WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - November 4, 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Walkersville Community,
Our Lions have had a busy few weeks! Our FFA returned from the National Convention in Indianapolis. We had four teams compete at Nationals, they were: Milk Quality & Products, Poultry, Agronomy, and Ag Mechanics. Additionally, Mr. Greg Stull was awarded an Honorary American Degree. Congrats to our FFA on their accomplishments! As some of our groups and teams’ seasons have come to an end, we have a few more moving forward. The Marching Band will compete in the MD State Championships this Sunday. Our football team kicks off playoffs tonight at home this evening. And, our Field Hockey Team will play in the State Quarterfinals on Saturday at 5:00 at GTJHS. Thank you to all of our student performers and athletes who have and will continue to make us all proud. Good luck to all of our Lions! Just a quick reminder that there is no school on Tuesday for Election Day.
Have a great weekend,
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
Walkersville FFA Attends the 95th National FFA Convention
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE MESSAGE
We are continuing to track lates to school. Please be aware that students should be in their seats when the 7:30 bell rings. Students will receive a warning the first two times they are late. On their 3rd and 4th late, they will receive a 30 minute after school detention. Students will be assigned a 60 minute after school detention for their 5th late and each one after that. Thank you for your continued effort in getting to school on time.
Seniors: The November Senior Meeting has been cancelled. 3 important reminders:
- Please complete the survey so that we can pronounce your name correctly at senior events: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-eZPSs7BqaYz_dIPOL0pP8h3meLmevjQXM2BlOJ__yM2mfA/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Please plan to order your cap & gown ASAP but definitely by winter break. Go to: https://www.jostens.com/apps/catalog/gradPackage.mvc?customerId=1066458&customerName=Walkersville-High-School&catalogOsr=GRAD_PROD_HS_SENIOR_SPRING_CATALOG&catalogName=Graduation-Packages&categoryOsr=PACKAGES&requestedView=LIST and click “shop now” at the bottom of the page to select and purchase your items!
- SSL opportunities for 2nd semester will be very limited. Ms. Fogle will be holding a meeting during FLEX on 12/1 to go over the process for applying for a spot (not guaranteed). Send Ms. Fogle a Schoology message or e-mail if you want her to request you for FLEX that day for the meeting. Please note: attending the meeting is not a guarantee of an SSL block AND if you were an SSL 1st semester, you cannot re-apply.
Senior Class of 2023 Announcements
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)
JOSTENS GRADUATION PORTAL
Jostens Graduation Portal: Order all graduation-related items (including the required cap & gown) at this link.
CAP & GOWN ORDERS DUE DECEMBER 22
Cap & Gown Orders – Due December 22nd
Go to: https://www.jostens.com/apps/catalog/gradPackage.mvc?customerId=1066458&customerName=Walkersville-High-School&catalogOsr=GRAD_PROD_HS_SENIOR_SPRING_CATALOG&catalogName=Graduation-Packages&categoryOsr=PACKAGES&requestedView=LIST and click “shop now” at the bottom of the page to select and purchase your items!
JOSTENS YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Yearbook information: Senior Ads and Casuals for the Yearbook prices are listed here below. Click here for the ad link. Please email Ms. Rutherford at kylie.rutherford@fcps.org for any additional questions.
11/01 - 01/02
Full Page: $320, 1/2 $190, 1/4 $110, 1/8 $60
01/03 - 02/07
Full Page: $340, 1/2 $210, 1/4 $130, 1/8 $80
Click here to be directed to Jostens to order your yearbook!
UPCOMING CALENDAR REMINDERS
- Tuesday, November 8 - Schools closed, election day
- Tuesday, November 15 - First day for winter sports
- Wednesday, November 23 through Friday, November 25 - Schools and FCPS offices closed for Thanksgiving break
- Wednesday, November 30 - 2 hour early dismissal for Mid-Term
SUBSTITUTES NEEDED!!
Substitute? I don’t have a degree in education!
You don’t need a degree in education!!
You can work in education and support the children and staff in your community. There are so many reasons to help!
· Job flexibility – choose the days you can work and the schools you would like to go to.
· Get your foot in the door at FCPS by networking with staff.
· Add some valuable skills to your toolbox (problem solving, flexibility, etc.)
· It’s never boring!!
· Schools are exciting places to be and you can learn amazing things from the students and staff
· The demand is real, the appreciation is overwhelming
· Following the lesson plan and working with students helps to make the day go by quickly
· Gain an appreciation of how much work goes into running a school
· Your community needs you – we can’t do this alone
· Make a difference. What could be more valuable than being a positive influence to the children of Frederick County
Apply now at Substitute Application
Teacher Substitute; must have 60 college credits. $21/hour
Special Education Instructional Assistant; must have a high school diploma. $15.36/hour
We also have opportunities for long term Substitute positions that last at least 11 days.
Join our team and see the rewards!
SHOWERS IN A SHOEBOX
We are looking for donations of: Shampoo,conditioner, body wash, tooth paste, deodorant, razors, lotion,chapstick,tooth brushes,combs, hair brushes, nail clippers, body wipes, hand sanitizer,dental floss and shoe boxes.
