WHS Weekly Newsletter
Home of the Lions - October 22, 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Walkersville Community,
This was an exciting Homecoming Week in our building, and I thank our SGA and PTSA for everything they have done to ensure tomorrow is a great time! This week was also Character Counts Week, and it brings up a great opportunity to discuss character, communication, and caring at WHS. I know that the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but as we are coming back together and getting a little more back in synch each day, we are noticing that students and adults alike need some reminders about positive communication so that we can work together to make WHS great. I want every student, staff member, and guest to feel safe, comfortable, and welcome at WHS, and part of that comes from us all speaking to each other respectfully and avoiding name calling and derogatory terms. We need to accept and support each other and collaborate to find solutions when things are not working. Please know that we are dedicated to making WHS the best school for our community, and if something needs addressed, please bring it to our attention. Together, we can make a difference, but the truth is, we need everyone on board to make this work. Thank you for your support!
Dr. Stephanie Ware
Principal
HOMECOMING INFORMATION
Friday 10/22 there will be a Pep Rally. Teams will be presented, games will be played, and the Homecoming Court will be announced.
On Friday 10/22 the Homecoming Parade will be at 5pm and after the parade we’re looking for a Lions win at the Homecoming football game at 6:30pm vs. Brunswick.
Saturday 10/23 is the Homecoming Dance from 7-10pm. Last admittance is at 8pm.
The 2021 Homecoming Dance is only open to Walkersville High School students; guests will not be allowed this year.
- Masks will be required while inside the building for the dance
- The commons will be available as a quieter place for students who wish to sit down, play games, or just chat with friends.
- We thank our students in advance for continuing to comply with and support our efforts to keep you safe while also enjoying the fun traditions and events at Walkersville High School.
TUTORING SESSIONS AVAILABLE
WHS is offering drop-in virtual tutoring from 2:45-4:15 on Tuesdays & Thursdays Semester 1. Please use this link to access: https://meet.google.com/lookup/whseloresource
Tutoring Dates:
October 28
November 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 30
December 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21
January 4, 6, 11, 13
SCHOOL PICTURES INFORMATION
To order school pictures online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000876759
Online Code = Student's ID#
Underclassmen retakes: November 3rd
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
If your child will be absent, late or is leaving early, please email WHS.Attendance@fcps.org with student's name, grade, date and reason for absence. If your student is a student driver, please indicate this on the note. Student drivers will receive a pass to allow them to sign out on their own.
For early dismissals:
- Parent/Guardian will come to the office to sign student out **If not a student driver
- Please bring your ID & wear a mask
- Allow adequate time to locate student for an early dismissal
- If you allow someone else to sign your student out, please note the name you authorize in your note to the school. They will be required to show ID to pick up student.
Don’t forget, when going to the Doctor, Dentist or Orthodontics, remember to get an attendance slip. We will code accordingly. This is especially important if you have a student that has after school activities.
For more attendance information, https://education.fcps.org/whs/attendance
ONE CALL NOW ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
One Call Now Attendance Notifications
One Call Now attendance messages will be used for our school. This is FCPS wide. The intent of the messages are to communicate with families if their child has been marked absent for 1 or more periods of the school day. This includes late arrivals to school.
This text is automated and it is possible that if a child enters school later in the day the text could occur in error. As always, please feel free to call or email our attendance office at either WHS.Attendance@fcps.org or 240-236-7213 if you feel you have received a text in error.
This text will be sent to the person who is noted as the guardians for your child. If you wish to opt out of this text or any of the One Call Now calls you receive, feel free to listen to the message to the end for directions to opt out over the phone. To opt-out from receiving text messages, on your cell phone: Open a blank text message. In the recipient field, type 22300. In the message field, type Stop and then, click Send.
Please know opting out will stop further communications from our school when we are using One Call Now.
SENIOR CLASS SHIRTS
Today is the last day to purchase Senior T-shirts! Use School Cash Online and see the links below.
