Timberwolf Times
Volume 4, Issue 3 - August 15th, 2021
A Message from Dr. Lowry
Good afternoon Timberwolves!
This past week was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed meeting our newest Timberwolves and their families. It was also great seeing our returning Timberwolves and hearing about their amazing summer experiences.
I want to say thank you to our incredible PTA for their hospitality this week welcoming our staff back and providing them breakfast and lunch. If you are not already a PTA member, I encourage you to join our PTA. Your membership supports the programs and events that help enhance students' experiences at school. Join now! https://www.wcjhpta.com/.../1-regular-annual-pta-membership Thank you for your support!
Below you will find information about this week and what everyone can expect on the first day of school. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. It is important that the lines of communication between all members of our school community remain open and available. Together, WCJH will be a community of kindness, excellence, and trust. We are all looking forward to a fantastic school year.
GO TIMBERWOLVES!
Dr. Andrew Lowry
Principal
WoodCreek Junior High
This Week in Timberwolf Nation
Monday, August 16
- Summer Break
Tuesday, August 17
- Summer Break
Wednesday, August 18
- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
- 8th Grade Volleyball Tryouts - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursday, August 19
- 8th Grade Volleyball Tryouts - 6:45 AM - 8:30 AM
- 7th Grade Volleyball Tryouts - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday, August 20
- 7th Grade Volleyball Tryouts - 6:45 AM - 8:30 AM
1st Day and Student Schedules
On the first day of school, students will report to their first period class.
All students will receive their official schedule on the first day of school in 1st period when they arrive. This schedule will be on white paper and will match what is viewable in HAC. Green schedules from schedule pickup on August 12, 2021 are a draft, and are no longer valid.
Any student requesting a schedule change needs to contact their grade level counselor and request a schedule change form.
6th grade : jodidslaughter@katyisd.org
7th grade; jessamyneyclay@katyisd.org
8th grade: brittanywaddell@katyisd.org
“How-To Guide” for Parents on the Home Access Center (HAC)
Home Access Center (HAC) User Guide (English) Home Access Center (HAC) User Guide (Spanish) New for 2021-2022! Behavior data will be available in the HAC for all secondary students.
Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up
Morning Drop-Off
Students that are being dropped off will be dropped in the front of the school. We highly encourage students to walk, ride their bike or take the bus to and from school. With 1500 students attending WCJH this year, the parent drop off is expected to be busy. We need everyone's help to ensure a safe and speedy drop off each morning.Expectations for morning drop-off.
- Drop-off occurs in the front of the school, please do not drop-off your students at the back of the school. That area is reserved for buses.
- When entering the front driveway, form two lines.
- As you approach the building, you will merge into one line. Please allow cars to merge one after another.
- Instruct your student to have all their belongings ready to go prior to being dropped off.
- Pull all the way forward in the front drive before allowing your student to get out of the car.
- Please remain in your vehicle and allow your student to retrieve their belongings.
- Do not go around other cars when exiting unless instructed by our security or staff.
Our main entrance will open at 8:30 AM. You are permitted to drop your student off earlier; however, students will not be supervised until 8:30 AM.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Dismissal will begin at 4:05 PM. Bus riders will exit at the back of the building to meet their bus. Car riders, bike riders, and walkers will exit at the front of the building.
Transportation Bus Service & Route Information
The Katy ISD Transportation Department is excited to communicate that all 2021 – 2022 route buses are equipped with GPS systems. With the GPS systems, parents, campuses and transportation personnel are able to track buses in real-time through a downloadable application from Edulog. For parents and patrons having children who are eligible for transportation services in Katy ISD, the link below contains information on how to download the application. WCJH campus code is: 52218172.
http://www.katyisd.org/dept/transportation/Pages/Bus-Track.aspx
2021-2022 Bell Schedule
Timberwolf Trek
Katy ISD and WCJH is continuing our partnership with CharacterStrong in our ongoing effort to actively support the emotional well-being of all learners. Re-establishing a strong community and fostering a positive school climate is a priority here at WoodCreek Junior High School. Relationships are the heart of a positive school climate, This year we will be implementing our CharacterStrong program on Monday's during advisory. The CharacterStrong curriculum is for all WCJH students and helps build connections at school, home, and in the community.
Student Pick Up
Please be advised that the cutoff time to check out your student from school is 3:15 PM.
