Westonka News - May 2, 2025

Westonka News May 2, 2025 Shirley Hills Second Graders Present Research on Insects Last week, the second grade classrooms at Shirley Hills Primary School were swarming with butterflies, beetles, flies, bees, and more, as students studied insects as part of their science curriculum. READ MORE 'Mamma Mia!' Earns Accolades from Spotlight Awards Program Mound Westonka High School’s high-energy spring production of "Mamma Mia!" was recognized for its accomplishments in high school theater by the Hennepin Theatre Trust as a participant in the Spotlight Education program. MWHS Theatre wrapped a successful production run of the musical in April.  READ MORE Grandview Students Enjoy Pirate-Themed Spring Fling Students at Grandview Middle School gathered at school on Friday night, April 25, for a pirate-themed Spring Fling. The annual party was open to all students and included a DJ and dance, volleyball, dodgeball, crafts, bingo, a creative photo booth, junk food snacks, and pizza. READ MORE Kindergarten Flea Market Teaches Students About Real Coins Shirley Hills kindergartners went shopping at the annual Kindergarten Flea Market last week. The event marks the end of the students’ math unit on coins by spending real coins on a variety of treasures. READ MORE Join Us Monday for a Roundtable Discussion about Careers in Construction To help shape the future of a new construction course at Westonka High School, we are inviting parents and community members with experience in the construction industry to join us for a Construction Roundtable on Monday, May 5, 2025. READ MORE   Sports Headlines White Hawks Baseball Earns Huge Section Win Over Orono The Westonka White Hawks baseball squad hosted two games over the week, earning a split but avenging a season-ending loss to section rival Orono. READ MORE Boys Golf Turns in Strong Performance at Hutchinson Invitational The Westonka White Hawks boys golf team teed it up at the Hutchinson Invitational on April 21. The White Hawks battled through a strong field of 13 teams to finish fifth overall. READ MORE   Westonka Community Ed News There are still programs of interest that you can enroll in before spring ends - feel free to take a look: Winter | Spring 2025 Catalog And the Summer 2025 Catalog is open and ready for business! CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 4 Tuesday, May 6 - Flower Hour with Megan Sterne | Mother’s Day bouquet  Wednesday, May 7 - Health & Wellness with Educator Janice Novak | Vitamins and Herbs: Facts and Fallacies (virtual); Janice Novak | Vitamins and Herbs: Facts and Fallacies (virtual); First Time Homebuyer Seminar Thursday, May 8 - Candy Lab with KidScientific (at Hilltop); Adult Enrichment | Power up with Google Suites: Essential Tools for Everyday Tasks (virtual) AND LOOKING AHEAD... Youth Enrichment | Party Crashers Intro to RC Racing (grades K-8); also that evening, Party Crashers RC Car Racing (grades K-12); Adult Enrichment | Laundry and House Camp Hybrid class with Patric Richardson (at Wayzata)   Upcoming Events Friday, May 2 NO SCHOOL Teacher Professional Day Saturday, May 3 MWHS Prom Sunday, May 4 White Hawks Football Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, GMS, 8:30-12:30 Westonka SEAC Cinco de Mayo Cooking Event, Transition Plus, 12:00 Monday, May 5 Construction Roundtable, ESC, 5:00 Hilltop PTA Meeting, 6:30 MWHS Spring Band Concert, PAC, 7:00 Tuesday, May 6 5th Grade Band Concert, PAC, 6:00 6th Grade Band Concert, PAC, 7:00 7th Grade Band Concert, PAC, 8:00 Thursday, May 8 5th Grade Choir Concert, PAC, 6:00 6th Grade Choir Concert, PAC, 7:00 7th Grade Choir Concert, PAC, 8:00 Friday, May 9 Coffee House Jazz, St. John's, 7:00 Saturday, May 10 Coffee House Jazz, St. John's, 7:00 Looking Ahead May 12 School Board Meeting MWHS Spring Choir Concert May 13 Shirley Hills Culver’s Night May 14 Senior Scholarship Night May 19 Shirley Hills PTA May 26 NO SCHOOL Memorial Day Holiday June 2 MWHS Graduation June 3 Last Day of School Westonka Activities Calendar   Westonka Public Schools 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us Subscribe to Westonka News

