WMS Community Bulletin 6-14-20
EXCELLENCE*EQUITY*COMMUNITY
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لترجمة هذه الرسالة من المدرسة ، اضغط عليها ثم استخدم الرابط الموجود على اليمين. (Arabic)
Այս տեղեկագիրը թարգմանելու համար կտտացրեք այն, ապա օգտագործեք աջ կողմում գտնվող հղումը: (Armenian)
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Watertown Middle School 2019-2020
Happy Sunday! I hope this community bulletin finds you and your family, near and far, healthy and well. Welcome to the final days of school for the year!
This will be my last weekly Community Bulletin until the fall, but I will certainly update you with back to school and scheduling information as it becomes available. As with other years, cluster placement information will be sent out to families in mid-August. When we know more about what the fall will look like, I will also send out information such as supply lists. This week, the state will be providing guidelines for schools in the fall, and the WPS Reopening Task Force, of which several WMS staff and I are members, will be working together all summer to plan for September.
I want to thank you all very much for your support and partnership this past year. Watertown Middle School has such a tremendous community of educators, students, and families, and it is that strong community that helps our children feel safe and loved and encourages them to learn and build empathy and resilience. Without a doubt, this was a spring like none we have ever experienced before, but we rose to the challenge and had many successes, while also identifying the areas in which we can improve moving forward. Whatever the fall brings, we will be ready for it with renewed energy! I hope you all can take some time for relaxation and rejuvenation, and plenty of summer reading! :) I will be in touch with any and all updates, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions throughout the summer.
Peace,
Donna
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
Surveys: Surveys to Students, Staff, and Parents/Families were sent out at the end of last week. They are designed to gather information for our fall planning purposes. Please take a few minutes to fill them out; your feedback is invaluable to us!
The Last Day of School is June 16. One and half more days! As a reminder, there is a bin for WMS library books at the front of the school each day M-F. If you missed locker clean out, please contact the office and we will figure out a time for you to pick up your belongings and drop off any other items you may have.
Report Cards: Report Cards, Awards, and any other information will be mailed home to all 6th and 7th graders next week. 8th graders may pick up their end-of-year envelopes at the Drive Through Event on Tuesday, or they will be delivered or mailed (see details below).
I hope you all have a beautiful weekend and a wonderful week.
Take good care of each other,
All my best,
Donna
GRADE 8 INFORMATION
Hello WMS Grade 8 Families,
Here are the plans and information:
A graduation video is being created and will be shared with all students on Monday, June 15th. I have seen it and it is TREMENDOUS! We are putting the final touches on it and I am looking forward to sharing it with you.
***NOTE*** This video will be shared virtually, and will NOT be shown live, so there is no need to rearrange any schedules. Students and families will be able to watch it at their leisure after it is released.
The video will include:
Graduation remarks from Ms. Martin, Mr. Del Porto, Dr. Galdston, the new WHS Principal Mr. Giacobozzi, and Class President Tommy Dicker.
Award recipients will be named by Ms. Martin.
Pictures of each student will be displayed while their name is being read by Ms. Brackett.
Other details will be included in the video, but some of it needs to be a surprise! :)
All students will receive envelopes with their graduation certificates, awards won, and a t-shirt designed specifically for them.
On June 16th, we are planning a Drive-Through Event on Bemis Street to pick up envelopes and awards and wave to WMS staff! If you are unable to drive-by on this day, we will mail or deliver your 8th-grade envelope/awards.
Schedule for Grade 8 Drive-Through Event on June 16th:
Please enter Bemis Street from Waverley Avenue only. It will be one-way as it is during school hours.
Please do not get out of the cars. WMS staff members will bring your envelopes and t-shirts to you.
We will be waving and cheering for you - please wave and cheer back! :)
The event on June 16th will be from 9 am - 12 pm - broken down by student last name below to prevent extra traffic:
9:00 - 10:00 am - Students' last names A-F
10:00 - 11:00 am - Students' last names G-M
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Students' last names N-Z
We look forward to seeing you!
For those who ordered yearbooks, unfortunately, they are delayed due to the pandemic. As soon as they are in, we will send them out.
Toward the end of the summer, if guidelines allow, we would like to look into having a semi or some other event for this 8th-grade class. We hope to know more about the guidelines in July.
Thank you again! We miss your students and are looking forward to celebrating them as much as possible virtually and at the Drive-Through on the 16th!
