Newsletter 8/30/24

Fri, 08/30/2024 - 9:25am

Happy Friday WLMS Community!

I am pleased to reach out and announce that our first week back was a tremendously positive one. I could not be prouder of our newest Tiger Sharks who have quickly learned how to use their lockers and navigate the building. Most importantly they have brought positive energy and have shown they are ready to learn and have some fun along the way. For our returning Tiger Sharks they too have come in with positive energy and adapted quickly to a few daily changes, modeling the expectation for our new students. A very special thank you to our amazing staff for all they did behind the scenes to ensure this week was set up for success. I look forward to building off our positive start and making it a great school year for the WLMS community. 

Thank you for all you do to support our students, staff, and school community.

Mr. Rattay

School Hours: Doors open at 8:15 am for students.  Grab and Go breakfast is provided for all students.  Classes begin at 8:30am.  Any student arriving after 8:30 am, will need to stop by the front office to check in and receive a late pass.  Dismissal is at 3:15pm.
 

School Store Volunteers needed!  Beginning Wed. September 11th, we will be opening our School Store for students.  During the school day, students earn "Shark Bites" for the following Cooperation, Accepting, Learning and Mindset. Students will then be able to use those tickets to "purchase" school supplies, fidgets, etc from our school store.  We are in need of 2 adult volunteers per lunch shift.  Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Fall School Pictures: Picture Day is  September 17th Pre-Order at www.schoolpix.com Use pre-order code: WLMSF24

  Picture Day Flyer Front   Picture Day Flyer Back 

 

A few to do’s for parents/guardians

CA POINTS PROGRAM- Must apply every year if you wish to participate in CA program.  The CA (Columbia Association) Points Program is offered to students in grades 3-12 enrolled in the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) program at participating schools. Students can earn a free CA membership for themselves and their immediate family through their grades and attendance.

To enroll your student, please complete the CA Points Enrollment Form. Online enrollment will close on Friday, September 27, 2024. 

For more information, visit CA Points Program or email CAPoints@ColumbiaAssociation.org

Family File:  Be sure to update your student/s family file (emergency card) . We still have 260 students without updated emergency contact information!  Having issues logging in to HCPSS Connect?  Connect Issues   Family File Instructions

Free and Reduced Meals:

FARMS Application:  Families must submit a new application every school year

During the first 30 school days, students with free and reduced-price meal eligibility from the prior school year will be carried over.

Any student who has not filled out an application up to the 30th school day will have their prior year status changed to full pay status until a new application is received. Parents / guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. Also, it is very important that applications are filled out correctly.

 

Interested in volunteering or chaperoning on a field trip?  Please complete the Volunteer training and send a copy either via email to Heather_Godwin@hcpss.org or send in hard copy with your students.

Upcoming dates:
September 2nd- Schools and Offices closed for Labor Day
September 5th- Back to School Night 6:30 pm-8:00 pm  
September 17th- Fall School Pictures for students-Pre order at www.schoolpix.com Code: WLMSF24
September 18th- 3 Hour Early Dismissal

 

The WLMS Boosters:  One of the things that makes WLMS such a great place for our kids is the amazing performing arts program. Whether your kiddo is enrolled in Band, Orchestra, Theatre, Chorus or Dance, the Boosters make sure they have what they need and get those extra resources that make the programs thrive. The Boosters help arrange and pay for everything from the WLMS afterschool theatre program, to purchasing dance shoes, costumes, and instruments, to bringing in actors and musicians to work with the students. But to do this, we need your support!

Please become a member of the Boosters today! Just go to our sign up page at this link (https://form.jotform.com/242294952012150). We welcome all parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends to join us in supporting our performing artists!
Mark your calendars! In addition to membership, we have three exciting Restaurant Nights coming up, where a portion of the proceeds will go directly to supporting our performing arts programs. These events are a fantastic way to enjoy a meal with family and friends while helping us raise much-needed funds. Here are the details:
  1. Chipotle
    • Date: September 23rd
    • Time: 5-9pm
    • Location: 9851 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046
    • Details: Enter code 49MMGHX if ordering online or present our flyer (attached) to ensure our programs benefit from your purchase.
  2. Taharka Brothers Ice Cream
    • Date: Order by October 7th and they will deliver on October 10th to your house!
    • Details: Order at https://deliver.taharkabrothers.com/ Use code WLMSBOOSTERS when you order so that we receive a portion of the proceeds.
  3. Mod Pizza @ Columbia Mall
    • Date: November 19th all day.
    • Location: 10000 Town Center Ave C, Columbia, MD 21044
    • Details: Mention Wilde Lake Middle School Boosters when you check out so that we receive a portion of the proceeds.
Interested in learning more or volunteering? Email us at wlmsartsboosters@gmail.com

 

WLMS PTSA:
Hi Tiger Shark families! 
We hope you had a wonderful summer! 
PTSA is gearing up for the 24/25 School Year.  With your help,we were able to provide lunch for staff on Pre-Service Friday from Jimmy Johns.  
Please consider supporting WLMS PTSA efforts like this one by making a financial donation.
Thank you!    WLMS PTSA