Timberwolf Times
Volume 6, Issue 31- March 24th, 2024
A Message from Dr. Lowry
Timberwolves,
Please take some time to review this newsletter as it includes a variety of good information.
This week, we had the opportunity to celebrate our wonderful volunteers at our annual volunteer luncheon. During the event, we were happy to announce Shannon Nemic as our Volunteer of the Year. Ms. Nemic is positive, always smiling, and goes above and beyond for students, staff, parents, and community. In addition to Ms. Nemic, I would like to acknowledge and thank all volunteers this year who have taken time to give back to our school community. Our volunteers continue to make WoodCreek Junior High a premier school, and I thank all volunteers for showing support to our staff and students.
A big shout out goes to our non-varsity concert band for bringing home the SWEEPSTAKES Award this week. Our symphonic band also earned an excellent rating in concert performance and a superior rating in sight-reading. Please congratulate these WoodCreek Junior High musicians. This week, our honors band will compete in UIL, and we wish them good luck.
Additionally, our boys' and girls' track teams will compete in the district junior high track meet. Tennis teams also have matches this week taking place at OTHS on Thursday. Soccer tryouts will kick-off this week. It is another busy week, and I hope everyone comes out to support our students.
Parents, we have also included information on STAAR Prep and the expectations regarding STAAR testing in April. Please take some time to read this important information.
Now, let's talk about the 8th-grade celebration! It's just around the corner. Please make sure you purchase your 8th-grade student a ticket to this milestone celebration before the prices go up on Monday, April 1st.
I'm looking forward to a wonderful week ahead and I hope everyone enjoys their upcoming four-day weekend.
Dr. Andrew Lowry
Principal
WoodCreek Junior High School
This Week in Timberwolf Nation...
Monday, March 25
- TELPAS Testing - 7th Grade Reading/Writing
- Boys' & Girls' District Track Meet @ Paetow HS 5:15-8:15pm
- Orchestra: First Year Solo Festival 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday, March 26
- DEADLINE - Course Verification Window Closes
- Honors Band UIL Dress Rehearsal 7:30-8:30am
- Boys & Girls District Track Meet @ Paetow HS 5:15-8:15pm
- Orchestra: First Year Solo Festival 6:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, March 27
- Boys Soccer Tryouts 4:15-5:30pm
Thursday, March 28
- Honor Band UIL Concert and Sight-Reading 2:30pm @ Paetow HS
- Boys Soccer Tryouts 4:15-5:30pm
- WCJH Tennis vs TJH @ OTHS 5:15pm
Friday, March 29
- Vietnam Veterans Day
- School Holiday - NO SCHOOL/Students and Staff Holiday
Saturday, March 30
- César Chávez Day
A Look Ahead...
Monday, April 1
- School Holiday - NO SCHOOL/Students and Staff Holiday
- Child Abuse Prevention & Safety Month
- World Autism Month
Tuesday, April 2
- Orchestra Coffee House @ WCJH 6:00-8:30pm
Wednesday, April 3
- Dine Out to Donate (GROOVE - see info below)
Thursday, April 4
- School Librarian Day!
- WCJH Tennis vs. KJH @ KHS 5:15-8:15pm
Friday, April 5
Saturday, April 6
- Fine Arts Spring Trip
- GROOVE @ Whiskey Cake (see info below)
Advisory & STAAR Prep
As we begin preparing for our upcoming STAAR season, we will be refocusing and utilizing advisory better academically.
Advisory will continue to be utilized as a time for study hall, tutorial sessions, silent reading, etc. In addition, we will be implementing enrichment sessions, or STAAR Targeted Advisory, for STAAR tested subjects and grades.
Students will still be expected to store all electronic devices in their backpacks (similar to the STAAR testing environment) when they’re not being utilized for instructional purposes.
Teachers are still permitted to request students to make-up work, attend tutorials, complete re-test, and receive enrichment. The growth and success of every child is a priority at WoodCreek Junior High and we will be revisiting our advisory expectations to help focus our students’ attention on academics and school. Advisory is part of our instructional minutes, and we will be taking advantage of this time as we head into the end our school year.
STAAR Targeted Tutorials (Enrichment Advisory)
Beginning the week of February 26th, teachers will be hosting STAAR targeted advisories. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students to extend their learning, and to make meaningful connections with content as they prepare for the upcoming STAAR assessment(s). Students that are selected to attend, will receive more information from their content teacher.
The schedule will be as follows:
- Math STAAR Tutorials – Tuesdays, starting February 27th and ending on Tuesday, April 2nd.
- 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR Tutorials – Wednesdays, starting March 20th and ending on Wednesday, April 17th.
