Students participated in a school-wide writing prompt today. The prompt was pulled from the state list (http://doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/2010/online_writing/writing_prompts/gr_8_writing_prompts.pdf) and students spent the first two hours of today planning and writing to the prompt. Teachers will be grading these according to the state rubric next week and providing feedback to the students. We know that this experience provided them with an authentic on-demand writing exercise and we hope that it will help them on their journey to becoming more confident and effective writers.
Today is the end of the first semester. Grades will be posted for the first semester next week following the teacher work day on January 23. Students who have new classes beginning will start those on January 24.
PTO Meeting
The PTO will meet on January 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the library. Kate Modica, Region 10 and MoHS Student Assistance Advisor, will present on how to speak with students about drugs and alcohol and will preview a community event that will be held at MoHS in March. Mr. Walton will provide an update on scheduled renovations and modernizations. More information about the March BOLT program at MoHS can be found here: http://www.newsplex.com/content/news/Community-Counts-Region-Ten-BOLT-411344165.html
8th Grade High School Registration
Counselors are now scheduling meetings with 8th graders and their families to complete course selection for high school registration in addition to developing a multi-year career and education plan. Please contact Karen Collier, Counseling Office Associate and Registrar, at (434) 977-6533 or kcollier@k12albemarle.org to schedule an appointment.
Bike Club
Walton is bridging the gap between the Cale Elementary biking club to Monticello High School’s racing team. This Spring we will offer a Bike Club, which will provide the opportunity to ride as a group, learn basic bike maintenance, trail maintenance, and have fun on two wheels. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun after school activity for those who enjoy mountain biking. The club is free, bikes and helmets are provided, and we will meet once a week beginning in late April. Please email Tommy McElroy (tmcelroy@k12albemarle.org) with any questions. Students may sign up to receive further information about the club using the following link:https://goo.gl/forms/lwUiWs8hQqj03vJK2
Interested students will meet with Mr. McElroy during 5th block soon to learn more and receive the appropriate paperwork for permission to participate. We are also asking if there are parents who want to help with the Bike Club to please email Mr. McElroy.
Spelling Bee
We will hold classroom-level spelling bees on January 24, which will be followed by a school-level bee on February 1. The winner of the school-level bee will go on to compete in the ACPS Spelling Bee on the evening of February 16, 2017.
Science Fair
Our annual Science Fair will be held on February 9, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in our cafeteria. This is always an exciting and fun event. We encourage all to come and experience it.
Wellness Survey
Students involved in the SchoolsNEXT group are working to design a learning experience of the future. They are designing around the concept of wellness and are seeking community input around opinions and ideas related to wellness. Please consider taking the Wellness Survey that can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F5PJ38N
Golden Apple Nominations
Nominations for the16th Annual Golden Apple Awards are open. This program honors outstanding teachers in public and private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City. One winner is selected from each school, and eight winners also will receive a $1,000 Golden Apple Grant, which can be used for classroom materials or to support the recipient's professional development. Nominations from colleagues, parents, and students are due to Mr. Walton by February 2, 2017. Nomination forms can be found at: https://www2.k12albemarle.org/dept/instruction/Pages/golden-apple-award.aspx
Upcoming Dates:
January 23: Teacher Workday-No School for Students
January 24: Classroom-level spelling bees
January 26: PTO Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in WMS Library
January 27: Activity Period
February 1: School-wide Spelling Bee
February 9: Science Fair-6:00-8:00 p.m. in Cafeteria
February 10: Open Gym/Dance
February 16: Division-level Spelling Bee
