Appleton West High School

Today, our staff wore orange.

At first glance, it might just look like a sea of orange shirts which is pretty standard for West. But Orange Shirt Day carries a much heavier story.

Orange Shirt Day began as a movement to acknowledge the history and lasting impact of residential and boarding schools in Canada and the United States—schools that separated indigenous children from their families and worked to strip away their culture and identity.

The orange shirt comes from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose grandmother bought her a new orange shirt before she attended St. Joseph Mission School. When Phyllis arrived, the school took the shirt away.

A shirt that showed a love of a grandma shifted to become a symbol of how these boarding schools tried to take away something much deeper: a child’s culture and sense of belonging.

So today we remember. Both to honor the children and families who experienced it, and to recognize that the impact of those schools did not simply disappear when they closed. We also believe at that every child matters at West now - even when they don’t know it or believe it.

✈️ Where do you want to travel?

Come learn more about our upcoming EF Tours opportunities and get to know the teachers who will be leading students abroad!

We’ll share what makes these trips so meaningful, what’s included, how we keep travel safe and affordable, and what students can expect from the experience on Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm in the West Library.

🇮🇪 2028 Ireland Trip: A few spots are still available!
🇯🇵 2029 Japan: Open to both students AND adult travelers!

Please RSVP at our meeting link or scan the QR to save your spot at the info meeting: https://rsvp.eftours.com/nm7wv7c

Representing West as the student representative to the Board of Education! Thanks Hiro!

🎓 Alumni, this Friday is your night! 🧡💙

Come back to West for the football game and join fellow alumni from across the decades for a special Alumni Track Walk! When there are 8 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, all alumni should report to the grassy area next to the Visitors’ student section, where we’ll organize by decade before heading onto the track.

As alumni make their short walk on the track, we’ll play the Appleton West school song—a chance to celebrate the generations of Terror Pride that came before us! 🎶

And keep your ears open throughout the game for some fun West facts celebrating our school’s history!

Bring your West pride, find your decade, and come celebrate with us! West is Best! 🧡💙

Sign Up Now for Fall Arts League 🖌️🎨

After-school Arts League invites students in grades 6–12 with disabilities to explore the arts in a supportive, non-competitive setting.

Students can participate in dance, theater, visual arts, and more — building creativity, confidence, and community in a welcoming environment.

The program will run in three sessions throughout the school year at accessible locations, with support from skilled arts teachers, peer helpers, and Special Education staff.

Learn more and sign up for the fall session by September 25, 2026, by clicking here: https://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/programs-services/programs/arts-league

🤼 Welcome Back, Coach Stratton! 💙

We’re excited to welcome Chris Stratton back to Appleton West High School as the head coach of our boys wrestling program!

Chris currently serves as the AASD Program Leader for Physical Education, Health & Adventure Education Manager. He brings more than a decade of experience in education, along with an impressive background in wrestling and coaching.

Chris previously served as the head wrestling coach at UW-Oshkosh from 2010–2013, leading the Titans to three top-30 NCAA Division III finishes, a top-20 Academic Scholar Team, and the program’s first NCAA wrestling champion. He was also named WIAC Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2012.

His experience in education spans PreK-12, including physical education and adapted physical education in Minnesota, Oshkosh, Menasha, and Appleton.

We’re excited to have Coach Stratton back at West and look forward to seeing him lead our wrestlers this season!