Timberwolf Times
Volume 5, Issue 4 - August 21, 2022
A Message from Dr. Lowry
Good afternoon, Timberwolves!
Thank you Timberwolves for an AMAZING first week! Please take time to review this week's Timberwolf Times for much needed information about upcoming Open House events, morning and afternoon pick-up/drop-off, bus tracking and much more.
The PTA contributes many things to our school and by joining you will help WCJH tremendously. If you would like to join our PTA, please click on the link below.
Click link to join! - https://www.wcjhpta.com/spirit-store/p/pta-membership
As I said last week, 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 22
- Band Spirit Night Jeremiah's Ice Of Katy 4:00-9:00PM
- Back to School Spirit Week: Wear Black and Red
Tuesday, August 23
- 6th Grade Open House 6:00-8:00PM (see info below)
- Back to School Spirit Week: Wear Disney/Star Wars Day
Wednesday, August 24
- Back to School Spirit Week: Wear Hawaiian Day
Thursday, August 25
- Band Parent Meeting @ Band Room 6:00-8:00PM
- Choir Parent Meeting 6:00-8:00PM @ Cafeteria
- Back to School Spirit Week: Wear Rodeo Day
Friday, August 26
- Back to School Spirit Week: Rep your College of Choice
Saturday, August
- WCJH Mid Season Girls Volleyball Tournament @ TBD 7:30AM-1:00PM
A Look Ahead...
- Theatre Musical Auditions @ WCJH 4:15-6:00PM
- Cheer Practice 4:15-5:15PM
Tuesday, August 30
- Theatre Auditions @ WCJH 4:15-6:00PM
- WCJH 7th & 8th Grade Open House (see info below)
Wednesday, August 31
- Theatre Auditions Callback @ WCJH 4:15-6:00PM
Thursday, September 1
- 7th Girls Volleyball vs. Adams JH @ AJH 5:15-8:00PM
- 8th Girls Volleyball vs. Adams JH @ WCJH 5:15-8:00PM
Friday, September 2
CELBRATE BACK TO SCHOOL STYLE
Student Schedules
Any student requesting a schedule change needs to contact their grade level counselor and request a schedule change form.
6th Grade: MeghanEMccarthy@katyisd.org
7th Grade: AieshaBMercadel@katyisd.org
8th Grade: JessamyneYClay@katyisd.org
IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS!
- Please be mindful of school zones. The City of Katy has extended our school zone. The school zone in front of our school (WoodCreek Bend Blvd) extends from Katy Flewellen to Kingsland Blvd. The speed limit during posted school zone times is 20 mph.
- No right turn on red (during school zone hours) at the Katy Flewellen and WoodCreek Bend Blvd intersection.
- Do not pass a school bus while flashing RED.
- Do not DISREGARD SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS.
- Remember, pedestrians have the right of way.
- Please use turn signals to help crossing guards know which direction you are heading.
Student Drop-Off Procedures
Drop-Off Procedures and Map - BEFORE 8:30 AM
Student Drop-Off
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 1600 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.**** If you plan to wait in the car rider line until the front doors open at 8:30am to drop off your child please stay in the right lane of the car rider line****
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.
- The front doors open at 8:30am. If you plan to wait in the car rider line until the front doors open at 8:30am, please stay in the right lane of the car rider line. If you are dropping your child off in the front before the doors open at 8:30am, please use the left lane as it should be continuously moving prior to 8:30am.
- Once the doors open at 8:30am, vehicles will form two lines and zipper, or merge, at the cones to form one line at the front of the building for drop off. When merging, please allow cars to merge one after another.
- Prior to drop-off, please instruct your student to have all their belongings ready to go for them to safely and quickly exit the vehicle.
- At the front of the building, please pull all the way forward in the front drive before allowing your student to get out of the car.
- Other individuals in the vehicle need to remain in the vehicle and allow the student to retrieve their own belongings.
