Our next PTSA meeting on March 16 at 7 pm will focus on the SRO Program and will be a panel discussion with Q&A, Open to the whole Churchill Cluster – click below for more information!
More information will follow, but we expect a panel discussion with questions and answers from many different perspectives and guests, to help our various delegates formulate their votes for the upcoming March MCCPTA Delegates vote. This vote will be for or against the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee’s 2021 Resolution, after receiving feedback from each cluster school’s communities. Please see the 2010 and 2021 Resolutions below.
The following links should help you get more informed about the backround and context of the SRO program at the county and state level:
(Many of these documents have been created in Google Docs – you may need to create and enter a gmail account to access):
Four Page Document for Use in Discussing with Local PTAs
2010 MCCPTA Resolution on SROs
The February 4 County Council Hearing with testimony from many students:
Office of Legislative Oversight Report on Montgomery County Council BILL 46-20
MCPS High School Principals Support Keeping School Resource Officers
Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP)
The Maryland Safe to Learn Act 2018
Please reach out here with questions or comments: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYt6nqTL_ZNVreTfwqmESlIe3vmllRIU3kHPPETomg8dwUvg/viewform
Following up on our PTSA meeting on February 16 discussing school reopening plans, here is Principal Heckert’s slide presentation:
And here is the meeting recording:
Senior Parent, Guardian, Student and Interested Community Member Survey, closing Sunday 2/21 11:59 PM
With remote learning and other quarantine-related restrictions, our WCHS seniors are not having the senior year they had expected. We are hoping to show them our support by providing some extra recognition and encouragement throughout their remaining time at WCHS.
To that end, the Class of 2021 Seniors Committee is working hard to plan activities that we think the graduating class will enjoy and appreciate! We want to see if we are on the right track, and to what extent these are activities the seniors will want to be part of.
Most are self explanatory and some are new ideas, such as an optional Adopt-A-Senior program, which would match seniors with a community member, alumni or family who will provide a little something each month to give them a boost during these last few months of their high school careers. This would be optional and there would be a structure set around items to be sent and amount to spend.
Before we begin what might be new tradition(s), we wanted to get a sense of interest and potential involvement by the students and families.
This list of ideas is about other events that are outside of graduation and prom, which will depend on metrics and county regulations and are not part of this survey.
All events would be guided by county regulations and the safety of everyone.
This survey is primarily for senior parents and students, but if you are a community member interested in the Adopt-A-Senior celebration program, please participate in the survey.
Please note that those of you without seniors this year may want to learn how the graduation process works for your own seniors! We welcome everyone who would like to join our planning efforts.
This survey will take less than 3 minutes.
Follow up senior planning meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:30 PM. Zoom details to be sent separately.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCHS2021
Our Next PTSA Meeting will be on February 16, 7:00 – 9:00 pm: Re-opening School Town Hall, Q&A
Follow on to our January 19 meeting with Amy Kossoff Smith:
Hello Bulldogs!
If you missed the January 19 s workshop, I hope this follow-up information is helpful. For those who attended, thank you so much for joining! I hope you left inspired to find YOUR Wow Factor!
I would LOVE to hear your comments on the workshop – 2-minute survey here.
Here’s the promised follow-up…
- My Essay Planner is attached below
- I hope you’ll like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram. I publish articles & tips to help you navigate the college admissions process. Check out announcements there for updates on the quickly evolving college admissions landscape, free Ivy Classes, writing tips, virtual tours & more.
- The main essay prompts for the graduating Class of 2021 are in the 2 portals (and TBD for Class of 2022 although they announced in January last year, so…we may hear soon):
- The NEW COVID-19 optional 250-word prompt I mentioned (again TBD for Class of 2022) is here.
- Classes announced! Join me to learn how to report activities, find your essay idea, research content, and more – Registration link here.
- NACAC added a detailed college admission status update during COVID where you’ll find virtual tours & a lot more.
- I mentioned the recent “Transparency in Admissions” report and secured permission to share with you (attached).
- I just relaunched my website, and it has aton of information for you (note – you’re already receiving my free report, so no need to sign up there again unless this email was forwarded to you, and you want to join my email list) – www.PowerHourEditing.com.
