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Pence Press
October 13, 2023
Pence Families-
There is much to celebrate in our school along with things for us to improve upon. I’d like to take a moment to chat a little bit about things on both sides of the coin. Any time we invite guests into the building or go somewhere else as guests, student behavior speaks volumes about our students, school, and community. I have been very proud of the way our students have represented themselves as we hosted our author this week, as our 7th grade students attended the Worlds of Work field trip, our performing arts groups have participated across the county, our athletes have competed, and our students have gone on various field trips! I have heard lots of positive comments and our students should be commended. Additionally, as I make my way around the building, students are actively engaged in activities as our teachers have collaborated together to plan effective and dynamic lessons.
On the other side of the coin, Unity Day is approaching this coming week. When we say that We are Better Together, this is not a statement relegated to a single day or activity. We have observed an uptick in the number of incidents where our students have used derogatory terms related to student attributes. Treating each other with dignity and respect to build community is a priority of ours. Our Pence administrative team has begun the process of meeting with all of our students in small groups to discuss this in a reflective manner. We want students to consider what is going through their minds when these comments are being made from the perspective of those directly involved, those who overhear the comments, and the entire community. While the adults in the building are spending a significant amount of time addressing these concerns and assigning consequences, we want students to know that real change begins with them. A majority of our students are choosing to do and say the right thing and that has not been lost on us. We want our students to understand that words have power, all of our students have value, and are worthy of respect. Our words should be used to build up rather than to tear down.
As always, I’d like to thank you for partnering with us in your student’s education.
Sincerely-
John Childs
LITERACY NIGHT was FUN!!
Congratulations to our All County Choir!
Come out to support our Music Department!
Yearbook Pictures
You are still able to order your pictures online at https://www.strawbridge.net/
The online code is FM435447.
Make-Up Pictures and Club Pictures will be taken on Friday, December 1st.
Attendance
Our office/attendance email is wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us
Email us when your student is on vacation.
Email us when your student is sick or has an appointment.
Email us notes about early dismissals or late arrivals.
Email us changes in bus/transportation needs.
Just email us to keep us informed!
Parent Teacher Conferenes
Pence FFA Citrus Fruit Sales
Clothing Drive
Fall Book Fair ends Monday (10/16)
Homework Help
Our Homework Help Program begun and continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30. Assistance is given with homework assignments, late or missing work and difficult learning areas. If you are interested, please print the following form for your students:
Bus transportation is available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. If transportation is needed, please print this form:
After School Transportation Form
Hard copies of both forms are available in the office.
Wilbur Pence Middle School PTO News & Updates
The PTO is working on hostin it's 1st Annual Game Night! However, it will not be held on October 25th so we can have some more time to recruit your help! It will likely be held after the first of the year. We would love to have you on board as we plan. Please let me know if you are interested in joining the committee to help assist with the details and make this event fun for all. Feel free to email me at ksnead@liveatstoneport.com
Meeting schedule: November 15th , January 10th , March 13th , and May 15th . These are all Wednesdays and will be held in the library at 6pm.
Sports Information
Check out our Student Activities Page on our website!
- Tickets to athletic events are $4 for students and adults.
Concessions will be available for sale at most athletic events.
Current physicals run from May 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. A current physical is required by RCPS for all athletes to tryout and participate.
Questions about sports at Pence: Email our Athletic Director Mr. Anderson at tanderson@rockingham.k12.va.us
Basketball Tryouts
For any 7th or 8th grade boy interested in basketball at Pence this season, there will be an informational meeting in the Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct 25th at 10am.
Cheerleading Tryouts
Wrestling
There will be an informational meeting for any students interested in wrestling this year at Pence on Oct. 24 at 3 pm in the auditorium. Wrestling is open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Wrestling practice will begin on November 8th in the cafeteria.
JV sports at TAHS for 8th graders
Any 8th graders interested in JV Swim and Dive at TA should see Ms Hoover in room 137 or email at thoover01@rockingham.k12.va.us
'23-'24 Yearbooks
KNIGHT’S CAFÉ
Pence Gear at Sideline Store
Counseling & Administrative Support
Change of Schedule Request Forms and Check-In or Appointment Request Forms can be found online on our School Counseling page: https://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/o/wspms/page/school-counseling
Which counselor works with you?
Lisa Holsinger-Thomas, Counselor / Teresa Shank (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names A-K
Matt Nyce, Counselor / Jody Randolph (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names L-Z
Sandy Hackbarth, Part-time Counselor - available on even days
Information for Parents, Guardians & Students
Please bookmark these pages for your reference:
You can also visit us on Facebook & Instagram:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penceknights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknightspotlight/?hl=en