Waite Middle School
Panther Tracks - November 2020
Home of The Panthers
Welcome Waite Middle School Family to our Newsletter!
This is another way to communicate with you; and where we will keep staff updated with information to stay in the know. This newsletter will also be in PDF format in our Staff Schoology page.
Important Dates
NOVEMBER 2020
Nov. 4 ~ DLAC @ 8am
Nov. 9 ~ UnSats / Progress Reports
Nov. 11 ~ Veteran's Day ~ No School
Nov. 23 - 27 ~ Thanksgiving Break ~ No SchoolSave the Date:
Dec. 17 ~ Minimum Day
Dec. 18 - Jan. 4 ~ Winter Break
Jan. 5, 2021 ~ 1st day of Semester 2
Quote of the Month
Administration's Corner!
Hello Panther Families,
It’s finally feeling like Fall! The air is brisk, and the days are shorter due to day light savings. During these unprecedented times, it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. Some days are better than others, and then there are days when we feel overwhelmed. Trust me when I say, we’ve ALL felt it. The best way to get through it is by reaching out to your family, friends, and YOUR WAITE FAMILY!! Our students and families are on our minds and we wish we could enjoy the daily interactions we once shared. There’s a quote I’d like to share from John Wooden, “Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can.” There’s so much YOU CAN DO, like completing assignments that are not as challenging and reaching out to your teachers, Ms. Amaya and me when you need help. When students email us for help, we all rally together and ensure your needs are met. Panthers stick together!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nakano
*Follow me on twitter @pantherprincip2
City of Norwalk's Scarecrow Contest
Check out this super cute scarecrow display made by our very own teacher Jessie Cormier!! Waite entered the City of Norwalk's Scarecrow contest and so far, we're in the lead! Please vote daily at tinyurl.com/votescare2020.
You can vote multiple times until November 3 (or 4). Please spread the word. Thank you so much Jessie for your time and creativity. During this time of school closures, we're in need to celebrate our school and community. ❤️
AVID's Corner
Waite Middle School, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a national college readiness system with a student-centered approach. AVID begins by identifying a cohort of students in the academic middle from groups traditionally underrepresented on college campuses who have great academic potential. These are often students who will be the first in their families to attend college. AVID delivers a demanding college-preparatory curriculum and facilitates student involvement in extracurricular activities. The goal of AVID is for students to enroll and be successful in rigorous four-year post-secondary institutions and become educated and responsible leaders.
In order for students to be selected as part of their AVID cohort, they experience a rigorous selection process, which includes an application, teacher recommendations, and an interview. The AVID elective is a class that meets as often as core subjects like English or math, within the regular school day. The AVID elective consists of several different elements, making students more successful in all their classes. The class is divided into curriculum days, tutorial days and motivational activity days, which include college and career activities, guest speakers from area colleges and local professionals and field trips to local colleges and universities. AVID motivates students and provides the skills and confidence to reach their goals.
Attention 8th Graders!
Veronica Lorenzana AVID Coordinator at John Glenn High School will be conducting a presentation on Monday, November 9 during AVID 8 (5th period) to all 8th grade students interested in the AVID Program at JGHS. The presentation is 15 minutes and includes breakout groups run by her high school students and tutors. Students must be at a 2.5 or higher and be in the JGHS area, planning to go to JGHS and looking to apply for the AVID program.
Counselor's Corner!
Waite School Counseling Procedures During Online Learning
Dear Parents & Guardians
Our School Counseling program is committed to providing your student with social-emotional support and counseling services while we are currently “online learning”. Students or parents can make appointments via e-email, phone call, text message, or through the Calendly appointment confirmation platform. Counseling services will be provided remotely via phone conference, video conference, or text message (whichever format you and/or your child prefer).
We know this is a difficult time for everyone and we are committed to offering continued support to you and your child/children.
All students are enrolled in the Schoology Counseling Corner to access activities and resources to support students with their social-emotional health and well-being, academic and college-career planning, and other relevant topics to support them during this time.
Please encourage your child/children to access Schoology Counseling Corner and reach out for any help or support. Here is the access code if you would like to join: M2JHZ-P2MT2
Mrs. A. Patricia Sierra, School Counselor
Mrs. A. Patricia Sierra
Google # (562) 373-4645
Red Ribbon Week
Waite celebrated its Red Ribbon Week during the week of October 23rd -October 31st. This year’s theme was: “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” The week is designed to encourage kids to make healthy choices and stay alcohol- and substance-free. Students participated in various day themes and activities throughout the week with chances to win prizes. Class presentations about the dangers of drug abuse along with discussing the use of healthy coping strategies were provided by the counselor and Wellness Specialist. After the presentations students completed the Red Ribbon Pledge.
Check out the winners for the various challenges throughout the week.
Waite Intervention's Corner
WAITE Intervention:
At Waite, we are committed to the development of character, leadership and academic excellence to ALL students. To support students who need additional support, Waite has the following interventions in place:
Socio-emotional Support during Distance Learning
Our MSW Intern and Wellness Specialist have created small groups that will focus on growth mindset, healthy coping skills, and support for newcomer students. Students who are eligible to participate in these groups will be invited using our district Panorama SEL data.
Distance Learning Engagement Support
To support students struggling with distance learning engagement our CWA intern will invite students to an attendance group that will focus on both social-emotional skills and attendance.
Academic Support
Our school counselors are messaging students through Schoology to encourage, provide resources, and monitor their progress.
All tutoring opportunities are posted weekly on the Waite Counseling Schoology Page.
Homework Club: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 2 to 3pm via Zoom
Drop In Homework Help: Monday through Friday 3 to 4pm via Zoom
Tutoring Available
UPCOMING EVENTS
Follow us Social Media
@waite_is-great
@WaitePanthers
@jennyaamaya
Waite Middle School
Email: jamaya@nlmusd.org
Website: www.waitemiddle.org
Location: 14320 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA, USA
Phone: 562-587-2352
Facebook: facebook.com/waitepanthers
Twitter: @jennyaamaya