WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - September 9, 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Walkersville Community,
As we continue on in term 1, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of attendance at school. Did you know that if your child misses just 2 days a month, they actually miss 10% of the school year? Attendance and on time arrival help set students up for academic success. Please reach out to a counselor or administrator to assist if your child is struggling with attendance. Along with good attendance we know that students need access to tutoring, and students are being reintroduced to TutorMe in classes now. As a reminder, tutoring services are available online 24/7 through their Clever Portal, just like last year. If you need any help accessing these supports, please let us know.
Next Friday the 16th is midterm, and students get out of school 2 hours early. Lastly, if your student is participating in the Great Frederick Fair, please look for the permission slip to submit prior to the absences. There is wifi available at the fair to allow students to keep up with school work. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
SAFETY DRILL
Safety Drill Next Week:
Next week, as part of Walkersville High School ongoing commitment to provide a safe and healthy learning environment, students and staff will participate in an “Avoid, Deny, Defend” drill, where students and staff will practice appropriate responses for an armed intruder in the school. This activity is not based on any recent threats or concerns. The purpose of the drill is to ensure students and staff give thought to how they would respond in an Active Assailant Emergency and to practice their decisions. We encourage families to contact the school with questions.
VAPING AWARENESS PROGRAM
September 28, 2022
6:00 – 7:00
Walkersville High School Auditorium
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
WHS is looking forward to a great year with our seniors next year! We want to alert families to a couple of important summer dates and resources.
- October 4 - Financial Aid Information Night and FAFSA Finish event
- October 17-18 – Senior Picture Make-up Days, Times TBA
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)
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.
CLASS OF 2023 SENIOR SHIRT SALE
If you would like to buy a Class of 2023 Senior shirt, they are now on sale until September 16th!
Long Sleeve: https://FrederickCounty.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/35146/82/False/True
Short Sleeve: https://FrederickCounty.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/35147/82/False/True
The back of the shirt will have all seniors’ names on it.
Thank you for your support of the senior class!
PICTURE DATES FOR 2022-2023
- September 19-20: Underclassmen 8am-2:30pm
- Underclass Make up: October 26 - 8am-2:30pm
- Senior Make up: October 17-18 - 9am-3pm
School Picture Day is coming Monday, September 19th & Tuesday, September 20th 2022 . Pictures will be available approximately two weeks following our school's photo day. Save time and Pre-order online here: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000944326
For questions about ordering school pictures please email underclass@vosphoto.com
UPCOMING EVENTS & REMINDERS
September 16: Mid-Term 2 hour early dismissal
September 23: Fair Day 3.5 early dismissal
September 26: Schools Closed Rosh Hashanah
RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC
The Frederick County Health Department will be holding a rabies vaccination clinic on Thursday, September 15 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Thurmont Community Park. Click here for more information in both English and Spanish.
ADVENTURE PARK
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.
- WHS JV girls soccer program is still looking for soccer players. If you have any interest please contact Coach Bryan. His email is paul.bryan@fcps.org. Quicker way would be to stop and see the AD Sonny Joseph.
- 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
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
PSAT/NMSQT REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1
(Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Exam Date: Wednesday, October 12
7:30 AM to approximately 11:00 AM
Who Can Take the PSAT
The PSAT/NMSQT is an optional test that is available to students in grades 9-11. Please note that the test includes math content from courses through Algebra 2, which 9th and 10th graders may not have yet taken.
Why Take the PSAT
The PSAT acts as a precursor to the SAT as the two tests largely mirror each other in content and structure. The PSAT has fewer questions than the SAT. We recommend the PSAT for current 10th and 11th graders who plan to take the SAT in the future. NOTE: For 11th graders only, PSAT scores determine students' eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Registration
To register and pay for the PSAT, use School Cash Online at: https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com. The fee for the PSAT is $18.00. Registration will open Wednesday, September 1 and closes on Wednesday, September 15, at 11:59 PM. This is a fixed deadline - there is no opportunity for late registrations/payments.
Completing the payment in School Cash Online means the student is registered for the test (there is no additional required paperwork).
Students who have free/reduced lunch status will not be required to pay. If this applies, please contact Lauren Bishard at lauren.bishard@fcps.org (do not make online School Cash payment).
Home-School Students
Students who are not enrolled in Frederick County Public Schools and participate in an independent home-schooling program may register to take the PSAT at WHS if they live in the WHS school zone. Please e-mail Lauren Bishard at lauren.bishard@fcps.org
Refunds
If a student does not take the test on test day due to circumstances beyond his/her control, a refund needs to be requested by October 15. Late arrivals will not be admitted into testing rooms on test day - refunds will not be issued in this circumstance.
