Wheeler Middle Updates: August 2017

Monday, August 28, 2017

Fwd: EMAIL UPDATE -- WEEK OF AUGUST 28 -- WHEELER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Trying without attachments to see if it makes it to this email address....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Parent CommunityNetworkingCenter <pcnc@wheelermiddle.k12.hi.us>
Date: Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM
Subject: EMAIL UPDATE -- WEEK OF AUGUST 28 -- WHEELER MIDDLE SCHOOL
To: Parent CommunityNetworkingCenter <pcnc@wheelermiddle.k12.hi.us>, PTSO <ptso.wheeler.middle.hi@gmail.com>

Happy Monday everyone! Here's what's happening at Wheeler Middle School:

From our 8th grade teachers: A huge thank you to families who purchased Krispy Kreme donuts in support of our 8th-grade fundraiser! And thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped with the distribution of donuts - we couldn't have done it without you! We raised just enough to send our students on an incredible science field-trip and we couldn't be more appreciative. Your dedication to our students and their goals is inspiring! 8th graders will be going to the Challenger Center the week of September 11th.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30: This will be an EVEN day; students go to their even-numbered periods, plus Homeroom and Advisory. It is also our first school spirit day for this school year! Students compete by homeroom for quarterly prizes! Students are encouraged to wear Wheeler apparel or clothes with blue AND white as the dominant colors! NOTE: PTSO has school t-shirts available for sale ($10)!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30: Aloha Ambassador's informational meeting, during lunch, in Ms. Gallagher's room (E-13). Applications will be due by September 6. Here is a description of this program:

The Aloha Ambassador Club is a school-wide program for civilian and military-connected students. Their mission is to welcome new students to our school with the spirit of Aloha and support their incoming transitions, as well as prepare our outgoing students for their upcoming transitions. Participants in the club are trained on leadership and social skills to ensure a successful transition for each of our students. They work together to create a strong sense of community within both military and civilian students through social interaction and service. The Aloha Ambassador Club is dedicated to promoting social responsibility, good citizenship, and lasting relationships.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6: Federal Survey forms will be sent home with your children. Please ask them for these survey forms, in case they forget to give them to you! Your prompt return of these forms would be greatly appreciated! Our school receives federal funding based on the number of forms we return; if you have more than one child attending our school, please fill out and sign a form for EACH child.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: Our first volleyball game of the season -- games begin at 10:00 and will be held at Waialua High School. Please come support our student-athletes, cheerleaders, and coaches! Schedule of games is attached.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AND FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: School picture days! Students will be scheduled to have pictures taken through their English classes. They will receive an order form ahead of time, so parents may choose backgrounds and select packages. Students are asked to bring their order form, along with payment, on their designated picture day (English teachers will distribute these forms and let students know which day they will be getting their pictures taken).

CAFETERIA MEAL PROGRAM: Our school uses a software program called "PrimeroEdge," where parents can register for an online account (www.schoolcafe.com). With this account, parents can view their student's breakfast/lunch participation, pay online, and set up low balance notifications. Please register for an account, even if you do not plan to pay online. Payments can still be made in the front office. We will no longer be making phone calls to parents notifying you of a low balance; having the account with schoolcafe.com is the best way to keep track of lunch account information. If you have any questions about registering with Primero Edge, please call the office at 305-9000.

INFINITE CAMPUS: Infinite Campus is our school's online student information system. It provides parents with the ability to view their children's academic information and communicate with teachers through the Infinite Campus portal. Students are also able to log into the system to see their assignments, grades, class schedules, and attendance records. Last week, the student portal became accessible to students. Later this week, parents should be receiving a 'census verification form,' where we ask that you verify your contact information. Once this form is returned to school, parents will be able to go to our school's website and click on the Infinite Campus Portal to request a log-in. If you have children at other DOE schools, you will also be able to access their records with just one log-in and password.

PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization) NEWS:

If you are new to our school and would like to join our PTSO, it's not too late! Cost is only $5 per family and benefits our students and staff throughout the school year! And if you'd like to volunteer, we are always in need of help to make all of our events a success! PTSO is also looking for board members to fill positions that became vacant this summer! For more information, please email ptso.wheeler.middle.hi@gmail.com. I've also attached a membership form for your information (and if you'd like to join, all you need to do is fill it out and send it in (with $5) with your student! Thank you to those who've already joined our group!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: PTSO will be having its first Community Yard Sale, right here in our school parking lot! Reserve two parking lot spaces for only $10! We will advertise the sale and there will be several families selling their goods -- one stop shopping! You keep all of the profits from your sales! Please see attached flyer for more information and to register for a spot!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: PTSO will host its first Art and Appetizers Night (similar to a "Paint and Sip," without the "sip") for this school year! This event has always been a huge success; please be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot! I've attached a flyer that provides more information, along with the registration form.

Saturday, November 11: PTSO will host its 5th annual holiday bazaar, from 9:00 - 1:00 in our cafeteria. Vendors may rent 8' of cafeteria table space or a 10' x 10' space outside for $30. For more information, I've attached a flyer and vendor application.

PTSO sells Outshine fruit bars ($1) after school -- a great snack, especially during these hot summer months! We are set up behind the administration building, by the service elevator.

PTSO has school t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts available for sale (see attached flyer for information and order form). T-shirts sell for $10; sweatshirts are $25 (cash or check, please). I have samples in my office (located in the main school office) if you'd like to see sizes! While students are not required to wear these at school, they're nice to have for school spirit days!

We are a Box Tops school! Please encourage your child to cut out Box Tops and bring them to school! For every ten Box Tops submitted, students (and staff members too) are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card (choose from iTunes, Game Stop, Exchange, OR Amazon). Submission forms are available in the main school office. Box Tops may be glued or taped to the form and dropped in a bucket on the counter in the office. We'll have drawings in September, November, January, March, and May!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Mary

Mary Rice

Parent Community Networking Center (PCNC) Facilitator

Wheeler Middle School

808-305-9032

Mary Rice

Parent Community Networking Center (PCNC) Facilitator

Wheeler Middle School

808-305-9032

Weekly email

I think my weekly emails are too large for your blogger mailbox. I have a lot of attachments this week.....maybe that's it :(

Sorry!

Mary

Mary Rice

Parent Community Networking Center (PCNC) Facilitator

Wheeler Middle School

808-305-9032

Monday, August 21, 2017

EMAIL UPDATE -- WEEK OF AUGUST 21 -- WHEELER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a nice weekend! Here's what's happening at Wheeler Middle School:

MONDAY, AUGUST 21: If your girls are interested in taking hula lessons, they should be attending a short meeting today during lunch. This information has been in the daily bulletin at school (during morning announcements). Students will be bringing a packet home for parents to fill out and sign/return to school as soon as possible. First 30 students to turn in a packet will be able to participate; others will be placed on a waiting list.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23: This is an ODD day; students go to their odd-numbered periods, plus Homeroom and Advisory.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25: Krispy Kreme orders will be available for pick-up between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm. Orders not picked up by 4:00 pm will be forfeited.

MILITARY & FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR (MFLC): Our school is fortunate to have an MFLC on campus, who is available to provide a variety of services to students as needed. I've attached a letter from our counselor, Ms. Teresa Torres-Johnson, that explains the program. If you think your child might benefit from these services at any time, please fill out, sign the letter, and return it to the school office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Torres-Johnson, at 305-9066, or email her at teresa.torres-johnson@wheelermiddle.k12.hi.us.