Friday, May 02 2025

Westonka News - April 25, 2025

Westonka News April 25, 2025 MWHS Announces 2025 Prom Royal Court The Mound Westonka High School Student Senate is excited to introduce the candidates for 2025 prom royalty. Nominated by their peers, members of the court include seniors Lauren Velander, Audrey Kirscht, Bella Villamil, Kayla Hatlestad, Gracie O'Halloran, Georgia Wilson, Avery Olson, Braeden Trundle, Andrew Finley, Isaac Hays, Cooper Magnus, Matthew Mobagi, Jacob Orenge and Luke Carlson. READ MORE Westonka Celebrates Afterschool Professionals Week Westonka Adventure Club is partnering with the National Afterschool Association to celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 21-25. The goal of the week is to recognize those who work with youth during out-of-school times and to thank them for the difference they make in the lives of young people in our community. READ MORE MWHS Students Present Award Winning Art at State Festival Mound Westonka High School art students competed in the Minnesota State High School League Visual Arts Festival, the largest regional art competition in the state, on April 22 in Chaska. Seniors Emmy Levitz and Astrid Nelson earned Judge’s Choice: Spotlight on the Arts Awards and will advance to the state competition on May 10. READ MORE Derek Axell Named April Winner of Westonka Way Award Facilities engineer Derek Axell has been named the April 2025 recipient of the Westonka Way Award. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka Public Schools staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way! READ MORE Primary School Students Celebrate Earth Day 2025 Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22 to demonstrate support for protecting the environment. The event gave students at Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools an opportunity to make a difference by taking action to protect the Earth. READ MORE Hilltop Students Create Rubik's Cube Mosaic of School Mascot Hilltop Primary School second graders completed hundreds of different Rubik's Cube puzzles before assembling all the cubes into a pair of mosaic portraits of the White Hawks mascot and the new Westonka Public Schools logo. The popular project, which started in 2013, is designed for whole grade level creative problem-solving. READ MORE   Sports Headlines White Hawks Baseball Starts Season The Westonka varsity baseball team began the season with a 1-4 record, highlighted by a shutout win over Southwest Christian and several close losses against strong opponents. READ MORE   Westonka Community Ed News There are still programs of interest that you can enroll in before spring ends - feel free to take a look: Winter | Spring 2025 Catalog And the Summer 2025 Catalog is open and ready for business! CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 27 Sunday, April 27 - White Hawks Youth Tennis Camp (ages 5-14) Tuesday, April 29 - Martial Arts | Tae Kwon Do (Ages 7-adult) Wednesday, April 30 - Candy Lab with KidScientific at Shirley Hills (grades K-4); Adult Enrichment | House Camp with Patric Richardson (at Wayzata) Also White Hawks Youth Soccer programs for ages 3-8 begin this week! AND LOOKING AHEAD... Flower Hour with Megan Sterne | Mother’s Day bouquet; Health & Wellness with Educator Janice Novak | Vitamins and Herbs: Facts and Fallacies (virtual); First Time Homebuyer Seminar; Candy Lab with KidScientific (at Hilltop); Adult Enrichment | Power up with Google Suites: Essential Tools for Everyday Tasks (virtual); Youth Enrichment | Party Crashers Intro to RC Racing (grades K-8); also that evening, Party Crashers RC Car Racing (grades K-12); Adult Enrichment | Laundry and House Camp Hybrid class with Patric Richardson (at Wayzata)   Upcoming Events Friday, April 25 Grandview Spring Fling, 5:30-8:30 Monday, April 28 Shirley Hills PTA Meeting, 6:30 Friday, May 2 NO SCHOOL Teacher Professional Day Saturday, May 3 MWHS Prom Looking Ahead May 4 White Hawks Football Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Westonka SEAC Cinco de Mayo Cooking Event May 5 Construction Roundtable Hilltop PTA Meeting MWHS Spring Band Concert May 6 GMS Band Concerts May 8 GMS Choir Concerts May 9-10 Coffee House Jazz May 12 School Board Meeting MWHS Spring Choir Concert Westonka Activities Calendar   Westonka Public Schools 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us Subscribe to Westonka News

