Westland Middle School

Weekly Update: November 24 to November 29

WMS Newsletter Accessiblity

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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: November 24, 2024

Good Evening Westland Families,

This is Mrs. Walker, and here is the Westland Weekly Update for November 24, 2024.

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

A Message from MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor
National History Day (Volunteers Needed)
Junior Achievement (Chaperones Needed)
Westland Academic Highlights
Intramural Volleyball Highlights
Weekly STAR Archives
Chromebook Reminders
Federal Impact Aid Survey Information
Student of the Month Celebration
Virtual Career Exploration
Virtual Family Night Series (Caring Matters)
Josten’s Yearbook Information
National C-SPAN Documentary Video Competition Open to Secondary Students
Upcoming MCPS Events
Weekly Reminders (WMS)
Weekly Reminders (MCPS)

This week, students will have an early release schedule on Monday (11/25) and Tuesday (11/26). Also, students do not have school Wednesday (11/27), Thursday (11/28), and Friday (11/29). We have provided the bell schedule in the WMS update section in this week's newsletter. As a reminder, all buses will depart on time during those days and we will not have after school activities on early release days. Finally (as shared in the last weekly update), we have a spring production update. Westland will be having a spring production. We are very excited and the details of the spring production will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

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

A Message from MCPS Superintendent Dr. Taylor

A Message from Superintendent Dr. Taylor

A Safe and Welcoming Community for All

Dear MCPS families,

I am writing to share my concern and some resources regarding the increased rhetoric and rising anxieties in our community due to the national conversation surrounding immigration and deportation efforts promised by the incoming federal administration. I want to acknowledge that this is not just a policy debate; for many, it is deeply personal, creating uncertainty and fear about the future.

To all of our families, please know this: you are part of the MCPS family. Our schools are and will always remain safe places where every child—regardless of immigration status—is welcomed, valued, affirmed, validated, respected, and loved. We want every student to be proud of who they are, and we celebrate the many cultures in our community. Your family is always welcome in our schools, and together, we make MCPS stronger.

Making our schools safe and welcoming for every student and family is some of the most important work we do because it helps create great learning experiences. When challenges arise, they provide valuable opportunities for us to reflect, learn, grow, and improve.

To provide clarity and reassurance, here are some important reminders that reflect our values of safety, inclusion, and respect for every student and family in our community:

Schools Are Safe Spaces: Schools are places where students should feel secure, supported, and free to focus on their learning. Federal guidance recognizes schools as sensitive areas, meaning that enforcement actions by immigration authorities are generally not permitted in schools or on school grounds.
Access to Education Is a Right: Education is a fundamental right, guaranteed to all children regardless of immigration status. The U.S. Constitution and the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a public school setting, emphasizing our commitment to equity and access for all.
MCPS Does Not Ask About Immigration Status: Every family deserves respect and privacy. MCPS does not ask about immigration status or report family information to immigration authorities. Additionally, Montgomery County police do not enforce federal immigration laws. These practices help create a welcoming environment for all families.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Bullying: We are committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and safety. MCPS does not tolerate bullying, harassment, or intimidation for any reason, including immigration status. If a student experiences such behavior, they are encouraged to notify a trusted adult, such as a school administrator.

It is also important to stay connected with your child’s school. We want to make sure we can reach you quickly in emergencies or to share important updates. Your contact information is private, will not be shared, and is only used to support your child’s safety. This information can be updated in ParentVUE or via this form.

We encourage all students to come to school, join activities, and spend time with friends without fear. You are an important part of our community, and we are here to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

If you or your child have concerns or need support, please reach out to your school staff. Together, we will ensure that MCPS remains a welcoming and safe place for all families.

Thank you for your trust.

Sincerely,

Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D., M.B.A.
Superintendent
Montgomery County Public Schools

Additional Resources

Quick Start Guide for Immigrants in Montgomery County (Translations: Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese)

Westland Academic Spotlight

Intramural Volleyball Highlights

MCPS National History Day (Volunteers Needed)

Junior Achievement (Chaperones Needed)

Student of the Month Celebration (October 2024)

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Virtual Family Nights (Caring Matters)

Yearbook Information (for WMS)

STAR Lesson Archive

C-Span Student Cam 2025

Westland PTSA! Join Today!

Westland MS Reminders

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 Connect Ed 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 utiliziing Remind, as our texting communication app.
All updates and liinks will be found on the Westland Middle School Website.
Westland Twitter account will be utilized to communicate messages and share news and events with our community. (@EducatorWalker)

We are continuing our work to be more “green” and share as much information as possible with parents electronically. We will notify you with Connect Ed 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.

Volunteer for Speak Up Series!

Transportation

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 Resources and Reminders

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!

Social Studies Curriculum Night Webinars

The Social Studies team is hosting a series of Curriculum Night webinars for families to learn more about how social studies is taught in MCPS and how its curricula in kindergarten through 11th grade incorporate the history of various ethnic and cultural groups. The webinars will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, Sept. 12–Black and African American History
Thursday, Sept. 26–Asian History
Thursday, Oct. 10–Hispanic History
Thursday, Oct. 24–Arab History
Thursday, Nov. 7–Indigenous History of the United States
Thursday, Dec. 5–LGBTQ+ History (Middle and High School Only)
Thursday, Dec. 12–Jewish History

To attend, families must register at the above links and a link to attend the webinar will be sent to them.

MCPS Operating Status Updates 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.

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 know at Sara_A_Belott@mcpsmd.org.