WRHS: Welcome Back 2022-2023
Wiregrass is excited for our students to arrive on campus!
Wiregrass Ranch High School's Vision
Underclassmen Orientation Day will be held at Wiregrass Ranch High School July 29th.
Come meet your teachers on August 5th.
The student's first day is August 10th.
Update: PTSA Student Liaison Application
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY6LM9-ui3s8Ls0rcXinBRUVMQ_Zf_BMU-GjEkbVNgDhS0yQ/viewform
Update: Early Release Day - March
Update: Schedule Change Request Link (Deactivated)
Please email your grade level counselor for schedule change requests.
9th - Dominique Gonzalez
10th - Allison Kanewa
11th - Shannon Cordero
12th - Cathy Billington
2022- 2023 WRHS Schedule Change Request
ONLY SUBMIT ONE FORM!
Patience is required :) WRHS will continue working through all requests the 1st two weeks of school.
Requests for the following will take priority
- have duplicate classes
-do not have the prerequisites for a class on your schedule
-already have the credit for a course
-have a missing class or hole in their schedule
Requests for elective changes, to arrange eSchool in order to have late arrival or early release as well as lunch changes do not take priority.
Update: Schedule Availability, Parent Portal, and Lockers
The Parent Portal will open Thursday, July 28th for parents to sign consent forms and pay fees.
Lockers will be sold in the first two weeks of school.
Freshman Round Up
Register for the Freshman Round Up and New Student Orientation
Register here for the Freshman Round Up
Open House & Meet the Teacher: August 5th
Starting July 29th you will be able to see your schedule, pay fees, purchase lockers, view your transportation information, and more in your portal as it will be live! Make sure that you have your account set up by August 4th so that you can be prepared for the August 5th Open House.
On August 5th, you will be able to attend our Open House & Meet the Teacher from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Here you will be able to walk your student's schedule and meet the teachers. We will also have PTSA, Clubs, PE uniforms, Spirit Wear for purchase, and more. Students who purchase a hall locker through their MyStudent Portal are able to visit the learning community of their choice to select their locker. We will not be selling parking hang tags this day, students will be able to park the 1st few weeks without one and purchase during those weeks.
Early Release Days
Early Release Days 2022-2023! Mark your calendar
September 7th
October 5th
November 2nd
December 7th
January 11th
February 1st
March 1st
April 12th
Pasco County Schools has implemented a monthly, two-hour-early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs and district and school priorities.
Why?
- For students - increase in effective instruction and decrease in learning disruption on substitute days.
- For staff - increased opportunity to learn and grow built in to the work schedule.
- For stakeholders - predictable schedule, fewer substitutes, higher quality, and more engaged staff.
This means that your students will be coming home approximately 2 hours early on these dates. The Early Release Day Bell Schedule is posted with the other bell schedules in this newsletter. Please add all the Early Release Dates to your calendar!
Bell Schedule
WRHS WIN Period
Every student at WRHS has a 20 minute WIN period each day. This is the student's "What I Need" time each day. Your student can work on what they need for their class, seek out extra help, take this time to work on school work, and more. This is also a time where we build in PBIS rewards, interventions, and supports as well as academic supports. Encourage your student to take advantage of these 20 minutes each day.
On-Line Classes
Parents and students, please remember to register in advance for all online(Pasco eSchool)classes. Do not wait until school starts on Tuesday, August 10th. This will enable students to begin course work on the first day.
Registration
Please be patient as this is a very busy time for registrations. There is no need to make an appointment. All the documents below are required to register the student. Thank you.
https://dsbpc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e6b8a383be54b20960d7ea4dd245779
Electronic Registration
https://pasco.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/auth/
Registration packet on WRHS website
https://wrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/wrhs/2022/05/clstephe_5-26-2022_10-58-35.pdf
1. A physical no less than a year old including vitals.
2. Immunizations transferred to a DH 680 state of FL. form. This can be done at a CVS minute clinic or medical facility in FL.
3. Course selection and electives.
4. Copy of the last report card, and the transcript if possible. (translated)
5. Copy of Birth Certificate ( translated )
6. Copy of exceptional student IEP or 504 plan if applicable prior to registration
7. The Pasco County School District requires 3 proofs of your residency as follows to register a student or change an address:
1. Parent’s driver’s license, car registration, or voter registration copy ( 1 of the 3 )
2. Utility Bill ( electric, gas, water bill, or letter of connection ) only ( 1 of the 3 )
3. Lease, Mortgage, or Tax Property information ( 1 of the 3 )
All 3 proofs must have the same address.
