Windy Hill Middle School Newsletter
October 6th Update
Unity Day
Wear Purple Thursday in support of Anti-Bullying
Knight Nation,
We had another eventful week at WHMS. I have been in a lot of classrooms watching the magic of teaching and learning. Our students are being academically challenged and they are responding with grit and determination.
We also started our safety drills this week, ending with a "Severe Weather Drill". I was so proud of our staff preparation and our students' efforts. Staff and students' ability to practice drills with a calm, serious demeanor helps us be prepared for any true emergency.
Next Friday, we will do a "Lockdown" drill. We prepare our students for what to do if an intruder is in the building. We emphasize to students, that this is an annual drill, and they are not in harm's way. There will be no actual intruder nor any staff member acting as an intruder. We hope by preparing the staff and carrying out the drill, students will feel safe at school.
Our first dance is Friday from 5:30-7:30pm. We welcome all WHMS students to join us for music, fun, food and a good time! Admission is $5.00 and there are drinks, pizza and snacks available to purchase.
Mark Whidden,
Principal, Windy Hill Middle School
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found collection is already growing on our stage. We will be discarding or donating any items left there the end of next week. The items will be discarded every other Friday for sanitary reasons. Students are encouraged to look for anything they're missing during lunch. If you wish to come in and look yourself, please come check in at the main office and you may take a look on our stage!
Windy Hill Middle School Athletics
WINTER SPORTS - Basketball, Poms and Cheer paperwork is all due by November 6th. This includes the sports physical and insurance waiver. The one time clinic fee of $35 is also due. Sign up lists will be posted on the bulletin board outside the cafeteria soon. If you son or daughter tried out for a fall sport all they need to do for winter sports is put their name on the list.
Make your sports physical appointments now. For questions, contact Mrs. Merewitz, Athletic Director, at merewitzk@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
Soccer Games are Monday and Wednesday at Dunkirk Park at 4pm. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to come cheer on the team.
Volleyball - Games are Monday and Wednesday at WHMS at 4pm. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to come cheer on the team. Practice will be Tuesday and Thursday until 4:45pm.
ATTENDANCE
When your child arrives late or leaves early due to a doctor's appointment, a doctor's note is required for the absence to be coded a lawful absence/doctors appointment. Your child will bring this note to the guidance office upon their return to school. If you do not have a doctors note, a note from the parent/guardian will then allow for the absence to be coded as a lawful absence.
Students returning from a full day(s) absence must submit a note to the guidance office within three days of returning to school to update the absences. The email to submit absence notes is madisonw@calvertnet.k12.md.us. If a note is sent via email please be sure you include the students name, date of absence, the reason for the absence, the parent/guardian name and phone number.
SAVE THE DATE
A few important dates coming up:
- Friday, October 13th - PTSO Dance
- Thursday, October 19th - PTSO Meeting in the media center
- Friday, October 20th - school closed for students.
CELL PHONES
CLUBS
Permission slips are also in the main office.
Windy Hill Middle School PTSO Updates
SUPPORT WHMS PTSO
Join us for our meeting Thursday, the 19th at 4:30 in the media center.
You can email the PTSO officers at any time at mailto:windyhillptso@gmail.com.
Join the WHMS PTSO Facebook Page to keep up with information - Windy Hill Middle School Parents Teachers Students is the group name.
PTSO supports many programs and initiatives at WHMS. Our fall dance scheduled for Friday, October 13th. We urge you to look at our website on for more information. https://whms.calvertnet.k12.md.us/about-us/our-parents/ptso.
Support WHMS PTSO when you shop at Harris Teeter. Takes only a minute to link your card to WHMS. https://tie.harristeeter.com/together-in-education. Or tell your cashier to link your VIC card to WHMS with our school code 6324. Funds are earned from 8/1/23 through 12/31/23. You have to relink your card each school year.
We encourage you to join PTSO. Joining PTSO does not obligate you to volunteering, but we certainly welcome your support with any events you are interested in helping with.
https://checkout.square.site/buy/PWK2E77ZYGDGEBG5FMT5KHKK.
Your PTSO officers this year are Mary Rooney, Michelle Dyro, Andrea Hoover, Cheri Kline and Karen Merewitz.
DRESS CODE
Become a Volunteer
Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.
CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer
PARENT ACCOUNTS IN SCHOOLOGY
Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology-for-parents
Technology Support
If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.
Supports are also available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support button (pictured below) on the main page. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources students can use to solve issues.