What's new with Watkins Middle?

A weekly reflection and preview of all things WMS

WMS updates and reminders

For those parents or visitors coming in for our annual Science fair on Friday please see the parking map below for locations to park and enter the building. Parents are asked to park in the yellow sections outlined on the map and enter the building on the west side.
We hope many of you are able to join us this Wednesday evening from 5-8pm for our second annual culture night. Come check out food trucks, music, performances, and much more cultural representations from around the world.
Friday night also marks our 'Farewell Dance' for eighth graders. This event is for WMS students only and will run from 6-8pm. The theme for this year is Masquerade. Tickets will be $8 at the door. Additional food items can be purchased with cash.
End of year recognition ceremonies will take place on May 27th this year. The 6th & 7th grade ceremonies will be completed as class meetings and no parents will be involved. The 8th grade recognition ceremony has been moved to the evening of that night. It is by invite only to select 8th graders receiving rewards. Parents attending this event are asked to limit family/friends coming to the event to two people per student due to seating in the auditorium.
As of May 1st students who earn out of school suspensions, in school suspensions, or have demonstrated repeated patterns of attendance or behavior issues can/will be held out of end of year events such as field day/ the farewell dance/ or PBIS incentives. Please discuss ending the year strong on a positive notes with you child. Thank you for your continued support in this endeavor.
Will your child be playing school sports for WMS 7th or 8th grade teams next year? Please review some basic information here related to sports.
Kona Ice will be available each Monday in May beginning this Monday 5/5 during recess for students. Kona Ice accepts apple pay, cash, and debit.
Tuesday May 13th @ 6:45 there will be a parent meeting for those students going on the Washington DC trip. Please plan to attend in the middle school cafeteria.
Do you have a fifth grade child currently that will be attending WMS next year? See our step up night flyer below.
Watkins Middle families — don’t wait! ✏️
It's the same nightmare every year... crowded stores, missing supplies, long checkout lines!
This year, skip the chaos and order everything in one click with 1st Day School Supplies 👉 Order here: 1stDay.sale/84120

Have you missed any previous newsletters? You can always look on our school website to find archived newsletters to catch up on all things Watkins Middle School.

Budgeting

Students in 7th grade careers have been learning about the importance of saving and managing their money.

Career clusters

Students have also become experts on specific career focus'. They have collaboratively shared research information about specific jobs with their classmates.

Earthy eats

A super trio of WMS students were state finalists in the Ohio Grown student chef competition this past Friday on the Columbus State campus. They were selected amongst students from all over Ohio.

Summer singing opportunity

Interested in having your child perform this summer. See information above regarding some choir opportunities.

Teacher appreciation week

Thank you to the PTO, Puerta Vallerta, Olive Garden, and Tri Village church for providing meals, snacks, drinks, coffee, and an assortment of goodies throughout the week to our hard working teachers.

Yearbooks have arrived!

The Yearbook staff saw the fruits of their yearlong labor come to a head on Friday. Students distributed over 500 purchased yearbooks. The most of all time.

Progress Book Set up assistance

Complete this form to have a staff member reach out to you regarding parent access to progress book.

Athletics

Please click the link below for all of your athletic ticketing and scheduling needs.

Hometown Ticketing

Varsity Ticket events are $7 up to 1 hour before the event. At the gate tickets are $8 (use of a card includes a fee at the gate). Middle School tickets are $5.

All athletes should enter and exit the building through the 600 hall (Door 7) entrance before and after practice each day.

Upcoming Events

5/13 DC trip parent meeting (6:45)
5/14 Culture Night (5-8pm) video flier
5/16 Science Fair
5/16 8th grade farewell dance (6-8pm)
5/18-21st 8th grade DC trip
5/20 Step up night-5th grade families
5/27 Class award recognitions
5/28 Last day of school/ Field Day

Transportation & Attendance information

Bus concerns:

We ask that you please contact the Transportation Department directly at 740-927-5901 with any concerns about your student’s bus (late arrival or other issues). Their phones are manned 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, and they have direct contact with all buses.

Attendance:

Please call the 24 hour WMS attendance line at (740) 927-6807 to report student absences. This voicemail box is available 24/7 and messages are retrieved on school days between the hours of 7:00am through 3:00pm.

If your student will miss school due to a pre-planned absence, please complete this Trip/Vacation Authorization Form.

Watkins Middle School Google Calendar

Stay up to date with all our building happenings!

Contact us

Get in touch with WMS!

Email: jball@laca.org
Website: https://wms.swl.k12.oh.us/
Location: 8868 Watkins Road Southwest, Pataskala, OH, USA
Phone: (740)927-5767
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gowatkinsmiddleschool
Twitter: @WatkinsMiddle