And of course, private coaching is a great way to supplement the fabulous support you receive at school. I coach students to connect their own personal dots, follow a customized online action plan, consider what their biggest headline is, and power to the finish line. I’ll add you to my newsletter list and hope you find the tips helpful.
Thanks again, and remember my promise to you…YOU CAN SHINE LIKE A ROCKSTAR!
Amy 🙂
JANUARY 19 IS OUR NEXT PTSA MEETING!
Join Churchill alum Amy Smith on Tuesday January 19th at 7pm for a presentation on “How to Find and Communicate your WOW Factor in your College Essays.” *PLUS – How has the pandemic affected college writing requirements – what’s new, what isn’t. Amy, a journalist, publicist, and college essay coach, owns Power Hour Editing and helps college-bound students jumpstart their process, stand out, amplify their voices, and power to the finish line. She’ll share her “Top Do’s and Don’ts” for college essays based on years of experience identifying trends & roadblocks many students face in the writing sections of their applications. And, she’ll share excerpts from “rockstar essays” to demonstrate how to be authentic, creative, and communicate WOW in YOUR writing! Amy will identify steps you can take NOW to avoid the summer/fall crunch. (Perfect for Juniors – Also appropriate for 9 th & 10 th grade students interested in understanding the writing process). www.PowerHourEditing.com
Register here, and you’ll receive an email follow-up with additional tips after the presentation -> https://forms.gle/NrPjE7BKDUHsYMEw9
To join the meeting, use: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81928723511?pwd=TGZaU0JrUlVVS1N2bEZIUnVMeU1NQT09, Meeting ID: 819 2872 3511, Passcode: 582001
January 15 – 8 pm – WCHS’ first virtual play performance! CLUE! Now available ALL DAY LONG until midnight on January 15! A clip is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ey15SqFlo_ylDoL6Gt_iWHlXUA5Ne9w_/view
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by the Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”
Chips and guac, anyone?
Support your school newspaper, The Churchill Observer, and literary magazine by attending our fundraiser at Chipotle (10116 River Road location) on Tues., Jan. 19th from 5-9 pm!
Make sure to mention to the cashier (prior to ring-up) that you are there for WCHS publications in order to contribute.
Or, you can order online for pick-up (just needs to be at this location on this particular date/time).
Use code: MRW8LDC.
January 13 at 4:30 pm – MoCo Scientists for Kids: “The Newest Airplane is Unmanned! Drones, and How to Safely Operate Them.”
January 13 at 4:30 pm – MoCo Scientists for Kids, created by Churchill student Sarah Bagheri and her alumni brother Brandon, will host an online presentation by an engineer from the Federal Aviation Administration on “The Newest Airplane is Unmanned! Drones, and How to Safely Operate Them.” What do you think of when you hear, “there are airplanes flying that don’t have a pilot in them, and they can be controlled by a computer?” Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also known as “Drones,” are one of the newest type of aircraft flying around us today. With this special type of aircraft, there are special considerations that we must think about before flying these neat machines. In this presentation, we will discuss the special operations that drones are being used for, how we can safely operate them, and how the experts and specialists in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are looking towards the next generation of savvy “techies” to help improve the use and safety of these new aircraft! Webex information will be sent to interested participants on Tuesday. See MoCo Scientists For Kids for more information and including how to register.
Our December Meeting Reference Information: Click here for the Zoom presentation, video and recordings from our December meeting (there will be a silence during the breakout sessions):
Click here for the online training on Signs for Suicide and depression in multiple languages for parents:
Click here for the slides on the increased risk to LGBTQ youth:
Click here for the Signs of Suicide one page information document:
December MCPS School Calendar
December PTSA Meeting – 7 – 9 pm – Discussion and presentation from WCHS Counselors on the program of the Signs of Suicide, with breakout discussions
SOS Signs of Suicide (SOS) is a universal, school-based prevention program designed for middle school (ages 11-13) and high school (ages 13-17) students. The goals of this program are:
- Decrease suicide and suicide attempts by increasing student knowledge and adaptive attitudes about depression
- Encourage personal help-seeking and/or help-seeking on behalf of a friend
- Reduce the stigma of mental illness and acknowledge the importance of seeking help or treatment
- Engage parents and school staff as partners in prevention through “gatekeeper” education
- Encourage schools to develop community-based partnerships to support student mental health
Through a video and guided discussion, students learn to identify warning signs of suicide and depression in a single class period. At the end of the session, students complete a seven-question screening for depression (anonymous or signed – the school can decide) to further encourage help-seeking and connect students at risk with trusted adults. The curriculum raises awareness about behavioral health and encourages students to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) when worried about themselves or their peers.
