Westland Middle School

Weekly Update: January 6th to January 10th

WMS Newsletter Accessiblity

Do you need to see the newsletter in a different language or larger font?

Our digital newsletter can be translated into many different languages and the font can be adjusted so our entire community has access to what is happening in the WMS Wildcat Community!

To adjust your view of the newsletter, click on the "accessibility" button. The button is a circle with figure in it. Once you click the accessibility button, the menu to choose the language or different font size will appear.

Need To See Resources From Weekly Newsletters?

In an effort to keep our weekly newsletter shorter and more concise, previous weekly messages will be on the Westland MS website (Sunday S'MORES from Mrs. Walker)

Mrs. Walker's Phone Message: January 6, 2025

Good Evening Westland Families,

Happy New Year! This is Mrs. Walker, and here is the Westland Weekly Update for January 6, 2025.

In this week's newsletter you will see the following upcoming updates and events:

MCPS Operations Status Reminders
Mosaic Writing Contest
Westland Spring Production Updates
Winter Map Testing Schedule
WMS Counseling Department News
Students of the Month Recognition
PTSA Events (8th Grade Bowlero Event) and Membership Information
Course Registration Night at B-CC (8th grade students)
8th Grade Promotion (Save the Date)
STAR Schedule (January 2025)
MCPS Outdoor Education Open House
Weekly Reminders (WMS)
Weekly Reminders (MCPS)

MCPS has closed schools and offices tomorrow 1/6/25 due to pending winter storm. As a reminder, a forecast of inclement weather may impact school openings, so please stay informed. Look for updates from MCPS regarding any changes to openings, delays, or closings to ensure you have the latest information. Additionally, we will provide any updates regarding school events and activities at Westland that are impacted by school closings and delays.

Beginning this week, our weekly messages will transition from Blackboard to ParentSquare. We hope this transition will make accessing our messages more convenient across computers and other digital devices. All of our communications, and the most up to date information, will also be shared on the WMS website. Additionally, messages with QR codes or zoom information will have links to access the information if you are viewing this message on your smartphones or tablets.

That concludes our message for this week. We look forward to a great week because we are #BetterTogetherWMS. Have a wonderful evening!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nicole Walker

Principal, WMS

MCPS Schools Closed on Monday 1/6/2024

MCPS Operating Status Reminders for 2024-2025

The safety of our MCPS community is critical, and being able to communicate with students, staff, and

families during severe weather or other emergencies is of the utmost importance.

Use this link to find all the ways you can connect with MCPS to receive emergency operational information from the school system. The current operating status options for the school district appear on the MCPS website and on individual school websites.

In the event of a change in operational status, this link will provide more information about the MCPS Operating Status options.

Westland MS Spring Production Announcement

Westland MS is thrilled to partner with Adventure Theatre & ATMTC Academy for our spring production! We will share more details soon about auditions, the rehearsal schedule, and other important information from Adventure Theatre and the director—stay tuned!

B-CC Night Grade Course Selection Night

Eighth Grade Promotion (Save the Date)

Mosaic Writing Contest

Winter MAP Testing Schedule

Counseling Department News

Students of the Month (November 2024)

MCPS Outdoor Education Open House

STAR Lessons

Yearbook Information (for WMS)

Westland PTSA Events & Membership Information

Westland MS Information & Resources

Communication at Westland MS

Westland strives to make clear community a priority. We will continue to prioritize communication and share about Westland through multiple venues. Please expect the following from us:

Weekly Sunday night phone call @ 6:00 pm from administration with detailed information on activities and upcoming happenings at Westland.
Weekly Smore newsletter from administration with detailed information on activities and upcoming events at WMS.
Staff members may be utilizing Remind, as our texting communication app.
All updates and links will be found on the Westland Middle School Website.

We are continuing our work to be more “green” and share as much information as possible with parents electronically. We will notify you with Remind or Parent Square updates when we add or update with new information. But, if you cannot find what you need in this newsletter or on our webpage, please contact the main office and we will be happy to help you!

Counseling Department Information

The Westland Counseling Department is excited for this school year. For more information, please check out the WMS counseling website.

Bus Transportation Information for 2024-2025

We have provided the bus stop information for the school year. Please click on the link for pick-up times and drop-off times.

Mental Health and Safety Resources

Montgomery County Crisis Hotlines:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial or Text 988 (for more information click HERE)
Maryland Crisis Hotline - 301-738-2255
Montgomery County Crisis Center - 240-777-4000
Youth Crisis Hotline of Montgomery County - 301-738-9697

Safety and Security Concerns:

Safe Schools Maryland Hotline - 833-MD-B-Safe (833-632-7233)
Safe Schools Maryland Online Report - Click HERE
MCPS Department of Systemwide Emergency Management - 240-740-3066
Cyber Tipline - 1-800-843-5678

MCPS "STRONGER STUDENT" - Student Mental Health and Wellness APP

National Association of School Psychologists:

Supporting Marginalized Students in Stressful Times: Tips for Caregivers

MCPS and Community Resources and Events

Updated Guidance for Student Speech and Expression

Know the guidance for Student Speech and Expression.

Staff, students, and families must know the rights and guidelines for students to express views on issues important to them.

Guidelines for Students
Español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Resources to Reduce and Address Incidents of Hate and Bias

See the steps taken and plans for this school year to reduce and address Hate-Bias
español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
Visit the new Responding to Incidents of Hate-Bias website.

High-Quality Curriculum

Civic Engagement conversations occur through Social Studies classes, where teachers are provided lessons, guidance, and ongoing professional development. A letter sent from principals and social studies staff provides notification of this work.
Attend the Social Studies Curriculum nights to learn more about how Social Studies is taught!

Cafeteria News & Secondary School Meals Information

Starting on the first day of school, full breakfasts will cost $1.30, full lunches will cost $2.80, and various ala carte items will be available ranging from $1 to $2.

When students go through the meal line, they will enter their student ID numbers to access their lunch accounts. Funds can be added to student lunch accounts using MySchoolBucks or payments can be made directly to our cafeteria using cash or a check. We will share a link to the monthly menu and specific ala carte offerings during the third week of August, 2023.

No student will be denied a meal if funds are not available on their account. In the event that a lunch account has insufficient funds, the student will still receive the meal and the price will be recorded as a credit which can be repaid at a later date.

It is important to complete the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) form if you have previously, or believe you will qualify for free or reduced meals. If your family qualifies for any level of FARMS support, all meals are free. Apply online at www.MySchoolApps.com

Parent Vue

ParentVUE and StudentVUE is a valuable resource for educators, parents and students. It creates a bridge of communication to relay important information such as homework, tests, upcoming events and grades. It is important for students and parents to check regularly to keep track of assignments and grades. However, grades may take longer to post depending on the assignment. Please be patient with teachers as some assignments may take as long as two weeks to grade.

If you need assistance with setting up your account, please email us. Information is also available on the MCPS website.

Parent/Guardian ParentVUE Support Guide (Annual Verification Instructions on page 24!)

Technology Information and Support for Parents in MCPS

Immunizations

The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2024-2025 school year.

Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year.

Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.

Address Change?

If you are moving over the summer please let our counseling office secretary, Mrs. Montano Rivas know at Alva_B_MontanoRivas2@mcpsmd.org