WMS Community Bulletin 01-10-21
EXCELLENCE*EQUITY*COMMUNITY
If you are on a computer, open this in a new page. Then to translate this newsletter, click on the link to the right.
If you are on a phone, touch the person in the black circle to get the translate button.
________________
Se você estiver em um computador, abra uma nova página. Em seguida, para traduzir esta newsletter, clique no link à direita. Se você estiver em um telefone, toque na pessoa no círculo preto para obter o botão de tradução.
(Portuguese)
___________________
Si está en una computadora, abra esto en una nueva página. Luego, para traducir este boletín, haga clic en el enlace a la derecha. Si está en un teléfono, toque a la persona en el círculo negro para obtener el botón de traducción.
(Spanish)
___________________
إذا كنت تستخدم جهاز كمبيوتر ، فافتح هذا في صفحة جديدة. بعد ذلك ، لترجمة هذه النشرة الإخبارية ، انقر فوق الارتباط الموجود على اليمين.
إذا كنت تستخدم الهاتف ، فالمس الشخص الموجود في الدائرة السوداء للحصول على زر الترجمة. (Arabic)
____________________
Եթե համակարգիչ եք, բացեք սա նոր էջում: Ապա, այս տեղեկագիրը թարգմանելու համար կտտացրեք աջ հղմանը: Եթե հեռախոսով եք, դիպչեք սև շրջանի անձին ՝ թարգմանության կոճակը ստանալու համար: (Armenian)
____________________________
Если вы работаете на компьютере, откройте это на новой странице. Затем, чтобы перевести этот информационный бюллетень, щелкните ссылку справа. Если вы разговариваете по телефону, коснитесь человека в черном кружке, чтобы получить кнопку перевода. (Russian)
________________________________
Bilgisayar kullanıyorsanız, bunu yeni bir sayfada açın. Ardından, bu bülteni çevirmek için sağdaki bağlantıya tıklayın. Telefonda iseniz, çevir düğmesini almak için siyah daire içindeki kişiye dokunun. (Turkish)
Watertown Middle School 2020-2021
Tragically, although we anticipated the arrival of 2021 with cautious optimism, the horrifying events that unfolded last week at our U.S. Capitol Building reminded us that we continue to live in tumultuous and unprecedented times.
I stand together with all the people who are endeavoring to support and uphold our democratic ideals during this unsettled and turbulent time. I join with everyone who is condemning violence, calling for peace, and advocating for working together to heal our divided nation. I also acknowledge how much stress this has added to all of us, on top of the tragedies we have all suffered during the pandemic.
We cannot normalize or ignore extremist behavior and violence. All of us at Watertown Middle School are dedicated to love, support, and care for our students, each other, and all of our community members. We will work to continuously unpack bias and practice antiracist behavior.
We appreciate your partnership with us in this work. I look forward to working with all of you to continue our goal for peace, truth, and our nation’s most sacred democratic values. Please take care of yourselves and each other, and let us know how we can help support your children and you during these challenging days.
Respectfully yours,
Donna Martin
Principal
Here are some important upcoming dates:
Wednesday, January 13 - PTO meeting 7:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting https://watertown-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/91312161001
Monday, January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL - Unity Breakfast (more info below)
Tuesday, January 26 - Anti-Bias Coalition meeting 6:00-7:30 pm
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://watertown-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/96683897149
---------------------------------------------------------
Unity Breakfast: The Unity Breakfast will take place on Monday, January 18 at 10:00 AM. The Unity Breakfast will be virtual and available for viewing here: World in Watertown Unity Breakfast.
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Flu Shots Needed! As per state mandates, in-person students will need proof of the influenza vaccine by February 28, 2021. Please email (michelle.laracy@watertown.k12.ma.us) or fax (617 924-4125) paperwork to Nurse Michelle at WMS.
Please see links below to read the Teaching and Learning Newsletter from Dr. McGuinness and the AMAZING Art and Band Winter Showcase put together by Mr. Thew and Ms. Stern.
Please email me with any questions, concerns, or input you may have. As always, we will work together as a community! #wmsstrong
Take good care of each other,
All my best,
Donna
Student COVID testing (for students attending in-person) continues this week!
Student COVID testing will continue this week on Tuesday and Wednesday.
**A note from the nurses:
Thank you to all who have signed up for pool testing thus far. It is not too late to enroll your children in weekly pool testing, if you are interested please fill out the google form below. Moving forward, only positive pools and close contacts will be alerted with the weekly testing results. If you do not receive an update 24-48 hours after your child participates in pool testing, it means their pool tested negative. Positive pools will be contacted as soon as possible and given further information and instructions at that time.
