Pence Press
April 26, 2024
Pence Families-
We would like to take a moment to update you on a few items:
1. We have started having outside lunch. If your student has a legitimate concern (bee sting allergies, for example), please notify the school and encourage them to let us know as we will have an alternative location for them inside. We have found that our students really enjoy eating outside during this time of the year. Hats and sunglasses are allowed during outside lunches.
2. Please continue to talk to your student about appropriate cell phone use. We encourage you to set boundaries and rules for them. Check their phones regularly and talk to them about ways to respond to inappropriate postings or things that may cause conflict. Quite frankly, students are not mature enough at this age to make good decisions with their cell phones on their own and we continue to hear about concerning reports which, either need to be reported to the authorities, or cause a disruption to the learning environment.
3. Spring has sprung! Please help us out in making sure students are following the dress code.
4. SOL tests are coming up in May. No matter our viewpoint about the tests, they are required as part of our accreditation and accountability process. Teachers are preparing students for the test and we have extended opportunities for learning after school. We are working towards preparing our students to do the best they can on these assessments, while trying to find the balance and not overstressing them as we don’t want to create anxiety. We simply ask that they take their time, use their strategies, and do their best.
5. Finally, we appreciate your efforts in getting your student(s) to school each day as scheduled and communicating with us if they need to be out. As you're aware, students are simply most successful when they are present on a regular basis. The state also has added chronic absenteeism as part of the accreditation requirements.
We appreciate you taking the time to review these items. As always, thank you for partnering with us! Feel free to call any time.
Sincerely-
Pence Administration
American Heart Challenge
We are almost halfway to our American Heart Challenge goal of raising $1,500! Please continue to ask for donations until April 30th to complete Finn's mission!! If you have received any donations through social media, please check to make sure those totals are showing up on your personal page's totals. If you do not see them please let Ms. L know immediately!
Student Artwork
Homework Help
Our last afternoon of Homework Help will take place Tuesday, April 30th. There will be activity buses on April 30th to provide transportation home from Homework Help.
SOL Testing
Please make sure your students are present on SOL testing days. We are unable to call into classrooms on testing days so be mindful of taking your students out early on those days. You will have to wait until your student is done testing before we are able to release them.
5/9 - 8th grade Civics SOL
5/14 - 8th grade Science SOL
5/16 - ALL grades (6th-8th) Reading SOL
5/21 ALL grades (6th-8th) Math SOL
8th Grade French 1 - making crepes
Rising 7th Grade Immunizations
Current 6th Grade Pence Families- Please see the attached information regarding immunization requirements for students prior to entering 7th grade.
Learning is Fun!
NPR Vaping Article
Parents, it's time to talk to your child about vaping
Tuesday, May 7th - Spirit Day
Teachers dress like students and students dress like teachers day.
WSPMS Music Celebration
Pence Ruri-Teens
Our Ruri-Teens are wrapping up their community service projects for this school year. We were super busy during the months of March and April. We met with residents at the Bridgewater Retirement Community to create spring flower arrangements and a spring craft. We also enjoyed an ice cream social and spring games with the residents. We filled 500 eggs for the town of Dayton and hid thousands of eggs for their annual Easter egg hunt. During our last club day, we participated in games to remind us of the importance of leadership and teambuilding skills. A huge thank you to all of the Ruri-Teen members for making this another successful school year!
WSPMS Sports Information
Pence Track & Field
Track Practice is daily after school until 4:30/5:00pm. Meets begin at 4:30pm
4/16 - HOME w/ Elkton
4/23 - AWAY @ Montevideo
4/30 - HOME w/ THMS, EMHS
5/8 - AWAY @ Harrisonburg High School (District Meet)
Fundraiser
Summer Camps
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. We need to hear from both sets of families when a student is riding the bus with another student.
Just email us to keep us informed!
KNIGHT’S CAFÉ
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
"Rooms" - New Communication Platform
Families likely received a text message this past week with information about a new communication platform called “Rooms.” Please see the message below from RCPS for more information about this new tool:
We're thrilled to introduce a new feature in our district app called Rooms! This platform is designed for seamless communication between staff and families, making it easier than ever to stay informed about school updates and activities. As we roll out this new tool, we're starting with a small group of teachers, all spring sports coaches, and our Middle School and High School Principals. While not all staff members will immediately transition to using Rooms as their primary communication tool, we're moving in that direction and aim to have full implementation by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Stay tuned for more information and resources as we continue the rollout. Effective communication is essential to our school community's success, and we're excited to embark on this journey with you through Rooms!