Donate single items, or fill up a shoebox on your own. Make it a family project or get your whole neighborhood or community group involved!
Items can be dropped off in the marked box in the cafeteria , in room 177,or the main office at WHS from October 31st through December 2nd.
Shoeboxes will go to various groups including Autumn Lake HealthCare Center in Walkersville & SHIP(Student Homeless Initiative Project) by December 15th.
Thank you for helping us work towards our goal of over 100 boxes this year!!
Questions? Contact Lori Stup at Lori.Stup@fcps.org
CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR
Join the 2nd annual Children’s Business Fair, it will be on be Saturday November 5th from 12-3pm. This year they will be hosting up to 100 businesses! This event is being offered to any child ages 6-17 years old who lives in or outside Frederick County or up to 12th grade for FCPS students. Participation is free and the children get to keep 100% of their sales. The Acton Children's Business Fair, Frederick, MD and Global STEM +AR Outreach Foundation, Inc believe this is an excellent opportunity for students to experience entrepreneurship, apply math skills, and learn people skills. Use the link below to check out the flier and where to sign up.
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an all-volunteer 501(C)(3) non-profit that builds twin beds, and delivers them, FREE of CHARGE, to families in Frederick Co Maryland whose kids, ages 4-17, are sleeping on the floor, a couch, or with their parents or siblings. See the flier for more information.
FEARLESS FEMALES/WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CLUB
Fearless Females/Women’s Empowerment club members are once again collecting for the Frederick County Rescue Mission/Faith House.
*Faith House opened in 2016 to help women in crises overcome obstacles and get back on their feet.
See the lists below for items needed for both organizations. You may bring your donations to the front office or to room 179.
Please label: Attn. Fearless Females/Cassels
I would like to have all donations on/before our next meeting on 11/18
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.
- 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
ASVAB
Are you in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade AND interested in taking a FREE career interest inventory? Then sign up to take the ASVAB at WHS on November 18, 2022!
What is the ASVAB? The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test battery consisting of nine short individual tests covering Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematic Knowledge, General Science, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, and Assembling Objects. ASVAB results provide scores for each individual test, as well as three academic composite scores- Verbal, Math, and Academic Ability- and two career exploration composite scores. There is no commitment to the Armed Services before/during/after taking the ASVAB. It truly is an excellent career assessment tool to help assist with identifying interests and strengths/weaknesses.
The test will be administered on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 7:30am - 10:30am at Walkersville High School. If your son/daughter is interested in taking this FREE career interested inventory, please fill out the google form (also located in Schoology): https://forms.gle/a56bqUASPDWSosTK8.
Pre-Registration form:
https://forms.gle/a56bqUASPDWSosTK8
Once the form is completed your student will be provided a permission slip that needs to be returned to Mrs. Marble in the counseling center no later than Thursday, November 10, 2022.
There will be a post test interpretation offered at a date to be shared later.
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and Frederick Community College FCC
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and Frederick Community College FCC) are pleased to announce that students who participate in dual enrollment courses, including those who are currently enrolled, will no longer be charged the cost of tuition.
A recent change in Maryland law (under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future) has resulted in this change in our Dual Enrollment program. To comply with the guidelines, FCC and FCPS announce the following information:
- FCC Dual Enrollment students (including students in High School Based, Open Campus, Career Pathways, and Early College) will not be charged tuition, starting from Spring 2023. Students will still be responsible for college fees and textbooks in all programs except High School Based.
- Fall 2022 FCC Dual Enrollment students who were charged tuition will be refunded any tuition paid. Students should expect their tuition refunds by November 30, 2022. College fees will not be refunded.
We hope this is welcome information for our students who challenge themselves by taking college programming while still in high school. For frequently asked questions, please see the following: FAQ: Tuition-Free Dual Enrollment and Fall 2022 Tuition Refunds.
Signed,
Dr. Cheryl Dyson Dr. Annesa Cheek
Superintendent of Schools
Frederick County Public Schools
President
Frederick Community College
SHADOWING CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Shadowing for the Career & Technology Center is now open!
The Career and Technology Center (CTC) is part of the Frederick County Public Schools system. With more than 24 programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to gain college and career experience in a variety of areas. They can earn college credits as well as valuable industry certifications and licenses through a CTC program. CTC programs are taught in half-day blocks, and students attend their high school for the other half of the school day. Shadowing a CTC program is the first step in the application process and is open to students in grades 9-11. Students may shadow and apply to up to two programs.
Interested students can request a shadow from the CTC website https://edu.fcps.org/ctc/ Log In: FCPS Student User ID (do not add @my.fcps.org) & Password.
Example (05JSmith)
Shadowing is open November 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Application deadline: March 7, 2023
For additional information about the Career & Technology Center visit https://edu.fcps.org/ctc/
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
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 Cou
EARLY COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHTS
9th and 10th Grade Students!
