Pence Press
November 8, 2026
New Verkada Check-in System
Coming soon, Pence Middle School will implement the new Verkada Guest Management System. We are introducing this system across three RCPS schools to strengthen building security and help ensure the safety of our students and staff.
What does this mean for our Pence families?
Photo ID Required: You MUST bring a valid photo ID to enter the school or check your student out early. The new system will verify visitor identification as part of our school security procedures.
Limited Office Access: Unfortunately, it will be a little harder to visit our super-friendly office staff! Visitors must complete the required check-in procedures before entering the main office.
Early Student Pickups: Parents and guardians MUST come inside the building to check students out. We can no longer complete the checkout process while you wait outside. We strongly encourage you to call ahead so our office staff can have your student ready when you arrive.
Dropping Off Student Items: Forgot a lunch, Chromebook, homework, or other item? No problem! We will have a table and sticky notes available in the front vestibule. Simply label the item with your student's name, leave it on the table, and press the call button by the door to notify our office staff.
We recognize that this is another change for our Pence families and staff. As we implement the new Verkada system and learn to navigate our new (and sometimes crazy!) phone system, we are all adjusting to new procedures.
Please know that our wonderful office staff will continue to do everything possible to make your visits and student pickups run smoothly. We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work through these changes together.
As always, our priority is keeping our Pence Knights safe while providing a welcoming school environment.
Thank you for your continued support!
Pence Middle School Administration
Pence Dignity Drive
A Strong 2nd Term
Spelling Bee
Our Spelling Bee will take place next Thursday November 12th at 8:30 in the auditorium. Participants will need to report to the auditorium immediately following the morning announcements on that day. There will be a meeting to go over the rules and procedures of the Pence Bee on Wednesday November 11th at 8:20 - 8:35 in Mrs. McAvoy’s room (229). Good luck to all of our Spelling Bee participants!
FCCLA Interest Meeting
There will be a parent/student meeting for FCCLA members interested in attending the Virginia FCCLA State Leadership and Recognition Conference (SLRC) happening in April. This meeting will be via Google Meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th. (The meeting link will be posted on ParentSquare on that day.) Any student interested in going MUST attend this meeting in order to get an application. Applications will not be available until after this meeting.
During this meeting, we will be talking about an overview of SLRC, student project expectations, our general agenda, cost/logistics, and the application process. Due to limited spaces available for this trip, students are required to submit an application to be considered to attend. Participating in this meeting and filling out the application DOES NOT guarantee that a student will be attending.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are unable to attend, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Dodrill (kdodrill@rockingham.k12.va.us)!
PTO Meeting
There is a little mix of everything for students and families at the Pence Knights Sideline Store.
Homework Help
Our Homework Help program has begun on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30-4:30pm in the library.
Assistance is given with homework assignments, late or missing work, and difficult learning areas.
There is no bus transportation so students will need to be picked up promptly at 4:30pm.
Complete the attached permission form and return to Mrs McAvoy in room 229 or the front office. There are paper copies in the front office as well.
Picture Information
Yearbook pictures were taken on Thursday, October 8th. You are still able to purchase them online at https://strawbridge.net/ The Online Code is: PX527626
Yearbook make-up pictures and Club Pictures will be on December 3rd.
Winter Sport Pictures will be on December 4th.
Check out our Student Activities Page on our website!
https://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/o/wspms/page/student-activities
- Tickets to athletic events are $5 for students and adults.
Concessions will be available for sale at most athletic events.
A current physical is required by RCPS for all athletes to tryout, participate in open gyms and sports.
Information about Student Accident Insurance can be found HERE. Student accident insurance must be purchased if the student doesn't have insurance to complete the sports physicals for tryouts, open gyms, and participation in sports.
Please contact Turner Ashby High School directly concerning all questions about JV sports or TA activities. TAHS's phone number is 540-828-2008.
Winter Sport Information
Winter sports PARENT meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 17th, at 5:15pm in the auditorium.
Winter sport pictures will take place on Friday, December 4th after school.
