The Ram Review
April 2, 2024
Upcoming Dates at a Glance
- Friday, April 5, 2024 - Spring Pep Rally
- Monday, April 8, 2024 - Solar Eclipse Day
- Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - Last Long-range Facility Planning Community Meeting
- Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Incoming 9th grade Athletics Meeting @ Plano Sr. HS
- Friday, April 12, 2024 - Spring Social
- Saturday, April 13, 2024 - Wilson Courtyard Clean-up (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024 - 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Reading Language Arts STAAR test
- Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 8th grade Social Studies STAAR test
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 8th grade Science STAAR test
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Math STAAR test
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Algebra 1 STAAR Test
- Friday, May 10, 2024 - RAMFest and PTA Color Run
- Monday, May 13, 2024 - Plano Senior Physical Day
- Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 8th Grade Vines Visit Field Trip
- Friday, May 24, 2024 - Last Day of School
Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024
As most of you are aware, Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding metroplex, will experience a full solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 (eclipse totality will last from approximately 1:40 - 1:44 pm). This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for our students, as there is not predicted to be another total solar eclipse in Dallas until after the year 2251 (although there are predicted to be two annular solar eclipses in September 2165 and October 2238). Plano ISD has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all secondary students and teachers in the district. Wilson students will be given the opportunity to go outside on April 8 to view the eclipse. The Plano ISD Secondary Science curriculum writing teams have worked to put together some pre-eclipse and during-eclipse lessons and activities for teachers as well as a pre-eclipse lesson to go over safety.
Solar Eclipse Opt Out Form
If you do not want your child to go outside to view the eclipse, please complete and sign the opt-out form and return it to Mrs. Bauerkemper. Students who have turned in an opt-out form may view the eclipse via live streaming from NASA under the supervision of school staff.
Wilson Spring Social - Friday, April 12th
Wilson Courtyard Clean-up
Come join us on Saturday, April 13th as we spruce up the Wilson courtyard. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours.
Math 180 National Educator of the Year!
On Monday, April 1st, Mr. Quaglia, Wilson's 6th Grade Special Education math teacher, received a surprise honor as the Math 180 National Educator of the Year. Special Education Instructional Specialist Leanne Campbell, along with Mrs. Bauerkemper and Mrs. Malone, presented him with this prestigious award in his math class. Mr. Quaglia's dedication to using Math 180 has led to tremendous growth among his students. He also regularly communicates with the company to offer feedback and suggestions for improving the program. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Quaglia on this outstanding achievement.
Plano ISD Computer Science Summer Bridge Program
Registration for the Plano ISD Computer Science Summer Bridge Program is now open to current 8th graders who will be 9th graders in the Fall 2024. Students in this program will learn to program solutions while using the Python programming language, learn about careers in computer science, and engage with professionals from the computer science field. Space is limited.
There will be two sessions offered at no charge to the students. This program will take place at Vines High School. Transportation will be provided from high schools across the district.
June 3 -6, 2024 from 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
June 10-13, 2024 from 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Two levels of this program will be offered:
Beginner Level 1 - students who have little to no experience in programming
Novice Level 2 - students who took Fundamentals of Computer Science and/or Python specific camps.
Complete this form to register. The deadline to apply to participate is noon on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Please direct any questions or concerns to dan.blier@pisd.edu or Mrs. Carreno, the 8th grade counselor.
Dan Blier
Career and Technical Education Coordinator
Plano ISD
La inscripción para el programa “Puente de verano de ciencias computacionales de Plano ISD” ya está abierta para los estudiantes que actualmente cursan el 8° grado y que estarán en 9° grado en el otoño del 2024. Los estudiantes en este programa aprenderán a programar soluciones mientras usan el lenguaje de programación Python, aprenderán sobre carreras en ciencias computacionales, y estarán en interacción directa con profesionales del campo de la informática. El espacio es limitado.
Se ofrecerán tres sesiones sin costo para los estudiantes. Este programa se llevará a cabo en la escuela secundaria Vines. Se proporcionará transporte escolar desde las escuelas secundarias de todo el distrito.
Del 3 al 6 de junio del 2024 de 7:45 a. m. a 12:00 p. m.
Del 10 al 13 de junio del 2024 de 7:45 a. m. a 12:00 p. m.
Se ofrecerán dos niveles de este programa.
Nivel principiante 1: estudiantes que tienen poca o ninguna experiencia en programaciĂłn
Nivel novato 2: estudiantes que tomaron la clase Fundamentos de la informática y/o cursos especĂficos de Python.
Complete este formulario para registrarse. La fecha lĂmite para solicitar participar en este programa, es el mediodĂa del viernes, 12 de abril del 2024.
Dirija cualquier pregunta o inquietud a dan.blier@pisd.edu.