Short Sleeve – $15 Sizes S-XL
Short Sleeve – $17 Sizes XXL-XXXL
Long Sleeve – $20 Sizes S-XL
Long Sleeve – $22 Sizes XXL-XXXL
Shirts will be GRAY, with the senior class logo (pictured above) on the front and the names of ALL of the seniors on the back. THANK YOU in advance for your support of the Senior Class of 2022!!!
2022 PROM NEWS
PLAN AHEAD AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
The WHS Prom is Friday evening, April 29th. It will be held at Walker's Overlook. More details coming. Parents, if you would like to volunteer to help, contact kim.fogle@fcps.org
Joke of the Week - brought to you by CTE
Question: Did you hear about the person who invented the escalator?
CTE Courses Highlight - PLTW, Introduction to Engineering
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is primarily a design course focused on how our everyday products are designed, created, and brought to market. Engineering concepts are a small part of the course content. Another focus of this course is learning how to use an Auto CAD program. CAD - Computer Aided Design applications are used to create drawings and plans of designed items. In each of our class assignments and projects we will emphasize using the design process, and drawing products in Auto CAD. Within these activities’ students will also learn about engineering concepts, and see how they actually perform in the real world. Other design characteristics will be demonstrated and discussed.
IED is the first course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In IED, students apply a common-sense approach to the solution of everyday problems that new or improved products can help with.
Answer: They were mechanically inclined!!!
THE ACADEMY FOR THE FINE ARTS
The Academy for the Fine Arts will host an open house on Thursday November 18th from 6:30-8:00pm at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. The event will begin at 6:30 with a presentation in the auditorium, and then parents and students can visit AFA classrooms and instructors to ask questions about the program and see the instructional spaces and studios from 7:00-8:00pm. This is a great time to see the spaces up close, learn about the scope of the program, and get some tips for the audition process.
To register, please use this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeYHl35xSb1PwASjMGysIC5C7pcLvH_hmtTTEbmHGJZfLFKQ/viewform
The Academy for the Fine Arts is a college and career pathway program for FCPS students in grades 10-12 which offers focus areas in art, dance music, theatre, and musical theatre. For more information about the AFA, please visit: www.fcpsartsacademy.org
EARLY COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHTS
9th and 10th Grade Students!
FCC invites you to register for one of the following virtual
Early College Information Nights
to learn about the FCPS-FCC Early College program:
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Thursday, February 17, 2022
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The FCC Early College program is a way to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously by attending FCC full-time during your junior and senior years. The program was created to increase participation and completion for students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education and is open to all FCPS high school students.
FCPS students apply to Early College as sophomores.
Members of the Dual Enrollment Team will go through the details of the Early College program and acceptance process, and they will answer questions from interested students and families.
Please register here to attend: www.tinyurl.com/EarlyCollegeInformationNight
After you register for a session, you will receive the link to the Google Meet session in your registration confirmation email.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/FCCDualEnrollment to register for a Dual Enrollment Virtual Open House to learn about all DE opportunities.
Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, 301-624-2893, or www.frederick.edu/de
CTC INFORMATION
How to Apply to Attend the FCPS Career and Technology Center (CTC)
The Career and Technology Center (CTC) is part of the Frederick County Public Schools system. With more than 24 programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to gain college and career experience in a variety of areas. They can earn college credits as well as valuable industry certifications and licenses through a CTC program. CTC programs are taught in half-day blocks, and students attend their high school for the other half of the school day.
Shadowing a CTC program is the first step in the application process and is now OPEN for sign-ups to students in grades 9-11. Interested students should sign up for shadowing by going to www.careertech.net, clicking the Admissions tab, and filling out the Online Shadow Request form. Log In Information: FCPS User ID (ex. 05JDoe WITHOUT my.fcps.org) & password. Please remember that you MUST shadow before applying – applications submitted without a shadow experience will not be considered.
Shadowing runs November through February. On their scheduled day, students who shadow will ride the CTC bus from their high school to and from CTC for half of the day. A student may shadow and apply to up to two programs. During the shadow students can expect to meet with the instructor, other students interested in the program, and current students. Students will be able to ask questions about the program and hear the instructor's expectations. Instructors will evaluate students during their shadow based on their enthusiasm and attitude, how well they follow directions, and their participation. In addition to the shadow evaluation, attendance, behavior, and GPA are also considered for acceptance into a CTC program.
