WECHS PWM 10/2/2020
Happy Friday! It has been a busy week at WECHS as we wrap-up the first quarter for high school classes, prepare for a short but much needed WTCC Fall Break, and follow the updates from WCPSS regarding a return to school plan! Enjoy the crisp air and sunshine this weekend!
Update on Return to School Plan: As you have likely heard through the WCPSS School Board meeting or the news, a plan is in place to return elementary and middle school students to campus. This is for students who signed up for Plan B for the fall. Students who selected Virtual Academy will stay virtual this fall.
For high schools, the return to campus date is listed as second semester. At this point, I don’t know if that means early or late January for WECHS students. As this unfolds, I’ll keep you posted. Schools have been provided five masks for each student for when we do return to campus.
We are waiting for WTCC to decide how they will provide instruction next semester and we are waiting for the process to elect Virtual Academy (high school) for the spring semester. More information is coming as it is received.
Daily School Announcements for Students: Students can access daily announcements via their Naviance account. For parents information, I’ve linked this on the Google Calendar and can be found at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uUDewJE3QgwAwf6hCZLJwNqLwPdQIGmr7nhtNblQWiU/edit
Asynchronous Days: The district has built a few asynchronous days into the calendar moving forward. As of now, the days for WECHS are: 10/14, 11/18, 12/2. On these asynchronous days, students will be expected to complete high school coursework but there will be no mandatory live sessions. Attendance will be based on completion of work. This is for high school courses only, not WTCC courses.
Final Exams: At this point, we are told that students in high school classes requiring a state end of course or CTE exam will need to report to campus in December to take these exams. More information is coming as it is received. This would include Math I and III, Biology, Health Science I, and Biomedical Technology.
School photos: Underclassmen and staff school photos will be taken next Friday, October 9th, on PHS Campus. Students received the sign-up link in a REMIND message from Ms. Lachance and it is linked below. Students must sign up for an appointment, stay masked until directed by the photographers, maintain 6 feet of distance, and not report to campus if they have a fever, have symptoms, or have been exposed to anyone with a COVID confirmed positive test within the last two weeks. Students will have their temperature taken and answer health questions prior to entering campus.
Schedule an Appointment:
https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/cxhkghhs/
(Everyone must have an appointment, walk-ins not permitted)
Picture Day ID - EVTMGPXMD
Order School Pictures:
2021 Graduates Portrait Make-up Day for Tux/Drape Pictures will be on October 16. For more information on how to sign-up, check out this flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JfADUKcxbqI5C7zYIhlCdl-7_3wnqNkd6K9zymQYMWg/edit?usp=sharing
If you have not taken your tux/drape picture, please sign-up for a time that day.
Monday and Tuesday, October 5-6 is Fall Break for WTCC, no WTCC classes those days.
Monday, October 5 is a teacher workday for high school courses, no work assigned that day.
Tuesday, October 6 now a school day for high school courses (state-legislated additional day). Class will be asynchronous, with assignments due that day and attendance based on completion of asynchronous work.
Our first grading quarter for high school courses will conclude Friday, October 2nd. Report cards will be mailed home that following week. Seniors and Super Seniors will receive a copy of their transcript in this mailing.
The 2020-2021 yearbook is going to be a book to treasure for years to come. Make sure to purchase early to get the LOWEST PRICE of the year. If you choose to personalize your book (students can choose from monograms, crests, name stamps) you will be able to choose 4 FREE Icons as well during this Back to School Promotion! Please note – this offer ends on October 23rd. You can purchase online at http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01106613
As plans evolve regarding high school athletics, WECHS students interested should monitor the Enloe athletics site, https://www.wakecountyathletics.com/page/show/1935948-enloe-sports-teams
WECHS Resources:
Ms. McAlexander is available for virtual learning skills support Monday-Friday at 10:00-11:00 and as needed. The Google Meet link is on the student activity calendar every day. Please email Ms. McAlexander (rmcalexander@wcpss.net) to let her know you'd like support during this time to make sure that she is active in the Google Meet. She can support students with time management, study skills, preparing an effective home learning environment, creating a work schedule, getting organized, communicating effectively with teachers, and self-advocacy.
