Happy Friday! 

Calendar 

Today, Friday, 4/12/24: Early College Junior/Senior Prom 

Tuesday, 4/16/24: PTSA Meeting (Zoom, 7:30 pm)

Friday, 4/19/24: Biogen  Field Trip for Kendrick’s 3rd Period

Thursday, 4/25/24: WCPSS CTE Xtreme Beginnings Field Trip 

Friday, 4/26/24: Biogen Field Trip for Kendricks 4th Period

Friday, 4/26/24: WECHS International Festival

Monday, 4/29/24: Express Bus Routes (Traditional Calendar Workday)

Monday, 4/29/24: NC State Public Health Lab STEMFest Field Trip

Thursday - Wednesday, 5/2-5/8/24: North: WTCC Final Exams

Saturday, 5/4/24:  Wake Tech Graduation (AA and AS degrees)

Thursday -Wednesday, 5/16-5/21/24: PHS: High School Final Exams

Wednesday, 5/22/24: Last Official Day of School, WECHS Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony

 

Calendar of school activities. Displays are on the website and are updated throughout the week. 

 

The 2024-2025 calendar can be found at this link. Please reference this calendar when making appointments and travel/vacation plans. Students should always attend class, especially WTCC classes. 

General Important Items:

 

Congratulations to the WECHS HOSA team, who attended last week's state leadership conference.

 

Thank you to all the staff required to make this a successful trip for our students.

 

The Barbara James Service Award is given to leaders in volunteer service. We earned six gold, three silver, and three bronze in this category. The gold medal winners have donated 167 or more hours to a health-related agency, the silver between 117 and 166.9 hours, and the bronze a minimum of 67 hours. 

 

Our winners in competitive events include:

Gold medal for Medical Law and Ethics

Gold medal, Emergency Medical Technician Team

Gold medal for ATC Allied Health Statistics

Three silver medals for Public Service Announcement

Silver medal for ATC Human Heredity

Bronze medal for Health Education Team

Bronze medal for Emergency Medical Technician Team

 

Many students were in the top 10 in North Carolina for their competitive events and even more in the top 20 in North Carolina for their events.

 

The chapter was recognized as a Gold Star Chapter for 2024, won 4th place for the chapter newsletter, is the largest Division 1A North Carolina chapter, and is a Century Club Award winner for over 100 members. 

Next up, the HOSA International Conference in Houston, Texas, this summer!

 

WCPSS Family Survey-April 8-May 17th

Please help us make your child’s school experience as positive and beneficial as possible by giving honest, thoughtful responses to the questions in our family survey from April 8 to May 17. 

The link to take the survey-

surveys.panoramaed.com/wakecounty/family

 

WCPSS Student Engagement Survey

WCPSS Parents and Guardians, in the spring, students in grades 5-13 will be asked to complete the annual WCPSS Student Engagement Survey. Your child will be given an opportunity to complete this survey during the school day. 

The survey includes questions about teacher-student relationships, relevance of school work, and future aspirations and goals.

The results of this survey help schools monitor their School Improvement Plans and help the district track student perceptions about their educational experiences. 

You can click here to review the questions included in this survey  and click here to review the results of the survey from previous years.

If you have any questions about when the survey will be completed, or if you would prefer your child not complete the survey, please contact your child’s school by Monday, April 15, 2024.

If you have any questions concerning the content of the survey, please contact the Wake County Public School’s Data, Research, and Accountability Department at wcpssdataaccountab@wcpss.net

Thank you for your continued partnership.

 

Annual WECHS International Festival

Mark your calendars and come out with your family to enjoy the festivities.  

Friday, April 26th, 4-7 pm, PHS Courtyard 

Donations are accepted at the door. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win gift baskets of your choice. All proceeds go to the WECHS PTSA. 

WCPSS Board Advisory Council - District 4

On behalf of our new Wake County school board member, Toshiba Rice, representing District 4, you are invited to attend the April 2024 District 4 BAC meeting on Monday, April 22nd, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Knightdale Elementary School, 109 Ridge Street, Knightdale, NC 27545

The agenda includes Student Achievement Through Equity speaker Dr. Will Chavis, Superintendent for Equity Affairs, and a farewell to our former board representative, Tara Waters. Ms. Waters will be present to say "thank you" to District 4 as she assumes her new role as the Wake County Commissioner for District 5.

Please RSVP using the link below if you plan to attend.

