Dear Westfall High School Families,
Get ready, Mustangs! The energy is building, and I can hardly contain my excitement for the 2025-2026 school year! I hope you've all had a wonderful and relaxing summer, full of fun and rejuvenation. The halls of Westfall High are buzzing with anticipation, and we're eagerly preparing to welcome back our incredible students for another year of growth, discovery, and success.
We're kicking off this school year with some fantastic news! I'm thrilled to introduce Mr. Logan Stepp, our new Assistant Principal. Mr. Stepp brings a wealth of experience and a passion for student success, and I know he'll be an amazing addition to our Westfall family. Please join me in giving him a warm Mustang welcome!
Important Information for the Upcoming School Year
To help ensure a smooth and successful start, please review the following important information:
Emergency Medical and Registration Forms
Parents/Guardians of every student enrolled at Westfall Local Schools must complete Final Forms online registration before the first day of school. Documents such as Emergency Medical Forms, Acceptable Use Policies, and Handbook Agreements are available and must be completed online using FinalForms. This platform enables parents or guardians to complete and electronically sign forms for their students. The forms can be found on our website or by clicking https://westfall-oh.finalforms.com/.
School Day Structure
Our schools will open at 7:20 AM. Please do not drop students off (especially in the winter months) before this time, as the doors cannot be opened until then. If your student arrives after 7:30 AM, they will be marked tardy. The dismissal bell rings at 2:30 PM.
Student Code of Conduct
All students will receive an electronic copy of the student handbook through Final Forms. The handbook includes all rules, covering topics such as attendance, dress code, and discipline procedures.
Attendance
All absences must be reported to the office by calling 740-986-2911. If you are unable to reach the office personnel, please leave a message with your student's name and the reason for the absence.
Transportation
If you have questions or special requests regarding transportation, please contact our Transportation Department Director, Becky Shaw, in advance. Bus notes or telephone calls regarding transportation changes will NOT be accepted in the school offices.
Food Services
Applications are available through the Free & Reduced Meal Application, effective August 1, 2025. Eligibility for free and reduced-price lunches is based on federal income guidelines or participation in programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Ohio Works First. We encourage ALL families to complete the quick and easy Free/Reduced Meal Application by August 12, 2025, to ensure qualified students are in the system prior to the start of school.
Medication
If your child is prescribed medication that must be administered during school hours, please contact the school nurse to obtain the necessary documentation. If your child requires over-the-counter medication, it can be administered at school if necessary. However, it must be in the original container, have the student's name marked on the container, and be accompanied by a note outlining administration instructions. All medicines (prescribed or over-the-counter) must be dropped off to the school nurse by a parent or guardian.
First Day of School
Please note that Wednesday, August 13, 2025, will be the first day back to school for NINTH GRADE only. It will be a full day for our freshmen students, with transportation and meals provided. Freshmen will receive their schedules and become familiar with their classes and teachers. The remaining student body's first day back to school will be Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Open House
There will be an open house event for students and families on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Students will be provided with their schedules and lockers at this time. They will be able to tour the building, meet their teachers, and ask any questions they may have.
Student Schedules
Student schedules will be available for review through ProgressBook. Schedules WILL NOT be available in the school offices before the first day of school. If a student is unable to obtain their schedule through ProgressBook or Open House, they will receive it upon arrival on their assigned first day of school.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, ideas, or concerns you may have. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to make this school year exceptional.
I look forward to meeting each of you and embarking on this journey of learning and growth together. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Mr. Dana Ortman
Principal, Westfall High School