World Language Middle School
March 18, 2024
A BI-WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR CAREGIVERS & FAMILIES
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Upcoming WLMS Events
Important Dates:
Panorama Survey: ENDS TODAY 3/18
STAMP Testing: March 19, 21, 22
PTO Skate Party: April 5
ELA OST: April 16, 17
Science OST: April 23, 24
Math OST: April 30, May 1
Schoolwide Dance: May 3
Spring Fling: May 16th
Poetry Cafe: May 23rd
8th Grade Promotion: May 29th
Last Day for Students: May 30th
NO SCHOOL:
March 20
Spring Break: March 29-April 5
(March 28: 30-minute early release)
April 8 (*change from original calendar)
May 27
What's Happening: Sports, Clubs, the Arts & more!
Softball & Track Schedules
Softball and Track & Field seasons are starting up and schedules are below. Come support our Leopard athletes as we wrap up the year with these spring sports!
Power of the Pen
Congratulations to our Power of the Pen team!!!
Zakiya Obayuwana earned THREE awards at the semi-finals on March 2nd. She will be going to the state finals on May 16th and 17th at Ashland University.
We had three writers who only missed making it to state by a few points. And, out of 31 total teams, our school finished in 6th place.
We are so proud of our WLMS Power of the Pen team!
Black History Month
Check out this article from CCS on Black History Month at WLMS!
May
5/9 (5:30p): WLMS Spring Concert, featuring Band Orchestra, Choir, & Art Show
5/29: Performance at 8th Grade Promotion
All dates subject to change.
Keep an eye out for important updates!
Counselor's Corner
Social Media and Your Student
By: Ms. Ford, M.Ed., WLMS School Counseling Intern
Social media use by children and adolescents in the U.S. is almost universal. Although age 13 is usually the required minimum age for using social media platforms, nearly 40% of children ages 8-12 say they use social media. Up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 report using social media and more than one-third of those say they use social media “almost constantly.” This information comes from Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which was released in May of 2023 by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
In the advisory, the Surgeon General shared that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media on young people. Current research indicates that while social media may have benefits, there is also evidence that social media can also have a “profound risk of harm” to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.
Here is an overview of what the Surgeon General recommends that parents and caregivers do to help protect and support their children against the risk of harm of social media:
Create a Family Media Plan (English / Spanish) to help families establish healthy technology boundaries at home.
Create tech-free zones and encourage children to foster in-person friendships - The Surgeon General recommends restricting the use of phones, tablets, and computers for at least 1 hour before bedtime and through the night to help your child sleep better. Consider keeping family mealtimes device-free to build social bonds. Help your child develop social skills by encouraging unstructured offline conversations with others.
Model responsible social media behavior - Model the behaviors you want to see by setting a good example of what responsible and healthy social media use looks like.
Teach kids about technology and empower them to be responsible online participants at the appropriate age. Discuss with your children the benefits and risks of social media and the importance of privacy and protecting personal information. Have conversations with your child about who they are connecting with, their privacy settings, and how they are spending their time online.
Report cyberbullying and online abuse and exploitation. Talk to your child about their reporting options and provide support if they show you they are being harassed online have been contacted by someone seeking private images or asking them to perform intimate or sexual acts. You or your child can report cyberbullying to the school, the online platform, and/or to local law enforcement. Here is some guidance on reporting cyberbullying from stopbullying.gov.
Work with other parents and caregivers to help establish shared norms around healthy social media use. Working with other caregivers will help make it easier to set and enforce boundaries on social media use for your children.
If you are concerned about your child’s social media use or mental health or if you have any other concerns you’d like to discuss, you can reach out to WLMS’s School Counseling team using the contact information below. We do have access to translators who can help us communicate if English is not your primary language. We look forward to speaking with you and partnering with you on supporting your child’s well-being and success at school.
Dan Carter (Spanish speaking) - wcarter@columbus.k12.oh.us
Christopher Mobley - cmobley@columbus.k12.oh.us
Nicole Ford (intern) - nford2@columbus.k12.oh.us
From Dr. King: Attention 6th Grade Families
Heads up 6th grade caregivers! We are scheduling two health events for your students.
Immunizations:
Ohio Law states that all students must have a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis/whooping cough) and a meningitis (MCV4) vaccine to enter 7th grade.
Columbus Public Health will be coming to the school in May to give those vaccines at school!
Please be on the lookout for consent forms to go out in March so your student can get a vaccine at school!
Dental Sealants
The Columbus Public Health dental team will also be here in May to provide dental sealants at no cost to 6th grade students.
Dental sealants can cost up to $600 at a private dentist.
Please be on the lookout for consent forms to go out in April so your student can get their dental sealants here at school for no cost!
