What's new with Watkins Middle?

A weekly reflection and preview of all things WMS

WMS updates and reminders

Many parents have asked about our Warrior Cards related to our positive behavior incentive systems. Students can earn a warrior card each quarter based on a set of criteria related to perfect attendance, less than three tardies to school, four or less reminders, honor roll, and an ultimate warrior nomination. Each card has a set of punches white (5), black (10), and gold (15). If student meet three of five criteria they get a white card, four of five black, and five of five gold. The 1st quarter was based on criteria from quarter four of last school year.
Our tremendous team of counselors have began minute meetings with our student body. The goal is to have counselors conduct quick check-ins with all 1100 students in the building at least twice this year. We're off to a great start!
We've received some communications from parents regarding concerns about pick up and drop off procedures. Please be mindful of students crossing through cross walks on Watkins road and Warrior way. Parents are also encouraged to exit the drop off line and travel west towards the high school to exit. Turning back towards the stop light, while subjectively convenient, creates lots of traffic issues. Please consider exiting towards the high school.
Monday September 23rd is a waiver day. There is no school for students.
Round two Parent Teacher Conferences are next week, 9/26. If you missed signups for the first date the window will open back up this week. Sign up here.
This week is national "Start with Hello" week. In conjunction with state mandated House Bill 123. Students will be participating in a building wide initiative during FOCUS block this week. See the schedule of topics below.
The 7th/8th grade welcome back dance will take place Friday September 27th from 6-8pm. Tickets will be sold at the door, stay tuned for more details. This is a behavior incentive event. Those students who earn any "In or Out" of school suspensions, or two hour detentions as of Monday September 9th will not be eligible to attend.

Colonial persuasion

Students in Mr. Lejeune's 8th grade Social studies work to write a persuasive essay on which type of colony (Spanish, French, British) would be the best to live in.

9/11 and plot diagrams

During a unit on 9/11 in Mrs. Russell's classes, students worked on placing events of the story The Man in the Red Bandana by Honor Crowther Fagan on a plot diagram. Students also practiced their summarizing skills and written responses during a gallery walk of 9/11 events.

13 colony debate

Mrs. Sayre’s Honors Social Studies class had their collaborative and communication skills challenged when they had to recreate the 13 colonies. Mrs. Keller came in at the end to vote on the winning design.

Surviving Middle School for Parents

This week's "Smart but Scattered teens" topic is organization. What parent has not pulled their hair out waiting for their child to develop some sense of organization. Lost school assignments, messy bedrooms, and the constant question of 'where is my? (fill in the blank)' Sound familiar? Read through the tips sheet and see how you can potentially try out some strategies to support your kiddo.

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

9/25 1st quarter interims
9/26 2nd Parent Teacher conference night
9/27 7th/8th grade Welcome back dance 6-8pm
10/3 Picture retakes

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