From the Helm

We have officially started our "12 Days Before Winter Break" school spirit days. Check out the flyer above.

This past week, we learned of our rating for the state of Maryland. We continued with our 3-star rating but increased our percentage within that rating by 5%, which is a significant increase. To learn more, read the additional information below.

Believe it or not, teachers have to submit progress report grades this week, and then the reports go live on Monday, the 16th.

You should have received a message from the county that at sporting events we will be using a weapons detection device system prior to sporting events. Keep in mind that if you bring a purse or small bag (no backpacks allowed) into the game, that item will be searched. Please expect delays in entering games as we implement this new system and process.

Some of our seniors are working hard on college applications. Keep in mind our school counselors will be off over Winter Break. That means for any applications due between December 16th and January 6th, you need to notify your counselor by Monday if you are applying to give the counselors time to complete their portion prior to Winter Break.

As we progress in the year, please encourage your students to attend school every day and on time unless they have a fever or are incredibly sick. Attending is the best way to ensure success at school.

Looking forward to a great week on the Clipper Ship!

Principal Savage

The Wicomico County Board of Education and Wicomico County Public Schools are committed to advancing the safety and security of events at our schools. In support of that goal, Wicomico Schools (WCPS) is pleased to introduce a significant security enhancement that will be implemented for the remainder of the 2024 – 2025 school year.

Beginning the week of December 9th, we will be implementing weapon detection units at various WCPS sporting events, after-school activities, and randomly at various schools to detect weapons and other prohibited items. These items include but are not limited to firearms, knives, and other objects that could pose a threat to others. Any person who refuses to be screened via the detection process will not be permitted to enter the WCPS venue or property.

This technology involves a walk-through detection system designed to identify and prevent unauthorized or potentially harmful items from being brought onto our campuses. This new security process, includes checking bags, and will take place alongside other existing security measures including School Resource Officers and School Patrol. The new weapon detection systems will provide an extra layer of protection for everyone in our school community.

As we roll out this new process, we understand this may cause some delays entering extracurricular events and during school and ask for your patience as we navigate the changes. We are confident that with your support and cooperation, our students and staff will quickly adapt to the new procedures, allowing us to maintain an efficient and secure entry process.

Additional information is provided in the letter attached to the email version of this message. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create the safest possible learning environment for students, staff, families and other visitors.

New Weapons Detection Units Letter

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has published the state, district, and school-level results for the 2024 Maryland School Report Card. These results offer a comprehensive view of school performance under the Maryland Accountability System for the 2023-24 academic year, highlighting key factors that influence school success and student achievement.

Key Features of the Maryland School Report Card - The Maryland School Report Card evaluates schools based on multiple indicators, including both academic and non-academic measures. Schools earn between one and five stars, determined by the percentage of points earned across the evaluated indicators.

High School Indicators:

• Academic Achievement
• Graduation Rate
• Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency
• Readiness for Postsecondary Success
• School Quality and Student Success

Schools are awarded stars based on their total points earned across all indicators:

• 5 Stars: 75% or more of the total possible points
• 4 Stars: 60% to 74% of the total possible points
• 3 Stars: 45% to 59% of the total possible points
• 2 Stars: 30% to 44% of the total possible points
• 1 Star: Less than 30% of the total possible points

For 2024, we continued to have a 3-star rating. However, we increased our overall percent by more than 5% from 2023. We are excited about this as our increases as it indicates an increase in student attendance and students accessing a well-rounded curriculum.

The Maryland School Report Card also includes:

• Downloadable reports for each school.
• Disaggregated data for each student group.
• Informational resources to help stakeholders understand and analyze the data.

These resources, available on the Maryland School Report Card website, include a user guide and one-page summaries detailing calculations for elementary, middle, and high schools.

