Pence Press
August 22, 2021
Welcome Back Pence Knights!
On the eve of the first day of school, there is a buzz of excitement for the return of our students into the building! Our Pence Family looks forward to welcoming each and every one of them with open arms. We will work towards building community and relationships first so effective instruction and learning can occur.
For those of you who are new to Pence, our weekly newsletter is our primary means of communication. We will highlight the events of the previous week while providing you information for the weeks to come. We encourage our parents to take a moment each weekend to review the newsletter together with your student(s). This provides an opportunity for you to open up a line of communication with your student regarding their experience at school. We also encourage you to familiarize yourself with the PowerSchool Parent Portal to check on your student's academic progress regularly throughout the year.
If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Education is most effective when there is a positive connection between home and school. We also encourage you to have your students take an increasing amount of ownership and responsibility in his/her education by checking his/her PowerSchool account regulary, communicating with teachers, and advocating for his/her own needs
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
Sincerely-
John Childs
WSPMS Knights Student Motto for 2021-2022
Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pick-Up
-Morning drop-off may not occur prior to 8:00 AM. If you arrive sooner, please have your student wait in the car until prompted by a school staff member.
-Student may exit the car anywhere along the sidewalk area in front of the school, allowing us to have as many as 6-7 students exit at once.
-We ask that all families dropping off their student(s) approach the school from the south along Ashby Street. In working with the Dayton Police Department, we have identitified that this is the safest way practice and prevents traffic backups along Bowman Rd.
-Please see the map below.
-In the afternoon, the procedures will be the reverse of the morning, with students loading into their cars anywhere along the sidewalk. We again ask that you approach the school from the south along Ashby Street.
-All cars will need to turn right out of the school onto Bowman road as they exit the school.
-While our dismissal bell is scheduled to ring at 3:18 PM each day, we may hold the bell if buses are late to arrive to Pence to ensure the safety of our students.
First Week of School Buses: IMPORTANT
School Supplies
Students, Don't Forget...
1. Mask (required)
2. Chromebook (charged)
3. Backpack (with your supplies)
4. Water bottle
Additionally-
We will be outside often throughout the school year, including lunches. Please dress appropriately for the weather. We also ask that you refer to the RCPS dress code in regards to appropriate dress.
Dressing Out For Physical Education
Students who choose not to dress out will need to come to school in appropriate attire for PE that day. For example, skirts, dresses, tight jeans, and work boots or cowboys boots should not be worn. Students will not be dressing out on the first day of class as the PE teachers will be providing their students with more information. All students will meet in the main gym, across from the office, on the first day of school.
School Attendance Information!
Parents, we are asking you to partner with us to help get your students to school or a regular basis. In short, attendance matters! With that being said, we do realize that there are times when your student(s) may need to be out.
-If your student is absent, please call the school (879-2535) or email the school (wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us) prior to 9:00 AM.
Plese try to schedule all vacations around the school calendar. We have seen an increased number of parents pulling their students out of school for vacations over the last year. While family time is valuable, missing an extended amount of time from school leads to student frustration and anxiety as they fall behind on missed concepts. If you do plan on taking a vacation, requests must be submitted to Mr. Childs at least 10 school days in advance. Students will be responsible for making up any missed work.
Counseling & Administrative Assignments/Support
Students with the Last Names A-K
Assistant Principal: Candice Ray; Counselor: Meg Helbert
Students with the Last Names L-Z
Teachers Preparing For The Year!
Job Opportunities
Volleyball
All games begin at 4:30pm.
Tuesday, August 24 - Home w/ Elkton MS
Thursday, August 26 - Away @ Skyline MS
Tuesday, August 31 - Away @ Montevideo MS
Masks are required for those in attendance.
Admission: $2.00 for students and $3.00 for adults
Cross Country
There is still time to join the cross country team if you are interested. The team practices Monday-Friday 3:15-4:15pm. You will need a completed VHSL physical on day one to begin practice. All meets begin at 4:30pm. Home Cross Country meets take place at the Rockingham County Fair Grounds.
Information, Information, Information
The "Parent Resources" & "Student Resources" tabs are especially useful. I recommend that all Pence families take some time to review the Student Handbook.
Calendars and Daily Schedules
What is R-Block?
R stands for "Reconnect"
Purpose: To be intentional about reconnecting the students with the school and the curriculum. This could include student check-ins, remediation or practice of instructional concepts, homework help, extensions such as STEM, passion projects, CTE, and the fine arts. Organizational skills, time management, and study skills may be taught during this time. Special club meetings or projects may also be held during this time (upon approval from administration).
Lunch is embedded in this period, as well as, Advisory and Recess on a rotating basis.
School Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Breakfast and lunches are free for all students this school year.