Schedule Change Requests
Sports
Season Passes
All-Sports season passes are on sale at gofan.co. Family passes are $100, adult passes are $50 and student passes $25. Passes allow you in to all home non FHSAA State Series events for all sports.
Paperwork
All athletic paperwork will need to be uploaded to athletic clearance which is part of FHSAA home campus. Visit the county website under athletics for directions.BUS TRANSPORTATION, PARKING & CAR LOOP!
Students have 3 options when they arrive and leave campus each day.
BUS: Students that arrive by bus to school will exit by the cafeteria. Each bus will park in the same row in the afternoon and bus maps as well as staff members will be available to help students locate their buses in the afternoon. Buses leave 5 minutes after the end of the day, it is important that if your student is a bus rider that they go directly to their bus at the end of the day to not be left behind. If you have transportation questions, please call our transportation department.
- C Routes 727-774-0520
- D Routes 813-794-0560
- N Routes 727-774-0540
- S Routes 727-774-4410
- W Routes 727-774-0400
- Z Routes 813-794-0501
Student Parking: Students that are "On Track" are able to purchase a hangtag and park in our student parking lot. Hang Tags will be sold the1st few weeks of school. Students who park on campus that do not have a proper hang tag will be subject to disciplinary consequences. Students can not share tags and must park in their own spot following the parking policies. When students exit their cars in the morning they need to walk down the parking lot and enter campus by the gym. In the afternoon, students can cross at the 2 designated crosswalks to enter back into the parking lot for dismissal. Check out the Student Parking section of this email for more details. Encourage your student to arrive early as traffic backs up in the morning and to use the left lane to enter the parking lot.
Car Loop: Our student drop-off circles through the student parking lot. Please stay in the lane closest to the school building and circle around, dropping your student off as you approach the gym. Students should not be dropped off in the front of the school or be exiting cars from the 2nd lane of traffic. We do have a large volume of parents dropping off students as well as student drivers in this same lot, please arrive early as traffic will back up. Make sure that you allow enough time to get through the traffic and for your student to arrive at class before 8:10. Drop off starts at 7:30AM.
Student Parking
Complete details about student parking are located on our website: Click Here
Students will be able to purchase parking passes during the first few weeks of school as well as before school starts.
Seniors ONLY may purchase on July 27th from 8 AM to Noon in student services. Senors can also decide to paint their parking spaces. The cost is $20 and can also be paid in the fees section of MyStudent. They must also complete the application, which is posted on the website.
Seniors and Juniors on July 28th from 8 AM to Noon in student services.
All students on July 29th from 8 AM to Noon in student services.
Students must be on track with Bulls PRIDE in order to get a parking pass. For information on what it means to be on track click here.
Students will be allowed to park on campus without a pass for the first few weeks. The application and list of required documents are on the WRHS website under Student Parking. The cost is $40 and can be paid in MyStudent under the student fees or by cash (please bring the exact amount), check, or credit card.
Email Mrs. Rankin at crankin@pasco.k12.fl.us with any questions.
- Completed WRHS Student Parking Application
- Copy of driver’s license with parent and student signature
- Copy of Proof of residency (utility bill)
- Copy of your registration
- Copy of your proof of valid insurance
- Copy of completion of Safe Behind the Wheel – Wiregrass
It is the expectation that at the time of purchase students have the documents/requirements listed above.
Parking permits will not be sold if these requirements are not met.
Students Need to Check Their Email Frequently!
All students will receive their myLearning announcements, Office 365 notifications, etc. through their Pasco County Schools student email account (123456@student.pasco.k12.fl.us) which is located in myPascoConnect, then click Office, then click 365Outlook.
Click Accessing Outlook Through Office 365 for step-by-step directions.
When will grades start to post?
WRHS teachers will start entering grades after the 10th day of school. If you have concerns in a class prior to grades posting, please reach out to the teacher of that class. Thank you
How to Report an Absence
WRHS has digital reporting of absences through our website. Look for the button, "Report and Absence" on the home page. If the absence is COVID related or about COVID related symptoms you will not be able to use this method and will need to call the school at (813)346-6000.
Deliveries Not Permitted to Campus
Please note that we do not permit deliveries from outside services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Pizza, Restaurants, or Florists. Please do not order or send items to be delivered to the school. Any delivery that does appear will be sent away. Please also do not personally deliver fast food items to your child for lunch.
The only items that will be delivered would be something a student needs for instructional purposes. Please understand that we will not interrupt instructional time for students to pick up items - students will be called down during lunchtime only to secure any instructional items dropped off for them.
School Health Requirements 22-23
Medication Drop-Off
Medication will not be accepted if brought in by your child. Please contact student services and communicate with our clinic for all medical needs. Students are not allowed to carry around medication, it must be brought by a parent/legal guardian and registered with our clinic assistant.
