WMS Midweek Update 8-21-2024

Good evening, Westland Families!

We wanted to provide families a reminder about our New Student Orientation and Back to School Night. Each event takes place tomorrow, Thursday, August 22th. We have provided information for each event. Additionally, we are sharing additional information about spirit wear and other interests at Westland.

Our weekly WMS SMORE will be sent out on Sunday 8/25/24. Have a wonderful evening!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nicole Walker

Principal, WMS

Our digital newsletter can be translated into many different languages and the font can be adjusted so our entire community has access to what is happening in the WMS Wildcat Community!

To adjust your view of the newsletter, click on the "accessibility" button. The button is a circle with figure in it. Once you click the accessibility button, the menu to choose the language or different font size will appear.

Westland strives to make clear community a priority. We will continue to prioritize communication and share about Westland through multiple venues. Please expect the following from us:

• Weekly Sunday night Connect Ed phone call @ 6:00 pm from administration with detailed information on activities and upcoming happenings at Westland.
• Weekly Smore newsletter from administration with detailed information on activities and upcoming events at WMS.
• Staff members may be utiliziing Remind, as our texting communication app.
• All updates and liinks will be found on the Westland Middle School Website.
• Westland Twitter account will be utilized to communicate messages and share news and events with our community. (@EducatorWalker)

We are continuing our work to be more “green” and share as much information as possible with parents electronically. We will notify you with Connect Ed updates when we add or update with new information. But, if you cannot find what you need in this newsletter or on our webpage, please contact the main office and we will be happy to help you!

We have provided the bus stop information for the school year. Please click on the link for pick-up times and drop-off times. Additionally, we have provided the map of where each bus will be parked each day at dismissal.

On Thursday, August 22 from 8:15-12:00 noon, we invite all 6th graders and new 7th and 8th graders INSIDE the school for a mini day. Students will receive their schedules and meet their teachers during short visits in each class. MCPS transportation IS provided.

Catch this quick window of opportunity to buy Westland Spirit Wear. Click on the LINK to get more information!

Welcome to the Westland Middle School PTSA!

• Build Community
• Support Teachers & Staff
• Advocate for Students

The PTSA is an organization of parents, teachers, administrators and students that support the Westland community and enriches the middle school experience for our Westland students.

Each year Westland PTSA sponsors speakers, hosts community-building events, and provides funding for classroom supplies and teacher support. The PTSA also maintains the listserv and directory for the school community.

Get Connected!

Learn more about what the PTSA is doing at Westland:

1. Find out more about What We Do
2. Join the PTSA and show your support
3. Fill out this short survey to show your interest

When: Monday, August 26th from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Who: All WMS

What:This is the first day of school for students. Students arriving before 8:00 will gather out front or, for indoor locations, in the gym (6th and 7th graders) or the cafeteria (8th graders.) Students will refer to posters to find their homeroom locations. Staff will assist students in finding their classroom.

If you are moving over the summer please let our counseling office secretary know at Sara_A_Belott@mcpsmd.org.

Main Office (240.740.5850)

• Principal- Mrs. Nicole Walker , Nicole_Walker@mcpsmd.org

• Assistant Principal- Ms. Karen Bryant, Karen_Y_Bryant@mcpsmd.org

• Assistant Principal- Ms. Vernitta Tucker, Vernitta_Tucker@mcpsmd.org

• Administrative Secretary- Ms. Terri Howells, Mary_T_Howells@mcpsmd.org

• Financial Specialist- Ms. Suzanne Marcou, Suzanne_W_Marcou@mcpsmd.org

Counseling/Registrar Office (240.740.5860)

• Counseling Chairperson/6th grade counselor- Ms. Caryn Fischer, Caryn_Fischer@mcpsmd.org

• 6th Grade Counselor- Ms. Sarah Cohen, Sarah_A_Cohen@mcpsmd.org

• 7th Grade Counselor- Ms. Laura Williams, Laura_K_Williams@mcpsmd.org

• 8th Grade Counselor- Ms. Lauren Geissel, Lauren_Geissel@mcpsmd.org

• Counseling Office Secretary- Ms. (Sara) Sally Belott, Sara_A_Belott@mcpsmd.org

School Staff Directory

• https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/westlandms/staff/directory/

AUGUST

• Thursday, 8/22- 8:15-12:00 noon- Mini Day for students new to Westland (MCPS buses will run)
• Thursday, 8/22- evening- Back to School Night for ALL Parents and Caregivers
• Monday, 8/26- 8:15-3:00- First Day of School for Students
• Friday, 8/30- Student ID/yearbook photos taken during PE classes

SEPTEMBER

• Monday, 9/2 - Holiday (MCPS Schools and Offices Closed)
• Tuesday 9/16- Family Life Meeting: 6:30 pm (zoom)
• Thursday 9/26- Kids Under Construction

An IB World School

Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/westlandms/
Location: 5511 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD, USA

Twitter /X: @EducatorWalker