The RSVP form will remain open until Thursday, April 18th, to allow our hosts enough time to plan the gathering. BAC meetings are open to everyone.

WECHS Yearbook

Yearbook sales are selling fast - only 14 copies left! 

Order your yearbook today to capture this year's WECHS "can't miss moments" and preserve those memories!  Guarantee your yearbook - last year's book sold out!  Books are available now on a first-come basis, depending on how many extra books are ordered, if any.  To request a yearbook, go to jostens.com today!  The price is $55.00.

 

EOC Remediation and Retest

Students in Grades 9-10 will take the End of Course (EOC) State Test at the end of this semester.  Should your child meet our EOC Remediation and Re-administration program criteria, you will receive an invitation to attend the program after our school's EOC testing window closes on Wednesday, May 22.  For your planning purposes, the program dates for the end of the school year are Thursday and Friday, May 23-24, 2024. Transportation will be provided, and breakfast and lunch will be available. This applies to EOC tests in Biology, Math I & III, and English II from the fall and spring semesters. 

SUMMER 2024

 

Meredith STEM College is designed to help young women explore their interest in science for rising 10-12th graders.  Those selected will participate in a two-week residential summer experience on Meredith’s campus. They will also earn three college credits and connect with others interested in science.  Apply today!   

 

TESTING  

ACT: Students may choose to retake the ACT.  To register, go to the ACT site. Juniors may also qualify for a fee waiver to take the ACT. The most common way that students qualify is if they are eligible to receive free or reduced lunch.  Email Ms. Lachance at mlachance@wcpss.net or 919-532-5702 for more information.

SAT

Looking for SAT information? Check out the College Board website. If you took the PSAT already, you have a log-in. 

 

SAT Waivers:  Juniors may qualify for a fee waiver to take the SAT.  The most common way that students qualify is if they are eligible to receive free or reduced lunch. Click on the links above for all areas of eligibility. Parents and students, please contact Mrs. Lachance for the fee waiver form.  Students (or parents on their behalf) have to self-identify.  Please contact her at 919-532-5702 or mlachance@wcpss.net.

WECHS PTSA

 

Next meeting

We have scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday, April 16th, at 7:30 pm.  

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/97815315215

Meeting ID: 978 1531 5215

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,97815315215# US

 

Please consider joining PTSA.  Your donations directly benefit students, faculty, and staff at WECHS. For more information on how to join PTSA and donate, visit the PTSA website:  https://www.wechsptsa.org/.  It is easy to participate from their site.  No more sending cash/checks to the school!

 

Survey regarding what you want to see from the PTSA: (https://forms.gle/VULQWALctomc3Txx9)

 

PTSA has spirit wear for sale!  Go to https://www.wechsptsa.org/  to order yours today. 

Student Services 

Class of 2024 Graduation Information

If you missed the parent program on 2/22, here is a link to the presentation and information sheet about graduation.  

 

Important dates:

May 9: Graduate Awards Night on the PHS campus at 7 pm

May 13: Graduate Breakfast on the PHS campus will begin at 8:30 am

May 21: Graduation Practice (Required) at Meymandi Hall 11 am -1 pm

May 22: Graduation at 4 pm at Meymand Hall. More information is coming soon.

 

Need extra tickets for graduation?  Complete this form: https://tinyurl.com/xtratx.

Report all scholarship awards here: https://tinyurl.com/WECHSMONEY.

Class of 2024 Information

WECHS Graduation will be on Wednesday, May 22nd, at 4 pm at Meymandi. The graduate can wear either the WTCC cap/gown or the WECHS cap/gown to the WECHS graduation.  All students participating in the WTCC graduation must purchase a WTCC cap and gown the semester before graduation.  https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/catalogBrowse/1827483/WAKE-EARLY-COL-OF-HEALTH-AND-SCI/Graduation/1665977447/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/

 

Scholarships:  Here is the link to our most recent scholarship bulletin.  

Pay special attention to some local scholarships.

Financial Aid for College: The FAFSA packages are now coming out from universities.  For help with anything related to the FASA, please contact Ms. Lee.  She is available for appointments on Thursdays, and you can schedule an appointment with her here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ2s4hJ5ZtSoMDg1XFeiBOWytTnPT8DU1FqGE24AWKuHCt5wt_r2mDklY6_XIEbZFd_IuhmhY_wo.

Her email address is anlee@wcpss.net. 

