Dear WMS Families,
We are three weeks into the new school year, and I know my middle schooler has been learning lots. We have had engaging discussions about justice, lunar eclipses, and panoramas in his author’s toolbox. I have appreciated a chance to speak with fellow middle school parents and caregivers on Thursdays to hear a range of perspectives, share information, and dispel inaccurate understandings. Doing so has enabled us to troubleshoot some challenges and learn what has been working well. Rather than hold this Thursday’s office hour at 9:30 AM (as previously scheduled), I am moving it to 6 - 7 pm, enabling those working during the day to have a chance to chat during an evening time. This will not overlap with WHS’ REACH presentation at 7 pm Thursday night for those planning to attend. I will send out the Office Hour Zoom link this Thursday morning.
Additionally, I will send our Remote Learning Feedback survey to all families today via email. A student version of the survey will also be sent to your child as well. Please encourage your middle schooler to fill it out. The survey data will help us reflect further and refine our practices.
Later this week, I plan to send you a draft of Phase 2 of WMS’ Hybrid Reopening Plan. We are still pulling some pieces together as we partner with the bus company around new arrival and departure patterns and await final safety protocols from the town. Please note that it will be a working draft, as new information coming in may lead to adjustments.
This weekend Dr. Unobskey informed you that Friday, October 16th will now be a professional day for staff, and students will not attend regular remote classes that day. This will provide us time to complete final preparations for Cohort A students (Henry, Rachel, & Martin Clusters) to arrive in person on Monday, October 19th. Because of this schedule change we are leaning towards adjusting our classes for that week once again.
- Monday, 10/12 - Holiday - Indigenous People’s Day
- Tuesday, 10/13 -Run Tuesday classes (rather than the Monday classes as communicated earlier) We hope for - HR, Green, Purple, Lunch, FLEX, Black
-Wednesday 10/14 - Regular Wednesday - TAG, Independent HW, Independent reading, Scheduled Intervention classes, Scheduled Student Services classes, Optional: Study Hall, Library Meet, Math Center and Writing Center time
-Thursday 10/15 - HR, Red, Orange, Lunch, FLEX Yellow
-Friday - No Classes - Professional Development Day
This would make for a more balanced week, rather than missing one set of classes altogether and running the other set twice. In order to make this change definite, we are awaiting final confirmation from the bus company (for students who come for in-person services based on their IEPs). I wanted to put this probable change on your radar now, but will let you know for sure later this week.
In this ever changing time, I leave you with a thought provoking poem to enjoy from
Flexibility Possibility - by Blackwolf 2020
Zero Change Shall Now Rearrange
What Has Been Shall No Longer Be
Nonsensical Become So Prophetical
Incomprehensible Become Alchemical;
In Darkness Sings Light Born Anew
Lines Mesh Refresh The Web Askew
Symphony Imagery Fluidity Synchronicity
All This Is Makes So Much Sense To Me
Have a good week.
Respectfully,
Betsy Gavron