- Do not go around other cars when exiting unless instructed by our security or staff.
Our main entrance will open at 8:30am. You are permitted to drop your student off earlier; however, students will not be supervised until 8:30am.
RIGHT TURN ONLY 8:15-8:55 AM DAILY
After you drop off your student and leave the front, we will be directing all exiting traffic to RIGHT TURN ONLY. This right turn only option will take place only in the morning between the hours of:
8:15-8:55am DAILY
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in keeping everyone safe and traffic moving.
Student Pick-Up Procedures
Afternoon Pick-Up
Dismissal will begin at 4:05pm. 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.
Parents are permitted to park in the following areas after school.
- WCJH Student Pick-Up Line
- North Side of WoodCreek Bend Lane past the turn in for the school.
Parents are NOT PERMITTED to park in the following areas after school.
- South Side of WoodCreek Bend Lane directly in front of WCJH. This area is ONLY for individuals who are planning to enter the car rider pick-up line and retrieve their child at the front school doors.
- Back of school (RESERVED FOR BUSSES ONLY)
- Katy Flewellen Rd
- Surrounding area business parking lots
- Grayson Lakes community entrance
Directly in front of our school on WoodCreek Bend Lane, the city has installed several signs asking individuals to not park, stand, or stop. Students are not permitted to walk through the car rider pick-up traffic as this is a major safety concern. These signs were placed in front of the school to discourage students from walking through traffic and entering their vehicles at the street. Parents who want to pick up their students at the street need to park on the north side of WoodCreek Bend Lane past the turn in for the school. The lane where the signs are located are ONLY for individuals who are planning to enter the car rider pick-up line and retrieve their child at the front school doors.
We do understand the limited number of spaces available to park and pick-up students afterschool. We always do our best to move traffic quickly out each afternoon with the assistance of many staff members, crossing guards and police. It takes approximately 30 minutes for all the traffic to clear out. Many parents do wait until 4:25 PM to pick up their student as most of the traffic is gone. We understand traffic is a daily frustration and we do appreciate everyone's patience as we focus on student safety.
Additional Tips
*When exiting in the afternoon, please use your turn signals.
*Woodcreek Bend Lane is two lanes but technically only just past the school. HOWEVER, to keep traffic from backing up, the road becomes two lanes even though the white line isn't painted on the road from that point all the way to the stop sign at Kingsland.
*The school zone in front of our school extends from Katy Flewellen to Kingsland. Please be mindful of the times.
*Regarding the light at Katy Flewellen and Woodcreek Bend, DO NOT TURN RIGHT ON RED during school zone hours.
SCHOOL BUS INFORMATION
Transportation Bus Service & Route Information
Katy ISD Transportation WebQuery is how you determine if your student is eligible for bus service. If you student is eligible, this WebQuery will tell you the location/time of your bus pick-up/drop-off. Find your bus number, bus stop, pick-up and drop-off times by using the WebQuery. Enter your house number and street, select your child's grade, or school and find out about your eligibility for service, or when and where your child can catch the bus.
WCJH campus code is: 52218172.
Bus Track Website - https://www.katyisd.org/Page/7740
2022-2023 School Meal Prices
Beginning August 17, 2022, students will return to paying for breakfast and lunch based on their eligibility. Meal prices for students have not been raised. Adult meal prices are based on USDA guidance. Meal prices are as follows:
2022-2023 Free & Reduced Application Now Open
In May 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) concluded its free breakfast and lunch meal service that was available to all students, regardless of eligibility. To determine eligibility for free meals for the 2022-2023 school year, families with students who do not attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campus will need to complete a Meal Benefits/Free & Reduced meals application. More information about free and reduced benefits can be found here. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines can be found here.
YOU'RE INVITED TO OPEN HOUSE!
6th Grade Open House - Tuesday, August 23rd
7th & 8th Grades Open House - Tuesday, August 30th
JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER...