Food and Nutrition Updates
Online Free and Reduced Meal Application
Free & Reduced Lunch
The Free and Reduced Meal Application for the 2022-2023 school year is now available online at www.pascoschoolmeals.com. If you are unsure if you qualify, you can also review the income eligibility guidelines on our website.
MySchool Bucks
School meal accounts can be funded through the MySchoolBucks meal payment service. Just visit MySchoolBucks.com. You also have the option of paying directly in the cafeteria with cash, check, credit or debit. Contactless pay will be available at registers where credit cards are accepted. Students can use contactless cards, or Google Wallet, Android Pay and Apple Pay from their phones.
Please contact Food and Nutrition Services with any questions by emailing fns_finance@pasco.k12.fl.usor calling 813-794-2522.
To qualify, students must select a complete meal. Information on what makes a complete meal is available on our website, PascoSchoolsFNS.org and is posted in all school cafeterias.
Snack and a la carte items will be available for purchase.
Student, Staff, and Faculty of the Week
Each week the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Team (PBIS) recognizes students, staff, and faculty that go above and beyond to display positive supports for behavior and academics on campus. Any member of the Wiregrass community can nominate individuals for this recognition, please help us honor those that support PBIS at WRHS. The link to nominate is always on the front page of our website.
Link: https://wrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=63597
PBIS Shout Out Nomination - Pasco County Schools
PBIS Shout Out Nomination. The form is to recognize students, faculty, and staff that support and display POSITIVE BEHAVIORS on campus through their actions and academics.
wrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention Systems
Wiregrass has worked hard over the years to implement a Positive Behavior System of Interventions. We are proud to be nominated to apply to become a PBIS recognized school based on the work we have already accomplished. Beyond the Student/Staff and Faculty of the week celebrations mentioned above, students are rewarded every day for making positive choices on campus and can turn their good work into rewards including but not limited to items from our PBIS store that is open during lunches, school spirit wear, tickets to events, yearbooks, dance tickets, cookie cards and more. This program also works to deter and correct poor choices through personal growth and reflection.
Our PBIS program is always looking for donations to help support out students. We welcome any monetary gifts, gift cards, candy or other items that the student would enjoy receiving for rewards.
SAC (School Advisory Council)
SAC members shall be elected for two(2) years. At the end of two years, they may be re-elected. If you are a current SAC member within your two-year term, please confirm with Leslie Thompson at lmthomps@pasco.k12.fl.us that you are continuing to serve your term. If you would like to run for an additional term, please complete the nomination form that is attached. Any Parent or Business/Community Member that would like to be considered as a SAC member can also complete the nomination form. All nomination forms must be returned to the Front Office no later than Friday August 12th.
Important Contacts for Each Grade Level
Each grade level has a specific Assistant Principal (AP) and School Counselor (SC)
9th grade – AP: Krystal Packard and SC: Dominique Gonzalez
10th grade – AP: Allison Taylor and SC: Allison Kanewa
11th grade – AP: Diamela Vergne and SC: Shannon Cordero
12th grade –AP: Christy Rankin and SC: Cathy Billington
At-Risk School Counselor – Whitney Powers
In addition to knowing the important contacts, it is important to stay informed through our Canvas Class pages.
We would like to welcome all of our new WRHS staff this year!
Krystal Packard - Assistant Principal
Robert Warren - Social Studies
David Alexander - Social Studies
Gabriel Gutierrez - Language Arts
Jennifer Destratis - Math
Sarah Fradkin - Language Arts
Ingris Iraheta - Spanish
Todd Bertsch - Math
Makenzie Jackson - BCE Student
Emily Genovese - Science
Harry Elifson - Instructional Assistant - Student Discipline
Christine Eckerson - Instructional Assistant - Student Discipline
Karen Schwab - Instructional Assistant - Student Discipline
Jamile Muro - Reading
Nathan Short - Social Studies
Nitza Diaz - VE
Nicholas Castro - Custodian
Rodney McKinney - Behavior Specialist
Chloe Lipovetsky - Intellectual Disability
Beckie (Sarah) Shaver - Math
Madeline Sutherland - Math
Jessica Jackson - Secretary
Leon Collier - Social Services Coordinator
Ni Haiyan - Math
Jeffrey Bertone - Science
Justin Tabor - Social Studies
Meet Corporal Keys, our SRO!
Hello everyone, My name is Corporal Keys. I have been with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office since 2017 and this upcoming school year will be my 4th year as a School Resource Officer. I am a Wiregrass Ranch Alumni from the Class of 2012, so this school holds a special place in my heart. I am looking forward to a safe and normal 2022-23 school year. Go Bulls!