Weekly Cluster Schedules / Links to Schedules
Cluster 2: Here is the link to the Cluster 2 weekly schedule/Smore:
https://www.smore.com/752c8-cluster-2-weekly-newsletter?ref=email-content#w-5410494166
Cluster 3: Here is the LINK to the Cluster 3 weekly schedule and the link to the Cluster 3 Smore newsletter: https://www.smore.com/s1wr3
Cluster 4: Here is the link to the Cluster 4 assignments and information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UFZ3vtTrGSC6f38mKHPAYIGNH6mImvtzbemFoYpr-rc/edit
Cluster 5: Here is the link to the Cluster 5 weekly schedule/Smore:
MONDAY AND TUESDAY SCHEDULE along with the FINAL CLUSTER 5 SMORE
Cluster 6: This link: Cluster 6 Week of June 8 has all of the Cluster 6 assignments for next week. We will also be posting this doc to the Cluster Google Classroom.
Here is the link to the Specialist Zoom Schedule for all grades:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qvtrWi-puKctgIHPznOrl3qk_ZdxSJkCoiM_aNdNyRY/edit
SUMMER READING 2020!!!
TOP 5 WAYS to make the MOST of Summer Reading! Here is a resource that summarizes all of the summer reading assignments and options for students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 at WMS. Please keep in mind, the One School, One Book (1S1B) The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, as well as the "JOTS" writing assignment is a required text and assignment for all students entering WMS. More details about the assignment, as well as tutorials on how to take a good jot can be found at: www.wms1s1b.org. If you have questions about accessing the ebook, please email our WMS Librarian, Leah Maroni-Wagner at leah.maroniwagner@watertown.k12.ma.us. If anyone has questions about the summer reading assignment, please contact our WMS Literacy Coach, Kellie Spillane at kellie.spillane@watertown.k12.ma.us.
Grade 6 students are encouraged to read additional independent books, however they do not have an additional required assignment. In addition to the 1S1B, Grade 7 and 8 students DO have an additional required assignment. Please click here to find more details about the summer reading assignments, as well as optional resources from our friends at Watertown Public Library.
Thank you to the TEEN Librarians at Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) for compiling the lists of recommended summer reading books for rising middle school students. These suggestions are attributable to Carey Conkey & Kelly Deneen, WFPL Librarians. Also a special thank you to our own WMS Librarian, Leah Maroni-Wagner, who customized one of the grade 8 summer reading lists to provide extensive options for students entering grade 8. There is sure to be a book that will match the tastes of many readers this summer! If you would like a personal recommendation for a book over the summer, the librarians at WFPL will certainly help you!
Remember, middle schoolers still LOVE to be read to --thank you for taking special time this summer to read together as a family.
WPS Summer Offerings
VIRTUAL ART SHOW!
The Watertown Public Schools Visual Art Department is proud to present our first ever Virtual Art Show!
Connecting Through Creativity - WPS Virtual Art Show 2020
When looking at visual art, we are often looking at the beautiful end product. And rest assured, you will see lots of beautiful pieces in this show. Yet while we are extremely proud of the work our students have produced and continue to create, our intention is not to celebrate the end products, but the artistic process itself.
Our community is struggling with fear, loneliness and isolation.
We are yearning to find meaningful ways to reconnect, to support one another and to find joy in unprecedented times.
Artists everywhere are piercing through the darkness with their light, as they make connections, boost one another up, and create a sense of community that can't be contained within the walls of quarantine.
They find joy, strength and solace within themselves and are sharing it with others through visual art.
The Watertown Public Schools Fine, Applied and Performing Arts Department believes in the power of art to heal, to empower, and to inspire. We invite you to join us as we connect with and celebrate one another.
You will see a mix of work in this show, some created in our traditional format before schools closed and some created during quarantine, using whatever materials and inspiration could be found on hand. During this period of remote learning, our students have used visual art to center themselves, express themselves and connect with one another and their community.
In this spirit, we offer you our first ever Virtual Art Show!
***VIRTUAL MUSICFEST!!!***
Corona may be keeping us apart but it isn't keeping us silent.
The music lives within us, bringing us laughter, joy, strength and solace.
With so many of us feeling isolated, music invites connection. It provides us with solace and strength under extraordinary stress. As awash as we are in uncertainty, rumor and even anger during these trying times, music reminds us to listen and empathize. With both children and adults dealing with unprecedented pressure, music allows us to express powerful feelings responsibly and respectfully; amidst much confusion music gives us clarity, a vision of hope and affirmation. We hope that Watertown’s Virtual MusicFest bring these things to you and your families, highlighting the inspiration and comfort that our entire community finds in the arts.
