Kevin McAneny, Wissahickon Middle School Prinicipal, Welcomes Students Back to School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the beginning of the 2011/2012 school year. ... This year the direction of the school will have an emphasis on approaching bullying in the . The theme this year is “Be the Difference”. Please note the following information which should assist you in your preparation for the coming school year:

• Thursday, August 25, 2011 – 6th Grade Back‐to‐School Night, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. A cookout dinner will be provided to staff, incoming 6th grade students and parents. Dinner is from 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Teachers will meet with parents from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. and students will meet with the Administrative Team, counselors and Unified Arts teachers.

• Monday, August 29, 2011 – First day of school for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. All students should report at the regular start time of 7:25 A.M. 6th grade students will be directed to their assigned teachers as they enter the school (Atrium area). Teachers will be available to direct students to their appropriate locations. 7th and 8th grade students should report to the gyms, where they will be dismissed to their respective rooms.

7th Grade – Old Gym

8th Grade – New Gym

Students will be dismissed at 2:25 P.M.

• Parent Drop‐Off Procedures:

• Do Not enter the parking lot in front of the school in the morning – the bus lanes should be for bus traffic only.
• Drop off is on Houston Road as designated or on the water tower side of the building. Drop off using the full circle – at least 7 vehicles should be able to unload at a time – Do not stop at the entrance of the drop off circle.

• Students are not permitted to cross Houston Road during dismissal.

• Bus schedules will be posted on the District website beginning August 24th and also at each school building. All transportation requests/questions should be made directly to the transportation department (215‐619‐8114).

• Students may bring their lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria. The price of lunch is $2.85 for the regular lunch and $3.10 for the premium lunch. A‐la‐carte items vary in price.

• Student safety is a priority at Wissahickon Middle School. All visitors must register with the receptionist when entering the school. The main entrance will be locked during school hours of 7:25 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. Entrance into Wissahickon Middle School will be through a buzz‐in system. Students will not be permitted to carry bookbags/backpacks in the school building from class to class. They may be carried to and from school and should be stored in their lockers during the day.

• All students will need an agenda book, which will be given to them the first day of school. This agenda book should be treated as a textbook and will cost $5.00 if lost. Students must have an agenda book in their personal possession during class periods as it will serve as a parent/teacher communication tool.

• If cell phones are carried to school by students, they must be turned off and kept in their locker during the school day. Your attention and cooperation with regard to cell phones carried by your child is appreciated.

• Mark your calendar!

•  7th and 8th grade Back‐to‐School Night on September 8th at 7:00 P.M.
•  PTC Meeting on September 13th at 12:15 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.

Information about the middle school is updated on the Wissahickon Middle School website throughout the school year. This is the most effective way to keep up with school information. Parents can follow academic progress through the Sapphire parent portal. If you have questions or need assistance, call or email Mrs. Kathy Dick at 215‐619‐8110 ext. 2241 or kdick@wsdweb.org.

The middle school experience requires cooperation and support. I look forward to working with you during the upcoming year. The success of all students remains our focus.

Sincerely,

Kevin P. McAneny, Ed.D

Principal