The Ram Review
December 1, 2024
Welcome Back! Let’s Finish Strong!
Welcome Back from Thanksgiving Break!
We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving break. The countdown to winter break is on—only 15 school days left in 2024! Let’s make every day count as we wrap up the semester strong.
Important Reminders:
- Dress for Success: As the weather turns cooler, please remember that pajama pants and slippers are not allowed at school according to Plano ISD’s dress code. Let’s keep rocking our best school-appropriate outfits!
- Be Here, Every Day: Attendance is super important! Missing more than 9 days can add up and make things tricky with truancy. Let’s work together to make every day count.
Let’s finish the semester on a high note!
Natalie Bauerkemper
Principal
Wilson Middle School
Important Dates at a Glance
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Plano PD Christmas Cops Donations Due
Friday, December 6, 2024 - Wilson Winter Formal Social
Monday, December 9, 2024 - Algebra 1 MAP test
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Spanish 7/8/3H/4AP begin semester exam
Friday, December 13, 2024 - Spanish 7/8/3H/4AP continue semester exam
Monday, December 16, 2024 - 1st period and 6th period exams
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 2nd period and 7th period exams
Wednesday, December 18, 2024- 3rd period and 8th period exams
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 4th period and 5th period exams
Friday, December 20, 2024 - Make-up Exams and Early Release
December 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025 - Winter Break
Monday, January 6, 2024 - Student Holiday/Staff Day
Wilson Winter Social - Friday, December 6th
Get ready to kick off the holiday season at the PTA Winter Social! Join us for a night of fun, friends, and festivities you won’t want to miss.
📅 When: Friday, December 6th (5:00pm - 6:30 pm)
📍 Where: Wilson Middle School
🎟️ Tickets: $5.00
- On sale during lunch at the school store
- Available Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (Dec 4–6)
Don’t wait—grab your ticket and make plans to celebrate with us. It’s going to be a magical evening! 🌟
Wilson Winter Formal Volunteers Needed!
PTA is thrilled to announce their first social event of the school year—a Winter Formal! 🎉 Join us as we transform the evening into a sparkling winter wonderland.
✨ How You Can Help:
- Donations: To make this event magical, we need your support! Please drop off all donations at the office by the morning of 12/4.
- Volunteers: All volunteers must be approved by Plano ISD. If you haven’t completed the approval process this school year, get started at https://plano.voly.org. The form takes minutes, but approval may take a few days, so please act quickly!
📩 Questions? Contact Pam at pam0615@yahoo.com.
📋 Volunteer Signup: SignUp Genius Link
We can’t wait to see our middle schoolers dressed to impress and having a great time. Thank you for your support! 💙
This is a fantastic event for our middle schoolers, and we’d love your help to make it magical. If you have questions, contact Pam at pam0615@yahoo.com.
Celebrating Our All-Region Band Students!
We are incredibly proud of our 7th and 8th Grade band students who participated in the All-Region Band Auditions this right before the break. Over 1,300 students from across our region competed in this challenging audition process, and while many did not advance, our school had its best showing yet! We are beyond thrilled for these talented students and excited to share their results below.
Congratulations to the following students:
- Flute: Ivy Kincaid – 1st Chair Symphonic Band
- Flute: Brenna Hackbart – 1st Chair Concert Band
- Oboe: Olivia Jones – 2nd Overall, 2nd Chair Wind Symphony
- Clarinet: Julia Montini – 27th Overall, 3rd Concert Band
- Clarinet: Everett Harris – 30th Overall, 6th Concert Band
- Clarinet: Milah Elliot – 3rd Alternate
- Bass Clarinet: Seth Armijo – 2nd Alternate
- Alto Saxophone: Jayminn Yi – 5th Chair Symphonic Band
- Trumpet: Oscar Ballesteros – 9th Chair Symphonic Band
- Trumpet: Nathan Fassett – 4th Chair Concert Band
- Trumpet: Adam Whitfield – 6th Chair Concert Band
- Trumpet: Prateet Rout – Alternate
- Trombone: Dakota Gonzalez – 3rd Chair Overall, 3rd Chair Wind Symphony
- Trombone: Nathan Lee – 7th Chair Overall, 7th Chair Wind Symphony
- Trombone: Brennan Richard – 8th Chair Symphonic Band
- Euphonium: Owen Harris – 4th Overall, 4th Chair Wind Symphony
- Percussion: Tabitha Goldsmith – Alternate
Congratulations to Mr. Duck, Mrs. Buniva, and every student who auditioned!
