The Owl Observer

Dear Students and Families,

Happy Week #8 WYWLA Families! Important notes are below!

I want to help clarify some of the information that was shared with families last week. As you know leaving SAU at the end of the 23-24 School Year meant we would need to find a new university partner. Our new university partner will be Shaw University. I want to clarify some points of confusion for students and families to help alleviate stress and anxiety.

• 9th and 10th graders would continue to be housed on main campus. There is no change to the way 9th and 10th graders currently experience Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy.
• The young women and young men have always been together at the college campus once they enter 11th and 12th grade. WYWLA is single gender for grades 6-8, but it has never been exclusively single gender for grades 9-12. Not only do students take classes with both genders from WCPSS during their high school span, they also take classes with college students. This is no change to the way the school has always operated.
• As always, students who wants to stay for high school are always invited to do so. There are families who decide to move on to other Early Colleges and high schools after 8th grade. If a student is struggling significantly academically, we've always met with families to discuss the academic requirements and expectations of the Early College Model and think through other opportunities.
• Many of the changes noted are technical notes on paper, but they would not impact students and families who wish to move into the Early College after their 8th grade year.

As we continue to hear more updates please reach out with questions. I'm happy to help process with families, but most importantly, I want to keep our students calm and focused on their learning.

Thank you!

Quick Notes

• Students who are sick must stay home. If your child is too sick to engage in class, they should stay home. Please review WCPSS health protocols HERE.
• Please note that we have a new school nurse. WYWLA School Nurse: Ms. Valerie Harmon, RN (vharmon@wcpss.net)

• Do you need to update your contact information? Email our Data Manager - jbalraj@wcpss.net!

Sincerely,

Mariah Walker,

Principal

Head over to our PTSA Spirit Wear Store to get your beginning of the year orders in! Day of the Girl Shirts are ALREADY available. You will need these by October 11, so be sure to include those in your order. There are so many awesome shirts and designs to pick from. Get those orders in!

• Visitor check-in system | To continue to provide safe learning environments, all schools have upgraded their visitor check-in system to a district-wide Visitor Management System. The new system will verify all school visitors and check the Sex Offender Registry for potential matches. Any visitors to campus will be asked to present a valid photo ID when entering the building. View details of what to expect when visiting your child’s school.
  

• Say Something Anonymous Reporting System | To enhance student safety, our schools will begin using the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) starting in the 2024-25 school year. Students, teachers, and administrators will be trained to recognize the signs of at-risk behaviors, especially within social media. The system offers a 24/7 tip line for students, parents, and staff to report anyone who shows signs of harming themselves or others. The program will be rolled out in three phases, starting with middle and high schools with a July start date. Our school will provide additional information and updates once our phase begins. Don't Ever Wait To Report A Safety Concern: We value our partnership with families and the community in keeping schools safe. You can share safety concerns using the WCPSS Tip Line at (919) 856-1911.
  

• New bus delay notification system | Starting this school year, parents of students who ride the bus now can receive up-to-the-minute notifications via text and/or email when their child’s bus is delayed. To receive these messages, you will need to make sure you have given permission to receive text and/or email notifications via SchoolMessenger. You can also check for bus delays by clicking on the Live Bus Updates link on your school’s transportation page, or by visiting wcpss.net/busupdates. You also can still track your child’s bus using the Here Comes the Bus app. Learn more.
  

• Student/Parent Handbook | This guide helps students and families understand the rules and expectations for behavior in school, on the way to and from school, and during school-sponsored activities. https://www.wcpss.net/handbook
  

• Renew your volunteer application for 2024-25 | Families and individuals who were approved to volunteer during the 2023-24 school year received an email on July 1 outlining the quick and easy volunteer renewal process for the 2024-25 school year. The renewal window will be July 1-Oct. 1. Visit Volunteering in WCPSS to learn more about volunteer renewal or apply to be a first-time volunteer.
  

• Find student behavioral health support | Students’ social-emotional well-being is supported by all staff. If you have concerns about your child, or want to learn more about how your school supports student well-being, contact your child’s school counselor. School counselors, psychologists and social workers are available in every school, and we have hired many more of these personnel to serve students since 2020. In addition, Counseling and Student Services offers resources that may help students and families improve their health and wellness.

• Review technology resources for families | Find technology policies, forms and resources on how we keep our students safe online at wcpss.net/technology. Student Device Program updates: Students in grades 6 and 9 will receive a new assigned Chromebook at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 continue to use their assigned Chromebooks for the 2024-25 school year, even if they are transferring to another WCPSS school. Students in grades K, 1, and 2 will have access to a classroom Chromebook that will stay at school. Students with assigned devices must follow the care and use guidelines for student devices. Any issue with a student's device should be reported to your student's school.

It's time to start thinking about PTSA Reflections. We are home to regional and state recognition in Reflections, so let's keep the celebration going this year!

St. Jude is Coming to Raleigh, NC and we need your help to make the event a success!

Please see the image below for an amazing opportunity for students!

Please take a moment to share this with a WYWLA Alum! The information for our OWL ALUMNI PAGE will be launching later this summer. Please use the link below to above to information!

Website: www.wcpss.net/wywla
Location: 303 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC, USA
Phone: (919) 508-9088
Twitter: @WakeGirlsLead