November MCPS School Calendar
OUR NEXT PTSA MEETING WILL INCLUDE A DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS FROM OUR RECENT SCHOOL SURVEY November 17, 7-9 pm. Join us for whole-group and break-out discussions on action items Churchill will take to enhance and help our students navigate school this fall. Spanish and Mandarin to be offered via live Zoom interpreter channels. Link to follow.
Make Your Voice Heard! Parents and students, please fill out the school survey! Available in English and Spanish. See below for the links. We will be discussing survey results at our next board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17!
Good evening.
The Winston Churchill administration is partnering with the PTSA to check in on our students and families now that we are nearing the end of the first marking period. The data we collect from students and parents will influence actions for the school and the community to ensure we are supporting our learners and their families during these challenging times.
Please click the link below accordingly. This email will also be posted in Canvas for students.
Student Survey (students must log in from their gmail accounts, however the survey is anonymous)
Parent Survey – Spanish (NEW) Thank you to Ms. Goldie Shturman for her translation work!
Thank you and take care.
Principal Heckert
MoCo is holding a virtual meeting on whether to fund a pedestrian sidewalk/bikeway on Tuckerman Lane on November 12 at 6:30 PM. If you feel strongly about supporting this expenditure, plan to attend! Click for details.
MCPS is hosting a virtual conversation on Thursday, Nov. 12 for the community on the framework for the return of students to in-person learning beginning January 2021. The virtual conversation will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on the MCPS website, MCPS TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 89) and YouTube. Submit questions in advance by visiting www.mcpssubmitquestion.org.
MCPS presented a proposed framework to the Board of Education on Nov. 6. Learn more about the framework here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2020-2021/community-update-20201106.html
MCPS organizará una conversación virtual para la comunidad el jueves, 12 de noviembre sobre la estructura para el regreso de los estudiantes al aprendizaje en persona a partir de enero del 2021. La conversación virtual comenzará a las 6:30 p.m. y se transmitirá en vivo en el sitio web de MCPS, MCPS TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 y RCN 89) y YouTube. Envíe sus preguntas con anticipación visitando www.mcpssubmitquestion.org.
MCPS presentó una propuesta de estructura al Consejo de Educación el 6 de noviembre. Obtenga más información sobre la estructura aquí: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2020-2021/community-update-20201106-sp.html
Join the new MCCPTA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Listserv!
10th Annual Historically Black College and University Virtual Fair Nov. 13 and Nov. 14. Click for more information.
MCPS and the National Hispanic College Fairs, Inc. will be hosting a Virtual Fall College Fair on November 17th. It will be held from 2:00-6:00 PM. All students in grades 9-12 and their families are welcome to participate. Registration is required. The registration link can be found in the included flyers.
Additionally, there will be a Virtual Families’ Night as a follow-up to the Virtual Fall College Fair. It is scheduled for November 18th from 6:00-8:30 PM. Students and their families are welcome to participate. Our Families’ Night sessions will be held in English and Spanish. The sessions will include information on the College Application Process; a College Admissions Panel with various colleges and universities; an MCPS Alumni Panel; and information on Financial Aid. To participate, please use the registration link provided in flyers. A zoom link will be provided after registration.
If you have any questions, please contact your College and Career Information Coordinator.
