WJJMS Headlines

January 2024

A Note from Administration

Mr. Bennett & Dr. Ewings

It is not often in our world and in our experiences, that we get two first days for the same thing. Schools are one of those exceptions. There is the traditional start of the academic year in August or September. New clothes, new backpacks, and a fresh supply of stationary mark the beginning of back to school. However, that is not the only first day in a school year.

For educators, the day after New Year’s often feels similar to the one at the end of summer. Students are tired and out of sorts for the first week just the same. They have to be reminded of expectations/routines and struggle to find their groove again in the classroom. A ton of grace is shown to the students, just like in the first few weeks of school.

The wonderful thing about the New Year though, is that it brings fresh starts to many. Fresh starts are definitely needed to carry us through until June. Students have worked on overcoming the challenges that the First Day of School-Winter Edition brings. The whole school participated in a lesson called One Word. In this lesson, students reflected on questions to help them find the one word that will help them set goals and encourage a growth mindset.

Students’ words are now displayed in our school to serve a reminder to work towards their goals for the remainder of the year, as there is value to labeling one’s goals. Our kids will be able to focus on the end result and continue to excel in the process with the help of our teachers.

Starting at the end of this month our teachers have developed enrichment activities for students to choose from to enhance their middle school experience. These activities will allow students to try new things, meet new people, develop their talents and showcase their strengths in new ways. Sign-ups have already started and groups will run on most Fridays through March.

We are all stakeholders in our children’s education. Parents, teachers, administrators, paras, and other vital roles, are all part of the process towards students achieving their growth mindset goal. That One Word is every stakeholder’s word.

What's Been Happening at WJJMS

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It's A Capella Time

The A Capella group Rubyfruit, from UCONN, came to put on a concert for our 6th, 7th and 8th grade chorus students. After the concert they broke up into three groups based on whether they were a soprano, alto or baritone and conducted a workshop for our students to learn a new song. They ended their time together at WJ by having all students come back together and sing the song they just learned. They were amazing and we are so grateful they chose to spend the afternoon with us.

Forum Fun!

Ambassadors planned our January forum with lots of excitement for celebrating student of the month along with the continued “Puma Cup Challenge” that has been ongoing since September. The staff and students love participating in these challenges, bringing the school community together. The students are eager to begin our first round of enrichment activities during our flex period beginning next week.

MATHCOUNTS Competition

WJJMS' MATHCOUNTS team competed in a local competition against Old Lyme and Hale-Ray in Moodus. Charlie Ringuette (8) was the top scorer for the day, with Delaney Scholl (7) coming in 2nd and Brandon Verruso (8) 4th. Students competed in a sprint round comprised of 30 questions in 40 minutes, where the questions increased in difficulty. Students then completed 4 target rounds of 6 minutes where each round included two word problems, each round more challenging than the previous. With the shortened school day, the top 5 scorers from those two rounds competed in a quick jeopardy round. Delaney and a student from Old Lyme tied for first.

The top eight student totals:

Colchester - 180
Old Lyme - 178
Hale-Ray -169

Puma News

Looking for something good to watch? If you haven't checked out the latest episode of Puma News Monthly maybe this weekend could be the perfect time! Students in all three grades filmed, edited, designed the graphics, and produced the stories. If your child is interested in being a part of the Puma News team, have them see Mrs. Cauffman in Room 103. Thank you for watching!

Puma Press

The 1st edition of the Puma Press is complete! Club students honed their reporting, collaboration, drafting, editing, and designing skills to create this student-led document. We hope that you enjoy the Puma Press as much as we loved creating it.

Upcoming Events

Intramural Basketball

Girls’ and boys’ basketball intramurals will begin on February 6 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15-4:15 pm. The program is limited to the first 30 students that sign up. This permission slip, which can also be picked up in the main office, and payment must be received in the main office prior to participation.

Quarter 2 End Date/Quarter 3 Beginning Date

Due to the two school cancellations, quarter 2 now ends on 1/26 and quarter 3 begins on 1/29.

"Girls Who Code" Opportunity Coming To 6th Grade Workshop

A brand new chapter of "Girls Who Code" is being offered to 6th grade female students during Quarter 3. The times will be during Workshop on Wednesdays and/or Fridays, depending on the student's prior commitments. The first day of the club will be Friday, February 2nd and meets in Room 103.

The Mission of Girls Who Code is to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st century opportunities. It is estimated that by 2025, only 19% of students to receive a degree in computing are women. Girls Who Code was created to address this gender parity in both the computing and technology sectors.

All students have numerous opportunities to learn coding throughout their time at WJJMS. This Club offers girls a chance to see how they specifically can benefit by learning Computer Science. If your students would like more information on the actual club, and to sign up, please see the attached form. If you have any questions, you can email Mrs. Cauffman, club facilitator, at kcauffman@colchesterct.org.

Upcoming Ski Club Trips

1/26, 2/2, 2/9

PTO Gertrude Hawk Candy Sale

2/1-2/21

Board of Education Meeting

2/13 @ WJJMS

Digital Learning Night is February 15th, 5:30-7pm @ CES

Mark your calendar for the 10th Annual Colchester Public Schools' Digital Learning Night!
Students are selecting their hands on activities soon, be on the look out for information if YOUR student volunteers to teach! Students from ALL FOUR SCHOOLS will facilitate learning activities that engage learners of ALL AGES! Fun for the whole family and free pizza donated by the PTOs.

Early Release Day

February 16th - Dismissal at 11:40

No School

February 19 & 20

PTO Meeting

2/21

From the Geek Squad

a.k.a. Mrs. Johnson

Instructional Technology Coordinator

Welcome to the geek squad (Mrs. Johnson’s) view! I am the Instructional Technology Coordinator for all the schools in Colchester! I am so excited to share with you some of the amazing things that are happening in our classes.

It was my absolute pleasure to be a guest on the Puma News for December. Ms. Cauffman’s students are professional broadcasters! Make sure you follow them on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@wjjmsproductions and get notified when new episodes are available.

Be on the lookout for information from Mrs. Lane (your librarian) about Digital Learning Night, taking place on February 15 at CES. THIS EVENT ISN’T JUST FOR LITTLE KIDS! Pizza will be provided by a generous donation from the district's PTOs and activities will be fun for all ages! Many WJ students will be leading activities throughout the night.

Finally, a huge shout out to Ms. Ngai for presenting her work with the Innovations Classes to the Board of Education on January 9th. I loved all the examples of problem solving, creative thinking, and technology tools students are utilizing! Don’t forget to ask YOUR student(s) how they are using digital tools to express their learning! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to bajohnson@colchesterct.org