GAME ROOM: Your students may have mentioned that we have a game room on campus that is open during lunch. The game room has some video game systems, a pool table, two air hockey tables, foosball tables, an electronic basketball game, and a ping pong table. Students are welcome to come in during lunch, but may not bring food into the room. Many eat lunch in the cafeteria, then run to the game room to play some games. At the beginning of the school year, this room is very popular, especially for 6th graders. If there is anybody who might be interested in volunteering for 30 minutes, I could sure use a little help keeping an eye on all of the kids! Let me know if you have some extra time on your hands and want to spend it with a bunch of very loud middle school students! Lunch is at 11:55 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) and at 10:00 on Wednesdays. Additionally, if you have any video game accessories that you'd like to donate, we'd be happy to take those off your hands too! We are especially in need of a couple of XBox 360 game controllers!

PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization) NEWS:

If you are new to our school and would like to join our PTSO, it's not too late! Cost is only $5 per family and benefits our students and staff throughout the school year! And if you'd like to volunteer, we are always in need of help to make all of our events a success! PTSO is also looking for board members to fill positions that became vacant this summer! For more information, please email ptso.wheeler.middle.hi@gmail.com. I've also attached a membership form for your information (and if you'd like to join, all you need to do is fill it out and send it in (with $5) with your student! Thank you to those who've already joined our group!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: PTSO will host its first Art and Appetizers Night (similar to a "Paint and Sip," without the "sip") for this school year! This event has always been a huge success; please be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot! I've attached a flyer that provides more information, along with the registration form.

PTSO sells Outshine fruit bars ($1) after school -- a great snack, especially during these hot summer months! We are set up behind the administration building, by the service elevator.

PTSO has school t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts available for sale (see attached flyer for information and order form). T-shirts sell for $10; sweatshirts are $25 (cash or check, please). I have samples in my office (located in the main school office) if you'd like to see sizes! While students are not required to wear these at school, they're nice to have for school spirit days!

We are a Box Tops school! Please encourage your child to cut out Box Tops and bring them to school! For every ten Box Tops submitted (submission form attached), students (and staff members too) are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card (choose from iTunes, Game Stop, Exchange, OR Amazon). Submission forms are available in the main school office. Box Tops may be glued or taped to the form and dropped in a bucket on the counter in the office. We'll have drawings in September, November, January, March, and May!

Have a great week!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

EMAIL UPDATE -- WEEK OF AUGUST 14 -- WHEELER MIDDLE SCHOOL

We made it through our first week of school! Here's what's happening in and around Wheeler Middle School this week (and beyond!):

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16: This will be an EVEN day; students will go to their even-numbered periods, plus Homeroom and Advisory.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16: Our 8th graders have been taking orders for Krispy Kreme donuts to raise money for a field trip to the Challenger Center. Orders (and payment - $12 per dozen) are due on Wednesday, August 16. 8th-grade students should turn in their order forms/money to their homeroom teachers. If you'd like to support our 8th graders, parents can also stop by the office and place an order!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17: This is our first Domino's Pizza Night for this school year (we will have five of these throughout the school year)! Easiest fundraiser EVER!! All you need to do is place an order with the SCHOFIELD DOMINO'S (622-3030) anytime on Thursday and our school will earn ten per cent of their sales for the entire day! If you don't live on Schofield, you'll have to pick up your order from the Schofield store, because they only deliver to Schofield addresses. This is a great way to support our school and keeps you out of the kitchen too!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18: No school; Statehood Day.

PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization) NEWS:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15: Please join us for our first PTSO Meet and Greet! We will meet in Room P7 (last portable classroom -- stop by the office for directions) at 3:00 pm. Meet some of our administrators, teachers, other parents, and our PTSO board! Come hear about everything we have planned for the upcoming months!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: PTSO will host its first Art and Appetizers Night (similar to a "Paint and Sip," without the "sip") for this school year! This event has always been a huge success; please be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot! I've attached a flyer that provides more information, along with the registration form.

PTSO also sells Outshine fruit bars ($1) after school -- a great snack, especially during these hot summer months! We are set up behind the administration building, by the service elevator.