Again, if you wish for your student to be testing, please fill out the google form below. Please note that pool testing is only offered to hybrid students who participate in IN PERSON learning, we are not currently able to test remote students.
If you have signed your child(ren) up to be tested, please remind them that they will be tested every week, and that it is not a one-time occurrence. Student testing will occur during grade level mask breaks.
From Dr. Galdston:
WMS COVID-19 testing will continue into the new year. If you have already signed up your child, there is no need to fill out the form again. If you would like to sign up your child, please read the message below and fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/9gqu867ae6TB2ULf6. You only need to sign up once for the ongoing weekly testing.
Please consider being part of the testing! Testing prevents the spread of COVID-19 and it's free for families at this time as we using grant funding to cover the costs.
Best,
Dede Galdston
***Here is the SMORE Newsletter which was sent out originally with all of the details of the testing.***
Thank you!
2021 Virtual Unity Breakfast - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
10:00 am
January 18, 2021
worldinwatertown.org/unity-breakfast
The 2021 Watertown Unity Breakfast will be virtual, presented in partnership with WCA-TV, streaming on the 2021 Unity Breakfast webpage and the WCA-TV Facebook page. The event will be broadcast on channels 9 (Comcast) and 3 (RCN).
UB21 will also be recorded to be available for subsequent on-demand viewing.
UB21 will include traditional parts of past programs ...
Honorary Host Michael Bobbitt, Artistic Director of the New Rep Theater
Middle School and High School essay contest winners
Keynote speaker Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, advocate for ecological & social justice
Presentation of the Unity Award to Rhode Moise, Program Director, Watertown Boys & Girls Club
UB21 will also include something new - story sharing, with members of the Watertown community (youth and adults) sharing their personal experiences of bias and discrimination.
Please Join us January 18, 2021, at 10:00 am ... online (Unity Breakfast webpage or WCA-TV FB page) or on your TV (WCA-TV channels 9/comcast or 3/rcn).
ACCESS testing for ESL students - beginning January 26th!
There are 4 tests: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Your school will be testing your student on the days they are in-person.
If your student is a virtual student they will be invited in on a day or time other students are not in-person.
Most testing will be complete before February vacation.
Please contact Kate Phillipson, ESL Coordinator, if you have any questions about the testing.
You can email Kate at kathryn.phillipson@watertown.k12.ma.us or call her at 617-581-8200.
Minuteman High School Information for Grade 8 students
Minuteman Newsletter
We hope everyone is healthy and well and doing the best they can in these difficult times. We are in our busy season in the Admissions Office with almost 200 applications already in and interviews set to begin next week.
Please check out this link to our December newsletter The Minuteman Experience. In this month’s addition, you can:
- View our new virtual tour video and explore the high quality learning spaces we offer.
- Check out a video showcasing our Biotechnology program created by our Multimedia Engineering students.
- Learn about the experience of one of our current Seniors in our Engineering Technology Program, as well as one of our Alumni from the Class of ’09 who majored in Plumbing/HVAC.
- Read a message from our Superintendent about the future of Minuteman in 2021 and beyond.
- See the latest news featuring Minuteman students.
If you would like to apply simply click APPLY NOW. If you have any questions, please reach out to Anthony Chiariello, the Assistant Principal for Admissions either via email at achiariello@minuteman.org or by phone at 781-861-6500 x7360.
Emergency Rental Assistance Application - Deadline Extended!
Dear Applicant,
Please read the following information before you begin your Emergency
Rental Assistance Application!
You will need to have the following documents for every household member/s
over the age of 18 ready to upload at the time of submission.
1. The most recent pay stub for all current wage earners in the household.
2. Document supporting evidence of reduced income (Unemployment
Monetary Determination Letter, furlough or letter from employer or 1
“before” 3/23/2020 and 1 most recent paystub).
To print your UI Monetary Determination Letter: Sign onto UI, go to the UI
Inbox, Look for Monetary Determination letter-Page 1 ONLY)
3. Supporting documents for any other income source (child support, alimony,
pension/retirement etc.)
4. Copy of current year’s lease or a letter from your landlord with his name,
address, email address & phone number evidencing your monthly rent
amount.
5. Most recent checking and/or savings account bank statement/s (EVERY
PAGE) for each bank account for every household members over the age
of 18.
Go to this link: https://metrowestcd.org/rent-a-home/information-for-
Case sensitive Password is: HEREtohelp2020
COMMUNITY SERVICE!
***DUE TO COVID, THEY WILL NOT BE COLLECTING ANY MORE PLASTIC AT THIS TIME.***
Community service is up and running at WMS! Please see the attached document to view information on safety, tracking hours, and opportunities. Just as a reminder, it is recommended that 6th-grade students complete 10 hours of community service, 7th-grade students 15, and 8th-grade students 20.