Cheerleading
Questions? Cheerleading Coach -Danielle Davis-Argabright at danielle@heritagerealestateco.com
Basketball
Tryouts: participants should plan to attend all 3 dates
Boys: November 9th-11th in the Front Gym
Girls: November 9th-11th in the Back Gym
Fall Games - Mondays and Thursdays beginning at 4:30pm, unless otherwise noted
11/23/26 AWAY at SKMS
11/30/26 HOME w/ EMS
12/03/26 AWAY at MMS
12/07/26 HOME w/ THMS
12/10/26 AWAY at JFHMS
12/14/26 HOME w/SKMS
12/17/26 HOME at EMS
1/07/27 HOME w/ MMS
1/11/27 AWAY at THMS
1/14/27 HOME w/ JFHMS
1/16/27 Fall Boys' Basketball Tournament - Hosted at Montevideo Middle School
1/16/27 Fall Girls' Basketball Tournament - Hosted by John Frank Hillyard Middle School
Boys' Basketball Coach - Josh Eye at josheye@rockingham.k12.va.us
Girls' Basketball Coach - Isaac Driver at idriver@rockingham.k12.va.us
Wrestling
Wrestling Schedule - practices and matches
Matches - Tuesdays beginning at 4:30pm, unless otherwise noted
11/24/26 HOME w/ JFHMS & THMS
12/01/26 HOME vs EMS
12/08/26 AWAY at JFHMS
12/15/26 AWAY at MMS
1/12/27 HOME w/ JFHMS & THMS
1/26/27 AWAY at EMS
1/30/27 District Wrestling Tournament at Harrisonburg High School
Yearbook Online Preorder Info
Yearbooks are available for online purchase! The cost is $20. Pre-purchasing online is the primary method of payment. Pre-ordering will be available through March 31. Visit: https://bit.ly/knightsyearbook2627 to secure your copy today! If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Dove at kdove@rockingham.k12.va.us.
TAHS Shuttle Buses
There are 3 shuttle buses that transport to students to TAHS for activies such as marching band, JV sports, etc. The buses are Bus 28, Bus 42, and Bus 209. Students will head right out to the buses when the end of the day bell rings.
Meal Prices for Students: Breakfast $2.00, Lunch $3.25
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications are available for the 2026-2027 school year. Reminder - A new application must be filled out each school year. Online applications are available at www.myschoolapps.com.
Payments for meals may be made at www.myschoolbucks.com or cash or checks taken directly to the cafeteria.
New this school year - Please click here for updated guidelines regarding sales of extra items in elementary schools, and for additional pricing of extra food items in all schools.
Please contact the Food and Nutrition Services Office at 540-434-7783 with any questions.
Counselor's Corner
If you need to reach the Counseling Department, email: wspmscounseling@rockingham.k12.va.us
Which counselor works with you?
Lisa Holsinger-Thomas, Counselor / Kevin Forry (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names A-K
Matt Nyce, Counselor / Michelle Campbell (Assistant Principal)
Works with all students with last names L-Z
Additional Counseling Staff:
Leah Tripp, Part Time Counselor
Jill Hoover, Counseling Secretary
Attendance
If you plan to take a vacation during the school year, you must complete the prearranged absence form at least 10 days before the scheduled absence. Please turn in these forms to the front office or email them to wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us. Admin have the discretion to excuse or unexcuse the prearranged absence.
Due to the varied demands on teachers regarding preparing and assigning make-up work for pre-approved absences, teachers shall have discretion to decide the type and amount of such work and schedule for its completion. Teachers shall not be required to provide assignments in advance of the absences, but may do so at their discretion.
Students who are absent from school are not allowed to attend after-school events or participate in extracurricular activities. Students must be in school for at least half a day to participate.
Students who need to leave school early due to illness, an emergency, or a prearranged dismissal must be signed out in the office. If it is a prearranged dismissal, a student should bring a parent note to the office upon arrival. A parent meeting may be requested to address the issue if a student has excessive early dismissals.
(Please refer to the RCPS policy manual for the complete attendance policy; Policy JED - https://go.boarddocs.com/va/rockingham/Board.nsf/Public#)
Stock the Teacher's Lounge
Calling all Pence Families!
Please help us stock the teachers lounge with coffee, snacks, and treats! We want to make the teachers feel loved and supported since they do so much for our kids! They'll be excited to start the school year off with a lounge full of treats!
Stock the Lounge: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0845A5AA2CA0F58
Two options for easy drop off:
- Leave your items at the front office of Pence Middle.
- If items are to be delivered or shipped to the school (375 Bowman Road), please have them delivered to Door #1 and labeled Pence Staff Lounge.
Thank you so much! We couldn't do it without you!
Pence Middle PTO Hospitality Committee
WSPMS and RCPS Information
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School: https://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/
Facebook: Wilbur S. Pence Middle School
Instagram: theknightspotlight
Rockingham County Public Schools: https://www.rcps.net/
Parent Square - We use ParentSquare only for school-related communication.
Powerschool - Use the Parent Portal to stay connected to your student’s school information, including grades and attendance.
Rockingham County School Calendar
More information at https://www.rcps.net/page/school-calendar-2026-2027
About Us
Office Email: wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us
Principal Email: tshank@rockingham.k12.va.us
Website: https://wspms.rockingham.k12.va.us/
Location: 375 Bowman Drive, Dayton, VA 22821
Phone: 540-879-2535
Fax: 540-879-2179