The Big Train
The Newsletter of the Walter Johnson PTSA - October 2014
Walter Johnson PTSA
The Walter Johnson High School PTSA is a dedicated group of parents, teachers and students who work together in support of the school and community.
Email: ptsapres@walterjohnson.com
Website: www.walterjohnson.com/parents/ptsa.aspx
Location: 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD, United States
Phone: 301-803-7100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walterjohnsonhighschoolptsa#!/pages/Walter-Johnson-High-School-PTSA/406475452770593
Twitter: @wjptsa
PTSA President's Message
“It’s already October!” That’s what I keep hearing from parents, students and teachers at WJ. Sometimes it’s said with satisfaction, as if the year is off to a busy, but happy start. Other times, I know parents are feeling a bit frustrated or overwhelmed by their students’ academic or extracurricular experiences. Students either seem too busy, or not busy enough, all measured against what we think is the typical high school experience, or a reflection of our own memories of high school.
Fortunately, WJ has excellent resources, including Counseling Services, to provide information and context to you and your students. The PTSA wants to hear from you regarding the programs and communications you want in order to make your students’ experience at WJ rewarding for them. Please feel free to contact me with your comments or suggestions. Or better yet, please join us for our next PTSA meeting on Oct. 21.
If you have not already done so, please join the PTSA so that we can continue to provide these programs and show our elected officials that we mean business when it comes to maintaining school funding. With over 600 members so far, we are well on our way to reaching our goal of 1,000. Please keep the applications coming, and, remember, choosing a membership package will get your name listed in the PTSA newsletter. You can now join online. And when you sign up, please also join for your student. Students have a voice in the PTSA and can participate in any program, just like parents and teachers.
Barbara Ferry
PTSA President
2014-15 PTSA Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Oct. 21
Nov. 18
December - TBA
Jan. 20
Feb. 17
March 17
April 21
May 19- All PTSA business meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month from 7-8 pm in the Media Center and are open to all parents, students and teachers.
- Minutes and agendas will be linked to the meeting dates as they become available.
- PTSA meetings include an update from the principal and committee chairs and a discussion of ongoing business.
- Agenda items for meetings should be sent to the PTSA president a week prior to the meeting so that enough time can be allocated for discussion.
- Speakers sponsored by the PTSA are held at various times during the year and are organized by the Guidance Advisory Committee or the Health and Safety Committee.
WALTER JOHNSON CLUSTER SCHOOLS COMMUNITY NIGHT
PLEASE JOIN US AS THE WJ WILDCAT FOOTBALL TEAM TAKES ON THE MAGRUDER COLONELS ON THURSDAY, OCT. 2, AT 6;30 PM
** It's a Pink Out -- please wear pink clothing/accessories to support the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
** Pink ribbon face painting, courtesy of the WJ Leadership Class and SGA
** Admission (cash only): Age 6 and under -- Free; Ages 7-11-- $1; Ages 12-15-- $3; 16 and over -- $5
** Food and drinks will be sold at the concession stand (cash only). Plan to have dinner with the Wildcats
** Buy WJ Wildcat Spirit Wear. We have hats, T-shirts, pajama pants, hoodies, sweatpants, stadium seats and much more. (Cash only)
** No backpacks, footballs or soccer balls allowed in the stadium.
We look forward to seeing you there.
North Bethesda and Tilden middle schools; Ashburton, Kensington-Parkwood, Wyngate, Farmland, Garrett Park and Luxmanor elementary schools
GO WILDCATS!
Thursday, Oct 2, 2014, 06:30 PM
Walter Johnson High School
Students put the "S" in PTSA
The new PTSA Student Involvement Committee is underway. Several enthusiastic students looking to become participants in the PTSA attended the first meeting on Sept. 16 and elected officers. These students will be working on PTSA programs and events, including the Community Youth Summit and our trip to Annapolis to discuss educational funding with our elected representatives. Please congratulate the following:
President: Johannes Bang
Vice President: Sally Tuszynski
Secretary: Miriam Sieradski
Community Youth Summit Student Committee: Zack Miller
It’s not too late for your student to join the PTSA and become part of this committee. Contact Johannes Bang to get involved.
Go 2016!
Chromebooks in action
2014 National Merit Scholars
CHAD HYMAS - SAVE THE DATE
WHEN
Monday, Nov. 3, 7 pm
WHERE
Walter Johnson HS
Please mark your calendars for Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 pm, when the Health and Safety committee will be hosting Chad Hymas, an internationally recognized author and speaker. This program is for both parents and students. We will be providing additional information as the date approaches.
