Wildcat News
Williamsport High School
Where To Find Us
Website: http://wcpsmd.com/schools/high-schools/williamsport-high
Location: 5 South Clifton Drive, Williamsport, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 766-8423
Twitter: @WilliamsportHS
First Day of School: Tuesday, September 4
School day is 8:45 - 3:30
All bus routes will be posted on the window at WHS and on the WCPS Transportation website in early to mid August 2018. We will also post routes on our school website.
Please click here for Administrative Homeroom assignments. Students will report to Administrative Homerooms at the beginning and end of the first day of school.
Message From The Principal
Students and families:
As you enjoy your summer and find time to relax with friends and families, we would also like you to prepare and plan for the upcoming school year. The Class of 2017 chose the following quote by Winnie the Pooh as their motto: “We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” The memories you make while in high school are irreplaceable. We want you to enjoy the time spent building relationships with staff and other students, the knowledge instilled in and outside of the classroom, and the higher order thinking skills you develop to apply during life after high school. Think about how you can make the most the upcoming school year. I encourage you to join an extracurricular activity, athletic team, musical group, or come to an event to support your fellow Wildcats with cheers and applause.
Summer is a great time to start earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Students need 75 SSL hours in order to graduate from high school. We encourage you to utilize some of your time this summer volunteering in the community. Visit a non-profit agency like the Humane Society, a Retirement Home, or the YMCA to work on your hours. If you need a copy of the SSL form, you can find it digitally on the WCPS Student Service Learning webpage or stop by our Counseling Center to pick up a paper copy.
With four weeks to go, students enrolled in AP Courses should be finishing their AP Summer assignments. If you need to obtain a copy, please visit the Counseling Center. Our school is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 to 4:00 should you have any questions.
Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation, and we look forward to seeing you refreshed for the new school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Heath T. Wilcox
Principal
301-766-8430
Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat
PARENTVUE
Stay on top of your student's grades and attendance by activating your ParentVue account TODAY.
ParentVue is an excellent way for you to keep informed and maintain contact with their teachers.
You can access ParentVue and other important information by downloading the WCPS app from your App Store.
Please contact the Counseling Center at (301) 766-8426 for your activation key.
Freshman and New Student Orientation
Thursday, Aug 30, 2018, 08:30 AM
5 South Clifton Drive, Williamsport, MD, USA
Arrival and Dismissal
Front doors open at 8:00 am. Students may wait in the cafeteria until the 8:30 bell rings for them to go to their lockers.
The front driveway is closed to car traffic from 8:30 to 8:45 for bus unloading.
Car riders must be dropped off at the gym doors in the lower parking area between 8:30 and 8:45.
Car riders must be picked up at the end of the day at the gym doors in the lower parking area. The front driveway is closed at this time for bus loading.
School Bus Transportation
School staff and school bus drivers are not authorized to accept notes from a parent for their child to ride a bus other than the one to which he or she has been assigned. Children will be required to ride the bus to which they have been assigned.
Should your child need to be picked up or dropped off consistently at a second stop, you can obtain a Transportation Location Change Form (TLC) from the school office or on the Transportation Department’s website.
Student Parking Permits
The cost of a parking permit will be $25 (cash or checks payable to WHS). A permit must be purchased if you are planning on driving to school. To register, students must bring their driver’s licenses and have both forms completed and signed by a parent. Forms may be obtained from the Assistant Principal’s Office.
NO permits will be sold the first week of school. A registration schedule will be announced and/or posted the first day of school. Previous school year’s attendance and membership in the National Honor Society will be considered.
The Wildcat Cafe: School Breakfast and Lunch Program
We offer free breakfast each morning. Students can pick up their breakfast items in the school cafeteria or at the breakfast kiosk located in the lower locker area. Students may eat in the cafeteria or in their first period classrooms. ALL TRASH MUST BE THROWN AWAY IN THE DESIGNATED TRASHCANS LOCATED IN THE HALLWAYS OR IN THE CAFETERIA.
Please click here to access our monthly lunch menu. Regular lunch costs $2.60 and additional a la cart items are available for purchase.
