WMS Weekly Update 9/01/24
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Bus Transportation Information for 2024-2025
Cell Phone Policy
Students may use their cell phones before 8:15AM and after 3:00PM. Emergency calls may be made in the main office.
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!)
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.
Important Dates
● Monday, August 26, 2024: Students must provide documentation of required vaccinations or a permitted exemption as explained above by the first day of school or their date of admission. Students who have not received their vaccinations may enter school if they provide evidence of an appointment to be vaccinated by Monday, September 16, 2024, (or 20 calendar days from their day of admission).
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.
Summer MYP Exploration for All Westland Students/Staff
An all-school read (Linked) and online assignments
Each summer, Westland students and staff read a text that explores a compelling issue(s). (This year our issues are focused on repairing a community harmed by anti-semitism.) Students also complete several assignments within an online classroom. This work leads into further school-wide exploration and action in the fall.
Please come by the school between 8:30-3:30 to borrow a copy of the text, Linked by Gordon Korman. You can borrow it for the month of July or the month of August. Or get it from your local library.
Students should join this MCPS classroom for details. MYP Summer Exploration
Summer Learning for All Westland Students
Summer Math- practice exercises
We encourage Westland students to complete material for the math class they are enrolled in this fall to keep their math brains sharp. Login to the MYP Summer Exploration course for additional details.
Summer Reading- novel of your choice and a graphic organizer
We ask Westland students to read a novel of their choice and complete a graphic organizer with basic information about the book. In the first week of school, you will share the assignment with your English teacher and it will count as a homework assignment. You will also use this text for a writing pre-assessment the first week of school. Login to the MYP Summer Exploration course for additional details.
Support a Westland Fundraiser- Order Labels
A sharpie works but if you are already going to purchase labels for your kid's water bottle, lunch box, trumpet case, etc. why not support a Westland fundraiser?
25% of Back to School Sale in progress!
Address Change?
If you are moving over the summer please let our counseling office secretary know at Sara_A_Belott@mcpsmd.org.
Westland Middle School Information
Main Office (240.740.5850)
Principal- Mrs. Nicole Walker , Nicole_Walker@mcpsmd.org
Assistant Principal- Mrs. Lauretta Beckett Lauretta_D_Beckett@mcpsmd.org
Acting Assistant Principal- Ms. Panagiota Tsonis, Panagiota_K_Tsonis@mcpsmd.org
Administrative Secretary- Ms. Terri Howells, Mary_T_Howells@mcpsmd.org
Financial Specialist- Ms. Suzanne Marcou, Suzanne_W_Marcou@mcpsmd.org
Counseling/Registrar Office (240.740.5860)
Counseling Chairperson/6th grade counselor- Ms. Caryn Fischer, Caryn_Fischer@mcpsmd.org
6th Grade Counselor- Ms. Sarah Cohen, Sarah_A_Cohen@mcpsmd.org
7th Grade Counselor- Ms. Laura Williams, Laura_K_Williams@mcpsmd.org
8th Grade Counselor- Ms. Lauren Geissel, Lauren_Geissel@mcpsmd.org
Counseling Office Secretary- Ms. (Sara) Sally Belott, Sara_A_Belott@mcpsmd.org
School Staff Directory
CALENDAR- Upcoming Events
- Thursday, 8/22- 8:15-12:00 noon- Mini Day for students new to Westland (MCPS buses will run)
- Thursday, 8/22- evening- Back to School Night for ALL Parents and Caregivers
- Monday, 8/26- 8:15-3:00- First Day of School for Students
- Friday, 8/30- Student ID/yearbook photos taken during PE classes
SEPTEMBER
- Monday, 9/2 - Holiday (MCPS Schools and Offices Closed)
- Tuesday 9/16- Family Life Meeting: 6:30 pm (zoom)
- Thursday 9/26- Kids Under Construction
Westland Middle School
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/westlandms/
Location: 5511 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD, USA
Twitter /X: @EducatorWalker