Virtual Fall College Fair – English Flyer
Virtual Fall College Fair – Spanish Flyer
Virtual Fall College Fair Families’ Night Flyer
Spanish:
Estimados estudiantes y familias,
MCPS y National Hispanic College Fairs, Inc. organizará una Feria Universitaria Virtual de Otoño el 17 de noviembre, desde las 2:00 a 6:00 p.m. Todos los estudiantes de los grados 9-12 y sus familias son bienvenidos a participar. Es necesario registrarse. El enlace de registro se puede encontrar en los folletos incluidos.
Además, habrá una Noche de Familias Virtuales como seguimiento de la Feria Universitaria Virtual de Otoño. Está programado para el 18 de noviembre de 6:00 a 8:30 p.m. Los estudiantes y sus familias pueden participar. Nuestras sesiones de Noche de Familias se presentarán en inglés y español. Las sesiones incluirán información sobre el proceso de solicitud de ingreso a la universidad; un Panel de Admisiones Universitarias con varias universidades; un Panel de Exalumnos de MCPS; y información sobre ayudas financiera. Para participar, utilice el enlace de registro que se proporciona en los folletos. Se proporcionará un enlace de zoom después del registro.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con su coordinadora de universidades y carreras.
Feria universitaria virtual de otoño: folleto en inglés
Feria universitaria virtual de otoño: folleto en español
Feria universitaria virtual de otoño Folleto Noche De Familias
In case you want to showcase the actual links –
Virtual Fall College Fair – English Flyer: https://bit.ly/mcpsfallcollegefairEnglish
Virtual Fall College Fair – Spanish Flyer: https://bit.ly/mcpsfallcollegefairspanish
Virtual Fall College Fair Families’ Night: https://bit.ly/FallCollegeFairFamiliesNight
Navigating the Twists and Turns of Paying for College
Presented by St. Mary’s College of Maryland & The College Funding Coach, November 18, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register at https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/specialty-webinar/ Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/85145501097?pwd=RU9NbHVYSVpHT25ocnFkRHJteWZMdz09
Passcode: 810632
Parent Coffee
The College Search and Building a College List
Wednesday, November 18, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Click for Zoom information.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82349497401?pwd=aEVlQ0MrK0ZqZnFYOHkwRGQ1RldOQT09
Meeting ID: 823 4949 7401
Passcode: 823347
From the Literacy Council of Montgomery County: Caste: Isabel Wilkerson
Thursday, November 19, 2020
7:00 PM 8:30 PM
During a time in which we are seeing huge public protests for racial justice, we want to start this live series of discussions with a deep dive into Isabel Wilkerson’s book, Caste. Drs. Rhea Nedd and Kameron Van Patterson will be taking us on a deep dive into the book and using the book’s ideas to give us all more clarity around what is going on here in the country and in our region. Registration is free.
Class of 2022 Parent Meeting
Navigating the College Process
Thursday, December 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Zoom link TBD
Families Helping Families – send a gift card to a family in need! covid-19-gift-card-campaign
REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST ART WORK SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1 – “I Matter Because…” is this year’s theme – see below for details!
THE REFLECTIONS ENTRY RULES BY CATEGORY:
Submit your 2020-2021 yearbook photos to Jostens by November 30! Ads may be placed until January 29.
Students, we welcome you on our Churchill Safe Tech Committee! To join, submit a one paragraph essay to churchillsafetech@gmail.com.
The Churchill Safe Tech Committee invites students to join the Committee. Interested students can submit a one paragraph essay on why they would like to join the committee to: churchillsafetech@gmail.com. The committee is also seeking a chair. Please reach out if you would like to get involved!
The Safe Tech Committee was created by a group of parents interested in “the smart and safe use of technology at our schools, its impact on students’ physical and mental health, digital privacy and evolving safety guidelines. We read the latest science and studies and relay trends and concerns to MCPS and our Board of Education.” See http://www.mccpta.org/safe-tech-about-us.html for more. There is also a subcommittee formed from the online Churchill parents forum. Last year, the committee brought in speakers to PTSA meeting on the challenges and dangers of over-use of screen time, safe use of applications and platforms. During the pandemic, our teens are online more than ever. The Safe Tech committee has formed many cautionary guidelines around the use of technology.
The Churchill Dance Club and the Churchill Philosophy and Ethics Club Encourage Students to Join! Click for more information.
