WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - May 7, 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Walkersville Community,
I want to start by thanking everyone who went out of their way this week to recognize and appreciate our amazing staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. The PTSA outdid themselves again, and spoiled the entire staff. I also heard about the kind gestures and notes that students and families shared with individual teachers, the impact that it made on everyone was remarkable. Thank you!
WHS, like other schools, is offering summer school on site this year. We have invited our first wave of students to help recover credits. If you were not contacted but are interested in having your child participate, please reach out to Cynthia.Zimmerman@fcps.org to see if we have a course that would benefit your student. If you were contacted, please let us know ASAP if your student will participate, if not we will continue to invite students so that we can take advantage of this opportunity.
As we head into this weekend, let me wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of our WHS moms! Thanks for all you do to support our students, school, and community!
Take care,
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY
GRADUATION INFORMATION
We are excited to announce our 2021 end of year and graduation ceremony information! Our WHS ceremony will be held in our stadium on Thursday, June 3, at 10:00 A.M.
Click here to view the link for vital information about that day, including student report time, when the gates will open for guests, graduation practice dates, etc., as well as end of year responsibilities. A paper copy of this was mailed to homes with report cards. Our graduation committee is working hard to make this a special event for each and every student, and we are really looking forward to watch our students walk across that stage.
For other Senior information click here for links on our WHS Homepage.
YEARBOOKS & YEARBOOK PHOTOS
EXTENDED DEADLINES - May 22nd
Please note the deadline to purchase a yearbook has been extended to May 22nd. You will also have that extra time to submit a photo if you are a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader that did not get photographed this year. Click here for more information (or go to the WHS website and click on "Yearbook" under the Quick Links menu on the left hand side)
Here's a great video on how to submit photos:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nwIJNvHT_x-xZS6Cgqh6iLkyu7KXZgd9/view?usp=sharing
WHS PLANT SALE
Saturday, May 8th from 9:00am - 1:00pm
WHS Greenhouse in the shop area
** Cash or Check Only **
ATTENTION: BUSINESS OWNERS!
Do you want to advertise your business at our school events? WHS recently purchased a new radio station to be used at all sporting and community events. We are looking for sponsors to assist us with 30 second business ads to be played at EVERY event from now through June of 2022 (that’s over 1 year of events)! We are asking for a $500 donation for these ads. If interested, please email Dr. Ware directly at Stephanie.Ware@fcps.org. Space is limited - we have 11 spots left!
Help publicize your business and support our Lions!
FOOD DISTRIBUTION REMINDER
Please visit our community bus sites on Wednesdays at the Discovery Center and the 7th Street Shopping Center from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE
Attendance News:
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.
Parking Passes:
Attention Student Drivers: All students that park on campus during the school day must have a current parking permit. Any cars parked on campus without a permit will be subject to ticketing.
BUS POLICY:
Due to COVID, we are not able to allow parent notes requesting their child ride with another student/on a different bus.
QUICK REMINDERS
May 7th: Athletic Booster's Scholarship Application DUE
May 22nd: Deadline to submit photos & order yearbooks
May 22nd: AAPI Poster Contest Deadline
May 26th: Last Day of School for Seniors!
May 27th: Senior Awards Celebration
May 28th: Last day to register for Safe & Sound
June 3rd: Senior Graduation 10:00am
June 9th: WHS Chipotle Night
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 attachment below for more IMPORTANT information from the Counseling Center - UPDATED MAY 2021
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.
CTC PROGRAMS
CTC is opening up again for interested 9th, 10th and 11th grade students to shadow (virtual) select programs starting on Thursday, April 22, running through Thursday, May 20.
Listed below are programs that are re-opening:
- Advanced Floral Design
- Agribusiness
- Auto Body/Collision Repair
- Carpentry
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Design & Printing Methods
- Landscaping
- Teacher Academy
- Web Technology
- *Automotive Tech (shadowing for waitlist only)
- *CAD Architecture (shadowing for waitlist only)
- *CAD Engineering (shadowing for waitlist only)
- *Homeland Security/Criminal Justice (shadowing for waitlist only)
- *HVAC (shadowing for waitlist only)
- *Television/Multimedia Production (shadowing for waitlist only)
* Please note that some programs are shadowing only for a spot on the waitlist
Interested students should sign up for shadowing now by going to this link or visiting the www.careertech.net Admissions tab and filling out the online request for a virtual shadow form.
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.