We cannot check out a student after this time before dismissal.
Thank you for your cooperation.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE UPDATES FROM KATY ISD (VAPING)
Updates for 2021-2022
The Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2021-2022 Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct on Monday, July 26. A summary of the changes can be found here. Two significant changes include:
- Students who engage in a second offense related to vaping or paraphernalia (selling, giving, delivering, possessing, using, or being under the influence) regardless of the substance, will be recommended to the District’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), the Opportunity Awareness Center (OAC).
- Students who are in possession of synthetic or look-alike drugs will also be recommended to the DAEP.
Parents and students should review the Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct each year to be aware of behavior expectations and potential consequences.
Katy ISD appreciates partnering with parents to ensure all students can attend alcohol, drug, and vape-free campuses. Student safety and academic success is our number one priority!
KATY VIRTUAL ACADEMY (KVA) GRADES K-6*: DEADLINE AUGUST 17
At the August 10 Special Board Meeting, Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved a Katy Virtual Academy (KVA) online learning program for students in kindergarten through sixth grades. These are students whose parents may wish to immunize their child against COVID-19, though do not currently meet criteria for a vaccination. Students applying to KVA Grades K-6 will be reassigned from their home campus and into the KVA Grades K-6 District online learning program. Reminder, KVA students may be enrolled in a class with students from multiple KISD campuses and taught by a teacher that is not associated with the student’s home campus.
Parents interested in the KVA Grades K-6 program must submit an online KVA application via the Katy ISD KVA Grades K-6 webpage by midnight on Tuesday, August 17. Following the August 17 KVA application submission deadline, parents may expect an email confirming KVA enrollment on Wednesday, August 18.
Beginning Thursday, August 19, KVA students confirmed to begin the online learning program on Monday, August 30, will be assigned to the district’s online learning program. KVA student schedules will be accessible via the Home Access Center (HAC) on Friday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m. KVA “Meet the Teacher” zoom sessions will be held on the afternoon of Friday, August 27. The schedule for the zoom “Meet the Teacher” sessions is pending. Online instruction for KVA Grades K-6 will officially begin on Monday, August 30 and extend through October 15, 2021. Technology will be made available for KVA students by request. The KVA Gr. K-6 Grab and Go Food Service Update is below.
As a reminder, requests for in-person students to attend KVA Grades K-6 online learning program or for KVA students to return to in-person learning after the Tuesday, August 17 deadline and prior to Monday, October 15 will not be accepted.
Questions regarding the KVA Grades K-6 online learning program may be directed to KVA@katyisd.org.
Annual Student Update via PowerSchool
Please complete the Annual Student Update for each child prior to the first day of school, August 18. New for 2021-2022! Parents can access their child’s Annual Student Update form directly from within the Home Access Center (HAC). For detailed instructions on accessing the Annual Student Update via the HAC: Single Sign-on Step-by-Step Instructions Manual, Single Sign-on Step-by-Step Instructions Manual - Spanish
Parents of Students Entering 7th Grade
Notices were mailed to parents of all 6th grade students in need of updated immunizations at the end of the last school year. Documentation for the following required shots can be emailed to TraceyANelson@katyisd.org, faxed to 281-644-1861 or dropped off in the front office. Remember to keep a copy for your records.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): Tdap is required for all students entering 7th grade if at least 5 years has lapsed since the last dose of a tetanus containing vaccine (DTap, DPT, DT). If 5 years have not elapsed since the last dose of a tetanus containing vaccine at entry into 7th grade, then this dose will become due as soon as the 5 year interval has passed. Td is acceptable if Tdap is medically contraindicated.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: One dose is required for all students entering 7th grade.
- Varicella Vaccine (chickenpox): Two doses are required, with the first on or after the first birthday and the second dose prior to entry in the 7th grade (unless a parent or physician statement of disease is on file).
THANK YOU to those who have already forwarded this information. Keep them coming to ensure that your student will able to pick up his/her schedule!!!
KISD - Texas Vaccine Institute
Katy ISD, in partnership with the Texas Vaccine Institute, is offering the following dates and times for any student, enrolled in Katy ISD, insured or uninsured, to receive the necessary required immunizations for school entry:
Dates: August 6, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18
Times: 9:00AM–12:00PM and 2:00–5:00PM
Location: Katy ISD – Martha Aki Project TYKE building, 6361 S. Stadium Lane,
Katy, Texas 77494
Cost: $15 for one immunization; $25 for two; $30 for three or more
Accepting credit/debit cards or cash
Bring: Shot record and insurance card if you have insurance
For additional information you may contact the Health Services Department at 281-396-2629.
