WMS Weekly Newsletter

Dear Wayland Middle School Caregivers,

One bright side of the last week was the 6th grade field trips to Walden and the Hopkinton Outdoor Center. Students enriched their understanding of Henry David Thoreau by walking in his footsteps, hiking through Walden Woods and along the shore of Walden Pond. At the Hopkinton Outdoor Center students participated in activities focusing on leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Thanks to the 6th grade teachers who organized this wonderful learning experience for our students.

The first principal’s coffee took place on Tuesday last week, and over twenty parents and caregivers came to meet with the administrative team in a small group setting. During our time together, they responded to several questions including “What do you think is working at WMS?” and “What are you most proud of?”. Their responses, definitely a bright side, were a credit to our amazing staff.

“Wayland Middle School is the gem of the system.”

“The teachers are passionate about their subjects and committed to the students.”

“The school and teachers push students to be better.”

“Teachers genuinely care for the kids and it shows.”

At the coffee, parents and caregivers also mentioned that it would be helpful for the school to provide parents and caregivers with strategies to support student success. To that end, we offer “Helping your Student Prepare for a School Day”. It is helpful to have a designated “staging area” at home for your students where your students prepare their school resources the afternoon/evening before a school day. This staging area should include:

• their backpack (filled with planner, binders, folders, pens, pencils, etc)

• their chromebook (charging until it’s time to leave for school)

• a sweatshirt/sweater to allow for layering either indoors or outdoors

• sports equipment, if needed

• musical instruments, if needed

This practice can relieve early morning stress and also fosters independence and improved executive functioning for students.

I, along with the entire middle school staff, look forward to the possibilities that the next months hold in store. Please know that my door is always open. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to share in the excitement of the school year, I encourage you to reach out.

Deborah

• Wednesday, October 9: SUPER Early Release, 12:20 p.m.
  Grab & Go Lunch available
• Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11: 7th grade Sense of Wonder Days: Treetop Adventures and "In School Field Trip"
  (7th grade students participate on both days)
• Monday, October 14: Indigenous People Day - NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, October 23: School Picture Day 📸
• Wednesday, October 23 & Wednesday, October 30: Caregiver Conferences
• Thursday, October 24 & Friday October 25: MS Fall Play, 7:00 p.m.
  Middle School Theatre
• Tuesday, October 29: HS/MS Masquerade Strings Concert, 7:00 p.m.
  High School Auditorium
• Tuesday, November 5: Election Day
• Monday, November 11: Veterans' Day - NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, November 13: SUPER Early Release, 12:20 p.m.
  Grab & Go Lunch available

7th grade Sense of Wonder Days, Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11

During these two days, students will explore the house themes of stewardship, connection, and wonder. On alternating days, half the grade will stay at school for a special schedule that starts with an Audubon presentation with their rescued birds of prey followed by a rotation through workshops designed by our staff. On the alternate day, students will travel to TreeTop Adventures, a high ropes and obstacle course in Canton, MA which will excite the students and also offer many opportunities for team building and cooperation.

Conferences for parents and caregivers will occur after school on October 23 and October 30, with conference time slots beginning at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. on both days.

On October 17th, caregivers will receive a link to their student’s homeroom appointment calendar to sign up for one, ten-minute conference on either October 23 or October 30. Parents and caregivers will also have the option to have the conference in-person or virtually. All appointments and any changes must be done before 12:00 p.m. on October 22nd.

The purpose of this conference is to foster a student-centered partnership between home and school (more details to come).

At the parent/caregiver coffee we came to understand that more clarity for parents/caregivers about our lunch routines would be helpful. The purpose of the routines is to create an enjoyable environment to eat and socialize during the lunch block.

Lunch time is a time for students to eat, take a break from learning, and go outside if they want. Students might also partake in the snack line. In order for all this to happen in a way that is both calm and safe for all students, we have established routines for lunch.

When students come into the cafeteria, they choose a seat (inside the cafeteria or outside in the courtyard) for that day. They can choose a different table, location, or group of friends each day. They are expected to stay seated while eating before having the opportunity to go outside. This practice allows sufficient time to eat, to clean up their own table with tablemates, and to limit opportunities for horseplay, spills, and physical interactions that negatively impact others’ experiences in the lunch space.

During lunch, students use designated restrooms that are in close proximity to the cafeteria. This proximity allows students to use the restroom in a timely manner and minimizes disruption to classrooms that are near the cafeteria. Students use a pass from the cafeteria, just as they do from their classrooms, to ensure that restrooms do not get overcrowded.

About halfway into the lunch block, outdoor time is offered to all students. Students leave at one time so that there is adult supervision both indoors and outdoors and to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the classrooms that are adjacent to the cafeteria.

