WBMS Friday Notes
January 20, 2023
Reflections from Ms. Williams
WBMS Parents and Guardians –
Twice a year we give our students a survey to check in on where they are and how they are feeling about our school, and we discuss the results thoroughly as a staff and use the information to better support students who need it and make schoolwide improvements. We have been giving some version of this survey since 2018 and charting the comparisons. There are several open-ended questions that allow our students to tell us why they feel like they belong at WBMS, what is working, where we are getting stuck and what we might do differently. Their answers offer insight and directly lead to changes at our school. The other questions and results from our November 2022 survey are listed below:
Overall, how would you rate this school year )?
3% (not so good or pretty bad)
When I am at school, I feel I can ask for help.
5% (disagree or strongly disagree)
Overall, I feel disconnected and/or isolated at WBMS
6% (agree or strongly agree)
Other students at WBMS like me the way I am.
6% (disagree or strongly disagree)
I feel like a real part of WBMS.
6% (disagree or strongly disagree)
I feel accepted at WBMS.
4% (disagree or strongly disagree)
I can really be myself at WBMS.
9% (disagree or strongly disagree)
I feel like I belong at Webb Bridge Middle School.
3% (disagree or strongly disagree)
Our goal each year is to get to 100% of our students feeling like they belong at WBMS, and while we are not there yet, this fall’s results show an improvement. Feel free to use these questions to check in with your student this weekend to deepen the conversation. As always, if you feel your student is struggling to belong at WBMS, please let us know so we can support.
Enjoy the weekend!
In collaboration -
Rebecca Williams
Principal, Webb Bridge Middle School
Dates to Remember
Jan 20- Jr. Beta Field Trip
Jan 25- Write Score Testing (rescheduled from 1/19)
Jan 27- Talent Show
Feb 2- Scoliosis screening (6th and 8th grade only)
Feb 7- 8th grade Field Trip to AHS
Feb 20- President's Day (schools closed)
Feb 21- Professional Development Day (students off)
WBMS Assessment Calendar Links:
Have a question about what tests or quizzes your student has coming up? Check out the Assessment Calendar!
Teachers place all major assessments on these calendars:
6th Grade Assessment Calendar Link
Attention 8th Grade Parents/Guardians: Field trip to AHS
8th grade students will take a field trip to Alpharetta High School on February 7, 2023.
Please use the link to complete the form: https://form.jotform.com/230053809045046 The DEADLINE IS 2/1/23.
Way to Go FCS Technology Competition Winners!
After winning first place in their categories at the WBMS technology competition in November, they competed at the next level in the Fulton County Schools Technology Competition in December.
FCSTC results:
- Viraj Das, 1st place, Internet Application (Grade 7-8)
- Haris Kadayan, 1st place (team with Sahibjot Arora), Video Production (Grade 5-6)
- Sahibjot Arora, 1st place (team with Haris Kadayan), Video Production (Grade 5-6)
- Vivan Bakane, 2nd place, Project Programming (Grade 5-6)
- Hugo Marques Da Silva, 2nd place, Device Modification (Grade 5-6)
Our first place winners (Viraj, Haris, and Sahibjot) are now moving on to compete in the Georgia Student Technology Competition (GaSTC) on March 11th at Kennesaw State University (Marietta campus).
Introducing our Furry Friends of WBMS Carpool!
Mark your calendars for Friday, Jan. 27, 2023!
The Webb Bridge Talent Show is January 27 in the WBMS Gymnasium.
We have so many talented students -- this is sure to be a performance you don’t want to miss! Tickets are available at the door for $5.00 per person (cash only, please) and seating will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Backstage Team Needed!
Auditions are done, the students are practicing their acts and the Webb Bridge Teachers and Staff are working hard behind the scenes to get ready for the show….but they need our help!
We need a few parent volunteers to help make this a fun, memorable night for the performers, students and Webb Bridge families. You don’t have to be available the night of the show to make a difference! Please sign up at the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4AA8A928A1FC1-2023
Thank you for supporting our students. It’s going to be a GREAT show!
Attention 8th Grade Parents/Guardians: Save the Date! January 31
Middle School to High School Transition Video for 8th Grade Students and Parents - Course Registration & Scheduling for 2023-2024
Parents of current 8th grade students zoned for Alpharetta High School are invited to view informational video presentations regarding course registration and scheduling for the 2023-2024 school year.