FOOD SERVICE - Free Meals for All Students
SOCIOECONOMIC INCOME VERIFICATION FORM
In preparation for the new school year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on April 20 that all schools will be allowed to serve free meals to all students, regardless of eligibility, through June 30, 2022. As a result, families will not need to submit Free and Reduced-Priced Meals application to determine eligibility status for this school year. However, to ensure Katy ISD qualifies for eligible funding from the state, Katy ISD is asking parents to submit the Socioeconomic Information Form that may capture the economically disadvantaged status of students as determined by the information provided. By completing the two-part questionnaire in the Annual Student Update, Katy ISD may qualify for additional state dollars to support our students’ academic and personal success during the upcoming school year.
Join Science Olympiad!
What is Science Olympiad?
It is an academic event that allows students to test their knowledge in a multitude of science topics. If you are a science enthusiast, visit the link below to submit your digital application.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XtOoOk201NF7XdSMjIr6SkJXSeAQSdwGT1BgJ8vPj0c/edit?usp=sharing
Thank You Chalk Artists
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
Parents/Students Technology Support Inquiries Online
Parent & Student Tech Resources & Support
Parent Technology FAQs
Katy 1 Source (Parent & Student Searchable Knowledge Base)
Canvas Parent Guide
CHILD FIND
Child Find is a process designed to identify, locate, and evaluate individuals from birth to 21 years of age who may need special education and related services. If you are concerned that your child may have a disability, contact your student’s school for more information about the Child Find process or click on the following link.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR 2021-22
Coming Soon...Locker Request
It’s almost that time of year. Students will have the opportunity to request a locker during the first week of school. More details will follow in future Timberwolf Times.
Athletics Newsletter
Athletic Tickets
JOIN PTA!
Don't forget you can join WCJH PTA online! Not only can parents join but students, neighbors, businesses, family, and friends can join as well. Just like last year, there will be monthly drawings for yard signs, gift cards, and spiritwear. The membership helps support the programs and events that help enhance students' experiences at school. Join now! https://www.wcjhpta.com/.../1-regular-annual-pta-membership Thank you for your support!
Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact membershiop@wcjhpta.com.
*If you purchased school supplies through the PTA that includes one membership.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Safe Return to School Plan
In preparation for the start of the school year, please click here for Katy ISD’s Safe Return to School Plan.
Facial Coverings/Mask - Optional
Per Governor Abbott’s Executive Order 38 effective as of July 29, 2021, no governmental entity may mandate the wearing of facial coverings. However, current CDC guidance recommends the wearing of facial coverings for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons when indoors and in confined spaces. Face coverings and masks will remain optional on all Katy ISD campuses. Campuses will also continue to provide sanitizing products for students and staff, as well as encourage social distancing practices where appropriate.
COVID-19 Self-Reporting App
Sign up for Important Updates - Join Remind
Contact Information
Mission Statement: WoodCreek Junior High, in partnership with the community, parents, and students, will provide a safe, positive, engaging learning environment that is devoted to empowering each student to become a productive, responsible, respectful citizen while achieving academic excellence.
Website: http://www.katyisd.org/campus/WCJH/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 1801 Woodcreek Bend Lane, Katy, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 234-0800
Facebook: facebook.com/woodcreekjrhigh/
Twitter: @WoodCreekJrHigh
WCJH Administrative Team
Dr. Andrew Lowry Principal
Tim Chesser Assistant Principal - Student Support
Karla Beek Assistant Principal - 6th Grade
Lauren Merriman Assistant Principal - 7th Grade
Stephanie McDonald Assistant Principal - 8th Grade
Meghan McCarthy Counselor - Student Support
Jodi Slaughter Counselor - 6th Grade
Jessie Clay Counselor - 7th Grade
Brittany Waddell Counselor - 8th Grade
School Information
Instructional Calendar 2021-2022 Click Here
Lunch Menus Click Here
Bus Transportation Click Here
Student Code of Conduct Click Here
Registration Information Click Here