Outdoor activities include frisbee, tag football, soccer, basketball, walking, kickball, playing in the gaga ball pit, and relaxing in the sun or the shade.

We suggest that if students want to have both snack and outdoor time that they bring a snack from home and have it with their lunch so they can enjoy outdoor time after eating.

So, if your student asks, “why are there so many rules at lunch”, we ask that you take a partnership stance with us and talk about the “why” behind our routines. Students have many choices each day during the lunch block. Our routines ensure that all of these options can be enjoyed by any of our uniquely individual students.

Wayland Middle School has openings for three parent representatives. All representatives will serve through June 2025.

WHAT IS SCHOOL COUNCIL?

As part of the 1993 Education Reform Act the state mandated the formation of a school council at every level of public school education. The council is made up of the school principal, vice principal, two staff members, three elected parent representatives and one member of the community, who does not currently hold a staff position or have a child in the school.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL COUNCIL DO?

The council identifies an area of interest to examine during the course of the year and assists the principal to develop a School Improvement Plan. The area of interest may vary depending on the needs of the school community, educational issues or directives from the Superintendent. Although the council discusses school concerns that arise during the course of the year, their main responsibility is to adhere to a topic that supports the School Improvement Plan.

If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Romeo at deborah_romeo@waylandps.org

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulation 105 CMR 200 requires a physical examination for students entering grade 7 and meets the following requirements:

It must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider

It must be dated within the last year

It must include an up-to-date immunization record

This good health practice is for the prevention and early detection of health problems. Early identification and treatment of health concerns is the goal.

Please forward your student's physical exam to the school nurses as soon as possible:

laurie_hojilo@waylandps.org

noreen_damico@waylandps.org

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a school nurse at 508-358-3809.

From Ms. Lopez, our wonderful drama teacher, “The Fall Play has been rehearsing for a few weeks and performs the week before Halloween. Due to that timing, we are doing the creepiest horror material - not recommended for elementary students or sensitive audience members. Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself -- and us -- that he's not mad. The spell he weaves brings us a highly theatrical adaptation of three tales Poe himself considered his best: "The Raven," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Enter the world of Poe and check your heartbeat at the door. With a cast and crew of 40 students, the show performs on October 24th & 25th @ 7:00 PM. Tickets $5.00 students & seniors / $10.00 adults.”

We appreciate your support as partners in ensuring that our school is a device-free learning environment. Electronic devices are a concern as they impact students’ learning and social/emotional health. At the middle school, students are expected to turn off devices such as cell phones, SMART watches, Fitbits, airpods, and headphones and put them in their backpacks before entering the school each day.

This year, the middle school is using planners to support every student’s success.

Using planners is vital for middle school students as they develop crucial organizational and executive functioning skills. Planners enhance time management by helping students track assignments, assessments, and important dates, which reduces last-minute stress and fosters prioritization of tasks.

This structured approach often leads to improved academic performance, as students are less likely to forget assignments and can break larger projects into manageable tasks. Additionally, planners facilitate communication between home and school, enabling parents to see what their student is working on and where they may need support, fostering greater parental involvement.

Every student should have a planner. Students will bring a planner to every class, and the planner will go home with the student every night. Teachers will explicitly teach students how to use their planner to get the full benefit from this tool. Please note, the school has a supply of planners in case a student needs one.

AM Wellness is a school club during which students can enjoy exercise and activity first thing in the morning. This year the club will be supervised by Ms. Mait and Mr. Williams. Activities typically include basketball and indoor soccer so only students who are interested in participating in these activities should attend. AM Wellness takes place Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. The doors to AM Wellness close at 8:20 a.m.

Artist: Ben Karr & Luca Calderon

Grade: 6

Medium: Blocks on Paper

Lead by:

Kelsey Sanclemente, LMHC

Wayland Youth and Family Services

Topics covered in Youth Together:

• Dealing with social challenges
• Dealing with anger, stress, sadness etc.
• Boosting self-confidence
• Building friendships
• Strengthening Conversation Skills

Tuesday afternoons from 3:20 - 4:15 p.m., room 109

Please reach out to Kelsey Sanclemente at ksanclemente@wayland.ma.us if you are interested in learning more!

Donate to your child’s PTO and be entered to win incredible baked goods from Wayland bakers! A give-away each week from 9/22 - 10/27. Thank you for supporting the PTO! https://waylandpto.org/gift-your-child

Click here to sign up for the Amazon wish list and signup genius!

The WMS PTO adds weekly updates in the WMS Weekly Newsletter, but further details, reminders, photos and videos are shared on the WMS PTO Facebook Group. Stay in the loop!

We have many other ways to get involved! Please fill out our survey below or send an email to: Waylandmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com