Dan Blier
Coordinador de Carrera y EducaciĂłn TĂ©cnica
Distrito Escolar Independiente de Plano
Assistant Principal Appreciation Week - April 1st - April 5th
This week, we turn the spotlight on two remarkable leaders in our Wilson Middle School community: Mr. Evetts and Mrs. Martin. In recognition of Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude and admiration for the tireless efforts and inspiring leadership they provide to our school each day. Thank you for everything you do!
Librarian Appreciation Day - April 4th
Thank you Ms. Scott! Every April marks School Library Month, a time dedicated to honoring the crucial function that robust school libraries serve in reshaping education. Wilson acknowledges Lisa Scott and her numerous contributions to our school community. Lisa serves as Wilson's librarian and also leads as the Mock Trial sponsor, guiding the team to first place among all Collin County teams last month.
Incoming 9th Grade Athletics Meeting
Plano Senior Physical Day - May 13, 2024
Students participating in Plano ISD activities are REQUIRED to have a yearly physical prior to participation in ANY tryouts, practices or games/competitions. Physicals must be completed on or after April 1, 2024 for participation in the 2024-2025 school year. Physicals must be completed on the official UIL physical form.
Plano Senior Summer Camp Opportunities
Texas Autism Conference - FREE!
Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Texas Autism Conference. Parents, guardians and caretakers are invited to join the June 22 Family Day sessions free of charge. These sessions are entirely online and geared towards parenting and caretaker topics that improve the lives of our students and children with autism. There will be many breakout sessions and a family focus group on this day.
Learn more about the Texas Autism Conference and register for Family Day here.
Special Education Newsletter
Federal Report Card Released
The 2022-2023 Federal Report Card for Wilson Middle School has now been released, and posted to the Wilson website: https://www.pisd.edu/wilson_ar. The report provides information concerning student performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), as well as information on student enrollment, class size averages, and financial expenditures. The information contained in the School Report Card is described in the “School Report Card Definitions.” The Federal Report Card is also available at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards. If you have any questions concerning the School Report Cards, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support of Wilson Middle School.
El boletines de informe federal del 2022-2023 para la escuela Wilson Middle School han sido publicados en el sitio de internet Wilson: https://www.pisd.edu/wilson_ar. El reporte proporciona informaciĂłn sobre el rendimiento de los estudiantes en la prueba STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) que es el nombre del programa de evaluaciĂłn acadĂ©mica para los estudiantes en las escuelas pĂşblicas de Texas, asĂ como informaciĂłn sobre estudiantes inscritos, tamaño promedio de la clase y gastos financieros. La informaciĂłn contenida en el reporte de progreso de la escuela es requerida por la ley estatal y se describe en las "definiciones del boletĂn de informe de la escuela". El boletĂn del informe del gobierno de los Estados Unidos se encuentra disponible tambiĂ©n en https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca del boletĂn de informe de la escuela, por favor háganoslo saber. Gracias por su apoyo continĂşo en la escuela Wilson Middle School.
2024-2025 AND 2025-2026 Plano ISD School Calendars Adopted
The 2025-26 Plano ISD Academic Calendar was approved by the Board of Trustees during their meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
This early calendar approval provides the district more time to secure graduation dates and allows more advanced planning for families and staff. It also gives the district time to adjust the calendar if needed.
Calendar features include:
• Student fall break from October 13-17, 2025
• Staff fall break from October 13-15, 2025
• Thanksgiving break from November 24-28, 2025
• Winter break from December 22, 2025–January 2, 2026
• Student holiday/staff work day January 5, 2026
• Spring break from March 16-20, 2026
• Student holiday/staff work day March 23, 2026
View the full calendar: pisd.edu/calendar25-26
Student ID Card Replacements
- Students start by filling out the Student ID Badge Request Google Form.
After completing the form, bring $5.00 to the Wilson Front Office for the new badge (please note the $5 cost).
Allow a 2-3 day processing period for the student to receive their replacement ID badge. Distribution will take place during their lunch period.
Long Range Facility Planning Community Meetings
As part of Plano ISD’s ongoing strategic roadmapping process and as the district begins work on a long range facility plan, Plano ISD families, staff and community members are invited to attend and participate in a community input meeting near you. Meetings are conveniently located at six locations throughout the district (see dates and times below). Read more, including Frequently Asked Questions.
Meeting Locations and Times:
- Shepton High School (Spanish translation provided) April 9, 2024 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program
Support Wilson by linking your Tom Thumb Reward Card to Wilson Middle School - our Good Neighbor Number is 2434.