Wilson Fall 2024 Exam Schedule
Monday, December 9, 2024 - Algebra 1 MAP test
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Spanish 7/8/3H/4AP begin semester exam
Friday, December 13, 2024 - Spanish 7/8/3H/4AP continue semester exam
Monday, December 16, 2024 - 1st period and 6th period exams
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 2nd period and 7th period exams
Wednesday, December 18, 2024- 3rd period and 8th period exams
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 4th period and 5th period exams
Friday, December 20, 2024 - Make-up Exams and Early Release
Wilson PTA December Newsletter
The latest issue of our PTA newsletter is here! It’s filled with important updates, upcoming events, and helpful resources.
Access it here: https://secure.smore.com/n/t593b-wilson-middle-school-pta-update
Wilson Girls Basketball Schedules
Wilson Boys Basketball Schedules
Plano PD Christmas Cops Teen Gift Drive
Officer Munoz and the Plano Police Department have a tradition of spreading holiday cheer by providing gifts for Wilson Ram families in need. This year, we are excited to support the Plano PD's Christmas Cops drive, which benefits our own community! Please consider contributing to our donation drive.
For more information or to get involved, reach out to Officer Munoz at tara.munoz@pisd.edu. Donations can be dropped off with Officer Munoz or at the Wilson Front Office. Let's come together to make a difference!
Plano ISD Ticket Information
Communication Protocol for Addressing Concerns
Dear Families,
As we continue working together to ensure your child’s success, I want to take a moment to reinforce our communication protocol for addressing concerns or issues that may arise during the school year.
In Plano ISD, we believe that open and direct communication is the foundation for resolving most concerns efficiently. Concerns should always be addressed at the level closest to the issue. In most cases, this means reaching out to your child’s teacher first. Our teachers are directly involved in your child’s day-to-day experience and are in the best position to respond to questions or resolve any concerns. Communication between parents and teachers is essential in ensuring that we are all on the same page regarding your child’s learning experience.
If you find that an issue persists after speaking with the teacher or requires further attention, please feel free to reach out to me or a member of my administrative team.
For concerns that require additional attention, we invite you to visit www.pisd.edu/complaintresolution. This resource provides topic-specific steps for effectively resolving student and family concerns, along with sample email messages you may consider when contacting your child’s teacher.
Please understand that while our staff members are committed to responding promptly, the demands of the school day may occasionally delay immediate responses. We appreciate your patience and understanding in these instances.
We deeply value your support and trust as we work together to create the best possible environment for your child. Thank you for helping to ensure that communication remains clear, courteous, respectful and productive.
Warm regards,
Natalie Bauerkemper
Principal
Estimadas familias,
A medida que continuamos trabajando juntos para asegurar el éxito de sus hijos, quiero tomar un momento para reforzar nuestros protocolos de comunicación para abordar las preocupaciones o inquietudes que puedan surgir durante el ciclo escolar.
En Plano ISD, creemos que la comunicación abierta y directa es la base para resolver la mayoría de las preocupaciones de manera eficiente. Las inquietudes siempre deben abordarse en el nivel más cercano al problema. En la mayoría de los casos, esto significa comunicarse primero con el profesor de su estudiante. Nuestros profesores están directamente involucrados en el día a día de su estudiante y son los más indicados para responder a sus preguntas o resolver sus dudas. La comunicación entre padres de familia y profesores es vital para garantizar que todos estemos de acuerdo en la experiencia del aprendizaje de sus hijos.
Si un problema persiste después de hablar con el profesor o requiere de una mayor atención, no dude en comunicarse conmigo o con algún miembro del equipo administrativo de la escuela.