In addition, WCPS has eliminated the paper application for free and reduced lunches. We ask that all parents go to the School Lunch App to apply for free and reduced lunches even if you feel you will not qualify.
Parents may also put money on their child’s meal account at My School Bucks.
Menus and My School Bucks can also be accessed via the WCPS App.
School Health Office
If you become ill or injured at school, see a health staff person or administrator immediately.
To visit a health staff person or administrator, students must obtain a white health office pass from their teachers.
Students are NOT allowed to carry prescription medication during the school day. Please follow the medication policy and procedures in the county handbook.
Students leaving school due to illness must be excused by the health staff person or administrator. Students who do not follow this procedure will receive an unexcused slip from the attendance office.
Health Office phone number: 301-766-8428
After-school Tutoring
Williamsport High School offers an after-school tutoring program. The purpose of this program is to provide academic support and additional instruction in the four core areas for students who are struggling. Tutors will be available several afternoons each week with a schedule provided at a later date. These tutoring sessions are offered to students free of charge. If transportation is a problem, please discuss this with your counselor.
Meet The Teacher Night
Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018, 06:00 PM
5 South Clifton Drive, Williamsport, MD, USA
STEM Academy @ WHS
Williamsport High School offers a program for all county students called the STEM Academy program. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Today, an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and the problem solving skills developed by courses in STEM are necessary for most jobs. According to STEM Caucus Steering Committee, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education is responsible for providing our country with three kinds of intellectual capital:
- Scientists and engineers who will continue the research and development that is central to the economic growth of our country.
- Technologically proficient workers who are capable of dealing with the demands of a science based, high technology workforce.
- Scientifically literate voters and citizens who make intelligent decisions about public policy and who understand the world around them.
Any student involved in the STEM program will be required to take the following core preparatory courses during their first two years in the program: honors biology, honors chemistry, CC algebra I, CC honors geometry, Introduction to Engineering Design (IED), and Principles of Engineering (POE).
If you are interested in applying for the STEM program, schedule a meeting with Mr. Longnecker ASAP by calling 301-766-8426.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Advanced Placement or AP classes are college-level courses taken in high school. A national test for each class from the College Board is given in May. The test is scored from zero to five. Some colleges will award college credit based on these test scores if a score of three or better is earned. Some colleges require a five. Check with each school you are thinking of attending to learn what score is required for credit.
Freshmen need to begin planning to take AP classes. Students need to look at their schedule to be sure AP classes can be taken later. That may mean taking two math classes or two science classes, etc. in one year so you are in a position to take the classes you want.
All colleges like to see these classes on your transcript. A good grade in an AP class is proof you can and are taking challenging course work throughout high school. It proves that you can do college level work. These classes are a plus in the college admissions process.
AP classes are weighted classes, which means that they earn more than regular classes in the grade point average (GPA) calculations. Quality Point Values are awarded to students who accept the challenges of more rigorous courses of study, while ensuring maintenance of a high grade point average. Rigorous courses are identified as receiving “accelerated credit” or “AP credit” in the course description.
WHS is offering fourteen AP courses for the 2018-2019 school year. Check with the Counseling Center if you are interested in taking these classes and need more information.
A message from the physical education department
The WHS Physical Education Department would like to welcome all new and returning students! All students enrolled in a Physical Education course during the upcoming school year will need the following items:
- Round neck T-shirt (no V-necks, scoop necks, tank tops or cut-offs)
- Athletic Shorts or Sweatpants (appropriate length, no zippers or buttons)
- Sneakers that tie (no boots or slip on shoes)
- $3 lock rental fee
We want every student to be actively involved every day, so there are no “dress cuts”. If a student does not have proper shoes or clothing, we will provide the items for them so that they can participate.
If the student has a current medical condition that will excuse them from class activities, please get a note from a doctor that explains what the student can and cannot do in Physical Education class. It is very helpful if the student has this note when school begins in August. If the student has asthma, a form needs to be filled out with the school nurse.
A course syllabus will come home on the first day of school for you to look over.
