Upcoming sixth graders who visited at Washington-Wilkes Middle School were (front row, l-r) Hope Ward, Kyle Standard, Madison Powell, Divesia Lee, Victoria Pelley, Dorian Favors, Assistant Principal Deleki Lee, Camryn Norman, Kai Shank, and Principal Bill Pendrey. A new group of sixth graders will report to Washington-Wilkes Middle School for the first day of school on August 8 and the school welcomes them and the opportunity to continue their education. A few of those upcoming sixth graders visited the school and got a brief tour guided by Principal Bill Pendrey.

Like most newcomers, the students were filled with excitement and asked some general questions. Listed below are concerns that were acknowledged by the group.

l Students need the following supplies: (2-inch) 3 ring notebooks, wide rule notebook paper, folders with pockets, number 2 pencils, blue/black pens, 5 packs of dividers, highlighters, composition books, and a neck strap designed to hold the ID card.

l Students should arrive to school after 7:20 a.m. and before 8 a.m. Students arriving after 8 a.m. will be tardy for school.

l Students will be issued a free ID card and agenda. IDs and agendas are expected to be worn at all times.

l Students can purchase lockers for $4 on Monday, August 11.

l Prices for reduced breakfast is $0.30 and lunch $0.40. Regular priced breakfast is $0.85 and lunch is $1.75.

l Cell phones are not allowed on campus.

l Students will be issued a student handbook on Friday. Parents are required to read the handbook and code of conduct with his or her student and sign acknowledging receipt of the handbook.

Parents are also encouraged to stay in contact with their students' teachers and monitor students' progress. Washington-Wilkes Middle School desires that all students succeed. We need parental and community involvement to help make it happen.

"We look forward to welcoming students back to school and having a successful school year," Deleki Lee, assistant principal, said.