Dear West High Community,

With great pride and excitement, I welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year! Whether you are a returning student or staff member, a new family joining our school, or a longtime supporter of West High, thank you for being part of this incredible community.

For over 130 years, West High School has been a place of tradition, excellence, and resilience. From our historic tower to championship banners, academic milestones to cultural celebrations, we are a school defined by pride, perseverance, and purpose. Our strength has always come from our people, and that strength continues to shine this year.

As the school year begins, we focus on ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. We are working hard to enhance campus safety and school climate, strengthen academic support systems, improve student attendance, and ensure that every Panther stays on track for graduation. Our teachers and staff are committed to refining their instructional practices through coaching and collaboration, because every student deserves high-quality learning experiences every day.

We are also continuing our work to foster a school culture built on kindness, respect, and responsibility. As part of that effort, we want to remind families and students that personal electronic devices, including cell phones, should not be used during instructional time. This supports a focused learning environment and aligns with Utah’s new state law on school cell phone use. You can learn more here: Utah Cell Phone Policy – HB 303.

At the heart of everything we do is a deep respect for the diversity that makes West so vibrant. Our students come from every walk of life, speak dozens of languages, and bring a rich experience that makes our school stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming space where every student’s voice matters and every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Finally, we’re excited to share that the West High rebuild will start soon! This historic project will seek to preserve West High traditions while transforming our campus into a modern, innovative learning environment designed to support our students today and for generations to come.

Once a Panther, always a Panther.

With gratitude and excitement,
Wayne Culley
Principal, West High School

West High School – School-Wide Expectations 2025–2026

At West High, our two top priorities are:

• Keeping everyone safe on campus
• Helping every student graduate prepared for their future

At the heart of all our expectations is a simple belief: Students are at the center of everything we do. These guidelines are here to support student well-being, academic success, and a strong school community.

Be Present and Engaged

• Attend all classes and be on time, ready to learn.
• If in the hallway during class, have a hall pass and teacher permission.

Respect Shared Spaces

• Eat only in the cafeteria, commons, or outside.
• Clean up after yourself and help keep our school looking great.

Stay Connected to Learning

• Check PowerSchool and Canvas regularly to track grades and assignments.
• If struggling, reach out to your teacher — we are here to help.

Support a Healthy School Environment

• Use bathrooms responsibly and respectfully.
• Vaping or misuse of school spaces is not allowed.

Cell Phone Use

In accordance with Utah Law SB 178 and Salt Lake City School Board Policy S-11, phones must be put away during class.

• Cell phones may only be used before school, after school, during lunch, or during transition time — not during class, in the bathroom, or on a hall pass.
• A full school policy will be sent on Aug. 13, 2025 with storage, enforcement, and positive reinforcement details.

Cell Phone Policy Link – English

Cell Phone Policy Link – Spanish

Parking and Safety

• Students must park in designated student parking and follow all traffic rules.
• Do not park in staff-designated parking spaces.

Counselor Connections

Every student meets with their counselor at least once a year to plan for success.

Changes to PAC

• PAC is 30 minutes at the end of the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Tuesdays: SEL and grade-level counselor work.
• Wednesdays: Academic focus using data for targeted support.
• PAC classes are 20-25 students per grade level, keeping the same teacher for 4 years when possible.
• Students earn Pass/Fail grades for PAC participation.
• Bell Schedule

These expectations will be reviewed in PAC on August 19 and reinforced throughout the year. Let’s work together to make this a great year for every Panther!

We are deeply grateful for the partnership of our students, families, and staff in making West High a place where every Panther can thrive. Your dedication, support, and commitment to our shared values make all the difference. Thank you for being an essential part of the West High community — we couldn’t do this without you.

With gratitude,
Wayne Culley, Principal
West High School Administration