- 8th Grade Science STAAR Tutorials – Thursdays, starting March 21st and ending on Thursday, April 4th.
- RLA STAAR Tutorials – embedded in daily class time.
STAAR Online Practice Tests
Students and parents are encouraged to access the Practice Tests Login located on the Texas Assessment website to explore recently released online STAAR practice assessments. This will allow both students and parents to become familiar with the online testing platform. Practice Tests Login is found under the section How to Help Prepare Your Child. Log in as a Guest to view the assessment options.
2024 STAAR Schedule (CLOSED CAMPUS)
We have put together a calendar below of when to expect STAAR tests at WCJH. Please keep in mind that our school will be a Closed Campus (Closed to Visitors) during these testing days until all students are done testing. This means no drop offs of any kind or student pick up during testing days. Please make sure your students have all their belongings before entering the building. Furthermore, there will be no tutorials held on STAAR testing days. Thank you for the help and understanding during this time.
2023-24 WCJH Volunteer of the Year
Shannon Nemic
Shannon Nemic was awarded our 2023-24 Volunteer of the Year. We are thankful for all that she does for our students and staff here at WCJH! We celebrated Shannon, and our other amazing volunteers at a luncheon this past week.
We appreciate each of our volunteers and all that they continue to do at WoodCreek. You make it a better place! Be sure to watch for the District VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools) luncheon hosted in April. This is a wonderful event, hosted by the district and celebrates all schools/volunteers in one fun event! See below for details.
Congratulations Band!
Congratulations to the Sub Non-Varsity Concert Band for bringing home a Sweepstakes award. They received fantastic comments from our judges! Students represented WCJH in the most mature and professional way possible. So many judges commented on our professionalism! We are so very proud of them!!
Symphonic Band had two great performances and earned an excellent rating in concert performance and a superior rating in sight-reading! Please congratulate these students, we are so proud of them!
IMPORTANT COURSE VERIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Please verify your student’s courses for the 2024-2025 school year. This is the ONLY opportunity to request course changes for the upcoming school year. The course verification window opens Monday, March 18th and closes Tuesday, March 26th. After this there will be no more changes. If you have questions or concerns, please email your child’s grade level counselor. Please follow these steps to verify courses for students currently in grades 6 -11 for the 2024-2025 school year:
STEP 1: Accessing SchooLinks
- Login to MyKaty Cloud and find the SchooLinks tile OR
- Look for the email you will receive from SchooLinks containing a unique link directing you to your SchooLinks account to approve your student’s personalized plan
STEP 2: Review/Comment/Approve Personalized Plan
- View video: Instructions on how to approve course requests or request course changes in SchooLinks for parents/guardians
- When verifying courses please focus on the 2024-2025 school year (you will verify courses for future years at a later date)
- If you need to submit a request to change a course, you can send a message in the comments in SchooLinks
- Note for current 6th graders: Course requests have been updated in SchooLinks for students who were selected for Athletics and Publications
- Note for current 7th graders: Course requests have been updated in SchooLinks for students who were selected for Athletics, Publications, Student Aide, and PALS
IMPORTANT REMINDER
- When verifying courses check for the following on your student’s Course Plan in SchooLinks:
Human Growth and Development, Abuse
and Violence Prevention Instruction
JUNIOR HIGH HEALTH TEKS AND PARENT OPT-IN CONSENT
In accordance with Texas Education Code 28.004 and Senate Bill 9, junior high students will receive instruction on the required health TEKS specific to human growth and development, abuse and violence prevention.
Under Texas statute, parent/guardians must choose to "opt-in" for their student to participate in the lessons that address the topics of human and development, abase and violence prevention.
On Monday, March 18, 2024, parents/guardians will receive information vis email on how to view associated lessons and record their decision for student "opt-in" of these lessons. After the Opt-In window if parents/guardians decide to change their decision, they should contact their student's counselor.
Below are the windows for both the parent "opt-in" and when lessons will be taught:
Parent Opt-In Window: Monday, March 18, 20245 - Sunday March 31, 2024
Instruction Window: Monday, April 15, 2024- Friday, May 17, 2024
SOLAR ECLIPSE - APRIL 8th
On Monday, April 8, 2024, an exciting astronomical event – a total solar eclipse – is set to occur, and Katy ISD is near the path of totality. This rare occurrence presents a unique educational opportunity for students to connect classroom teachings with real-world phenomena. For many students, this is a singular event in their lifetime and can offer an unforgettable experience. Additional information can be accessed through the National Science Teaching Association.
