Winston Churchill Weekly Updates

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Mr. Taylor's Sunday Reminders for the week of March 12th.

Good Evening Winston Churchill Families!


This is your principal, Mr. Taylor, with your announcements and reminders for the week of March 12th. As a reminder, Wednesday March 15 will be an Early Release schedule as teachers complete Professional Development activities and meetings in the afternoon. This Friday is also a school wide deadline, so students should talk to their teachers and make sure they have all assignments and re-takes completed.


This Thursday, all students at Winston Churchill will be participating in a school wide presentation on Substance abuse and the Fentanyl epidemic hitting our county. They will be provided clear information and an explanation of the dangers, and how to avoid them. Please have a discussion with your student about the dangers of illegal and illicit drug use. Together we can keep our students and our school safe.


We want to congratulate our Churchill Bulldog Girl's Varsity Basketball team who earned State finalist honors on Friday night in a very close state championship game. We are so proud of you and all that you accomplished during this amazing season.


Mark your calendars now, BLAST is here. BLAST 33: Amour opens this weekend with shows Friday and Saturday Night, and will have 5 great performances over the next two weekends. You won't want to miss this annual musical celebration. Purchase tickets at the links in the weekly email.


Save the Date! On March 23rd, in the cafeteria, Winston Churchill will hold the annual International Night to celebrate the diversity and cultures that make up our school. Its not too late to sign up and sponsor a country table. Sign Up to Sponsor a Country


On Wednesday, March 22 we will be giving the SAT to all 11th grade students. You can see the modified schedule and and specific information for students' testing in the weekly email.


Also In the email section of the weekly communication:

you can find information about SSL opportunities, the Summer RISE program, Local Summer School Dates, and some great community events and programs at the bottom of the newsletter. All of our communications, daily announcements, and the most up to date information will also be shared on our Churchill School Canvas tile, available to parents and students. All of our Churchill Bulldogs are reminded that they have the power to make it a great day. Please have wonderful evening.

Important Upcoming Dates!

  • Wednesday, March 15 - Early Release Day (Professional Development)

  • Wednesday, March 22 - SAT Testing Day (modified schedule)

  • Thursday, March 30 - Marking Period 3 ends

  • Friday, March 31- No School for Students (Professional day for teachers)

  • Monday, April 3-Monday, April 10 - Spring Break (No School for Students)

  • Tuesday, April 11- Marking Period 4 beginnings

  • Tuesday, April 18 - Report Card Distribution

  • Friday, April 21- Professional Day for Teachers (No school for students)

  • May 1 - May 12 - Modified Schedules for Advanced Placement and State Testing

  • Friday, May 26 - Last Day for Seniors / Graduation Rehearsal

  • Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day (No School for Students)

  • Thursday, June 1- Graduation (on campus at 9 am)

  • Thursday, June 15 - Last day for students

BLAST 33: Amour

Winston Churchill High School presents

BLAST 33: Amour

Tickets on sale NOW!!

Blast 33: Amour is right around the corner!!

Come and enjoy this wonderful show full of great songs!

Two weekends, 5 dates to choose from, including one matinee!

Friday, March 17 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 18 at 7:00 pm,

Friday, March 24 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 pm

Sunday, March 26 at 2:00 pm

To get tickets in advance go to wchsarts.com/blast

or

You can always get them at the door

Note: are assigned seat, so buy them before they get your favorite spot

Don’t miss it!! See you there!!

Requesting Feedback on the 504 and IEP experience at Winston Churchill High School

Dear Caregivers,

Our Counselling and Special Education departments are seeking feedback regarding the experience of students and families with Section 504 Plans or Individualized Education Plans. Please complete the survey found HERE to help our team improve your experience.


Thank you for your time and honest feedback -

WCHS Administration

Modified Testing Schedule for SAT on Wednesday, March 22nd

Because of the SAT Testing with 11th grade students, there will be a modified schedule for the school on Wednesday, March 22nd.

  • 7:45-12:00 - SAT Testing
  • 12:00-12:30 - LUNCH
  • 12:35-1:10 - 6th Period
  • 1:15-1:50 - 7th Period
  • 1:55-2:30 - 8th Period


Transportation will run on the normal morning schedule, and students that are NOT testing (in 9th, 10th and 12th grade) can choose to come in at the normal start of school and will be provided with supervision and time to complete work and independent study. Non-Testing students are allowed to choose to come in for 6th, 7th and 8th period only.


