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WMS Weekly Update 9/08/24

WMS WeeklyUpdate 9/08/24

Dear Westland Families,


As we conclude the second week and enter our third week of school, I want to reflect on the incredible start we've had. This week our students are getting into the groove of new learning and new routines! I'm excited to visit classes next week and see all the great learning happening!


Although this has been a great week overall, I want to acknowledge that this may have been a difficult couple of days. In light of the recent tragedies and the heightened concern for safety, we understand that the well-being of our students and staff is at the forefront of everyone's minds. I remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone here. This month, we have scheduled a safety day to make sure our students and staff are knowledgable of drills at Westland which include fire, severe weather, and other required. You will hear about this in the upcoming week.


We will continue to prioritize the safety of our school community, ensuring that our students and school community feel protected and supported. Please continue to reach out if you have questions and concerns. At Westland, we will be All Students, All Class, Each Day because we are better together.


Sincerely,


Nicole Walker

Principal, WMS

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.

SSL Opportunities September 2024

BCC Weekly Athletics Schedule

APPS and P-Tech Information Meeting (Clarksburg HS)

Westland Backpack Policy Review and Tips

International Baccalaureate Classroom Spotlight

Kids Under Construction

Coaches Needed!

Fall Sports (Grade 7 & 8)

Snack Stash Closet: Thank You!

Westland PTSA Updates

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!

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.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones may not be used at school during the instructional day (8:15AM – 3:00PM). Cell phones, and electronic devices, including earbuds and headphones, must be turned off and stored in students’ lockers during the school day.


Students may use their cell phones before 8:15AM and after 3:00PM. Emergency calls may be made in the main office.

Student Backbacks (and bags)

WMS will require students to leave their backpacks in their lockers through the school day. Students are able to visit their lockers between classes to switch out materials if necessary. We have listed tips in this week's edition and look for more in future weekly updates.

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.


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

PLEASE. LABEL. EVERYTHING. Your kids go to more than 7 rooms every day.


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!


Mabels Labels Website

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)


Counseling/Registrar Office (240.740.5860)


School Staff Directory

CALENDAR- Upcoming Events

SEPTEMBER

  • Monday, 9/2 - Holiday (MCPS Schools and Offices Closed)
  • Tuesday, 9/17- Family Life Meeting: 6:30 pm (zoom)
  • Tuesday, 9/17- MAP Testing
  • Wednesday, 9/18- MAP Testing
  • Thursday 9/26- Kids Under Construction
  • Friday 9/27 - Safety Day /Early Release


OCTOBER

  • Thursday, 10/3- No School

Westland Middle School

An IB World School

Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/westlandms/
Location: 5511 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD, USA

Twitter /X: @EducatorWalker

Nicole Walker
Westland Middle School is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters