The Wildcat Chat
What's Happening at Willard? | October 16, 2020
Preparing for the End of Quarter 1
As we move towards the end of our first quarter of distance learning, we wanted to offer a few suggestions to help end the quarter strong. Please note the following:
- Review current student grades in StudentVUE and ParentVUE. The marking period ends Friday, October 30, so it is imperative to review grades as soon as possible.
- Review Schoology and StudentVUE, where missing assignments are tracked. In partnering with teachers, get late work in, so it may be fairly assessed. The last day to turn in any missing work will be on Monday, October 26, by 5:00 p.m. This is to allow for rich, teacher feedback.
- Use Learning Lab time. This dedicated instructional time is part of a student's class. For example, the Learning Lab time after science class is dedicated to that class. This is the time where students can receive assistance from a teacher and/or work on assignments. Students should not leave Learning Lab, unless they are told to do so by their teacher.
Encourage students to use time management strategies such as: prominently posting a copy of their schedule, setting alarms to remind them of class start times, and consistently recording Learning Lab tasks, assessments, and due dates in an agenda. Please click here for a digital daily agenda that we have shared with our scholars during CLAWS Club.
Schedule Change Begins November 4
WILDLife Clubs One Day Extension
The Handwashing Project Launch
A few of our amazing choral scholars helped to record a handwashing video to encourage their peers to wash their hands. Their submissions turned into a musical masterpiece. Check out their handiwork here. And, thank you to the following participants: Sadeen Abashr, Nadira Aleem, Daniella Azi, Jordan Brooks, Katelyn Egan, Penelope Ehring, Joyce Estrada, Meadow Falkner, Sohan Gollapalli, Kaia Hall, Cameron Hoang, Sydney Jackson, Keira Kavulic, Elizabeth Kenny, Sierra Khan, Addison Kopeck, Ella Lee, Rebecca Lee, Aanya Mahendravad, Warisa Mir, Rhea Pala, Amara Pope, Grace Shippie, Honor Shippie, Gabriella Sosa, Ava Theodorakoglou, and Cameron Washington.
SCA Spirit Week (Oct. 27-30)
Show your school spirit during Willard Middle School's first Spirit Week! During the last week of the quarter, Tuesday, October 27 to Friday, October 30, show up to class wearing something that fits the day's theme to show your Wildcat excitement. We would love to see/document your amazing involvement, so please feel free to submit a photo (with parent permission) of you participating in our Spirit Week to Mr. Michael Slobodnjak (Michael.Slobodnjak@lcps.org) or Ms. Madison Boehm (Madison.Boehm@lcps.org), our Student Council Association (SCA) Sponsors. The most spirited submissions will be highlighted! Let's Go, Wildcats!
Teacher Recognition Program Launches
The Wild for Reading Book Talks Website
Virtual Superhero 5K Run/Walk
AMC 8 Update
This year, Willard is participating in the AMC 8 Math Competition. Registration has closed; however, we wanted to share information with those that signed up for this opportunity. The test will be held on Tuesday, November 10, at a time after the school day that is convenient for the proctor. The proctors must be physically present at the time of the contest administration. Proctors must accept the invitation link that was provided via email by our Math Department Chair, Ms. Jenn Reeder, on October 13. If you have a participating child and have questions, please feel free to reach out to her at Jennifer.Reeder@lcps.org.
Wake Up Willard
Yearbook Purchasing & Photo Appointment
Art Supply Pick Up (7th & 8th Grade)
Virginia C.O.P.E.S. Support
The Virginia Crisis Counseling Program, Virginia C.O.P.E.S, which stands for compassionate, optimistic, person-centered, empowering support has launched. The program is part of the federal and state response to the current state of emergency. The main focus is supporting the mental and emotional well-being of those impacted by the pandemic as well as directing callers to community resources. VA C.O.P.E.S Counselors are prepared to refer and provide additional information for callers, as well, but should not be utilized as an emergency or suicide hotline. Crisis Counselors are available during the following times to take calls: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. VA C.O.P.E.S can be reached by phone or text at 877-349-6428. Spanish speaking counselors are available.
College Funding Coach
For many families, the high cost of higher education is a daunting proposition. Parents lie awake at night trying to figure out how to afford to send their children to college and still have enough of their hard-earned money to be able to retire. Some families have children attending college next year and others have years to plan; but the fears of tackling these monumental and rising costs are the same. The College Funding Coach® is here to help families figure out how to pay for it! Please join us on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. for the Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College webinar workshop. This is information you can’t afford to miss! To register, please: Click here. Also, visit the website www.thecollegefundingcoach.org to check out their resources!
College & Career Readiness
Academies of Loudoun Updated Videos
The Academies of Loudoun, an LCPS STEM magnet school, whose mission is to empower students to explore, research, collaborate, innovate, and to make meaningful contributions to the world in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is now accepting applications.Students may apply by visiting this admission page and flyer. Please note that the window closes on Friday, October 23. Also, for two fantastic background videos, please click here and here. Furthermore, check out this information video that walks students through the ins and outs of the Academy. Lastly, check out this video presented this week during CLAWS Club, which walks students through their common questions and the next steps in the admissions process.
Thomas Jefferson High School Update
"Based upon the [Fairfax County] School Board Work Session discussion on October 6, the School Board consensus was that testing (Quant-Q, ACT Aspire Reading and Science) will be eliminated for this year, the application fee will be eliminated and there will be an increase in student enrollment at TJHSST. We do not have a window for the application process as this time. The next scheduled School Board Work Session to discuss additional changes is currently set for November 17."
For additional information, please feel free to visit: www.tjadmissions.org
Technology Supports (If LCPS Go Is Down)
Step Up Loudoun Competition
The Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition encourages middle and high school youth, across the county to identify an issue in their school, neighborhood or community, create a plan to address that issue, and implement the plan. The goal is to encourage, support and reward the youth of Loudoun County for making positive changes in their own lives and the lives of others. Teams may now register at 2021 Step Up. As in previous years, Step Up Loudoun will hold Information Sessions, as the Competition approaches. Please feel free to reach out at info@loudounyouth.org with any questions.
Delta Academy Program
Delta Academy is a program that serves young girls in grades 6-8 (ages 11-14) living and attending school in Loudoun County. The program provides a forum where young girls have an opportunity to develop positive self-esteem whileimproving their social, interpersonal and academic skills. We are truly excited about Delta Academy and look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of young girls in Loudoun County.
If you are interested in your daughter being considered for the Delta Academy program, please complete the 2020-2021Delta Academy application by Friday,October 23, 2020. All applications will be reviewed, and selected applicants will receive an acceptance letter by email shortly after. This year’s application is online and may be found here.
Free Flu Vaccine Available
Curbside Library Book Pick Up
Students can now check out books from the Willard Library. To get started, place a book on hold in Destiny Discover (click here to learn how to do this). You and your parents will receive an email when the book is ready to be picked up at Willard. Pick up times are Mondays, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more detailed information, please click here and to watch the associated interactive video click here as well.