WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - May 21, 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Walkersville Community,
We have had so many things to celebrate in the past week. We had many of our Advanced Placement scholars participate in the AP exams. Our FCC Dual Enrollment courses ended, and we are proud of the work our students did to earn college credit while at WHS.
Additionally, our auditorium renovation is almost complete! We can’t wait to unveil the new room at our Senior Awards ceremonies. As we continue to move towards the end of the year and start planning for next year, I hope you will reach out with any questions or concerns so that we may best serve your students. We look forward to a busy few weeks coming up. Seniors and Senior parents, especially - make sure you take note of the information shared in this week’s newsletter!
Enjoy this warm weather!
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY
GRADUATION INFORMATION
We are excited to welcome our Seniors and their families to our stadium on June 3rd. Below are some key points that we want to bring your attention to, to ensure that everyone has a great experience.
Logistics for Seniors:
· Seniors need to be in the building by 8:45
· Seniors should be dressed and in cap & gown and have any school issued pins, stoles, or cords
· Seniors must wear masks
· Seniors should not bring any bags, purses, etc, as there is nowhere to store them during the ceremony
· Students will return to the building following the commencement ceremony to receive their diplomas and school records.
· We ask parents and guests to go to their cars following the ceremony. We ask Seniors to meet families at their vehicles to help with social distancing.
Parking:
· Parking will be coordinated by WHS staff and the Frederick County Sherriff’s deputies.
· Special parking for those who have requested accommodations for seating will be in the lot closest to the stadium. Students will be given special parking passes if their family member qualifies.
· There will be regular parking available in the student lot on WHS property. Additionally, thanks to the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company for allowing us overflow parking on their lot. Families choosing to park at the fire hall should follow directions from staff and deputies on site, and plan to be off of their property by noon at the latest.
· Families are strongly encouraged to carpool or consolidate parking when possible to allow for all guests to easily enter and exit the school grounds.
· Your patience and respect of others is appreciated as you are entering and leaving the event.
Tickets & Seating:
· Each Senior will receive 4 tickets. We will not be issuing additional tickets to anyone.
· Every person entering the property will need to produce tickets for entry. No one will be admitted without a ticket.
· Gates will open at 9:00. Please remain in vehicles prior to 9:00 to avoid crowding at the gates.
· Gates will be closed for entry at 9:55 as we have students enter the stadium. We will begin the ceremony promptly at 10:00.
· Seating will be available in the stadium bleachers on both sides of the field. Additionally, there will be some chairs on the field and track. We will do our best to assist with spacing of guests, but spacing will be limited based on capacity. Due to this, all guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks during the ceremony.
· This is a special event for our seniors and their families. We ask all guests to remain seated throughout the program. Please do not stand along the fence, as it may disrupt others’ views.
· Please do not bring any noise makers- it is important to us that each senior and their family be able to hear their name as they cross the stage.
· Following the ceremony, we ask guests to go directly to their vehicles to avoid crowding. Graduates will meet you at the vehicles after they collect their diplomas.
Weather:
· Graduation is Rain or Shine (with the exception of a major weather event). Pleased be prepared with sunscreen, glasses or an umbrella (and keep those fingers crossed for a beautiful day!).
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.
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 MAY 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uA7PAs0IsMeOD4AStZJQg7wpC7j9HgoM/view?usp=sharing
MOVING / NEED TRANSFER PAPERWORK?
If you will be moving over the summer and your child will not be attending Walkersville High School next year, please contact Mrs. Meyer in the Counseling Center at deanna.meyer@fcps.org before Monday, June 7th, to allow ample time to get transfer information together. All schools require specific information from the transferring school prior to enrollment. Please provide Mrs. Meyer with your new address, if known, and the name of the school your child will be attending during the 2021-2022 school year.
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: What did the electrical engineer say when he got shocked?
CTE Courses Highlight - Project Lead The Way
PLTW empowers students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges. Through our pathways in engineering, students not only learn technical skills, but also learn to solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate, and collaborate. Students can choose the following classes.
- Introduction to Engineering Design (Tech Ed Grad Credit)
- Principles of Engineering
- Engineering Design and Development
Specialty Course:
- Digital Electronics
- Aerospace Engineering
Answer: That Hertz!!!!
WHS SPORTS NEWS!
WHS Boys Lacrosse team will be collecting Mac & Cheese donations for Blessings in a Backpack.
Collection Dates: June 1st - 9th
Collection Locations: Front Office or Boys (home) Lacrosse games
https://frederick.blessingsinabackpack.org/
Don’t forget to complete your COVID check in prior to arrival at Spring practices.
