WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - September 23, 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Walkersville Community,
The end of September signals us moving closer to Homecoming for WHS. Our students will have an opportunity to play/watch Powder Puff on 9/30, which kicks off Homecoming Week. The SGA is sponsoring spirit days, and the culmination of events will take place Friday & Saturday of next week. On Friday, we will host a pep rally, parade, and home Varsity football game, complete with fireworks! On Saturday, the dance will be help at school from 7-10. Look for details regarding tickets. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see students back in school on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
VAPING AWARENESS PROGRAM
September 28, 2022
6:00 – 7:00
Walkersville High School Media Center
Learn what to look for if you suspect your child is vaping.
Presented by Frederick County Health Department
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE MESSAGE
School attendance is so important, and we need students in class and on time. Beginning this week we are tracking lates to school. Three unexcused lates will result in an after school detention. Please ensure that your child arrives to our building by 7:20 so that that have ample time to make it to
block 1. Thank you.
REQUIRED NOTICE
“It is unlawful for students to possess or use any weapon on school property. Students who have or use a weapon on school property will be suspended from school, and the police will be notified of the incident. A weapon is any object designed to harm another physically or an object which is used in a way that can physically harm another. This school is committed to providing each of you with a safe environment, and we will do all we can to carry out that responsibility including, if necessary, conducting searches of student lockers.”
Senior Class of 2023 Announcements
- October 4 – Financial Aid Info Night (6 PM) & FAFSA Finish Event (7-9 PM)
- October 17-18 - Senior Picture Make Up Dates (appointment registration link coming soon!)
- November 10 – Senior Meeting in FLEX
- All seniors were added into a WHS Senior Class of 2023 Schoology group. We encourage senior parents to join this group as well - we post all upcoming events and important announcements in this group. Parents who want to join can follow these instructions:
- Click Groups at the top of Schoology.
- Select My Groups.
- Click Join Group on the right.
- Enter the Group Access Code: SW5Q-CM9S-8GC6Q
- Click JOIN
FCPS has just announced graduation dates, please click here to see the most current news.
We are excited to work with all students, parents, and faculty to make next year a success! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.
Senior Class Advisors - Lauren Bishard (lauren.bishard@fcps.org) and Michelle Early (michelle.early@fcps.org)
JOSTENS GRADUATION PORTAL
Jostens Graduation Portal: Order all graduation-related items (including the required cap & gown) at this link.
JOSTENS YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Yearbook information: Senior Ads and Casuals for the Yearbook prices are listed here below. Click here for the ad link. Please email Ms. Rutherford at kylie.rutherford@fcps.org for any additional questions.
Through October 31.
Full page: $310, 1/2: $180, 1/4 $100, 1/8 $50
11/01 - 01/02
Full Page: $320, 1/2 $190, 1/4 $110, 1/8 $60
01/03 - 02/07
Full Page: $340, 1/2 $210, 1/4 $130, 1/8 $80
Click here to be directed to Jostens to order your yearbook!
Homecoming
Homecoming season is here! Halls will be decorated this week in this year’s theme, which is Masquerade!
Spirit Week kicks off Friday, September 30th.
Friday 9/30: Jersey Day
Monday 10/3: PJ Day
Tuesday 10/4: Country Club vs Country
Wednesday 10/5: No School!
Thursday: 10/6: Lumberjack Day (dress in flannel)
Friday: 10/7: Spirit Colors or Class T-shirts
9th grade - Yellow
10th grade - White
11th grade - Blue
12th grade - Black
Friday, October 7th, will be our Pep Rally (this is a staff & student event only).. Games will be played, teachers will be pied in the face, and the Homecoming Court will be announced.
The Homecoming Parade will follow at 5pm. Parade participants walking will be dropped off at Fulton Ave and line up on Green St, vehicles will line up along Fulton Ave at 4:30 and process down Maple Ave to the high school. If you want to help or have a group that wants to be in 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. Frederick High.. The halftime show will include a presentation of the Homecoming court, fireworks, and the announcement of this year’s King and Queen.
