Wilbanks Middle School Newsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the Wilbanks Middle School Newsletter! As we move forward this semester, we want to highlight our commitment to two key priorities: maintaining excellent attendance and fostering academic excellence.

As we enter this season, it’s common for illnesses to circulate. To support your child’s health and ensure they can attend school regularly, we encourage some simple practices: dressing warmly, taking vitamin C, washing hands frequently, using tissues when needed, and minimizing close contact with those who are unwell.

We firmly believe that regular attendance plays a vital role in your child’s educational success. Our students earn LiveSchool Points for their hard work in class, good attendance, and positive behavior, fostering a sense of pride and teamwork within our school community.

We appreciate your continued support in encouraging your child to be present and engaged in their education. Together, we can help our students achieve their fullest potential.

Thank you for being a key partner in your child’s success!

Sincerely,

Chris Chitwood
Principal
Wilbanks Middle School

JANUARY 24

• Book Club Meeting after school until 5:00 p.m.
• Baseball tryouts at Wilbanks Middle School 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.
• Swim Team - Middle School Championship at Home
• Archery Tournament

JANUARY 25

• Archery Tournament

JANUARY 27

• Book Club Meeting after school until 5:00 p.m.
• Boys Soccer tryouts at Raider Stadium 3:45 - 6:00 p.m.
• Girls JV Soccer tryouts (8th grade only) at Ninth Grade Academy, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)
• Middle School Girls Golf tryouts at Wilbanks 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)

JANUARY 28

• FCA Meeting at 7:15 a.m. in the Art Room
• Middle School Boys Golf tryouts at Wilbanks 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)
• Girls JV Soccer tryouts (8th grade only) at Ninth Grade Academy, 4:00-5:30 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)

JANUARY 29

• Girls JV Soccer tryouts (8th grade only) at Ninth Grade Academy, 4:00-5:30 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)
• Middle School Girls Golf tryouts at Apple Mountain 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)

JANUARY 30

• Soccer at Jefferson, girls at 5:00 p.m., boys at 6:15 p.m.
• Middle School Boys Golf tryouts at Apple Mountain 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Must have physical on file.)

JANUARY 31

• Book Club Meeting after school until 5:00 p.m.
• Gifted Referral forms are due today.

FEBRUARY 4

• Soccer at Rabun County; girls at 5:00 p.m., boys at 6:30 p.m.
• Baseball Scrimmage vs. Franklin County, away at 5:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY 8

• Baseball Diamond Day begins at 10:00 a.m.

FEBRUARY 11

• Track Time Trial at Hart County High School, 4:00 p.m.

• Soccer at Franklin County; girls at 5:00 p.m., boys at 6:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 13

• All-State Chorus (Athens, Georgia)
• Baseball at Cherokee Bluff at 5:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 14

• All-State Chorus (Athens, Georgia)

FEBRUARY 15

• All-State Chorus (Athens, Georgia)
• Baseball at Madison County at 11:00 a.m.

January is Gifted Referral Month for Habersham County Schools. Individuals wishing to refer a student will need to complete a Gifted Program Referral Form and provide performance data along with samples of student work in support of the referral. A team of educators will review student data and referral information to determine if formal evaluation for gifted services is warranted.

The referral form, qualification requirements, and information regarding gifted services are available on the Gifted Program website. The website link is located under Departments on the Habersham County Schools website (www.habershamschools.com). Forms may also be requested by email at mcantrell@habershamschools.com or by phone at 706-754-2110, Ext 128. Referral forms should be submitted to the child’s school or to the Gifted Program Coordinator. The deadline for referrals is January 31.

Enero es el mes de referencia para superdotados para las escuelas del condado de Habersham. Las personas que deseen recomendar a un estudiante deberán completar un Formulario de recomendación del programa para superdotados y proporcionar datos de desempeño junto con muestras del trabajo del estudiante para respaldar la recomendación. Un equipo de educadores revisará los datos de los estudiantes y la información de referencias para determinar si se justifica una evaluación formal de los servicios para superdotados.

El formulario de referencia, los requisitos de calificación y la información sobre los servicios para superdotados están disponibles en el sitio web del Programa para superdotados. El enlace al sitio web se encuentra en Departamentos en el sitio web de las Escuelas del Condado de Habersham (www.habershamschools.com). Los formularios también se pueden solicitar por correo electrónico a mcantrell@habershamschools.com o por teléfono al 706-754-2110, extensión 128. Los formularios de referencia deben enviarse a la escuela del niño o al Coordinador del programa para superdotados. La fecha límite para las referencias es el 31 de enero.

Picture day proofs were distributed to students on December 13. Please see below for ordering instructions.

1. Go to nelsonsanders.gotphoto.com

2. Enter the personal access code (this code is printed on the proof or use the QR code on the proof).

3. Order your favorite photos!

Note: Picture Day was August 27 and Retake Day was September 24, 2024.

Please visit us on our newest platform, our very own Wilbanks Middle School YouTube Channel. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification button to keep informed with the latest updates.

https://www.youtube.com/@WilbanksMiddleSchool

Middle School Girls Golf Tryouts
Monday, January 27th @ Wilbanks 4:00 - 5:00
Wednesday, January 29th @ Apple Mountain 4:00 - 5:00

Middle School Boys Golf Tryouts
Tuesday, January 28th @ Wilbanks 4:00 - 5:00
Thursday, January 30th @ Apple Mountain 4:00 - 5:00

The Book Club at Wilbanks Middle School is a part of the Tome Student Literacy Society (Tome Society). Tome Society serves students in grades 2-12 by providing a diverse menu of digital student competitions; an annual book award list of new, clean, fun-to-read children's and young adult literature titles; student book club activities; curriculum materials for educators; and the TomeCon annual conference for both students and educators. All activities promote self-esteem, leadership skills, character ethics, and nurture critical thinking, creativity, and imagination in the digital age.

• Jan. 24th, 27th, 31st
• Feb. 3rd, Feb. 7th

FFA Motto

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

Order your yearbook today! They are only available while supplies last.

Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School

3115 Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway, Demorest, GA 30535

(706) 894-1341

INTERNET/SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: https://hwms.habershamschools.com/

INSTAGRAM: @wilbanks_ms