Friday, Apr 25 2025

Westonka News - April 18, 2025

Westonka News April 18, 2025 MWHS Musicians Shine at Regional Music Contest Westonka music students traveled to Hutchinson High School on April 11 for the Region 2AA Solo and Ensemble Contest, where every student who competed earned a superior or excellent rating. READ MORE Shirley Hills Carnival Raises Over $30K for School The annual Shirley Hills Carnival is the highlight of the PTA calendar for a reason—and once again, it was an amazing evening! The hallways were filled with laughter, the clinking of prize tokens, and smiling faces sporting the telltale "wounds" from the ever-popular Emergency Room attraction. READ MORE New White Hawks Sculpture Adorns Shirley Hills Lawn When Shirley Hills Primary School students returned to school after spring break, they noticed a new addition to the lawn. A large painted White Hawks sculpture, constructed from recycled tires, now greets visitors near the north parking lot. READ MORE Westonka SEAC to Host Free Cinco de Mayo Cooking Event for Students with Special Needs The Westonka Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is inviting middle school, high school, and transition-age students with special needs—along with their families and friends—to a festive Cinco de Mayo Cooking Event on Sunday, May 4. READ MORE Two Westonka Speech Team Members Advance to State Tournament Mound Westonka High School juniors Hannah Christenson and Brenna Vogel have qualified for the 2025 Minnesota State Speech Tournament. Christenson placed third in Poetry Interpretation, and Vogel earned third place in Extemporaneous Reading at the Section 2AA competition on April 12. READ MORE Westonka Musicians to Host Popular Coffee House Jazz May 9-10 Coffee House Jazz is a Westonka tradition! Mound Westonka High School musicians will present Coffee House Jazz on May 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at St. John’s Church in Mound. The event will feature the Madd Jazz and the Westonka Jazz Band performing traditional jazz and swing music, as well as modern popular music. READ MORE   Sports Headlines White Hawks Boys Golf Competes in Becker Bulldog Invite The Westonka White Hawks boys golf team faced off against a deep and talented field at the Becker Bulldog Invite on April 17, held at Pebble Creek Golf Club. With 20 teams from across Class A, AA and AAA—including defending state contenders—the event provided a strong competitive measuring stick for the White Hawks, who finished 11th overall. READ MORE Westonka Track & Field Kicks Off Season The Westonka track and field team kicked off their season, competing in a conference meet at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School on April 8. Athletes from five area schools put their speed and technique to the test. READ MORE Westonka Boys Swim Team Wraps Up Historic Season, Looks Ahead to a Bright Future The Westonka boys swim team made a splash this year with a record-breaking season, culminating in a celebratory banquet held April 13. READ MORE   Westonka Community Ed News There are still programs of interest that you can enroll in before spring ends - feel free to take a look: Winter | Spring 2025 Catalog And the Summer 2025 Catalog is open and ready for business! CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 20 Monday, April 21 - CPR/AED and First Aid certification Wednesday, April 23 - Mini Hawks Track & Field (ages 4-11) Thursday, April 24 - Individual Violin/Viola lessons with Ann Bur (ages 6 - adult) Sunday, April 27 - White Hawks Youth Tennis Camps (ages 5-14) AND LOOKING AHEAD... White Hawks Youth Soccer [spring session]; Martial Arts | Tae Kwon Do (ages 7-adult); Candy Lab with KidScientific (grades K-4); Adult Enrichment | House Camp with Patric Richardson (at Wayzata)   Upcoming Events Friday, April 25 Grandview Spring Fling Looking Ahead April 28 Shirley Hills PTA Meeting May 2 NO SCHOOL Teacher Professional Day May 4 White Hawks Football Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Westonka SEAC Cinco de Mayo Cooking Event May 5 Construction Roundtable Hilltop PTA Meeting MWHS Spring Band Concert May 6 GMS Band Concerts May 8 GMS Choir Concerts May 9-10 Coffee House Jazz May 12 School Board Meeting MWHS Spring Choir Concert Westonka Activities Calendar   Westonka Public Schools 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us Subscribe to Westonka News