“Better Together” Message from your PTSA President!
We want to welcome our new and returning students, faculty and families to the 2022-2023 school year at the Ranch!
There are several types of parent groups available, but PTA is the only one that has been part of the school and family life for more than 120 years!
Besides being the defining association for family and community engagement, PTA serves as your advocate and communication liaison. When parents are involved, the school and students thrive. Regardless of income or background, students are more likely to earn higher grades, enroll in higher level programs, attend school regularly, have improved social skills and overall behavior.
At the Ranch, our PTA is a collaboration of Parents, Teachers, Students – hence the “S” in our PTSA. We believe that by involving our students, it encourages parents as well and serves to provide the community spirit at our school and the best education possible.
The “S” in PTSA means that Students can be members and be involved with the board. The Student Liaison Committee is comprised of 9th -12th graders. If you are interested in being part of this committee, please email student@wiregrassptsa.org Any hours volunteered by students for PTSA events or programs, count towards Bright Futures’ community service hours.
Our PTSA supports and organizes several programs for our school with the goal of educational advancements to the students. We do this mainly with Spirit Merchandise & Wear and PTSA Membership and you can help by joining us: Merchandise and Membership Link
Your PTSA Membership also includes Florida and National PTA Membership where you automatically receive discounts on Legoland tickets, select car rentals, insurance and more!
Funds received through PTSA memberships in the beginning of the school year help kick-start our events and programs. Earned dollars go back to the school for our students and teachers such as Senior Scholarships or Teacher Grants.
There are several events scheduled through-out the year. You can check our Calendar of Events page on our WRHS PTSA Website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Please email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@wiregrassptsa.org if you are interested or for more information.
We understand your time is very valuable. If you are unable to volunteer due to family, work or other obligations, personal or corporate donations for our events and program are always welcomed. Please email donations@wiregrassptsa.org
Want to help out or want your voice heard? PTSA meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of the month at the school’s conference room at 6:30 pm.
Your volunteerism and donations are greatly appreciated! Looking forward to an amazing year of supporting our students, parents and teachers. Thank you for all you do for our school!
We are Better Together!
WRHS PTSA President
Marie Joles
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wrhsptsa/ Follow us on Instagram @wrhsptsa
Volunteer Application
The School Board of Pasco County requires that all adult volunteers must be approved prior to volunteering in any capacity in the school. All Volunteers must reapply each school year. Please visit the Pasco County website at www.pascoschools.org and click on Volunteer Application. It is located on the bottom of the home page. Don’t forget to register today! Any student who would like to receive future volunteer opportunities can email Mrs. Hensley at khensley@pasco.k12.fl.us to be added to her volunteer email list. Volunteer opportunities are sent via email to students.
Spirit Store Link
Flip Flop Embroidery Shoppe
If you are looking for some new WRHS Swag, check out the PTSA apparel site.
https://flipflopembroideryshoppe.com/wiregrass_ranch_high_school/shop/home
There will be no shipping cost and they will deliver to the school once a month.
Yearbook Link
Tardy Policy Consequences
WRHS's Tardy Policy: Each time a student is late to a class they will be marked tardy by their teacher in MyStudent. Tardies accumulate school wide, so multiple tardies are possible each day. Each week a tardy report will be run and any student with 2 or more tardies for the week will be assigned a consequence:
- 2 Tardies: Lunch Detention
- 3-4 Tadies: 2 days Lunch Detention
- 5+ Tardies: Tardy referral and After School Detention
If a student has 5+ Tardies more then once, consequence will increase to a day of ISS and a Parent Conference will be set.
In-School Suspension (ISS)
Wiregrass will be adding In-School Suspension back into the discipline matrix this year. We are hoping to reduce the number of students that receive Out of School Suspensions as well as to reduce the disruptions in the classrooms. With the growth of digital learning opportunities, this will give us a place where students can continue to work on their coursework with help from staff members when they make a poor choice as well as reduce the number of disruptions in the classroom. WRHS will not tolerate students who disrupt the learning environment for others.
Dress Code Policy Consequences
For all violations the student will be required to change into appropriate clothing- If needed a student may sit in ISS while they wait for new clothes.
· 1st Violation: Verbal Warning
· 2nd Violation: Lunch Detention issued by IA or Administrator.
· 3rd Violation: After School detention issued by IA or Administrator
· 4th Violation: Saturday School issued by IA or Administrator.
