Welcome Back Letter 2022-2203

Welcome back students and parents!  I hope all of you had a great summer vacation, and are ready for a new school year!

I want to start off by thanking our custodial staff for their hard work cleaning over the summer and getting the building ready for everyone to return.

There are some exciting new things to look forward to this upcoming school year.  We have new textbooks for English classes (grades 7 – 12) and science classes (grades 7 and 8).  These textbooks have electronic resources, which will allow students to access the textbooks and other materials through their Chromebooks, even when at home. 

We have a new Chemistry teacher, Chelsey Meekins, who taught in the Northern Garrett School District for the past six years.  She replaces Mrs. Broucher, who left for a teaching position at Somerset High School.  Mrs. Meekins is very excited to be here, and has been working hard over the summer to prepare for the start of the school year.  We are in the process of hiring a new math teacher to replace Ms. DiBuono, who left for a teaching position in North Carolina. 

Last year we brought back the Music program.  Mr. Henigin did a great job with music in both buildings.  This year we are adding junior and senior high band, and junior and senior high chorus.  We are looking to continue to add more music options for students at the high school. 

Our district was again approved for free breakfast and free lunch for all students through the Community Eligibility Program.  Students will receive free breakfast and free lunch for the next four years under this program.  We will continue our “grab and go” breakfasts.  Students will be able to choose breakfast items from carts in the gym lobby when they come in the building, and take them to first period class to eat.  As in the past few years, breakfast and lunch are free for all students.  Along with the grab and go breakfast, we will continue the later arrival time.  Students should arrive between 7:40 and 7:50 a.m.  All students must be in the building and in their first period class by 7:55 a.m.   

Seventh Grade Orientation is on Wednesday, August 24^th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library.  Students and parents are invited to attend.  This is an opportunity to discuss rules and procedures at the high school, “walk your schedule”, and ask any questions that you have. 

I am looking forward to seeing 7^th grade students and parents on August 24, and everyone else on the first day of school, Monday, August 29.  I hope all of you enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Sean Wechtenhiser

Shade High School Principal