Tornado Safety
This severe weather season has started with the first tornado sirens of the year blaring last week in late February. In Ohio, our most active severe weather months are typically May through July, but as we all experienced early this week, Mother Nature doesn't follow a calendar. Severe storms can occur during any month throughout the year, so it is important to be aware and prepared. Below you will find some useful tips and information to prepare for all that Ohio (Spring) weather delivers.
For more information on tornadoes please visit:
https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/
https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado
SIRENS: WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
Sirens are part of the Public Alert System to make the community aware of a local or national emergency. Originally designed for civil defense (air raid, curfew), sirens are now more commonly used to alert people of severe weather (tornadoes). Here in Columbus, the siren also sounds every Wednesday at 12pm to test the weather alert system. When you hear the siren at other times, it is a good idea to check local news sources and follow any directions or guidelines given depending on the reason for the siren.
WATCH VS WARNING
TORNADO WATCH:
This means that conditions are right for tornado to form. The National Weather Service is monitoring the weather and will continue to share updates on the radio, tv, and social media. Be mindful that a Tornado Watch can quickly turn into a Tornado Warning, if conditions change.
TORNADO WARNING:
This means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. People in the affected area should take immediate cover inside designated shelter areas such as basements. During a tornado warning, the warning sirens sound for 3 minutes. Be sure to have a safety kit (content recommendations are below) and do not go outside to look for the tornado.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
WLMS PTO
What is a "PTO"?
The WLMS PTO is a group of caregivers and teachers (a "parent-teacher organization") who come together to improve educational and co-curricular opportunities for our students through volunteer work and community fundraising. The WLMS PTO is dues-free- all are invited to attend and participate! You can join the 2023-2024 WLMS PTO Directory using the button below.
Your 2023-2024 PTO Officers
President: Emelia Sheeley Vice President: Josey Hensley
Secretary: Shevonne Green Treasurer: Hannah Spiegel
WLMS Yearbook
Time is running out!
Less than one month left to order your yearbook!
Use this link or this QR code.
WLMS's school yearbook ID code: 15189924
Yearbook cost is $20 paid directly to Lifetouch.
Sales end April 15th and books will not be for sale later
--don't miss this opportunity!
What is a Yearbook?
Click the image above to learn more!
Qué es un Anuario?
¡Haga clic en la imagen de arriba para obtener más información!
LAST CALL!!! We NEED your photos!
Did you know you can submit photos from school events to be included in the WLMS Yearbook?!
We would LOVE your submissions! See Dojo or Facebook posts for the types of photos we need!
HOW?
1. Use this link to go to our Lifetouch Community Images page: https://community.lifetouch.com/invite?code=WORLD-LANGUAGE-YEARBOOK-23-24
2. Log in to your Lifetouch account* using this invite code (if prompted): WORLD-LANGUAGE-YEARBOOK-23-24
3. Upload your photos. It is VERY helpful if you choose a provided tag for your image. You cannot create your own tag; you MUST select one of the provided options or it will not save. If you want to give more description (much appreciated!), you can change the file name to reflect the activity, student(s) last names, etc. during the upload process.
*This account can be the same one you used to order your yearbook.
Questions? Reach out to Ms. Troyer or Ms. Bock.
WLMS PTO & Kroger Plus
Did you know you can earn money for WLMS PTO while you shop? Link your Kroger account to World Language Middle School PTO using the link below; just log into your Kroger account and search for "World Language Parent Teacher Organization" or Organization Number: DQ451. Afterwards, every time you make a grocery purchase at Kroger, they'll donate money to WLMS PTO- at no additional cost to you!
District & Community Events & Resources
Summer Experience & Summer Resource Guide
The 2024 Summer Experience registration is now open. Summer Experience is FREE to all Pre-K through 12 Columbus City Schools students! Summer Experience for Pre-K through 8 students kicks off June 17. We're excited to provide CCS students and families with a summer of exciting school and community-based learning experiences.
This year’s Pre-K through 8, Summer Experience includes similar project-based learning students and families have been able to enjoy through our Pathway Express focuses, including Pathways such as Health and Fitness, Visual Arts, Urban Agriculture, World Languages and Cultures, and MORE!
Questions? Contact the Office of Extended Learning:
614-365-5010 or ExtendedLearning@columbus.k12.oh.us
Click here for a Parent Portal registration walkthrough.
Learn more here: CCS Summer Experience Information
CCS Summer Resource Guide
Couldn't make it to the 2024 Summer Opportunities and Engagement Fair? Still looking for summer camps and experiences for your student? Click the link below to discover local camps, programs, and adventures just right for your student.