Also, the WHS PE Department is now offering an Essence course through Hagerstown Community College. Students who enroll in the Individual Assessment course will earn 1 college credit at a very discounted price. Contact Mrs. Row or Mr. Vickers with questions.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact a member of our staff.
Mrs. Jackie Semler Row – rowjac@wcps.k12.md.us
Mr. Adrian Custer- custeadr@wcps.k12.md.us
Mr. Lawrence Vickers- vickelaw@wcps.k12.md.us
WHS Blue Band
The Blue Band has another exciting year planned! Our show this year will take you “Around the World in 8 Minutes”! We will be competing in USBands at various locations across the tri-state area. We hope to see you at one of our shows! Make sure you check out our website for specific performance dates.
Parents: our continued success is only possible with your help. We need volunteers! Please consider helping our band through chaperoning, volunteering in the concession stand, becoming a part of the equipment crew, towing the trailer, or helping out with one of our other committees. There are many things large and small that you can do to help make our students’ experience an amazing one. Please contact myself or Hope Covert, Band Booster President, for more information.
The Blue Band would like to take this opportunity to thank the Williamsport Community for all of the wonderful and generous support! We would also like to wish all of our sports teams the best of luck this season, and we hope to see everyone at the fall sporting events showing that WILDCAT PRIDE!
If you have questions, please contact Lauren Bond at 301-766-8434 or bondlau@wcps.k12.md.us. Don’t forget to check out our website, www.whsblueband.org. You can also follow us on SnapChat and Twitter @bluebandbond and “like” “Williamsport High School Blue Band” on Facebook.
WHS Choral Department
The Williamsport High School Choral Department welcomes everyone back for a school year that promises to be memorable, starting with the opportunity to work with composer Jake Runestad in October, followed by a performance with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra as part of their "Home for the Holidays" concert in December.
WHS choral students have had many incredible performance experiences in recent years. Our students have traveled to Florida, where they performed for the world at Disney Springs. They have performed for Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan in Annapolis and with composers Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo, as well as country music legend Kenny Rogers.
Our program has grown so much these past few years and with that growth comes many needs. However, our biggest need is YOU! We need our entire choral community - students, families and friends - to get involved. If you haven't heard from one of our booster officers already, you will be contacted soon. All of you have talents that can help - you will be surprised at how little you can do to make a BIG difference in helping us reach our goals.
For the latest information, please "like" the Williamsport High School Choral Dept. on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @choirs_whs. Also, please be sure that your ParentVue/StudentVue contact information is updated so that you can receive concert updates and other important news.
If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact our director, Michelle Rafter at (301) 766-8433. Her email address is RafteMic@wcps.k12.md.us.
WHS Spring Musical
The spring musical has become a huge community event and we are always excited to show off all of the talent we have here at Williamsport High School. Students should be listening for the announcement of a meeting in September to discuss our auditions and expectations. Interested students must sign up for the spring musical Google Classroom. They can do so by signing into Classroom with their school email address and using the code nioeyj. They must also sign up for Remind texts by texting the message @whsmus to 81010.
Williamsport High School has a long tradition of producing outstanding musicals and this year will be no exception. You don't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of the show that everyone will be talking about!
A Message from our Athletic Director
Welcome to Wildcat Athletics! As your Athletic Director, my expectation is for all teams to continue to build on the established traditions at WHS. We are very fortunate to have dedicated coaches leading our student athletes, as well as a strong network of support from our community, staff, alumni, and parents.
What does it mean to be a PROUD WILDCAT? As a student athlete, you must be responsible, accountable, and respectful on the playing field as well as in the community.
What does it mean to be a FAN OF A PROUD WILCAT? As the parent/spectator at athletic contests, it is important to support and encourage all athletes in a positive manner.
Our fall season begins August 8th as teams participate in tryouts and practices. Our game schedules can be found online at www.washingtoncountycmc.org.
Homecoming Weekend is Sept. 28-29. Our football team will play Friday night at 7:00pm against Catoctin. Our Athletic Booster Club sponsors their first fundraiser of the year with their Annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake breakfast on Saturday morning from 6:30am-10:00am in the cafeteria. The community parade begins at 11:00am at Springfield Middle School. The weekend culminates with students enjoying a Homecoming Dance on Saturday night from 8:00-11:00pm in the WHS gymnasium.