Friday, Apr 18 2025

Westonka News - April 11, 2025

Westonka News April 11, 2025 BeLikeTommy Project, Sue Rodelius Honored with Ann Bremer White Hawks Award Westonka Public Schools is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Ann Bremer White Hawks Award, honoring the BeLikeTommy Project and Sue Rodelius for their outstanding service and commitment to the district and its students. READ MORE Community Celebrates Westonka High School Groundbreaking Construction is now underway on the Westonka High School redesign, which includes renovations to nearly the entire building, as well as added square footage. View photos from the April 3 groundbreaking ceremony at the link below. VIEW GROUNDBREAKING PHOTOS Senate/NHS Members Attend State Leadership Conference Four Mound Westonka High School Student Senate and National Honor Society (NHS) members participated in the Minnesota Association of Student Councils and Minnesota Association of Honor Societies 2025 State Leadership Convention April 4-6. READ MORE Tonkabots Bring Home More Awards on Way to World Championships The Mound Westonka Tonkabots robotics team, already qualified for the World Championships, pushed themselves further by competing in the FIRST Robotics North Star Regional, where they earned second place and the Best Autonomous Award. READ MORE NHS Holds Successful Spring Blood Drive The National Honor Society (NHS), in cooperation with the Memorial Blood Center, hosted its annual spring blood drive on April 2 at the Westonka Activity Center. Students, staff and community members were invited to participate. READ MORE Westonka to Host Roundtable Discussion about Careers in Construction To help shape the future of a new construction course at Westonka High School, we are inviting parents and community members with experience in the construction industry to join us for a Construction Roundtable on Monday, May 5, 2025. READ MORE   Westonka Community Ed News The Summer 2025 Westonka Community Ed catalog is here! Take a look at our exciting offerings. There are also still programs of interest that you can enroll in before spring ends. CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 13 Monday, April 14 - Health & Wellness with Janice Novak | Hips, Thighs and otherwise (virtual) Thursday, April 15 - Flower Hour with Megan Sterne | Easter Baskets (ages 11- adult, 10 and under with registered adult) Friday, April 18 - Individual Guitar lessons with Greg Sletten (ages 6-adult) CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 20 Monday, April 21 - CPR/AED and First Aid certification Wednesday, April 23 - Mini Hawks Track & Field (ages 4-11) Thursday, April 24 - Individual Violin/Viola lessons with Ann Bur (ages 6 - adult) Sunday, April 27 - White Hawks Youth Tennis Camps (ages 5-14) AND LOOKING AHEAD... White Hawks Youth Soccer [spring session]; Martial Arts | Tae Kwon Do (ages 7-adult); Candy Lab with KidScientific (grades K-4); Adult Enrichment | House Camp with Patric Richardson (at Wayzata)   Upcoming Events Friday, April 11 Shirley Hills Carnival, 5:00-9:00 Saturday, April 12 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 7:00 Sunday, April 13 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 2:00 Tuesday, April 15 Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting, ESC, 5:30-7:30 Looking Ahead April 25 Grandview Spring Fling April 28 Shirley Hills PTA Meeting May 2 NO SCHOOL Teacher Professional Day May 4 White Hawks Football Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser May 5 Construction Roundtable May 12 School Board Meeting Westonka Activities Calendar   Westonka Public Schools 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us

Friday, Apr 11 2025

Westonka News - April 4, 2025

Westonka News April 4, 2025 A Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony Westonka Public Schools celebrated a significant milestone this week—the groundbreaking ceremony for the high school redesign project! The event, held Thursday afternoon, officially marked the beginning of what will be an exciting journey for Westonka’s students, staff, and community. Borg Report Sarah Wright Named 2025 Westonka Teacher of the Year Sarah Wright, a speech-language pathologist at Shirley Hills Primary School, has been named 2025 Westonka Teacher of the Year. READ MORE Hilltop Students Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day Hilltop Primary School celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by wearing their craziest mismatched socks and participating in activities designed to raise awareness about Down syndrome and celebrate the differences in all of us. READ MORE 'Mamma Mia!' Opens This Weekend on the Westonka PAC Stage The Mound Westonka High School Theatre production of "Mamma Mia!" opens this weekend at the Westonka Performing Arts Center. Performances will be held Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m.; Saturday, April 12, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults, and are available on the Westonka PAC website.  GET TICKETS Shirley Hills to Host Annual Carnival on April 11 Shirley Hills Primary School invites the Westonka community to participate in one of the school’s biggest fundraisers of the year! The Shirley Hills Carnival and Silent Auction will take place on Friday, April 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. Bring friends and the whole family for games, face painting, inflatable bounce houses, and more!  READ MORE   Westonka Community Ed News The Summer 2025 Westonka Community Ed catalog is here! This season is packed with exciting new classes, camps, and programs for all ages—whether you're looking for arts, athletics, STEM, theatre, or outdoor adventures, we've got something for everyone! Registration opened on Wednesday, April 2. Secure your spot early - popular programs fill up fast! What’s New This Summer? Many exciting new camps designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and fun! Expanded youth sports & enrichment programs to keep kids of all ages engaged all summer long. Have questions? Contact Community Education at communityed@westonka.k12.mn.us for more details. We can’t wait for another amazing summer with you, Westonka!   Upcoming Events Friday, April 4 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 7:00 Saturday, April 5 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 7:00 Sunday, April 6 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 2:00 Monday, April 7 Grandview PTO, 3:00 Wednesday, April 9 DECA Bingo Night, MWHS Cafeteria, 5:00-8:00 Friday, April 11 Shirley Hills Carnival, 5:00-9:00 Saturday, April 12 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 7:00 Sunday, April 13 MWHS Spring Musical, PAC, 2:00 Looking Ahead April 15 Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting May 2 NO SCHOOL Teacher Professional Day Westonka Activities Calendar   Westonka Public Schools 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us