WCJH BAND SPIRIT NIGHT JEREMIAH'S ICE NIGHT - August 22nd
Safety and Security
This year we will continue to emphasize safety and security in our school. It is the expectation that as a community we set an example and enforce all safety policies. This year will be continuing to enforce and strengthen our safety practices. Below you will find some information about school safety. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our school.
Safety Plans and Training: Our safety plans are updated, and all staff and students will receive instruction and training at the start of the year and throughout the year.
Staff and Student IDs: Staff and students must wear their ID badges at all times during school hours, while on school property. If a student loses their ID, a replacement must be purchased promptly from the school library.
Visitor and Volunteer Management: All visitors are expected to check-in at the front office and must be cleared before entering the building during instructional hours.
Cameras and Doors: Our campus and Katy ISD buses have a robust system of cameras that are monitored and used daily to assist us in creating a safe environment. Exterior doors throughout our building are all monitored through an access control system and have alarms. All exterior doors are to remain closed and locked during school business hours. Interior classroom doors are expected to be locked at all times.
Safety Personnel: Our WCJH Safety and Security Team continuously plans, reviews, and oversees safety. Our junior high school is staffed with a security guard and Katy ISD police officer. This year, Security Guard Steve White and Police Officer Edgar Torres will assist us at WCJH.
Anonymous Reporting Platform (SpeakUP): Everyone in the community is encouraged if they see something, say something. SpeakUP is the anonymous reporting platform that students, parents, and patrons can use to report safety concerns, bullying, threats of violence, drug use, as well as any other concerns related to student physical or mental health. SpeakUP is available for download in the Apple Store or Google Play. It is also available on all District websites, computers and District devices. SpeakUP provides an opportunity for the Katy ISD community to anonymously provide valuable information to campus/district administration and law enforcement that will help keep our students safe.
2022-2023 Bell Schedule
Tutorials begin the week of August 29th!
Tutorials start the week of August 29th. They will be held from 8:20-8:50AM per the subject and grade schedule.
Students will enter the building for tutorials between 8:15AM and 8:30AM at the BACK of the school, on the academic end of the building, through the door near Rm 1172 (Ms. Thomas-Combs). Students arriving after 8:30AM will not be permitted to attend tutorials and will have to enter the building through the school’s main entrance.
WCJH Pep Squad Information
KHS Choir Mattress Fundraiser
Congratulations WCJH Cheer!!
WoodCreek Cheer is Fired Up!
The WCJH T-Wolves showed they have S-P-I-R-I-T at their annual UCA Cheer Camp this Summer! For three days in June, the Woodcreek Cheer Team danced, practiced, stunted, and cheered their way to some incredible achievements. The Team received 3 Spirit Sticks, Superior Ratings in both Cheer and Camp Routine, and was awarded the coveted Superior Camp Champion Trophy and Overall 2022 Superior Trophy!
Six of our WCJH Cheerleaders stood out with individual awards as well: Kylie Kiefer (8th grade) and Reagan Spring (8th grade) are 2-Time All American Cheerleaders! Receiving their First-time All American Cheerleader accolades are Skylar Valdez (8th grade) and Ashlyn Savois (7th grade). The 8th Grade Jump Winner was Skylar Valdez and Saidee Castillo was the 7th Grade Jump Winner!
In addition, Kylie Kiefer won the Pin It Forward Leadership Award for WCJH!
Congratulations to the entire Woodcreek Cheer Team and we can’t wait to see your red and black S-P-I-R-I-T during the 2022-23 school year! Go Timberwolves!
WCJH Science Olympiad Tryouts
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, we encourage you to come tryout.
