James Wood Middle School August 2016 Newsletter

James Wood Middle School
540-667-7500
Mr. Grant Javersak, Principal
1313 Amherst Street
fax - 540-667-9391
Winchester, VA 22601
webpage - jwms.frederick.k12.va.us
Mrs. Kristine Hickey, Assistant Principal Mrs. Shelly Andrews, Assistant Principal
Office staff: Mrs. Stocks, Mrs. Hutton, Mrs. Galloway
August 2016
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! The entire faculty of James Wood Middle School is very excited to work
closely with you and your family this year. Please remember that Wednesday, August 17, will be the first day of school.
All rising sixth grade students are invited to attend Bulldog Basics on Monday, August 15, from 8:30 – 11:30 AM. Sixth
grade students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers and classmates, try their lockers, tour the school,
and get acquainted with the academic programs. We hope that this program will relieve many of the new school jitters
that students and parents often experience.
Schedules for all James Wood Middle School students will be mailed Monday, August 8, 2016. Our building will be
open from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM for students and parents on Friday, August 12 and Monday, August 15, from 12:00 –
3:30 PM. This will be a great time for students to find their classrooms and lockers, pay all applicable school fees, and
tour the building.
The following newsletter contains important information about upcoming events and programs, policy reminders, and
much more. Please read all of the information closely. Feel free to contact the office if you have any questions about
any aspect of James Wood Middle School.
Please enjoy the final days of summer vacation. I look forward to seeing you on the 17th!
Sincerely,
What’s inside…
Page 2
 Elective Fees
 New Parent Portal
Principal
Page 3
Welcome back
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
At a Glance
August 8 – Schedules mailed; Athletic tryouts begin **see page 5 for more info
August 12 – 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM – Open House: students and parents may tour the
building, walk student’s schedule, locate lockers, and pay fees
August 15 – 8:30 – 11:30 AM – Bulldog Basics for rising 6th grade students **see page 3 for
more info
August 15 – 12:00 – 3:30 PM Open House: students and parents may tour the building,
walk student’s schedule, locate lockers, and pay fees
August 17 – 7:55 AM – 2:45 PM – First day of school – Welcome Back!
 Bulldog Basics
Page 4
 Calendar
 Menu
Page 5
 Parent Information
 Student Insurance
Page 6
 Bulldog Sports
Page 7
 Supply List
Page 8 - 9
 Emergency School Closings
Page 10
 Emergency Snow Routes
…and a lot more!
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
~Chinese Proverb
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 1
Welcome to James Wood Middle School
New staff members
Ms. Hurley – 6th Grade Science
Ms. Webb – US History II
Ms. Stalnaker – Family and Consumer Science
Ms. Burke – 8th Grade English
Mr. Gaynor - aide
2016-2017 Exploratory and Elective Fees
Pay your child’s fees online! It’s fast and easy!
myschoolbucks.com
6th Grade Students
Exploratory Fee – All 6th grade students
$ 6.00
Agriscience Exploration – 7th grade
Agriscience Technology – 8th grade
$ 7.00
$ 7.00
th
th
th
7 and 8 Grade Students
Semester Fees
Exploring or Select Art – 7 grade
Art 8 or Select Art – 8th grade
$ 7.00
$ 7.00
Exploring Family & Consumer Sciences – 7th grade
Home, You, and Careers – 8th grade
$ 7.00
$ 7.00
Inventions and Innovations – 7th grade
Technology – 8th grade
$ 7.00
$ 7.00
Frederick County Public Schools Returned Check Policy
Returned Checks Frederick County Public Schools has an agreement with a third party administrator for the collection of
all returned checks. If your check is returned by your bank, it will be automatically forwarded to a third party administrator
after the first presentation. They will collect the face amount of the returned check plus the maximum collection fee
allowable by law. Further action within the limits of law may be taken if you do not properly respond and Frederick County
Public Schools may elect to cease accepting checks from you
MySchoolBucks
Parents/guardians are encouraged to use the online payment system, My School Bucks, to pay school activity fees and place money on a student's
cafeteria account. Parents are able to view current account balances, review recent purchases, receive low-balance alerts, and setup recurring
payments on a weekly or monthly basis if desired. Once the payment is made, a receipt is automatically sent to the purchaser and teacher notifying
them that a payment has been received. VISA and MasterCard are accepted 24 hours a day. The web site is user friendly and allows you to selfregister. Register on the school’s website or on the FCPS homepage. Look for the My School Bucks Payment link.
