WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - June 11, 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Walkersville Community,
Can you believe we have one week left? This next week will go by quickly, so I wanted to take a moment to thank EVERYONE for what they have done for our school community. Our staff, parents, community, and students have truly given their all this year, and I am appreciative of the hard work.
One last thing we need from our underclassmen is the return of materials. Please ensure that any hybrid students bring books and materials in with them next week. All virtual students can deliver items (labeled) on Tuesday or Wednesday 7:00-4:00 to the office. All current WHS students will keep their chromebooks for use in the upcoming school year. Only return the technology if you are moving over the summer. As we head into summer, I hope everyone has a chance to rest and relax before gearing up for the 2021-2022 school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
LIBRARY BOOKS DUE TODAY
In-Person: return during their cohort days
Virtual: return to front office of WHS
ATTENDANCE
Parents, guardians and students please be aware of the following updates/changes regarding attendance and dismissal.
- Parent notes/Dr. notes still should be emailed to WHS.Attendance@fcps.org. Please include students full name, grade and reason for absence.
- If a student should bring in a note coming in during their Cohort day, please drop off in the front office with the Attendance Secretary.
- As no guests are permitted in the building at this time, parents should come to the main entrance when picking up for early dismissals. We will verify ID at the door and students will be sent out to the car.
STUFF THE BUS DONATIONS
The annual Stuff the Bus school-supply drive begins on July 6 and continues through August 4.
Local businesses and citizens are encouraged to donate necessary supplies for Frederick County families in need.
Please click this link for a flyer on donation information and locations or this flyer for the Spanish translation.
Families in need of school supply assistance should click on the following links for pick up information. Please click for a flyer on distribution dates or this flyer for the Spanish translation.
For questions, please contact Pam Miller, FCPS CASS Coordinator at 240-236-5390 or Joyce Kwamena-Poh, Director of Operations and Human Resources of United Way of Frederick County at 240-578-4009.
COUNSELING NEWS
After a challenging year for families and students, the Counseling Office is anticipating the various ways that we can help and support students as they return full-time to the building next year. In addition to next year's 9th graders, WHS will have a large group of 10th graders who haven't yet experienced a "regular" school day in the building. We know that students will need a lot of support from us as they adjust to our new normal moving forward. One way we have decided to meet student needs for next year is to designate one counselor - Ryan Defibaugh - as a 9th grade counselor. This will help us provide more support and targeted programs for our younger students, while allowing the remaining counselors to concentrate on the academic needs and future plans of our older students. Next year's counselor caseloads will be as follows:
- Ryan Defibaugh, 9th grade, A-Z
- Lauren Bishard, 10th-12th grade, A-F
- Susan Nash, 10th-12th grade, G-M
- Shannon Marble, 10th-12th grade, N-Z
- Brittany Kuhn, Pyramid & Learning for Life Programs
- New Counselor, English Language Learners
MESSAGE FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE
Walkersville High School continues to be committed to helping our students and their families during Covid-19. We understand these changes have brought on challenges. Please reach out to Kari Shipe directly in our Counseling center for more information about programs and resources that may be available for your family.
Kari Shipe, Counseling Center Secretary
240-236-7209
Counselors can be reached by email or Schoology message for those students still learning virtually – a virtual meeting can be set up if necessary. Students who will be attending school in person on the hybrid model can request to see their counselor by seeing our secretary, Kari Shipe, in the Counseling Office to set up an appointment.
Please click on the link below for more IMPORTANT information from the Counseling Center - UPDATED JUNE 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uA7PAs0IsMeOD4AStZJQg7wpC7j9HgoM/view?usp=sharing
FCPS VIRTUAL SUMMER SESSION
FCPS Frederick County Virtual School (FCVS) provides online courses for high school credit during the summer
Virtual School Summer Session (VSS)
- VSS is a five week program designed for independent and self-motivated learners.
- Students enroll in an online course and attend weekly Google Meets with their teacher.
- Students will need to commit to 15-20 hours/week of independent work.
- Students will need reliable and consistent access to a device and high-speed internet.
- Students must be enrolled with FCPS and entering 9th-12th grade in the fall of 2021.
Click here for registration information. To access the correct registration packet:
- See "High School Students" or "8th Grade Students" (based on your current level) to access the correct pre-registration packet.
Deadline to pre-register: completed forms must be turned in to your school counselor by 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 17. Do not delay! Enrollment is limited.
MESSAGE FROM CTE
Joke of the Week - brought to you by CTE
Question: Why did the teachers jump in the pool?
CTE Courses Highlight - SUMMER!!!
CTE department would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the class of 2021, best wishes for your futures. Make sure to stop back and tell us your story!