The viewing of these informational videos can be seen on the AHS website, https://www.fultonschools.org/alpharettahs
Presentations include:
- Introduction – Dr. Kersey, Principal (Live starting at 6:00 pm)
- Curriculum, Graduation Requirements & School Overview – Amy Longstreth, Counselor
- Course Registration Process – Clair Greenaway, Assistant Principal
- Academic Course Options – Department Chairs and teachers
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies includes discussion of Advanced Placement options: AP Government/Politics U.S. & AP Human Geography)
- Electives Course Options – Department Chairs and teachers
- World Language
- Career Technology
- Fine Arts
- TAG (Talented & Gifted) and IB Information
- Special Education/IRR Information
- Activities Fair--Clubs and Sports, Sponsors and coaches
Scoliosis Screening Volunteers Needed
Dear WBMS families, Scoliosis screening is February 2, Thursday. 945am – 12:45pm. We will need 14 volunteers, MEN & WOMEN combined if possible. Training is ONLINE, Easy Peasy! Please include your email when signing up. Thank you!
Attention 6th and 8th grade parents - Information about Scoliosis Screening and Opt-out Form
2nd Annual WBMS Walks for Water
This week, our 7th grade Service Learning fundraiser hit a milestone: $3110, which is enough to repair 3 wells. Thank you to everyone who graciously donated! For each $1000 raised, we will fill a crack on our Webb Way Well in the 700 hall. When the well is broken, the women and children must walk.
We walk with others, so others don’t have to. Please join us for the 2nd Annual WBMS Walks for Water on 2.26.23 from 2-5 pm at WBMS.
Register to Attend the Walk on February 26, 2023
Can’t make it, please consider donating directly to our fundraising page. Help us help another village.
Donate directly to WBMS’s fundraising page
Water Is Basic - Webb Bridge Well Repairs (networkforgood.com)
7th Grade Students- Please consider sponsoring and running a table at the Village Market for the 2nd Annual WBMS Walks for Water
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CACAB2DA1FEC16-village1
WBMS Families – please consider volunteering for the 2nd Annual WBMS Walks for Water on 2.26.23
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CACAB2DA1FEC16-2ndannual
CTAE Virtual Job fair: January 31, 2023 4:30pm - 6:00pm
All Teacher Candidates must apply to the Teacher Candidate Pool here: https://jobs.fultonschools.org/go/Teach/8863000/
Jobseekers will have access to booths starting at 12:00pm on Monday, January 30th.
TREX SCHOOL RECYCLING CHALLENGE
WBMS is a 2021-2022 GaPBIS Distinguished School!
Week of 1-9
PBIS Tier 2 – Flourishing Friday
This week for Flourishing Friday the students started to learn about deep breathing techniques and their importance.
What is the purpose of deep breathing?
There are 5 main reasons that deep breathing will help us in school as well as in our everyday life lives.
Calms our emotions – a lot of us don’t understand why we are feeling angry, sad, etc so deep breathing can calm our emotions and helps our emotions re-focus and “get in check”
Reduces stress – deep breathing helps us manage our stress
Helps body relax – after recess or PE our body is excited and not in a state of readiness. Deep breathing will help our mind realize that it needs to calm down and get ready to learn – it helps us transition from one state to another
Helps with focus – deep breathing helps us stay present in the moment and not let distractions get in our way of completing our work, taking a test, etc
Increase body awareness – breathing techniques help us realize and focus on what we can control – our bodies – if we focus on our breathing we can control our actions
What are some deep breathing exercises?
Square/box breathing
Finger Tracing
Alternate nostril breathing
Belly breathing
Stay tuned for next week where we will start practicing one of these exercises. Our goal is for students to have at least one go to deep breathing exercise that they can do on a regular basis.
Special Offers from our Community Partners!
Special Offer from Greenlight!
Greenlight is the loved and trusted debit card and banking app helping parents raise financially-smart kids and teens and a WBMS Silver Level Community Partner.
Special Offer from Premier Martial Arts
Don't Forget
BUY A YEARBOOK!
