February 2020
Whittier Middle School Wolverines
Coming Up...
NO SCHOOL:
February 3rd - Teacher Inservice
February 17 and 18 - Presidents Break
Classes Resume February 19th
Conferences:
February 3rd - 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
February 6th - 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
WHS All-Activities Night:
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 at WHS from 5:30-7:30 PM. This meeting will be for all incoming 9th-12th graders for the 2020-21 school year for information on Athletics and Fine Arts.
PTSA:
*PTSA will be hosting a FLY BOY DONUTS fundraiser at conferences! Please check PTSA table out for samples and purchases!
*PTSA will have a special, short, and sweet activity for students and parents to complete at PTSA table during conferences in anticipation of TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK in May! Please check PTSA table out to complete!
*Save the date: April 16, 5-8pm DQ fundraiser for WMS! (DQ on South Minnesota Ave.)
Dear Whittier Middle School families,
Raising children in the age of smartphones and social media brings new challenges and concerns for all families. That’s why we are inviting you to join Whittier Middle School PTSA, February 27th at 6:30 PM in the auditorium to celebrate Safer Internet Day 2020, which promotes safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones among children and young people.
During this event you’ll learn about the importance of digital safety and the Smart Talk, an interactive website created by National PTA and LifeLock, a Symantec company, to help families and kids talk about using digital devices responsibly and decide a few important questions together, like: What are they allowed to post on social media? What should their privacy settings be and what apps can they download? How much screen time is ok? Once those questions have been answered, a custom agreement is created, which can be printed and signed so that all of the ground rules are easily remembered by everyone.
With so many kids receiving new smartphones and tablets for holiday presents, it’s important for us to set some smart ground rules for technology use. Let’s kick off the New Year right by having “The Smart Talk” with our kids FEBRUARY 27, 2020! Snacks and childcare will be provided.
We hope to see you then! Questions? Email maryrobertsonmoffett@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Ametrea Christion
Jen Johnson
High School Registration
Attached are the registration and informative documents for 2020 Connections at LHS, WHS, RHS for you to print/use as you need.
Forms & Information Link : https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/schools/summer-school-high-school
Online Registration Link: https://comed.sf.k12.sd.us/wconnect/ace/ShowGroups.awp
Whittier Middle School Yearbooks
2019-2020 Yearbooks Only $16.00
On Sale now in PROtime.
Order yours by February 14th so you don't miss out on the end of the year signing!
You must pre-order to get one.
Whittier Pride
From the Principal's Desk
Moving Ahead: Part 2
A reminder that we have two more conference times: Feb. 3rd from 12:30-4:30 and Feb. 6th from 4:30-8:00. We know this is a busy time of year for everyone and often conferences fall into a time slot when there are many things going on. Please know that talking to you about your child’s learning is incredibly important to us. This is one of a few times we can show you what they are learning and how they are progressing. We know that over time, the grades have become the be all and end all of education. As referenced in the previous newsletter, we are working on new systems and new ways to identify student learning. This is huge shift in the way that everyone thinks. As the implementation of proficiency scales has started, teachers have seen students starting to identify areas in which they need enrichment and areas in which they need intervention. Students are being taught that identifying the above skills aren’t about how they are graded but instead about how they will be taught. The goal is that in areas deemed most important, students will continually get support and enrichment. We want you to ask us questions as you are a huge part of your child’s learning process and conferences are a great time to do this.
Howard Wood Field
Dress for Success
Because there is a definite relationship between appropriate dress, good work habits, and proper school behavior, the Sioux Falls Middle Schools have developed student dress guidelines consistent in all middle schools. Our goals are to help students focus on their schoolwork and their success, to decrease the number of harassment issues, and to have our schools be places where students feel good about themselves.
Items not permitted:
* Clothing promoting alcohol, violence, drugs, sexual innuendo, tobacco, gangs or racism, including those that display obscene or questionable printing and slogans.
* Immodest clothing, which includes clothing that exposes undergarments or inappropriately exposes the body. Examples would include spaghetti strap tops; tube tops; halter tops; midriff tops; belly shirts; backless tops; “muscle” tops, etc. Skirts, skorts and shorts must reach mid-thigh length.
* Slippers or pajama pants or “wheelies”.
* Clothing or accessories with chains or spikes.
