The Weightman M.E.O.W.
Monthly Events Of Wildcats: April 2021
Online Tutoring
Staying Safe
#WildcatsSTONG
Principals Message
Hello Wildcat families!
The fourth quarter is well on its way. To think, this time last year we were all in our homes trying to figure out how to conduct learning in a unique manner that no one could have predicted. I want to thank our families for trust us to keep your students safe. Yes, we have had several COVID cases reported, however, we have not had a wide spread occur on our campus. I truly believe this is due to the hard work of our staff, students and families. Families are using the self-screener and contacting the school when your student isn't feeling well and keeping them home. Many of you are taking advantage of the district COVID testing sites that are set up just for Pasco County students.
I do want to share some information regarding state assessments (FSA/EOCs) in hopes to clarify a few things.
- If an MSOL Wildcat did not test on 4/5 or 4/6 AND did not register for the FSA Writing, PLEASE CALL 813-794-0200 and ask to speak to Ms. Vicki Joyner so that we can schedule your student for FSA Writing prior to April 16th.
- For our MSOL Wildcats who participate in the FSA Writing, we will automatically schedule them for FSA Reading and Mathematics/Alg EOC and Civics EOC (accordingly to your students current course enrollment). There will not be a need to register. Before the end of this month, we will be posting/sending out a testing calendar for Reading, Mathematics & Civics, as these assessments begin on May 3rd. In addition, families will receive a phone call sharing their students specific test dates and test groups.
- We have had some families contact us regarding "opting-out" of state assessments. Please know that per Florida Statute 1008.22, as a Florida public school, we are required/mandated to administer statewide assessments to our students and all students in specified grade levels/courses are required to participate in State testing. As such, it is our obligation to use due diligence to comply with this requirement. Therefore, all students present and on campus on any testing or makeup testing days will be required to sit for the assessment. Florida has no opt-out policy for state assessments. The test results provide parents, students, and teachers information about student performance. Teachers use this data to provide targeted instruction and supports to students. The school and district use the results to help target resources and supports. 1008.22 Student assessment program for public schools.
Student pick-up & drop off
Driving through or parking in the gym parking lot and expecting your student to walk through the parking lot is not safe. We have over 25+ busses that come into our parking lot every morning and afternoon. We want to make sure that ALL students are safe when arriving and departing from campus.
Communication from Superintendent Browning:
Pasco Schools will continue to require masks for all staff, students, and visitors on school campuses and district offices for the time being, despite today’s announcement that the county is rescinding the countywide mask mandate. The county’s announcement today only affects buildings and offices under the authority of the county.
“I cannot in good conscience abandon our health and safety protocols at this time,” said Kurt Browning, Superintendent of Pasco Schools. “Our protocols have helped to prevent, and certainly reduce, the spread of COVID-19 among our students and staff.”
Superintendent Browning added that students and staff have adapted well to the district’s established protocols, which include the wearing of masks and social distancing when appropriate. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend the wearing of masks in settings such as schools, and the state of Florida remains under an emergency order until April 26, unless the order is extended once again by the Governor.
The number of reported positive cases of COVID-19 among Pasco students and staff has decreased significantly since January. Though the district experienced an increase in March, which likely was related to Spring Break, the recent increases were well below the number of positive cases reported earlier in the year.
The superintendent asks parents, students, and staff to be patient and vigilant as we near the end of the school year, and expressed optimism that when teachers and students return in the fall masks will no longer be required.
Cheerleading Try-outs for the 21-22 SY
Tryout Dates and Times:
- Monday 4/26/21 – Upcoming 7th & 8th (3:15 – 5:00 PM)
- Tuesday 4/27/21- 8th Tryout Day! (3:15 – Finish)
- Wednesday 4/28/21- 7th Tryout Day! (3:15 – Finish)
Upcoming 6th graders there will be two days over the summer that you will come to the school for tryouts. Those dates will be shared at a later date.
SPRING 2021 STATE & DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS
The Spring 2021 State and District Assessments are quickly approaching. First up… FSA Writes!
The FSA ELA Writing Assessment is scheduled to be administered at our school on the following days.
- Monday, April 5th at 8:30 a.m. for 6th & 7th graders
- Tuesday, April 6th at 8:30 a.m. for 8th graders
We will continue to support our district’s health and safety procedures. Laptops and student workspace will be sanitized after each use. All staff and students must wear a face covering at all times while on campus. If your student or anyone at home is sick, we ask that the student stays home and does not come on campus. If your student cannot pass the Student Self Screener , keep your student at home. Email our Administrator in charge of testing, Mrs. Ware: hware@pasco.k12.fl.us to let her know and she will work with families to reschedule.