Science Olympiad Tryouts
Open to ALL 6th, 7th, and 8th Grader Students
When: Monday, August 29th
During Advisory or After School
Where: Ms. Mohn's Room - 1164
Questions: Please email cheryljmohn@katyisd.org
CANVAS AT WCJH
Canvas is a way to simplify teaching and learning by connecting all the digital tools teachers and students use for learning in one easy place. Canvas offers a learning management system that integrates with our student information system so that teachers, students and classes are dynamically created. Canvas allows students and teachers to stay connected anytime, anywhere, with any device. Teachers like Canvas because they can post assignments and quizzes, facilitate discussions, provide videos, and share information. Students like Canvas because they have a place to collaborate with their teachers and peers on discussions and submit digital assignments. Students access information in a modular format to make accessing course activities and information easy. Canvas integrates with many of our other tools so that students access them through Canvas.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR 2022-23
Annual Student Update Happening Now
Parents of ALL Returning & Pre-Registered Students:
On Monday, August 1st, Katy ISD will begin emailing the Annual Student Update information/link to parents.
All 6th Grade Students are now required to provide an updated Proof of Residency to complete the Annual Student Update. Accepted Proof of Residency is a UTILITY BILL – Gas, Water, or Electric showing the correct service address. Cable, cell phone, mortgage, etc. statement – WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you have questions, please contact Leah Caffey WCJH Registrar- LeahCCaffey@katyisd.org
If you need technology assistance, please contact the Parent Tech Center https://www.katyisd.org/Page/7645
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: Katy ISD Child Find Information Page
VOLUNTEERS & RAPTOR REGISTRATION
Raptor ensures quick and easy volunteer registration allowing individual volunteers to create and manage a personal volunteer profile. In addition, the Raptor Volunteer Initiative will:
- Provide an additional layer of protection for Katy ISD students, staff, volunteers, and campus visitors.
- Unite all district volunteers into one Katy ISD volunteer community.
- Measure and communicate the positive impact of Katy ISD volunteer organizations.
- Submit and track hours via their volunteer profile for every Katy ISD campus at which they volunteer.
- The system also provides quick and easy submission of individual off-campus volunteer hours.
Join our volunteer community and register today!
2022-2023 Discipline Management Plan and Code of Conduct
21-22 GRADE 5 STUDENTS - STAAR MATH PAPER
The Texas Education Agency notified the district that one question was scored incorrectly on the STAAR Grade 5 Math paper test (English version), resulting in a score change for some students. The updated test scores are available in the Family Portal on TexasAssessment.gov. In the Family Portal, parents can access any updated STAAR test results, the questions your child answered correctly or incorrectly, and additional parent resources to support your child’s progress.
Locker Requests
Students now have the opportunity to request a locker. Any student who wishes to request a locker needs to request one in the DOWNSTAIRS AP office. Lockers will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Athletics Newsletter
WCJH PTA HAS A NEW WEBSITE
WCJH PTA has a brand new website! PTA is still working to get all areas up and running, but feel free to check out all of the latest updates! We are looking forward to a great 2022-2023 school year!
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 spirit wear. The membership helps support the programs and events that help enhance students' experiences at school. Join now! PTA Membership — WoodCreek Junior High PTA (wcjhpta.com) Thank you for your support!
Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact membership@wcjhpta.com.
*If you purchased school supplies through the PTA that includes one membership.
Support Our PTA and Our School!!
JOIN OUR FAMILY!!!
If you are interested in joining our staff, please apply online.
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: https://www.katyisd.org/WCJH
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
Karla Beek Assistant Principal - Student Support
Ryan Saam Assistant Principal - 6th Grade
Derek Ankney Assistant Principal - 7th Grade
Lauren Merriman Assistant Principal - 8th Grade
Melissa Hardy Counselor - Student Support
Meghan McCarthy Counselor - 6th Grade
Aiesha Mercadel Counselor - 7th Grade
Jessie Clay Counselor - 8th Grade
School Information
Instructional Calendar 2022-2023 Click Here
Lunch Menus Click Here
Bus Transportation Click Here
Student Code of Conduct Click Here
Registration Information Click Here