En cuanto a las preocupaciones que requieren atención adicional, le invitamos a visitar
www.pisd.edu/complaintresolution (resolucióndequejas). Este recurso proporciona paso a paso específicamente cómo resolver eficazmente las preocupaciones del estudiante y las familias, incluso le proporcionamos ejemplos de correos electrónicos que usted pudiera considerar usar para ponerse en contacto con el profesor de su estudiante.
Por favor comprenda que aunque nuestro personal se compromete a responder con prontitud, las exigencias de la jornada escolar pueden ocasionalmente retrasar las respuestas inmediatas. Agradecemos su paciencia y comprensión en dichas situaciones.
Valoramos profundamente su apoyo y confianza mientras trabajamos juntos para crear el mejor entorno posible para sus estudiantes. Gracias por ayudarnos a garantizar que la comunicación continúe siendo clara, cortés, respetuosa y productiva.
Un cordial saludo,
Natalie Bauerkemper
Directora
Wilson Golden Chick Fundraiser
From September 2nd through December 29th, $.50 from every order of Golden Chick's new Churros will go directly to local schools just like Wilson! Wilson was specifically was picked to be the recipient of funds raised by Golden Chick this year.
This year, they extended our fundraising timeline to give as much as possible back to those who are shaping and molding our communities and future generations. Last year, every school they supported received between $300 and $1,000 – with even more time, and with your help, we can make this number even bigger!
Reporting Student Absences in Skyward
Information Worth Repeating Below
Important Information About Safety and Security
Please review the notice below from our Safety & Security team:
Cell Phone / Electronics Policy
During the school day, students are prohibited from having their cell phones, earbuds, or any other personal electronic devices visible. We kindly request that these items remain concealed in their backpacks. Once students are dismissed to their 1st period classes, they will be reminded to put away their devices. To ensure everyone is aware, we will reinforce this procedure the first few days of school. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child regarding this policy before the school year starts.
*NEW* Bell Schedules
To accommodate the district's addition of 5 minutes to each school day, we have revised our bell schedule. Starting this fall, we will have a Monday-Thursday schedule and a separate schedule for Fridays.
The new Friday schedule allows for more flexibility, enabling us to meet in smaller groups, foster collaboration, and build connections as a whole school community. Additionally, this revised schedule provides opportunities for increased collaboration with our feeder high schools and senior high schools, promoting a stronger sense of continuity and cooperation across our educational community.
Wilson Bell Schedule (Monday - Thursday)
Wilson Bell Schedule (Friday)
Celebrate your Student's Birthday!
Ram Families,
***You will have the option to pay in Rycor beginning on August 13th.***
Celebrate your child's birthday and support Wilson at the same time! Pay $25 for your child's name to be posted on the marquee during their birthday week (Monday - Sunday). The student's first name, last initial and birthdate will display on the marquee. We will also either shout out your student over the school announcements or during lunch time over the microphone!
*If the marquee is not working, which is rare, their name will display the next working day.
Complete the details below and submit payment at least two weeks prior to the Monday of your child's birthday week.
Step 1: Complete this Google Form
Step 2: Make payment of $25.00 (You will have an option to pay beginning on August 13th)
Credit Card only: Sign into your Child's RYCOR account: https://www.studentquickpay.com/pisd
Interested in Volunteering?
All volunteers (PISD staff volunteers, too) must create or update their application at plano.voly.org.
Wilson Middle School PTA
Hello Ram Families! Your Wilson PTA is open and ready for the 202-2025 school year!
Visit us at https://wilsonmiddleschoolpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ to get started on your back to school preparation. On our website, you can complete the following:
- Update your annual Parent/Student Info (including updating your student's current grade)
- Purchase your annual PTA Membership
- Subscribe to the PTA calendar & newsletter
Please visit https://www.pisd.edu/volunteer to complete your annual volunteer application/background check. Stay tuned for more information on volunteer opportunities at WMS.
