February 7, 2020
News from Principal Frank Vetter
Congratulations to teacher Kim Ruefle for being WMS’s nominee for the annual FCPS Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Ruefle has taught reading intervention at WMS for three years. Every day she creates a positive learning environment and helps struggling readers improve in their ability to comprehend what they read. She is already thought of as one of the best reading teachers in the county even though she has only taught intervention for three years. Prior to coming to WMS, Ms. Ruefle taught 5th grade at Walkersville Elementary School. In addition to being a great teacher, Ms. Ruefle also serves as our school’s lead mentor for new teachers. We are grateful for Ms. Ruefle’s outstanding contributions to WMS. Good luck in the district competition.
8th Grade Dance: Permission slips for the 8th Grade Dance will be distributed next week. The dance will be held on Friday, April 17, 6-8 p.m. In order for students to be able to attend the dance, they must meet the following criteria: 1) Have no more than one unexcused absence. 2) Earn no discipline referrals for fighting, bullying, or disruption in the fifty-day period before the dance. More information about the dance will be provided on the permission slip.
On Thursday, February 27th, juniors and seniors in Frederick County’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program will welcome guests for the IB Showcase, a special program of instrumental performances, visual arts, and original research projects. The event will be held from 6 until 8 pm at Urbana High School.
Any 8th grader in Frederick County can apply for entrance into the IB program, regardless of feeder area; students come from across the county. It is a highly competitive academic program, one of the best pre-college programs offered by FCPS. Currently, the IB program housed at Urbana High is the only IB program in Frederick County.
The Showcase on February 27th is a great opportunity for middle schoolers to find out more about the program. There will be current IB students and instructors there, as well as IB parents and families. Students will give live performances and display some of their work.
The attached flyer describes the event. Please encourage students who are interested in IB to attend. All are welcome. If you have any questions, please call Usha Santharam in the IB office (240.236.7747 or usha.santharam@fcps.org).
Showcase Flyer
Looking Ahead
Announcements:
Students are encouraged to participate each Friday in Fri-YAY Spirit Days!
Next Week, February 10-14 , is Kindness Spirit Week !!
February 12th at 6:30pm at Governor Thomas Johnson High School Media Center
Open House for NJROTC
NJROTC Flyer
Media Center
As part of our FCPS and Frederick County Public Library (FCPL) partnership, students can now access a variety of resources offered through our public library. FCPS students can use their student ID along with the FCPL prefix (119829) to gain access to 3 print items, eBooks and databases. See more about this exciting venture below at: https://www.fcpl.org/StudentSuccess
Media Specialist: Ann.Duncan@fcps.org
Visit Our Online Resources
Health Room News
Nurse: Tiffany Mathis, RN, Tiffany.mathis@fcps.org Health Room Technician: Stephanie Tillman, STillman@FrederickCountyMD.gov
PTSA Officers 2019-2020
President: Jenni Gilroy Vice President: Stephanie Tekin Treasurer: Meghan Quinn Secretary: Karen Sass
HERSHEYPARK TICKET SALES
We are very excited to be able to offer discount tickets to HERSHEYPARK again this year. Ticket Order forms will be handed out to each student later this month. If for some reason you don't receive one and would like to order tickets, please click on the appropriate link below. All completed Ticket Order Forms and payments are due back to WMS by March 23, 2020, ATTN: Jenni Gilroy. Please do NOT send in cash, pay by check OR online only.
ONLINE ORDERING IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2020: Go to our http://walkersvillems.my-ptsa.org/content.asp?PageID=18 to purchase tickets online this year. Convenience Fees will apply to any online purchase. Tickets will be distributed approximately by April 15, 2020.
2020 Hershey Park Ticket Order Form http://walkersvillems.my-ptsa.org/content.asp?PageID=22
WMS PTSA Website
Counselor Update:
6th Grade and Guidance Department Chair: Suzanne Twilley 7th Grade: Caitlin Schultheis 8th Grade: Alli Rohrer Learn More
PRINCIPAL Frank Vetter 55 W. FrederickStreet Walkersville, MD 21793
240-236-4400 Phone 240-236-4401 Fax
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS David Early Jessica Sowerbrower School Cash Online Menus & Meals
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