FCPS Launches New Parent/Student Information Portal
Over the summer, Frederick County Public Schools replaced Edline with a new student information system from Tyler
Technologies called Parent/Student 360. The new system will provide parents with access to a variety of information
including student schedules, grades and attendance data. Shortly after the start of the 2016-17 school year, parents will
receive a user name and password that will allow them to login to Parent/Student 360 to access information regarding
their student(s). The Parent/Student 360 link can be found under the Parent & Students tab on the Frederick County
Public Schools website, www.frederick.k12.va.us, and our school website, jwm.frederick.k12.va.us.
Frederick County Public Schools shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, disability, or veteran status in the education program and
activities, or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Questions concerning the application of this non-discrimination policy may be
made to:
Title IX Coordinator; John Linaburg, Executive Director of Human Resources; 1415 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601; (540) 662-3888
Section 504 Coordinator; Michele Sandy, Director of Special Instructional Services; 1415 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601; (540) 662-3888
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, see list of OCR enforcement offices for the addresses and phone numbers of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 2
All upcoming sixth grade students are invited and encouraged to attend BULLDOG BASICS on
Monday, August 15, 2016 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM. Come meet your teachers and classmates,
tour the school, and enjoy middle school!






Sixth grade students meet in the auditorium
Team meetings
Tour the school
Snack
Pep rally in auditorium
Pick-up in the auditorium
Lockers
Parents and guardians please remind your child not to pre-set his/her locker combination and to keep his/her locker
locked at all times. Different groups use our school and visitors often try to open lockers.
Also, please advise your child should not to share his/her locker or locker combination with anyone.
Dates when school is closed 2016 - 2017
September 2 – Professional Development
September 5 – Labor Day
October 21 – Teacher Work Day
October 24 – Professional Development
November 8 – Professional Development
November 23, 24, 25 – Thanksgiving
December 22 – January 2 – Winter Break
January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 30 –Professional Development
February 20 – President’s Day
March 17 – Teacher Work Day
March 20 – Professional Development Day
April 14, 17, 18 – Spring Break
May 5 – Apple Blossom
May 29 – Memorial Day
*The School Board reserves the right to change the calendar in relation to holiday observance and make-up days for weather.
2016-2017 School Year
Middle School Students
Breakfast
$1.40
Lunch
$2.85
Reduced* Breakfast
30¢
Reduced* Lunch
40¢
Student Negative Cafeteria Balances
Friendly Reminder: Any negative cafeteria balances from the prior school year are
rolled into the new school year. To keep your student in good standing, please pay
balances owed by sending cash or a check to your student’s school or by utilizing the
online payment system, MySchoolBucks, located on the school’s webpage. Refer to
the student handbook regarding the division’s practices concerning negative balances.
If you feel you may be eligible for reduced-priced or free meals through the National
School Lunch Program, the form can be obtained from the principal at your student’s
school or downloaded from www.frederick.k12.va.us.
Frederick County Public School Nutrition Services
Parent/guardian and student information:
 parents are encouraged to register to use the online school payment system to deposit money in their student’s meal account
 students are expected to pay for lunches in advance or at the time of purchase
 students must have either a packed lunch or money for food unless eligible for free meals
 students and parents may contact the school principal should assistance be needed to provide food for the student
 unpaid accounts will jeopardize the student’s participation in other school activities; i.e. graduation ceremonies and prom
o If a student forgets his/her money for breakfast or lunch, the meal may be “charged” as an amount owed. This may occur up to a total of $15.00.
