Pence Press
May 2020
Video Message for Students
Rockingham County Teacher of the Year - Kim Dove!
Pence Families-
We wanted to take a moment to update you on a few items:
As a recap: Due to the current school closure and the identified need to participate in focused remediation to begin the next school year, along with sensitivity towards families who are dealing with current difficulties, a motion was made to postpone the staggered start times to the 2021-2022 school year. (There are certainly other considerations that went into this decision.) This motion was passed by the board. Therefore, we will not have a staggered start schedule (which was the later start to the school day) for next year.
Second, paper packet 2 (modiles 5-8) are still available for pick up. You only need to pick up a paper packet if your child is NOT completing assignments online. You may also return any completed work when you pick up your next packet. Please put completed work in an envelope labeled with your child's name. Library books can also be returned at this time. Please make sure you call the school (878-2535) prior to your arrival.
Thirdly, many of you are still wondering about when students will be able to pick up their belongings from their PE and hallway lockers. We have been collecting, bagging, and organizing their items. We will send home a notification to parents regarding a system for pick-up once we get the approval from the school system in a manner where we are bing consistent with the governor's orders as it applies to schools.
Due to the holiday weekend, there will NOT be meals available on Monday, May 25th of next week.
Finally, the county has set May 29th as deadline for all school work to be completed and submitted. Teachers will be working with students to adjust the pacing.
Please, be safe, stay well, and take care! Know that we miss our students dearly and we cannot wait until the day comes where we can see them again.
Sincerely-
John Childs, Candice Ray, & Teresa Shank
Have You Moved/Changed Addresses?
Band Information
Calling all 8th grade band members, please see the TAHS Band website to see the audition information.
Uprising 8th graders and 9th graders if you are interested in Marching Knights including guard, please visit the TAHS Band website for more information.
https://turnerashbyband.weebly.com
Feel free to contact Melissa Harper for more information mharper@rockingham.k12.va.us
TAHS Choir next year!
All 8th Graders are invited to join a TAHS Choir next year! You may sign up for Concert Choir or audition for "Mixed Chorale." Interested students should contact Mrs. Mumbauer or Mr. Dunlap (wdunlap@rockingham.k12.va.us) for information, audition instructions, and materials! You don't have to already be registered, you can change your schedule later! What are you waiting for?
As Mrs. Mumbauer says "it's the EASIEST audition you'll EVER have!" :)
Library Books
A Message From Our Counselors
o Scavenger Hunts: Scavenger hunts can be a creative and fun way to spend time with your family. There are lots of different types of scavenger hunts. They can be inside or outside, and you can make the activity your own. For instance, if you are outside you can create a list of things found in nature (find something smooth, something rough, something green). There are also templates that you can find online like the Memory Scavenger Hunt and Rhyming Scavenger Hunt included below.
o Puzzles and Word Games: Word Searches, mazes, and activities like Sudoku can be good activities to keep your mind engaged at home. These activities can often be found online or on applications for phones or laptops. Below you will find a maze that you can print, as well as a Harry Potter word search (because Harry Potter is awesome ).
o DIY Classic Games: Games like bowling and ring toss can also be set up using household items.
Bowling - Use empty bottles or cans as the pins. Fill them with water to add some weight to them. You can play DIY bowling inside or outside by using a large, soft ball to knock down the homemade pins.
Ring Toss- Use an empty bottle and weigh it down using water or sand. Cut up paper or plastic plates to create the rings and enjoy this DIY game inside or outside.
o Learn New Skills: It’s a great time to learn a new skill. The apps listed below are a couple of examples of platforms to learn new skills:
Duolingo is a phone app that can help students prepare for taking a new language in school or to learn a language just for fun. Duolingo has a multitude of languages to choose from and is free.
Udemy is another app that allows students and parents to learn new languages or take courses on a wide array of subjects.
o Crafts and Art: Crafts, coloring, and art projects can also be a fun activity to keep busy at home. Art activities and coloring can also be calming and can help us ground ourselves when feeling overwhelmed. There are lots of free coloring templates online. Below you will find a Mandala that you can print and color at home.
Counseling Hotline Number
Many of us may be struggling more with our mood during this time. A wonderful resource became available this week that allows people to call counselors in the Shenandoah Valley anonymously. The information is included below:
Counselors in the Shenandoah Area have created a hotline to help support those of us who are struggling with our mood and emotions. Calls can be made anonymously. The hotline is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 7 p.m., until 10 p.m., and from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. for Spanish speakers.
Hotline Number: 540-820-5762
Chromebook Help!
Pence Families-
I wanted to share the plan for providing ongoing technology support to students for the next couple of months. Students/families can request remote tech help using this Google Form. It is linked at technology.rockingham.k12.va.us. Tech staff will reach out to families via email or phone and try to troubleshoot remotely. If tech staff deems that a replacement charger or device is needed, then they will direct families to call the school's main office to arrange a device and/or charger pick up.
Sincerely-
Pence Administrative Team
Feeding the Knights: DAYS
Meal Distribution Days
Due to the holiday weekend, there will NOT be meals available on Monday, May 25th.
Thank you!
Get ready for next year with some new Pence Gear!
About Us
Wilbur Pence Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1j84fxh9NC/?igshid=1ugnqkq1hn27l
WSPMS WEBSITE including "Parent Resources" & "Student Resources"
http://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/
Email: jchilds@rockingham.k12.va.us
Website: http://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/
Location: 375 Bowman Road, Dayton, VA, USA
Phone: 540-879-2535
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penceknights/