If your student is in 11th grade, they will be taking the SAT on the morning of Wednesday, March 22nd. At the link below, students and families who are taking the SAT will find important information about the testing, including:


  • What to bring and NOT bring to testing
  • The SAT Student Data Questionnaire Consent Form that must be completed if you want your student to participate in the Student Search Service from College Board
  • Test Format information and Practice Tests

WCHS Parent/Student SAT Communication

Free SAT Prep Tutoring before the in-school SAT testing on March 22!!!

Montgomery County has FREE Online Tutoring to help you prepare for the SAT test given to all 11th grade students on March 22. This is a great way to hone your skills before taking the test for free.


Additional Information


  • Work 1:1 with a virtual tutor from your computer at home,
  • Design a schedule that fits your needs
  • Access the FEV Tutor Student Dashboard through Clever
  • When scheduling, indicate if you would like SAT prep in ELA, math, or both!
  • Please click HERE to schedule.

Local Summer School Program

Attention Churchill Community!! We are happy to announce that we will once again hold our Local Summer School Program during the Summer of 2023. While we are still in the planning stages we wanted to let our community know that Session 1 will be held from June 28-July 18 and July 20-August 8. In the past, we have offered credit courses like Honors Health and Honors Geometry as well as enrichment classes like Bulldog 101, College Essay Writing and SAT/ACT Prep. We will release more information as it becomes available as we get closer to Spring Break. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Mr. Evan Rosenthal via email at evan.h.rosenthal@mcpsmd.net

Addressing Hate and Bias Incidents - No Place For Hate

We continue to address and confront incidents of hate and bias at Winston Churchill and across the county. WCHS is committed to being a No Place For Hate school, and will continue to have PRIDE lessons, discussions and activities to promote an anti-hate and anti-bias culture. If you haven't yet, I strongly encourage all families to read the MCPS message on antisemitism and hate, and discuss your expectations with your child. If you experience Hate or Bias, or observe it happening - please don't hesitate in reporting it to administration and the school. Only by working together can we stamp hate and bullying as a school.



WCHS Grading and Reporting Timelines


Please click here to see the WCHS Grading and Reporting Timelines for semester 2.

Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) remains committed to sharing information and resources about mental health topics that could potentially impact students. During the 2017-2018 school year MCPS reviewed programs and activities that support the physical, social, and psychological well-being of students. A variety of initiatives (e.g. mindfulness, individual and group counseling, wellness initiatives, etc.) are available for students to participate in at each school. To proactively address this issue, MCPS is enhancing its suicide prevention curriculum using the Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program. Currently, MCPS uses the Red Flags suicide prevention curriculum to discuss this topic in Health courses. The SOS® Program is a youth suicide prevention program that has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes towards suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts. Please click here for more information.

This Week's Athletic Event Schedule

Monday, March 6 -

  • No Athletic Events

Tuesday, March 7 -
  • No Athletic Events


Wednesday, March 8 -
  • No Athletic Events


Thursday, March 9 -
  • No Athletic Events

Friday, March 10 -

  • No Athletic Events


Saturday, March 11 -

  • No Athletic Events


For a complete list of upcoming events, please visit the WCHS Athletics Events Page and checkout the latest Edition of "In the Doghouse" with all of the WCHS Athletic department news.

Student Recognitions

Celebrating all the many accomplishments of our students both in and out of school.


Congratulations to Churchill's team who won 5th place (out of 31 teams) at the University of Maryland High School Programming Contest on Saturday 2/25. The team took home a trophy and a $600 prize! The team consisted of Senior Jason Liu and Juniors Richard Sun, Ethan Qiu, and William Yuan.


Congratulation to the Churchill Forensic Team who received 4th place for Group Ensemble (Performing a scene from the movie Frozen). As well has Alex Hwang- placed 6th in the Persuasive category and Allison Hwang - made it to finals for Children Literature.


Congratulations members of the Churchill History Club (Luke Wu, Henry Shan, Soham Jinsi, Garion Cheng, and Victoria Diaz). Their historical documentary recently qualified them at the Montgomery County National History Day to compete at the state-wide competition which will take place on May 6th. Good Luck Team!


CONGRATULATIONS to Monifeoluwa Kuti, on being named a 2023 Recognized Carson Scholar. The Carson Scholar program and scholarship fund recognizes students because their academic achievements and humanitarian efforts make them stand out as a leader.

