WKMS Back POCKET

8/7 - School Schedules Available on Schoology

8/14 - Open House 9-11 or 12-2 for 6th graders and new students

8/18 - Back to School Night

• 6th Grade 5-5:30 or 5:30-6
• 7th Grade 6-6:30 or 6:30-7
• 8th Grade 7-7:30

8/20 - First Day of School

9/1 - Labor Day - No School

I hope each of you had a summer that was restful, fun, and full of opportunities to recharge. As we get ready to welcome everyone back to Windsor Knolls Middle School, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate what we accomplished together last year and share what we’ll be focusing on this coming year.

Last year, our school community made great strides academically, socially, and emotionally. Our MCAP scores in Math, ELA, and Science all improved, some of them rather significantly. Disciplinary referrals decreased from the year before, And, our absenteeism rate remained one of the lowest in the school system. Thanks to the dedication of our staff , the hard work of our students, and our partnerships with families, we created a school that reflects what it means to “Be Your Best at WKMS.”

As we look ahead, we know there is always more work to do. Together, we will keep building a school where high expectations go hand-in-hand with strong relationships, where lessons are designed to ensure that all students meet or exceed grade-level standards, and where every student and family feels a sense of belonging to our community.

As we get ready for the first day of school, I encourage everyone to think about what motivated you last year and the difference your efforts made. Thank you, students and families, for being an essential part of what makes Windsor Knolls such a special place to learn and grow.

I am excited to see you all soon and look forward to another year of learning, growth, and success. I am confidently optimistic that, together, we’ll make each other better.

Be Your Best-

Mr. Vasquenza

The Lion King JR Audition Dates:

Aug. 25 - Singing Workshop

Aug. 26 - Choreography Workshop

Aug. 27 & 28 - Auditions

Aug. 29 - Callbacks

Hakuna Mata! No worries - just audition for The Lion King JR with the WKMS Theatre Department this fall!

AUDITION SIGN UPS open August 13! CREW sign ups will open at a later time.

Auditions will run from Monday, August 25 to Friday, August 29 at WKMS.

More information about auditions, our show timeline, and crew opportunities are available on our WKMS Theatre website:

https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/wkmstheatre

Our show performances will run from November 21 to November 23!

Please check out this video to help with Chromebook Password Reset. All students will need to reset their Chromebook at the beginning of the school year.

Hello Windsor Knolls Middle Community! My name is Laura Boyer and I am excited to join Windsor Knolls as an Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 school year. I will be working with incoming 6th graders and 8th graders with last names A through L. I believe growth only occurs with open communication and collaboration between educators, students, and parents. Together, we can create a supportive and enriching learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. I anticipate getting to know each of you and working collaboratively to achieve your goals and elevate students' educational experience at Windsor Knolls Middle School.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. I have an open door policy and I am dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Again, I am delighted to embark on this journey with the Windsor Knolls Middle School community.

Laura Boyer

Please be familiar with AND share the 2025-2026 WKMS Student and Family Handbook with your child.

Reminders:

• Each student will be assigned 2 lockers (PE and hallway) - bring your own locks (NEED 2) - (Note - the smaller luggage locks do not work on our lockers. The dial combination locks work best!)
• Backpacks/Drawstring bags must be stored in lockers
• Phones "OFF and AWAY" during the entire school day

Click this LINK for our WKMS 2025-2026 School Supply List

• SchoolMessenger - We frequently send out communications to our families using this service; this process is our main form of communication with the WKMS community.

• The Back Pocket – This is our school-wide newsletter that is sent home electronically every month. Check it out for calendar dates, upcoming events, photos of school happenings and important information and updates.

• The WKMS website – https://wkms.sites.fcps.org/

• Facebook - Windsor Knolls Middle School FCPS

• WINDSOR “KNEWS” - Windsor "Knews" is a “live” document that is updated in real time. It contains daily announcements, birthdays, reminders and helpful information for students and their families. This is linked for all students on their Advisory pages on Schoology.

e are mandated by MSDE, MCSS, and FCPS to conduct 15 drills each school year. In addition to 8 fire drills, these drills will also take place:

1) Evacuation such as a bomb threat or chemical spill (EvacB)

2) Shelter

3) Reverse Evacuation

4) Lockdown

5) Drop, Cover, Hold

6) Severe Weather

7) Active Shooter/Active Assailant

Please refer to FCPS Safety and Emergency Management for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us!

Xello is Coming to Middle Schools in Frederick County Public School District!

Frederick County Public Schools is thrilled to bring Xello to our middle school students this year! Xello is a cutting-edge, student-centered digital platform designed to help students explore who they are, connect their interests to future pathways, and build the academic and life skills needed for success.

Why Xello?

Xello is:

• An award-winning design that’s inclusive and accessible for all learners

• Engaging, age-appropriate activities for self-exploration and future planning

• Top-rated technical support, including real-time help for educators and families

• Strong track record of boosting engagement and planning outcomes

What Students Will Do in Grades 6–8:

• Discover learning styles, strengths, and interests

• Explore future careers with Matchmaker quizzes

• Set academic and personal goals

• Learn critical life skills like time management, advocacy, and planning

How You Can Support:

• Talk to your child about what they’re discovering in Xello

• Explore career and education options together

• Encourage them to keep their Xello profile up to date

Get started with this helpful guide:
👉Xello Quick Start Guide for Parents & Guardians

Together, we’re building the foundation for lifelong learning and success!

Please click on PDF below for easier reading.