· 5th + Violation: A referral will be processed for Defiance by IA or Administrator
Pasco County Dresscode can be find in the Student Code of Conduct: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/library/student_services/conduct/csc_eng.pdf
Student Code of Conduct
Each year the Student Code of Conduct is updated by Pasco County Schools. It is the expectation that every student and family are aware of their rights and responsibilities outlined within the Student Code of Conduct.
Link: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/library/student_services/conduct/csc_eng.pdf
Student Code - Pasco County Schools
1 The District School Board of Pasco County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, or age in its programs, services, and activities or in its hiring and employment
Schedule Change Requests
All Schedule change requests will be handled through an online request form. This form will go live and be posted in the student services section on our website.
Student Expectations Presentation
Below is a link to view the expectation presentation that students watched the 1st week of school in their WIN period.
ABC (Assist, Believe and Care)
The ABC committee would like to share some information with our Wiregrass families. ABC stands for Assist, Believe, Care and the goal of our program is to try to address those barriers that may interfere with the educational success of a child. The program does this by providing support to students and their families that are experiencing economic hardship or in an immediate family crisis. This year we are hoping to get the community and local businesses involved to support these needs during the holidays and throughout the year. If you would like to participate, are looking for assistance, or would like further information please contact Carmen Baez at 813-346-6000.
Parent/Teacher Conference Procedures
The WRHS faculty knows that parental involvement is the number one indicator of student success in school. To ensure a successful parent-teacher conference, WRHS asks that the following procedures be followed. Before scheduling a parent-teacher conference, please contact and discuss the issue or concern directly with the teacher by email or telephone. If, after this discussion, and a conference still needs to occur, contact the guidance secretary at 346-6011 in Student Services to schedule the conference. All conferences will be from 7:30 am - 8:00 am.
Security of Valuables
Students must secure electronic devices, money, jewelry, etc. at all times. Failure to secure valuables may result in LOSS or theft and the school is not responsible.
Portables and Rainy Days
With over 2100 students, we have 30 portables that most students will use during the day. Please plan on providing your child with rain gear or a small umbrella (to fit in a book bag) for rainy days. Florida weather is unpredictable and we do not cancel classes in the portables when it rains. Plan accordingly.
Protection of School Instructional Time
The primary purpose of school is to provide instruction for students, and any infringement upon time designated for instructional activities is a failure to achieve that purpose. Therefore, classroom interruptions will be limited to emergency cases only. Please attempt to schedule all appointments after school. If you must check your child out from school, please plan ahead to allow time for a pass to be delivered to the classroom to retrieve your student. Calls to the classroom are prohibited. In addition, teachers will not be checking their email during school hours. Please allow teachers 24 hours to read and then respond to your emails and telephone messages. Deliveries of essential school-related items dropped off to Student Services during school time will be limited to the last five minutes of each class period. We will not be delivering flowers, cakes, balloons, etc. to student classrooms. We appreciate your cooperation, as we attempt to make this the best year yet!
Security Notice
Security Cameras may be used to record events at WRHS.
Academic Honor Code for WRHS
As a student at Wiregrass Ranch High School, you have entered a community of student scholars and educators who are committed to excellence in education. Take the time to read and think about what you want your education to mean to you. It is assumed that all students will pursue their studies with integrity and honesty. This means that all work for which the student wants to receive a grade, credit or recognition will be the work of the individual student. Academic honesty is a very serious commitment to make, so please do not do so lightly. Students have the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the student’s own work, to refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the school community, and to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of your class and in the Wiregrass Ranch High School community. Violations of the following infractions will result in severe disciplinary action by your teacher, which will include –but are not limited to –a grade of F on the assignment/test, a referral, and parental contact. The following are considered egregious infractions of the academic honor code:
I. Cheating
A. Copying, in part or in whole, from someone else’s test
B. Altering or interfering with grading
C. Using or consulting any of the following during an examination: any sources, consulting with others, use of electronics equipment including cell phones and PDAs, or use of materials not authorized by the instructor
D. Committing other acts which defraud or misrepresent
tII. Plagiarism
A. Incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs or parts of another person’s writings without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as your own
B. Representing another’s scholarly works such as written assignments or projects as your own
C. Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service, including the Internet
D. Undocumented Web source usage
III. Other Specific Examples of Academic Dishonesty
A. Purposely allowing another student to copy from your paper during a test
B. Giving your homework, written assignments or other academic work to another to plagiarize
C. Having another person submit any work in your name
D. Lying to a teacher to improve your grade
E. Altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading
F. Stealing tests
G. Forging signatures of parents or other students on documents
H. Collaboration without permission of your teacher.
Wiregrass Ranch High School
Website: https://wrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiregrassRanchHighSchool
Twitter: @wiregrassRanchH