Principal's Message
Dear Whitman Community,
It was great to welcome students, parents, and
families into the building this past Thursday at the New Student Orientation.
The PTSA Breakfast on Friday, August 17 was amazing. The food was
delicious and I want to thank everyone who contributed to the event. We
are even more excited to welcome students into the building on Tuesday, August
28 for the start of the 2018-19 school year. Students will report to
their first period class at 7:25 AM and will attend all 7 classes both
Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The normal block schedule, including
Advisory, will begin on Thursday.
There is some important information below about
the 1st day of school regarding schedules, transportation, Kiss and Ride, and
more. The staff is excited to get the school year started. And if
you are dropping off your student in the morning, you may see some community
members cheering and encouraging our students to have a great year! As
always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Craig Herring, Principal
School
Hours, Schedules, and Transportation:
We appreciate
your help ensuring Whitman MS is a safe and secure learning environment for all
students and staff.
- School
begins August 28 at 7:30 AM
-
Student
Arrival: No earlier than 6:50 AM. Doors will
open at that time. Please do not arrive prior to then as staff
supervision is not available.
- At
7:00 AM, 7th grade students will be directed to the 7th
grade gym, 8th grade students will be directed to the 8th
grade gym. If students are eating breakfast, they will go to the
cafeteria. All students will receive a new copy of their schedule on
cherry colored paper as some students schedules may have changed since
last week due to class size leveling.
- Once
dismissed for the day at 2:15 PM, students may not return to
school for any reason. The Whitman After School Program does not
begin until September 18 therefore, all students will need to ride the bus
home or get picked up by 2:30 PM.
- Please
follow all traffic procedures when utilizing the Kiss and Ride (see below)
Kiss
and Ride
If you drive
your child to school and/or pick up your child, please pack your patience. The
first week does involve long lines in the Kiss and Ride. Please remember we
have students and staff walking in our parking lots and across our cross walks.
To ensure EVERYONE arrives and leaves safely, please drive slowly, stay off
phones, be alert, and be patient. Once the routine sets in, we will have smooth
sailing for the year – thanks to your help and patience!
Bus transportation is provided for all Whitman MS students. Having
your student use the bus helps reduce traffic congestion. Bus transportation is
strongly encouraged. Late arrival to school due to traffic is unexcused. To
ensure the safety of our students we implement a traffic plan for morning
arrival and afternoon dismissal. We understand that you have pressing
appointments and engagements; however, we must make certain all students arrive
and depart in an orderly and safe manner.
If you choose to drive your child to school:
- No traffic will be permitted past the bus attendant at the front
parking lot with the exception of the buses and Whitman Middle School staff.
- The bus lane at the front of the school is one-way at all
times. When facing entrance #1, the traffic flows from right to left.
- The Kiss and Ride area is out front on Parker’s Lane so do not
enter the parking lot. Some parents find it easier to drop students off
in the Sherwood Hall Library parking lot. However, please note this is
very crowded on Wednesdays with the Farmer’s Market so we encourage you to use
the Kiss and Ride on Parker’s Lane.
- You may pick your child up early for appointments before 2:00 PM.
Park out on Parker’s Lane or you may get trapped in the visitor’s spaces when
buses arrive.
- Following the departure of all buses, you may pick up your child
at the front of the building. Plan to pick up after 2:25 PM. If you arrive
earlier, you will be in bus traffic. Parents must come into the building
after dismissal and present identification.
Thank
you in advance for your assistance, understanding, and patience
Student
Class Schedules
Student schedules are now available in SIS
StudentVue and SIS ParentVue. For more information about obtaining a ParentVue
account, please access support on the FCPS website. Please note that an
“activation key” is required to activate a ParentVue account. If you have any
questions about your SIS account please contact the main office at 703-660-2400.
On Tuesday, all students will receive a new
copy of their schedule printed on colored paper during their first period
class. The colored copy of students' schedules will replace all previous
printed versions. If your student forgets or does not know their first period
class, lists of every student's 1st period class will be posted by grade level
throughout the building. In addition, all staff members will be in the hallways
assisting students.
Student Orientation and Packet Return
We had a great turnout at the New Student Orientation last week.
Students were able to meet our wonderful staff and navigate the building with a
lot of excitement. We pride ourselves at Whitman for creating a positive
school culture for all students. We have mailed home packets with all
important documents for opening of school year. Please ensure to read all the
forms including after school program form, health information, and emergency
care form. Signed forms can be turned into the Student Services Office,
Main Office or Advisory (8th period) teachers during the first week of
school.
Bus Delay
Notification System
Parents may access the following link https://busdelay.fcps.edu/ or the FCPS
Mobile App to receive the delayed bus report. Morning route information
will be available through 12:00 PM. The afternoon route information will
be updated from 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM It is normal to expect a high
volume of delays the first week of school. This system will be active on August
28th. Both KIT and Bus Delay Notification systems will run simultaneously until
further notice.
Back To School Night
All parents are invited to attend our
annual Back to School Night on Thursday, September 6th.
Parents will walk through their child’s schedule. Please bring a
copy of your child’s schedule available through ParentVue, or take a picture of
your child’s paper copy. If you do not have access to ParentVue, school
counselors will be available to provide schedules. All parents should be
in the first period class at 6:30 PM. The evening should conclude
around 8:30 PM. Consider PTA membership. Donations to the PTSA
are donations to your child’s learning environment as the PTSA budget enhances
our instructional program by allowing us to buy technology and other tools for
learning.
Bus Schedule
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