Friday, Apr 04 2025

Westonka News - March 21, 2025

Westonka News March 21, 2025 Audrey Kirscht is 2025 Athena Award Winner Mound Westonka High School is proud to name senior Audrey Kirscht as the 2025 recipient of the Athena Award. Candidates for this “outstanding female athlete” award must demonstrate excellence in individual or group sports. Westonka has been celebrating the top female athlete since 1973. READ MORE Lorrie Ham is March Winner of Westonka Way Award School news reporter Lorrie Ham has been named the March 2025 recipient of the Westonka Way Award. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka Public Schools staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way! READ MORE Westonka Schools 'Stuff the Bus' for Westonka Food Shelf On a beautiful spring-like day on March 14, students around the Westonka School District eagerly headed outside with hundreds of food items they collected for the Westonka Food Shelf at the annual “Stuff the Bus” event. A school bus stopped at each school, where students stuffed the bus with food and cash donations collected during the March FoodShare Drive. READ MORE You're Invited to the Westonka High School Groundbreaking! The Westonka community is invited to celebrate a major milestone in the school's history with the groundbreaking ceremony for the redesigned Westonka High School. The event will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. on the north side of the high school, located at 5905 Sunnyfield Road E, Minnetrista. READ MORE MWHS Theatre to Present 'Mamma Mia!' in April Mound Westonka High School Theatre is excited to present the smash hit musical "Mamma Mia!" in April at the Westonka Performing Arts Center. Audiences are invited to enjoy the timeless songs of ABBA woven into a heartwarming story of love and family.​ READ MORE Shirley Hills Hosts Popular 'Pastries for Parents' Event Shirley Hills Primary School hosted the annual Pastries for Parents event on March 14. During this event, which took place prior to the start of the school day, parents were invited to join their children at school for a light breakfast. READ MORE   Sports Headlines White Hawks Boys Hockey Team Celebrates Seniors The Mound Westonka boys hockey team would like to thank their graduating seniors for the contribution they have made to the program over the years. READ MORE White Hawks Wrestlers Receive End of Season Awards The Mound Westonka wrestling squad held their end of the season banquet March 11 at the Mound American Legion, concluding an excellent season. READ MORE   Westonka Community Ed News The Summer 2025 Westonka Community Ed catalog is here! Look for it in your mailbox this week or check it out online. This season is packed with exciting new classes, camps, and programs for all ages—whether you're looking for arts, athletics, STEM, theatre, or outdoor adventures, we've got something for everyone! Registration opens at 8:00 am on Wednesday, April 2. Secure your spot early - popular programs fill up fast! What’s New This Summer? Many exciting new camps designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and fun! Expanded youth sports & enrichment programs to keep kids of all ages engaged all summer long. Have questions? Contact Community Education at communityed@westonka.k12.mn.us for more details. We can’t wait for another amazing summer with you, Westonka!   Upcoming Events Friday, March 21 NO SCHOOL Spring Break March 24-28 NO SCHOOL Spring Break Wednesday, April 2 Hilltop Culver's Night Thursday, April 3 Ceremonial Groundbreaking, MWHS, 4:00 April 4-6 MWHS Spring Musical - "Mama Mia!," PAC Looking Ahead April 7 Grandview PTO April 11 Shirley Hills Carnival April 12-13 MWHS Spring Musical - "Mama Mia!" April 15 Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting Westonka Activities Calendar   Westonka Public Schools 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us

