WMS Post
May 7 - May 11, 2018
We Are A.R.M.Y. Strong!!
Movie Night
Industry Site Visits
Industry Site Visits
6th and 7th Grade Honors Night
Teacher Appreciation Week
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Weekand #ThankATeacher with us!
Teachers provide so much to our students—inspiration, motivation and, ultimately, their futures. From May 7-11, 2018, we would like to show our thanks and gratitude by treating them like a V.I.T. – VERY IMPORTANT TEACHER.
Teachers change the lives of millions of children every day, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Join us during PTA Teacher Appreciation Week to #ThankATeacher for all that they deliver to our nation’s children.
Give Back Night
Field Trips
End of year core experience field trips
We're excited to offer our year end field trips again this year. We select these field trips as they connect with the curriculum students learn throughout their middle school years. We will be sending out permission slips with the cost for each trip went home last Tuesday.
All permission slips and money are due by Tuesday, May 15th to their HR teacher.
6th Grade Field Trip - New Harmony, IN on Thursday May 17th from 9:00am-1:00pm. Students will learn about the utopian society and the science/history associated with the settlement just 30 minutes from our school. After doing the video and station tour in town, students will meet at the town park for a cookout and free time before boarding busses to return to school.
7th Grade Field Trip - Marengo Caves on Thursday May 17th from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Students will go on guided tours through the caverns to see and experience the things they've learned about in class. Students will have sack lunches at the caves. Students will not be back in time for the regular school busses and will need to be picked up by parents at 4:00pm. Please note transportation home on the permission slip.
8th Grade Field Trip - This can be covered if students turn in money for the package as well. Muhammed Ali Museum in Louisville, KY on Thursday May 17th from 8:30am - 4:00pm. Students will learn about the boxing legend, his commitment to social justice and the road he took in boxing and in life. This is a hands-on museum that challenges students to see our similarities rather than our differences. Students will also be eating at a restaurant in Louisville prior to returning to school. Busses will be back around 4:00pm, so students will need to be picked up by a parent. Please note transportation home on the permission slip.
If you are having a hard time with the cost please contact the office or email Ms. Branson or Mr. Meyer
Holiday World permission slips
8th Grade Recognition Scheduled
The dress code: Ladies can wear dresses, skirts or dress pants. Dresses and skirts must be longer than finger tip length and shoulders must be covered. If girls are wearing dresses with tank tops or straps, they can cover shoulders with sweaters or jackets.
Gentlemen are encouraged to wear dress shirts and ties or bow ties. Jackets and suits are encouraged.
Parking: Parking will be limited to the football stadium parking lot along Highway 41. Please enter the doors that face Washington Avenue. The main parking lot will only be open for handicapped family members.
This is a formal event to honor the work of our students. We ask that you help us model appropriate and respectful behavior during this event by clapping respectfully and refraining from yelling as student names are being called. This is out of respect for all families, so they can also hear their child's name.
PTSA
Washington Middle School PTA won the best newsletter, best membership drive and Principal of the Year. We were well represented at the State PTA Convention.
City Track Meet
Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 04:30 PM
Central High School, N 1st Ave, Evansville, IN, USA
Yearbook Sales
Your student will be bringing home an order form for the yearbook this week. The price is $20. Make sure to pre-order yours to get the lowest price. You can return the order form to Mrs. Kavanaugh with cash or check made out to Washington Middle School or you can use the link below to order online. Get yours today!
www.inter-state.com/Yearbooks Use order Code: 24474M
Grief Camp Helps Kids
“On Saturday, I’m going to help with Camp Memories. I’m excited!”
“What’s Camp Memories?”
“It’s a day-long program for kids that have lost a loved one. It’s a great day.”
“That doesn’t sound fun. That sounds sad. What do you do all day, talk about people dying?”
This is typical of the response I receive when mentioning Camp Memories. Grief is a subject that often makes individuals uncomfortable. The idea of spending an entire day centered on loss is unimaginable to many; however, it’s one of my favorite programs.
When children lose a loved one, they experience a mixture of emotions. Obviously, there is sadness and at times anger, but loneliness is also a key emotion related to grief. After the death, the child must return to school where not many, if any, of their friends and classmates have experienced grief as they have.
According to an article in Social Work Today by Kate Jackson, this feeling of loneliness and standing out may lead to isolation. Often, children cope with isolation by experiencing an increase in anxiety, substance abuse, and physical complaints.
At Camp Memories, losing a loved one is the common denominator among participants. Children spend an entire day surrounded by other people their age that have a true understanding of what they’ve experienced.
Camp Memories began three years ago as a way to address the need to help children in our community cope with grief. The Youth First program takes place on a designated Saturday from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Master’s level social workers facilitate the program.
