Pence Press

Over the past week, we have seen an increase in disrespectful behavior throughout our school, including from students who typically make excellent choices. Eye-rolling, inappropriate noises, willful refusal to follow directions, defiance toward adults, vandalism in restrooms, disregard for cafeteria expectations, and misuse of bathroom passes have become growing concerns. These behaviors are unacceptable and, most importantly, are taking away valuable instructional time.

We love our Pence Knights, but with increased responsibility comes increased freedom—and that freedom must be earned through respectful behavior. If these behaviors continue, students may experience additional restrictions, including limited bathroom passes, stricter cafeteria procedures and assigned seating, increased hallway supervision, and reduced recess opportunities for grade levels where concerns persist.

We do not want to implement these restrictions, but we must maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for everyone. Respect includes our words, tone of voice, body language, actions, and how we respond to adults—even when we disagree or are frustrated.

We ask our families to have meaningful conversations with their students about respect, accountability, and making positive choices. Our Knights are capable of better, and we know they can rise to the challenge!

Respect isn't just a word—it's a choice! Be Kind. Be Respectful. Be a Knight!

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

Call the school between 8:30am - 2:30am to make an appointment. Conferences are made with your student's core team (History, Math, Science, and English) for 15 minutes. Individual conferences can be made with elective teachers.

If you would be willing to donate supplies for our teacher meal for Parent Teacher Conference Day, please signup here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845A5AA2CA0F58-45443193-november

Thank you so much for your help with this.

Attention 8th-grade families! Our field trip this year will be to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, November 24. October 22 is the deadline to 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.

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

» Shop your Knights Sideline Store

» Shop your TA Knights Marching Band Store (sales end 10/22/26)

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.

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.

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.

There will be a cheer interest meeting on Tuesday October 27th for students. Cheer is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Cheerleading Coach -Danielle Davis-Argabright at danielle@heritagerealestateco.com

Open Gym Dates:

Thursday, October 22nd, until 5:00pm

Thursday, October 29th, until 5:00pm

Wednesday, November 4th, until 5:00pm

Thursday, November 5th, until 5:00pm

Tryouts:

November 9th-11th in the Front Gym (participants should plan to attend all 3 dates)

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 AWAY 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

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.

Wresting Practice begins on Monday, November 9, 2026. Rides need to be here by 5:45pm.

Matches - Tuesdays beginning at 4:30pm, unless otherwise noted

11/24/26 HOME w/ JFHMS & THMS

12/01/26 AWAY at 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

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.

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

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.

The Counseling Department is ready 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!

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

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