Class of 2023 Information

Important Senior Class Information - Class of 2023

TWO UPCOMING DEADLINES!


1) Cap and Gown Ordering - Orders should be completed by March 24:

Please visit the Jostens website to order your cap and gown. If you need cap, gown, stole and tassel you will need to order the full package (it is the first one listed). If you ONLY need a stole and tassel you will need to order each one separately. Every graduate needs to have a cap, gown, stole and 2023 tassel. Don't delay prices go up at the end of January. If you have questions, please email Jennifer Massey (Jostens representative), or Nicole VanTassell (graduation coordinator)



2) SSL Certificate of Meritorious Service - all forms must be completed by March 30:

Any high school senior who has submitted documentation to show the completion of 240 SSL hours or more by March 30, 2023, will earn the Certificate of Meritorious Service along with a purple tassel for graduation. The required deadline for all documentation that qualifies seniors for the Certificate of Meritorious Service and middle school students for the Superintendent’s SSL Award is March 30, 2023.


All SSL forms (MCPS Form 560-51: Student Service Learning Activity Verification form - https://bit.ly/SSLReflection) should be emailed or turned in to the school’s SSL coordinator by the required deadline of March 30, 2023, to be considered for these awards.


“Are you a senior struggling to balance both a job and the demands of high school? Are you a teacher or counselor of a senior who is currently employed that could benefit from taking their courses online? Well now’s the chance for qualified seniors to join the TransEd Academy for Working Students, otherwise known as the TAWS program; approved by (inserts their HS). For more information, see your counselor, search the MCPS website for “TAWS” That’s “TAWS, T-A-W-S”, or call 443-725-6724 for more information”


Senior Families, please mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!

  • April 13th, 2023 | Senior Parent Information Night | 7:00 pm
  • April 14th, 2023 | Senior Day | Smokey Glen Farm | All Day
  • May 20th, 2023 | Senior Prom | Hyatt Regency Bethesda
  • May 26th, 2023 | Last Instructional Day for Senior
  • May 26th, 2023 | Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal for Students
  • June 1st, 2023 | Graduation Ceremony | WCHS Stadium | 9:00 a.m. (Rain Dates: #1 - June 1 at 6 pm, and #2 - June 2 at 5 pm)


All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. SSL forms (https://bit.ly/SSLReflection) should be submitted to the school’s SSL coordinator by the recommended due date of Friday, January 6, 2023, but no later than the required deadline of June 2, 2023. To learn more about upcoming in-person and virtual/remote SSL opportunities and the required SSL documentation, please click here


Please visit the Jostens website to order your cap and gown. If you need cap, gown, stole and tassel you will need to order the full package (it is the first one listed). If you ONLY need a stole and tassel you will need to order each one separately. Every graduate needs to have a cap, gown, stole and 2023 tassel. Don't delay prices go up at the end of January. If you have questions, please email Jennifer Massey (Jostens representative), or Nicole VanTassell (graduation coordinator)


Senior Parent Night: College Process Recordings

9/8 Parent presentation Recording Senior College Information Night.mp4 - Google Drive

9/8 Parent Slide Presentation https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qa1mr1aofei36e3wPr_hSsQ4QmpBirznhxDgj_qCRCU/edit?usp=sharing

9/8 Student Slide Presentation https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jEO2-5-59vHYCEHSrLvPpYQkK__G497o2TKsBCrBKNA/edit?usp=sharing

9/15 Recording of Parent Q & A https://drive.google.com/file/d/11sMTrARn-b1cRruRMg2x4UVMeHqZYGKH/view?usp=sharing

Exciting news from the media center corner!

Greetings from the media corner. March is national reading month and we’re taking our books on the road. We have created a “book train” and are moving through the halls and to English classes to peddle our wares and show off some of the amazing books we have for students to read for enjoyment and educational purposes. Ask your student if they’ve seen the book train and checked a book out!

Counseling Department and College and Career Updates!

Check out all the news and events below.


Winston Churchill High School - Counseling Webpage



(NEW) The 2023 Montgomery County National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair will be held April 18, 2023, at the Maryland SoccerPlex and Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse in Germantown, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., for students in Grade 11. Students must register online with barcode and also turn in a paper copy to the career center. Students may pick up physical forms from the Career Center counseling office , or the main office. Last day to register and turn in all paperwork is March 31 @ 3pm. Any questions please contact Mr. Doh at Raymond_W_Doh@mcpsmd.org.