After their shadow experience, students can apply to CTC online at the following link from November – February: https://education.fcps.org/ctc/APPLY
For additional information about the CTC, the application process and more go to http://education.fcps.org/ctc/, email Valerie.Barbeito@fcps.org or Kristen.Daly@fcps.org or call 240-236-8493.
CTC OPEN HOUSE
Come see the amazing things students can do at the...
FCPS Career and Technology Center (CTC)
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 28
6 P.M. - 8 P.M.
24 Career Programs for FCPS Students in 10th-12th Grades
Many Offer College Credits, Dual Enrollment, Industry Certification/Licenses
Enjoy Fun Hands-On Activities for All Ages
Learn about Potential Careers
Students: Find out How to Jump Start Your Future at CTC!
Facing Covering Required
7922 Opossumtown Pike
Frederick, MD 21702
240-236-8500
ASVAB TESTING
Are you in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade AND interested in taking a FREE career interest inventory? Then sign up to take the ASVAB at WHS on November 10, 2021!
What is the ASVAB? The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test battery consisting of nine short individual tests covering Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematic Knowledge, General Science, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, and Assembling Objects. ASVAB results provide scores for each individual test, as well as three academic composite scores- Verbal, Math, and Academic Ability- and two career exploration composite scores. There is no commitment to the Armed Services before/during/after taking the ASVAB. It truly is an excellent career assessment tool to help assist with identifying interests and strengths/weaknesses.
The test will be administered on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 7:30am - 10:30am at Walkersville High School. If your son/daughter is interested in taking this FREE career interested inventory, please fill out the permission form as soon as possible and return it to Mrs. Marble (Shannon.Marble@fcps.org) no later than Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
Be aware of the following:
Masks are required.
There is no commitment to the Armed Services before/during/after taking the ASVAB. The ASVAB is an excellent career assessment tool to help assist with identifying interests and strengths/weaknesses.
COUNSELING NEWS
This 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
- Amy Pearre, English Language Learners
- Elise Pennington, Behavior Support Specialist
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
Students 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.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uA7PAs0IsMeOD4AStZJQg7wpC7j9HgoM/view?usp=sharing
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PINS
TICKETS FOR SPORTING EVENTS
Walkersville High School is now partnering with Ticket Spicket to provide purchasing our tickets online.
Individual game tickets for events taking place in the stadium or gymnasium will open for sale at least one week in advance of regular season events. Purchase your digital tickets and have them pulled up on your device before you arrive at the ticket window.
Individual Game Ticket Sales Website
Tickets will be available to purchase at the gate for all games.
- $6 for Adults
- $2 for Students (Children 7 or older through High School seniors)
- Free - Senior Citizens and children under 7
If you need additional assistance, click on the video below:
SPORTS NEWS
Winter Sports
Anyone interested in joining the Swim and Dive Team should attend our meeting on Tuesday, October 26th at 6:00 pm in the Auxiliary cafeteria.
You can also contact the Head Coaches with any questions.
Kevin Conley- Kevin.conley@fcps.org
Sara Lapham- Sara.Lapham@fcps.org
For updates on all of our latest sporting events, please click here!
WHS PTSA - A PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION
Join the PTSA
The WHS Parent Teacher Student Association exists to help support all of our kids and the professional staff that works so hard on their behalf. We want to continue that level of support and we are looking for volunteers. Please be on the lookout for the WHS Volunteer Form.
In an effort to avoid numerous fundraisers throughout the year, we’re asking our WHS families to financially support the work of the PTSA in two ways: your $10.00 membership and a donation of at least $25 in the name of each child you have in our school. If $25 is too much at this time, anything you can give is welcome and appreciated. You can also go to our website at WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org to pay for membership and make a donation with your credit card.
