WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - October 8, 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Walkersville Community,
While next week includes some partial days for our elementary and middle schools, high schools have full school days Monday-Thursday. As we hit mid-October, our SGA and PTSA organizations are looking for some help to hold our upcoming Homecoming Dance. We have it planned for October 23rd from 7-10. Soon permission slips and information regarding tickets will be coming out. With the end of the term coming later this month, please make sure your students are getting any help they need to be successful in class. We offer virtual tutoring Tues/Thurs from 2:45-4:15 using this link: https://meet.google.com/lookup/whseloresource additionally, if your child would benefit from Saturday Academy, we will still have 6 weeks left, so please reach out.
Thanks for all you do to support our school community!
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
TUTORING SESSIONS AVAILABLE
WHS is offering drop-in virtual tutoring from 2:45-4:15 on Tuesdays & Thursdays Semester 1. Please use this link to access: https://meet.google.com/lookup/whseloresource
Tutoring Dates:
October 12, 14, 19, 21, 28
November 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 30
December 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21
January 4, 6, 11, 13
ASVAB TESTING
Are you in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade AND interested in taking a FREE career interest inventory? Then sign up to take the ASVAB at WHS on November 10, 2021!
What is the ASVAB? The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test battery consisting of nine short individual tests covering Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematic Knowledge, General Science, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, and Assembling Objects. ASVAB results provide scores for each individual test, as well as three academic composite scores- Verbal, Math, and Academic Ability- and two career exploration composite scores. There is no commitment to the Armed Services before/during/after taking the ASVAB. It truly is an excellent career assessment tool to help assist with identifying interests and strengths/weaknesses.
The test will be administered on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 7:30am - 10:30am at Walkersville High School. If your son/daughter is interested in taking this FREE career interested inventory, please fill out the permission form as soon as possible and return it to Mrs. Marble (Shannon.Marble@fcps.org) no later than Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
Be aware of the following:
Masks are required.
There is no commitment to the Armed Services before/during/after taking the ASVAB. The ASVAB is an excellent career assessment tool to help assist with identifying interests and strengths/weaknesses.
STATE TESTING INFORMATION
Beginning next week, any student who took Algebra 1, Biology or English 10 during last school year will be participating in the Maryland State Department of Education MCAP exams for that course. Participation in these exams is a requirement for graduation.
Testing will continue through October 22.
HOMECOMING INFORMATION
Homecoming season is here and this year's theme is Hollywood!
Mark your calendar for Friday, October 22nd with the Homecoming Parade beginning at 5pm. Parade participants will line up in the middle school's parking lot at 4:30 and process down West Frederick St to the high school. If you wish to help out or have a group/organization interested in being part of the parade, contact Ms. Reid at fawn.reid@fcps.org.
After the parade we’re looking for a Lions win at the Homecoming football game at 6:30pm vs. Brunswick. The halftime show will include a presentation of the Homecoming court and the announcement of this year’s King and Queen.
The Homecoming Dance will be held Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 in the school gymnasium from 7-10pm. Tickets are $15 per person. The 2021 Homecoming Dance is only open to Walkersville High School students; guests will NOT be allowed this year.
Walkersville High School is committed to providing the opportunity for our students to experience the traditional events of Homecoming, but we also want to be sure that we are taking efforts to keep everyone safe. In addition to limiting our dance attendance to current WHS students, please note the following:
- Masks will be required while inside the building for the dance
- The commons will be available as a quieter place for students who wish to sit down, play games, or just chat with friends.
- We thank our students in advance for continuing to comply with and support our efforts to keep you safe while also enjoying the fun traditions and events at Walkersville High School.
WHS FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION & FAFSA FINISH NIGHT
WHS Financial Aid Information & FAFSA Finish Night - October 14
Walkersville High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Information Night for seniors and their parents on October 14th at 6 PM. During this event, parents will learn helpful information and receive resources from a local financial aid advisor.
