Weekly Warrior News

#MyChoiceWilloughbyEastlake

Please scroll through this entire document to view important information regarding this school year.

These Warrior Way newsletters will be sent out to all WMS families on a biweekly basis; you will also be able to find each newsletter on our school website.

Please also view and/or update your communication preferences using the directions in the link below for School Messenger (via PowerSchool). You may add other family members to receive school communications of your choosing.

Thank you for playing an active role in your child's education.

Sincerely,

Christopher Plush, Principal

christopher.plush@weschools.org

(440) 975-3601

Instagram: @Willoughby_Middle_Warriors

Facebook: @Willoughby Middle School Warriors

Main Office: (440) 975-3600

Attendance Line: (440) 283-2182

For student absences, tardies, and early releases

Principal, Christopher Plush

christopher.plush@weschools.org

(440) 975-3601

Assistant Principal, Russ Jones

russ.jones@weschools.org

(440) 975-3602

School Counselor, Michelle Selby

Student Last Names A-L

michelle.selby@weschools.org

(440) 975-3611

School Counselor, Sue Maiese

Student Last Names M-Z

sue.maiese@weschools.org

(440) 975-3612

School Psychologist, Kathy Glowe

kathy.glowe@weschools.org

(440) 269-3024

Get information on your child's attendance, grades, schedule and what's happening at WMS!

1. Be sure you have set up your PowerSchool Portal
   
2. Update your School Messenger Communication Settings
   
3. Click HERE for instructions on how parents/guardians can sign-up to receive Weekly Grade Report
   

• Activities/Clubs
• Athletic Information
• Bell Schedule
• Code of Conduct
• Community Activities (Youth Programs)
• Crossroads Health (Support Services for Students/Families)
• Dress Code
• Electronic Devices Policy
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
  
• PowerSchool (Attendance, Grades and Schedule)
• School Clinic/Nurse
• School Safety
• Special Education
• Technology Information
  
• WMS Culture Playbook (GROW)
• WMS Makerspace
• Weekly Warrior News (Archives)

I want to share some great news with all of you. Willoughby Middle School was awarded a Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education, because we showed significant improvement in growth and achievement on the Ohio School Report Cards for the 2022-23 school year!

Here is what this means:

• Our overall school rating has improved to a 3.5 out of a possible 5!
• Our overall performance index went up 6.3% from the 21-22 to 22-23 school year!
• Our progress rating improved to a 4 out of a possible 5!

Here is some perspective and context:

• We are 1 of 2 schools in our district to receive this award
• Approximately 70 middle schools in Ohio received this award
• There are 611 school districts in Ohio
• Many districts have multiple middle schools...so, I'll leave the math to our math department!

I need to thank our entire team-our teachers, support staff, student monitors, and students-for their unwavering commitment to excellence every single day. I also want to thank all of our Warrior Families for playing an active role in their child's education. Without the collective effort of all these individuals, we would not be able to make the progress we are making!

• The last day for students is Wednesday, May 22
• Originally it was May 23
• This has been changed to allow staff time to prepare as we transition to a teaming model next school year
• Please mark your calendars!

• The 8th grade field trip has been scheduled this year for Friday, May 17, 2024.
• This year we will be going to Adrenaline Monkey, which is an adventure facility in Warrensville Heights that is designed for kids, adults, and groups of any size, age, or ability.
• Please see more information, including the permission slip, by clicking on the below link:
  

As part of our commitment to student safety and well-being, we wanted to share more information detailing the Speak UP program, as required in Ohio schools by Senate Bill 288, also known as Erin's Law. More information about the specific curriculum can be found at the following site: https://corp.publicschoolworks.com/program/sb-288-erins-law-mandated-training/.

If your 8th grader is interested in becoming a student trainer at South High School next school year, the deadline to sign up is May 10. Please use the below link to sign up:

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea8kbir-RFWYgVFiEoEQf8TWTU90dNd3kzIqRCp_8VtgRnSw/viewform
  

• The Culture Playbook clarifies OUR core values, the behaviors that show those values in practice, and what outcomes we can expect if we commit to these behaviors.
• This will be a large focal point for our students and staff throughout the school year.
• Students will receive their PBIS "shout-outs" based on how they demonstrate these core values/behaviors

Dear Parents/Guardians:

All Willoughby-Eastlake K-12 students will automatically receive a Willoughby-Eastlake Public library card as part of our community partnership with the public library system. If your child already has a library card, they will not receive a new one.

Cards are being issued for any newly enrolled students on a quarterly basis.

If you have questions about the library card, please contact the W-E Public Library. You may reach them by calling Sarah Vargo, 440-943-2203, or via email: sarah.vargo@welibrary.info.

Information from approved organizations who host activities for Willoughby-Eastlake youth and the community are posted electronically. Paper flyers from organizations are not sent home with students. To access the flyers, visit the COMMUNITY link on the district and building website pages Community Activities Flyers

For specific information about the events, you need to contact the sponsoring organization. Flyers are updated periodically during the month so remember to visit often to check for new postings.

• If you believe your child is experiencing challenges in terms of their mental well-being, it is important to reach out to your principal.

• To meet your child’s needs, it’s essential to collaborate with the principal and school personnel to explore resources and services available at school.

• In addition to Crossroads Counselors, the District also has family liaisons and guidance counselors who can provide needed interventions and support.