I was really disappointed and hurt when I read the headline of the article about SAT scores (BHS shines, WHS lags on SAT,AP) in the Thursday, October 17 issue of The Voice. To see our school described in such a negative way made me sad for our kids and teachers who work so hard.
My disappointment grew when I saw that our news of earning Nationally Certified Demonstration Magnet School status (WHS awarded national certification) only garnered two sentences in the same issue. This national certification is the highest level of distinction awarded by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association of magnet and theme-based schools. This award was based on a broad range of evidence, including student achievement, and was given by an external body (MSA) who reviewed our information.
Since opening in 2012, Westwood High School remains focused on educating the whole-child. We believe in the Westwood Way values of integrity, empathy, respect, responsibility, and community. Our teachers provide a rigorous education that utilizes project-based learning and technology to engage students in real-world work experiences. Our students are actors, athletic trainers, journalists, firefighters, web page designers, musicians, nursing assistants, computer programmers, and much more. The achievements of our students and staff are being recognized on a local, state and national scale. These are just some of our most recent accolades:
- Received National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) grant designed to increase the number of students successfully completing Advanced Placement (AP) courses (2019),
- Earned AdvancED STEM Certification which is a mark of STEM distinction and excellence only offered to highly effective institutions that prioritize science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a path to success (2017),
- Received South Carolina High School League Award for Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Recognized as an Arts-Integrated High School by the SC Arts in Basic Curriculum project (2015+)
When you walk down our hallways and into classrooms, you will find dedicated students, teachers and staff collaborating to achieve our common goals. The Westwood family genuinely enjoys working together and our pride soars beyond our school grounds well into the skies. Overcoming our challenges and celebrating our successes is, and always will be, an ongoing endeavor.
Dr. Cheryl Jenkins Guy
Principal of Westwood High School
