Middle School Newsletter
December 2021
From the Principal:
Dear Parents,
Our students have successfully completed their first 10 weeks, and are into the second 10 weeks of the school year. Students are engaged in learning and social development. The faculty encourages students to stay organized, give their best effort and be kind. Academic and behavioral expectations remain high for all students. We continue to incorporate our district wide PRIDE philosophy in all we do here at the Middle School.
Report cards accurately identify student’s progress toward meeting Learning Standards. A reminder that report cards are available on parent portal in Schooltool. The end of the first marking period was November 12th. Students are proud of their accomplishments and teachers are continuing to work diligently to instruct and challenge them. Students are encouraged to seek assistance if needed and be responsible for their learning. Together with families, we encourage students to put forth their best effort and engage in learning and participating in this modified school experience.
There are a number of activities that have occurred in the first quarter and into the second quarter of this year at the Middle School including:
- Student Leadership Committee – A group of 18 8th grade students mentor and support our 5th grade students, facilitating activities throughout the year.
- Spelling Bee – The annual spelling bee begins in December.
- International Club and Newspaper Club – Clubs with active membership.
- Odyssey of the Mind – Two teams from the Middle School are preparing to participate regionally.
- Red Ribbon Week – A week-long focus on educating a drug and bully free lifestyle school wide. A great deal of school spirit was evident.
- Running Club – Over 25 students are participating in fitness activities.
- Cooking Club – Over 35 7th grade students are involved in their development of cooking skills.
- Robotics Club – Students are coding and programming.
- MTSS/PBIS – Community forums promote our PRIDE philosophy (P-Perseverance; R-Responsibility; I-Integrity; D-Dignity; E-Excellence). Activities include student PRIDE tickets leading to positive behavior rewards.
- Harvest Fest – Building wide pumpkin painting and launching in October.
- Mega Playground and Mega Arts Day – Time for students to interact with one another as part of our MTSS Tier 1 program.
- Modified Athletics - Over 50 students participated in extra-curricular athletics at the Middle School during the fall season. The winter sports season has begun.
- Parent/Teacher Conferences – Middle School parents had conferences with teachers on November 18th (5th grade also on December 1st).
- I-Ready – Our on-line diagnostic assessment and instructional tool has begun supporting students and their unique educational needs.
- Volunteer Club – This group has been working to support Golisano Children Hospital, as well as some local families in need.
- Veteran’s Day Celebration – This in person celebration was again postponed this year. Band students did record a rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Star Spangled Banner”. Chorus’ recorded patriotic selections. We also presented the local American Legion with homemade baked goods and thank you cards.
- Mission to Mars – Our 6th grade students visited the RMSC for an engaging hands-on simulation.
- Peter Pan – Over 40 students in grades 5-8 are participating in the performance Peter Pan! The play takes place December 3rd, 4th and 5th at the Middle School Auditorium.
- Holiday Concerts – The Middle School 7/8 Band and 7/8 Chorus will perform on December 9th. The Middle School 5/6 Chorus, grade 5 Band and grade 6 Band will perform on December 14th. Both concerts will take place at the High School Auditorium.
John E. Fulmer, Principal
Williamson Middle School
From the Assistant Principal:
Greetings from the Assistant Principal,
It is a busy time of year at Williamson Middle School. The school year is in full swing! Our students are immersed in their academic and extracurricular activities. Upcoming events include the Holiday Concerts and the Middle School Musical, Peter Pan! The building has been able to have its annual events such as Mega Playground, Harvest Fest and Mega Arts Day. It is important for our students to engage in school life, but it also can be overwhelming.
The past two years have been a time of constant change and disruption. Many of our students are adjusting to the routine and expectations of a traditional five day week school schedule. At times, this can cause feelings of anxiety and stress for our learners. It is important to remind our families we have structures and systems in place to address some of the obstacles facing our students. Our MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) system is designed to address student needs. The system is leveled. Our Tier 1 Team provides universal interventions and support for all students. The Tier 1 Team emphasizes the PRIDE philosophy and prosocial skills. Our Tier 2 team provides more targeted support. These supports can include behavioral and academic support. Tier 2 team addresses between 10-15% of the population. Should a student need 1:1 intensive support and intervention, we have our Tier 3 team. The team works with students individually and surrounds them with interventions to ensure their success in the Middle School.
The Middle School works to build the capacity for resilience and flexibility within our young people. It is our goal to ensure they have the best experience possible during this time in their life.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email or call at (315) 589-9665.
Kathryn Taylor
Middle School Assistant Principal
From the Health Office:
Modified Girls Basketball, Modified Cheerleading and Modified Wrestling begin January 3, 2022. Please register your 7th and/or 8th grade student athlete on Family ID. Family ID online registration will open December 3rd. Your athlete must have a current (within the last 12 months) Physical Exam to participate in our school athletic program. Please remind your athlete to listen to morning and afternoon school announcements for important information regarding Winter sports.
How to help keep your child healthy:
Many childhood illnesses are caused by viruses. All it takes is a single child to bring a virus to school for the spread to begin. Frequent hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Remind your child to wash his or hands before eating, after using the toilet, after blowing his or her nose, coughing or sneezing.
During these times it is also extremely important for your child to be sure to wear their mask properly, this means covering their nose and mouth at all times when wearing a mask is required. Unfortunately if they are not wearing their mask properly and are not vaccinated from Covid-19 they will have to quarantine if exposed to someone who tests positive for Covid-19. This is very important when the school has to perform contact tracing after a student has tested positive for Covid-19.
Encourage your child to use hand sanitizers, cover their mouth when coughing, or sneezing, and keep your hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth.