Friday, Mar 21 2025

Westonka News - March 14, 2025

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka News March 14, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Exciting Changes Ahead: Crews Prep for Spring Construction at High School ​ Westonka Public Schools is busy preparing for spring and summer construction projects. Please read the Borg Report to learn what changes students, staff and visitors can expect on the high school campus after spring break. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Borg Report ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Record-Breaking 50 Westonka DECA Students Earn Spot at Internationals ​ Westonka DECA made a strong impression at this year’s State Career Development Conference, held March 2-4 at the Minneapolis Hyatt Regency. Westonka sent 162 students to compete, and following an exceptional showing, a school record 50 students qualified for the 2025 International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Grandview Hosts Furry Friends From The Bond Between ​ Grandview Middle School recently hosted a heart-warming visit from some special four-legged friends. Through a partnership with The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds), Grandview sixth graders worked on developing their persuasive writing skills by creating stories about animals who needed a “forever” home. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Math Team Places Fourth at State ​ The Mound Westonka High School Math Team wrapped up the 2024-25 season by finishing in fourth place at the State Math Meet held at Spring Lake Park High School on March 10. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Bel Canto Choir Performs 'Suffrage Cantata' with Bella Lumina ​ The Bel Canto Choir from Mound Westonka High School joined Bella Lumina, and singers from Minnetonka High School and Minnehaha Academy, for a powerful performance of Andrea Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata on March 8 at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Sports Headlines ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ White Hawks Boys Basketball Ends Playoff Run ​ The Mound Westonka boys basketball team secured a thrilling 77-75 victory over Delano in the Section quarterfinals before falling 86-61 to top-seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's in the semis, ending their season with a 19-9 record. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gymnastics Team Celebrates Season ​ The girls gymnastics season has come to an end with a banquet and awards ceremony. The team had a successful year with an 8-0 winning season. They were section champions for the 11th year in a row, and eight gymnasts qualified for state as individuals. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Community Ed News ​ The Summer 2025 catalog is expected to be in your mailbox before Spring break and will open for registration at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2 WINTER/SPRING HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, March 15 - Handmade books (ages 13-adult) Thursday, March 20 - Canva for Awesome Beginners [virtual]; Beginning | Intermediate Spanish II for Adult Learners; VOCE Community Choir Spring Session (ages 18 and up); Tae Kwon Do (ages 7-adult); KidScientific| Sparkle Science Spectacular (grades K-4); Engineering for Kids Jr STEM Club (grades K-4); Beginner Pickleball for Adults  The Spring Session of Aquatics lessons will begin the end of March or first week of April, depending on the day of the week you select for lessons ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ ​ ​ ​ Friday, March 14 Hilltop Spring Fun Night Westonka Community Theater Winter Musical, PAC, 7:00 Saturday, March 15 Westonka Community Theater Winter Musical, PAC, 7:00 Sunday, March 16 Westonka Community Theater Winter Musical, PAC, 2:00 Monday, March 17 Hilltop PTA Meeting, 6:30 Dallas Brass Performance, PAC, 7:00 Friday, March 21 NO SCHOOL Spring Break March 24-28 NO SCHOOL Spring Break ​ ​ ​ ​ Looking Ahead ​ April 4-6 MWHS Spring Musical, "Mama Mia!" April 7 Grandview PTO April 11 Shirley Hills Carnival April 12 & 13 MWHS Spring Musical, "Mama Mia!" ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Activities Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Public Schools ​ 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us ​ ​ ​

Friday, Mar 14 2025

Westonka News - March 7, 2025

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka News March 7, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Tonkabots Robotics Team Advances to World Championships ​ The Mound Westonka Tonkabots came away as champions of both the Lake Superior Regional and Double DECCer Championship robotics competitions held in Duluth March 1, earning a trip to Worlds for the second consecutive year. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Students will Stuff the Bus for Westonka Food Shelf ​ Throughout the Westonka School District, students are collecting food and funds for the Westonka Food Shelf in preparation for the annual Stuff the Bus event in March. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Grandview Sixth Grader Competes in State Science Fair ​ Grandview Middle School sixth grader Joshua Mills will advance to state competition after receiving several awards at the regional level of the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair on Feb. 28. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sixth Grade Math Masters Bring Home Tournament Awards ​ The Grandview Middle School sixth grade Math Masters competed against 13 teams with over 70 individual participants in a tournament at Chaska Middle School East on Feb. 28. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Opera for the Young Performs for Hilltop Primary Students ​ Hilltop Primary students were treated to a performance by Opera for the Young (OFTY) on Feb. 26. OFTY, a performance-based group that travels to schools to introduce children to the world of opera, presented a condensed version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Primary Schools Host February Read-a-Thons and Mystery Readers ​ February was "I Love to Read Month," which provided a perfect opportunity for staff at both Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools to encourage reading and celebrate the efforts each student made in their reading achievements. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Band Students to Perform with the Dallas Brass on March 17 ​ Westonka band students in grades 7-12 will join the Dallas Brass on stage at the Westonka Performing Arts Center on Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka All-District Band Concert to be Held March 9 ​ Over 270 students in grades 5-12 are gearing up for the biggest band event of the year. The Westonka All-District Band Concert, under the direction of Gretchen Chilson and Emily Oberdeck, will be held on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. in the Mound Westonka High School gym.  READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Sports Headlines ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cooper Rowe Wins Second State Wrestling Title ​ The Mound Westonka White Hawks wrestling team had four wrestlers compete at the 2025 Minnesota State High School League state championships on Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, with junior Cooper Rowe repeating as state champion. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ White Hawks Dominate Hermantown, Hold Off Delano in Thriller Ahead of Playoff Rematch ​ On Wednesday, March 5, Westonka boys basketball defeated the Delano Tigers, 77-75, in a Section 6AAA playoff rematch. The White Hawks advance to the Section semifinal game on Saturday, March 8, at Benilde-St. Margaret's. The game time is 2 p.m. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Boys Swim Team Soars at Sections ​ The Westonka boys swim team delivered an impressive performance at the Section 2A meet Feb. 28. The White Hawks tied with Bloomington Kennedy for fifth place in the section, an impressive finish given the size and depth of the competition. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Alpine Ski Team Celebrates Season ​ The Westonka alpine ski team, under the leadership of Delaney Johnson, celebrated their end of season celebration at Bearpath Country Club. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Community Ed News ​ WINTER/SPRING HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, March 15 - Handmade books (ages 13-adult) Thursday, March 20 - Canva for Awesome Beginners [virtual]; Beginning | Intermediate Spanish II for Adult Learners; VOCE Community Choir Spring Session (ages 18 and up); Tae Kwon Do (ages 7-adult); KidScientific| Sparkle Science Spectacular (grades K-4); Engineering for Kids Jr STEM Club (grades K-4); Beginner Pickleball for Adults  The Spring Session of Aquatics lessons will begin the end of March, first week of April  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ ​ ​ ​ Sunday, March 9 All-District Band Concert, MWHS, 2:00 Monday, March 10 School Board Meeting, ESC, 6:00 Shirley Hills PTA, 6:30 Friday, March 14 Hilltop Spring Fun Night ​ ​ ​ ​ Looking Ahead ​ March 17 Dallas Brass Performance Hilltop PTA Meeting March 21-March 28 NO SCHOOL Spring Break April 11 Shirley Hills Carnival ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Activities Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Public Schools ​ 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us ​ ​ ​

