March 13, 2020
News from Principal Frank Vetter:
Dear WMS Families,
On Wednesday of this week, teachers at WMS began to prepare for the possibility of an extended school closing to combat the spread of the COVID 19 virus. These plans included developing educational activities for students to complete at home in the event of an extended absence. When teachers began to develop lessons on Wednesday, no one anticipated only one day later that Governor Hogan would close schools across the state from March 16 through March 27. I am really proud of the work that teachers have done in such a short time. They care deeply for your children and want them to be successful.
After the school day began, FCPS announced that the district will treat these days as snow days, so students will NOT be required to complete any work during these two weeks. However, many teachers have sent home work, and I encourage students to spend some time every day on this OPTIONAL work. Math, language arts, and reading teachers have sent home materials and have posted instructions on Schoology. Science and Spanish teachers have posted optional work on Schoology. Some special teachers, like our art teachers, have encouraged students to continue projects that were begun here in school. Many students visited the media center to take out books for the break. Again, this work is optional and will not necessarily be graded, but it would be helpful for all students to do some work while off from school.
Below I have some special announcements regarding different school events, but first let me say this. Not only am I especially proud of teachers and staff for their work in this hectic week, but I am very proud of the mature way in which students have handled this day. We look forward to seeing everyone back here in two weeks.
Now, here are some announcements regarding important WMS events activities:
WMS Spring Musical “Frozen”: Has been rescheduled for April 17 and 18. The show times will be the same, and all tickets purchased for this weekend will be honored for the new dates.
8th Grade Dance: Originally scheduled for April 17 will be rescheduled for a future date.
Parent-Teen Book Club: Our meeting for Monday, March 16 has been canceled. An email will be sent to those who signed up about a possible online version of our club. Stay tuned!
Heart & Sole Running Club: The new start date will be Monday, March 30, pending the opening of schools.
READ 180 Students (Ms. Ruefle & Ms. Tregoning): Over the course of the next two weeks, please complete 3 20-minute sessions of Read 180 Software per week. Students can access software using their FCPS bookmarks. In addition, read for twenty minutes per day. Reading can be completed using Bookshare, Axis 360, library books, or books of your choice.
Science Fair: Originally scheduled for March 18 will be rescheduled once students return to school. Students entering the fair should continue to work on their projects and be prepared for a new date in a few weeks.
FNP Ad Design Contest: Designs are due to art teachers by April 10.
Free Comcast Internet for Families in Need: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Once everyone has returned to school and we have a better sense of the schedule, we will communicate other important dates, such as end-of-year activities. Stay well!
Best wishes,
Frank Vetter
Principal
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
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
CHARLESTON WRAP
Check out all the new Spring items being offered. Order by March 12th for Easter delivery. Go to http://www.charlestonwrapstore.com/schoolcodeinput.php and enter our Organization ID: 15775 in the “Shopping to support an Organization only” box. Then you can start shopping on the Charleston Wrap store to help support our organization. Each order supports WMS PTSA programs that support the students!
DUTCH MILL BULBS
New Spring Fundraiser!! All items are guaranteed to grow and bloom, and our group earns 50% profit on every sale. Dutch Mill Bulbs ships straight to you! Bulbs will begin to ship on March 15, 2020. Get your orders in and support WMS PTSA!
https://groups.dutchmillbulbs.com/shop/?affiliates=wmsptsa
HERSHEYPARK TICKETS: ONLINE ORDERS ONLY
Go to our website (http://walkersvillems.my-ptsa.org , click on the Hersheypark tab)
Save the Dates:
Dine Out Day at the Village Tavern is Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 11:30-9pm
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
WMS Website
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS David Early Jessica Sowerbrower School Cash Online Menus & Meals
www.fcps.org