WMS Weekly Newsletter

Dear Wayland Middle School Caregivers,

Our vibrant 7th grade science classrooms were a bright side this week. Students eagerly immersed themselves in the fascinating world of local wildlife, sketching and observing a diverse array of animals, including amphibians, reptiles, and insects. They brought in creatures from their own backyards, exploring adaptations like camouflage that help these animals evade predators. As they studied the intricate details of each specimen, students learned essential scientific skills such as observation, documentation, and critical thinking. They discussed how these adaptations not only enhance survival but also contribute to the rich tapestry of Massachusetts' ecosystems, igniting their curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

As I shared in my first weekly newsletter, our school community is grounded in the values of BERT, belonging, empathy, respect, and trust. For the first month of school, we asked students to lean into the “B”, belonging, of BERT, and they did a beautiful job. As we move into October, we will be focusing on the “R”, respect, of BERT. We will dedicate time to exploring the vital theme of respect—an essential value that shapes our relationships and communities.

We are also emphasizing the importance for students to respect their learning time as it is crucial for academic success and personal growth. Arriving on time for class and staying engaged, especially during critical instruction, maximizes the benefits of every learning experience. By minimizing disruptions, students can fully absorb important concepts and participate in meaningful interactions with peers and teachers. Encouraging practices like using restroom breaks or meeting with counselors during homeroom, lunch, study, or flex periods helps ensure that valuable instructional time is preserved. Ultimately, this respect for learning time fosters a more focused and supportive educational environment, enabling students to thrive both academically and socially.

I, along with the entire middle school staff, look forward to the possibilities that the next months hold in store. Please know that my door is always open. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to share in the excitement of the school year, I encourage you to reach out.

Deborah

• Tuesday, Oct 1 and Friday, October 4 6th Grade Walden and Hopkinton Outdoor Center (6th grade students participate on both days)

• Thursday, October 3: Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL

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• Tuesday. October 1: Principal’s Coffee 9:15 a.m. -10:15 a.m. Topic: Come and meet the new administrative team. This is an event for parents.

• Wednesday, October 9: SUPER Early Release, 12:20 p.m.
  Grab & Go Lunch available
• Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11: 7th grade Sense of Wonder Days: Treetop Adventures and "In School Field Trip"
  (7th grade students participate on both days)
• Monday, October 14: Indigenous People Day - NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, October 23: School Picture Day 📸
• Wednesday, October 23 & Wednesday, October 30: Caregiver Conferences
• Thursday, October 24 & Friday October 25: MS Fall Play, 7:00 p.m.
  Middle School Theatre
• Tuesday, October 29: HS/MS Masquerade Strings Concert, 7:00 p.m.
  High School Auditorium
• Tuesday, November 5: Election Day
• Monday, November 11: Veterans' Day - NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, November 13: SUPER Early Release, 12:20 p.m.
  Grab & Go Lunch available

6th grade Walden and Hopkinton Outdoor Center. Tuesday, Oct 1 and Friday, October 4 (6th grade students participate on both days). Students will enrich their understanding of Henry David Thoreau by walking in his footsteps, hiking through Walden Woods and along the shore of Walden Pond. At the Hopkinton Outdoor Center students will participate in activities focusing on leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

7th grade Sense of Wonder Days, Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11

During these two days, students will explore the house themes of stewardship, connection, and wonder. On alternating days, half the grade will stay at school for a special schedule that starts with an Audubon presentation with their rescued birds of prey followed by a rotation through workshops designed by our staff. On the alternate day, students will travel to TreeTop Adventures, a high ropes and obstacle course in Canton, MA which will excite the students and also offer many opportunities for team building and cooperation.

Conferences for parents and caregivers will occur after school on October 23 and October 30 with conference time slots beginning at 2:30 and ending at 5:00 on both days.

On October 17th, caregivers will receive a link to their student’s homeroom appointment calendar to sign up for one, ten-minute conference on either October 23 or October 30. Parents and caregivers will also have the option to have the conference in-person or virtually. All appointments and any changes must be done before 12pm on October 22nd.

The purpose of this conference is to foster a student-centered partnership between home and school (more details to come).

Wayland Middle School has openings for three parent representatives. All representatives will serve through June 2025.

WHAT IS SCHOOL COUNCIL?

As part of the 1993 Education Reform Act the state mandated the formation of a school council at every level of public school education. The council is made up of the school principal, vice principal, two staff members, three elected parent representatives and one member of the community, who does not currently hold a staff position or have a child in the school.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL COUNCIL DO?

The council identifies an area of interest to examine during the course of the year and assists the principal to develop a School Improvement Plan. The area of interest may vary depending on the needs of the school community, educational issues or directives from the Superintendent. Although the council discusses school concerns that arise during the course of the year, their main responsibility is to adhere to a topic that supports the School Improvement Plan.