News from the Principal's Office
This quote by William Cullen Bryant could not describe the spectacular beginning to this year’s fall any more accurately. And with our lovely weather students have enjoyed lunches outside, some great outdoor athletic contests and even a rare class held out in the sun. The year is moving along swiftly and we are already midway through the first quarter.
I would like to thank all of our families who joined us at our Back-to-School Night on Sept. 4. We had excellent attendance and a very productive evening. I am taking this opportunity to invite you back to Walter Johnson on Monday, Oct. 13, when Parent Visitation Day will take place from 7:30-10:30 am. Cookies and beverages will be provided by the PTSA in the Student Commons. This is a great way to see our fabulous staff in action. Your continued support is crucial as we partner to educate your children.
We also need your assistance in assuring that all students attend school on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for the PSAT. Tenth and 11th-grade students will be required to take the official 2014 PSAT exam. All ninth-grade students will be take a practice exam. The information and experience all students receive from taking the PSAT test and is very valuable as it helps them to prepare for other important college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT. Exam scores for all students taking the practice and official PSAT (freshmen, sophomores and juniors) will be distributed and explained by Counseling Services during an evening session for students and parents on Monday, Jan. 12. Seniors will have the opportunity on Oct. 15 to work on college applications, college essays and plans for their senior year and beyond. Please visit the school website for the special schedule.
Finally, everyone will have the chance to be involved in our upcoming Homecoming activities. Homecoming week is Oct. 13-18. Spirit days will be announced soon and give the students a chance to show their support for our school with daily themes. Class hall decorating will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 15. This event only occurs once per year and all students are welcome to join their class members in the completion. Finally, the game is Friday, Oct. 17, and the dance is Saturday, Oct. 18. I hope you will come cheer for our Wildcats on Friday and encourage your children to come out to the dance.
I have truly enjoyed these first few weeks of school. Watching our students in action in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities is quite energizing! I wish everyone a colorful, fruitful and inspirational fall season.
Jennifer Baker
Principal
Email: jennifer.baker@walterjohnson.com
Phone: 301-803-7106
Twitter: @WJPrincipal
Afie Mirshah-Nayar, WJ's Principal Intern, Introduces Herself
I would like to thank Walter Johnson students, parents, and staff for giving me such a warm welcome to the community. I have spent the past few months shadowing Mrs. Baker and learning about all of the wonderful things that happen at our school. I am truly honored to have been selected to learn from Mrs. Baker and serve as a principal intern in this vibrant school community.
As the administrator for the ninth-grade students, I have been busy getting to know the students and parents. I welcome your emails and phone calls and look forward to working with you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable freshman year for your students. Since school started, I have had the opportunity to welcome the parents of our incoming ninth graders at an event hosted by our Guidance Advisory Council. One of the main messages I shared with parents was the importance of helping students as they transitioned from middle to high school.
The students in the Class of 2018 participated in our first assembly on Wednesday, Sept. 24. I was so proud of the maturity they showed during our first meeting as a whole class. At the assembly, I encouraged all of our students to enjoy their four-year high school journey and to get involved with any one of our many programs. There are so many options here that I truly believe each student will be able to find a way to get connected to the school. The many instructional, athletic, and extracurricular programs that we offer make our school the unique and rigorous school that it is.
It is campaign season for the ninth-grade class, which means that are halls have been filled with campaign posters and slogans. On Friday, Sept. 26, the Class of 2018 elected their Student Government Association representatives. I look forward to working with the elected president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer to ensure that the students have a voice in school leadership.
I am really excited about the 2014-15 school year and look forward to serving the wonderful students at our school. These incredibly talented students enrich the school environment on a daily basis and are a joy to get to know.