FCC invites you to register for one of the following Early College Information Nights to learn about the FCPS-FCC Early College program:
- Wednesday, November 16, 2022(virtual)
- Thursday, February 15, 2023 (virtual)
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The FCC Early College program is a way to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously by attending FCC full-time during your junior and senior years. The program was created to increase participation and completion for students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education and is open to all FCPS high school students.
FCPS students apply to Early College during their sophomore year.
Members of the Dual Enrollment Team will go through the details of the Early College program and acceptance process, and they will answer questions from interested students and families.
Register to attend one of three sessions at www.tinyurl.com/EarlyCollegeInformationNight
If you register for a virtual date then you will receive the link to the Google Meet session in your registration confirmation email.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/FCCDualEnrollment to register for a Dual Enrollment Virtual Open House to learn about all DE opportunities.
Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, 301-624-2893, or www.frederick.edu/de
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
CASS CORNER
Social Media as a Power for Good
Three weeks ago, we took a moment to address the impact of social media in our lives today and the critical task that everyone in our community shares in helping to protect our students through open communication and awareness. In that post, I talked about there being both risks and benefits to our ongoing use of social media. As I realize that most people can easily cite risks to social media, I want to promote the benefits we’re seeing as well. Here is a quick dive into some of the ways that teens are benefiting from social media use.
An Outlet for Creativity
Between creating content on different apps, sharing about their experiences, taking and editing photos, journaling, and expressing themselves in a multitude of ways, one of the most visible benefits of social media is the way it has become an outlet for creativity. Not only can teens post their own content and share the things you create or experience, but they have free and open access to examples and guides to just about anything imaginable. There truly is no limit to the creative expression available through social media use.
A Tool for Learning
With social media, information is available in ways that it never has been before. Some of the great minds of our time create content for social media every day. Through the lens of social media, we have an opportunity to step into the lives of people across the globe and learn from their experiences. There are uninhibited opportunities to learn technological skills, such as coding or web development, which can be applied to a future career or hobby. There is also an incredible opportunity for collaborative learning not only within our own community, but anywhere in the world.
Connections with Others
Despite our inclination to think that cell phones disconnect us from the social environment, it actually strengthens many of our relationships. Any given social media profile can represent a complex network of friends and family. We can connect with family members without the borders and boundaries that previously existed. We can develop close connections with loved ones whose distance may have limited our interactions in the past. Through connected gaming, shared interests, and messaging apps, users can develop social skills and build friendships beyond their local communities. Through various online communities and groups, we can create social systems who are there for us at any given time. We can find like-minded individuals to connect with like never before. This can send the message that we are not alone in our struggles, which can be an incredibly powerful lesson.
Reaching Out for Help
Not only does social media allow for a far more interconnected way of living, it is a wealth of resources for support and stability. While social media may often bring to mind images of inappropriate videos, dangerous trends, and privacy concerns, it opens the door for those who previously might have lacked access to mental health support in ways that have never before been available. One need only to search for mental health content to find a collection of professionals, resources, allies, and survivors who are sharing their stories and what they have learned. Getting access to help and support can be done anytime, anywhere.
While there are inherent dangers with any new technology, and there will always be those who aim to bring harm to others, it’s important to acknowledge the growth, connection, and support that would not have been possible without social media. Want more information? Internet Matters and VeryWell Family both have some very thorough articles about the benefits of social media for teens at https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/social-media-advice-hub/social-media-benefits/ and https://www.verywellfamily.com/benefits-of-social-media-4067431.
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.
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.
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.
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 Reflections Program
Show us your creative side!
This year’s theme: “Show Your Voice!”
All grades and abilities are encouraged to participate!
Enter in any of these 6 categories:
Dance, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts
Pick up an entry form in the media center or download from http://walkersvillehighschool.my-ptsa.org/.
DUE DATE: Friday, DECEMBER 2nd
(Please drop off entries forms and artwork to the PTSA mailbox in the WHS front office)
Prizes and certificates will be awarded for entries. Each submission has the possibility of moving up to the county level, state level and even the national level.
See how far your creative side can take you!
Questions? Please contact Jocelyn Harris at whslionsptsareflections@gmail.com
NOVEMBER PTSA BULLETIN BOARD
WHS PTSA NEWS
We are excited to announce our upcoming Food Truck Sunday event! This will be a fundraiser to benefit ALL Walkersville area schools!
Please join us on Sunday November 13, between 12noon and 4:00pm at Heritage Farm Park for our favorites... Pop Up Poutine, Kona Ice, and Muddy River Farms will be there with frozen meats and other amazing farm-fresh products for us! We are thrilled to kick off our favorite coffee fundraiser there as well: Dublin Roasters is partnering with us once again to bring you the Morning Roar! Bags of beans and ground coffee will be available for cash and carry on November 13, or you can place an online order. This fundraiser will be available until Thanksgiving. Think holiday gifts!! Pass the word around town, the more the merrier at our Food Truck Sunday event!
Any questions? Please contact Celeste McNiesh , celestem95@hotmail.com, 336-512-1968.
Thank you so much! We can't wait to see you there!!
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.
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 the QR code below to become a member today!
SAFE & SOUND GRADUATION REGISTRATION
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.
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