Wayland Middle School
Monday Morning Minute
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Week of November 15, 2021 |
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Good morning WMS families,
I have heard many families express relief and joy over the authorization of the COVID vaccine for our 5-12 year old population. We look forward to a new phase as we emerge from this pandemic and relish in the greater return to normalcy. As you know, however, we have continued to have some positive cases at WMS, so we remain vigilant about our masking and distancing protocols.
Fortunately, when COVID cases have arisen, we have had a minimal number of close contacts and the test and stay procedures allow many to remain in school and learning. It’s been wonderful. Students who test positive, however, are out of school for ten calendar days. I know this can feel like a lot of school to miss. To respect privacy and not put pressure on sick students, we do not reach out directly to students and families about missed work during isolation. Please know that our teachers work hard to get students caught up on the essentials when they return and feel well enough to engage in school again. They will be flexible as students work to get caught up.
If your child is out with COVID and has minimal symptoms, however, they may feel ready to engage in some school work from home. If this is the case for your child, please email the teachers directly to let them know your child’s particular circumstance. Teachers will share what can be done (without having been in class), and offer guidance about priorities for their disciplines. Google Classroom is an excellent reference for students to use as well in working to keep up to date.
We continue to work to navigate this pandemic with patience, flexibility, and compassion. Thank you for your ongoing partnership.
Betsy
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Upcoming Dates
11/17: Early Release, 12;20 p.m. (no lunch served)
11/24: Thanksgiving Recess, Early Release, 12:20 p.m. (no lunch served)
12/22: Winter Recess begins (end of regular school day)
1/3: Classes Resume
1/5: Early Release, 12:20 p.m. (no lunch served)
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Arrivals
REMINDER our doors do not open until 8:25 a.m. (with the exception of students who are signed up for AM wellness who go in at 8:00). Please do not drop off students earlier.
If your child is running late - school begins at 8:40 - and you arrive later than 8:45 a.m., please drop off at the front of the building, so we are sure we get accurate attendance.
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Early Dismissals
If you must dismiss your child early from school, please follow this protocol:
- Send a note into school with your child that day with the time you will pick them up.
- Instruct your child to bring the note to the Front Office upon arrival.
- Your child will be given a Dismissal Pass to give to the teacher at the beginning of the class they’ll need to be dismissed from.
- At the indicated time, your child will come to the office to check out and wait for you at the entrance.
- If all steps are followed, there is no need for you to call or get out of your vehicle.
Thank you very much!
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Substitute Teachers Needed
Wayland Public Schools is always looking for more substitute teachers to fill in at the middle and elementary schools. Certification or experience in any particular field is not required to be added to our substitute teacher list.
If you enjoy working with children and are interested in finding more ways to get involved with the Wayland school community, consider applying to be a substitute today!
For more information, check out this page on the Wayland Public School website. |
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Wayland SEPAC Speaker Presentation
Supporting our Children's Mental Health
Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Time: 7:30 PM
Supporting the Whole Student:
Addressing Student Wellness: With mental health difficulties, such as depression and anxiety, on the rise, for teens and young adults, it is more critical than ever that school communities are addressing and responding to student mental health needs. This workshop will provide an overview of the current mental health climate for teens and adolescents, as well as strategies for supporting teen and adolescent mental health and wellbeing.
Speaker’s Biography:
Janet Barbieri, MSW, LICSW is the Director of Programs at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE). Janet earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Psychology from Skidmore College, and continued her training at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, where she earned her Master’s in Social Work, specializing in the provision of clinical mental health services. Since 2008, Janet has held numerous roles in therapeutic day and residential school settings in both New York and Massachusetts, dedicating her clinical practice to supporting teens and young adults and their families as they navigate together this unique developmental stage. Prior to joining AANE, Janet was the Assistant Clinical Director at the Ivy Street School in Brookline, MA, a transition-focused day and residential school for individuals with autism profiles and co-occurring mental health needs. In her free time, Janet enjoys cooking and spending time with her 1.5-year old.
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Cradles to Crayons
Winter Clothing Drive
Wayland Middle School is holding a winter clothing drive this month of November for Cradles to Crayons to prepare for the upcoming winter! You may donate hats, gloves, mittens, jackets/coats and any winter clothing including pants and sweaters that you no longer need or use!
- Please do not bring any boots or shoes.
- We prefer new or gently used items.
- Before you bring these items to school, check to make sure there are no rips, stains, or holes, etc.
There will be a box at the front of the school in the lobby to drop off all items so we can give them to the Cradles to Crayons organization and help kids and families across Massachusetts to prepare for the cold season. If you have any questions please contact chloe_chitkara@student.waylandps.org.
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WMS Winter Musical
MOANA JR.
AUDITIONS will happen after Thanksgiving Break.
Performances on February 9 (3:00 PM), 10 & 11 (7:30 PM), 12 (12:30 PM)
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Fill Your Reusable Water Bottles!
As we await the Water Department’s fix to the Wayland's water issue, we must continue to provide extra water to students via single-use, plastic water bottles. The water bottles provided by school are not meant to be students’ only water source or even their first water source. All students should bring a filled, reusable water bottle to school each day and only use the single-use bottles as a last resort. Every day we find partially consumed water bottles left behind and the waste is just unnecessary.
Please bring a filled, reusable water bottle to school!
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Social Skills Group: Youth Together
Kelsey Sanclemente, LMHC
Wayland Youth and Family Services Clinician
Topics covered:
- Dealing with social challenges
- Dealing with anger, stress, sadness etc.
- Boosting self-confidence
- Building friendships
- Strengthening Conversation Skills
Groups are being held in Room 109, Tuesday afternoons, 3:10 - 4:05 pm.
if you are interested in learning more!
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Artist: Rhea Sethi
Grade: 7
Medium: Mixed
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Donate to the Wayland Middle School PTO today!
Gift Your Child is the PTO’s ONLY fundraiser. So far, 110 families have donated. If you haven’t already, please consider donating -- grant applications are rolling in!
With help from your donations, the PTO recently awarded funds to support the purchase of three standing desks for a 7th grade classroom, group reading books for a special ed classroom, and materials to facilitate learning in 6th grade science.
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Middle & More Coffee
Friday, November 19, 1:30 -2:30 PM
Please join us as we are joined by Kelsey Sanclemente, LMHC, Wayland Youth & Family Services Clinician, and who has facilitated the weekly WMS Social Skills Group: Youth Together at WMS for the past four years. Kelsey will provide an overview of this social skills group, highlight topics discussed this year, and answer any questions you may have.
A Google Meet link will be shared with WMS families on Friday, November 19.
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Staff Appreciation Thanksgiving Breakfast
Sign Up to Bring a Treat!
Together with Wayland’s very own The Bagel Table, the WMS PTO is hosting a Staff Appreciation breakfast on Tuesday, November 23. Please consider donating food or decorations to round out the feast!
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MASK RULES & GUIDELINES
In accordance with MA Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines face coverings must:
- Cover the nose and mouth
- Fit securely and comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be laundered without damage or change of shape
- Be made of at least 2 layers of material
- Face coverings may not have an exhalation valve or vent
The following are not allowed: Gaiters, bandanas, scarves, and face masks that have a ventilation valve. They are not considered effective face coverings and will not be allowed.
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DID YOU KNOW?
White is not actually a color, but the absence of all colors.
The human nose can detect a trillion different scents.
Tug of war used to be an Olympic sport.
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The Orange and Black - Our Student Run Newspaper
Be sure to check out our student run newspaper featuring news, stories, poems and other work! The Orange and Black
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Wayland Middle School
Phone: 508.358.3801 Fax: 508.358.3802
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