The cashier shall inform the student that if the charge balance goes over $15.00, he/she will receive an alternate meal.
o If a student’s charge balance goes over $15.00, the student shall be provided an alternate meal.
o À la carte items and second meals cannot be charged. All à la carte items must be paid for at the time of purchase. If a student goes through the
line with à la carte items for which they do not have money, staff is permitted to direct the student to return or hand over the à la carte food.
*Reduced prices for approved applications only. Free and Reduced forms are available online @ www.frederick.k12.va.us.
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 3
8
A
U
G 9
U
S
10
T
Welcome back
August 17, 2016
12
15
September at a glance
17
31
1
2
5
Student schedules mailed
3:00 – 5:00 PM Cross Country practice begins
3:00 – 5:00 PM 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball tryouts
3:00 – 5:30 PM Football tryouts/practice
5:00 – 7:00 PM 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball tryouts
5:00 – 7:00 PM Cheerleading tryouts
3:00 – 5:00 PM 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball tryouts
3:00 – 5:30 PM Football tryouts/practice
5:00 – 7:00 PM 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball tryouts
5:00 – 7:00 PM Cheerleading tryouts
3:00 – 5:00 PM 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball tryouts
3:00 – 5:30 PM Football tryouts/practice
5:00 – 7:00 PM 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball tryouts
5:00 – 7:00 PM Cheerleading tryouts
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Parents and students find classes, pay fees, locate lockers
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Bulldog Basics for rising 6th grade students
12:00 – 3:30 PM Parents and students find classes, pay fees, locate lockers
7:55 AM – 2:45 PM First Day of School - Welcome back!
3:00 – 5:30 PM Drama auditions
6:00 PM Back to School Night
NO SCHOOL – Professional work day
NO SCHOOL – Labor Day
Breakfast available – 7:40 – 7:50 AM
Student lunch - $2.85
Student breakfast - $1.40
*Reduced lunch - 40¢
*Reduced breakfast - 30¢
*Reduced prices for approved Free and Reduced applications only. Forms are available in the office or on-line - www.frederick.k12.va.us.
MONDAY
All meals served with a variety of low fat or skim milk.
Additional fruits & vegetables may be offered daily. Student must select at least ½ cup of a fruit and/or vegetable
Additional Meal Choices Offered Daily: Salad w/soft pretzel or Yogurt w/soft pretzel
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Choose 1:
Strawberry Shortcake
or Pancakes w/Syrup
or Yogurt w/Graham Crackers
or Cereal w/Toast
Choose 1:
Assorted Fruit Choice or Juice
Choose 1:
Mini Waffles
or Sausage Gravy over Biscuit
or Yogurt w/Graham Crackers
or Cereal w/Toast
Choose 1:
Assorted Fruit Choice or Juice
Choose 1:
Apple Crisp
or Egg and Cheese on Biscuit
or Yogurt Parfait
or Cereal w/Toast
Choose 1:
Assorted Fruit Choice or Juice
17
Choose 1:
Chicken Patty on Biscuit
or Pizza Breakfast Bagel
or Yogurt w/Graham Crackers
or Cereal w/Toast
Choose 1:
Assorted Fruit Choice or Juice
18
FRIDAY
Choose 1:
Breakfast Pizza
or French Toast Sticks w/Syrup
or Yogurt w/Graham Crackers
or Cereal w/Toast
Choose 1:
Assorted Fruit Choice or Juice
19
PIZZA
or TACO w/MEAT & CHEESE
CRUNCHY CARROTS w/DIP
SNAPPY GREEN BEANS
BLACK BEAN & CORN SALSA
FRESH FRUIT
APPLESAUCE
CORN DOG
or FISH SQUARE on BUN
Choose 1 or 2:
GREEN PEAS
TOMATO CUP
Choose 1:
FRESH GRAPES
MIXED FRUIT CUP
CHICKEN NUGGETS w/ROLL
or MACARONI and CHEESE w/ROLL
Choose 1 or 2:
BROCCOLI
SWEET POTATOES
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
PEACH CUP
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP w/CRACKERS
22
NACHOS w/CHEESE & MEAT
or TURKEY on CROISSANT
Choose 1 or 2:
PARSLEY POTATOES
GOLDEN CORN
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
PEAR CUP
23
CHEESEBURGER on BUN
or HOT DOG on BUN
Choose 1 or 2:
PINTO BEANS
POTATO WEDGES