Junior Caregiver College Information Night:

Zoom Webinar Recording

Presentation


Financial Aid Information

Slide deck from Thursday, September 28 evening program on Financial Aid

Check out these resources to learn more about need based financial aid and the FAFSA, the document required for requesting college aid. The application process for the Class of 2023 opens October 1. Learn more now and set up an account before the opening day.

Understanding student financial aid……….

https://studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid/how-aid-works

Creating a FAFSA ID step by step………..

https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

Creating a FAFSA ID youtube video……………

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco


Slide deck from Parent Coffee: Standardized Testing (10/20/22)


Recording of Parent Coffee: Tasks to be Completed Junior Year (10/6/2022)


Handout of Tasks to Complete Junior Year used at the parent coffee 10/6


Counselor and Admin Assignments

Counseling Event Calendar 22-23

Advanced Placement Testing and Course Information

We have closed registration of AP exams. The order has been submitted to the College Board. All students should check AP classroom to verify the date and time of each exam. You will receive a hard copy of your schedule, things to bring, and other information in April. If you have any specific questions regarding AP exams, please contact Mr. Paskvan.

Culture and Equity Parent and Family Discussions!

At Winston Churchill High School we pride ourselves on the diversity of our students. Ensuring that all students and families have a positive experience while at Winston Churchill is very important to us! We recognize that students and families can have vastly different experiences based on a variety of factors. To help us gain insight and feedback we are hosting a series of culture and equity discussions various times throughout the remainder of this year.


  • African American/Black Students and Families (March 21)

  • Asian Students and Families (April 25)


More information will be shared closer to each event. If you'd like to see an added event that honors the voice of your student and family, please email Mr. Bilock @ Patrick_Bilock@mcpsmd.org.

Student Services Learning (SSL) Updates and Opportunities.

A message from the SSL coordinator Mrs. Amanda Marshall


March 2023 SSL Information! Check out the latest SSL Opportunities!

Seniors seeking the Certificate of Meritorious Service MUST have their SSL forms documenting 240 hours submitted by 3/30/23. If you have already earned 240 hours, there is nothing additional you need to do.


Please see Mrs. Marshall in Room 236 or send her an email (amanda_marshall@mcpsmd.org) with any SSL Questions.


​Bookmark the links below for easy access to all information SSL related!

· https://bit.ly/SSLHubMCPS - SSL forms, resources, and guidelines in one place!

· https://bit.ly/SSLOpportunities - all nonprofit-hosted SSL opportunities

· https://bit.ly/VirtualSSL2020 - all nonprofit-hosted virtual/remote SSL opportunities

· https://bit.ly/SSLOpps22-23 - monthly highlighted SSL opportunities

· https://bit.ly/SSLOverview2020 - SSL program overview slideshow

· https://bit.ly/SSLonVUE - step-by-step directions for checking SSL record



Introduction to SSL Handout:

English | Español | 中文 | Français | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ | Portuguêse

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Join the PTSA

WCHS PTSA provides dynamic support to all of our students, teachers, and community. With your paid membership dues and donations, the PTSA will be able to continue this support which includes: student social and academic programs; speaker series; staff and school support; Reflections Contest and much more. Please join now.

WCHS Policy and Procedure Reminders

Important Community-Wide Information and Updates.

Community interest events and programs will be shared here for all of our families to know about opportunities for their students.
  • Rockville High School is holding its Second Annual $20 Formal Dress Sale. This is open to ALL MCPS students, as well as to the public on March 19. Dresses are only TWENTY BUCKS and proceeds go to benefit RHS After Prom. All dresses have been donated but many are new with tags. All styles and sizes from 0 to 26 are available.

Date: Sunday, March 19

Times: 1pm - 4pm


Where: Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Rd, Rockville MD 20851

Wedding and Prom Season is almost here. Why spend hundreds on a dress you will wear once, when you can spend $20?! Rockville High School After Prom Committee is hosting its 2nd Annual Formal Dress Sale on March 19 from 1 PM to 4 PM at Rockville High School. Find new-with-tags and gently used formal dresses in all sizes from 0 to 26. All funds raised at our event will benefit the Class of 23’s After Prom Party on April 29.


NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED - OPEN TO PUBLIC

Find new-with-tags and gently used Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride, Prom and Formal dresses in all sizes from 0 to 26.


