Pence Press

The first term ends on Thursday, October 22nd. As we approach the end of the grading period, teachers are setting deadlines for students to turn in missing assignments and complete any available assignment/test redos or retakes. Deadlines may vary by teacher, but the majority of our teachers have set Friday, October 16th as the final deadline.

We encourage families to take a few minutes to talk with their students about their current grades, missing assignments, and what they need to accomplish to finish the first term successfully. Please remember that students are responsible for knowing their teachers’ individual deadlines and completing the work required to improve their grades.

Our First Term Reward Day will take place on the afternoon of Thursday, October 22nd. To participate in the reward activities, students must:

• Have 90 or more REPresent points (see the Advisory section of your student's PowerSchool for their REP points)
• Be in good academic standing, meaning they may not have a D or F due to missing assignments

Our administrators, teachers, and school staff are already meeting with students who are not currently meeting these expectations. We are helping students identify missing work, develop plans, and understand the steps they need to take to improve.

However, the student must ultimately choose to do the work. We can provide the time, resources, reminders, encouragement, and support—but students must take ownership of their choices and follow through.

Finishing strong is about mindset, effort, and responsibility. There is still time to make progress, and we want every student to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Please encourage your student to check their grades, talk with their teachers, complete missing work, and make a plan to finish the first term strong!

We appreciate our partnership with you!
Pence Administration

This week, we are encouraging our Pence Knights to develop strong study habits that can help them become more confident and successful learners. Students are reminded to stay organized, keep track of assignments and upcoming assessments, study a little at a time instead of waiting until the last minute, and find a distraction-free place to work.

We also encourage students to actively practice what they are learning by using flashcards, answering practice questions, summarizing information, or explaining a concept to someone else. Most importantly, students should never be afraid to ask for help when they need it!

Small, consistent study habits can make a big difference.

Be organized. Stay focused. Ask questions. Keep practicing. REP your learning, Knights!

There is a little mix of everything for students and families at the Pence Knights Sideline Store.

» Shop your Knights Sideline Store

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.

Our Homework Help program will begin on Tuesday, October 20th. It takes place 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.

Questions: Contact Ms. Brown at mbrown02@rockingham.k12.va.us or check out the Musical Website

Do you play the violin, viola, cello, upright bass, or piano? We will be kicking off our fall season for our morning string ensemble on October 14, from 7:15-7:50 AM, in the band room at WSPMS. We will continue every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays until our winter break.

Questions: Contact Mrs Harper at mharper@rockingham.k12.va.us

If you are sitting in the stands, it is NEON night for the spirit theme against East Rock HS!

Open Each School Day 8am-3pm

https://www.scholastic.com/bf/wilburpencemiddleschool

Create an ewallet today! Follow the link below to create an electronic account your student use to buy books or other items at the Scholastic Book Fair. It's a great way to allow your student to shop at the book fair during the school day without the worry of keeping track of cash.

Click here to create an ewallet today!

Do you enjoy reading and like a little competition? Stop by the library to sign up for Battle of the Books. Our teams will meet during lunch once a week this fall and winter. We will compete on Friday, February 26th against other area middle schools. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, read books, and work with a team. We will start meeting next week. Sign up in the library to participate!

Battle of the Books Weekly Meetings: 8th grade on Wednesdays, 6th grade on Thursdays, 7th grade on Fridays

Yearbooks will be available for online purchase beginning Tuesday, 9/8! 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.

Attention 8th-grade families! Our field trip this year will be to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, November 24. Forms and payment are collected on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until October 22, which is the deadline for securing your spot. You can access the forms here: https://bit.ly/4iD5GPg. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Dove at kdove@rockingham.k12.va.us.

Need Help? Visit: https://www.rcps.net/page/technology-information-for-families

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 and participate.

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.

10/14 AWAY @ Rockingham Park at the Crossroads

On October 15th, there will be an interest meeting for any 7th or 8th graders interested in playing basketball at Pence. You must have a current sports physical on file to try out.

On October 21st, there will be an interest meeting for all student interested in wrestling at Pence. You must have a current sports physical on file to participate.

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 now 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. More information on applications can be found by clicking on the Meal Application button to the left.

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.

Welcome back to a new school year! The Counseling Department is excited to support our students as they navigate the academic, social, and personal parts of middle school. We are here to help students feel connected, supported, and successful throughout the year.

We are available to assist with friendships and peer concerns, social-emotional support, problem-solving, academic planning, and connecting students and families with additional resources when needed. We encourage students and parents to reach out whenever they have questions or concerns. Sometimes a small conversation can make a big difference!

We look forward to partnering with you and your student to make this a positive and successful school year.

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

Good attendance is vital to the success of our students. We kindly request that you schedule appointments and vacations around the school calendar whenever possible. If a student is absent, please let us know by email (wspmsattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us) or phone call (540-879-2535) before 9:00 a.m.

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.

Deliveries of flowers, balloons, or other such gifts that arrive at school for students are not allowed. Food vendor deliveries are not allowed. Parents are not allowed to bring/ have delivered outside “commercial” food for their child or other students. See more information in the Cafeteria/ Food Service Section on Page 11 of the WSPMS Student Handbook.

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:

1. Leave your items at the front office of Pence Middle.
2. 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

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.

Rockingham County Parent-Student Handbook

WSPMS Student Handbook

More information at https://www.rcps.net/page/school-calendar-2026-2027

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