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WMS Paw Print
Bringing you the middle school scoop...
Principal's Message
September 6, 2024
Today we held assemblies for each grade to review The Code of Conduct and Dignity for All Students Act. More importantly and more broadly we reinforced messages from teachers about what it means to be a successful learner and a positive part of the learning environment and school community. When we asked students if they recalled any recent conversations with their parents about these topics and themes, many hands went up. Thank you for partnering with us. We encouraged students to initiate and continue these conversations at home.
Our 6th Graders have adjusted to their new environment and have shown that they are ready for the increasing levels of independence that come with being on the Westlake Campus. In particular, they have shown kindness and compassion through simple acts of patience, sharing, and helping each other as they adjust to using lockers and going to several classrooms throughout the day. It is been a pleasure spending time in the 6th Grade hallway and during their lunch period. Our 7th Graders demonstrated a renewed focus and maturity as we engaged in these important themes at their assembly. Our 8th Graders are meeting the expectation of what it means to be leaders and role models for younger students.
With our new lunch format, all of our grades have enjoyed extended recess time. We have been able to enjoy lunch and invite students who are ready out to the recess area for exercise and socialization. Again, our 6th Graders have shown they are ready for middle school, independently organizing games, spending time with old friends, and making new friends. This independent socialization a component of
In classrooms, our teachers have kicked off the year by diving into their subjects and building the skills that it takes to be a successful learner. Throughout the year, teachers will be incorporating lessons about what it means to be a high level problem-solver, why reflection is necessary to set goals, how organization and study strategies are part of being a responsible learner, and how we use tools and technology for collaboration and increased learning.
Thank you to everyone for a great start to the year.
A special thank you to our PTA for a delicious welcome back breakfast today!
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A glance at the upcoming week...
Week of 9/9/24 - 9/13/24
Monday - Day E
Tuesday - Day F
7:00-8:00 pm: 6th Grade Parent Woo Hoo Welcome (Cafeteria)
Wednesday - Day A
3:00-3:30 pm: Student Council Meeting (For current members only via Google Meet from home)
Thursday - Day B
Friday - Day C
Upcoming Dates:
September 19th 6:30-8:30pm: Back to School Night
Important New Information, Upcoming Events, and Reminders
September 10th at 7:00 p.m. - 6th Grade Parent Woo Hoo Welcome
6th Grade parents are invited to join a discussion, review of information, and opportunity for questions and answers next week. The event will be in the cafeteria.
September 11th Remembrance
6th Grade Students will be invited to the September 11, 2001 Memorial that is in the back of the middle school. We will present the importance of the memorial and talk about the importance of remembering and honoring those who lost their lives on September 11th. Social Studies Teachers will conduct lessons as part of their curriculum and the whole school will have a moment of silence.
September 19th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Back to School Night
Spirit Day
On Sunday, September 29, the Wildcats will be hosting its 10th Annual Spirit Day at Westlake High School, where more than 400 athletes ranging from grades 1 through 6 will be participating.
With over 1,000 people in attendance, Spirit Day is a large outdoor event for kids to participate in athletic games while helping to raise money to fight against childhood cancer.
Please visit the website (https://www.thetlcfoundation.org/wildcats-spirit-day/) to purchase event gear, items from the Amazon wish list and to read more about the day!
As a part of this fun-filled day of football games, there will also be a Fall Festival — including a DJ, food trucks, plants/pumpkins for sale, games, face painting, pie-in-the-face booth, concession stands, candy bar, auction items, raffles, apparel for sale, and much more. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation (TLC) for childhood cancer research.
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 8:30AM- 2:30PM
Location: Westlake High School, 825 Westlake Drive Thornwood, NY
Dismissal Safety
Below is some information and directions to ensure a safe arrival and dismissal:
Students who walk home must exit through the Middle School Main Entrance.
Students being picked up at the Back Circle must remain on the sidewalk.
Drivers, please pull all the way up to allow the maximum amount of cars into the circle.
Drivers must use the circle to turn around and exit.
Do not make U-Turns in the roadway or other parking lots.
Breakfast
Students who arrive before 7:30 can go to the cafeteria for breakfast.
Breakfast Menu: https://mtplcsd.nutrislice.com/menu/westlake-high-school/breakfast/2024-09-04
Emergency Contacts
Please take time to update emergency contacts in the parent portal.
In the event that your child needs to be picked up before dismissal, they will only be released to someone that you have authorized to do so.
It is helpful to include several emergency contacts, even if you think you may never need them.
Instructions are linked below.
Sora Access
Keep reading! Sora is a digital reading option that all students have. Students can access Sora through Classlink or by following these instructions. Thank you Ms. Rotanelli.