Pence Press
November 10, 2023
A Message From The School
Pence Families-
We are a quarter of the way through our ’23-’24 school year. We would like to take a moment to highlight some items and information in an effort to partner together:
-Electives, clubs, and extracurricular activities are a great way to give students belonging and ownership in school. Please talk to your students to see if they have any areas of interest for participation.
-We encourage you to be informed regarding your student’s use of social media. Students are connected to each other now 24/7 and it is not always healthy. Furthermore, we have found that a large percentage of student conflict either starts over social media or it is inflamed by social media. We are sometimes made aware of unsafe communications between students and adults, along with the sharing of inappropriate pictures, both of which get referred to law enforcement. It is healthy for students to have guidelines and limits in place to help keep their physical, mental, and emotional health in balance. Please see the links below for resources:
-Our student motto for this year is Be You, Be Here, Belong! WSPMS did not meet the state requirement for “chronic absenteeism” last year. Instead of getting into all the details as to what that means for us as a school, it’s really pretty simple. Students are more successful when they are at school. This is where the learning occurs! Please continue to help us and your child by having them come to school on a regular basis.
-Please continue to monitor your student’s academic progress on PowerSchool. Ask them questions about their classes as well as their school day. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to their teachers, the school counselors, the front office, or administration.
-Finally, middle school students tend to lack organizational skills and study skills. Please take some time to go through your students backpack and have discussions about ways they can successful by improving in these two areas.
There is much good here at Pence! We will continue to celebrate that good while we also work on areas for improvement. We strive to help students find success. This is an amazing school and community. Thank you for partnering with us along the way.
Sincerely-
John Childs, Teresa Shank, & Jody Randolph
WSPMS Administration
Nobody rallies around a cause like our students, parents, and community! Our food drive is just another example. Giving back to our community is as an important lesson as any that we teach at school, so I hope as many students as possible will be able to participate as we learn to be good citizens, neighbors, and positive contributors to our community! It certainly takes a village.
Pence Pep Rally is Tuesday, November 21st
Student Spotlight
Amani H.- Mr. Blanton shared that Amani helped Ms. Kirilyuk clean up a mess without being asked.
Allie R.- Allie got an ice pack for a student who hurt his ankle at recess.
Mattingly B.- Helped Mrs. Weaver fold and hang clothing for the clothing boutique.
Jagger E. - Ms. Hoover shared that Jagger helped write science notes for multiple students who were out.
Kenzie J. and Karis F.- With help from knowledge of their AG class, helped build a snowy stand for Mrs. MC's 1950's Santa Claus
Tanner R. - Helped Mrs. Weaver fold and hang clothing for the clothing boutique.
'23-'24 YEARBOOK INFORMATION
You are still able to order your pictures online at https://www.strawbridge.net/
The online code is FM435447.
If your student needs Retake Pictures, please have them bring in their complete package of pictures to return to the photographer.
8th Grade Civics
Students in 8th-grade Civics classes learned about the Electoral College this week! To culminate that lesson, they participated in an election simulation in which they voted for their favorite Oreo. Each group of students was assigned a number of Electoral Votes, which were awarded to the Oreo with the most votes from each group. Then, students got to enjoy the Oreo that "won" the election.
Vape Display at Parent Teacher Conferences
A representative from CO (Mr. Judd) was stationed at WSPMS during our Parent-Teacher Conference Night to provide information regarding vaping devices, the prevalence of teen vaping, and to answer any questions that you may have. The devices that you see pictured here all devices that were confiscated in our school district last year. Parents, we ask that you have conversations with your student(s) early and often about teen vaping. Below, you will also find links to a couple of articles and a great information landing page form a Wisconsin School District.
Vaping: What Parents Should Know
Frozen Workshops
If you are interested in auditioning for the musical, you are encouraged to stay one or both days. We will hand out packets, go over the song and dance and answer questions.
See Mrs. Harper or Mrs. Mumbauer with any questions!
FFA Officers at National Convention in Indiana
Homework Help
Our Homework Help Program begun and continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30. Assistance is given with homework assignments, late or missing work and difficult learning areas. If you are interested, please print the following form for your students:
Bus transportation is available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. If transportation is needed, please print this form:
After School Transportation Form
Hard copies of both forms are available in the office.
Sports Information
Cheer
All cheerleaders (both fall and winter teams) will practice on Monday from 5:15-6:15 in the back gym. This is to get ready for the pep rally during school hours on Tuesday, November 21st.
Cheer will participate in all HOME basketball games.
Fall Basketball
Practice for Fall Team starts on November 13.
Games begin at 4:30 PM.
11/20 - AWAY @ MMS
11/27 - HOME vs. JFHMS
11/30 - HOME vs. EMS
12/4 - AWAY @ SKMS
12/7 - HOME vs. EMS
12/11 - AWAY @ THMS
12/14 - HOME vs. THMS
12/18 - AWAY @ JFHMS
Questions? Contact Boys Coach Eye at josheye@rockingham.k12.va.us or Girls Coach Arbogast at varbogast@rockingham.k12.va.us
Winter Basketball
Practice for Winter Team starts on January 3.
Games begin at 4:30 PM.
1/11 - AWAY @ JFHMS
1/18 - HOME vs. MMS
1/22 - AWAY @ SKMS
1/25 - HOME vs. EMS
1/29 - HOME vs. THMS
2/1 - HOME vs. JFHMS
2/5 - AWAY @ MSS
2/8 - HOME vs. SKMS
2/13 - AWAY @ EMS
2/15 - AWAY @ THMS
2/17 - Tournament
Questions? Contact Boys Coach Eye at josheye@rockingham.k12.va.us or Girls Coach Arbogast at varbogast@rockingham.k12.va.us
Wrestling
Wrestling practice will begin on November 8th in the cafeteria until 5:30pm. Pick up is between 5:30pm-5:45pm in the front of the school after mats are put away. Text @wpmswrest to 81010 and reply with your name to sign up for updates.
Matches begin at 4:30 PM.
11/28 - AWAY @ EMS
12/5 - HOME vs. EMS & MMS
12/12 - AWAY @ THMS
12/20 - AWAY @ TAHS vs. WIlson MS
1/3 - AWAY @ TAHS vs. Fort MS
1/9 - AWAY @ MMS
1/16 - HOME vs. MMS & JFHMS
1/23 - AWAY @ SKMS
2/3 - District Tournament
Questions? Contact Coach Brant Weller brant.w.weller@gmail.com, Coach Josh Powers jd.powers03@gmail.com or Coach Bryce Farley bfarley470@gmail.com.
Attendance
Our office/attendance email is wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us
Email us when your student is on vacation.
Email us when your student is sick or has an appointment.
Email us notes about early dismissals or late arrivals.
Email us changes in bus/transportation needs.
Just email us to keep us informed!
Wilbur Pence Middle School PTO News & Updates
Meeting schedule: November 15th , January 10th , March 13th , and May 15th . These are all Wednesdays and will be held in the library at 6pm.
KNIGHT’S CAFÉ
Pence Gear at Sideline Store
Counseling & Administrative Support
Change of Schedule Request Forms and Check-In or Appointment Request Forms can be found online on our School Counseling page: https://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/o/wspms/page/school-counseling
Which counselor works with you?
Lisa Holsinger-Thomas, Counselor / Teresa Shank (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names A-K
Matt Nyce, Counselor / Jody Randolph (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names L-Z
Sandy Hackbarth, Part-time Counselor - available on even days
Information for Parents, Guardians & Students
Please bookmark these pages for your reference:
You can also visit us on Facebook & Instagram:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penceknights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknightspotlight/?hl=en