For 6th Graders
If you or your student would like to review the materials, paper-based practice tests and answer keys are available at http://www.FSAssessments.org/students-and-families/practice-tests/paper-based-practice-test-materials/. For more information about the Florida Statewide Assessments program, please visit the portal at www.FSAssessments.org.
For 7th and 8th Graders
If you or your student would like to review the computer-based practice test at home, the practice tests and answer keys are available at http://www.FSAssessments.org/students-and-families/practice-tests/. For more information about the Florida Statewide Assessments program, please visit the portal at www.FSAssessments.org.
We will be working on the Reading/Mathematics assessment schedule and will post/send before the end of April.
NWEA Map Growth Assessment
Teachers will be administering the end-of-year NWEA Map Growth Assessment in Reading, Math, and Science from April 7th to April 23rd so attendance is important! Please see grade level schedules below. Algebra students will take the REALIZE assessment. Teachers will be sending out notifications thru MyLearning to students and parents regarding their designated test dates however we have also posted it below.
- The NWEA tests are unique and adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
- Since the NWEA tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.
- Upon completion of these tests, you may view your child’s scores on your myStudent Parent Portal. You may also request a detailed report from your child’s teachers. These reports will provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject and have the same starting performance level. For more information, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit
MSO Students
When students have to quarantine
Please ask your child to follow these instructions:
- If you are feeling well enough to do your schoolwork at home, you are welcome to continue your classes and classwork.
- Your schedule will not change. You will not be moved to a MySchool Online schedule. You will stay with your current teacher(s), but your work will be completed through the MyLearning App.
- Log in and complete whatever work you feel well enough to do.
- To submit your completed work, snap a picture, upload it, and submit it through MyLearning.
- Work packets will not be sent home. Please go in MyLearning to complete your classwork.
- If you get stuck, email your teacher through your Outlook app or within Canvas. Under “Help” click the button labeled “Ask Your Instructor (Teacher) a Question”.
- If you don’t have a computer, or you are not feeling well enough to do work, don’t worry, your teachers will help you get caught up when you return.
Parents, for more information and tips on accessing your child’s online instruction portal please visit: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/parent-university
Early Release Days: April 7, last one for this school year
Beginning in January, our schools will be implementing a two-hour early release day every month. Each of the four early release days (see schedule below) will fall on a Wednesday. There will be no early release day in May.
On each of the early release days, students will be released two hours early. The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found here. The early release days, which were implemented for the first time last school year, provide teachers with an opportunity to complete professional development and experience training that will help increase effective instruction and ultimately will benefit students.
Students who are registered in the district’s PLACE program will be able to stay the extra two hours with no additional charges. School buses will operate two hours earlier during early release days. The routes and bus stops will not change.
Curbside Meal Pick-Up @ TEWMS: Fridays 9-9:30am
WHO: Pasco County Schools will be offering curbside meal pick up to children not attending school brick and mortar. At this time, meals will be FREE for all children per the most recent USDA school nutrition meal program waivers. The menu and nutrition information can be reviewed here: Curbside Menu.
WHERE: @ TEWMS, meals are served in the carline at the front of the school Meals will be served curbside in a drive-thru style (Do not get out of your car).
WHEN: @ TEWMS, pickup is 9-9:30am. Pick up times do vary by location and can be found HERE.
HOW: In order to serve you better, a MEAL RESERVATION FORM should be filled out weekly.
Additional information can be found here: https://connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/do/fns/?page_id=6886
TEWMS documents
Upcoming Events:
April 5-9 Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
April 5: 6th & 7th grade FSA Writing
April 6: Intermediate Band concert @ WCHS PAC, 7pm
April 6: 8th grade FSA Writing
April 7-23: NWEA ELA, Mathematics & Science
April 8-16: FSA Writing make-ups
April 8: Track Meet @ WHCS, 5:30pm
April 8-9: Drama Cabaret Show @ WCHS PAC, 7pm
April 9: FNS food distribution @ 9am in car loop
April 15: Track Meet @ SLHS, 5:30pm
April 16: FNS food distribution @ 9am in car loop
April 22: Track Meet @ WCHS, 5:30pm
April 23: FNS food distribution @ 9am in car loop
April 26: Cheer Try-outs for the 21-22 SY, 3:15-6:15pm
April 27: Turn Around Student Celebration, 9:30am in Cafeteria
April 29: SAC Meeting @ 9am via Zoom
April 29: Track Conference Meet @ CCHS, 5:30pm
April 30: FNS food distribution @ 9am in car loop
Thomas E. Weightman Middle School
Website: tewms.pasco.k12.fl.us
Location: 30649 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel, FL, USA
Phone: 813-794-0200
Facebook: facebook.com/TEWMSPrincipal
Twitter: @TEWMSPrincipal