Pence Press
August 29, 2021
Pence Families-
We had a great first week of school! It was great seeing all of our students back in the building with lots of positive intarctions. We held our grade level assemblies during R-Block this week as we discussed the culture we want to build at Pence along with some behavioral expectaions. It's been a long time sense we've seen a five day school week and I'm guessing that there were plenty of tired students and teachers at the end of the week. However, that kind of tired tends to be a "good tired." I hope everyone was able to rest and recover over the weekend.
There are a few brief notes and reminders that need mentioning:
-While good attendance is vital your student's success, we are reminded that we are still in a pandemic. If your child is displaying any signs or symptoms of an illness, please keep them at home.
-Students need to bring a mask from home to school each and every day as they are required while in the building. Masks may not be made of "see through" mesh and must be worn properly during the day while students are in the building.
-A water bottle should be brought to school each day as students can only use the water fountains for water bottle refilling.
Thank you for partnering with us in the education of your student!
Sincerely-
John Childs
KNIGHT’S CAFÉ
Welcome Back,
I would like to welcome all students and staff; I am Laura Shifflett Food Service Manager at Wilbur Pence Middle School. I look forward to a wonderful year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at (540-879-2535).
I am very excited to see all the students coming through the line for breakfast and lunch. This year all students’ meals will be FREE. I encourage your child to eat breakfast and lunch every day. We have three lines and a salad bar line. We are prepackaging the meals this year and every student must have a fruit or vegetable in there meal container. Our goal is to serve every student fresh and nutritious meals every day. With the meals being free, student may purchase chip, water, and extra entrée. The student will need money in their accounts for these purchases.
I have the list of events for this year. We look forward to the involvement with our students. National School Lunch Week will be October 11-15. We would like to invite you for lunch. “Local Farm to School Day” will be celebrated October 4-8. We will be supporting our local farmers by using their products. The FFA is helping with a Spirit Week and providing decorations for our cafeteria. I hope you will be able to come and enjoy in the fun.
Have a great year,
Laura Shifflett
Food Service Manager
Virginia Young Poets in the Community Opportunity-Elem, Middle, & High
Opportunities for students to have their voices heard beyond the classroom--Prizes awarded!
Virginia Young Poets in the Community application form for elementary, middle, & high school students
Poetry Out Loud for high school students
Book Tasting 2021-2022
Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pick-Up
As a reminder, please do not block entrances or streets along Ashby Street while waiting in the pick up line.
-Morning drop-off may not occur prior to 8:00 AM. If you arrive sooner, please have your student wait in the car until prompted by a school staff member.
-Student may exit the car anywhere along the sidewalk area in front of the school, allowing us to have as many as 6-7 students exit at once.
-We ask that all families dropping off their student(s) approach the school from the south along Ashby Street. In working with the Dayton Police Department, we have identitified that this is the safest way practice and prevents traffic backups along Bowman Rd.
-Please see the map below.
-In the afternoon, the procedures will be the reverse of the morning, with students loading into their cars anywhere along the sidewalk. We again ask that you approach the school from the south along Ashby Street.
-All cars will need to turn right out of the school onto Bowman road as they exit the school.
-While our dismissal bell is scheduled to ring at 3:18 PM each day, we may hold the bell if buses are late to arrive to Pence to ensure the safety of our students.
School Supplies
Students, Don't Forget...
1. Mask (required)
2. Chromebook (charged)
3. Backpack (with your supplies)
4. Water bottle
Additionally-
We will be outside often throughout the school year, including lunches. Please dress appropriately for the weather. We also ask that you refer to the RCPS dress code in regards to appropriate dress.
Dressing Out For Physical Education
Students who choose not to dress out will need to come to school in appropriate attire for PE that day. For example, skirts, dresses, tight jeans, and work boots or cowboys boots should not be worn. Students will not be dressing out on the first day of class as the PE teachers will be providing their students with more information. All students will meet in the main gym, across from the office, on the first day of school.
School Attendance Information!
Parents, we are asking you to partner with us to help get your students to school or a regular basis. In short, attendance matters! With that being said, we do 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) prior to 9:00 AM.
Plese 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 do plan on taking a vacation, requests must be submitted to Mr. Childs at least 10 school days in advance. Students will be responsible for making up any missed work.
Fall Pictures
Thursday, October 7
Pictures are taken during students' PE period.
Job Opportunities
General Athletics Information
Greetings Pence Families!
Here are a few athletics updates as we begin the school year:
Currently there are no restrictions or limitations on the number of spectators allowed to attend athletic events.
Currently all spectators attending indoor athletic events are required to wear masks and safely distance themselves.
Currently masks are not required for spectators attending outdoor events.
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.
Information, Information, Information
The "Parent Resources" & "Student Resources" tabs are especially useful. I recommend that all Pence families take some time to review the Student Handbook.
Counseling & Administrative Assignments/Support
Students with the Last Names A-K
Assistant Principal: Candice Ray; Counselor: Meg Helbert
Students with the Last Names L-Z