WMS Weekly Warrior

August 26, 2024

Good afternoon, Woodbury Middle School Community,

The 2024-2025 school year has begun, and we are eager to start the year on a positive note. Hopefully, you had a chance to read the informative summer letter sent out earlier this month. I have attached it here for your reference in case you'd like to review it once more.

It has been a very busy summer at WMS and we would like to thank our custodial staff as they prepared for another school year and the building looks great. In addition to the annual deep cleaning, many projects were completed, like the installation of new lockers, painting, and a much-needed facelift to our parking lots. (See pictures below)

It's important to note that we've had to make a change to our open house date. Please mark your calendars for the new date, October 10th at 6:00, instead of the previously announced October 3rd.

Given the recent severe flooding, we ask for your patience as we continue to monitor and adjust the bus routes. If you have any questions or concerns about busing, please don't hesitate to contact ALL-STAR TRANSPORTATION at (203) 266-7352.

Just a friendly reminder, students are expected to be in school before the 7:25 start time. Punctuality is a key aspect of respect and responsibility, and we encourage our students to uphold these values. Please be aware that repeated tardiness may lead to administrative consequences. For more information, please refer to the student handbook.

Wednesdays are early dismissal days for teachers' professional learning. Dismissal time is 1:35. On all other days, student dismissal is at 2:15. Please note that the first day is a Wednesday, so dismissal is at 1:35.

Fall sports at WMS will start on Friday, August 30th, for all sports except cross country and boys' soccer. Below, you will find the times and dates for tryouts. Before any student tries out for a team, they must be registered with Family ID and have an up-to-date physical. If you have any questions, please contact our athletic director, Chris McGrath, at cmgrath@ctreg14.org.

We look forward to the start of the new school year and seeing everyone on Wednesday. Have a great rest of the week.

Bill Nemec, Principal

Suzi Greene, Assistant Principal

Please make sure to review the Woodbury Middle School Student Handbook with your student regarding cell phones. Some of you may be aware that the state has issued recommendations on cell phone usage in schools. I have included the proposed language from the state below. Click the picture to access the entire document from the state.

• Middle School − The policy for middle school students should also focus on removing cell phones from the school day or classroom. Developmentally, this age group is particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive personal technology use and has a difficult time controlling their impulses. Concurrently, middle school students experience increased autonomy and independence during the school day, which can lead to increased opportunity for cell phone misuse. − Possession of cell phones in this age group is likely to be viewed as a rite of passage into adulthood, so communication and application of policies that restrict use must be developed in consideration of the specific challenges of middle school students.