Afie Mirshah-Nayar
Principal Intern
Email: afie.mirshah@walterjohnson.com
Phone: 301-803-7108
Guidance Advisory Committee
Thanks to all of the parents who attended the class meetings this month. If you were not able to attend, you can find all the handouts on the WJ Website. During October and November, we have more GAC events, including parent connection meetings and a new session on understanding AP classes.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
- Thursday, Oct, 2, 7 pm - Parent Connection for Students Who Learn Differently
- Monday, Oct. 6, 7 pm - Parent Connection for Spanish Speakers
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 pm - Rising Ninth Grade APEX Scholars Information Night
- Monday, Oct. 13 - 7:45 am - Open House, Parent Coffee, College Admissions Testing
- Friday, Oct. 17, 6:30 pm - Homecoming Football Game vs. Northwood
- Saturday, Oct. 18, 8:30 pm - Homecoming Dance in the Gym
- Monday, Oct. 20, 7 pm - Private School Transition
- Monday, Oct. 27, 7 pm - College Financial Aid Meeting
- Monday, Nov. 17, 7 pm - Understanding AP Classes
- Friday, Nov. 21, 7 pm - Parent Connection for Students Who Learn Differently
- Wednesday, Dec 3, 7:30 pm - Colleges that Change Lives at Walt Whitman HS Auditorium
SGA News
- The leadership class and student body are working to welcome fall with our annual Homecoming festivities. We have new traditions ahead, but first want to remind students and parents that they will not be able to attend the dance until all obligations to the school bank are cleared.
- Interim reports were distributed after Rosh Hashanah. Please check Edline for those reports.
- Freshman class office elections were held on Friday, Sept. 26. Congratulations to President Dani Genco, Vice President Sean Siegel, Secretary Olivia Ragheb and Treasurer Tomas Azari.
- The first 2015 issue of our school newspaper, The Pitch, was published on Monday, Sept. 29. This issue features footage of the fall pep rally, an interview with the SGA, and information on upcoming WJ community events.
- Senior yearbook advertisements orders should be submitted before Nov. 1.
- The Homecoming dance tickets will be on sale for $20.00 at the kiosk starting Monday, Oct. 6.
- Walter Johnson will support International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Don’t be late and be safe.
- Class officers encourage students to volunteer to decorate designated Homecoming spirit hallways. The hallways will be viewed before school in anticipation of the game, and will be entered in a competition for most creative design. This year’s Homecoming theme is Board Games. Seniors will represent Candy Land, while assignments for other classes have yet to be determined, All seniors are invited to bring their ideas to hallway information meetings during lunch on Oct. 3 and Oct. 9.
- The SGA is happy to host the first annual Homecoming tailgate on Friday, Oct, 17, before the varsity football game against Northwood. Free food will be provided, but we ask that students contribute where ever possible. The game will be a Green Out in honor of Mental Health Awareness Week.
We look forward to the season and want to remind you all to stay safe throughout. Follow @WJSGA on Twitter for ongoing updates and ways to get involved.
Kassidy Baldwin
Student Government Association
Twitter: @wjsga
Freshmen experience their first pep rally!
Ms. Baker takes the ice bucket challenge
Ready for a great season
Walter Johnson Education Foundation
The Walter Johnson Education Foundation, Inc. Board is made up of parents of current and former students, and alumni of the school. We are former PTSA presidents, former cluster coordinators, former and current booster and PTSA committee chairs, a former SGA president and proud parents of scholars, artists, athletes and other current or former successful students.
We’ve been advocates for the school through the PTSA or have raised funds for teams with the Booster Club and continue to stay involved in order to give back to WJ through our efforts at raising funds to be spent on the school and students. We invite you to come to our meetings-held the first Wednesday of each month in the Media Center at 7 pm; we are always open to new ideas and energy for increasing our donations.
We work closely with the school administration to identify needs and are pleased to be able to fund many of the requests that enable our great programs to be excellent with professional equipment or opportunities taught by broadly trained staff. We use the donations from parents, alumni and the community to fund these requests. We appreciate each donation, large and small.
We are working on an alumni-based speaker series and continue to build our relationships with alumni and the community.
I want to thank Sofia and her friends, an anonymous parent and our Board in helping hand out thousands of cups of water at the Kensington 8K. We appreciate your help. The success of the well-organized race benefits WJ as we get a share of the proceeds. It was a beautiful day and nice to see so many familiar faces and students and staff running.
I encourage you to support us with your donations and your time and talents. You can find more information about the foundation at wjedfoundation.org.
Marney Jacobs
President, WJ ED Foundation
The Education Foundation helped hydrate runners at the Kensington 8k
We handed out thousands of cups of water
Thanks to all of the parent and student volunteers
WJ STAGE PRESENTS THE CRUCIBLE
From the Media Center
The media center has added hundreds of new materials over the summer. We send out a list monthly, but you can always see what the media center has to offer by checking out our Google book site or Destiny (choose Walter Johnson).