Check out when our Lions will be competing by clicking HERE to access our Sports Calendar!
SPECTATORS AT ATHLETIC EVENTS
FCPS is excited to welcome limited spectators to all athletic competitions. Admittance to all athletic events is limited to four guests per student-athlete. Please know that some athletic competitions are held off campus, and FCPS will respect and follow all guidelines set forth by those organizations and venues, which may include no spectator policies.
In order to provide the safest environment for all to enjoy the athletic contests, face coverings must be properly worn (fully cover mouth and nose) and social distancing must be practiced at all times when on school grounds, inside and outside, and at all competitions held off FCPS campuses.
Admittance to athletic events will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. Outside food and beverages are prohibited, and concession sales will not be available.
It is FCPS' hope that everyone will abide by these guidelines and enjoy watching our student-athletes compete in the safest manner possible. Failure to comply with FCPS spectator protocols (including properly wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing) will result in the suspension of spectator attendance at athletic competitions.
WHS PTSA ANNOUNCEMENTS
YARD SIGNS FOR SENIORS
Yard Signs are now available for purchase in the WHS front office during the week. You can stop by during normal office hours to get one. Remember to bring $10.00 cash or a check made out to the WHS PTSA.
You will also be able to purchase a yard sign before the Senior Parade on Saturday, May 22nd at Heritage Farm Park.
For students that were given yard signs in good faith, please don’t forget payment is needed. All profits received from this fundraiser go directly into the PTSA Senior scholarship fund. We sincerely thank you for your support!! Please contact Kimberly Snyder at WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com with any questions.
PTSA MEETING OVERVIEW
Our last general meeting of the year was held on 5/18/21. We are excited to announce that the following individuals were elected as the new officers of the WHS PTSA for the 2021-2022 school year:
- President – Giuseppa Ball
- Treasurer – Kelley Wells
- Secretary – Justine Buschman
Congratulations to these wonderful ladies and they are wished the nothing but the best for the upcoming year! They will officially assume their officer positions on July 1. The position of Vice President is currently open and ready to be filled. If you are interested, please send an email to Kimberly Snyder, the current PTSA President at WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com.
You’ve Made Your Mark scholarships were awarded to ten seniors at our last general meeting using a completely blind judging and voting process. The scholarships amounts will be announced at the May 27th awards ceremony.
Website: http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WHS-PTSA-416541538545335
Email: WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com
SAFE & SOUND GRADUATION - ONLY $50.00!!
The WHS Committee for a Safe & Sound Graduation is working hard in planning the after-graduation celebration for the Class of 2021. It is our goal to provide a fun night for the graduating Seniors in a safe environment that is alcohol and drug free. The party is planned for June 3, 2021 at Adventure Park beginning at 11:00 pm. (Doors will be locked and the Graduates will stay safe inside until 4:30 am on June 4th). Transportation will be provided.
All Seniors must be pre-registered for the event. Please register using one of the methods included on the form attached, including a payment of $50.00 as soon as possible. By doing so, you will help raise a portion of the funds necessary to secure vendors and entertainment.
No registrations will be accepted after May 28, 2021. If, for ANY reason, this event is cancelled, you will be fully reimbursed for the amount you paid.
REGISTER NOW before it's too late!!! Three ways to Register…
- Register ONLINE at http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
- Mail in Registration form and Fee to: WHS Safe and Sound, PO Box 183, Walkersville, MD 21793
- Drop your Registration form and fee to the WHS front office in an envelope marked Safe and Sound.
If you have any questions, please contact the Safe & Sound committee at: safeandsoundwhs@gmail.com.
Click here for registration form or pick up one from the board by the office.
Thank you for your support! Join us on Facebook at WHS Safe and Sound;
Twitter @WHSsafeandsound
Support WHS Cheer
Support Safe & Sound
Beautification Fund
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Effective Wednesday, May 19, the schedule for to-go meal service at all 19 FCPS schools open to the community will change to 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
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
May 22nd: Senior Parade at Heritage Park
May 26th: Last Day of School for Seniors
May 26th: Seniors return books & Chromebooks
May 27th: Senior Awards Celebration
May 28th: Last day to register for Safe & Sound
May 31st: Memorial Day NO School
June 1st: Graduation Practice at 1:00
June 1st: Seniors return books & Chromebooks
June 2nd: Graduation Practice 8:00 - 1:00
June 3rd: Senior Graduation 10:00am
June 4th: Deadline for 21-22 SY Survey
June 9th: WHS Chipotle Night 4-8pm
June 17th: Last day of school for students
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