Saturday is the Homecoming Dance: 7-10pm. Last admittance is at 8pm. The cost is $15. Tickets will be on Sale starting next week Thursday 9/29 through Tuesday 10/4 during all lunch shifts. Tickets can also be bought online using School Cash Online. If you are not at school during that time see Ms. Reid before or after school in Room 190. In order to buy tickets you must bring a FCPS Dance Guidelines form with a parent signature. Forms will be available in the front office, at lunch during ticket sales and in Ms. Reid’s room (190). The 2021 Homecoming Dance is open to guests under the age 21.
This dance is always more successful due to our parent volunteers. Thank you to any parents who are willing to help volunteer at the snack table or the shoe/coat check in the Commons during the dance, OR help by donating food/water - both through the PTA sign up.
PICTURE DATES FOR 2022-2023
Senior Class Picture Make-Up Days - October 17 & 18 (registration link below)
Victor O’Neill Studios, your school’s official school photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at the school:
October 17 & 18 for Senior Formal Yearbook Portraits Final Session B
**This is the last opportunity for senior portraits at the school**
The attire for the school’s yearbook pose will be in the traditional Tuxedos and Drapes. We will provide the Tuxedo and Drapes. In addition to the yearbook session we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and cap and gown portraits. Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time.
https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/Walkersville2023
If you have any questions please email seniors@vosphoto.com
Underclass Make up: October 26 - 8am-2:30pm
For questions about ordering school pictures please email underclass@vosphoto.com
UPCOMING CALENDAR REMINDERS
September 23: 3.5 Hour early dismissal
September 26: Schools Closed Rosh Hashanah
October 5: Schools Closed Yom Kippur
October 20: Schools Closed for Students
October 21: Schools Closed for Students
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 7 - Homecoming Parade at 5, followed by the Homecoming football game at 6:30.
October 8 - Homecoming Dance, Walkersville Gymnasium 7-10 p.m.
ADVENTURE PARK
SALVATION ARMY
FREE RANGE WORLD KIDS AND TEENS
Free Range Kids and Teens enables young artists, creative thinkers, and leaders to find and elevate their unique voices and skills through the performing arts. Schedules and registration at [freerangeworld.com]freerangeworld.com
Click a link below for more information,
CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR
Join the 2nd annual Children’s Business Fair. Will be Saturday November 5th from 12-3pm. This year they will be hosting up to 100 businesses! This event is being offered to any child ages 6-17 years old who lives in or outside Frederick County or up to 12th grade for FCPS students. Participation is free and the children get to keep 100% of their sales. The Acton Children's Business Fair, Frederick, MD and Global STEM +AR Outreach Foundation, Inc believe this is an excellent opportunity for students to experience entrepreneurship, apply math skills, and learn people skills. Use the link below to check out the flier and where to sign up.
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE
SchoolCash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees. Now, with a few clicks, you can pay for your child’s yearbook, class trips and so much more from your own home. All you have to do is register an account, attach your children and in no time you will be able to make payments online. We accept many different payment forms so come in and check us out!
Why Use SchoolCash Online?
Convenient Make secure payments 24/7 from the comfort of your home
Easy To Use Online shopping with various payment methods
Safe Your child won't be carrying cash or checks to and from school
Saves Time Manage your school expenses and view payment history in one place
FOOD DELIVERIES
SPORTS NEWS
Please click here for our Walkersville Lions Sports page, with links to Facebook and Twitter.
- WHS will be using the GoFan app this coming year for athletic contests. Please use the link https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24853… to purchase game day tickets or season passes! Yes, season passes are available for the upcoming athletic seasons. Support Lion athletics by attending any or all of the athletic events. Avoid the lines by purchasing digital tickets and passes.
- Stay up to date on all WHS athletics at https://walkersvillelions.com. Team pages and schedules for all programs.
COUNSELING NEWS
General reminders for students in all grades will be posted on Schoology in the WHS Counseling Office group. Students have been automatically added to this group. Parents who want to join can follow these instructions:
- Click Groups at the top of Schoology.
- Select My Groups.
