Westland Middle School

Weekly Update: March 10th to March 14th

WMS Newsletter Accessiblity

Do you need to see the newsletter in a different language or larger font?

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 Message: March 10, 2025

Good Evening Westland Families,

This is Mrs. Walker, and here is the Westland Weekly Update for March 10, 2025. In this week's newsletter, you will find the following information:

MISA Testing Schedule for Grade 8: (3/12 & 3/13)
Westland MS Highlights
Student Service Learning Updates
Talent Show (Save the Date)
Spring Athletics Information
2025 Sustainability Poster Contest
A Message From Freed Photography
Girls Up (Summer Opportunity)
B-CC HS News (Updates & Events)
Westland MS News
WMS Resources
MCPS Community Resources and Events

Our weekly messages will also be shared on the WMS website. Also, information with QR codes or links will be accessible when you are viewing the newsletter from 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

MISA Testing (Grade 8 only)- Wednesday 3/12 and Thursday 3/13

Our 8th grade students will be participating in the Maryland Integrated Science assessment on March 12th and 13th. This science assessment is taken by all 8th graders in the state of Maryland and will assess their knowledge of middle school science content (Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science). Our eighth grade students will report to their 1st period on test days to receive their testing group assignments.

Westland will be operating on the following bell schedule to accommodate the 8th grade test:

Westland MS Highlights

WMS Talent Show (Save the Date)

Spring Athletics Information

The registration for Spring Boys and Girls Soccer are now open in Synergy. Registration will close on March 11th at 3:15. If you don’t register or if your registration is incomplete, you won’t tryout! Tryouts begin on March 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM . If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Nivek Johnson, at Nivek_M_Johnson@mcpsmd.org

Student Service Learning Updates (March 2025)

2025 Sustainability Poster Contest

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance holds an annual poster contest to increase awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible recycling. Students and staff are invited to participate in the contest, and then to vote online to determine the winning entries in the spring.

Complete the Sustainability Contest Entry Form to enter.

Read about Contest Guidelines.

A Message From Freed Photography

Dear Families,

Don’t forget to order your school portraits! School pictures play a vital role in our fundraising efforts, with proceeds supporting community engagement events, PTA programs, and initiatives such as faculty and staff appreciation.

It’s important to note that the school or the county does not pay Freed Photography. Instead, they rely entirely on the sale of portraits. We are so grateful to this wonderful local company for donating their time and expertise to make our students and staff look and feel their best.

By purchasing a beautiful portrait of your child, you’re preserving precious memories and supporting Freed Photography and the important programs that strengthen our school community.

You can order your child’s pictures online through Freed Photography. If you haven’t received the link, please contact them directly at support@freedphoto.com.

Thank you for your support!

Girls Up (Summer Opportunity)

B-CC News (Updates & Events)

Future Barons,

Please note the following:

Fall of 2025 tryouts will begin August 13, 2025

Registration will be on ParentVue in early July. Students must be registered and must have a current physical. Physical form

Please reach out to Michael_R_Krawczel@mcpsmd.org with any questions.

Check our website for info: https://baronathletics.net

This info will be the same no matter which MCPS high school you will attend. Whitman's AD is William Toth, Walter Johnson's AD is Larry Hurd, and Einstein's AD is Tina Fitzpatrick.

B-CC Mulch Sale (Final Day 3/12/25)

B-CC Mulch Sale

FINAL DAY - 3/12

https://www.bccboosters.com/pages/mulch-sale

Order now before it's too late!

Order BCC MULCH now before it's too late!

Delivered to your home March 14th, 15th & 16th

Order now: https://www.bccboosters.com/pages/mulch-sale

SUPPORT BCC STUDENT ATHLETES: ORDER THE BEST Mulch in the DMV

https://www.bccboosters.com/pages/mulch-sale

For more details and to place your order now go to: www.bccboosters.com/pages/mulch-sale

All proceeds go directly to B-CC High School Athletics

High Quality Rich Natural Dark Brown (NOT dyed) Double Shredded Hardwood Mulch in 3 Cubic Feet Bags!

HOME DRIVEWAY DELIVERY

Don't like the crowds, Don't like the smell in your car, Don't want to break your nails

BCC Students will deliver Mulch to your home - the weekend of March 14th

Westland MS News

Westland PTSA Events & Membership Information

Westland Resources

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 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 utilizing Remind, as our texting communication app.
All updates and links will be found on the Westland Middle School Website.

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

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 and Community Resources and Events

MCPS Operating Status Reminders 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.

Working Together to Create a Safe and Welcoming School Community

As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.

The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.
Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.

Supporting Our Diverse Community
Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:

Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.

Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.

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, Mrs. Montano Rivas know at Alva_B_MontanoRivas2@mcpsmd.org