WMS September Newsletter
September 15th, 2023 - Brought to you by Mr. O'Halloran
A Message from the Administration
I'd like to start this newsletter by saying how great of an opening we've had. It's wild to think that September is halfway through, but there's a lot of positives from our opening to celebrate, and exciting events to look forward to. Our enrollment is up, yet things have moved smoothly thus far. Students and staff alike seem enthusiastic about the new six period schedule, and the students have adapted well to the A/B schedule during their Phys Ed period. Looking ahead, we're excited to see how the expansion of elective opportunities into areas like STEM and the arts will provide our students with an enriching and well-rounded education and supplement the learning happening in their core classes.
Before we transition into the latter half of the month, there are a few reminders we want to impress upon you:
How to report a HIB. If you are aware of an instance of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, you can report it anonymously directly through our school website. At the top of the webpage, click “Menu.” Then, under “Counseling Department,” select “Anti-Bullying,” and you’ll find a link to Hibster. Follow the prompts to complete the report which will automatically kick off an investigation.
Additionally, you can always speak with any of our school’s counselors, who are all anti-bullying specialists, or the district’s anti-bullying coordinator, Mrs. Fancera. All of their phone numbers are listed at the bottom of our school website.
SAC Referral Form. We are so happy to have a full time student assistance counselor, Mrs. Acheson, with us this year. If you’d like to refer your student to see Mrs. Acheson, a link to her referral form is on our school website, and can also be found here.
Some events on the near horizon:
Picture day will be next Friday, September 22nd. All 7th and 8th grade students will be taking pictures, as well as any 6th grade student that did NOT get their picture taken at orientation. To get a retake of an orientation picture, you must purchase pictures first.
To order pictures, we highly suggest using the online form that can be found at: http://www.lorsstudio.com/undergrads/order/ using the code: 24-44WM.
If there are any questions, please contact our Yearbook Advisors, Mrs. Kaschak (patricia.kaschak@woodbridge.k12.nj.us) or Mrs. Maneri (sarah.maneri@woodbridge.k12.nj.us).
Again, thank you to everyone for a wonderful opening. We look forward to a successful school year with your continued cooperation and partnership.
Woodbridge Middle School Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th - October 15th. During this month, WMS will celebrate the Hispanic culture by:
- hosting an empanada sale towards the end of September during all lunches (Date to be announced)
we will have a vegetarian option, as well as a meat option!
sharing fun facts on the morning announcements to educate our students about the culture.
creating a bulletin board to celebrate "Exceptional Hispanic Artists" and their contributions to the arts.
and finally, participating in a flag activity to celebrate the diversity of our students and their heritage.
Google Classroom/Genesis for Parents
Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023, 06:00 PM
WMS PTO Meeting
Monday, Sep 18, 2023, 07:00 PM
Club Fair
Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023, 03:15 PM
School Picture Day
Friday, Sep 22, 2023, 08:15 AM
Check out The Warrior Messenger, our school newspaper, for the latest at WMS
Our WMS YouTube page has the latest announcements
See How WMS is coming a more inclusive community at our DEI webpage
WMS Welcomes Mr. Rivera to the Social Studies Department
1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and where you’re from.
I grew up right here in Woodbridge, living by the Majestic Lanes bowling alley almost my entire life. My family has its cultural roots in Puerto Rico, however we are just as much New Jerseyans as we are Puerto Ricans. I grew up wanting to be a teacher, because it was a way to help others, share my love of social studies and give back to the community that raised me.
2. Where did you go to college, and what degrees do you hold?
I am a proud graduate of Rutgers University New Brunswick, however I got my start at Middlesex County College, where I received my A.S. in Education. At the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences I earned my B.A. in History. Finally after an arduous year of study I earned an Ed.M. at the esteemed Rutgers Graduate of Education.
3. What classes are you teaching this year?
This year I'm teaching both Financial Literacy and Civics, both of which have me very excited for the school year. These are topics that are very practical and the value of them are self-evident, which is something I very much enjoy about them.
4. How long have you been teaching, and how long at WMS?
This is my first year at WMS, which makes me even more excited because it’s such a wonderful opportunity to be giving back to the place that raised me. This is however my third year of teaching. Last year was my first time teaching middle school, and it has been a wonderful season of my career thus far. I never thought I would find this age group to be so rewarding, however it’s good to be both an academic and social-emotional mentor to our brilliant youth.
5. What’s your goal for your students this year? What about for yourself?
This year I’m hoping to continue to grow as an educator and make the most of the resources provided at this wonderful district. I’m hoping my students walk away with a myriad of life skills that will continue to benefit them throughout their lives and careers.
6. What’s your personal mantra or favorite quote? I personally believe that love for others and treating others with respect is a beautiful principle, in the communities I frequent we believe in “living family” with others, so quotes that run along the lines of “loving your neighbor” or “being the change you want to see in the world” are wonderful values to uphold.
7. What your hobbies?
In my spare time, I really enjoy fitness and exercise, video gaming, studying History and exploring different locations around New Jersey with my fiancée.
8. What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I enjoy kayaking in the summer and I frequent Long Beach Island almost every weekend.
9. What are you currently reading in your free time? I’m not much of a bibliophile, however most times I’m reading it’s either my premarital counseling book or the Bible.