  • Summer Mentorship Program 2023 for students in grades 6-12. Organized by Stanford University undergraduate and graduate students, Qualia Global Scholars is a selective pre-collegiate virtual summer mentorship program matching talented students in grades 6-12 with Stanford mentors. The program features personalized mentorship, interdisciplinary research, project-based learning, and guidance on college applications. The program aims to empower students to become future global leaders by teaching them about leadership & problem solving, emerging areas in STEM & liberal arts, critical thinking & communication skills, and real-world impact through research & innovation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Need-based financial aid is available for the program. Please click here to see the flier for more information.


  • First ever teen film contest where teens ages 13 to 18 can submit one-to-three-minute short films. There will be two winners, one in the age group 13-15 and one in the age group 16-18. The winners will receive a $375 gift card and will have their films premiered at the JxJ festival which runs from May 11th to the 21st. Participants do not need to be Jewish to apply, and the films do not need to be about Jewish identity or life. These films should simply answer the question, “where do you belong?” Please click the flyer for more information about the contest.


  • A summer camp located in Sandy Spring, Maryland is looking for staff members for this upcoming summer. Please click here to read the flier for more information.


  • The Amplifier, Montgomery County's student-led magazine. Last year, came out with two editions: one in January and the other in June. The latter was 100 pages and had writing from students in 14 schools across Montgomery County. This year, our goal is to get involvement from all 26 Montgomery County high schools - including writers, artists, and editors. We would love to get your school involved, so please spread the word of this opportunity amongst your students. Attached is a flier with a QR code that directs students to a form for signing up to be a writer, editor, or artist for the Amplifier. Attached below is a google form that students can use to submit writing pieces for a section of the magazine.


    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFDh2Cs7plDNxpc3zWoLHyY0I4QeUFGoaTcNEILkdG1g-l1Q/viewform?usp=sf_link


  • Interested in learning more about the Dale Carnegie Young Adult Leadership Program? Please click here for more information.


  • FalconVision Tutoring, is a student-run tutoring branch under the nonprofit Family Learning Solutions (FLS), and based in Poolesville High. As an organization, we’re dedicated to helping students succeed academically through direct sessions (online and free!) with our well-qualified tutors, over both the school year and/or summer. We always make sure to pair these tutors and students up based on subject-preference and unique learning style, so everyone can have the best experience. Ultimately, we hope to create a community of learners who can help one another overcome school-based challenges. As a high school, your students would be able to sign up as either a tutor or pupil with us, depending on what they hope to gain during their experience. More details can be found at https://www.fvtutoring.com/ and click to see our flyer.


  • George B Thomas Saturday School - Please click here to learn about the George B Thomas Saturday School information for the 2022-23 school year. This is a great way to get your student additional help and assistance from certified MCPS teaching staff who know and understand the curriculum requirements of their classes.

  • University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Culture, Child, and Adolescent Development Lab is currently, recruiting for Project ARISE to understand the unique experiences of Asian American families since the COVID-19 outbreak. They are specifically recruiting Korean and Filipino parents and teens to participate in our project. Parents and teens will each complete a 30-40 minute survey and can also take part in interviews if they're interested. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at ProjectARISE1@gmail.com. Parents and teens will be paid for their time and participation! Families can sign up using this form: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3JVQoj9aNjuQa3k

COVID SAFETY REMINDERS and 22-23 UPDATES FOR OUR COMMUNITY:


  • Do not come to school if sick. With COVID cases and variants still occurring, it is important to not report to school if your student has any signs of illness. In addition to the standard COVID symptoms (cough, fever, loss of taste and smell), signs of illness include: sore or scratchy throat, running nose, headache, chills and body aches. If your child has any of these symptoms, please keep them home until it can be confirmed they do not have COVID-19.

  • Wear an enhanced mask/face covering. All students and staff will be allowed to choose whether to wear a mask while in school. If you have concerns about exposure or immune levels, we recommend to wear a mask. In some cases, students returning from quarantine will be required to wear masks for certain periods. Masks will continue to be available on-site for those that need them.

  • Practice good hand and health hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, use hand sanitizer when soap and water is unavailable. Do not cough or sneeze around others or into your hands. Dispose of any tissue or items used for cough, sneezing or nasal use.

  • Vaccinate, and also get a Booster if you can. DHHS has now approved boosters for age 5 and up. You can find out more at the DHHS Vaccination Website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/