Following the information session at 6 PM, families have the option to stay and participate in a FAFSA Finish Event. This event allows parents to complete the FAFSA with the assistance of on-site financial aid experts. It is a hands-on FREE event. This event will run from 7-9 PM following the information session at 6 PM. Families that wish to participate in the FAFSA Finish Event must register ahead of time at: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=imU6Uv
Bring the following documentation to your FAFSA Finish appointment:
- Your FSA ID. Get your FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/
- Social Security Number for parents and student (or permanent resident number)
- Date of birth of parents and student
- Driver’s license or other State-issued ID (if any)
- Alien Registration or Permanent Resident Card (if not a US citizen)
- 2020 W-2 tax forms and other records of money earned
- Federal income tax return for 2020
- Foreign tax return (if any)
- Untaxed income records (such as child support received and untaxed pensions)
- Bank statements for checking, savings and other asset accounts owned by the student and parents
- Other investment records, including 529 plans or other prepaid college plans (if applicable)
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
If your child will be absent, late or is leaving early, please email WHS.Attendance@fcps.org with student's name, grade, date and reason for absence. If your student is a student driver, please indicate this on the note. Student drivers will receive a pass to allow them to sign out on their own.
For early dismissals:
- Parent/Guardian will come to the office to sign student out **If not a student driver
- Please bring your ID & wear a mask
- Allow adequate time to locate student for an early dismissal
- If you allow someone else to sign your student out, please note the name you authorize in your note to the school. They will be required to show ID to pick up student.
Don’t forget, when going to the Doctor, Dentist or Orthodontics, remember to get an attendance slip. We will code accordingly. This is especially important if you have a student that has after school activities.
For more attendance information, https://education.fcps.org/whs/attendance
ONE CALL NOW ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
One Call Now Attendance Notifications
One Call Now attendance messages will be used for our school. This is FCPS wide. The intent of the messages are to communicate with families if their child has been marked absent for 1 or more periods of the school day. This includes late arrivals to school.
This text is automated and it is possible that if a child enters school later in the day the text could occur in error. As always, please feel free to call or email our attendance office at either WHS.Attendance@fcps.org or 240-236-7213 if you feel you have received a text in error.
This text will be sent to the person who is noted as the guardians for your child. If you wish to opt out of this text or any of the One Call Now calls you receive, feel free to listen to the message to the end for directions to opt out over the phone. To opt-out from receiving text messages, on your cell phone: Open a blank text message. In the recipient field, type 22300. In the message field, type Stop and then, click Send.
Please know opting out will stop further communications from our school when we are using One Call Now.
Joke of the Week - brought to you by CTE
Question: What did the thirsty weatherman say to his intern?
CTE Courses Highlight - Internship for Juniors
Attention Juniors:
If you are interested in applying for an internship at NCI (National Cancer Institute) for your senior year - there is an information meeting during flex on Tuesday, October 12.
The coordinator from NCI will be here to give you the details, go over requirements and the application process. This is a highly competitive internship and is only open to current juniors that have room in their senior year schedule.
If you want to attend during flex, see Mrs. Fogle in room 183 or send a schoology message
WHS BAND SPIRITWEAR
SCHOOL PICTURES INFORMATION
To order school pictures online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000876759
Senior Photos: October 15, 18 & 19
(see attached for more information)
Underclassmen retakes: November 3rd
COUNSELING NEWS
This year's counselor caseloads will be as follows:
- Ryan Defibaugh, 9th grade, A-Z
- Lauren Bishard, 10th-12th grade, A-F
- Susan Nash, 10th-12th grade, G-M
- Shannon Marble, 10th-12th grade, N-Z
- Brittany Kuhn, Pyramid & Learning for Life Programs
- Amy Pearre, English Language Learners
- Elise Pennington, Behavior Support Specialist
Walkersville High School continues to be committed to helping our students and their families during Covid-19. We understand these changes have brought on challenges. Please reach out to Kari Shipe directly in our Counseling center for more information about programs and resources that may be available for your family.