Ms. Wilcox is available after school hours for virtual tutoring, review, and study hall. Please email her with requests, mcwilcox@wcpss.net.
Mr. Arnold’s College Homeroom will meet Monday, Thursday, and Friday during sophomore’s block for ACA/HEA110. This is mandatory and attendance will be taken. HEA110 will meet with the students on Tuesday and ACA will meet on Wednesday.
The Governor issued a new executive order recently regarding proof of immunizations. All 12th grade immunization requirements and health assessments were due by September 30th, 2020. Students will be granted a 30-day grace period which expires on October 30th, 2020. This means students could be excluded from school (in-person or virtually) on October 31st, 2020. WECHS staff will be contacting you directly if we do not have your paperwork.
WTCC Textbooks and Materials update:
At this time, all students should have the materials that they need for class. If a student is still missing materials that they need for class (textbooks, access codes, etc.) they should contact Mrs. Hennings (shennings@wcpss.net) or 919-532-5600.
Laptops and Hotspots: If you need either a laptop or hotspot, please contact Mrs. Lachance at mlachance@wcpss.net. Wake Tech proctoring software requires a web camera and the WECHS laptops have this feature. If you need a WECHS laptop, please also contact Mrs. Lachance.
Wake Tech College Advising for Spring 2021 WECHS college advising started Monday, September 28th. Advising sessions were held during HS Seminar with Ms. Graham presenting. Contact Ms. Graham if you have questions. amgraham1@waketech.eduContact Ms. Wooten, gmwooten@wcpss.net, with questions regarding North Campus.
Driver’s License Updates from WCPSS: Obtaining a Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC) during COVID-19 school building closure: Students are only eligible to receive a Driving Eligibility Certificate during this time if they have a confirmed appointment with the NC DMV within 30 days of the date of the request. Email Mr. Abbott with your confirmation email at rabbott@wcpss.net. Mr. Abbott will schedule an appointment with you to pick up your DEC.
Testing:
WCPSS and WECHS will participate in the winter administration of the PSAT/NMSQT on January 26, 2021. We will share details as they become available. Testing Coordinator: Robin McAlexander (rmcalexander@wcpss.net)
WECHS Recruitment:
The Early College Application period will be October 15 through December 14 for rising 9th and 10th graders.
We have two upcoming virtual outreach events. As you may remember, prospective families often want to hear from current families to help them make decisions. We need volunteers. If you are willing to participate in a virtual event, please email Robin McAlexander at rmcalexander@wcpss.net.
Early College Fair Saturday, October 17 9:00-11:00 am
Magnet & Early College Fair Saturday, November 7 9:00 - Noon
Student Services:
Class of 2021 Updates:
Cap and Gown Ordering: It is now time to order your cap/gown. Jostens reported that there is special pricing prior to October 15. Visit this link for the video: https://view.vidreach.io/viewer/reach/ea528bb5-6689-4dc2-8dd0-afcd43ca5f49/12457e3c-051d-49db-af74-fbdbb1ad7c0f/e06a6206-fd85-4498-9827-8614619361dd?pk_campaign=12457e3c-051d-49db-af74-fbdbb1ad7c0f
Here is the link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1827483/Wake-Early-Col-of-Health-and-Sci/
Please note that if you only want to purchase the cap, gown, diploma cover and tassel, you should go to this link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1827483/Wake-Early-Col-of-Health-and-Sci/-/1381947663/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-and-Gown-Unit/1381947713/
Financial Aid: It is now time to start applying for financial aid for college. We have a financial aid counselor, Mrs. Linda Taylor, who is available to answer any questions for both students and parents. You can make an appointment with her here (she is meeting with families virtually): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0449aca823a1fd0financial1
You can read about what she does and how she helps here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aSh5Z_F1HlAc1esyM-2vyYXIbjrg2Uyl/view?usp=sharing
Graduation for the Class of 2021 will take place on Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. Mandatory Rehearsal will be on Tuesday, May 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Senior/SuperSenior Portrait Make-up Day is October 16. View this flyer for information on how to sign-up for a time: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JfADUKcxbqI5C7zYIhlCdl-7_3wnqNkd6K9zymQYMWg/edit?usp=sharing
Scholarships: Please visit our WECHS Student Services website for more information on scholarships and financial aid: https://wechs-student-services.weebly.com/scholarships-and-financial-aid1.html
Here is the link to the scholarship bulletin: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cfKGNl2-GyFIwgaxKdW5iCoumaZlnyjS_yD6UDuNuGI/edit?usp=sharing
For all students:
North Campus Parent Pulse Check: On Thursday, Sept. 24 we shared information about accessing blackboard and reading a syllabus. You can see a review of how to access Blackboard here: https://youtu.be/svXKbZNwb1A
Student Services will be offering weekly mini-sessions called “Wellness for the Weekend” each Friday at 10 a.m. These are for students who are interested in learning more about strategies and skills to “Train the Brain”. Check out the flyer here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/118lYOec_cFKW3h5SaT01u3iqgty8KWYv/view?usp=sharing
College virtual visits are going for students. These will be best for juniors and seniors/superseniors, but all grade levels may participate in the visits (but may not miss synchronous sessions to do so!) College visits are posted in Naviance under the College Home tab. The college visits are also visible on the Student Activity Calendar.
