WECHS Principal's Weekly Message 3/12/2021
Happy Friday and welcome back from Spring Break on Monday! Don’t forget to ‘spring forward’ this weekend for Daylight Savings Time. https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/usa
Welcome back to campus cohort 3! You know the drill, call/email/text if you have questions.
Following Governor Cooper’s signing of Senate Bill 220 https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-signs-school-reopening-bill-law, the WCPSS School Board and District Leadership are deciding how this bill will apply to high school students in Wake County. As I receive information, I will share it with you. At this time, only cohort 3 students are approved to report to campus next week.
Wellness Workshops and Training Sessions
https://www.wcpss.net/Page/47968
Updated WECHS calendar with additional RL days March 3, April 7, and April 28:
Calendar Reminders:
Cohort 3: 3/15-3/19 with Wednesday 3/17 as an Asynchronous/Remote Day for HS Classes
Cohort 1: 3/22-3/26
Cohort 2: 3/29-4/1
Friday, 4/2 is a Holiday for WCPSS and WTCC
Virtual Academy students will not report to campus.
When it’s your week to report to campus, students can arrive on North Campus at 7:30 am and on PHS at 7:00 am to complete health screenings prior to 8:00 classes. Due to staffing and Covid restrictions, we cannot accommodate students before or after school at this time. All students must leave campus by 2:00 on North and 2:10 on PHS. Students are not allowed to assemble to socialize on either campus before/after/during the school day.
Where to go on North Campus: During your Cohort Week, when reporting to North Campus (11, 12, 13th grades) park in Lot C. Enter Building C through the front double doors. Report to the 3rd floor. Health Checkers will meet you at the top of the steps.
Updated guidance https://www.wcpss.net/WhenToReturn
National Honor Society: Invitations to apply for NHS were sent via email to those students who meet the GPA requirement. Please see your email for the application. All applications must be submitted by March 26, 2021 at 11:59 pm. Keep in mind that some parts of the application require signatures, so allow plenty of time for completion. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Bohrmann at sbohrmann@wcpss.net.
Meal Benefits Applications:
All schools should include a reminder in your parent newsletter to remind parents of why they need to apply for F&R Meal Benefits. To help you get started, we’ve provided a template with language specific for Title I schools and Non Title I schools. The number of parents applying for meal benefits determines your school’s eligibility to receive the funding for the following school year. This is especially important for Title I schools. Every child in your school will benefit from the Title 1 funds your school receives and you may use these funds for a variety of services and resources.
Families who are eligible to receive meal benefits will continue to receive additional benefits through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program. This program helps families purchase food for children whose access to free and reduced-price meals at school has been impacted by virtual learning for the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19.
The Triangle Camps, Track-Out, and More directory (formerly Summershine) is headed your way. You can expect them to be delivered at the end of next week or at the beginning of the following week. Here is a link to preview the directory: https://cs.wcpss.net/index.php?route=sscontroller/pdf_page_flip.
This link will help parents easily access this valuable information all year and not just publication dates. Please utilize: http://www.wcpss.net/camps.
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.
Testing:
We will administer the makeup ACT on Tuesday, March 23, for those students who were absent on the original testing date. Students who plan to take the makeup should email Robin McAlexander at rmcalexander@wcpss.net if they have not already responded to her email.
PHS Final exams are scheduled for May 19-26. Wake Tech exams are scheduled for May 5-11. Please do not make plans to travel during these times.
The PreACT will be administered to all sophomores on April 15 during the school day. There is no fee, and all students are automatically registered.
Student Services:
Preparing for paying for college: Ms. Taylor, our financial aid counselor, created a great video about making college affordable. Check out the video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I-TWsuqbqf1T92V-TjmW1oHhwdyvZj31/view?usp=sharing
QuestBridge: QuestBridge is a nationally recognized nonprofit that equips academically outstanding, low-income students to gain admission and full four-year scholarships to 45 top colleges. Check out the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program! Eligible high school juniors can be granted awards and opportunities for a head start in the college application process. Watch to learn more: https://youtu.be/BXVELYw2ADM
Keeping Teenagers Emotionally and Physically Safe - Parent Presentation: WCPSS has developed a presentation for parents with information, strategies, and warning signs for student safety during remote learning. Here are links to the presentation in English and Spanish.
Class of 2021 Updates
WECHS Graduation: Graduation for the Class of 2021 may take place on Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. More information will be coming soon!
Ordering WECHS Cap and Gown: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1827483/Wake-Early-Col-of-Health-and-Sci/-/1463500412/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-and-Gown-Unit/1467289016/
Graduation Fee $25: Due April 1. What it covers: costs associated with graduation ceremony, and honors and awards. Can be paid online at: https://www.wcpss.net/domain/5455
Graduation Speeches and Performances:
Info for Speech Audition (due March 23, 2021): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eQbCzVLw1kH52LMWA5UZNJc7dh5HuAbd/view?usp=sharing
Info for National Anthem Audition: Email Mrs. Lachance (mlachance@wcpss.net) a copy of or link to your performance of the National Anthem by March 23, 2021.
WTCC Graduation Info:
- Complete the Graduate Questionnaire for each degree, diploma, or certificate:https://communications.waketech.edu/surveys/graduates.php
- Complete the WTCC Application for each Degree / Certificate (AA, AS, and Phlebotomy ONLY) You must apply to receive a degree. Log in to Self-Service with your Wake Tech ID and password, and click on Graduation Overview and then CLICK APPLY
See link below for details about spring graduation: https://www.waketech.edu/student-services/registration-student-records/graduation/spring
Other info:
WECHS PTSA Scholarship for members of the Class of 2021: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sHUkuKNc-LXa71DQs5tNY2FSk3QXIxJ1t5wGNsnHME4/edit?usp=sharing
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 created a great video about making college affordable. Check out the video here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I-TWsuqbqf1T92V-TjmW1oHhwdyvZj31/view?usp=sharing
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
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.
Ms Graham and Ms Hill met with the 9th graders on Monday, March 1st to share with the students how to access their WTCC emails and Blackboard accounts in preparation for next year. If your student still has questions, please contact Ms Hill at nhill@wcpss.net.
On WECHS Works Wednesday, March 3rd, The WTCC Library Staff shared incredibly valuable information with our 9th and 10th grade students. The session included how to access databases for research purposes, utilizing test prep resources and how to reserve materials at any of their many locations. A big thanks to Ms. Young and Mr. Clossey!
This week on Thoughtful Thursday,the PHS students had the opportunity to hear about the WTCC Health and Fitness Science Program. In addition to Coach Kaycon’s presentation, the students had an opportunity to tour the facility virtually. Participants were made aware as a WECHS student they have the ability to apply for this program during their senior and or super senior year.
This week approximately 10-12 WECHS American Red Cross Club members have signed up for training for the ARC Pedro the Penguin Program. The members will independently participate in a training that will allow them to share valuable information with K-2 elementary school aged children regarding disaster preparedness. The WECHS ARCC goal is to have each participant virtually visit one school and share the importance of being ready for emergency situations. If you have a connection with a WCPSS elementary school and are interested in possibly scheduling a training at the school, please reach out to Nicole Hill, nhill@wcpss.net with any questions or feedback.
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.
Wake Tech Emergency Alert
Wake Tech Warn is the official emergency alert system of Wake Technical Community College. Wake Tech has been experiencing some “technical difficulties” with the Wake Tech Warn alert system recently. To ensure that it has your email address and most current cell phone number for text alerts, log into your profile and make sure your information is accurate.
https://waketech.regroup.com/signup
Principal Cummings’ Office Hours: Most 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 Cummings lcummings@wcpss.net 919-341-9844