- Click Join Group on the right.
- Enter the Group Access Code: KCCM-CPHP-HGP93
- Click JOIN
- Click Groups at the top of Schoology.
- Select My Groups.
- Click Join Group on the right.
- Enter the Group Access Code: SW5Q-CM9S-8GC6Q
- Click JOIN
Please click on the link below for more IMPORTANT information from the Counseling Center.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uA7PAs0IsMeOD4AStZJQg7wpC7j9HgoM/view?usp=sharing
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
Financial Aid Information Session & FAFSA Finish Event – October 4th @ WHS
85% of all college students receive some form of financial aid. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the assistance of financial aid experts at one of our free hands-on workshops. Participants could receive one of several $500- $2,000 scholarships upon completion of a post-event survey.
10/4 Walkersville HS: Fin. Aid Presentation 6pm-7pm; FAFSA Finish workshop 7pm-9pm
10/8 Frederick Community College: Admissions Open House w/ FAFSA Finish workshop 10am-2pm
10/11 Middletown HS: : Fin. Aid Presentation 6pm-7pm; FAFSA Finish workshop 7pm-9pm
10/12 Brunswick HS: Fin. Aid Presentation 6pm-7pm; FAFSA Finish workshop 7pm-9pm
10/27 Catoctin HS: Fin. Aid Presentation 5:30pm-6:30pm; FAFSA Finish workshop 6:30pm-8:30pm
11/2 Oakdale HS: Fin. Aid Presentation 6pm-7pm; FAFSA Finish workshop 7pm-9pm
11/3 Gov Thomas Johnson HS: FAFSA Finish workshop only 6:30pm-8:30pm
11/15 Frederick HS: Fin. Aid Presentation 6pm-7pm; FAFSA Finish workshop 7pm-9pm
These appointments are also available to assist families in completing the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA). The MSFAA allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants, who qualify for in-state tuition under §15–106.8 of the MD Education Article, to apply and be considered for certain types of state-based financial aid.
FAFSA and MSFAA applications must be completed by March 1, 2023, for a student to be considered for state-based financial aid.
Registration is open now for the FAFSA Finish portion of the event: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=zTP3nN
FAFSA Finish events are brought to you by Frederick Community College, The Community Foundation of Frederick County, Frederick County Public Schools, Hood College, Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, Mount St. Mary’s University, Frederick County NAACP, and United Way of Frederick County.
TutorMe Free Service Is Now Available
TutorMe is a great resource for students. Utilize these resource to learn all about it!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_A2lD96xs-eU4ucgPP2-u3nvnMJ-RPRXm64k8ZRVY4I/edit?usp=sharing
COLLEGE NIGHT
ACADEMY FOR THE FINE ARTS SIGN UP
To see a Google translation of this message in Spanish, please use the "Spanish" link at the top of this message:
Utilice el enlace "Spanish" en la parte superior de este mensaje para ver la traducción de Google en español:
Students interested in shadowing the Academy for the Fine Arts can sign up by visiting our website (www.fcpsartsacademy.org) and clicking on "visit the AFA." The Academy for the Fine Arts is an FCPS college and career pathway program for students in grades 10-12 offering focus areas in Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Art.
Please note, transportation is NOT provided for Shadow Days. To learn more about the AFA and to access the application, visit www.fcpsartsacademy.org. Applications and digital audition submissions for next school year must be submitted by January 13th.
For questions, please contact AFA Coordinator, Jonathan Kurtz, at jonathan.kurtz@fcps.org or 240-236-8352.
ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
MBRT STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!
The Student Ambassador Program sponsored by the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education is a project aimed toward preparing high school students across the state for college and career readiness. As members of this group, students will have access to valuable opportunities such as resume building, interview preparation, public speaking skills, and so much more. Participation in the program will also provide an impressive addition to their current list of extracurricular activities.
- Student Ambassador Flyer & Application (attached)
- Link to page: https://mbrt.org/programs/student-ambassador-program/
We are looking for driven high school students who are interested in taking initiative in their communities and jumpstarting their future. Our application window for the program is now open for the 2022-2023 academic year. Our goal is to have a student representing each district in Maryland so please share this opportunity with students in your area.
