Pence Press
September 18, 2022
Outdoor Science in the Science Courtyard
Homecoming Spirit Week is next Week!
Hats can only be worn on Wednesday for that particular Hat Spirit Day. Hats are not allowed on other spirit days this week.
Celebrate as a Knight with these special spirit days next week, Monday, September 19-Friday, September 23. Let's go Knights!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders:
Students should be picked up at the front of the school for afternoon dismissal. Afternoon dismissal will usually start around 3:18ish. Adults will be at the front of the building to assist in the dismissal process. Please help us keep the flow of traffic moving by moving forward when asked and by treating our faculty and staff in a respectful manner.
We appreciate your help and understanding with this.
Attendance Awareness Month
Regular school attendance not only impacts a student’s academic achievement, but also his/her social, mental, and physical health as an adult. #RCPSattendancecounts
If students are absent for any reason, it is their responsibility to contact their teachers for make-up assignments. Teacher emails or posted work is available in Schoology on their Chromebook.
Parents, we are asking you to partner with us to help regularly get your students to school. In short, attendance matters! That said, we realize that there are times when your student(s) may need to be out.
-If your student is absent, please call the school (879-2535) or email the school (wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us) before 9:00 AM.
Please try to schedule all vacations around the school calendar. We have seen an increased number of parents pulling their students out of school for vacations over the last year. While family time is valuable, missing an extended amount of time from school leads to student frustration and anxiety as they fall behind on missed concepts. If you plan to take a vacation, requests must be submitted to Ms. Ray or Ms. Shank at least ten school days in advance. Students will be responsible for making up any missed work.
While good attendance is vital to your student's success, we are reminded that we are still in a pandemic. If your child displays any signs or symptoms of an illness, please keep them at home. Please review the RCPS safety plan if you have questions.
Fall Pictures
Mark your calendar for our fall school yearbook pictures. They will take place during the student's PE class.
Friday, October 7
Monday, October 10
Fall picture makeups - Thursday, December 1
22'-23' Pence Yearbooks
It's never too early to start thinking about yearbooks! Beginning in September, the ability to Pre-order will be available. Don't miss out on the fun when they arrive at the end of the year! The cost of the yearbook will be $20.
Online ordering is available again this year (beginning on September 1), but please do note that a credit card processing fee will be added to your order (and will cost you more). This cannot be refunded. The website is https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/?event=general.displayLanding&jobnumber=13754 and use code 13754. You may also scan the QR code.
You also purchase a yearbook by bringing cash or a check beginning September 6. Yearbooks orders will only be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the week. No order forms will be sent home. Students will bring their payment to Mrs. Dove in Room 201 and complete an order form at that time.
If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Dove at kdove@rockingham.k12.va.us.
Sports Information
Volleyball
9/19 HOME vs William Monroe (start time at 5pm)
9/20 HOME vs Hillyard
9/22 HOME vs Elkton
9/24 District Tournament @ Pence - Time TBD
Cross Country
9/22 HOME (w/ SKMS & JFH)
9/28 CHAMPS @ John E. Painter Park - 1100 20th St Grottoes, VA 24441
Club Soccer
Club Soccer is available to all interested students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Students do NOT need a VHSL physical for this activity.
There will be an interest meeting on Monday, Sept 19 at 2:50 in the auditorium.
BASKETBALL TRYOUTS
Sept 27-30 - Times of tryouts are TBD
Basketball is open to students in grades 7 and 8.
You must have a completed VHSL sports physical on file to participate in tryouts.
Middle School Basketball will look different across RCPS moving forward.
We will continue to have two seasons - one in the fall and one in the winter.
The fall season will be for student-athletes who are developing their skills.
The winter season will be for student-athletes who already possess a wide range of basketball skills.
All student-athletes will try out at the same time and will be assigned a season by the coaching staff.
General Athletics Information
Here are a few athletics updates as we begin the school year:
Students will be able to attend athletic events.
- Tickets to athletic events are $2 for students and $3 for adults.
Concessions will be available for sale at most athletic events.
At this time we do not plan to broadcast live athletic events.
Current sports physicals run from May 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. A current sports physical is required by RCPS for all athletes to participate.