Bogan and Anna Parshall made it to the semi-finals.Novice team Ella Johnson and Logan Jones also made it to semi-finals.

The girls Varsity Soccer team was recognized as a Silver Academic Award Winner for Section 3A with a Team GPA of 3.7!  Five girls have a perfect 4.0 cum GPA. Congratulations to all the girls!

Due to our increase in enrollment we have added new staff and class sections which will ease class sizes in the following subject areas: English 10, Algebra 2, Intermediate Algebra (Algebra w/Quadratics). Some students in subject areas of Chemistry, Physics, IB SL Math Year 1 and Geometry may also be affected as class sizes in those subjects are balanced. Students who have been affected will receive new schedules on Monday. Please contact your student’s counselor at that time if you have questions about changes that have been made.

Washburn High School is partnering with Children’s Dental Services (CDS) to provide dental care to our students during the school day, at Washburn! Parents or guardians can authorize dental care by completing the application, which is attached and available in our health office. This service will be coordinated by the Washburn Health Office staff, Liz Wright, Health Service Assistant at 612-668-3434 elizabeth.wright@mpls.k12.mn.us or Kate Casserly, school nurse at 612-668-3525 or Casserly@mpls.k12.mn.us. We need 30 completed consent forms before service can begin. Applications should be picked up and returned to the health office, Room 115A.

People!!! Minneapolis adapted soccer won yesterday 11 to 1, now we are headed to St.Cloud tomorrow. Representing Washburn on the Mpls team are Ken Thompson, Montell Taylor, and Franklin Lema.  If we beat St. Cloud we are headed to state.

Order your holiday Poinsettia plants from the Boosters. The money earned, along with the Spring Plant sale helps fund your student's all night senior graduation party. Plants need to be ordered and paid for in advance. Order deadline is Tuesday, November 22nd. Pick-up date is Thursday, December 8th, 4-7pm in the Career Center. Use Door 10.
Complete the attached form and return with check payable to Washburn Boosters to: Gwen Branstad. Questions: contact Gwen @612-803-0651

Friday 11/4 -FOOTBALL Section Finals at Holy Family in Victoria, MN. . . .7pm game! No bleachers out there so bring blankets etc. to sit on the hill!

The Girl’s Varsity Volleyball Team WON their first sectional match on Wednesday against St. Paul Harding and advanced to the 2nd round.  Game is at Minnehaha Academy at 7pm on Friday, Oct 28th.  

At this time the District does not have the system to implement this program for all high schools and so Washburn will not be able to purchase these cards for resale to students for this school year.  Young Adult 10-ride passes are available for purchase in the main office for $13.50

Thanks to the "Southwest Minneapolis Patch" for their excellent coverage of our Homecoming game, and Laurence Farah's photos.

Our Library/Media Center is a vibrant space that needs a bit more and I am hoping you can help. There is a cozy reading room that classes love to come to for reading time. It has 21 comfortable chairs. Most classes have more students than that. Are you looking for a new home for your gently used chair? No chair is too old or ugly; they are all “eclectic”.  We would LOVE donations (but please no recliners, loveseats or couches). And magazines can have a second life in our library. Dropping off your magazines, or having your student bring them in after you are finished reading them is SO appreciated. Finally BOOKS!! We gratefully accept donations.Books and magazines can be dropped in the main office or at the greeter’s desk. Please e-mail me if you have a chair—and THANK YOU!! Lynette Cargill, Librarian 

Join the fastest non-motorized sport in the world! Do you enjoy downhill skiing? Would you like to learn how to ski race? The Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team (MAST) may be just for you. The Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team is holding an informational meeting on Monday, October 24 at 7PM at Southwest High School in the Media Center.

Deadline Extended for Senior Photos: 
Seniors and parents, please submit your senior photo, baby picture, and senior quote by Friday, November 18th.  Photos can be submitted by:
1.       Attaching photo to an email and sending to jerrod.nelson@mpls.k12.mn.us.
2.       Dropping off a photo to Mr. Nelson in room 119. 
3.       Dropping off a CD, DVD, or flash drive with photo to Mr. Nelson in room 119.

