Windy Hill Middle School Newsletter
December 15th
SGA and NJHS sponsored dance December 15th
Band Concert
Congratulations to our Students of the Month
Knight Nation,
We started the week with a weather delay and finished strong. With four days remaining until Winter break, the expectation is for students to remain focused on learning.
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released the 2022 - 2023 Report Card for all public schools. MSDE provides a star rating (1 - 5) based on a combination of academic and school quality indicators to ensure schools are meeting the needs of all students. The previous year (2021 - 2022) WHMS received a 5 Star rating, and for the 2022 - 2023 WHMS received a 4 Star rating. However, no middle school in the state of Maryland received a 5 Star rating in 2022 - 2023. If you would like to take a closer look at the data, feel free to visit the website: http://www.mdreportcard.org/
Congratulations to our band for their outstanding concert this past week, led by Band Director, Mr. Mosay. Also shout out to Kellan Murray our only orchestra student who earned a spot in the Tri-County Orchestra.
Tonight NJHS and SGA are sponsoring a holiday hangout/dance. Admission is $5.00 at the door and there will be pizza, drinks and other snacks sold. This is a drop off event from 5:30-7:30pm.
WHMS Girls Club will be starting in January. Attached is the permission form with more information on the sessions and meeting dates. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to make new friends and have fun doing interesting activities. Please email Anne Jones at jonesan@calvertnet.k12.md.us if you have any questions.
The Red Table, A “No Place for Hate” Student Advocacy Group
We are thrilled to share the opportunity for students to have a seat at The Red Table, a “No Place for Hate” student-led advocacy group for 2024. We are seeking new members who are interested in leading their peers in building a positive school culture. The group will focus on embracing diversity, amplifying student voices, and promoting empathy throughout the school to help all students feel a sense of safety and belonging at WHMS.
Would your student like to be part of this student-led advocacy group? Only 20 Places at the Red Table are available. If this sounds like an opportunity your student would like to participate in, please review attached application & submit to Mrs. Ratcliff on or before the deadline. Please reach out to Mrs. Ratcliff with any questions. See the attachment with the application.
Please see the attached flyer about a contest to create artwork for some new wall murals at WHMS.
Our basketball season starts in January and students are allowed to be dropped off at 4:30 with pick up at 5:45 to attend the games. We need some parents to help sell concessions during these games. If you can sign up to help one game, please click here to sign up. Thank you
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A5AA23A6FEC34-basketball1#/
Mark Whidden,
Principal, Windy Hill Middle School
Health - Family Life and Human Sexuality Opt - Out Process
We encourage parents to speak with the teacher to further understand what is being taught and to determine if there are specific elements in which you would want your child to participate. Students who are excused from family life learning objectives will receive appropriate alternative learning in health education outside of the health classroom. If you have any questions regarding the curriculum, please contact your child’s teacher. You can find the letter here: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1694008493/calvertnetk12mdus/gqowzbcfkpluqtcf8abp/MS-Opt-Out-Letter.pdf
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found collection is already growing on our stage. We will be discarding or donating any items left there the end of next week. The items will be discarded every other Friday for sanitary reasons. Students are encouraged to look for anything they're missing during lunch. If you wish to come in and look yourself, please come check in at the main office and you may take a look on our stage!
Windy Hill Middle School Athletics
Schedules
Girls and Boys Basketball conditioning Mon-Wed until 5pm.
Cheer meeting Tuesday, Wednesday until 4:30
Poms meeting Mon/Wed until 5pm
Be sure your child has a refillable water bottle, the proper clothes and a ride each afternoon.
ATTENDANCE
When your child arrives late or leaves early due to a doctor's appointment, a doctor's note is required for the absence to be coded a lawful absence/doctors appointment. Your child will bring this note to the guidance office upon their return to school. If you do not have a doctors note, a note from the parent/guardian will then allow for the absence to be coded as a lawful absence.
Students returning from a full day(s) absence must submit a note to the guidance office within three days of returning to school to update the absences. The email to submit absence notes is madisonw@calvertnet.k12.md.us. If a note is sent via email please be sure you include the students name, date of absence, the reason for the absence, the parent/guardian name and phone number.
KEY DATES
- December 20th - WHMS CHORUS CONCERT AT MARY HARRISON CENTER
- December 21st - 2 hour early dismissal for students - winter break
CELL PHONES
Windy Hill Middle School PTSO Updates
PTSO will not meet in December, but please mark your calendar for our next meeting on January 18th and the Valentine's Dance/Hangout sponsored by PTSO is February 9th! Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season from the WHMS PTSO.
You can email the PTSO officers at any time at mailto:windyhillptso@gmail.com.
Join the WHMS PTSO Facebook Page to keep up with information - Windy Hill Middle School Parents Teachers Students is the group name.
Thank you to the many parents who helped make our fall dance a HUGE success. We had a great turnout, kids had a wonderful time, and the chaperones helped make it a fun, safe event for everyone. Our website address is: https://whms.calvertnet.k12.md.us/about-us/our-parents/ptso.
Support WHMS PTSO when you shop at Harris Teeter. Takes only a minute to link your card to WHMS. https://tie.harristeeter.com/together-in-education. Or tell your cashier to link your VIC card to WHMS with our school code 6324. Funds are earned from 8/1/23 through 12/31/23. You have to relink your card each school year.
We encourage you to join PTSO. Joining PTSO does not obligate you to volunteering, but we certainly welcome your support with any events you are interested in helping with.
https://checkout.square.site/buy/PWK2E77ZYGDGEBG5FMT5KHKK.
Your PTSO officers this year are Mary Rooney, Michelle Dyro, Andrea Hoover, Cheri Kline and Karen Merewitz.
DRESS CODE
Become a Volunteer
Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.
CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer
PARENT ACCOUNTS IN SCHOOLOGY
Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology-for-parents
Technology Support
If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.
Supports are also available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support button (pictured below) on the main page. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources students can use to solve issues.