Beyond star ratings, the website provides a wide variety of data, such as:

• Enrollment and attendance figures
• State and college readiness assessment results
• Graduation rates
• Postsecondary enrollment in colleges

Below are sample report cards for each school level:

• Elementary School Report Card
• Middle School Report Card
• High School Report Card

The complete report card for Wicomico County Schools is available at WCPS REPORT CARD. For questions or concerns about the 2024 Star Ratings, please feel free to contact Dr. Savage or Karen Hitch, Supervisor of Assessments and Accountability, Phone: 410-677-4477, Email: khitch@mywcps.org

Please make sure to review the talking points communication you received about MCAP testing from our school testing coordinator. This information should also be in your child’s Algebra I, Biology, Government and/or English 10 BVP Google Classroom. Remember MCAP testing is a state and federal requirement for graduation, so it is very important for your child to get this completed.

If you have moved please fill out the change of address forms. We are getting a lot of returned mail.

Use this link to access documents including the In County Change of address form.

https://jmb.wicomicoschools.org/o/jamesbennett/documents/forms/693053

*Step Up* 2:45-4:45pm. see below for details

Class of 2026 Parent Meeting (CLGA) 5:30-6:30pm

Band – Field Trip: Fruitland City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony

*Step Up* 2:45-4:45pm. see below for details

Food Pantry – E Wing: 12-1pm

WCBOE Board Meeting (101 Long Ave) 1:30-2:20pm

NHS Meeting (CLGA) 3-4pm

GSA for Hope (A122) 3-4pm

JMB Book Club (E223) 3-4pm

LEO Meeting (Media Center) 6:50am-7:35am

Candy Grams @ Lunch

*Step Up* 2:45-4:45pm. see below for details

Indoor Track Meet @Worcester County Rec. Center 2pm, Dismissal 12:15pm

Wrestling vs. @N. Dorchester (Away) 4pm, Dismissal 1:45pm

JV Girls Basketball vs. Parkside (Home) 4:30pm

V Girls Basketball vs. Parkside (Home) 6pm

Winter Orchestra Performance (AUD) 7:30pm

Candy Grams @ Lunch

Field Trip – K. Stephenson: Wor-Wic (J. Wolfer)

*Step Up* 2:45-4:45pm. see below for details

D&D Club (F106) 3-4:45pm

Ace Mentoring (A141) 3-5pm

JV Boys Basketball vs. @Parkside (Away) 4:30pm

V Boys Basketball vs. @Parkside (Away) 6pm,

Candy Grams @ Lunch

Field Trip - E. Thompsen: Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship. 9:45-1:15pm

SGA General Assembly 10:30-11:30am

V Boys Wrestling @Delmar HS (Invitational) 2pm, Dismissal 1:15pm

Field Trip – A. Langan: Arlington National Cemetery

V Boys Wrestling @Delmar HS (Invitational) 8am

JV Boys Basketball vs. @Laurel (Away) 12pm

V Boys Basketball vs. Laurel (Away) 1:30pm

12/16 – Progress Reports Publish

12/17 – JMB Choir Concert (AUD) 7pm

12/19 – JMB Band Concert (AUD) 7pm

12/20 – Holiday Band Concert (AUD) 3rd Period

12/23 – 1/3/25: School Closed for Winter Break

Parking Pass From - located in google classroom. Read the Form and make sure you have all copies and $15 when you turn them into Ms. Chandler in the Office. You must

have one to park in the Student Parking Lot! Students who continue to park without a parking pass will receive a warning and then a sticker (that is hard to remove) will be place on the windshield of the car. Some students started getting tickets this week. Get your parking pass ASAP!

Reminder to seniors that cap and gown prices will increase after December 15th.

Use this link to order the Cap and Gown (includes tassel) online

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1066577/JAMES-M-BENNETT-HIGH-SCHOOL/Cap-and-Gown/2470463208/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-and-Gown-Unit/2470463230

Email: jmb@mywcps.org
Website: jmb.wicomicoschools.org

Location: 300 East College Avenue, Salisbury, MD, USA
Phone: 410-677-5141
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