Test Preparation
PSAT practice items can be found online at: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice. PSAT Student Guides are available for students to pick up in the Counseling Office during all lunch shifts.
What to Bring On Test Day:
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
- A calculator
What Not to Bring:
- Any devices, including smartwatches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content
- Protractors, compasses, rulers
- Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils, mechanical pencils
- Pamphlets or papers of any kind
- Food and drinks-including bottled water
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.
ART STUDENTS
Art Students:
Are you interested in joining the National Art Honor Society?
Come by Mrs. Maseth’s room 184 to pick up an application, teacher recommendations and submit a 5 piece portfolio by September 23, 2022.
You should have taken at least one level two course and have a GPA of 3.2 and 3.5 in all visual art classes. You will need two teacher or coach recommendations; your complete application, and a 5 piece portfolio of your best artwork!
We will try to complete a mural for science this year and put up a Winter and Spring Art Shows!
ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
HBCU FAIR
Moving Us Forward Inc. is hosting their Moving Beyond High School Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Fair on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at The Clarion Event and Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland from 9am-3pm. Our organization is committed to moving students in our community forward, and that is the purpose of our 2022 HBCU College Fair. We're excited to have FCPS as partner in this event.
Students and Parents will have an opportunity to speak and engage with several HBCU representatives, participate in three workshops: The Admissions Process, Is Sports Your Game and Show Me the Money; Financial Assistance and Interact with Community organizations.
We're excited to have Josh Pleasant, founder of Pleasant Fitness and Athletics, as our Motivational Speaker.
Students and Parents must register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/301781204707 students are free, accompanying adults are $5 each.
Visit our website at www.movingusforwardinc.com for more information about our organization or event questions.
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
Resource Spotlight: Free Parent Resource!
This week, I want to highlight a free resource I came across recently that parents may be interested in pursuing. There is a free upcoming “School Struggles Summit” by The Behavior Revolution on September 12-15, 2022. The description from their website states, “Thirty of the world’s learning, education, ADHD, and autism experts – 25% of whom are neurodivergent or have learning challenges – have come together in one conference to share the evidence-based knowledge, tools, and strategies that help struggling learners succeed and shine.”
The summit is hosted by Penny Williams, a Parenting and ADHD/Autism Coach. She is an author of several books about parenting kids with ADHD, founded ParentingADHDandAutism.com, and has her own podcast. Here is a link to the schedule: https://thebehaviorrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Schedule-2022-School-Struggles-Summit.pdf. Topics covered at the online summit seem to include managing behaviors and other challenging needs at schools, executive functioning and helping to maximize learning, emotional struggles, and communicating with schools. You can find more information on the program and register for free at their website: https://thebehaviorrevolution.com/parenting-summits/school-struggles-summit-2022/.
This “School Struggles Summit” is not at all affiliated with Frederick County Public Schools. It is a resource that was found online and passed along for any who may be interested. FCPS does not endorse or recommend any particular program or training, and has not been involved in any of the planning or management of this particular program.
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
Join the WHS PTSA!
Thanks to all staff, students, and family members who have already joined the PTSA and made contributions to our important programs. It’s never too late to join or make a donation. Visit https://fspta-00023699.memberhub.com/store or scan this QR code to become a member today!
Staff Appreciation Opportunities
We’re always in need of volunteers for our year-round Staff Appreciation activities. If you want to show the WHS Staff some love by donating needed items or sharing your time, please contact Cara Boledovic at whslionsptsastaffappreciation@gmail.com for more information.
Join “WHS PTSA” on Facebook to stay connected and get updated information about PTSA happenings and WHS events!
Visit our website at http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org for additional information.
SEPTEMBER PTSA BULLETIN BOARD
SAFE AND SOUND CLASS OF 2023
WHS MUSIC BOOSTERS JOE CORBI'S AND CLAIRE'S GOURMET DESSERTS
The WHS Music Boosters is selling Joe Corbi’s and Claire’s Gourmet Desserts!
Shop now and get your favorite items delivered to the school at no charge.
Just click the link below to place your order. Please make sure to use participant code 558253 (WHS music Boosters) if it does not auto-populate.
Fundraiser Dates: Sept 1 2022 through Sept 19 2022
Pick up date: Tuesday October 11 @ WHS after school near the entrance from 2-5pm.
Thank you for your continued support!
SAFE & SOUND SPIRIT NIGHT
WHS MUSIC BOOSTERS CAR WASH
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