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
PINEAPPLE CUP
24
PIZZA
or COLD CUT SUB
Choose 1 or 2:
GREEN LEAFY SALAD
STEAMED CARROTS
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
APPLESAUCE
25
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH
or CHICKEN SALAD on CROISSANT
Choose 1 or 2:
VEGETABLE SOUP w/CRACKERS
TOMATO CUP
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
MIXED FRUIT CUP
26
PORK RIB w/ROLL
or FISH SQUARE w/ROLL
Choose 1 or 2:
BROCCOLI
CRISPY CUCUMBER SLICES w/DIP
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
PEACH CUP
SUGAR COOKIE
29
30
SLOPPY JOE on ROLL
or HAM & CHEESE on ROLL
Choose 1 or 2:
OVEN BAKED FRIES
COLE SLAW
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
PEACH CUP
31
CHICKEN NUGGETS w/ROLL
or SALISBURY STEAK w/ROLL
Choose 1 or 2:
MASHED POTATOES w/GRAVY
CRUNCHY CARROTS w/DIP
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
PINEAPPLE CUP
PIZZA STICKS w/SAUCE
or COLD CUT SUB
Choose 1 or 2:
GREEN LEAFY SALAD
PINTO BEANS
Choose 1:
FRESH FRUIT
APPLESAUCE
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited
from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals
who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and
provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected].
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 4
Important Parent Information
Absences
When your student will not be at school,
please notify the school to report the
absence. You may call the school – 540667-7500, ext. 82189; or go to our home
page and click on Report Student
Absence – Erica Stocks. When your child
returns to school, please send a note with
your child explaining the absence.
Address and Phone
Late to School
Please
notify
the
guidance
department if you have moved,
changed employment, or your
home/work phone and/or cell
phone number. It is critical that we
have current information in case of
an emergency and need to contact
you.
Your child is tardy to school, if he/she arrives to
homeroom after 7:55 AM. If you child is late to school
he/she must report to the main office to receive a pass
to class. Please send a note with your child explaining
why he/she is late. When your student is tardy to
school due to a doctor’s appointment, parents are
expected to present a note from the physician with
signature verifying that the student is tardy because of
an appointment.
Notes—Bus and early pick-up
If your child will be riding the bus home with another student, BOTH students MUST have signed permission notes from their
parents/guardians stating the student’s name, who he/her is going home with, and the bus number. No phone calls will be accepted
since we are unable to verify information obtained by phone. If you are picking your student up early, please send a note to school
with your child with the time they will be picked up and the reason. We will give the student a pass out of class to meet you in the office. If
you are picking your student up after school your child is allowed to meet you in the pick-up line at the canopy. No note is needed.
Please do not call the office requesting changes in transportation of your child. WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE NEEDED by 2:00
PM. Parents should not send e-mails regarding change of transportation.
Counselors
6th Grade – Ms. Phillips
7th Grade – Mr. Waters
8th Grade – Ms. Headley
Student Insurance
For the students’ protection, if medical insurance is not currently provided through the parents’ employer or individual plans,
parents are strongly encouraged to purchase insurance from a private vendor or the student accident insurance program
available through the school division vendor - The Young Group, Inc. Information about plan types and enrollment instructions
can be found online. Go to your child’s school website, click on Parents and Students then Health Services then Student
Accident Insurance where information and enrollment instructions are located. Enrollment and claim forms are also available in
each school office.