Camp Memories incorporates a variety of activities including sand tray therapy, normalizing grief through games, art therapy activities and free play. Participants spend the day processing their experiences in a safe environment. Additionally, parents participate in an opening and closing meeting to keep them informed about their child’s day.
At the beginning of the day, children are typically hesitant about participating and nervous about what will be discussed. As the day progresses they begin sharing their experiences as well their emotional responses to these experiences. Sadness, anger, guilt, worry, and fear are some of the common emotions children express throughout the day.
As the day grows to a close participants are smiling, chatting, and having fun playing with their new friends. Allowing them an opportunity to talk about their grief through activities geared for children helps them make sense of their emotions.
In my experience as a facilitator for Camp Memories, I have seen children enter with grief weighing heavily on them. I’ve seen these same children leave with a much lighter sense about them. This is why this program is so important and beneficial.
Youth First’s next Camp Memories is scheduled for May 12 at Washington Middle School. If your child has experienced the loss of a loved one and is interested in participating, please contact your school’s Youth First School Social Worker or Laura Keys at 812-421-8336 x 107. Space is limited. This is a free program that depends on donations to continue providing grief support for children.
How is your child doing in classes?
http://rdsteach.evsc.k12.in.us/rdsparentaccess/
If you have questions or concerns about grades you can contact your child's teachers, Mrs. Bender Carrie.Bender@evsc.k12.in.us or Administration to set up meetings.
Teacher Websites
6th Grade:
7th Grade:
8th Grade:
Related Arts:
Resource
Two helpful websites for extra practice
www.noredink.com - This is a grammar and language website that supports writing skills. Students will take a diagnostic test this week which will guide them to the lessons, practice and quizzes that they need. Students will work through those lessons each week during WIN period. If you'd like to also support continued growth, please have them work on their lessons at home.
www.prodigygame.com - This is a math game that starts students at certain levels after taking an intro test. Students start at their level and work through the lessons and practice. We will also be working on this during WIN to support student growth in math, but they are encouraged to work on this outside of school as well.
Please let us know if you have any questions about these programs. Thank you in advance for supporting our students' growth in academics.
After-School Programs End May 11th
All clubs run from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, with the exception of STEM Club (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm). Each club member is provided a snack beforehand, and bus transportation home is provided.
Children and youth who participate in after-school programs reap a host of positive benefits in a number of areas—academic, social/emotional, and health and wellness. (2008, p. 2)
Programs are as follows:
Hockey - Students are bused to Swonder Ice Arena for lessons and scrimmages on ice. The equipment can be rented. The season runs from October to March every Monday.
Book vs. Movie Club – Students will read books, or excerpts from books and then watch movies that are based on that book. Students then discuss which version they liked better and why. Book vs. Movie will meet on Monday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Chronicles of YARNia – Students learn how to crochet and knit. Students will learn basic stitches, how to read a pattern, and learn how to make a sampler blanket. Chronicles of YARNia meets on Monday 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
DIAMONDS – The DIAMOND program, is a YMCA based program that promotes healthy choices and healthy relationships. This program is for female students, and focuses on establishing goals and increasing self-esteem and also encourages volunteering and community service. DIAMONDS program on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Y-CAP - The Y-CAP program is also a YMCA based program for young men. This program is an evidence-based program that works with young men and their families, enhancing their mental, educational, social and physical development and by helping them reach their fullest potential. The Y-CAP group programs on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Penny Lane – Students are offered study time with a tutor. Penny Lane meets on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Minecraft Club – Students use this computer game to build and design structures, achieving personal gaming goals. Minecraft requires students to use critical thinking skills and creativity. Minecraft meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
STEM Club – The STEM program is a new addition to after-school programs. Different STEM kits are rented weekly. These kits contain tools and items that can be used to help students learn more about Science and Math. STEM Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
Mythology Club – Students learn about Greek Mythology and participate in the National Mythological exam. This particular program will be a nationally registered and recognized club with excellence in the classics! Mythology meets on Thursday.
Drama Club – Students learn about basic movement exercises and acting skills. Drama club meets on Thursday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Pokemon Club – Students are invited to bring their own Pokemon cards, where they can play against each other or trade their cards. Students really enjoy the social engagement aspect of Pokemon Club. Pokemon Club meets on Friday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Study Cafe and Retakes
If your child needs additional support with any subject, they can stay after for tutoring. In order to schedule after school tutoring, students can sign up with Mr. Walls in Room 26A or parents can email Mr. Walls at dominic.walls@evsck12.com.
We are trying to keep the classes small, so students can get the help they need. If students do not sign up for the sessions or schedule an assessment with their teacher, they will not be able to stay. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns regarding help for your child.
Washington Middle School Community Supporters
Contact Us!
Email: michele.branson@evsc.k12.in.us
Website: http://washington.evscschools.com/
Location: 1801 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, United States
Phone: (812) 477-8983
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmsarmystrong