WECHS Principal's Weekly Message 12/18/2020
Happy Friday! I wish everyone a restful and healthy holiday break. I will be eating lots of goodies, getting some fresh air and exercise, reading a few good books, and doing a snow dance! Our campuses will be closed during break. If you need to reach us, call/email/text Principal Cummings: lcummings@wcpss.net, 919-341-9844.
Exams are over and thank you to everyone for patience and cooperation with our processes. It was so great to see some of the kids and look forward to hopefully spending more time together next year.
Speaking of next year/semester, as you may have read, due to Covid19 metrics, the WCPSS school board has extended remote learning for all schools through January 15. Monday, January 18 is Martin Luther King Jr Holiday for WTCC and WCPSS.
Unless there is an update by then from the Governor or the WCPSS School Board, second semester high school classes and the first rotations of Plan B will begin reporting to campus January 19th. When I have the updated Plan B rotation calendar, I send it out.
WTCC Spring Semester: WTCC will begin 2nd semester classes on Thursday, January 7. Almost all WTCC classes are asynchronous again next semester.
Based on the survey sent to students, parents, and staff we have made adjustments to our bell schedule starting second semester (high school classes). Many asked for more time in class but enjoyed the later ‘live’ time. UnfortuThis bell schedule will allow for more class time while also meeting the needs of students on both Plan B and Virtual. So….start setting that alarm clock and get ready to start the day a little earlier! https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Y1fwwOOS0sbqqHGqjqytJOAqOFamWUXx7yk_61BbMg/edit?usp=sharing
Winter Break for Students: December 21-January 4
REPORT CARDS for first semester, both high school and college courses will be mailed home in January.
North Campus Textbook Return
North campus staff collected fall semester textbooks on 12/17 and 12/18. If you were unable to return your books please reach out to Mrs. Hennings (shennings@wcpss.net) to arrange a time to drop off textbooks on 12/21/2020. It is very important that all textbooks, calculators, etc are returned before December 21st because the books have to be quarantined and inventoried before being reassigned to students for the Spring semester.
Families have received information from WCPSS about returning to school protocols. Please review this page on the WCPSS website regarding Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols. https://www.wcpss.net/studentaccountability We will collect this form on the first day students report to campus second semester. .
The 2020-2021 yearbook is going to be a book to treasure for years to come. You can purchase http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01106613
Recognize your students’ accomplishments with a yearbook ad. This could be especially meaningful for members of the Class of 2021! Check out info here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bvqssEaXiv2BfIDwIiXJh-hRLTNZEil5/view?usp=sharing
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.
WECHS Prospective Student Outreach:
The Early College application period will run October 15 through January 6 (this is an extension) for rising 9th and 10th graders. Questions and concerns should be directed to Robin McAlexander (rmcalexander@wcpss.net).
If younger siblings are applying to WECHS this year, please email Robin McAlexander (rmcalexander@wcpss.net) to let us know. We want to be sure all siblings are given priority.
If you know someone who applied, please remind them to FINALIZE the application. Thank you.
Student Services:
Interested in being creative over the winter break? Consider making a video entry for “Stand Up Speak Out!” Bullying Prevention Contest. If you are interested in making a video, let Mrs. Lachance know at mlachance@wcpss.net. More information can be found on the flyer and instructions are here.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program for juniors and seniors. This is an eight-week PAID internship that will expose students to key leaders in the Triangle community as well as national speakers. Each Student Leader will have a local Bank of America employee as a mentor. The students will also interact with over 300 Student Leaders from across the country and learn the importance of collaboration between the private, public and government sector. Apply today! Application is due by January 29. https://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/what-guides-us/student-leaders.html?cm_mmc=EBZ-EnterpriseBrand-_-vanity-_-EB01VN00BB_studentleaders-_-NA#fbid=pMD2gf80YQS
Class of 2021 Updates
Financial Aid: It is now time to apply 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. She has expanded appointments times for Wake Early College of Health and Sciences. Students and parents may now make appointments with the Financial Aid Advisor on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 9 AM until 2 PM. Please email Ms. Taylor at ltaylor6@wcpss.net if you need later appointments. Here is the link for you to make an appointment. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0449aca823a1fd0-financial2
Ms. Taylor and a representative from NCSU financial aid office presented information on college financial aid on Monday, Oct, 26. You can watch the YouTube presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFj69HCoMR0&t=189s
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.
Scholarships: Please visit our WECHS Student Services website for more information on scholarships and financial aid. There are many links to scholarship search engines. https://wechs-student-services.weebly.com/scholarships-and-financial-aid1.html
Here is the link to the scholarship bulletin which pulls off a handful from these search engines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cfKGNl2-GyFIwgaxKdW5iCoumaZlnyjS_yD6UDuNuGI/edit?usp=sharing
Cap and Gown Ordering: It is now time to order your cap/gown.
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/
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.
We are gearing up on PHS for next semester’s Virtual WECHS Works Wednesdays and Thoughtful Thursdays! Many of the fabulous WTCC Health Science programs will be highlighted during 2nd semester. We will begin in January with the Medical Assisting and Electroneurodiagnostic programs.
North Campus students will continue to have opportunities focused on college and career readiness through the Successful You Speaker Series. Additional details forthcoming.
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a no-cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If hands-on, independent learning is appealing to your student, and they are excited about the idea of conducting research to answer questions that intrigue them, then this program is for them!
Any students who are unable to log into Rapid Identity to access email or Google Classroom should email Ms. McAlexander, rmcalexander@wcpss.net, for a password reset. Your counselor can also assist you.
Principal Cummings’ Office Hours: Fridays at 10:45 am. Open to all. The meet link is posted on our Google Calendar https://www.wcpss.net/healthscienceec or use this link to book a time to meet: https://cummings-administration.youcanbook.me
Please take care of yourself and your family. Contact us with any questions.
Principal Lisa Cummings lcummings@wcpss.net 919-341-9844