Friday, Mar 07 2025

Westonka News - Feb. 28, 2025

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka News February 28, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ White Hawks Football Players Share Love of Reading with Young Students ​ Even though it’s the off season, members of the White Hawks football team donned their jerseys last week for visits to Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools. February is "I Love to Read Month," so the players took the opportunity to celebrate the importance of reading by visiting pre-K through fourth grade classrooms to read books to the young students. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Student Senate Members Attend Timberwolves Leadership Event ​ On Feb. 23, 22 members of the Mound Westonka High School Student Senate attended the Minnesota Timberwolves Leadership Day, which was hosted by the Minnesota Association of Student Councils. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Concert Choir Earns Superior Ratings at Large Group Contest ​ The Mound Westonka High School Concert Choir brought a stunning program to the MSHSL Large Group Contest on Feb. 24 at Hutchinson High School, earning Superior ratings from all three judges, including a 40/40 from one of the judges. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Registration Now Open for VOCE Community Choir ​ Registration is now open for the spring session of the VOCE Community Choir, a new adult mixed choral ensemble, directed by Mound Westonka High School choir director Kelly Newell. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Sports Headlines ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ White Hawks Wrestlers Send Four to State ​ The Mound Westonka wrestling team hosted the Section 2AA individual wrestling championships Feb. 21 and 22. The White Hawks advanced four to state: senior Cole Munsterteiger, juniors Cooper Rowe and Phillip Pisarchuk, and sophomore Deacon Ramthun. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gymnastics Team Shines at State, Finishes Fifth ​ The Watertown-Mayer/Mound Westonka girls gymnastics team capped off a stellar season with a fifth-place finish at the Minnesota State High School League state gymnastics competition Feb. 21-22. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Boys Basketball Splits Two Games as Season Winds Down ​ The Mound Westonka boys basketball team fell to Blake on Feb. 19 but edged Jordan two days later in a dramatic finish. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Community Ed News ​ CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 3 Monday, March 3-Wednesday, March 5 - White Hawks Youth Volleyball Clinic (grades K-3) Monday, March 3 - Avoid the Pitfalls of Perimenopause/Menopause with Health Educator Janice Novak [virtual] Tuesday, March 4 - Photo Organization on iPad/iPhone/Mac; Individual Voice Lessons with Liz Strauss Thursday, March 6 - Individual Piano Lessons with Liz Strauss; Individual Violin Lessons with Ann Bur  MORE WINTER/SPRING HIGHLIGHTS The Spring Session of Aquatics lessons will begin the end of March, first week of April *registration opens March 12 at 8 a.m.; March 15 - Handmade books (ages 13 adult); March 20 - Canva for Awesome Beginners [virtual] ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ ​ ​ ​ Sunday, March 2 Shirley Hills Family Fun Day at the WAC, 2:00-5:00 Monday, March 3 Hilltop/Shirley Hills Family Skate Night at Thaler, 6:00-8:00 Sunday, March 9 All-District Band Concert, MWHS, 2:00 ​ ​ ​ ​ Looking Ahead ​ March 10 School Board Meeting Shirley Hills PTA March 14 Hilltop Spring Fun Night March 17 Dallas Brass Performance Hilltop PTA Meeting March 21-March 28 NO SCHOOL Spring Break April 11 Shirley Hills Carnival ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Activities Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Public Schools ​ 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us ​ ​ ​