CSCC Summer Exploration Academy
Eligibility: Rising 8th and rising 9th graders, Columbus City and Southwestern City Schools
Cost: Free
Dates:
- Session 1: June 10-14, 2024
- Session 2: June 24-28, 2024
Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Students can get early college exposure and career awareness with our fun, hands-on experiences and exploration of specific majors. Students will increase their familiarity with specific in-demand career/technical programs and pathways and learn how they can begin to work toward these careers through opportunities within College Credit Plus and Columbus State.
For more information and registration, visit the links below.
Columbus State Summer Camp Information - Click Here
$Tax Time
$Tax Time is an initiative led by United Way of Central Ohio that brings together a coalition of nonprofit, business and government organizations working to provide free tax assistance services and connect clients to financial resources. Since 2007, $Tax Time volunteers have prepared over 175,000 returns, returned nearly $190 million in refunds, and saved clients $36.7 million in tax preparation fees.
In Case You Missed It: Helpful Links, Resources, & Reminders
Attendance
Please ensure that your student is present EVERY DAY ON TIME. If your student is absent or if you know of a planned absence for an appointment, please use the QR code or our Google Form link. This is the most efficient way for us to accurately record student absences.
You can view or access the World Language Middle School attendance Google Form for the 23-24 school year here. We also have magnets with a QR code to quickly access the form. Need a magnet? Let us know!
WLMS PBIS:
What is PBIS? PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Support. It is a research-based framework that encourages schools to create a positive, predictable, and safe learning environment to ensure success for all students. The WLMS PBIS expectations are available below; click on your preferred language to enlarge the image. More information about PBIS can be found here.
Class Dojo
Are you connected with your student's teachers? Use the QR code based on your student's grade level to sign up to receive notifications. Click on the correct photo below to enlarge the QR image.
CCS ESL Call Center
Did you know that Columbus City Schools ESL Department has a designated call center in over seven foreign languages? Call center hours are from 7:30a– 4:30p.
Call the CCS ESL Department at 614-365-8802 and select the number corresponding to the language you require assistance with:
For Spanish Press #1
For Somali Press #2
For Nepali Press #3
For Arabic Press #4
For French Press #5
For Swahili Press #6
For Kinyarwanda Press #7
For English Press #8
To view the ESL Department flier with more details, open the attachment here:
Community Resources for WLMS Families
WLMS School Counselors have compiled a list of community resources for our WLMS families. Click on the document below to see the full pdf with lots of great information!
Food Pantry Locator
Freshtrak is an online tool that can be used to search for food access “events” in your community. Daily pantry hours, pop-up food events, and neighborhood resources are organized by zip code.
Resources for Affordable Internet
Are you looking for resources for affordable internet to support your student?
Check out these programs to see if you qualify:
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - https://www.fcc.gov/acp
EveryoneOn - https://www.everyoneon.org
PCs for People - https://www.pcsforpeople.org
Columbus Metropolitan Library: https://www.columbuslibrary.org
Middle School Matters!
Upon entry into middle school, students are bombarded with environmental, social, emotional, and physical changes. Did you get one of our Middle School Matters pamphlets at our Open House last month? If not, check out this pdf from the Georgia Department of Education for important tips and advice for helping your student successfully transition into and thrive during their middle school years!
This helpful document covers:
• Social and Emotional Changes
• Organizational and Environmental Factors
• Academics
• Developmental Growth
• College and Career Readiness
¡También tenemos folletos disponibles en español a pedido!
Questions? Looking for Resources?
Your Family Ambassadors are here for you!
Our role as Family Ambassador is to share information, tools and strategies that can further connect your student’s learning experience between their time in the classroom and home, host educational opportunities for families, and connect families to community and district resources. We want to support and help you to engage with the WLMS community, as well as help with navigating CCS.
We look forward to meeting your family this year if we haven’t already and are eager to connect with you! We are available in the building throughout the week, and are also available to connect during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Please do not hesitate to reach out, we are here FOR you; our contact information is listed below. If the use of an interpreter would aid our communication, we are happy to arrange that as well!
Go Leopards!
Susie Troyer & Lynsey Bock
Email:
Susie Troyer: stroyer@columbus.k12.oh.us
Lynsey Bock: lbock@columbus.k12.oh.us
Phone: 614.407.6102
WLMS Website
Have you seen the WLMS website? There's lots of great stuff here, including news, breakfast and lunch menus, and an updated staff directory. Click on the logo above to check it out!
CCS WLMS Families & Friends Facebook Page
Join this caregiver-run page and connect with others in the WLMS community by answering a few quick questions about your connection with the school. Click on the photo above to go to the page.
CCS FACTLine
Did you know CCS has a factline to answer your questions at a district level? Call 614-221-FACT (221-3228) or email the factline at Factline@columbus.k12.oh.us.