Frederick County Public Schools’ insurance plan does NOT provide medical coverage for accidents or injuries
to students during school or during school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
Welcome back
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
7:55 AM – 2:45 PM
staff members look forward to working with
each of you this year!
It is not wrong to be different.
Sometimes it is hard, but it is not wrong.
Learning for All – All of the Time
--Elizabeth Moon
Page 5
Bulldog Sports
Athletic Director—Mr. Brad Symons
[email protected]
7th and 8th grade students
Fall Sports: Cross Country, Football, Girls’ Basketball
Winter Sports: Boys’ Basketball, Wrestling, Volleyball
Spring Sports: Track and Field
Fall and Winter: Cheerleading
James Wood Middle School
2016 – 2017 Sport Physicals
Rising seventh and eighth students who will be participating in sports for the 2016-2017 school year MUST have an approved
VHSL (Virginia High School League) Sports Physical on file at the Frederick County Public School Board Office (1415 Amherst
Street, Winchester) before trying out or participating in any sport. Physicals must be completed AFTER May 1, 2016, and will be
valid for the 2016-2017 school year. You may obtain a VHSL Sports Physical form in the main office or the School Board Office.
VHSL forms are also online at www.frederick.k12.va.us (Departments > Student Support Services > Information > VHSL
Physical Exam Form). All four pages of the form must be completed and returned to Mrs. Unhoch, Coordinator of School Health
Services, room 20 at the School Board Office. Please contact Ms. Unhoch at 540-662-3888 ext. 88131 if you have any questions.
Cheerleading Tryouts
Coach Hottle
Girls Basketball Try-outs
Football
Coach Lloyd
Cross Country
Coach Kimbrell
Tryouts will be
August 8, 9, 10, 2016
Try-outs will be
August 8, 9, 10, 2016
Meet in the gym
Tryouts/Practice will be
August 8, 9, 10, 2016
Practice begins Monday,
August 8, 2016
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Meet in the wrestling room
8th grade - Coach Grubbs
3:00 – 5:00 PM
3:00 – 5:30 PM
Meet on the practice field
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Meet under the canopy
7th grade – Coach Mathes
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Athletic Admissions
$3.00 – Adults and middle/high school students
Free – Elementary students
Parents and guardians,
Students are NOT allowed to stay after school
unsupervised. He/she is to ride the bus home and
return for athletic events, which start at 5:00 PM.
Just a reminder—
It is recommended that an adult accompany their children when attending a Frederick County Public Schools’
athletic event. Please be aware that if your child attends an event without a parent present and fails to
adhere to Frederick County Public Schools’ rules, the parents will be contacted to immediately pick up their
child at the event.
I hate every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion”.