One main Community Service opportunity which is currently taking place is our annual Coats for Kids collection!
Coats For Kids
When you drop off coats for our annual Coats for Kids drive, you will earn 20 minutes for each coat (3 coats = 1 hour) The coat donation box will be placed right outside the Waverly Ave entrance Monday through Friday 8:30 - 12:30.
Collection has been extended to February 28, 2021!!
Weekly Learning Plans
Grade 6 Website and e-Learning Plans - click here
Grade 7 Website and e-Learning Plans - click here
Grade 8 Website and e-Learning Plans - click here
If you have any questions, please email (or have your student email) the teacher.
Thank you!
PTO Update!
Please help us as we embark on new ways of fundraising for the WMS PTO for what will definitely be a new and challenging year! Click the campaign below to see our fundraising goals this year and what we are hoping to support.
Stop and Shop Program:
Our school, Watertown Middle School, ID#: 10628 has the opportunity to participate in and earn CASH from A+ School Rewards, a great fundraising program run through your local Stop & Shop! See the letter attached below for more information. It's an easy way to earn money for the students of the school!
Technology Information for WPS Families
We look forward to supporting you with your educational technology questions.
Here is a link to the weekly 01/08 Family Ed-Tech for All Newsletter, LIVE Ed-Tech Support Sessions, Resources, Tutorials & tips that are curated and created, just for you. Do you need help with Ed-Tech? Please complete the WPS Ed-Tech Support Request Form. A member of the WPS Ed-Tech team will reach out to you within 1 school day.
Additional Updates:
1. Please visit our WPS Family Ed-Tech for ALL Website for updated resources.
2. Here is a link to the WPS Student Data Privacy Initiative Website
3. How to install Google Read and Write on Chrome
Spanish and Portuguese Family Guide Videos will be posted soon.
Thank you and have a terrific day,
Rashmi Pimprikar (District Ed-Tech Coordinator), Digital Learning Team and IT Team
LUNCH/MEALS PROGRAM UPDATES
School meals are free for ALL students for the entire school year.
Students can order a lunch in Community Meeting each morning and will be given out at the end of the day.
Lunches should be eaten after you leave school at 12:30
The meals will be packaged in easy to carry bags and will contain multiple breakfasts and lunches.
If a student requests meals on both of their in-person days they will receive breakfast and lunch for 7 days.
SEE SCHOOL NUTRITION WEBSITE FOR MENU.
GRAB & GO MEAL SITE WILL BE OPEN:
EVERY MONDAY
12 - 1:30PM
&
4:30 - 6PM
Watertown Recreation - Winter Session I information
WMS Attendance Policy and Procedures
From the Handbook (with some Remote Learning updates):
Attendance is the most important aspect of educating our students. When students are not here, they do not have access to instruction.
At Watertown Middle School, we pride ourselves in maintaining a very high attendance rate throughout the year. Understandably, there will be times when our students will need to take time away from school for a variety of excused reasons. The following procedure is in place to ensure good attendance, support our families, and follow state and federal laws.
Students are expected to be present and punctual for all classes. All students must be in Homeroom/Community Meeting (in-person or Zoom) by 8:30 a.m.
If you are having trouble with your Chromebook or have any Tech Difficulties (computer, camera, charging cord, hot spot)...
Call 617-926-7783 and let Ms. Cardillo or Ms. Brackett know.
“My name is (your name) and I have (teacher name) right now and I am having Tech Trouble. Can you please let my teacher know?”
Tardiness
A student is considered tardy if he or she is not in homeroom by 8:30 a.m. Teachers will mark students tardy when they are late to homeroom and/or late to class.
Absences
In the event that a student is tardy or absent, a parent or guardian must call the absence hotline at 617-926-7783 before 8:30 a.m. Please state the name, grade, and homeroom of the student. In the event that the absence is not reported, the school will call the student’s home or the place of employment of the parent or guardian to verify the absence.
Please see the Handbook for further details describing Excused Absences versus Unexcused Absences.
Resulting Actions:
● After 3 days of unexcused absences with no contact to the school from the parent, the Assistant Principal will be notified.
● After 5 days of absences (both excused & unexcused) per quarter, a letter of concern will be sent to parents/guardians. At ten absences, a support meeting will be scheduled with parents/guardians, guidance, and administration to create an Attendance Plan, which clearly outlines the school, parent, and student obligations to improve the problem. If absenteeism continues, further action will be taken, up to and including petitioning the Juvenile Courts with a Child Requiring Assistance, (C.R.A.).
**EMERGENCY ALERTS**
Watertown Middle School
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/