Your much needed donation to the WHS PTSA is 100% tax deductible! With just $25 per child, our PTSA can continue enrich and support the following:
- Academic Excellence program that recognizes hundreds of students each year for their scholastic achievements
- Arts in Education/National PTA Reflections program
- Cinderella’s Closet
- "Make It Happen!” Grant program for staff and students
- “You’ve Made Your Mark” PTSA Scholarships for graduating seniors
- Safe and Sound
- Support Lion’s PRIDE events
- Student Enrichment programs
https://ch2v-29031.memberhub.com/store
WALKERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SAFE AND SOUND EVENT 2022
The WHS Committee for a Safe and Sound Graduation is already at work planning the after-graduation celebration for the Class of 2022. It is our goal to provide a fun night for the graduating seniors in a safe environment that is alcohol and drug free. The event is planned for May 25, 2022 at Adventure Park beginning at 11:00 pm. (Doors will be locked and graduates will stay safe inside until 4:30 am on May 26th). Transportation provided.
As in past years, we are planning an evening filled with activities, food, and entertainment. All attending graduates will have the opportunity to win gift cards, prizes, and cash! This is an event that your senior will not want to miss! Our committee has a lot of work to do between now and May 25th and would greatly appreciate any help you can offer. Please contact us at safeandsoundwhs@gmail.com if you are able to help. All seniors must be pre-registered for the event. Please register using one of the methods below 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. Please note the registration fee will increase to $75.00 on January 1, 2022.
No registrations will be accepted after May 20, 2022. If, for ANY reason, this event is cancelled, you will be fully reimbursed for the amount you paid.
REGISTER NOW and avoid the price increase!!! Three ways to Register…
1. Register ONLINE at https://ch2v-29031.memberhub.com/store
2. Mail in Registration form and Fee to: WHS Safe and Sound, PO Box 183, Walkersville, MD 21793
3. Drop your Registration form and Fee to the WHS front office in an envelope marked Safe and Sound.
SAFE AND SOUND Dine Around Fundraisers
Dine Around’s Save the Date
11/9 California Tortilla 4:30pm to 10pm
1/10 Panera Bread 6pm to 10pm
Website: http://WalkersvilleHighSchool.my-ptsa.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WHS-PTSA-416541538545335
Email: WHSLionsPTSA@gmail.com
IT'S TIME FOR REFLECTIONS!!
Reflections!!
Explore the Arts and Express Yourself
We want YOU to unleash your inner artist and create your own unique interpretation of the theme “I Will Change the World By…”
How to Enter:
1. Create an original work of art using your own unique interpretation of the theme “I Will Change the World By…”
Choose from any of the 6 art categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Film Production, Music Composition, and Dance Choreography (students may submit entries in more than one category):
2. Download student entry form on this website, or pick up from the media center, and complete. Pleasereference the General Guidelines listed to make sure that your entry is eligible.
3. Drop off your entry, along with student entry form, to WHS PTSA Reflections in the front office by Friday, December 3rd. Or, you can email a digital copy of your entry and form to whslionsptsareflections@gmail.com
Students with special needs may receive accommodations by entering the Special Artistdivision. Find out more by clicking the Special Artistlink on this site.
Prizes and certificates will be awarded for entries.
Reflections is a National PTA program- your entry could move up to the county level, state level and even the national level.
See how far your creative side can take you!
Questions? Contact WHS PTSA Reflections chair Jocelyn Harris at whslionsptsareflections@gmail.com.
MVA LEARNER'S PERMIT
If under 16, you must provide a completed verification of identity and/or school attendance, form (#DL-300) to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process. The attendance form must be presented to the MVA in a sealed, unopened envelope provided by the applicant's school or county home school coordinator, if home schooled. Please make sure to drop request a School Verification Form from the Attendandce Secretary and allow 24 hours for the form to be ready.
WORK PERMIT
Are you or your student getting a summer job? All students under the age of 18 require a work permit. You can apply directly at: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wages/empm.shtml
Only the student, parent and employer are required to sign.
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 3 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
COMMUNITY NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS & REMINDERS
October 22: Homecoming Parade & Game
October 23: Homecoming Dance
October 26: NO SCHOOL for Students
PLAN AHEAD AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
The WHS Prom is Friday evening, April 29th. It will be held at Walker's Overlook. More details coming. Parents if you'd like to volunteer to help, contact kim.fogle@fcps.org
Walkersville High School
Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm
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