Pence Press
April 5, 2024
Pence Families-
I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I have accepted a position in Augusta County that will begin at the conclusion of this school year. However, there is still much to be accomplished at Pence for the remainder of the year as we have just begun our last 9-weeks grading term. I look forward to a continued partnership with our faculty, staff, and community for a successful completion to this school year, keeping our students in the forefront.
Sincerely-
John Childs
Monday, April 8th Early Release
As you are aware, school will be dismissed at 1:18pm on Monday to allow students to arrive home safely before the peak time for the solar eclipse. All classes will meet for a shorter period of time.
WSPMS Early Release Bell Schedule
8:15 Warning
8:20-9:12 First Block (52’)
9:16-10:08 Second Block (52’)
10:12-11:04 Third Block (52’)
11:08-12:22 R-Block (74’)
12:26-1:18 Fourth Block (52’)
Lunch
11:08-11:30 7th Grade
11:34-11:56 6th Grade
12:00-12:22 8th Grade
Track practice is also cancelled on Monday.
Jazz Concert
8th Grade Testing
Reminder: Thursday, April 10 all 8th grade students who are required to complete the Reading SOL will be taking the IRW (Integrated Reading and Writing) portion of the SOL test during their first block. It is important that all 8th grade students get a good night's rest the night before, as well as have a healthy breakfast the morning of. No cell phones or any form of electronic devices will be allowed in the testing room. Attendance is important, as students will be required to make-up the test upon their return if they are absent. Once testing begins, students may not be interrupted or released so please plan accordingly.
7th Grade Assessment
On April 17th, 7th grade students will be taking the Spring Writing Assessment.
Parents and students, please be mindful to
avoid scheduling appointments on this day
be well rested
eat a healthy breakfast
CHARGE YOUR DEVICE the night before
SOL Testing
Please make sure your students are present on SOL testing days. We are unable to call into classrooms on testing days so be mindful of taking your students out early on those days. You will have to wait until your student is done testing before we are able to release them.
5/9 - 8th grade Civics SOL
5/14 - 8th grade Science SOL
5/16 - ALL grades (6th-8th) Reading SOL
5/21 ALL grades (6th-8th) Math SOL
Homework Help / Activity Buses
Homework Help and Activity Buses will conclude at the end of April.
BOGO Bookfair
American Heart Association Fundraiser
Students have received information during their P.E. classes.
Rising 7th Grade Immunizations
Current 6th Grade Pence Families- Please see the attached information regarding immunization requirements for students prior to entering 7th grade.
Rising 7th Grade Vaccine Clinic
The Virginia Department of Health will be hosting a vaccine clinic for rising 7th graders on Tuesday, April 30th at TAHS. Students will take a bus to and from WSPMS to attend the vaccine clinic.
* Click on the link for the consent forms. Vaccination Consent Forms - English and Spanish
Rising 7th graders will need the Adolescent Screening Form, Adolescent vaccine consent form, and VIS form for each vaccine offered (Nurse Weaver will provide the VIS form). There is no cost to the parent for the required vaccines. Please complete all forms in their entirety including insurance information.
* Consents are due by Monday, 4/15; per VDH they will not accept late consents due to ordering the vaccine.
Please take advantage of this resource. Students must have the required vaccines for 7th grade. Contact Nurse Weaver with any questions at mweaver@rockingham.k12.va.us.
WSPMS Sports Information
Pence Track & Field
Track Practice is daily after school until 4:30/5:00pm. Meets begin at 4:30pm
4/9 - HOME w/Skyline, Redeemer, Blue Ridge Christian
4/16 - HOME w/ Elkton
4/23 - AWAY @ Montevideo
4/30 - HOME w/ THMS, EMHS
5/8 - AWAY @ Harrisonburg High School (District Meet)
Summer Camps
Attendance
Our office/attendance email is wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us
Email us when your student is on vacation.
Email us when your student is sick or has an appointment.
Email us notes about early dismissals or late arrivals.
Email us changes in bus/transportation needs. We need to hear from both sets of families when a student is riding the bus with another student.
Just email us to keep us informed!
School & Nutrition Guidelines
Parents-
We are experiencing an increased number of parents, siblings, and friends wanting to drop off outside food (such as pizza or other fast food) for our students and sometimes their friends. However, this is against our county's regulations as we work with food and nutrtition services. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us follow these guidelines by refraining from bringing these items into the school. Please see below:
"Students are not to regularly consume commercial restaurant foods-to-go while in the
cafeteria area prior to, or during lunch periods. This does not preclude students from
bringing packed lunches."
KNIGHT’S CAFÉ
Counseling & Administrative Support
Change of Schedule Request Forms and Check-In or Appointment Request Forms can be found online on our School Counseling page: https://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/o/wspms/page/school-counseling
Which counselor works with you?
Lisa Holsinger-Thomas, Counselor / Teresa Shank (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names A-K
Matt Nyce, Counselor / Jody Randolph (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names L-Z
Sandy Hackbarth, Part-time Counselor - available on even days
Information for Parents, Guardians & Students
Please bookmark these pages for your reference:
You can also visit us on Facebook & Instagram:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penceknights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknightspotlight/?hl=en
"Rooms" - New Communication Platform
Families likely received a text message this past week with information about a new communication platform called “Rooms.” Please see the message below from RCPS for more information about this new tool:
We're thrilled to introduce a new feature in our district app called Rooms! This platform is designed for seamless communication between staff and families, making it easier than ever to stay informed about school updates and activities. As we roll out this new tool, we're starting with a small group of teachers, all spring sports coaches, and our Middle School and High School Principals. While not all staff members will immediately transition to using Rooms as their primary communication tool, we're moving in that direction and aim to have full implementation by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Stay tuned for more information and resources as we continue the rollout. Effective communication is essential to our school community's success, and we're excited to embark on this journey with you through Rooms!