Kari Shipe, Counseling Center Secretary
240-236-7209
Students can request to see their counselor by seeing our secretary, Kari Shipe, in the Counseling Office to set up an appointment.
Please click on the link below for more IMPORTANT information from the Counseling Center.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uA7PAs0IsMeOD4AStZJQg7wpC7j9HgoM/view?usp=sharing
SPORTS NEWS
Winter Sports
Anyone interested in joining the Swim and Dive Team should attend our meeting on Tuesday, October 26th at 6:00 pm in the Auxiliary cafeteria.
You can also contact the Head Coaches with any questions.
Kevin Conley- Kevin.conley@fcps.org
Sara Lapham- Sara.Lapham@fcps.org
For updates on all of our latest sporting events, please click here!
WHS PTSA - A PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION
Homecoming Dance 2021
The WHS PTSA has been asked to coordinate the snacks and bottled water for the Homecoming Dance scheduled for October 23th. To ensure the students have a great time at the dance, a link to the needed items can be found below. Please take a minute and click on the link to see what items you would like to donate. We will also need volunteers also in the provided link…
http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/HomecomingDance2021
All donated items can be dropped off at the front office any day the week of October 18th during office hours. If you are not able to drop off your items by Friday, October 22nd, please contact me so other arrangements can be made. Thanking YOU in advance for your continued support!!!
For any questions, comments or concerns regarding donations for the Homecoming Dance, please contact me, Giuseppa Ball at whslionsptsapresident@gmail.com.
Please Join the PTSA
The WHS Parent Teacher Student Association exists to help support all of our kids and the professional staff that works so hard on their behalf. We want to continue that level of support and we are looking for volunteers. Please be on the lookout for the WHS Volunteer Form.
In an effort to avoid numerous fundraisers throughout the year, we’re asking our WHS families to financially support the work of the PTSA in two ways: your $10.00 membership and a donation of at least $25 in the name of each child you have in our school. If $25 is too much at this time, anything you can give is welcome and appreciated. You can also go to our website at WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org to pay for membership and make a donation with your credit card.
Your much needed donation to the WHS PTSA is 100% tax deductible! With just $25 per child, our PTSA can continue enrich and support the following:
- Academic Excellence program that recognizes hundreds of students each year for their scholastic achievements
- Arts in Education/National PTA Reflections program
- Cinderella’s Closet
- “Make It Happen!” Grant program for staff and students
- “You’ve Made Your Mark” PTSA Scholarships for graduating seniors
- Safe and Sound
- Support Lion’s PRIDE events
- Student Enrichment programs
Membership Chairperson – Tina Sims
WHSLionsPTSAmembership@gmail.com
WALKERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SAFE AND SOUND EVENT 2022
The WHS Committee for a Safe and Sound Graduation is already at work planning the after-graduation celebration for the Class of 2022. It is our goal to provide a fun night for the graduating seniors in a safe environment that is alcohol and drug free. The event is planned for May 25, 2022 at Adventure Park beginning at 11:00 pm. (Doors will be locked and graduates will stay safe inside until 4:30 am on May 26th). Transportation provided.
As in past years, we are planning an evening filled with activities, food, and entertainment. All attending graduates will have the opportunity to win gift cards, prizes, and cash! This is an event that your senior will not want to miss! Our committee has a lot of work to do between now and May 25th and would greatly appreciate any help you can offer. Please contact us at safeandsoundwhs@gmail.com if you are able to help. All seniors must be pre-registered for the event. Please register using one of the methods below including a payment of $50.00 as soon as possible. By doing so, you will help raise a portion of the funds necessary to secure vendors and entertainment. Please note the registration fee will increase to $75.00 on January 1, 2022.
No registrations will be accepted after May 20, 2022. If, for ANY reason, this event is cancelled, you will be fully reimbursed for the amount you paid.