Requests and suggestions are always welcome. Please let us know what materials we can add to make the WJ media center the best it can be.
MCPS and WJ together provide a comprehensive set of databases and E-books for student use. The full list can be accessed by clicking here.
Logins and Passwords can always be found on Edline or can be requested via email from Ms. Gelfand.
Naomi Gelfand
Media Specialist
Email: Naomi.Gelfand@walterjohnson.com
Website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/wjhs/mediactr/generalresources.aspx
The WJ School Store is open every day during lunch
We'll also be open during the Homecoming Game on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 pm. We will be set up across from concessions.
Email: onsiteschoolstore@wjboosterclub.com
Website: http://fieldhouse.com/Stores/FHShop1.aspx?PON=74266
Lightweight Hoodie-$20
Sweatpants-$22
NOW BACK IN STOCK
WJ All-School Booster Club
Did you know that WJ has over 100 student clubs? Clubs such as Together To End Hunger and Best Buddies perform valuable public service and teach our students the importance of charity and helping those less fortunate. Other clubs like the Forensic Team and Science Olympiad engage in competitions with other schools and stretch our students’ minds. WJ STAGE, Drumline and other fine arts clubs encourage our kids to tap into their creative spirits. Then there are clubs that you may not know even exist such as the Facial Hair and Anime clubs that fill a niche for students with unique interests.
If you wander around the back side of the school any afternoon and hear the thud of foot on ball, shoulder pad on shoulder pad, or spirit yell, you’ll know that WJ’s fall sports teams are in full swing. The Athletics Department has 25 varsity teams over three seasons in addition to JV squads. Besides football, soccer, and track and field, they also include bocce and handball. To cheer them on, we have the cheerleading and poms squads.
All these activities require resources of both personnel and funding. While the WJ school staff and budget does support many of the school’s clubs, sports and other activities, it cannot fund them all at the level that is needed for a student body so large and diverse in its interests.
That’s where the Booster Club comes in. Whether it is helping a sports team buy new equipment, defraying the costs for the Model United Nations Club to attend a conference, or assisting The Pitch student newspaper, with printing costs, the Booster Club seeks to fill in the funding and manpower gaps that the school cannot provide. Our presence may not always be seen, but it is certainly felt. The Booster Club is run and staffed by parent and student volunteers and is one of the first in Montgomery County to support extracurricular activities beyond sports.
We raise funds multiple ways – the spring Mulch Sale, Used Book Fair,School Store and event concessions – but one of the best ways to support our work is through annual membership dues for as little as $25. More information on the Booster Club, including how to join or volunteer, can be found at http://www.wjboosterclub.com.
Please join the Booster Club so we can continue to support the diverse interest and enthusiasm our students share for activities that go beyond the classroom but are yet so critical for their development and advancement.
Seb O'Kelly
WJ Booster Club
WANT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR WJ WITHOUT TAKING ANY MONEY OUT OF YOUR POCKET?
You can do this by linking your store loyalty card to Walter Johnson. WJ earns money every time you shop at Giant, Target, Safeway, Food Lion and Harris Teeter as long as you designate WJ as your beneficiary school. You can also opt to support more than one school. But you can’t help if you don’t register. And remember, many stores require you to re‐register every year, so please check to make sure your cards are still registered.Please take a moment and follow the links below. Use the WJ ID numbers and sign up now to help WJ earn.
Target Red Card Visa - School ID: 58206
Harris Teeter - School ID: 7371
Safeway - WJ Group ID: 6679161
Giant - School ID: 00646
Food Lion (including the former Bloom stores) - School ID: 219715
Submit an Item for The Big Train Newsletter
The Big Train is the PTSA monthly newsletter, posted online. The upcoming submission deadlines are Oct. 29, Nov. 26, Dec. 17, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 29 and May 27.
Articles, questions and comments may be submitted via email to thebigtrain@walterjohnson.com with the article in the body of the message or as an attachment (please indicate file type). The Big Train is posted on the WJ website, so please do not include information you would not want to see online. Please supply email addresses as well as phone numbers for contact information whenever possible.
All persons associated with WJ are encouraged to submit news and information.
Please also include photos if you have them. In addition to the newsletter, we will post them on the PTSA Facebook page.
The Big Train is currently compiled, laid out, and edited Linda Parker, Stephanie Brown and Johnathan Salant.