It’s also important for your child to stay current on his or her vaccinations - including a yearly flu vaccine. Please speak with your pediatrician for advice on the Covid-19 vaccine which is now available for children ages 5 and up.
The Williamson School Health Office wishes all our families a safe and happy holiday season, and a Happy New Year.
Please feel free to call the Middle School Health Office if you have any questions or concerns at 315-589-9665 ext. 3520.
Thank you for all you do to help keep our students safe and healthy,
Tammy A. LaBarr, RN
DECEMBER CALENDAR
DECEMBER LUNCH MENU
Student of the Month for November 2021
Rynesse Daniels - Showing all PRIDE behaviors!
Zian Sharrow - Showing all PRIDE behaviors!
Eli Hillegeer - Showing all PRIDE behaviors!
Rylin Wing - Showing all PRIDE behaviors!
6th Grade
Elizabeth Karasinski - Demonstrating PRIDE behaviors for the month!
Devin Tuper - Demonstrating PRIDE behaviors for the month!
Austin Kotvis - Demonstrating PRIDE behaviors for the month!
Brianna Bohannon - Demonstrating PRIDE behaviors for the month!
7th Grade
Gabriella Welker - All PRIDE attributes!
Brayden Storey - All PRIDE attributes!
Olivia Oathout - All PRIDE attributes!
Sarah Niles - All PRIDE attributes!
8th Grade
Joshua Kotvis - All PRIDE attributes!
Stephen Zarcone - All PRIDE attributes!
Faith Atwater - All PRIDE attributes!
Trinity Jones - All PRIDE attributes!
Molly Verbridge - Following her routine and having a positive attitude!
Aiden McVey - Excellence in PE!
Trinity Jones - Excellence in PE!
YEARBOOK
Ski and Snowboard Club
Mr. Spooner - sspooner@williamsoncentral.org (Elementary School)
Miss Alexander - jalexander@williamsoncentral.org (Middle School)
Miss Boulet - eboulet@williamsoncentral.org (High School)
District Communication
WILLIAMSON PTSA NEWS!
Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WilliamsonCSDPTSA OR click “PTSA” in the left-hand column at www.williamsoncentral.org
NEXT MEETING
There will be no PTSA meeting in December due to the Holiday concerts. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting on Tuesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Elementary School library.
DISTRICT APPROVAL for VOLUNTEERING
Interested in helping with an event during the school year? Just complete an application to become a district-approved volunteer (unless you have been approved during a previous school year - then you’re all set!). There is a notary at the District Office who can assist you with finalizing your application - just call ahead (315-589-9661) to make sure the notary will be on-site when you plan to stop in! And don’t forget to bring your ID! It’s a quick process with years of payoff in being a part of your child’s school experiences.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec 1st Parent Conference Day K- 5 (half day) - No school for UPK
Dec 2nd Middle School Musical Senior Citizen Performance. 4-5pm at the Middle School Auditorium
Dec 3rd & 4th Middle School Musical. 7-8pm at the Middle School Auditorium
Dec 5th Middle School Musical. 2-3pm at the Middle School Auditorium
Dec 7th Parent Teacher Conference Day K-5 (half day) No school for UPK
Dec 7th 4th Grade Winter Concert. 7-8pm at the High School Auditorium
Dec 9th 7th & 8th Grade Winter Concert. 7-8pm at the Middle School Auditorium
Dec 14th 5th & 6th Grade Winter Concert. 7-8pm at the Middle School Auditorium
Dec 23th - Jan 3rd Winter Break
EXTRA, EXTRA - READ ALL ABOUT IT
Join the adventure with the Girls of Scouts BSA Troop 6125
Camp. Hike. Climb mountains. Paddle. Swim. Fish . Sail. Hang out at the campfire. Learn wilderness survival skills and first aid. Outdoor activities. Learn leadership skills. Learn about careers and new hobbies. Have fun with friends and MUCH more!!!
Meetings: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of each month while school is in session. Plus one or two outdoor weekend activities. For ages 11-18.
Contact Jessica Shaver at 315-589-2101 or JESSICA.L.SHAVER@GMAIL..COM
Box Tops are changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online. To get started, download the Box Tops for Education app onto your mobile device. It’s a free app! Create a new account or sign into your existing account. The app will guide through each step from there. No more clipping! Just scan your receipts!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
If you are interested in keeping up on PTSA happenings and volunteer opportunities but can’t always attend meetings, please get in touch with us on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/WilliamsonCSDPTSA) or by e-mailing any of our officers (contact info below). Join us in continuing the tradition of commitment and service our PTSA has provided to our district’s students!
MEMBERSHIP
We are collecting PTSA membership renewals and new memberships!
Becoming a member is a very simple and quick way to support programming for our students! Download the Membership Brochure form from the PTSA page on the district website (click Community > PTSA at www.williamsoncentral.org).
DID YOU KNOW?
Amazon.com now helps raise money for our schools? Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. To get started, sign in to
smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser.
From your desktop, go to Your Account from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your
Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.
Select a new charitable organization to support. Type in PTA New York Congress. Enter the code 07-217 and select WSPTSA. .5% of your purchase will automatically go towards the Williamson PTSA. It’s that easy!
REACH OUT TO US
President: Rachel Higbee
Vice President: Kristin Adams-Wangler
Treasurer: Stephen Adams
Secretary: Jen Manahan
Williamson Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activities, including employment, as is required by Title IX. Furthermore, Williamson Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admissions, participation or employment. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be directed to the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights of the Department of Education or to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, Kathryn Avery, who can be reached at Williamson Central School District, 5891 Route 21, P.O. Box 900, Williamson, NY 14589, via email at kavery@williamsoncentral.org, or via telephone at (315) 589-9661.