REGISTER NOW and avoid the price increase!!! Three ways to Register…
- Register ONLINE at http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
- Mail in Registration form and Fee to: WHS Safe and Sound, PO Box 183, Walkersville, MD 21793
- Drop your Registration form and Fee to the WHS front office in an envelope marked Safe and Sound.
SAFE AND SOUND FUNDRAISER (see attached flyer)
Website: http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WHS-PTSA-416541538545335
Email: WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com
IT'S TIME FOR REFLECTIONS!!
Reflections!!
Explore the Arts and Express Yourself
We want YOU to unleash your inner artist and create your own unique interpretation of the theme “I Will Change the World By…”
How to Enter:
1. Create an original work of art using your own unique interpretation of the theme “I Will Change the World By…”
Choose from any of the 6 art categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Film Production, Music Composition, and Dance Choreography (students may submit entries in more than one category):
2. Download student entry form on this website, or pick up from the media center, and complete. Pleasereference the General Guidelines listed to make sure that your entry is eligible.
3. Drop off your entry, along with student entry form, to WHS PTSA Reflections in the front office by Friday, December 3rd. Or, you can email a digital copy of your entry and form to whslionsptsareflections@gmail.com
Students with special needs may receive accommodations by entering the Special Artistdivision. Find out more by clicking the Special Artistlink on this site.
Prizes and certificates will be awarded for entries.
Reflections is a National PTA program- your entry could move up to the county level, state level and even the national level.
See how far your creative side can take you!
Questions? Contact WHS PTSA Reflections chair Jocelyn Harris at whslionsptsareflections@gmail.com.
MVA LEARNER'S PERMIT
If under 16, you must provide a completed verification of identity and/or school attendance, form (#DL-300) to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process. The attendance form must be presented to the MVA in a sealed, unopened envelope provided by the applicant's school or county home school coordinator, if home schooled. Please make sure to drop request a School Verification Form from the Attendandce Secretary and allow 24 hours for the form to be ready.
WORK PERMIT
Are you or your student getting a summer job? All students under the age of 18 require a work permit. You can apply directly at: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wages/empm.shtml
Only the student, parent and employer are required to sign.
HOW POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES ARE COMMUNICATED
Important Definitions: Confirmed Case of COVID-19 - Cases of COVID-19 that are lab confirmed positive results of a PCR test. Probable Case of COVID-19 - COVID-19-like symptomatic individual who has had close contact with another individual with a laboratory confirmed positive result within the past 14 days. Close Contact - Close and prolonged contact within 3 feet of a cumulative 15 minutes in a 24 hour period. Confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in the school prompt a case investigation to determine if anyone has been in close contact with the confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. A joint effort between FCPS administrators and the Frederick County Health Department identifies all close contacts. All close contacts are contacted individually and advised to quarantine at home, monitor their health, and to contact their healthcare provider for any health concerns.
The health and safety of our community is our highest priority. Walkersville High School follows all COVID-19 related health and safety guidelines, including requiring face coverings for staff and students, encouraging frequent hand washing, maintaining social distance, and following all cleaning and disinfection protocols. The FCPS Health Metrics Dashboard reports the number of positive COVID-19 cases for staff and students that are in-person attendance at all FCPS schools. The cases are reported two different ways: (1) total number for all of FCPS; and (2) by each school. The dashboard is updated every Monday morning to report the number of cases from the previous week.
NEED SUPPORT - HAVE A QUESTION OR CONCERN?
We are here to support you! Do you have a question, but not sure who to ask? What do you need assistance with? Just complete the form linked here and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. https://forms.gle/bndJpvxzbCEuwrgC7
COMMUNITY NEWS
QUICK REMINDERS
October 14: FASFA Night
October 15: NO SCHOOL for StudentsOctober 22: Homecoming Parade & Game
October 23: Homecoming Dance
October 26: NO SCHOOL for Students
Walkersville High School
Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm
Email: maryanne.allen@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whs/
Location: 81 West Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-236-7200
Twitter: @DrWare_FCPS