WECHS Principal's Weekly Message 9/2/2022
Happy Friday!
Wishing everyone a restful Labor Day Holiday this weekend. As a reminder, both WCPSS and WTCC are on holiday on Monday. The office will be closed.
Early Release: Additional Early Release Dates for WECHS 2022-2023
December 5, December 21, March 24, April 6, May 9
Lifetouch picture retakes for PHS are on October 20th. North Campus will be on October 21st.
North Campus Tux and Drape retakes are on October 14th.
Bus Riders: Remember to use your resources, Live Bus Updates on the website, and download the Here Comes the Bus app to track the bus location (WCPSS code is 67500). If you have not already joined the Transportation Remind, the code is @abkb7ch79d. Call the WECHS PHS office with questions: 919-212-5800 “0” and we will try to help. Refer to the HELP section on the Here Comes the Bus page for problems with the app. We cannot resolve app issues at the school level.
Express Bus Route Locations and Times
Updated: WECHS WTCC Calendar combo
PHS students met with Casey D’Sola today to learn more about Enloe’s Marching Band and Color Guard. If you missed the meeting or are an interested student from North, this link provides an overview and his email.
Students will receive an email from WTCC regarding an OPTIONAL Sexual Violence Prevention Training course. Please note that this course is recommended but not required. Contact Ms. Graham at amgraham1@waketech.edu if you have questions.
It's time to order your 2022-23 WECHS Yearbook!
Top reasons to order now:
Get a book with this school year's memories featured!
Your future self will thank you!
Special deals and pricing - order by Sept. 30 and only pay $45; it's the LOWEST pricing of the year! Students received a flyer in PULSE/Seminar this week. Contact Ms. Wernersbach with questions at kwernersbach@wcpss.net.
Are you feeling ill? Stay home!
Hand hygiene and Respiratory etiquette are important. Updated WCPSS guidance.
If students leave school with Covid symptoms, parents can pick up a rapid test (to be administered off campus) from the office. We can not distribute rapid tests directly to the student.
North Campus students can order WCPSS lunch to be delivered to campus daily at 11:15 am. Students must either sign up for lunch in the front office (C335) on the north campus or on the Google form This link by 8:30 am each morning. North Campus students can also bring lunch but will not have access to refrigeration and microwaves in the WECHS hall. This link shares information regarding other WTCC options on North.
Apply for Free and Reduced Lunch for 2022-2023
Families must submit a meal benefits application to receive free or reduced-price meals. All families must complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year starting July 1 to receive benefits. Please allow ten business days for processing.
Benefits of families applying online at www.MySchoolApps.com: It’s the fastest way to get a status. They will get an anticipated determination immediately. They will have a confirmation number that they can use to inquire about their status. And best of all, it avoids delays and mistakes.
WECHS Health Occupations Students of America H.O.S.A. membership application
Interest Meeting: August 24th, 2022. It is a great club for students to join, network, compete, gain community service opportunities, and earn scholarships.
The PTSA Carpool link might need updating if you entered information previously.
PTSA at WECHS! WECHS Spirit Wear Purchase Online
The PTSA is filling spirit wear orders as they come in! If you have placed an order and have not received yours, it will come shortly. Some sizes sold out quickly, and another order was placed. When yours arrives, it will be sent to your campus. On PHS, you will receive an email to come to the office. Ms. Hennings will distribute on North.
PTSA Sign Up Genius Link to volunteer coming soon!
Wake Tech Spring 2023 Advising and Course Selection Dates:
WECHS spring 2023 group advising will be held September 26 – September 30 during HS Seminar.
WECHS spring 2023 individual advising with a Wake Tech advisor will be held from October 5 - 14.
Student Services: Our website has been updated with links to helpful resources:
College Tours 2022! We are planning college tours on October 3 and 4 during fall break. On October 3, we will visit Greensboro, NC, to tour: UNC-Greensboro, Guilford College, and NC A&T. On October 4, we will visit East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. There is a waitlist right now, but we hope to be able to open up more spots.
Class of 2023
Mark your calendars: WECHS Class of 2023 Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th, at 7 pm. Graduation practice is Tuesday, May 23rd, at 1:30 pm.
Senior/Supersenior Conferences started last week. Ms. Lachance and Mr. Muse will meet with each senior/supersenior to discuss future planning, college applications, and more. Parents are welcome to attend. Reach out to Mrs. Lachance at mlachance@wcpss.net or Mr. Muse at jmuse@wcpss.net
Senior/Supersenior Parent night was August 18. If you missed the presentation, you can access it here.
Class of 2023 Quicklink access sheet
Family Needs Survey: Please review this link below for the family needs survey. Reach out to the counselors with any additional needs/questions.
