What's new with Watkins Middle?

A weekly reflection and preview of all things WMS

WMS updates and reminders

Please view the drop off map below. While I'm sure most of you tire of receiving these reoccurring reminders the problem is far too many adults are not following the suggested routes which creates delays to bussing, getting students into the building on time, prevents staff from accessing the building on time, and ultimately makes you late in starting your day. Please help us out by reviewing the map below and abiding by the following:

Please refrain from parking in spots outlined in green, these are designated for staff only.
Please refrain from parking in spots on the south or west end of the building. The spots immediately to south block the drop off lane, and the spots to the west are the special education bus drop off points. Buses can't turn around with a car in the lot. It would be ideal if no parents parked and instead dropped their child off and left; however we recognize that the weather does not always cooperate.
Please refrain from dropping your student off in the middle of Warrior way...its not safe.
Please refrain from picking up your student in the court to the neighborhood to the south of the middle school. You're blocking residential access to mail in the afternoons.
Please refrain from exiting the lot against the flow of traffic and darting in-between buses. Again..not safe
Simply put, please consider putting your student on the bus, or please follow the outlined drop off procedures below to help everyone be on time. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

High school counselors will be meeting with 8th grade students this week to confirm schedule requests.
This week marks national school breakfast week. Students choosing to get breakfast each morning will have a different option provided each day, and by getting breakfast they earn a ticket which enters them into a drawing for items from the snack shop.
See the flier below for our annual Math night from 5-7pm. All families are welcome to attend and have an enjoyable evening with their students.
Want to send a special shout out or positive word of thanks to a staff member? Fill out our staff shout out form here.

Have you missed any previous newsletters? You can always look on our school website to find archived newsletters to catch up on all things Watkins Middle School.

Celebrating black history

Environmental sustainability students crafted leaves with images and written biographical information about significant black environmentalists, artists, mathematicians, etc. Each leaf represents a different individual and their accomplishments.

Tree tapping season

8th grader Ben Boyce explains to other environmental sustainability students how the process of tapping maple trees for syrup works.

Intro to Environmental sustainability

Seventh and eighth grade Environmental sustainability students took on the role of instructors as they taught the sixth graders in this photo how syrup is collected and eventually boiled down.

Smores and syrup

During the syrup boiling process students were able to make smores while the process was taking place.

The trial of Spongebob

Students in Ms. Ponce's English language support classes sharpened their persuasion skills by using evidence to either support or refute a side of the Spongebob case.

Applying knowledge

As students built their case they were required to organize their evidence into a logical sequence and then vocalize their argument with supporting evidence.

Building wide recycling program

All Intro to Environmental sustainability students operate our building wide recycling program. As a part of the process they document the hallways with the most contaminate free recycling bins and publicly display the data.

Dominoes

As part of the world language curriculum, students learn not only about the language but also about the culture and practices of Spanish-speaking countries. In Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, playing dominoes is a popular pastime that helps build relationships and foster community. Our students enjoyed learning about the history of dominoes and absolutely loved playing the game. Now, they are excited about creating a domino club.

Spanish class

In Spanish 1, Mrs. Correa's classes practiced speaking and listening skills using a technique called concentric circles. Students form two circles: one inner circle and one outer circle, facing each other. The students in the inner circle ask questions, while the students in the outer circle answer. When Mrs. Correa gives a prompt, the inner circle moves to the right to talk to a new partner with a different question. This process continues, allowing all students to have the opportunity to speak and interact with others as they rotate around.

Surviving middle school for parents

This month's topic is goal oriented persistence. The ability persist in a task without being sidetracked or distracted from achieving the goal. Take a look at this month's executive function focus info graphic here.

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

3/13 Theater students to view HS play
3/13 Math Night (5-7pm)
3/19-20 8th grade C-tech trip
3/20 End of the 3rd quarter
3/24-28 Spring Break
3/31 No school-Staff Waiver day

Transportation & Attendance information

Bus concerns:

We ask that you please contact the Transportation Department directly at 740-927-5901 with any concerns about your student’s bus (late arrival or other issues). Their phones are manned 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, and they have direct contact with all buses.

Attendance:

Please call the 24 hour WMS attendance line at (740) 927-6807 to report student absences. This voicemail box is available 24/7 and messages are retrieved on school days between the hours of 7:00am through 3:00pm.

If your student will miss school due to a pre-planned absence, please complete this Trip/Vacation Authorization Form.

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