There's nothing else like the WAHIAN, Washburn’s school yearbook. Place an order to get your hands on the limited edition collection of our stories from the year. Share it with your friends when it comes out at the end of the year and hang on to it for years to come! Click here to see options and place an order.
Yearbook photos can be uploaded here. Please carefully select from a number of Washburn High School's in the nation and get ours!!


The Washburn High School Arts Council is a volunteer membership-based organization dedicated to supporting the WHS Fine Arts programs, which include instrumental, theatre, vocal and visual art. An annual family membership or suggested donation of $20 will help fund quality publicity for events, mailings and other needs that arise throughout the year that support the arts. Council meets the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am. Join today using the attached form!

The Washburn High School Boys Varsity Soccer team advanced to semi-finals.

The Washburn Girl’s Soccer team advanced to section quarter-finals.

Thanks for supporting the team at Brueggers on October 16.

Thanks for enjoying a pancake breakfast while supporting the Football team on Saturday, Oct. 15. Details attached......

PAX is searching for a host family for a wonderful Italian teenage boy who is in Minneapolis for the school year.  PAX is a non-profit educational organization that promotes and arranges international student exchange to foster the positive development of the world's young people and to support international peace, friendship and cross-cultural understanding. Please read on.....or contact
Julie Ristau, On the Commons, 612-824-7661      

Parent/teacher conferences 10/18 from 4:00-5:30 PM and 6:30-8:00 PM in the gyms on the first floor. (Note: Teacher dinner time is 5:30-6:30) and Wednesday 10/19 from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM in classrooms.  Enter doors 10 and 3 for easy access.
Las Conferencias entre padres/madres y profesores son 18 de Octubre de 4:00 – 5:30 y 6:30 – 8:00 de la noche en los gimnasios en el primer piso.  La hora de cena para profesores es entre 5:30 – 6:30.  Las Conferencias en el 19 de Octubre son de las 8:00 en la mañana – 12:00pm en las aulas.  Entre por las puertas 10 y 3 para acceso fácil.

Seniors and parents of seniors, please have your senior portraits turned into Izzy Brinker or Mr. Nelson in room 119 on or before Tuesday, October 18^th.  Along with your picture please include your senior quote.  You may also include a baby picture if you would like that in the yearbook as well.  Thanks!

Please click to get all the info on the October meeting, held Oct 27 at Kenny School, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.


The Washburn High School Arts Council, a newly formed volunteer organization, meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am. Check the Music Department site for location. We hope you can join us and find out how you can get involved in supporting the many incredible music and art events Washburn has to offer!  Questions contact Deb Brisch-Cramer . Everyone welcome!

The Washburn sailing team has both a fall and spring season.  The team meets Mondays-Thursdays from 4-6 at the Calhoun Yacht Club.  The sailing team accepts everyone from expert sailors to those who have never been on a boat.  The goal of the team is to develop an understanding of sailing fundamentals, racing strategies, and a general enjoyment of sailing.  Sailors who have progressed to racing level can compete weekly in local and/or regional regattas while earning a varsity letter.  The sailing team uses 420s which are a 2 person boat, come with a partner or get paired up with a similarly skilled sailor at the club.   

On September 30^th and October 1^st Washburn hosted the first Debate Tournament of the season.  Over 250 students from MPS and all over the metro area came to our school to participate.   If you have any questions please contact Washburn debate coach and tournament organizer  - Lisa Jensen at 612-668-3504

Thank you for participating in the WHS Girl's Tennis Team fundraiser at Fun Sisters at 4253 Nicollet Ave. S., a specialty boutique that features fun purses, scarves, jewelry, and more.  

Miller athletes continue to make the news, even after graduation. Congratulations to Courtney McMoore! Hamline University MIAC Player of the Week. Read all about!

Click to go to WCCO's sports feature on our own Miller football team member, Jeff Jones

Learn about special baseball related events and off-season training opportunities through email notices. If you are not already on the baseball email list, please send a note to WashburnBaseball@gmail.com. Please include the name of the player and year in school. Questions: contact Kirsten Wedes 612.825.6435.

Thank you for coming to our Curriculum Night!