DUAL ENROLLMENT - NEXT YEAR (2021-2022)
If you plan on taking a FCC Dual Enrollment course next school year – High School Based or Open Campus – now is the time to APPLY TO FCC at www.frederick.edu/apply.
After applying, you will receive your FCC ID number and email address via USPS mail and/or email from the FCC Admissions Office.
There is no application fee or commitment when applying.
Please contact the FCC Dual Enrollment Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu with any questions!
MESSAGE FROM OUR CTE DEPARTMENT
Joke of the Week - brought to you by CTE
Question: Why do clowns make bad entrepreneurs?
CTE Courses Highlight - Intro to Business
Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy! Do you have what it takes to become one? Why not do what you love and make money while doing it?! Students in IB are learning what it takes to own and operate a business. Creativity, discipline, perseverance, and risk-taking are just a few characteristics entrepreneurs have. Innovation and invention in the 21st century have changed the way we do business, not to mention the recent pandemic. Business students are preparing for the future. We might have the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates in our building!
Answer: Because they’re into some funny business.!!!!
WHS CTC STATE SKILLS USA WINNERS
Sage Baltimore - CAD Extemporaneous Speaking 2nd
Carla Esmerelda Castillo - Cosmetology Nail Care 2nd
Andrew Held - Automotive Technology Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair 3rd
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 three 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
**ATTENTION** YARD SIGNS FOR SENIORS
Pre-Order Pickup and Cash and Carry dates and times are May 7th 12:30pm – 3pm and May 10th 12:30pm – 3pm. No worries if you didn’t pre-order a yard sign. We ordered enough signs for every senior to have the opportunity to purchase one. You can stop by during the dates and times listed above to get one and remember to bring $10.00 cash or a check made out to the WHS PTSA. Just a reminder that you MUST remain in your vehicle at all times. 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.
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
This past week was just amazing and it is because of YOU. Your donations helped make the staff and bus drivers feel loved and appreciated. We would like to extend a special “Thank You” to all of you that donated items. Sincerely, Giuseppa Ball ~ WHS Staff Appreciation Chair, giuseppaball@gmail.com.
PTSA MEETING
You are invited to attend, via ZOOM, our last PTSA general membership meeting of the school year. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th 7:00pm. If you would like to join in, please send an email to WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com by Monday, May 17th, so that the meeting link can be sent to you. At this meeting we will be holding elections for the 2021-2022 school year (see nominating committee announcement below). We will also be and voting on PTSA Senior Scholarship applicant award amounts and summer spending. Officers and Committee Chairs will be giving a “verbal” summary of the past year. It would be wonderful if you could join us for our last general membership meeting of the year. Please contact Kimberly Snyder, PTSA President at WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com with any questions.
NOMINATIONS FOR 2021-2022 PTSA OFFICERS
The nominating committee is pleased to announce the following candidates for officers of the 2021-2022 Walkersville High School PTSA:
President – Giuseppa Ball
Vice President – Open
Treasurer – Kelley Wells
Secretary – Justine Buschman
Thus far we have not been able to identify anyone interested in running for Vice President. If no one steps forward to run for that position, then next year’s PTSA executive committee will only consist of a President, Treasurer, and Secretary. If you would like to nominate someone for Vice President or if you would like to run for the position, please contact any member of the nominating committee: Leslie Bertolette (lesliebertolette@verizon.net), Jacy Hillman (jacymarc@verizon.net), or John Van Bloem (john.vanbloem@fcps.org).
The PTSA will be electing next year’s officers at the May 18th general membership meeting, which will be held via Zoom. Additional nominations may be made right up until the elections are held, so anyone wishing to run for any of the officer positions may still do so. A nominee must either currently be a member of the PTSA, or otherwise join the PTSA prior to the elections.
Website: http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WHS-PTSA-416541538545335
Email: WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com
Scholarship Applications DUE
Safe & Sound
Dedication Bricks
WHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS - SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
- Confirm WHSAB membership
- Order your transcripts from WHS Counseling Office
- Complete application - available in Naviance
- Please send all questions & completed applications, transcripts, along with teacher/coach recommendations to kirstenbrown619@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
Thank you for your support! Join us on Facebook at WHS Safe and Sound;
Twitter @WHSsafeandsound
SAVE THE DATE - CHIPOTLE NIGHT!
Wednesday, Jun 9, 2021, 04:00 PM
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Wormans Mill Road, Frederick, MD, USA
MVA LEARNER'S PERMIT FORM UPDATE
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
FREDERICK PARKS & RECREATION
STUDENT MASK COMPLIANCE FORM
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
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