2nd Annual WBMS Walks for Water
The 2nd Annual WBMS Walks for Water is just 7 weeks away, and we would love for you all to come. The event will take place on Sunday, February 26th from 2-5 pm at WBMS. This is a family friendly event, so all are welcome.
For those of you who are new to WBMS, we hosted the inaugural walk last year and had over 200 people attend. We walked with gallon jugs in our hands as a show of solidarity for the people of South Sudan who walk for water daily, and we hosted a Village Market run by students. We hope you will join us and WALK. LEARN. SHOP. PLAY. All proceeds go to our new partner Water is Basic. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to repair 20 wells in the Warrap State of South Sudan.
Please consider registering for the event. If you can’t make it, please consider donating. It takes a village!
Register to Attend the Walk on February 26, 2023 from 2-5 pm
Can’t make it, please consider donating directly to WBMS’s fundraising page
Water Is Basic - Webb Bridge Well Repairs (networkforgood.com)
Girl Scout Event
Informational Parent Meeting for Debate Club Jan 25
Debate Club in our Friday Notes? The meeting will take place via Teams on 1/25, from 5-5:30pm.
teams.microsoft.com
3DE Showcase
YMSL
Youth Lacrosse
Volunteers Needed!
Please click on link to sign up. Thank You!
Media Center:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showRSVPSignUp/8050c4aa8a928a1fc1-media1
Front Office volunteers:
Our school was recently named a 2021-2023 National PTA School of Excellence!
To earn this designation WBMS had to demonstrate families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success, and that our PTA is a key partner for continuous school improvement. Becoming a National PTA School of Excellence began with the joint commitment of PTA and our phenomenal administrative team to work together to welcome all families, communicate effectively, support student success, speak up for every child, share power and collaborate with the community. Congratulations and a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!
To learn more about this accomplishment or to support our PTA during the Fall Membership Drive, visit wbmspta.org.
Do you know a family in need at WBMS?
Please reach out to our counseling staff so we can find ways to help.
Our Community Cupboard provides emergency necessities for families in our school experiencing hardship.
Please consider making a donation! Our largest need currently is gift cards in any amount to Kroger or Walmart.
You may leave your donations at the Front Office. Please mark them PTA/Community Cupboard. Thank you!
Please Support Our Community Partners!!
Checking your student out early?
Items dropped off for students
To report an absence for your student
View board policy and WBMS attendance information here- https://www.fultonschools.org/domain/8783
Interested in Volunteering at WBMS?
All volunteers must complete the Fulton County Schools training in order to volunteer at Webb Bridge. We ask that you complete the training 24 hours prior to the day you are volunteering. You will have to present your ID to the front office the first time you sign in as a volunteer.
Please see the link below to complete training.
Student Success Skills Packet
New Resource for Fulton County Residents
Connect Fulton is a new resource available to residents for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost services.
Please click on link for more information http://connectfulton.findhelp.com
Connect Fulton (click for the link) – Families, friends, neighbors, students, etc. can all benefit from this intuitive and easy to use website. Just go to http://connectfulton.findhelp.com and type in your zip code. There are thousands of resources related to just about anything like food, housing, financial assistance, education, childcare, healthcare, etc. There are filters to customize available resources to find the best fit.
On-site Mental Health Partners (click for the link) - WBMS partners with Summit Counseling. If you are interested in Summit Counseling, please reach out to your student’s school counselor.
FCS/WBMS Mental Health Resources
As we start a new year, we want to share important resources for our students and families.
Text4Help (click for the link) - Students experiencing anxiety or stress can receive assistance by anonymously texting their unique school code after dialing into the Text4Help hotline:1-844-201-9946. The certified mental health professionals are provided from district social services partner CHRIS180 and respond to inquiries within three to five minutes. The conversation is completely free, anonymous, and confidential.
Fulton County Schools Resources:
• Universal Remote Learning Resources: https://www.fultonschools.org/universalremotelearning
• URL Parent Learning Support: https://www.fultonschools.org/parentlearningsupport
• FoodStop Distribution Points: https://www.fultonschools.org/foodstop
• Coronavirus Updates: https://www.fultonschools.org/coronavirus
• Community Resources: https://www.fultonschools.org/communityresources
• Code of Conduct: https://www.fultonschools.org/codeofconduct