--Muhammad Ali
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 6
JAMES WOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL 2016-2017 SUPPLY LIST
6TH GRADE
Individual teachers may request additional supplies
#2 pencils for entire school year NO mechanical pencils
colored pencils
ear buds for Chromebook (no headphones
glue sticks - 12 per child **
highlighters - multiple colors
loose leaf notebook paper
pencil pouch
pencil sharpener - hand held
scissors**
**supplies will be kept in classroom
The following items at home will be helpful:
calculator, compass, dictionary, protractor, ruler
7TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
Individual teachers may request additional supplies
#2 pencils for entire school year NO mechanical pencils
one - thumb drive
one composition book
3” X 3” Post It Notes
4 – 1½” - 3-ring binders w/pockets
five dividers for each binder
colored pencils
ear buds for Chromebook (no headphones)
erasers
glue sticks
highlighters
hole reinforcements
loose leaf notebook paper for entire school year
markers
pencil pouch
scissors
Individual teachers may request additional supplies
#2 pencils for entire school year NO mechanical pencils
3-ring binders with dividers
3 x 5 note cards
5 cm or ¼” graph paper
black or blue pens
ear buds for Chromebook (no headphones)
highlighters
loose leaf notebook paper for entire school year
red pens
ruler – metric/standard
The following items at home will be helpful:
calculator, compass, dictionary, protractor, ruler
The following items at home will be helpful: dictionary
Calculator for home use:
TI-30 or equivalent for Course III
TI-84 for Algebra or Geometry
Ms. Lestik and Ms. Stasiak
1 – pack of 3x5 index cards
2 – spiral notebooks
2 – 3-prong 2-pocket folders
colored pencils
crayons
glue sticks
pencils for entire school year
ELECTIVES
ART I and II
Does not include 6th grade Exploratory Art
9” x 12” hardbound sketchbook**
pencils for the entire school year
white vinyl erasers
**available for purchase through the art department
after school begins - $5.00
INTRO TO FRENCH
colored pencils
folder
highlighter
loose leaf notebook paper for entire school year
pencils for the entire school year
pens
FRENCH I
3-ring binder w/dividers
Folder
French/English dictionary
loose leaf notebook paper for entire school year
pencils for the entire school year
pens
INTRO TO SPANISH
colored pencils
loose leaf notebook paper for entire school year
pencils for the entire school year
pens
SPANISH I
highlighter
loose leaf notebook paper for entire school year
pencils for the entire school year
pens - black
Spanish/English dictionary
CHORUS - 7 and 8 GRADES
black dress pants
black dress shoes
choral polo shirt**
**available for purchase through choral program after
school begins
th
th
BAND - 6 GRADE
bell kit/sticks/mallets (percussion only)
instrument
instrument cleaning supplies
method book
reeds (clarinet and sax only)
valve/slide oil (brass only)
TH
BAND - Concert/Symphonic
black dress pants
black dress shoes**
black dress socks
black polo or dress shirt**
cleaning supplies other supplies needed for specific
instrument
instrument
pencils for the entire school year
**available for purchase through band program after
school begins
Middle School Student Fees 2016 – 2017
7th
Grade
Semester
Fees
6th Grade – Exploratory Fees - $6.00 for year
Agriscience Exploration
$7.00
8th Grade
Art I or Select Art
$7.00
Semester
Exploring Family and Consumer Sciences
$7.00
Fees
Inventions and Innovations
$7.00
Agriscience Technology
Art I, Art II, or Select Art
Home , You, and Careers
Technological Systems
$7.00
$7.00
$7.00
$7.00
School Nutrition Services
Breakfast - $1.40
Lunch - $2.85
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 7
FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
August 2016
When a storm brings snow, ice, freezing rain,
flooding, or other hazardous conditions to Frederick
County or an emergency situation occurs, care for
safety may necessitate closing schools, dismissing
early, or opening them later than usual in the
morning.
WHEN THE DECISION IS MADE
If weather conditions occur that make it obvious our
schools will not be able to operate the following day,
an announcement for the next day is sent out on the
FCPS Rapid Communications System and is
communicated to radio and television stations. If the
situation is uncertain or a storm develops during the
night, the decision is not made and announced until
early the following morning. A decision for the
county must be made no later than 5:30 a.m. in order
for announcements to be made in a timely manner.
HOW THE DECISION IS MADE
The assistant superintendent for administration,
director of transportation, and other transportation
employees check weather and road conditions in
different sections of the county. They also coordinate
with the highway department, public safety officials,
and each other. In addition, school officials take a
firsthand look by driving some county school-bus
routes. The next step may involve checking with
other school superintendents, particularly those in
Winchester City, Clarke, Shenandoah, and Warren
Counties. Finally, a recommendation from the
assistant superintendent for administration and the
director of transportation is presented to the
superintendent, and a final decision is made.