For the returning students, we wish you a safe and enjoyable summer. Make sure you take time to relax, rejuvenate and prepare for this fall semester. Stay in tune with learning and always try something new. We look forward to seeing you in CTE classes next year. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us!
Kim Fogle, Norm Hayter, Dave Heefner, Steven Howard, Brett Macekis, Mike Mummert, Regina Stelma, Greg Stull, Hunter Robertshaw, Michelle Early
Answer: They wanted to test the water !!!!
MARCHING LIONS - MUSIC
Marching Band practice:
- Tuesday 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- Thursday 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- And next Saturday 10:00 - 4:00pm
SPORT NEWS
FCPS lifted the limit on spectators on Monday, June 7th. At this time, schools will no longer need to submit and check spectator lists.
HELP THE LACROSSE TEAM
WHS Boys Lacrosse team will be collecting Mac & Cheese donations for Blessings in a Backpack.
Collection Dates: Until June 17th (DATE EXTENDED)
Collection Locations: Front Office or Boys (home) Lacrosse games
https://frederick.blessingsinabackpack.org/
Check out when our Lions will be competing by clicking HERE to access our Sports Calendar!
WHS PTSA ANNOUNCEMENTS
As this school year comes to a close, the PTSA would like to thank its members and volunteers for their time and contributions. Your support and effort helped to make a difference in the lives of the WHS students and staff. The PTSA, with your help, was able to contribute to the following events:
- Academic Excellence ~ over 400 students recognized for their achievements and received pins
- Arts in Education/Reflections Program
- Graduation Practice ~ provided bottled water and Icee freezer pops to all participating seniors
- “Make it Happen” Grants for teachers and organizations to continue their academic endeavors totaling over $200.
- Safe and Sound ~ over 140 students participated and all received prizes
- Senior Scholarships ~ “You’ve Made Your Mark” ~ 10 scholarships awarded totaling $3,200.00
- Staff Appreciation Week
- Yard Signs for Seniors
The PTSA would like to thank the current executive board for serving four years consecutively (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021) President - Kimberly Snyder, Vice President - Beth Churco, Treasurer - Jacy Hillman, and Secretary - April Cook. The Board of Directors have contributed many hours throughout this school year and they are Tina Sims - Membership Chair, Giuseppa Ball - Staff Appreciation Chair, Jocelyn Harris - Reflections Chair, Kelley Wells - Safe and Sound Chair, and Beth Churco - Academic Excellence Chair and Cinderella’s Closet Chair. The dedication from all of these individuals to the students and staff at WHS has been sincerely appreciated.
A special thank you to Mr. John VanBloem, staff liaison, for his dedication to the students and support of the PTSA. Last but certainly not least, our appreciation and thanks to the WHS Administration for their continued support.
Your continued support of the PTSA and all our programs for the 2021-2022 school year will be greatly appreciated. If you have any PTSA questions over the summer, please send an email to WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com. Have a safe and fun filled summer!!!
Website: http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WHS-PTSA-416541538545335
Email: WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
To-go meal service at all 19 FCPS schools open to the community are on WEDNESDAYS - ONLY from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The two community drop-off sites in the 7th Street and Discovery shopping centers will continue to serve meals to children in the community on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. We will continue to offer breakfast, lunch and supper at all schools to students who attend school Monday through Friday for the remainder of the school year.
Contact FCPS Food and Nutrition Services at 301-644-5061 with questions or visit: www.fcpsnutrition.com for the list of schools open to the community.
MVA LEARNER'S PERMIT
MVA DL-300A Learner’s Permit Verification of School Attendance Form: The MVA has a new form (DL-300A) due to the recent executive order by Governor Hogan and schools temporarily no longer needs to sign/seal the form – it is signed by the student and the parent only. You can find the form on our Walkersville High website under "Attendance" and via this link to the MVA. https://mva.maryland.gov/Documents/DL-300A.pdf
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.
STUDENT MASK COMPLIANCE
This is just a reminder in case you have forgotten to complete the form or were not able to complete the original form.
Please read the linked document below. At the end of the form, you will need to type your name as acceptance that you and your students agree. If you have more than one child at WHS, please complete one form and list all of your students on the same form. Student Mask Compliance Form
Thank you and please direct any questions to cynthia.zimmerman@fcps.org or 240-236-7206.
HOW POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES ARE COMMUNICATED
Important Definitions: Confirmed Case of COVID-19 - Cases of COVID-19 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 14 days. Close Contact - Close and prolonged contact within 6 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
QUICK REMINDERS
June 11th: Library Books due
June 15-16th: Underclassmen return items
June 17th: Last day of school for students
SUMMER VACATION!!
See you on August 18th!!
Walkersville High School
Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Email: maryanne.allen@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whs/
Location: 81 West Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-236-7200
Twitter: @DrWare_FCPS