School Meal Application
Free and Reduced Price
Plano ISD participates in the federal meal program, which provides free and reduced-price meals for students who qualify. Families who may qualify for meal benefits are encouraged to complete a federal meal application for the 2024-25 school year. Applications may be completed through SchoolCafé by logging in to your account, or by creating a new account.
Students who qualified for free or reduced-price meals at the end of last school year are eligible to participate at their current eligibility status for the first 30 operating days of the 2024-25 school year or until a new eligibility determination is made whichever comes first.
- In order for meal benefits to continue, a federal meal application for the 2024-25 school year must be completed.
- Students with no application on file after 30 operating days will return to full-paid eligibility status effective September 25, 2024.
- Households that have submitted a federal meal application for free or reduced-priced meals for the 2024-25 school year do not need to reapply.
- Households who wish to apply for free or reduced-priced meals will need to complete an online federal meal application for the current school year.
- Applications will be processed within 10 business days.
- Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email.
- If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.
New School Hours
Beginning in fall 2024, new school hours will be:
- Early Childhood Schools: Beaty, Isaacs & Pearson (full day): 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Head Start (full day): 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Pre-K (full day) at Elementary School Campuses: 7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Elementary Schools: 7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Middle Schools: 8:25 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- High/Senior High Schools: 9:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (note later start and end times)
- Plano ISD Academy High School: 9:20 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club - After School Program
Dear Wilson Rams,
We are excited to announce that Plano ISD and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) will continue their partnership and offer an after-school program at Wilson Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year. Through our partnership, your student will receive daily assistance with their homework, participate in fun enriching activities, and have access to test-taking strategies and skills that we are confident will increase their readiness for future college or career plans.
The program, called Club Reach, is only accepting 50 students who are in grades 6,7 or 8. Club Reach will be located at Wilson Middle School and will start immediately after school until 7:00pm daily. Students will receive daily snacks and be supervised and mentored by responsible and trained Boys & Girls Club staff members.
Typical after-school care, including Plano ISD’s PASAR program, cost upwards of $250 per month. However, this partnership allows an affordable rate of only $100/month plus an annual Boys & Girls Club membership fee of $20.00. Your Boys & Girls Club membership provides your student access to all of the programs and activities that the Club offers, including weekend programs, field trips, and special events.
Boys & Girls Clubs have a 160-year tradition of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Their vision is to “provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.” Furthermore, the Boys & Girls Club helps kids become their best selves on their paths to great futures. Focusing on six key areas, we: create Safe Places; provide caring Mentorship; meet youth Mental Health needs; bridge the Workforce Readiness gap; champion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and ensure our Youth Advocacy elevates issues impacting youth.
FAQ:
1. When does this program start? August 19, 2024
2. Is there transportation to bring my student home? No, parents will be responsible to transport students home everyday. Pickup time is 7pm.
3. What is the total cost of this program? Monthly payments of $100 can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County ($20 for annual membership fee). Limited scholarships are available.
4. How can I get more information or speak to someone from the Boys & Girls Club? For more information and to apply for membership go to www.bgccc.org/enroll. Or you can call our Plano Branch at 469-752-0001.
Bus Route Finder
7th and 8th Grade Athletics Information
Parents of Ram Athletes,
Please see the information below and complete the necessary forms in order for your son/daughter to compete in athletics for the upcoming school year:
- A student athlete must have all paperwork signed by a parent/guardian before he or she can participate in any physical activity.
- Medical History: This form now is on Rank One for the parents to complete online.
- Physical - uploaded by the parents. This form also needs to be dated after April 1, 2024.
- Use the following link to complete the required Rank One forms: https://planoisd.rankonesport.com/New/Home.aspx
Counseling Corner
Counseling assignments for the 2024 – 2025 school year:
6th Grade
Jasmine Hanks469-752-6716
7th Grade
Drew Obert
469-752-6718
drew.obert@pisd.edu
8th Grade
Cynthia Wilcox
469-752-6717
Moving Schools? Need records?
Our registrar returns from summer break on Tuesday, July 23rd. She will be happy to assist you once she is back in the office.
Wilson Middle School PTA
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