Please join and/or support our Wildcat Athletic Booster Club! This organization is an integral part of our athletic programs. This group of dedicated volunteers work with coaches and staff to raise funds to support all sports teams at WHS. I encourage you to join this organization and get involved in your child’s high school athletic experience. The Booster Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month in the cafeteria. Everyone is welcome! Please visit www.whsathleticboosters.org for more information.
Online Registration for Wildcat Athletics:
Online registration for all sports can be found at http://www.familyid.com/williamsport-high-school. Please log in and create an account! Fall registration is now open. Winter sports will open on September 15 and Spring sports will open on January 15. Please contact me at 301-766-8424 or crabtemi@wcps.k12.md.us with any suggestions, questions, or concerns.
I am looking forward to another successful and rewarding year with our student-athletes!
Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!
Emily Crabtree
PArent Meeting for all Fall sports
Monday, Aug 13, 2018, 06:00 PM
5 South Clifton Drive, Williamsport MD
Unified Tennis Meeting
The first practice will be held on September 5th from 3:30 - 4:30.
Tuesday, Aug 21, 2018, 06:00 PM
5 South Clifton Drive, Williamsport, MD, USA
WHS Athletic Booster Club
The Williamsport Wildcat Athletic Booster Club, Inc. (WWABC) exists to support our athletes, coaches, and generally athletic program at WHS. The general membership of WWABC mostly consists of the parents of student athletes. However, anyone interested in the athletic programs of WHS is invited and encouraged to join. In order to operate smoothly, the club has an elected executive board. The board members include new President - Bill Childers, Vice President - Robert Green, Treasurer - Becky Morris, and Secretary - Sherri Jamison. General Membership meetings are the 1st Monday of every month. Please visit the website http://www.whsathleticboosters.org for dates and times of meetings and other events. Our goal to expand our current level of support is directly related to the number of active booster members.
Williamsport Wildcat Athletic Boosters, Inc.
The purpose of the Club: 1) To boost and otherwise create interest in athletics and related activities at Williamsport High School, and to cooperate and assist in the development and promotion of the entire program of athletics.
WWABC has supported athletics by sponsoring athletic fees on an as needed basis. The club publishes a printed sports program showcasing our teams and senior athletes. Our club provides funding for coaches’ clinics, summer sports leagues, athletic equipment, state championship transportation, and year end sports banquet. One of the most important roles of WWABC is to award 2 College scholarships to student athletes every year.
Opportunities exist to showcase our athletes, teams, and coaches on our Walls of Distinction located near the gym. The monetary donations generated from the recognition plaques are dedicated to athletic facility improvements and most recently supported our multipurpose weight room, girls team room and indoor concession stand. We still have some room available on the Walls of Distinction and would be happy to discuss pledge options for you to recognize a special WHS athlete, team or coach.
Please consider how you can get involved to make WHS athletics even better than it is today!
Contact Sherri Jamison, Secretary, WWABC, at sherrij10@gmail.com or 301-988-6571.
Dates to Remember
Homecoming Weekend: Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29
Senior Photos Due to Yearbook Staff: TBA
Contacts
Assistant Principals - (301) 766-8423
Chrissy Yeager: Grade 9 (N-Z), Grade 10
Chris Cline: Grade 9 (G-M), Grade 11
Amanda Mulledy: Grade 9 (A-F), Grade 12
Counselors - (301) 766-8426
Randy Longnecker: Grade 9 (N-Z), Grade 10
Krista Downs Grade: 9 (G-M), Grade 11
Stephanie Howe: Grade 9 (A-F), Grade 12
Stay Connected: ParentVue, My School Bucks, and More
- Go to your app store.
- Download the WCPS app.
- Stay informed!
Good Standing
- Check out the Handbook for specifics on Good Standing.
- Stay in Good Standing to attend events and opportunities throughout the year.
Find the Counseling Center on Facebook!
- Facebook: Find our Williamsport High School Counseling Center Facebook page here. Like us for timely updates and tips.