Wellness by Design honors organizations in Hennepin County that are committed to establishing environments that promote safe and healthy lifestyles. Sponsored by Hennepin County, Wellness by Design recognizes work sites andschools that successfully influence health behaviors.
Washburn earned a gold level Award, the highest Wellness by Design School Award for the second year in a row. READ ALL ABOUT IT!!

Saturday 9/17, Wilderness Inquiry and the National Park Service launched the first annual Great River Race, a new event designed to raise awareness and funds for student success. 21 corporate teams from across the metro racied 24’ Voyageur Canoes on the Mississippi River--something that’s never been done before in the Twin Cities! Each team raced on behalf of a school. The winning team won a $5,000 Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures scholarship for their school. Nature Valley raced on behalf of Washburn HS. 

Get Involved, Parents & Guardians!! Please read.....

Hey Millers! Thanks for coming out to support Washburn against the St. Paul Highland Scots at the 2nd annual Washburn Youth Soccer last Saturday!  It was a fun filled event.

Although the informational meeting about WHS trip to Spain was in Room 324 on Sept.14,  Jennifer Welbaum is always happy to answer questions

Minnesota Vikings players, cheerleaders and mascot Viktor the Viking were here on Tuesday, September 13 and presented Minneapolis Public Schools with a $200,000 grant for the Washburn High School Team Up for Turf efforts on behalf of the National Football League (NFL) Grassroots Program. The check presentation was followed by a fun skills competition for youth athletes. Read all the details in the attached article.

Please read this letter for students and parents.

Thanks for attending the  fundraising dinner for Minneapolis Novas Women's Hockey that was held at Chipotle.

Drivers education classroom training is available through Washburn Community Education for students age 14 and older. This class fulfills the 30 hours of classroom instruction required by the state before students can begin the behind-the-wheel driving program. Classes run Monday through Thursday for three weeks after school starting September 26. Stop by room 005A to pick up a registration or visit the Community Ed page on the Washburn website to register on-line or download a registration form.

Greetings and welcome to the new school year! District schedulers have been working on bus routes all summer long. High school routing is finished. That information will be mailed out (bulk rate) next week to high school students eligible for school bus transportation. The remaining grandfathered students using GoTo cards will get a first class postcard sent the week of August 15, inviting them to pick up their cards at school. If you do not receive a mailing from the District in regards to transportation, please feel free to contact District Transportation at 668-2300. Your student might be within the two mile walk area or we might have an incorrect address in the database.

The Washburn Athletic Department will be selling SEASON PASSES for the 2011-2012 school year.  The pass is good for ALL HOME conference and non-conference games at Washburn.  These will go on sale Wednesday night, Aug. 3^rd, during the Athletic Sign-up night. They will also be available in the Athletic Office after Wednesday night’s meeting. 
Prices are:
Students   (age 8 through current college students) ……………………………………..$35
Washburn Letter Winner (current middle school, high school & college students) ……$30
Adults …………………………………………………………………………………………..$80
Any questions please call 612 668-3456 or 668-3457
Thank you from Dan Pratt, Athletic Director

Reminder to put these dates on your calendar for our Washburn LifeTouch Picture days: Lifetouch was at Washburn on Thursday, September 8.  All students needed to get their pictures taken, even if they are not purchasing any pictures.  These photos are what Washburn uses to generate student ID’s so it is very important to participate.  Retakes will be on Thursday, October 13.

Some supplies are necessary year after year, no matter what grade students are in.
When you're planning for a new school year, it's pretty safe to invest in these.
3-ring binder, Backpack, Colored pencils, Colored pens, Eraser, Glue stick, Organizer/planner, Pens/pencils, Pencil sharpener, Pocket folders
Attached is a list of Washburn Classroom Specific Supplies that are suggested for you to get for yourself.

HOST FAMILIES ARE NEEDED FOR THE COMING YEAR FOR INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE SERVICES (ICES) INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.  STUDENTS HAVE THEIR OWN SPENDING MONEY AND INSURANCE AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SCHOOL ACTIVITY FEES.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:  CAROL HINES, ICES --------    E-mail: chines@icesusa.org      PHONE, day or evening: 1-888-258-1101