January 2020
This month's newsletter features:
(jump to the following in-page links)
WWMS Earns Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll for Exemplary Academic Growth
West Wilkes Middle School earned a spot on the 2019 Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll for Exemplary Academic
Growth! This recognition is due to having a 5% increase in data and being in the top 50% schools in NC. Forty schools across the country are being recognized for this award. There are only two middle schools receiving this recognition in the nation! The other school being recognized is in Missouri. WWMS will be recognized at a future Leader in Me Symposium. Congratulations, Knights!
Growth! This recognition is due to having a 5% increase in data and being in the top 50% schools in NC. Forty schools across the country are being recognized for this award. There are only two middle schools receiving this recognition in the nation! The other school being recognized is in Missouri. WWMS will be recognized at a future Leader in Me Symposium. Congratulations, Knights!
2020-2021 School Calendars Approved
The academic calendar and the Wilkes Early College High School calendar for the 2020-2021 school year were approved at the January Board of Education meeting on January 6. They are now located on our district website to view and print. All current calendars and newly approved calendars for next school year are posted at this link.
National School Board Recognition Month
January is National School Board Recognition Month! We are very grateful for our Wilkes County Board of Education's dedication and service to our district! This month we thank our board members for all they do to support exceptional educational experiences for the students of WCS!
Students Race Against Hunger
On December 18, students from North Wilkes Middle, Mulberry, Mountain View, Ronda-Clingman, and North Wilkesboro Elementary got to "Race Against Hunger!" They shopped for food items at Rock Creek IGA to donate to Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission thanks to money that was raised during the 13th Annual Benny Parsons Race Against Hunger Golf Tournament held on October 9th. Students started the morning with breakfast from Rock Creek Grill, and sang songs with WXII 12 News, Meredith Stutts and singer, Jason Michael Carroll! Afterwards they were given the flag to start by NASCAR commentator, Jeff Hammond!
Stone Foundation Donates over $325,000 in Grants to WCS
The holidays were a bit brighter this year for sixteen Wilkes County schools thanks to the Stone Foundation’s “Wilkes Wishing Well” initiative. They granted over $325,000 to fund projects that directly impacted students, offered long-term academic benefits to their school, and improved school facilities.
The Stone Foundation is comprised of members of the Stone Family; Larry Stone and wife Diane, and their two sons, Larry Jr. and Chris. Through their initiative, The Wilkes Wishing Well, schools were able to receive funds for a dream idea that would enhance learning. They encouraged staff to think outside the box with an innovative approach to make learning come alive. Their application stated, “We need you to dream and share those dreams with us. If it can improve education in your school, dream it.” In just its second year of implementation, The Wilkes Wishing Well has provided more than a half-million dollars in grants!
Larry Stone and his wife, Diane made surprise visits to each selected school to inform them their wish had been granted before schools closed for the holidays. Despite the busyness felt in schools during this time, the Stone Family’s generosity conveyed a lifelong message to students and staff; it is more important to give than receive. Some principals were speechless to the news of their grant; and others could not wait to announce it over the intercom for the entire school to hear. The Stone Foundation is making a huge impact on Wilkes County Schools by their goal of enhancing education one school at a time. In a rapidly changing economy, it is important to give students the chance to be successful in new careers and fields. By encouraging school leaders to dream, they are supporting the unique opportunities that will have a lasting impact on students for years to come.
Happy New Year and What's Happening Next Month?
February 3rd - Board of Education Meeting
February 4th - Retirement Seminar for Employees (Hosted by Horace Mann)
February 11th - Wilkes County Hall of Fame Grant Reception
February 13th - Apprenticeship Meeting
February 14th - Teacher Workday (No School)
February 17th - Teacher Workday (No School)
February 20th - District Spelling Bee