WMHS Family Newsletter
September 7, 2023
Athletics - Spartan Spirit!
Dear Staff, Students, Parents, and Families,
We hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As the new academic year is underway, we are thrilled to welcome you back to our vibrant and dynamic Athletics Department for another year of camaraderie, passion, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you are returning athletes or newcomers eager to join our team, we want you to know that our dedication to your growth and success remains unwavering. At the heart of our mission lies the belief that sports and physical activities not only promote physical well-being but also instill invaluable life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.
As we gear up for the upcoming season, we are excited to announce some new and exciting features, and opportunities that promise to keep you engaged and inspired. Our coaching staff, comprised of experienced professionals, is ready to guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring that you reach your fullest potential and achieve your goals.
In addition to the athletic pursuits, we are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Our Athletics Department prides itself on promoting diversity, equity, and respect, celebrating the unique contributions that each individual brings to our close-knit community.
To ensure a smooth start to the new academic year, we encourage you to visit our new website that is still in the process of being revamped as we are working hard on making improvements. You will be able to find all the necessary information including game schedules and team meetings. Additionally, we will hold a mandatory meeting for students and families on September 6th at 6:30pm in the PAC. This meeting allows you the opportunity to meet the coaching staff, learn more about the department, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
In conclusion, we cannot wait to embark on this journey with you all. Together, let us make the upcoming year a remarkable one, filled with accomplishments, cherished memories, and the joy of being part of a passionate athletics family.
Welcome back, and here's to a fantastic new season ahead! Please check out our new Athletic handbook.
Important Dates and Schedules
FALL Mandatory Parent / Coaches Meeting September th at 6:30 pm in the PAC
Go Spartans!!
Coach Sam Jackson
High School Field Trip Coming Up
Next week, on Thursday, September 14, our high school students are going on a field trip to Leddy Park. It's a half-day adventure filled with games and activities to bring our school community closer. Here's what we have in store:
Fun Choices: You can pick from different fun things to do like ice skating, playing tennis, soccer, bocce, kickball, cornhole, and crafting. In service to our community, there's a special station for making welcome baskets with Peace Jam.
Beach Time: If you'd rather be by the water, you can head to the beach. Two lifeguards who are certified by the Red Cross will be there to keep everyone safe while you swim.
Lunch Together: We'll all have lunch together, so you can chat with your friends and teachers.
Coming Back: After a fantastic morning, we'll return to Winooski High School by 12:15 PM.
This field trip is a chance for us to reconnect after the summer, get to know each other better, and most importantly, have a blast! We can't wait to see you there.
Middle School Team Meetings
The structuring of Winooski Middle School has been through many versions. Teaming is a common structure for middle schools in the hope to create a family-like feeling of identity and belonging. In the past, we have had strong teaming, however, the student feedback was often that students liked knowing who was going to be in their classes, but they did not like being cut off from certain friends when teams were kept really separate throughout the day. Instead of belonging, teams appeared to be adding to competition and isolation at times.
Over the past few years we have spent much time investing in our advisory system. Each student is in an advisory of approximately 11 students and, hopefully, has the same advisor for all three years of middle school. Once a month we come together for what we call "Community Meeting" where advisories take turns hosting a school-wide gathering to share information, celebrate learning, and enjoy a shared experience.
This year we are introducing (bringing back?) team meetings too! These will be our 6th grade academy, and our two, mixed 7th & 8th grade teams, Journey and Nexus. These teams will meeting on Fridays every other week to check in with each other similar to Community Meetings, but smaller. These team meetings may also be called together to share timely information or problem solve. We held our first team meetings on the first full day of school and it felt great. We are looking forward to building a strong sense of belonging and commitment to each other's success this school year.
Attendance Reminder
As the school year begins- Just a couple of reminders regarding attendance.
School begins at 8am. If you arrive after 8:05am, your student will require a tardy slip to enter class.
If your student is going to be absent, late or need an early dismissal, please call 802-383-6183 or email attendance@wsdvt,org.
Any student who is absent more than 3 days for illness, will require a doctor's note for excusal.
Any absence beyond 3 days will require approval through the appropriate principal/administration.
Truancy will be calculated beginning at 5 unexcused absences.
Please communicate any and all attendance concerns with the information listed above.
Need to Reach Your Student/Child During the School Day?
Our middle and high schools both have cell phone expectations to support students to remain focused on their learning. You can see below our expectations that are posted in our school for students. If you need to reach your child/student please call the middle/high school main office by calling (802) 383-6105 to reach our administrative assistant Betsey Dubuc. Betsey will be sure that a message gets to your child. Thank you for your support and collaboration!
Middle School Expectations for Cell Phones/Devices
High School Expectations for Cell Phones/Devices
School Counseling News!
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year Winooski Families & Students! Your school counselors are excited to see you and support you in your transition back to school this year.
Just a reminder that if you want to make any changes to your class schedule, please know that Friday, September 8th is the last day to add or drop classes! Students can contact your counselor with any questions.
Winooski has H.E.A.R.T. 💚
We will all be...
H onest: demonstrate truthfulness and honesty in academics and behavior.
E ngaged (in learning): persevere, ask questions, collaborate, and seek positive solutions.
A ppropriate (and considerate): of our community, the campus and yourself.
R esponsible (and accountable): for choices.
T imely (being on time): to fulfill daily commitments.