The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has a lot of people stuck at home. Now that we’re several weeks into it, there are likely to be many people with cabin fever wondering what they can do to make a positive difference in what is an incredibly difficult time for our communities. Even in a time of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, there are still many ways you can help out. Below are some examples: Support local businesses that are still open While “non-essential” businesses in our area are closed at this time, you may still be able to order gift cards online to give them some cash flow and help them stay afloat during the pandemic. Local restaurants can still operate with delivery or takeout service only. Ordering from your favorite local establishments from time to time will help them retain steady business. Donate blood You can still make appointments to donate blood at clinics, blood centers, and the American Red Cross. Reports indicate the nation faces a severe blood shortage, so anyone who is a healthy candidate to give blood could help save lives by donating blood or platelets. Blood donation is an extremely safe process, and the clinics that remain open for donors take cleanliness and sterilization extremely seriously. Contribute to nonprofit organizations Do you have a cause that ignites your passion? If you want to make a direct impact on fighting the coronavirus, there are many different organizations that have been set up to assist those affected most. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy will be able to recommend clinics in your area that could use your help. There are other nonprofit organizations that are constantly in need of donors, especially now, and your money can help make a big difference. Connect with others It can be quite difficult to go for an extended period of time without interacting with many other people, particularly friends and family members. Carve out some time each day to connect with someone via the telephone or video chat. This is especially important for your older relatives, who are probably even more homebound than you are. Humans are naturally social creatures. That little bit of interaction can help people’s mental health during periods that are otherwise full of isolation. Contribute supplies There is a major shortage of N95 masks in hospitals and clinics right now, as well as a big delay in production to meet the demand. If you sew or craft, you might be able to find online patterns for masks that you can then contribute to healthcare facilities. The doctors, nurses and medical staff on the front lines need all the help they can get to protect themselves properly when tending to an ever-increasing number of patients. At this time in La Crosse County, you can drop off any homemade masks to Isle la Plume, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The La Crosse County Public Health Department asks that you place the masks in a sealed plastic container before dropping them off.  We know that the pandemic is causing a lot of worry in our community. We hope you stay safe and healthy. Please continue to practice social distancing and, if you can help it, remain at home as much as possible.

As a proud member of West Salem Panther Nation, you know there are so many things to love about our schools and community. While we enjoy the benefits of a strong public school district every day, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on what makes our schools so special. If we could write a love letter to the School District of West Salem community, here are some of our favorite things that we would praise. The studentsA school would be nothing without its bright, eager students. We were once students at West Salem schools, and know just how special it is to receive an education here. We’re grateful for the experiences students have shared across the generations. More importantly, we’re excited to see the new opportunities our current students are exploring!The teachers, administrators and staffTeachers are the heart of our schools. They dedicate their careers and their lives to ensuring generations of young Panthers are excited about learning and prepared for adulthood. Staff are critical to ensuring that teachers and students alike are supported in their learning. Administrators make the big decisions that keep our schools and district moving forward.The volunteersStudents, teachers, and staff have an important job to do, but volunteers help because they want to join our mission. Community service is a central tenet of our district's values and embodies the Panther Nation spirit. We’re so grateful to those who choose to spend their time in classrooms, on campus, on the field and organizing events. So many of our favorite activities could not happen without volunteers!Our community supportersThere are many area organizations helping to fund fantastic projects for students. They organize excellent fundraisers that not only benefit our community, but that are also just plain fun for participants. They set big goals for themselves and our community to ensure we’re always reaching higher to provide the very best for our school district community. The PanthersWho doesn’t love being a West Salem Panther? All of our students bring us so much pride on and off the field. Whether they are crushing our rivals in a game, competing in forensics or creating new art, volunteering in the community, or just helping out a fellow student, we’re grateful that they represent us so well.Our alumniWe may be biased, but West Salem alumni are the best! We’re always so happy to see alumni from across the decades show their continued pride for our schools. Whether it’s planning class reunions or cheering hard at homecoming, our alumni sure know how to show current students the true value of our community. There are so many people, places and events that make our community special. Some of them helped shape our youth, while others arrived later to benefit younger alumni and students. No matter how far you are removed from the halls of West Salem High School, you can still show some love and say thank you for all those wonderful years.