L:\Emergency Reference\2016-17\EMERGENCYCLOSE_16-17.docx
LINES OF COMMUNICATION
After a decision to close school or delay opening is
made, an announcement is sent out on the FCPS
Rapid Communications System and is communicated
to radio and TV stations listed below:
WINC 92.5FM/1400AM
WRNR 740AM
WUSQ 102.5FM/WFQX 99.3FM WSIG 96.9FM
WZRV 95.3FM/WFTR1450AM
WBOP 106.3FM
WKMZ 97.5FM/WEPM 1340AM WFTX 610AM
WYII 95.9FM
TV Station Call List
Cable Channel 18
Channel 4 (WRC-TV)
WHSV Harrisonburg
Channel 5 (WTTG-TV)
Channel 25 Hagerstown
Channel 7(WJLA-ABC7)
Channel 99 (WAZT)
Channel 9 (WUSA TV9)
The decision will be broadcast shortly after the
station is called. In addition, Frederick County
Public Schools’ information line at 540-722-6443 or
540-662-3889, ext. 6, and Cable Channel 18 will
have information on emergency school closings.
Frederick County Public Schools also utilizes a free
e-mail service that will notify parents immediately of
announced school closings or opening delays.
Parents with the ability to receive e-mail may register
free of charge at www.schools-out.com. In the event
of school closings or cancellations, parents who
subscribe to the service will receive an e-mail
message sent to the address that they specify
notifying them of schedule changes. This is a free
service provided to the school division and control of
the www.schools-out.com site rests with the
non-profit group that sponsors the site. Additionally,
the information may be accessed by going to the
Frederick County Public Schools web site at
www.frederick.k12.va.us and clicking on the “Info
for Parents” graphic on the opening screen.
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 8
It is important that parents and students not telephone
the stations for information about school closings.
Such efforts may block delivery of the very
ONE-HOUR DELAY
The one-hour delay schedule is employed when the
weather situation is not sharply defined or when
some roads are not clear and daylight will improve
safety. A decision on this must also be made by 5:30
a.m. Use of the delay means that all schedules are
moved one hour later. For example, a student who
usually boards a school bus at 7:30 a.m. will be
picked up at 8:30 a.m. Use of the delay allows
schools to operate a full day if conditions
significantly improve after 6:30 a.m. On occasion, if
weather conditions worsen, schools will be closed
and the announcement made before 7:30 a.m.
TWO-HOUR DELAY
A two-hour delay may, at times, be announced.
When this occurs, students will be picked up two
hours later than usual, and no breakfast will be served
at school.
EARLY DISMISSAL
information the individual wishes to obtain by
preventing a call from a school official with the
announcement.
are clear. The decision for the entire school system is
made in relation to the condition of all roads in
Frederick County. Many times city and suburban
streets are in good condition for travel, but some
secondary roads remain icy and very dangerous.
Frederick County has approximately 650 miles of
highways. This includes 26 miles of I-81, 101 miles
of primary highways, and 523 miles of secondary
roads, including 172 miles of unpaved roads. The
heavily traveled routes (I-81, Rt. 37, and U.S. 11, 50,
and 522) are always cleared prior to secondary roads.
EMERGENCY SNOW-SCHEDULE ROUTES
If icy conditions persist, it may be necessary to
operate schools and have reduced bus routes. If this
occurs, the radio announcement will state that buses
will operate on the emergency schedule. Parents on
roads where buses will not operate should get their
children to the location designated on the emergency
snow schedule until the bus can resume its regular
route. This information will be sent to parents living
on the emergency snow-schedule routes.
A storm can develop or conditions become hazardous
at any time in the morning necessitating an early
closing. If this occurs, the high schools will be
dismissed at 12:00 p.m., middle schools at 12:15
p.m., and elementary schools at 1:00 p.m. When
early dismissal is announced, parents may go to the
schools and pick up their children. We ask your
cooperation in parking to avoid dangerous situations
for students and buses. During serious weather
conditions, these times may be changed and
announced on the identified communication
channels.
