WECHS Principal's Weekly Message 3/31/2023
Happy Friday!
Monday-Thursday, April 3-6: Express Bus Routes (Traditional Calendar Spring Break)
Thursday, April 6: WECHS Early Release, WTCC Teacher Workday (no WTCC classes)
Friday, April 7: WECHS and WTCC Holiday
Friday, April 21: WECHS Workday, WTCC Regular Schedule; (WCPSS will not provide Bus transportation to the north; bus riders should make alternate arrangements)
Tuesday, May 9: WECHS PHS Early Release (North is out-classes and finals have concluded)
May 2-8: Wake Tech Final Exams (North)
May 17-23: WECHS High School Final Exams (PHS)
New Superintendent Search
The WCPSS School Board seeks input on the superintendent search.
The next opportunity to provide in-person input is April 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the media center at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School (2600 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh). All individuals and groups must sign up to speak before the meeting begins. The sign-up form will be available on the district’s website on April 18 at 11:30 a.m. Staff may also submit feedback via this survey by April 18.
New WECHS Assistant Principal Search
After a fulfilling career in education, Ms. Wooten, our Assistant Principal, is retiring this summer, and we have started the process of finding her replacement. Here is a link asking for input on the essential qualities of an assistant principal. The interview team will review this information as they interview and finalize candidates for our next AP.
On Tuesday, April 4th, our 4th Period Honors Biology students will take a field trip to Biogen’s Community Lab. They will participate in a hands-on lab: The Genetics of Hemophilia- When a Band-Aid Won't Stop the Bleeding: A case study of hemophilia (DNA restriction analysis, gel electrophoresis, and pedigree analysis). The students must bring a bagged lunch or order a school lunch in advance. We are thrilled to have this opportunity and look forward to their participation. We are working to reschedule the other classes due to this week’s cancellations of their field trips.
Yearbook Information:
Time is running out to order your 2022-23 WECHS Yearbook! There are only 20 books left - be sure to pre-order today to get all the "Behind the Scenes" news and photos from this year. The price is now $55.00
Contact Ms. Wernersbach with questions at kwernersbach@wcpss.net!
Here's the link to order a WECHS yearbook.
School Lunch:
North Campus Students will sign up for lunch by 8:30 am each morning on a Google doc or in the front office: North Lunch Sign Up Form.
WECHS PTSA needs you!
We currently have officer vacancies on the PTSA board and seek parents to volunteer. Please email ptsawechs@gmail.com.
No Fuss Fundraiser – Just Donate! Now at https://www.wechsptsa.org/donate/no-fuss,
Support the PTSA with every grocery trip. Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to use school code 6211: https://tie.harristeeter.com/together-in-education.
The PTSA Carpool link might need updating if you entered information previously.
PTSA at WECHS! WECHS Spirit Wear Purchase Online
Student Services Updates:
Our website has links to helpful resources.
11th, 12th, and 13th graders Apply to work as an NC Governor’s Page for four days. Read more about this opportunity and how to apply here: https://governor.nc.gov/governors-page-program.
Other Summer Opportunities.
Other summer opportunities are on the horizon. Check out this list on the CFNC website. https://www2.cfnc.org/studentEnrichment
Chowan University: Campapalooza Check out this flyer and QR code for more information: AcademicSummerCampPosterQRCode.jpg The link to get more specific information is here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_hv_Qa4YHT9htcb5-5UVh99aWFfE-yOnNS_osvXxDXtCZsQ/viewform
William Peace University Summer Camps: Summer Camps 2023 | William Peace University
NCSU summer camps: Residential Summer Programs for High School Students | College of Engineering (Due April 2)
UNC Asheville: Pre-Med - Camp
As more information comes out about summer opportunities, we will make that available. Make your summer memorable while building your resume!
Class of 2023 Families:
If you would like your graduate featured on the WECHS Graduate Spotlights on social media, please email Robin McAlexander at rmcalexander@wcpss.net. Include a photo and a brief bio with the student's plans, if known.
A graduation fee of $30 is due by April 1 for everyone graduating. https://osp.osmsinc.com/WakeNC/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=AG150
Mark your calendars: WECHS Class of 2023 Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th, at 7 pm. Graduation practice (mandatory) is Tuesday, May 23rd, at 1:30 pm. https://www.wcpss.net/graduation
The deadline for ordering your students' WECHS caps and gowns has passed. If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please do so as soon as possible to ensure delivery before our graduation date!
Students can wear the WECHS or WTCC cap and gown to WECHS graduation. Please use this link to purchase the WECHS cap/gown and other graduation items.
Students participating in the WTCC graduation and the WECHS graduation and plan to use the WTCC Cap/gown still need to purchase the stole, diploma cover, and tassel separately for the WECHS Graduation if they are not buying the WECHS Cap/gown by going to https://osp.osmsinc.com/WakeNC/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=AG150.
Wake Tech Fall 2023 Advising and Course Selection
This week, North Campus students met virtually with Wake Tech advisors to discuss their classes for the fall semester. Email Ms. Graham to schedule an appointment or for more information. amgraham1@waketech.edu.
