One way WMS is recognizing Black History Month is through a daily quote on the morning announcements. Here is one we want to share from this week:
Once we recognize what it is we are feeling, once we recognize we can feel deeply, love deeply, can feel joy, then we will demand that all parts of our lives produce that kind of joy.” —Audre Lorde, American writer, womanist, radical feminist, professor, and civil rights activist
Here are some other quick announcements:
- Earthquake in Syria and Turkey: We want to acknowledge that we have many families from this area of the world and we know that many people are suffering loss of family and friends. If you and your children are struggling during this time, please feel free to reach out to us so that we can support your children here in school. Contact information for our guidance counselor's Ms. Gladstein, Ms. Skypeck, and Mr. Cloherty can be found at the bottom of this smore.
- What is Valentine's Day?: Tuesday, February 14th is Valentine's Day. For those of you who are new to the United States, Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love and friendship. People often wear red or pink.
- Shelter in Place: WMS has had a few instances where we have used the Shelter in Place safety protocol, which can be summarized as "Stay inside, stay safe" - This response is used when there is an external security threat, severe weather, or other environmental threats. It is also used when there is a medical or other emergency. Students and staff stay inside classrooms with little or no use of hallways or common areas until they hear the "all clear." External doors may be locked based upon the specific situation. Instruction will typically continue. This is in contrast to a Lock Down, which is used in a safety situation where a threat might be inside the building or otherwise more serious. WMS has practiced a Lock Down drill this year, and has fortunately not had to use the protocol.
WMS Schedule Survey: It is your final chance to take this brief survey about the WMS daily schedule. We are working with students in a WHS statistics class to analyze the results for our school this week. We have 22 respondents so far, and are hoping to have several more by Tuesday. We are gathering data from staff, students, and families, and your input is instrumental. Caregiver Schedule Survey
WMS PTO Fundraiser Updates: This past Friday's fundraiser was a huge success. There was a great turnout and $1500 was raised! You can still help our PTO fundraise by ordering cookies (see information below) or by making donations to the WMS PTO at our venmo account here. Thank you for your generosity, as these fundraisers support student celebrations and field trips, as well as materials and gifts of gratitude to our hard working teachers.
Here are some dates to be aware of this week:
- February 13: Quarter 2 Report Cards and i-Ready Math/Reading Diagnostics mailed home (thank you for your patience - our timeline is a few days late so that we can additionally include i-Ready diagnostic information for families).
- February 14: 8th grade students have first high school transition meeting during WIN
- February 15: Black History Month assembly during WIN
- February 20-24: February Recess - NO SCHOOL
As we do not have school next week, our next smores update will be shared on February 26th, before we return from February break. Be well and take care of one another.
Respectfully yours,
Ms. Jennifer Chen Fein, Principal
Ms. Susan Carle, Assistant Principal (Clusters 1, 3, 5)
Ms. Jennifer Sarmiento, Assistant Principal (Clusters 2, 4, 6)