BAD WEATHER DAYS IN SCHOOL CALENDAR
DIFFERING ROAD CONDITIONS
CONCERN FOR SAFETY
The condition of relatively narrow secondary roads
bears heavily on the decision to close schools as well
as to reopen them. Sometimes patrons ask why
schools are not in session after students have been out
a day or two and roads in Winchester and the suburbs
The School Board reserves the right to change the
calendar in relation to holiday observance and
make-up days (see school board policy). Five (5)
inclement weather days are built into the 2015-2016
school calendar. If more than five teaching days are
missed, one day will be made up for each two days
missed in excess of 5 and up to 9 make-up days.
Fourteen or more teaching days missed will require
subsequent school board action to adjust the school
calendar.
Any decision about closing schools is made with
safety of the students as the primary concern.
L:\Emergency Reference\2016-17\EMERGENCYCLOSE_16-17.docx
Learning for All – All of the Time
Page 9
2016-2017 EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTES
SPECIAL EDUCATION
ROADS NOT TRAVELED
NEW BUS STOP (Intersection unless otherwise noted)
ADAMS ROAD
ASTER TRAIL
BRILL ROAD
(Between South Pifer Road and Wardensville Pike)
BROWN LANE
COUNTRY PARK DRIVE
(Past Green Park Drive)
DEER TRAIL
(Shawneeland)
EDGEHILL DRIVE
FAMILY DRIVE
FOREST LAKE DRIVE
GOUGH ROAD
HOLLOW ROAD
(West of Parishville Road)
JACKSON DRIVE
(Deerfield Estates)
Laurel Grove Road (Between Wardensville Grade and Cedar Creek
Grade)
MCDONALD ROAD / ZEIGER DRIVE
MCFARLAND ROAD
PRIMROSE PLACE
REDSTONE DRIVE
REST CHURCH ROAD
(Between Wright Road and White Hall Road)
RIDINGS MILL ROAD
SIR JOHNS ROAD
(North of Shady Creek Road to the WV Line)
SHAWNEE TRAIL
SHAWNEELAND STOPS
SHIELDS DRIVE
SHOCKEYSVILLE ROAD
(Between Howards Chapel Road and Holiday Road)
STRODE MCLEOD LANE
WRIGHT ROAD
(Between Rest Church Road and the WV Line)
BUS #
Adams Road & Brush Creek Road OR
Adams Road & Siler Road
Wardensville Pike and Wardensville Grade
Not Traveling
Brill Road & Wardensville Pike
Not Traveling
Brown Lane & Cedar Hill Road
Not Traveling
Green Park Drive & Country Park Drive
Not Traveling
Firehall on Rosenberger Lane
Not Traveling
Edgehill Drive & Old Charles Town Road
Valley Pike & Family Drive
Forest Lake Estates
(1st entrance)
Gough Road & Wardensville Grade
Not Traveling
Not Traveling
Hollow Road & Parishville Road
Not Traveling
Millwood Pike/Bush Drive
Not Traveling
157 & 255
256
160 & 159
Laurel Grove Road and Cedar Creek Grade OR Wardensville Grade and
Laurel Grove Road
Wardensville Grade & McDonald Road
McFarland Road & Magic Mountain Road
Morning Glory & Primrose Place
Redstone Drive & Bloomery Pike
Not Traveling
Not Traveling
Not Traveling
Not Traveling
Wright Road & Rest Church Road
Not Traveling
Ridings Mill Road & Salem Church Road
Not Traveling
Sir Johns Road & Shady Creek Road
197 & 95
Maple Trail & Shawnee Trail
Swan Lake Bus Stop OR
Council House Bus Stop
Shields Drive & Perry Road
97
Not Traveling
Shockeysville Road & Howards Chapel Road
Not Traveling
Strode McLeod Lane & Marlboro Lane
Not Traveling
Wright Road & Rest Church Road
Not Traveling
Learning for All – All of the Time
255
255
Page 10