WoodCreek Junior High School will be taking part in this event at the start of sixth period (approximately 1:50pm). Students and staff will spend approximately 15 minutes outside and students will be provided with safety glasses to share and witness this event. Students are also encouraged to bring their own Solar Eclipse glasses if they wish. Please make sure that on the back of the glasses, in small print, they say that they are ISO 12312-2 certified. Regular sunglasses, swimming goggles, and most camera filters are NOT safe for looking directly at the Sun. Additionally, prior to this event, our science teachers will teach students and staff about proper safety procedures for this event.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR: 8th GRADE CELEBRATION
TICKET PRICES GO UP APRIL 1st
8th GRADE CELEBRATION TICKETS SALES ARE OPEN. Please see the 8th Grade Celebration Newsletter for all of the info and links to buy tickets and submit your child's photos for the "THEN and NOW" slide show. You can also go directly to our website at wcjhpta.com/spirit-store to purchase tickets.
LET'S GLOW CRAZY - 8th Grade Celebration Newsletter
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR 8th GRADE CELEBRATION
Looking to help with 8th grade dance? Please consider donating from our Amazon Wish List!
WCJH CLASS T-SHIRTS
KATY VIRTUAL SCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Katy Virtual School (KVS) course registration for Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 opens February 1, 2024.
Course requests are approved by campus counselors. Summer courses are available for incoming 9th grade students. Refer to http://www.katyisd.org/kvs for registration information and course list.
KVS courses provide secondary students the opportunity to acquire graduation credits and/or expand their learning through paid, online high school coursework during the summer and school year from our own Katy ISD teachers.
KVS offers over 60 approved College Board Advanced Placement (AP), Katy Advanced Program (KAP) and academic level courses. The cost is $200 per semester with reduced or no fees for students identified as economically disadvantaged.
For Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campuses, parents must complete the Annual Student Update and qualify as economically disadvantaged to receive fee reductions.
COURSES FUTURE 9th GRADERS CAN CHOOSE FROM FOR ORGINAL CREDIT:
- World Geography and World Geography KAP
- World History and World History KAP
- Lifetime Fitness & Wellness Pursuits (PE - 1 Credit)
- Professional Communications
- Sociology
2024 Summer Semesters:
- Semester 1 May 29 – June 27
- Semester 2 July 2 – July 31
MARK YOUR CALENDARS...
SAVE THE DATE: DINE OUT TO DONATE
SUMMER CHOIR CAMP
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO REGISTER
SUPPORT WCJH SPIRIT NIGHTS
SAVE THE DATE FOR GROOVE'24
CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
8th GRADE FUN DAY INFORMATION
SPONSORED BY WCJH
WCJH TUTORIALS SCHEDULE
Tutorial Information at WoodCreek Junior High
They will be held from 8:20-8:50am per the subject and grade schedule.
Students will enter the building for tutorials between 8:15-8:30am at the BACK of the school, on the academic end of the building, through the door near Rm 1173 (Ms. Henry). Students arriving after 8:30am will not be permitted to attend tutorials and will have to enter the building through the school’s main entrance.
EARLY STUDENT PICK-UP REMINDER
PTA CORNER...
we are better as a pack
WOODCREEK ATHLETICS
2023-2024 WCJH Bell Schedule
Mission Statement
WoodCreek Junior High, in partnership with the community, parents, and students, will provide a safe, positive, engaging learning environment that is devoted to empowering each student to become a productive, responsible, respectful citizen while achieving academic excellence.
Website: https://www.katyisd.org/WCJH
Address: 1801 Woodcreek Bend Lane, Katy, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 234-0800
Facebook: facebook.com/woodcreekjrhigh/
Instagram: @WoodCreekJrHigh
Sign-Up for Important Updates - Join Remind
Join our remind groups for important text updates.
8th Grade - Text the message @wcjhwolf28 to the number 81010
7th Grade - Text the message @wcjhwolf29 to the number 81010
6th Grade - Text the message @wcjhwolf30 to the number 81010
Incoming 6th Grade - Text the message @wcjhwolf31 to the number 81010
WCJH Administrative Team
Dr. Andrew Lowry - Principal
Karla Beek Assistant Principal - Student Support
Lauren Merriman Assistant Principal - 6th Grade
Ryan Saam Assistant Principal - 7th Grade
Derek Ankney Assistant Principal - 8th Grade
Jessie Clay Counselor - 6th Grade
Meghan McCarthy Counselor - 7th Grade
Aiesha Mercadel Counselor - 8th Grade
School Information
Instructional Calendar 2023-2024 Click Here
Lunch Menus Click Here
Bus Transportation Click Here
Student Code of Conduct Click Here
Registration Information Click Here