Weston-McEwen High School
09-30-25 Start of School Year
Weston-McEwen TigerScots are well into the rhythm of the 25-26 school year.
One big change at the high school this year is the new Oregon state policy about cell phones.
From the start to the end of the school day, students may not use or carry personal devices,
including Smartphones/flip phones, Smartwatches/Smart Glasses, tablets/e-Readers,
headphones or earbuds connected to personal devices, personal computers not issued by the
school. These items must be off and stored in phone pockets, backpacks, lockers, or
vehicles—not on the student’s person.
If parents and guardians need to reach their student, they may call the main office number at
541-566-3555. If a student needs to contact their parent or guardian during the school day, a
phone is available in the main office.
WMHS Principal Morgan Rauch said she has been pleasantly surprised at student’s willingness
to put their devices away. The school’s message is Phones Down, Heads Up. Rauch also said the
school re-issued student lockers so devices can be stored there.
“I have appreciated hearing more conversation between students at breakfast break and seeing
more interaction between students,” Rauch said. The school added board games and a Foosball
table to the student Commons, which is used every day.
WMHS Goals this year
9th Grade on Track – this year, WMHS added a half -day before school started just for freshmen
and new students to get familiar with the school and their Link Crew connection. Link Crew
upper class students are encouraged to continue that connection with freshmen throughout
the school year. Rauch said school staff are participating in a regional 9th Grade on Track cohort
to get more ideas for how to support freshmen through their transition to high school with
limited staffing.
School Culture – the school and ASB (Associated Student Body) are creating and implementing
initiatives to strengthen the school climate with events and activities to connect students.
Attendance – the school is working to improve attendance. The goal is for all students to be
absent nine or less days this year.
Lunch Incentive – once a month, students with all Cs and better earn an hour-long lunch.
Grades are pulled weekly on Monday afternoon and determine eligibility. Students with grades
lower than a C will stay in class for academic support.
Rauch said WMHS has changed the grading policy this year, going from semester grades (18
weeks) to quarter grades (9 weeks). Principal Rauch said the intention is to give students a
better chance of improving a grade because less time has elapsed since the assignments were
given if they need to be made up.
There are more than 170 students attending WMHS this year, and the Class of 2026 has about
55 students.
“Of course, our ultimate goal is to keep kids on track to graduate and encourage them to be
present and in the building as often as possible. I think we have some really good changes that
we are trying this year, and staff are really invested in student outcomes this year,” Rauch said.