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A Message from Principal Gavron
September 5, 2017
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Message from Principal Gavron
Dear Families,
Happy New Year! Today is the day Mr. Benzie and I have been waiting for all summer. It has been wonderful to rejoice in the bustle of middle-schoolers returning to our hallways. We welcomed taller 7th and 8th graders, heard some deeper voices, and relished in our newly acclimated 6th graders beginning to navigate the middle school hallways. Squeals and hugs marked the joy of reuniting with friends. We also said hello to 29 new students, who have just moved to Wayland from across the globe. It was a recipe for the perfect day to say Happy BERThday to BERT 2.0:
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While our globe-like BERT image has served us well at WMS over the past 10 years, it was time for an update. Our amazing art teacher, Pete Curran, walked interested teams of students through a design process of identifying what BERT - Belonging, Empathy Respect And Trust - symbolized and how they might match imagery to that meaning. Cristina Brown and Sophie Simmons, who are now 8th graders, created BERT 2.0 having identified the need for a simpler, more “modern” logo that was easy to read, recognizable, and more “mature” for a middle school audience.
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Their image, which was selected last year by staff and students, blends a playful typeface with the colors/shapes of an autumn tree, complete with Wayland colors. The girls determined that the tenets of BERT establish a foundation from which they, as young adults, will take root, grow and thrive. To further their concept, the students also verbalized a strong connection with our WMS house mentors: Thoreau, Carson and King, all of whom espouse caring for the world and its inhabitants. I am so grateful for their creative efforts. We have installed a large BERT display in our front lobby, and smaller ones in each wing as visual reminders for what is most important in our community. You student will also receive a nifty new BERT luggage tag for his or her chromebook later this week.
At WMS we are committed to working hard to make the tenets of BERT our shared reality in our learning community. I spoke with students today about the promise of BERT. While we have seen hate and intolerance on the rise in the world around us, it has no place in Wayland Middle School, where we pledge that:
ALL ARE RESPECTED
ALL ARE WELCOME
ALL ARE EQUAL
At Wayland Middle School we welcome civil discourse, vigorous debate of ideas and aim to help students deeply explore multiple perspectives and viewpoints so that they become active, engaged citizens. Racist or religious epithets, homophobic remarks, and sexist put downs can't and won't be tolerated, for they undermine the safety we work so hard to establish. Safety is essential for all students to learn at their best.
We thank you for your partnership in the coming year ahead as we embark on this exciting journey together with your middle-schooler. It is an experience that is sure to be marked with highs and lows and opportunities to build resiliency as your child immerses himself or herself in academic and social opportunities that abound at WMS. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or Mr. Benzie with questions or concerns throughout the year. We look forward to supporting you and your student.
Respectfully,
Betsy Gavron
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Wayland Middle School welcomes new staff!
I am pleased to welcome into the fold a wonderful group of new staff:
- Jonathan Arnold - Special Education Teaching Assistant - Jon joins us with a Master of Education from Lesley University. He has experience as a teaching assistant in Brookline and at Perkins School for the Blind. Jonathan has also worked as an ESL teacher in Boston and most recently he taught English in Israel. Welcome Jon!
- Lori DiGisi - Literacy Specialist - Lori earned her Doctorate from Harvard University in Reading, Literacy and Learning Disabilities. Most recently she was the ELA Department Head at Fuller Middle School in Framingham (but she also spent time there as a STEM coordinator - multi-talented). She has given professional presentations about Literacy and Science throughout the country. Welcome Lori!
- Emily England - Special Education Teaching Assistant - Emily comes to Wayland Middle School as a familiar face. She completed part of her teaching practicum with Matt McCormack at WMS while earning a Bachelor of Arts from Framingham State University. Emily's studies included a major in History with a minor in Geography as well. Welcome Emily!
- Patti Glynn - Special Education Teaching Assistant - Patti brings a wealth of experience in education to her new role. With an undergraduate degree in Middle School Education from Boston College and Master Degree in Writing from UMASS Boston, Patti has been a visiting lecturer at Framingham State University. Welcome Patti!
- Stuart Grimes - Long term Social Studies substitute for Frank Lenz this fall - Stuart earned his Master of Education in Middle School History from Lesley University. Stuart taught part time 8th grade History and Civics at Clarke Middle School in Lexington last year, and he worked in their after school METCO Program. Welcome Stuart!
- JaNae Hood - METCO Coordinator - JaNae earned her Master of Science from Grand Canyon University, majoring in Counseling. She taught 5th and 6th grade in Phoenix and then 7th grade English in Boston Public Schools. Most recently she served as a counselor for juniors and seniors at Cristo Rey Boston High School. Welcome JaNae!
- Kristen Offord - 0.6 ELA and 0.2 Study Hall - Kristen is a career changer who comes to us with a Master in Middle School English from Lesley University. After seven years of marketing, Kristen tried her hand as a freelance writer before deciding to become a middle school educator. She completed her student teaching in Mendon in 7th grade ELA. She continues to write books for children. Welcome Kristen!
- Joe Rich - 6th and 7th Grade Study Hall Supervisor - Joe is a career changer with extensive experience working in the Massachusetts State House with many political leaders. Joe also has coached track for several years and holds a preliminary teaching license in secondary English. Welcome Joe!
- Allison Ripley - Special Education Teaching Assistant - Allison comes to WMS with a Master of Archaeology from Boston University. Although she has been on digs all over the World, her passion for working with children has brought her back to the classroom. Welcome Allison!
- Sharon Skelly - Cafeteria and Compost Supervisor - Sharon spent several years running a successful day care and has served as a medical administrative assistant. Welcome Sharon!
- Anna Summergrad - Special Education Teaching Assistant - Anna joins WMS with a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature from Brandeis University and is currently in a Master of Education program at Lesley University. Welcome Anna!
While
Eli DeAndrade
is a familiar face, I am happy to welcome him into his new role as Head Custodian at WMS!
Respectfully,
Betsy Gavron
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Fall Sports Info:
For Weston-Wayland Rowing, click
HERE
.
For WMS Soccer, click
HERE
.
For WMS Cross-Country, click
HERE
.
For WMS Field Hockey, Click
HERE
.
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Substitute Teachers Wanted!
The energy and passion of middle-schoolers is boundless and exciting! Working with these students is heart-warming and so rewarding. Are you free between 7:30 and 2:30? Please consider subbing here at WMS. Contact Linda Lavenda at Linda_lavenda@wayland.k12.ma us to apply. Thank you!
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For Parents of 8th Graders
Back-to School Supplies
Despite Ms. Lopez's best efforts, a few items were left off the supply list for 8th graders. 8th grade students still need:
- A single subject spiral notebook - for Science
- Optional: a paper student planner for tracking assignments (WMS does not supply)
Unfortunately a three ring binder and dividers for science were on our list in error. Ms. Lopez apologizes for the miscommunication. Students can hold on to the extra supplies for next year in high school!
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Dates to Remember:
ALL GRADES:
9/13 -
School Picture Day
9/21 -
No School - Rosh Hashanah
9/24 -
METCO Family Cookout
1:00 - 4:00 PM
10/9 -
No School - Columbus Day
6TH GRADE:
9/5 -
Chromebook Orientation Session 5
5:30-6:30 PM
9/13 -
6th Grade Back-to-School Night
6:30-8:30 PM
7TH & 8TH GRADE :
10/5 -
7th & 8th Grade Back-to-School Night
6:30-8:30 PM
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