Friday, Feb 28 2025

Westonka News - Feb. 21, 2025

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka News February 21, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Michelle Martin Named February Winner of Westonka Way Award ​ Hilltop Primary School paraprofessional Michelle Martin has been named the February 2025 recipient of the Westonka Way Award. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka Public Schools staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way! READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Junior Ava Daum Performs with All-State Symphonic Band ​ Mound Westonka High School junior Ava Daum performed with the All-State Symphonic Band at Orchestra Hall on Feb. 15 during the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Midwinter Convention. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nominations Due March 6 for 2025 Ann Bremer White Hawks Award ​ Nominations are open for the 2025 Ann Bremer White Hawks Award, a special award implemented by the district to recognize some of the many dedicated volunteers who offer exceptional service to our school community. The district each year presents up to three awards to recognize outstanding service and commitment to Westonka students and the district. Nominations for this year are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.  SUBMIT A NOMINATION ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Shirley Hills Welcomes Pair of Minnesota Authors ​ February is “I Love to Read Month” and students at Shirley Hills Primary School are celebrating in a variety of ways. Last week, Minnesota authors Cori Doerrfeld and Megan Maynor visited the school to the delight of both students and teachers. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MWHS Bands Earn 'Superior' Ratings at Large Group Contest ​ The Mound Westonka High School Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble traveled to Orono High School on Feb. 10 for the Region 2AA Large Group Contest. The bands were each adjudicated by three judges who then shared verbal and written feedback with the groups. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Grandview Students Deliver Valentines to Harrison Bay Residents ​ A group of Grandview Middle School students set off on a special mission on Valentine’s Day, when they visited residents at Harrison Bay Senior Living, delivering colorful cards and chocolate gift bags. It was a day filled with sweet messages, treats, smiles and hugs. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Kindergartners Celebrate 100 Days of School ​ Students at both Shirley Hills and Hilltop primary schools celebrated a big milestone in February – the 100th day of school. Both schools were full of young students wearing gray wigs and spectacles on chains and using walking canes as they dressed up like 100-year-olds. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MWHS Symphonic Band Spreads Joy with Local Performances ​ Mound Westonka High School band director Gretchen Chilson took Symphonic Band members on a fun one-day local tour on Febr. 10. The day started with performances at Grandview Middle School and Shirley Hills and Hilltop primary schools. A fourth performance was held for the residents at Harrison Bay Senior Living. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Sports Headlines ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Mound Westonka Dance Team Ends Season with Two State Finals Appearances ​ The Mound Westonka dance team made their 19th consecutive appearance at the Minnesota State High School League Dance Team Tournament held Feb. 14-15 at Target Center. The Hawkettes took fifth place at state in both the jazz and kick competitions. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Kraay Breaks All-Time White Hawks Hoops Scoring Record ​ Senior Max Kraay became Westonka boys basketball's all-time leading scorer in a Feb. 14 game against Rock Ridge. READ MORE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Community Ed News ​ The 2025 Winter | Spring Catalog has arrived! The digital catalog now includes live links to registration for ease of use. CLASSES FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 24 Monday, Feb. 24 - Laundry Camp with Patric Richardson (at Wayzata) Tuesday, Feb. 25 - iPhone Photography and Editing Thursday, Feb. 27 - Introductory Drawing with Kidcreate Studio (grades K-4); iPhone/iPad Intermediate Friday, Feb. 28 - Individual Guitar lessons with Greg Sletten MORE WINTER/SPRING HIGHLIGHTS White Hawks Youth Volleyball Clinic (grades K-3); Avoid the Pitfalls of Perimenopause/Menopause with Health Educator Janice Novak [virtual]; Photo Organization on iPad/iPhone/Mac; Individual Voice Lessons with Liz Strauss; Individual Piano Lessons with Liz Strauss; Individual Violin Lessons with Ann Bur ; Handmade books (ages 13-adult); Canva for Awesome Beginners [virtual]; And the Spring Session of Aquatics lessons will begin the end of March, first week of April *registration opens on March 12 at 8 a.m.! ​ ​ ​ ​ Winter/Spring Catalog ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ ​ ​ ​ Monday, February 24 Shirley Hills PTA, 6:30 Thursday, February 27 Shirley Hills 2nd Grade Concert, 6:30 Shirley Hills 3rd Grade Concert, 7:30 Sunday, March 2 Shirley Hills Family Fun Day at the WAC, 2:00-5:00 ​ ​ ​ ​ Looking Ahead ​ March 3 Hilltop/Shirley Hills Family Skate Night at Thaler March 9 All-District Band Concert March 10 School Board Meeting March 17 Dallas Brass Performance Hilltop PTA Meeting March 21-March 28 NO SCHOOL Spring Break ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Activities Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Westonka Public Schools ​ 5901 Sunnyfield Road E Minnetrista, MN 55364 P: (952) 491-8000 F: (952) 491-8012 Email www.westonka.k12.mn.us ​ ​ ​

Friday, Feb 21 2025