* Pants worn in a sagging manner, below the hips.
* Headgear such as caps, hats, scarves, kerchiefs, or bandannas inside the building.
* Hair color or style that causes a disruption.
We appreciate your cooperation
with these guidelines!
Early Morning Arrivals
Students should not be at school before 8:40 unless they have permission from a teacher or their parents’ work schedules create a need to be here early. Walking students should not be at school before 8:40. An exception would be if the student eats breakfast at school. Breakfast begins at 8:30 each school day.
· Morning activities: Students should come into the building and go directly to their activities.
· Pass from a staff member: Students may come into the building between 8:15 and 8:45 AM with a pass and check into the office.
· Inclement weather (rain, lightening, below 0°): Students may enter Door M. Supervision starts at 7:35.
Except for the reasons above, students who come to school before 8:45 AM are to wait by their designated door. 6th – Main entrance by the flag pole, 7th – Southeast door by the bike racks and 8th – Southwest cafeteria entrance. Outside supervision in these areas does not begin until 8:25 AM.
Attendance Procedures
Students must obtain an Out of Building pass anytime they leave the building for appointments/early dismissal.
We must receive a call from a parent/guardian or the student may bring a note to the attendance office in the morning to obtain this pass. Students should pick up this pass in the morning to avoid a delay in leaving for the appointment.
Students must keep this pass with them and have it available to show staff members as they leave class and exit the building. They must also obtain a new pass upon returning to school to gain admittance back to class.
** Students must come to the Attendance Office to check back in when they return. Not checking in will cause your attendance to be incorrect.
Important Guidelines for students and parents to follow:
· Please have notes and calls in to the office by 8:45 AM. This will get your student out of class in a timely manner and avoid the last minute rush of coming to the office to get a pass. Students should NOT carry a note with them all day then bring it to the office on the way out.
· Student must always check into the office anytime they come into the building after the start of first period (even if it is in between two periods).
· When leaving a message on the voice mail, speak clearly and leave your name, student’s name, a contact number and the reason for their absence.
· When sending notes please include your child’s last name. Often last names differ from the parents. Also be sure the note is dated.
· When excusing your child for appointments please advise us of the time they are to leave the building, NOT the appointment time. We will not let them leave until the time you indicate.
· Notes and calls in question will be verified. Please make sure we have your current contact information up to date.
· Voice mail is available 24 hours a day for Attendance: call 367-4279.
Thank you for helping us keep your child’s attendance accurate by following these guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns about attendance, please contact Sara at 367-4279 from 7:30-4:00.
Sports
If your son/daughter will be a 7th or 8th grade student for the 2019-2020 school year, Whittier Athletics wants them! Whittier Athletics offers Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Gymnastics, Wrestling, & Track & Field.
If your son/daughter would like to participate, they need to have a PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EVALUATION. PLEASE SEE THE FOUR (4) ATTACHMENTS PROVIDED THAT WILL GIVE VALUABLE INFORMATION REGARDING WHITTIER ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION. PLEASE DO NOT DELAY AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Lastly, please bring your PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EVALUATION FORM TO THE WHITTIER OFFICE in order for it be on file and to ensure your son/daughter is eligible for the first practice and/or competition of the season.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
It starts with you! Be loud, be proud, be positive! Go Wolverines!
Chris Janisch
Physical Education / Athletic Coordinator
Whittier Middle School
Sioux Falls School District
(605) 367-7620
Attachments:
Middle_School_Athletics_Offered.pdf (121.0 KB)
Preparticipation_Physical_Evaluation_Form.pdf (187.2 KB)
Middle_School_Athletics_Participation_Packet.pdf (125.5 KB)
Whittier_Middle_School_Athletics_Physical_Information_HandOut.docx (131.0 KB)
Activity Passes
There is no charge for Middle School athletic events! However, if your student plans to attend a lot of high school games, it may be more cost effective to purchase an athletic pass. 2019-2020 Student Activity Passes are available in the office. The cost for a pass is $20.00 which admits the student to all high school athletic contests except any fundraisers or tournaments such as President’s Bowl, Dakota Bowl, etc.
The Bullying Prevention Box
1. We will not bully others.
2. We will try to help students who are bullied.
3. We will try to include students who are left out.
4. If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.