To join the Student Services Remind for your class, text 81010 with the corresponding message below:
9th: @2022wechs
10th: @2021wechs
11th: @2020wechs
12th: @19wechs
13th: @2018wechs
Counselor Contact Information: (updated from last year)
Ms. Lachance (Last names A-L), mlachance@wcpss.net, 919-212-5800 ext. 26054 https://calendly.com/wechs-lachance
Mr. Muse (Last names M-Z), jmuse@wcpss.net,
919-212-5800 ext. 26058
https://calendly.com/wechs-muse
Career Development Corner:
Please join Ms. Hill’s Career Development Corner (CDC) Remind. Messages are sent regarding volunteer opportunities and various career/college events. You can also find valuable information on the CDC website.
Join code information: To join the CDC Remind for your class, text 81010 with the corresponding message below:
9th Grade - @wec-cdc-26
10th Grade - @wec-cdc-25
11th Grade - @wec-cdc-24
12th Grade - @wec-cdc-23
13th Grade - @wec-cdc-23
The first official WECHS Works Wednesday will take place on September 14th. We will have current WECHS students and alumni sharing valuable information with our PHS students regarding the WTCC Health Science programs.
We have a few more openings for the WakeMed Mini-Medical School. The session will be offered on Monday, September 26th, from 1 pm - 4 pm. Please note,that this is a Teacher Workday for the PHS students; however, North Campus students will have a normal school day. Participants must secure their own transportation.. The session may include utilizing equipment within the WakeMed Simulation Lab, including, but not limited to ultrasound devices, life-size mannequins, and/or an intraosseous access device. Students will gain valuable knowledge and experience. Please complete this interest form to receive the required paperwork, supporting documents, and additional information. Contact Ms. Hill with questions at nhill@wcpss.net Please remember, space is limited.
The Biogen Community Lab and Lemelson-MIT programs are offering a FREE eight-week long virtual program to provide students an opportunity to increase their STEM knowledge and gain a better understanding of careers in biotech. The Saturday sessions will take place between October 15 - December 10th from 2 pm -5 pm. Registration will open September 13-27. Additional information and the link to the application will be available soon.
The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school and college-aged students who gender-identify as female or nonbinary and are interested in pursuing careers in orthopedics and/or engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online mock orthopedic surgery simulations and biomechanics experiments. Click here for current opportunities.
Update: WECHS student-athletes participate in Athletics through Enloe High School, and the new and improved website is now live!
Outreach to Potential New Students and Families
We have begun our work to reach out to Wake County 8th-grade students and their families to ensure they are aware of the opportunities available at WECHS. In-person and virtual information sessions and tours have been scheduled, and sign-ups are linked to the WECHS website. The application period is October 14 - December 14. Please help us spread the word.
Potential families enjoy talking to current WECHS families as they decide about applying. The Early College Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy. The Magnet Fair will be on Saturday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m-noon, location not yet determined. If you are willing to attend either event, please email Robin McAlexander at rmcalexander@wcpss.net.
Testing
PreACT
All 10th graders will take the PreACT on Friday, October 21, at 7:25 a.m., on the PHS Campus. There is no cost to the students.
The PreACT is administered annually to 10th graders in North Carolina and is a state-required test per North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) §115C-174.22. The PreACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test on all four ACT subjects: English, reading, mathematics, and science.
PSAT
Students in grades 9-11 may opt to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 12, on the North Campus. The $18 fee can be paid online through our website by September 12, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. There can be no exceptions to this deadline because of the school’s deadline for ordering tests.
There is no fee for juniors with a GPA of 4.367 or higher. Robin McAlexander has contacted these students via Wake Tech email.
Students in grades 9 and 10 should note that if they choose to take the PSAT, they will report to North Campus at 7:25 or when the shuttle bus arrives. They will miss periods 1-3. After the test, they must be transported to the PHS Campus. Families can provide transportation, or students may ride the WECHS white activity bus to PHS.
Final Exams
WECHS high school final exams will be administered on December 15, 16, 19, and 20. WTCC final exams are scheduled for December 8-14. Please do not plan to travel during this time.
Testing questions should be directed to Robin McAlexander at rmcalexander@wcpss.net.
Driver’s Education Registration Jordan Driving
Visit www.jordandriving.com to sign up. Payment is not due until the class is confirmed by the Driver’s Education teacher at Enloe, Carolyn Hunter, enloedrivered@gmail.com
Principal Cummings’ Office Hours/Coffee Chats at 8:30 Friday mornings. Open to all. The meet link is posted on our Google Calendar call, email, or let me know when you’d like to meet in person. Email: lcummings@wcpss.net Desk: 919-212-5803 Mobile (call/text): 919-341-9844 or use my online scheduler
Please take care of yourself, your friends, and your family, and contact me with any questions.
Principal Lisa Cummings