PTSO has school t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts available for sale (see attached flyer for information and order form). T-shirts sell for $10; sweatshirts are $25 (cash or check, please). I have samples in my office (located in the main school office) if you'd like to see sizes! While students are not required to wear these at school, they're nice to have for school spirit days!

We are a Box Tops school! Please encourage your child to cut out Box Tops and bring them to school! For every ten Box Tops submitted (submission form attached), students (and staff members too) are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card (choose from iTunes, Game Stop, Exchange, OR Amazon). Submission forms are available in the main school office. Box Tops may be glued or taped to the form and dropped in a bucket on the counter in the office. We'll have drawings in September, November, January, March, and May!

Have a great week! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me!

Mary

Mary Rice

Parent Community Networking Center (PCNC) Facilitator

Wheeler Middle School

808-305-9032

EMAIL UPDATE -- WEEK OF AUGUST 4 -- WHEELER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Aloha Wheeler Middle School families, and welcome to a new school year! We're excited to welcome everyone back to school and to welcome all of our new families too! For those of you who are new to the school, I send out an email every Monday (usually!), with updated information about things happening at school (and sometimes some other information that I think might be useful).

Please see attached welcome letter from the new DOE Superintendent.

INFINITE CAMPUS: Parents will have access to an on-line system that allows them to see their student's grades, class schedules, assignments, and attendance history. This system is not available at this time; a Census Survey Form will be sent home with your student in the next couple of weeks. Please complete this survey form and return it to school. You will then be able to go to our school's website and complete an on-line request form to gain access to the Infinite Campus site.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9: This will be ODD day; students go to their odd-numbered periods, plus Homeroom and Advisory. For our new families: Each Wednesday, our students go to only four of their eight class periods, and are dismissed at 1:27 pm. The schedule will alternate from week to week -- this Wednesday, students will go to their odd periods, and next Wednesday, they will only go to their even-numbered periods. Students get used to this schedule pretty quickly, but I will include this in every email so that parents are also aware of what classes they will attend each week.

.....and speaking of schedules: Because Wednesdays are 'short' days of school, our lunch time also changes. Students go to lunch at10:00 on Wednesdays; every other day (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri), lunch begins at 11:55. Students have a 30-minute lunch period; they also have 15 minutes for recess every day, except Wednesdays.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9: Please be on the lookout for information about our Krispy Kreme fundraiser, which will kick off this Wednesday! Proceeds will be used to help fund our 8th grade Challenger Center field trip.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18: No school; Statehood Day.

Did you know that the Schofield Barracks Teen Center has a bus that picks students up after school and takes them to the teen center? You can get more information directly from the Teen Center (655-0451), but I just wanted to let you know that there is a fee for this service ($15 per month) -- this service was free last year and I wanted to give families a heads up about the change! Students must be registered to use the Teen Center (parents register via 'Parent Central,' located at 241 Hewitt Street, Schofield Barracks (655-5314). Registration is free!

PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization) NEWS:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15: Please join us for our first PTSO Meet and Greet! We will meet in Room P7 (last portable classroom -- stop by the office for directions) at 3:00 pm. Meet some of our administrators, teachers, other parents, and our PTSO board! Come hear about everything we have planned for the upcoming months!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11: PTSO will be selling shave ice after school ($2) to celebrate the end of the first week of school!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: PTSO will host its first Art and Appetizers Night (similar to a "Paint and Sip," without the "sip") for this school year! This event has always been a huge success; please be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot! I've attached a flyer that provides more information, along with the registration form.

PTSO also sells Outshine fruit bars ($1) after school -- a great snack, especially during these hot summer months! We'll be set up in front of the counselors' office ('D' Building).

I think this is it for now! Please feel free to email or call me if you ever have any questions; I'm happy to help in whatever way I can!

Have a great week and an even better school year!

Mary

Mary Rice

Parent Community Networking Center (PCNC) Facilitator

Wheeler Middle School

808-305-9032