If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Romeo at deborah_romeo@waylandps.org

We have received reports that there have been near accidents in our teacher parking area in the last week.

If you are dropping off/picking up your child, please review the attached traffic map and the description of the Middle School Drop-Off and Pick-Up Traffic Flow. WMS Traffic Procedures . Safety is the number one priority in the drop-off/pick-up circle. Please be patient and stay in your place in line. If there is any confusion, our wonderful crossing guards will help you.

Please do not drop students off in the teacher parking area.

From Ms. Lopez, our wonderful drama teacher, “The Fall Play has been rehearsing for a few weeks and performs the week before Halloween. Due to that timing, we are doing the creepiest horror material - not recommended for elementary students or sensitive audience members. Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself -- and us -- that he's not mad. The spell he weaves brings us a highly theatrical adaptation of three tales Poe himself considered his best: "The Raven," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Enter the world of Poe and check your heartbeat at the door. With a cast and crew of 40 students, the show performs on October 24th & 25th @ 7:00 PM. Tickets $5.00 students & seniors / $10.00 adults.”

We appreciate your support as partners in ensuring that our school is a device-free learning environment. Electronic devices are a concern as they impact students’ learning and social/emotional health. At the middle school, students are expected to turn off devices such as cell phones, SMART watches, Fitbits, airpods, and headphones and put them in their backpacks before entering the school each day.

This year, the middle school is using planners to support every student’s success.

Using planners is vital for middle school students as they develop crucial organizational and executive functioning skills. Planners enhance time management by helping students track assignments, assessments, and important dates, which reduces last-minute stress and fosters prioritization of tasks.

This structured approach often leads to improved academic performance, as students are less likely to forget assignments and can break larger projects into manageable tasks. Additionally, planners facilitate communication between home and school, enabling parents to see what their student is working on and where they may need support, fostering greater parental involvement.

Every student should have a planner. Students will bring a planner to every class, and the planner will go home with the student every night. Teachers will explicitly teach students how to use their planner to get the full benefit from this tool. Please note, the school has a supply of planners in case a student needs one.

AM Wellness is a school club during which students can enjoy exercise and activity first thing in the morning. This year the club will be supervised by Ms. Mait and Mr. Williams. Activities typically include basketball and indoor soccer so only students who are interested in participating in these activities should attend. AM Wellness takes place Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. The doors to AM Wellness close at 8:20 a.m.

Artist: Mia Wood

Grade: 8

Medium: Wax

Mia created this ocean-themed work by crushing a handful of crayons, sprinkling them on a board and applying heat. Her process was captured in this time-lapse video.

Lead by:

Kelsey Sanclemente, LMHC

Wayland Youth and Family Services

Topics covered in Youth Together:

• Dealing with social challenges
• Dealing with anger, stress, sadness etc.
• Boosting self-confidence
• Building friendships
• Strengthening Conversation Skills

Tuesday afternoons from 3:20 - 4:15 p.m., room 109

Please reach out to Kelsey Sanclemente at ksanclemente@wayland.ma.us if you are interested in learning more!

Donate to your child’s PTO and be entered to win incredible baked goods from Wayland bakers! A give-away each week from 9/22 - 10/27. Thank you for supporting the PTO! https://waylandpto.org/gift-your-child

The WMS PTO adds weekly updates in the WMS Weekly Newsletter, but further details, reminders, photos and videos are shared on the WMS PTO Facebook Group. Stay in the loop!

Communications/Social Media PTO Chair

We are looking for someone that can create engaging content for the WMS Facebook Group and future Instagram account. The PTO uses canva.com to create fun videos, social media posts and more.

We have many other ways to get involved! Please fill out our survey below or send an email to: Waylandmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com

SPARK Kindness is excited to announce our next event: Managing Anxiety In Our Children (And Ourselves) with expert Lynn Lyons on 10/8 at 7pm at Natick High School. This is an essential program with important resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members supporting children of all ages! We appreciate you sharing this important program with your community. Please see the details and event poster below:

Managing Anxiety in Our Children (And Ourselves) with Lynn Lyons, LICSW

Tuesday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Natick High School Auditorium

A FREE community event for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members supporting children of all ages. News of the mental health crisis in young people is overwhelming. How can we help our children manage anxiety without being swept up by fear and confusion ourselves? In this program, national expert Lynn Lyons will offer practical strategies to reduce anxiety and promote resilience in children, as well as their caregivers.

Topics will include:

• How to teach young people to manage emotions in an effective way

• Strategies for helping a child suffering from anxiety-related matters including school refusal

• How to help children cope with social pressures, including social media and screens

• Resources available for support

Co-sponsored by The Resilience Project.