December WPS Family Newsletter

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In November, Ms. Kasey Overby, Speech-Language Pathologist and founder of the FDES Running Club, celebrated its success with a Color Run featuring 50 students in grades 2-4, cheered on by their families!

No School Days

• Friday, December 20: Early Dismissal
• Elementary: 11:45 a.m.
• Middle and High: 1:00 p.m.

• December 23-January 3: Winter Break

Daily Schedules:

• Elementary: 7:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  
• Daniel Morgan Intermediate and Middle Schools: 8:25 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
• DMIS and DMMS: All students should arrive by 8:15 a.m.

• John Handley High School: 8:25 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

To enhance the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors, John Handley High School will begin implementing weapons detectors at winter sports events starting December 10th.

• For athletics events, small, purse-type bags will be permitted. Larger bags should remain in vehicles or at home.
• Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and avoid this list of common items that set off the detectors:
• Adult-size scissors, Aerosol cans, Cameras, Chromebooks and other laptops, Eyeglass cases, iPads and other tablets, Metal utensils such as forks, Three-ring binders larger than 1.5 inches, Umbrellas, Water bottles with metal components, Wheeled/rolling backpacks
• Keys and cell phones will not set off alarms.
• Please Note: This is not a comprehensive list of items that may set off the weapons detectors

As a follow-up to the Fireside Chat with the First Lady of Virginia and Dr. Jonathan Haidt on September 19th, hosted by the WISH grant, we are excited to offer your household a free copy of Dr. Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

You may request up to two copies per household and choose between English or Spanish editions. Participation in the Fireside Chat is not required to receive a book.

To request your copy and indicate your preferred language, please complete the form below. Books will be sent home via your selected student in January 2025.

For those who missed the Fireside Chat or would like to revisit it, the recording is available to watch here: https://bit.ly/wps_wish_chat

We hope this resource supports your family in understanding and addressing the challenges of today’s youth!

Filmed over 11 years, INHERITANCE follows Curtis, a young boy, as he grows up in rural Appalachia in a family and community surrounded by substance use disorder and poverty. Can Curtis break the cycle of addiction that has plagued his family for generations?

• *Tomorrow* Friday, December 6
• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Lauren Ridge Community College (173 Skirmish Lane, Middletown, VA / Carl & Emily Thompson Conference Center)

Get FREE tickets here: INHERITANCE tickets

It's time for the JHHS Art Show! 🖼️

Student artwork will be on display December 9-13 in the Wooden Hallway. View pieces from Art Foundations, Drawing & Painting, Sculpture, and AP Art classes!

➡️ Join us for the Art Show Reception on 📅 Monday, December 9 at 6 p.m.

Has your family been impacted by an outstanding staff member? Nominate them for an Apple Award! This can include teachers, cafeteria staff, front office staff, custodians, or any other WPS employee you would like to nominate. December Nominations Are Due Friday, December 13!

Dear Parents, Families, and Community Members:

You are cordially invited to serve on the Superintendent's Equity Advisory Council by registering here.

This year, we will use an equity audit tool each meeting to deeply examine our policies, programs, and practices. Thus, we want to ensure that we have representation from all areas of our stakeholders including staff, parents, families, and community members. More information will be provided at our second meeting scheduled for December 11, 2024. Additional meeting dates, times, and locations may be found on the following flyers: English / Spanish

Visit the Inclement Weather Website for more information.

Surround yourself in Holiday Cheer at Winchester Parks and Recreation Holiday Headquarters!

This year's event will be held Friday December 13, 6-8 p.m. at the Jim Barnett Park Rec Center

1001 E.Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601

Make crafts, play games, and take photos with Santa.. for FREE!

For added holiday fun purchase an individual Elf Pack for $8!

• DIY keepsake ornament kit
• Gourmet sugar cookie decorating kit
• Access to the Elf Office DIY area

Elf Pack tickets can be pre-ordered or purchased at the event, while supplies last

Holiday Bounce Party!

When? December 20, 5-9 p.m.

Where? Jim Barnett Park Rec Center inside Gym, 1001 E.Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601

Admission: $10 per Jumper

• VIP Package: $7 add-on
• Meet Santa
• Hot Cocoa and Candy Canes
• Crafts
• Virtual Reality Roller Coaster

From January 1 – March 31, you can round up at the register at MARTIN'S locations in Winchester and Frederick County to support the Feeding School Kids initiative! Your donations will directly help fight childhood hunger in our community through Bright Futures. Last year, your donations raised $44,918.92! This year, the need is greater than ever. Let’s work together to nourish the kids in our community!

Each year, Bright Futures partners with the community to make the holidays brighter for students in Frederick County and Winchester City Public Schools.

THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

1. SPONSOR: Adopt a student or a whole family of students! Make the holidays a little more merry and bright by fulfilling a specific wish list.
2. CONTRIBUTE: Consider a monetary donation! Your donation allows Bright Futures the flexibility to shop for last minute needs!
3. RUN A DRIVE: Help support the continuous needs of our students by collecting items on our urgent needs list. See the list on our website for more information.

DROP-OFF DATES

Where:

• Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester at 178 Indian Hollow Rd., Winchester, VA. 22603

When:

• Friday, December 6th, 10:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.
• Monday, December 9th, 8:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Questions? email Stinedoe@fcpsk12.net

There are so many great things happening in Winchester schools, and we don't want you to miss it!