Financial Aid for College: If you have questions like: “How do I follow up with colleges about financial aid?” “Help! I need help understanding the financial aid package I received.” Ms. Mayo, our financial aid counselor, is here on Mondays to help. Please contact Ms. Hennings to schedule an appointment with Ms. Mayo.
Scholarships: It is not too early to apply for scholarships. Please check out our scholarship page, many search engines, and scholarship bulletin.
Class of 2023 Quicklink access sheet
To join the Student Services Remind for your class, text 81010 with the corresponding message: 9th: @2022wechs, 10th: @2021wechs, 11th: @2020wechs, 12th: @19wechs, 13th: @2018wechs
Counselor Contact Information: (updated from last year)
Ms. Lachance (Last name A-L), mlachance@wcpss.net, 919-212-5800 ext. 26054 https://calendly.com/wechs-lachance
Mr. Muse (Last name 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: 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
WakeMed Junior Volunteer Program will open the application portal on April 10th after 2:30 pm for the summer track (June/July/August). The purpose of the volunteer program is to provide high school students exposure to a hospital setting and an opportunity to give back to their community. Applicants must be 16 or older. Please note the application will likely close within 24 hours, if not sooner, based on student interest and spots being filled.
The Wake County EMS High School EMT Program is accepting applications. This program is an incredible opportunity for rising seniors and super seniors. If you would like to review the presentation from the 3/29 informational session, use this link. For program information and application, click here.
The Girls Who Code Summer Program’s application closes today, 3/31/23! Be sure to click here to learn more and to register for the 2-week FREE coding course.
A big thank you to the WTCC Health and Fitness Science Program! Department Head Kaycon shared valuable information. He focused on courses, internships, and career opportunities.
Campbell University is offering Discovery Days and STEM Summer Camp. Discovery Days are interactive workshops for rising 9th – 12th graders to explore careers in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, physician assistant practice, physical therapy, and nursing. STEM Summer Camp allows rising 6th through 12th graders to explore engineering, pharmacy, and health sciences programs. Click here for more details.
Is your student a sophomore or junior and interested in a STEM career? The Duke Summer STEM Program is accepting applications for a 3-week summer program. Check out the website for additional details. Copy of 2023 Duke Summer STEM Academy WEB
Would a career in the construction trade interest a student you know? Check out the ACE Mentor Program Trades Day. This event will introduce high school students to the construction trade through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Click below for more information. ACE TRADES DAY FLYER - Students.pdf
Is your student interested in veterinary medicine? Here are a couple of summer opportunities that are focused on vet careers. NCSU’s VetPAC is offering a summer camp for high school students. Click here for more information. Also, the USDA APHIS allows students to participate in the AgDiscovery Program. This program offers students a unique experience at participating universities to learn more about careers in this area. Click here for additional details.
Is your rising sophomore, junior, and senior interested in attending a fun, interactive, and educational camp? Cooperative Leadership Camp is a five-day overnight camp program hosted by the Cooperative Council of North Carolina. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.
Wake County EMS is also offering an EMS Club. This group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Click here for more information and the application. This opportunity is precious and rewarding. If your student is considering applying for the Wake County WCPSS High School EMT program during their senior or super senior year, this club would be a great asset for them.
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 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.
Testing
Final Exams
PHS final exams are scheduled for May 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23. (These are set by state law.)
Wake Tech final exams are scheduled for May 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8.
Please do not schedule travel for these dates.
Students on the North Campus will submit their final exam schedules during their HS Seminar class on April 10.
Athletics
WECHS student-athletes participate in Athletics at Enloe High School. Find information on their website.
Driver’s Education Registration Jordan Driving
Visit www.jordandriving.com to sign up. Click ENLOE to register online. As determined by Jordan Driving School, students can only take the class at their high school or the designated location (Enloe). Payment is not due until the class is confirmed by the Driver’s Education teacher at Enloe, Carolyn Hunter, enloe@jordandriving.com.
Japan Trip Summer of 2024! (non-school sponsored)
Interested? We had four spots open on this already-filled trip. We will open these spots to incoming students next year, so sign up now if you'd like to travel with us! Follow the links below to see the full itinerary and price, and sign up! For any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Wernersbach.
Japan Meeting Details Enroll now: www.eftours.com/2549511ke
The Daily School Announcements are linked on our home page under Announcements if you didn’t know.
Do you know a WCPSS 2023 graduate who would make a great teacher?
High schools: Encourage seniors to submit Future Teachers applications by Friday
Encourage graduating seniors who plan to attend a college or university for the fall semester and who intend to pursue a K-12 teaching career to apply to the Future Teachers program on TODAY, Mar. 31.
Principal’s Tip of the Week:
Read the PWM weekly. Click on the links. Explore all the options available for students this summer. Help them select and apply for something that challenges their comfort zone. Students need various engaging, non-compensated experiences to build their professional resumes. Some students need work but often fill their extra time with menial jobs and waste their income instead of saving it or applying it to family expenses.
Reporting threats
By calling WCPSS Tip Line at (919) 856-1911, anyone can report threats of bullying, violence, aggressive behavior, weapons on campus, or any other potential threat. A specially trained operator will receive the caller’s information and ask for additional information to address the situation.
Principal Cummings’ Office Hours/Coffee Chats at 8:30 most 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 Arment Cummings