Join or rejoin the class Student Services REMINDS (all for rising grade-level for 2020-2021):
For Super Seniors: TEXT @21WECHS to 81010
For Seniors: TEXT @WECHS12th to 81010
For 11th Graders: TEXT @WECHS11 to 81010
For 10th Graders: TEXT @WECHS1920 to 81010
For 9th Graders: TEXT @2020WECHS to 81010
Career Development Corner -
Please be sure to visit Ms. Hill’s website for the most up-to-date opportunities and information.
Parents, are you interested in joining the WECHS Business Alliance? The purpose of the WECHS Business Alliance is to help identify current industry trends, participate in opportunities for student growth, and network with other community organizations. The Business Alliance meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Please complete this form.
Check out this amazing virtual college exploration opportunity!
There are both live and recorded sessions (if you're unable to attend). The conference will take place from September 14 - October 9. Over 200 colleges are represented from 26 states. This conference is open to parents and students. https://cacrao.org/programs/2020-high-school-student-registration
Biomedical Technology students participated in mock interviews this week. The students practiced their career seeking skills during a virtual meeting with a WECHS staff member and community partner. Overall, it was a huge success.
Are you interested in computer science? The STARS Computing Corps, part of the Computer Science department at NC State University (http://stars.ncsu.edu) is inviting students to apply to the FLAMES program: Future Leaders in Algorithms, Mathematics, and Engineering Sciences. This FREE outreach program meets weekly on Saturdays at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (Sept. 19 - Nov. 21) and aims to introduce 9th through 12th-grade students to a rich variety of computer science activities (prior experience not required).
Remember to sign-up for Ms. Hill’s Reminds
9th grade students - @wec-cdc-09
10th grade students - @wec-cdc-10
11th grade students - @wec-cdc-11
12th grade students - @wec-cdc-12
Super Seniors - @wec-cdc-13
Nearly 150 students participated in the Thoughtful Thursday Guest Speaker Event. This week we heard from Michael Denning, a WECHS alumnus. He shared valuable information regarding the ECU Honors College, completing his MPH at Columbia University and being enrolled in the Brody School of Medicine.
Are you currently enrolled in a college-level health professions education training program in North Carolina? If so, please visit the Wake AHEC scholars program website to learn how you may be eligible to apply for the NC AHEC Scholars program.
https://www.wakeahec.org/scholars.htm
Students participating in the EMT program completed their Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider training and will be receiving their certification soon.
Any students who are unable to log into Rapid Identity to access email or Google Classroom should email or call Mrs. Peppers, lpeppers2@wcpss.net / (984) 235-6011, or email Ms. McAlexander, rmcalexander@wcpss.net, for a password reset. Your counselor can also assist you.
WECHS calendar: https://www.wcpss.net/cms/lib/NC01911451/Centricity/Domain/19/2020-2021%20KHS%20NWCCA%20VMCCA%20WECHS%20SL.pdf (note no one is reporting to campus at this time)
Please take care of yourself and your family. Contact us with any questions.
Principal Cummings lcummings@wcpss.net 919-341-9844