Financial Aid Night was held recently.  For the slide show, click here:  2023-2024 Financial Aid Presentation.

 

Please look at each college website under “Financial Aid” and “Scholarships” to see what forms need to be completed to apply for financial aid and what deadlines and processes are required to be considered for institutional-based scholarships.

 

 

Career Development: 

 

CTE is offering summer programming! Is your student interested in exploring various careers, participating in hands-on activities, participating in business immersion experiences, and increasing their workplace skills? Career and Technical Education is providing high school students with various opportunities to participate in a week-long summer program from July 8th to July 12th from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Check out the link for more details. The program is still accepting applications.

 

Is your student interested in experiential learning? Would they like to participate in team building activities with students from across NC? Cooperative Council of NC is offering a free camp in Laurel Hill, NC from June 24-28, 2024. The application closes April 26th! To learn more about this incredible opportunity, please visit their website.

 

Is your 9th-12th grade student interested in an internship this summer? Would they be interested in  increasing their real world problem-solving abilities, team building and leadership skills? District C will be offering students a unique opportunity July 8th-12th.  If you would like to learn more about this one of a kind experience, click here for more information.

 

Do you live in Raleigh? If so, your student might be interested in learning more about the City of Raleigh’s Digital Inclusion Program. It’s a great opportunity for leadership and service learning. Please click here for more information and to register for the interest form.

 

Is your student interested in how the environment impacts human health? The UNC Fry Lab offers the Future Researchers for Environmental Solutions and Health Outcomes (FRESH) program.  This program includes a one-week camp with hands-on workshops, informative lectures, networking opportunities, and time to work on a project.  There is a cost associated with the FRESH camp; however, scholarships are available if the cost is prohibitive. Click here for the application and more information.

 

Note in the Pocket will open its 2024-2025 Teen Board applications on March 15, 2024. This is a phenomenal opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills and learn to be a team member. The NIP’s mission is to provide quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children and families with dignity and love. Check out their website for more information on how your student can get involved. 

 

Does your student want an internship this summer? Are they interested in learning more about becoming an EMT? Wake County EMS offers a unique internship providing hands-on skills and ambulance observation shifts. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who are passionate about helping others. Please see the linked document for additional information.  Applications are due by May 1st at 11:59 pm.  See Ms. Hill for more details and questions.

 

The NC GlaxoSmithKline Summer Immersion Experience in Biotech offers rising 11th and 12th graders a free two-week residential summer immersion experience. During the camp, students will learn more about the NCCU programs related to research and pharmaceutical sciences. The camp dates include June (June 16–June 28) and July (July 14–July 26) Students will develop skills and participate in several valuable lessons and experiences. Click here for more information.  In addition, you must complete the application to be considered.

 

NC State’s VETS DEN hosts live sessions on the second Tuesday of each month. The online sessions will allow students to hear from veterinary professionals with unique experiences. To learn more, click here.  Be sure to register to attend! https://apply.ncsu.edu/portal/vet-med

 

Is your student interested in exploring climate impacts?  Are they curious and enjoy solving problems? If so, encourage them to apply to be Teen Climate Ambassadors at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The program welcomes 9th-12th graders to participate in interactive and engaging activities that will allow them to work to solve problems in their communities.

 

Have you ever considered volunteering at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina? This is an excellent opportunity for students and families to help community members facing food insecurity. Students 16 and older do not require a chaperone when volunteering; however, volunteers under 16 require an adult chaperone. Check out their website for more information.  

 

Check out the paid internship opportunities with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. NCDOT High School Intern Program Job Bulletin.pdf All applicants must use this link to apply online. NC DOT Online Application  Be sure to look for the “High School Intern Program.”

 

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. Check out the webpage for more information and the calendar for upcoming opportunities.

 

Is your student interested in emergency medicine? Would they like to learn more about first aid, CPR, and skills required to save a life? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, please check out the Wake County EMS Club!  The club meets on the 2nd Monday of every month. To find out more about this opportunity, click here.

Principal's Reminders

 

Reporting Threats

By calling the 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.

 

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support

https://988lifeline.org/about/

 

Principal Cummings hosts Office Hours/Coffee Chats most Fridays at 8:30 am in person or via Google Meets.

 

Contact information: email: lcummings@wcpss.net  Desk: 919-532-5641  Mobile: 919-398-3451. While I have offices on both campuses, I am usually on the North Campus.

 

Principal’s Tip of the Week:

Spend time together.