Pence Press
October 30, 2022
Reflections from this week
Pence Families-
I'd like to take a moment to reflect upon some of the events from this past week. First, Pence hosted the school board on Monday night and we were thrilled to highlight our art program, our focus on building a positive culture and community, and recognize our character counts winners and volunteer of the year (see below in the newsletter).
Of course, you are aware of the threat that was made towards the school over Snapchat that caused us to cancel school for a day. Safety is our first priority and all threats are taken seriously. While closing school will not always be the plan of action, it was the most appropriate decision in this case as the county worked closely with the sheriff's department to ultimately make the decision this time. Throughout the process, it was a collaborative effort between the school administration, central office administration, and law enforcement. I am thankful for these partnerships.
I do want to take this opportunity to comment about student cell phone and social media use. I believe that most middle school students are not mature enough nor responsible enough to handle this responsibility. Furthermore, there is more and more research and literature out there talking about its harmful effects on students. Students seem to be getting access to cell phones and social media at a younger age each year. I urge you to do the research prior to giving your students access to a device. If you do decide to allow them access, I encourage you to be selective as to what apps they are using, the amount of time they are on their device, and that you check their devices regularly. Despite educating students about appropriate use and digital citizenship, adolescents continue to make poor decisions with their devices again and again. This often spills into the schools and creates a disruption or becomes a stressor which hinders their ability to learn.
Lastly, I would like to say that as I've returned to work full-time, I cannot tell you how proud I am of seeing all of the good things going on in the school on a daily basis! Pence is truly a special place and I have missed it greatly while away. Indeed, it is good to be home!
Sincerely-
John Childs
Brittany Lam - Kelley Coggsdale Character Count Award Winners
Volunteer of the Year at Pence
First 9 Weeks Grading Period
The grading period for the first 9-weeks ended on Thursday, October 27th. All grades for that grading period will be up-to-date on Wednesday, November 9th. Please check PowerSchool for the final 9-weeks grades. Paper copies of report cards will not be sent home except for those families who requested them during registration.
As always, PowerSchool is a great tool for students and families to utilize as a form of communication regarding student progress. If you need assistance with accessing your student's account, please contact the school and we'll be happy to assist you.
Parent / Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conference Night will be held on Tuesday, November the 8th from noon until 7:00 pm. Conferences will be scheduled by appointment. Please call the school this week to schedule your conference.
FCS and FCCLA happenings!
D.C. Field Trip Update
Sports Updates
Pink Out Games - The basketball ribbon and bake sale helped us reach a total of $2,069.28 for the first two events! AMAZING job Pence Knights!!
JV Girls Soccer - There will be an informational meeting for any 8th grade girl interested in JV soccer on Wednesday, Nov. 2 in the auditorium at 11:10.
Fall Basketball Game Schedule
10/31 - AWAY @ Montevideo - boys at 4:30 pm, girls' game to follow
11/3 - AWAY @ Skyline -girls at 4:30 pm, boys game to follow
11/9 - AWAY @ Elkton -4:30pm (they have two gyms)
11/10 - AWAY @ Thomas Harrison - girls at 4:30 pm, boys game to follow
Homework Help Has Begun
Our Homework Help Program takes place Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 - 4:30. Assistance is given with homework assignments, late or missing work, and challenging learning areas. If you are interested, please print and complete the following form:
Bus Transportation is available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please print and complete this form if transportation is needed: Homework Help Transportation Form 22 - 23
Hard copies of both forms are available in our office. Return all completed forms to the office. Thank you!
Shop for Pence Gear today
22'-23' Pence Yearbooks
It's never too early to start thinking about yearbooks! Beginning in September, the ability to Pre-order will be available. Don't miss out on the fun when they arrive at the end of the year! The cost of the yearbook will be $20.
Online ordering is available again this year (beginning on September 1), but please do note that a credit card processing fee will be added to your order (and will cost you more). This cannot be refunded. The website is https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/?event=general.displayLanding&jobnumber=13754 and use code 13754. You may also scan the QR code.
You also purchase a yearbook by bringing cash or a check beginning September 6. Yearbooks orders will only be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the week. No order forms will be sent home. Students will bring their payment to Mrs. Dove in Room 201 and complete an order form at that time.
If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Dove at kdove@rockingham.k12.va.us.