And now, without further ado...
The Watertown Public Schools Fine, Applied and Performing Arts department, in collaboration with Friends of Watertown Music, invites all Watertown musicians, students, teachers, families, and community members to join us in this virtual musical celebration!
This website is the home of Watertown's first ever Virtual MusicFest.
You will find almost five full hours of music lovingly shared with you by musicians from the Watertown community - students, teachers, business owners, neighbors, families, all sharing their music with you in this virtual setting!
Just like the live MusicFest, all of the performances have been scheduled into different rooms. We invite you to move between the rooms just as you would if attending the live event, sampling the different musical offerings. You will want to come back to this site many times to see different performances - depending on the order in which you listen and where you are moved to stop and click, each new visit will be a unique experience!
https://sites.google.com/watertown.k12.ma.us/virtualmusicfest2020/home
***END OF YEAR INFORMATION***
Chromebooks and the Summer - UPDATE!
Please note the following:
- The Acceptable Use Policy that was signed in the Spring when the Chromebook was first checked out is still applicable through the summer. The updated version of the Summer Chromebook Contract may be found here: Summer 2020 Chromebook Contract
- Students are responsible for keeping their Chromebooks in good condition over the summer. WPS Chromebooks should only be used for learning and school-related activities, and they should be used in dry areas, and not at the beach, for instance. If there is an issue, please should contact the school.
- All 8th graders who have a Chromebook will be returning them to WHS in the fall. They will not receive an updated Chromebook until they turn in their WMS Chromebook.
Updates from Ms. Maroni-Wagner in the WMS Library
For the latest information on digital literary resources and WMS Library happenings, read the weekly WMS Library Newsletter.
***We are now accepting library book returns from the WMS Library. If you have a library book to return, you may place your books in the touchless bin outside the main entrance of the school. The return bin will be outside 8 am-6 pm every weekday. Students will receive an email reminder Monday morning if they have any Library books.***
Digital Learning and IT Resources Links /Family Support
Greetings WMS Families:
Rashmi and George shared the following link to the 05/28/2020 Digital Learning/Technology Weekly Newsletter, which includes application updates, Famly and Educator Tech collaboration session information, and other helpful resources. This information is posted on our WPS Extended Learning Website.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please use Applications that are “in progress or approved” in the WPS Online Applications Database
**Link to Weekly WPS Family Technology Support Sessions (May 28 - June 5). Please check for upcoming sessions
Please click on the links below to access resources
Link to Family Guide to Portuguese Zoom Tutorial | Family Guide to Spanish Zoom Tutorial
Link to Family Guide to Portuguese Google Classroom Tutorial | Family Guide Spanish Google Classroom Tutorial
Link to Family Guide to Spanish Khan Academy Tutorial | Family Guide to Portuguese Khan Academy Tutorial
IMP: Please review the WPS Tech Apps/Services Guidelines & Online Resources Database for apps/services and use the Digital Resource Request form to request applications and services.
Questions? Please email Library Media Specialists & Digital Learning Specialists at your school & CC Digital Learning Coordinator Rashmi Pimprikar (rashmi.pimprikar@watertown.k12.ma.us). Please contact ‘Computer Repairs’ for IT questions and/or if a Chromebook is broken or needs repair.
Thank you so much for all that you do!
-Rashmi & George
2020-2021 Middle School BUSING - REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Free Daily Support Groups for Parents
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Fg5EvfInKPNNjGTIbUpDOohvL9LCvgat_4SuTXUizA/edit
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Resources
Dr. Galdston's Update 6-4-20
Good afternoon,
I hope that this email finds you and your family well. As we wind down the school year, I have prepared my June newsletter for you, which features the following information:
- Looking Forward As Best We Can
- Photos of Our Remote Learners
- A Statement From the District Administration
- The 2020/2021 WPS School Calendar
- School Building Committee Updates
- Watertown Students Shine Remotely
- News from the Community
- Upcoming Events
I invite you to share your experiences and learn more about the Watertown Public Schools at my virtual coffees being held Monday, June 8. Information for attending the coffees can be found in the newsletter.
With appreciation,
Dede Galdston, Ed.D.
**EMERGENCY ALERTS**
Watertown Middle School
While we are out of school, please email with any questions, or text/call my work cell (617-631-6807)
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Thank you,
Donna Martin, Principal
Email: donna.martin@watertown.k12.ma.us
Website: https://wms.watertown.k12.ma.us/
Location: 68 Waverley Avenue, Watertown, MA, USA
Phone: 617-926-7783
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watertownms/