Wilson School Store Parent Volunteers Needed
Hi Wilson Parents,
Here at Wilson we have the amazing privilege of selling spirit wear, and fun items for your students to purchase at our school store during their lunch period. We will be opening the school store every week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We will need your help as volunteers, to keep the store open throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering throughout the year, please click on the volunteer form sign up link below. Once you have signed up to volunteer, you will receive an additional email with all the information you will need to run the school store. We hope to see you up there!
Thank you,
Olivia Smith (School Store)
https://wilsonmiddleschoolpta.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/117382
*Please remember to register to volunteer for the year on the Voly website.
PISD Tip Line
Plano ISD maintains an anonymous tip line to allow parents, students and community members to report concerns affecting our campuses. This includes threats, bullying, drug use, suspected abuse or neglect and any number of other concerns that may affect the physical safety or health of our students.
ID Badges
Picture retakes were on September 29th, so all students should have an ID badge on a lanyard. ID badges are required to be worn at all times. Please help your students remember to bring them on a daily basis.
Plano ISD policy states: "Students in grades 6–12 shall wear an approved student identification (ID) card while on school grounds and while aboard District school buses or other District-provided transportation. Wearing student ID cards may be required at school-sponsored or school-related events as determined by the campus principal. Students may be excused from wearing ID cards during classes where doing so presents a hazard to student safety. While on school grounds, at other District facilities, or at school-sponsored or school-related events, students shall provide access to their ID card to any staff member when requested.
Student ID cards shall be worn on a neck lanyard so that the front of the card (photo side) is visible over the outermost layer of clothing. No sticker, pin, or other item shall be affixed to the front of the ID card. Any neck lanyard provided to students by the District shall have a breakaway feature."
Plano Public Library FREE Tutoring
With your Plano Public Library card, you have access to a full suite of virtual resources. Get live, online tutoring daily between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m., or access a variety of useful learning resources at any time. It’s all free!
Live tutoring
For online tutoring look for the “Get a Tutor Now” button on the main page. Choose your topic, subject, grade level, and your question to get started. You can even attach files, if needed. All this information helps match you with your tutor. Tutor.com provides assistance in over 40 subjects and test prep areas. There’s also Spanish-speaking tutors available for math, science, and social studies. You don’t need an appointment during live tutoring hours – just sign in when it works for you.
https://www.planolibrarylearns.org/2020/04/07/getting-started-with-tutor-com/
Counseling Corner
Counseling assignments for the 2023 – 2024 school year:
6th Grade
Drew Obert
469-752-6718
7th Grade
Cynthia Wilcox
469-752-6717
8th Grade
Veronica Carreno
469-752-6716
Before School Supervision
With colder weather already here, we just want to remind parents that morning supervision for students begins at 7:50 a.m. Regrettably, opening the doors earlier isn't feasible. This is due to staffing limitations and the necessity for teachers to drop off their own children, which restricts an earlier opening time. Thank you for your understanding.
After School Supervision
Just a friendly reminder, after-school supervision ends at 4:05 pm every day. Please ensure that you make suitable arrangements for your child's pick-up. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.
Food Deliveries
To maintain a safe and structured school environment, we kindly request that parents and guardians refrain from arranging third-party food deliveries for students during lunchtime. Additionally, please note that we will not be able to call students down to the front office to pick up their food deliveries. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and secure learning environment for all students.
Crosswalk Safety
Wilson Families,
Please take a moment to remind your children about the importance of crosswalk safety as they navigate their way home from school. Encourage them to always use designated crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and obey traffic signals.
Cell Phone / Electronics Policy
Volunteers
Update your Voly Application!
All volunteers (PISD staff volunteers, too) must create or update their application at plano.voly.org.
Parent Portal
Wilson Middle School PTA
Hello Ram Families! Your Wilson PTA is open and ready for the 2023-2024 school year!
Visit us at https://wilsonmiddleschoolpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ to get started on your back to school preparation. On our website, you can complete the following:
- Update your annual Parent/Student Info (including updating your student's current grade)
- Purchase your annual PTA Membership
- Subscribe to the PTA calendar & newsletter
Please visit https://www.pisd.edu/volunteer to complete your annual volunteer application/background check. Stay tuned for more information on volunteer opportunities at WMS.
School Meal Application
Free and Reduced Price
Plano ISD participates in the federal meal program, which provides free and reduced-price meals to students who qualify. Families who may qualify for meal benefits should complete a meal application for the 2023-2024 school year, available through Parent Portal or via the website at www.pisd.edu/mealprogram.
Families who already have a SchoolCafé account can sign in to complete the meal application. Families who do not have an account can create a new one by selecting that option on the SchoolCafé page. View this SchoolCafé information video for instructions on how to complete the meal application.
Applications will be processed within 10 business days. Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email. If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.
Grade Level Websites
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