Message from Principal Gavron

“Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”                                                                                                                                ~ Howard Thurman

In this season of giving thanks, I feel compelled to share my gratefulness for Wayland Middle School’s amazing staff, who dedicate their life’s work to helping WMS students “come alive” and discover their passions. In addition to their top-notch teaching, so many add to their day by running extracurricular offerings.  “Get involved in our community,” was penned by teachers into the WMS Mission Statement, and to that end, WMS extra-curricular activities have become a place where many students find themselves.  Our staff draws out students, nurtures competence and builds confidence.  There truly is something for everyone – and if it isn’t there, one only needs to find an open-minded teacher to start a club.  

Through lunch time clubs students develop skills, build relationships, and raise awareness in places like Juggling Club, Rubik’s Cube Club, Unicycle Club, Cribbage Club, Community Service Club, and GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance).  Our lunch offerings provide an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the cafeteria.  After school activities can be equally fulfilling. For example, students build rockets and launch them in the Rocket Club.  Open Art Studio provides time for in-depth personalized artistic creations.  Many a drawer spends hours in Anime club. Yearbook Photographers snap pictures while Science Olympians and the Math Team members solve problems and overcome challenges.  Those with a penchant for journalism find the Newspaper Club the place to be–or perhaps the Literary Magazine is more his or her style.  Care to dabble in programming? If so, then Computer Club in the upper lab is the place to go.  Music options are robust as Select Chorus, Honors Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Lab and Jazz Band provide a before and after school home away from home for our most dedicated musicians.  Did I mention the multitude of students who participate in our school musical?  This year’s Steve Murray creation Pom Pom Zombies, directed by Tom Large, promises to be a spectacular spring show.  Members of the STAR – Sound, Tech and Recording - Club will be sure to capture the musical in all of its glory.  If athletics are for your student, then our interscholastic or intramurals programs provide an important outlet, thanks to our dedicated coaches.  So many students start the day in AM Wellness – shooting hoops or climbing the rock wall.  Our PM Wellness highlighted basketball, football and soccer this fall.  Don’t forget homework club for a little extra structured academic support in a social environment.  

Don’t just take it from me, however.  Hear what student participants themselves have to say about getting involved.  Here is a smattering of sentiments from just a few of our club members:

Chess Club:
“It is a nice place to socialize and have fun with your friends. You get to take a break from work, put your mind on something else, and have fun playing chess.”

Chinese Club:
“We make Chinese figurines like balloon Pikachus.  We watched a documentary about pandas. We did a lion dance. We played games and learned about Chinese painting from the exchange students. We can’t wait to do the ribbon dance. We like this club.”

Cribbage Club:
“Cribbage club is fun – very fun.  Everyone has a chance, even if he is not an expert. It secretly reinforces your math skills”

GSA:
“GSA makes our school feel more safe and welcoming.” 
“It is great to be with teachers we know also believe what we do, and support people who need it.”
 “My favorite activity was ‘No Name Calling Week,’ because I felt as if we were really doing something important.”

Interscholastic Sports:
“When you are on a team you feel like a family.  It is fun to play against different schools.” 

Lego Robotics:
“What I like about Lego Robotics is that there are tons of groups working on their own thing, but we share ideas like how to make a robot’s legs move better or do a certain task.”

School Newspaper – The Orange and Black
“Do you love to write? Do you ever wish that you had more time for creative writing? Do you ever want to force, I mean share, your opinion with others? Do you dream of your work being held in eager hands for all to enjoy? If you said yes to any of these questions, then Newspaper Club is for you! It’s a quiet space where you can write whatever you want, no rubric necessary.”

Unicycle Club:
“The first day Mr. Longnecker teaches you. The rest of the days you unicycle in the hall.  It’s really fun!”

The level of commitment required to reach every one of our 641 students is extraordinary.  I am truly grateful for the time, energy, and talent that our faculty brings to Wayland Middle School every single day in their quest to reach all.  Not all students have discovered what piques their interest yet.  If your child is still searching, I urge you to encourage your child to dabble in a range of activities.  Cajole them to try out a club, explore a talent, or engage in a creative project.  Know that it is never too late to join a club. If you need us to partner with you in orchestrating a personal invitation to an extra-curricular event or help session, contact a counselor, a house leader, or a teacher to reach out to your child. A passion developed in middle school may become a lifelong career, a treasured hobby, or a merely a happy memory.  The gift is the ensuing journey.  Like the greater world, our Wayland and Boston communities need students who have “come alive” and discovered their inner passions.

Respectfully,

Betsy Gavron

PTO NEWS

My School Anywhere

Be sure to register for the new, online directory at MySchoolAnywhere.com.  This directory will replace the traditional printed version, but directory information will now be parent-driven.  It is an OPT-IN system, and you MUST register to be included.  For directions on how to register, or for additional FAQs, please visit http://waylandpto.org/myschoolanywhere-online-districtwide-family-directory/. 

Gift Your Child

It’s not too late to Gift Your Child.  Please consider the Wayland Middle School PTO for year-end giving.  100% of your donation is tax deductible and eligible for matching gift donations.  The PTO has now raised almost 80% of our $15,000 fundraising goal for this year.  As we head into our grant process, please help us reach our goal!  Donate today after registering at MySchoolAnywhere (the new online directory) or at http://waylandpto.org/middle-school-pto/donations-and-purchases/.  You can also mail a check (made out to “Wayland PTO”) to Wayland Middle School PTO, 201 Main Street, Wayland, MA 01778.  The suggested donation is $100 per middle school student.  Tax thank-you letters will be mailed out to donors in January.  Visit the WMS PTO on Facebook to see some of last year’s grants in action around school.

AmazonSmile - FREE MONEY for Our Schools!!

Do you shop on Amazon?  Did you know that you can earn money for our schools for free?  When you shop at Smile.Amazon.Com, Amazon donates .5% back to the charity of your choice.  Visit: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-0141838 today, choose “Wayland Public Schools Parent Teacher Organization, Inc.” as your designated charity, and then start shopping at Smile.Amazon.Com, where you’ll find the exact same shopping experience as on Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price on all eligible items to the PTO!