Thanks in advance for sharing this opportunity! Have a wonderful week!
TREX PLASTIC RECYCYLING COMPETITION
SERVICE HOURS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
Just as a reminder: each student needs 75 service hours in order to graduate. Those service hours can be a combination of hours earned academically in the classroom and from volunteer hours outside of school.
Hours earned from outside of school should be recorded and submitted on this form to Kim Fogle at kim.fogle@fcps.org or WHS room 183.
If you are incorporating service into your Spring break or Summer activities, please be aware of this requirement and don’t forget to get your forms signed and returned. If you have any questions on the status of your service hours, please contact me or your counselor.
CASS CORNER
Frederick County Goes Purple!
September is also National Recovery Month, and Frederick County recognizes it annually by promoting the Frederick County Goes Purple campaign. From the campaign website, www.frederickcountygoespurple.com, “What is Frederick County Goes Purple? A grassroots call to action to unify and educate our Frederick County community to reduce substance-related deaths and overdoses. The massive community-wide observance takes place during National Recovery Month in September with ongoing training throughout the year. Frederick County supports those in active addiction, recovery, and their loved ones; offers hope and resources; and invests in the future of its youth through prevention education.”
The three messages promoted by Frederick County Goes Purple are:
We care. - Frederick County supports those who struggle with addiction and their loved ones.
Hope/Help is here. - The Frederick County community offers hope and resources.
Let’s talk. - We invest in the youth of Frederick County through prevention education.
Vaping Awareness Night Event
Walkersville High School is also hosting a Vaping Awareness Night in conjunction with National Recovery Month. This is open to any WHS parents or community adults to learn more about vaping and how to identify it. Please join us on Wednesday, September 28th from 6pm to 7pm for a presentation about the current trends and dangers of vaping in our community. We will be joined by representatives from the health department. This is part one of a two-part series on substance abuse awareness. Our second awareness night will take place in October.
Mrs. Wilt is the CASS Coordinator assigned to Walkersville schools. Her office is located at New Midway Elementary School this year, but she can often be found around Walkersville High as she coordinates with students and staff. If you have any questions or would like Mrs. Wilt to reach out to you or your family for assistance, you can email her at Samantha.Wilt@fcps.org or call her at 240-236-1421. If you would like to see a certain topic featured in the CASS Corner, please reach out to Mrs. Wilt.
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
- 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 a medical appointment, remember to get a doctor's note from their office. We will update your student's attendance 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
WHS PTSA NEWS
SEPTEMBER PTSA BULLETIN BOARD
SAFE & SOUND GRADUATION REGISTRATION
WHS PTSA Safe & Sound Crab Raffle
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.
REGARDING OUR MASK POLICY
REGARDING OUR MASK POLICY
As of 2/25/22, the Frederick County Board of Education has determined that wearing a facial covering will no longer be required because more than 80% of the people in the county ages five and older have been vaccinated. Due to a federal transportation regulation, staff and students will still be required to wear a facial covering on a school bus at all times. Facial coverings will continue to be welcomed and encouraged in all FCPS schools. An important factor as we transition to individual choice to wear a facial covering is the need for all students to respect the choice of others in whether or not to wear a facial covering. Respecting the personal choice of other students means that students should not make unwarranted comments intended to shame or pressure others to not follow their own personal choices. As FCPS moves into this new stage of pandemic recovery, school staff will be vigilant in ensuring that students feel safe and comfortable regardless of their choice in whether or not to wear a facial covering. Students will face disciplinary consequences for failing to respect the personal choice of other students. Thank you for following the mask mandate this year at school and for your flexibility and respect as we transition to personal choice for a facial covering.
HOW POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES ARE COMMUNICATED
Important Definitions:
Confirmed Case of COVID-19 - Cases of COVID 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 10 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
Walkersville High School
Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm
Email: nicole.brown@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whs/
Location: 81 West Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-236-7200
Twitter: @DrWare_FCPS