WBMS Friday Notes
Sept 5th-8th
Reflections from Ms. Perkins
WBMS Parents and Guardians,
As a staff we started a year-long book study on The Growth Mindset Coach in August; and then while our students were away last Friday, we dug into some intense professional development on the topic of growth. We joined the Alpharetta High School staff to learn from speaker Joanne Billingsley about the power of all learners to harness their true potential through shifting their mindset. Ms. Billingsley also worked with our staff on research-based instructional strategies to help students acquire academic vocabulary more effectively. Later we divided into “Growth Academies” on various topics like questioning, reflection, feedback, assessments, and Design Thinking. The best part of quality professional learning is watching its impact on students; and during my time in classrooms this week, I have already witnessed the implementation of our new learning in our classrooms. Thank you for supporting our desire to stretch and grow, so we can better instruct and support our students. We will be focused on growing both in our knowledge of Growth Mindset as well as the topics in our “Growth Academies” throughout the year. For more information on growth mindset watch this clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75GFzikmRY0 Enjoy your weekend!
In collaboration,
Rebecca Williams Perkins
Principal, Webb Bridge Middle School
Dates To Remember
Sept 11- IOWA Readiness Test- 8th grade JAG HR
Sept 13- 1st South Ga Trip payment due (8th grade)
Sept 13- New Student Breakfast @ 9:00
Sept 13- Soccer at Autrey Mill @ 5:30
Sept 14- Interium Progress Reports go home
Sept 14- #Unite
Sept 15- 8th Grade Band Night at AHS @ 5:00
Sept 15- Soccer at Sandy Spring @ 5:30
Sept 18,19,25,26,27- IOWA Testing 8th Grade
Sept 22- SGC Meeting @ 7:30am in the PLR
Sept 25-28- Book Fair
In Case of Inclement Weather
In the case of inclement weather, please check the District website for all school closings
Per the District:
"Hurricane Irma is on the minds of many, and we want to assure our students, parents and community that Fulton County Schools is aware. Our Safety and Security Department is monitoring information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service for updates.
The FCS Weather Team will remain on duty throughout the weekend and work very closely with school leaders to consistently monitor this weather system and provide appropriate response and recovery measures as needed. In the event that this weather system could potentially place students and staff in harm’s way, our district leaders will initiate emergency communications and additional protocols as necessary. Student and staff safety is always our top priority. Rest assured that Fulton County Schools will continue to monitor this weather system."
Hurricane Relief Request
As part of the citizenship Webb Way component, we will be partnering with Alpharetta High School to collect supplies for schools impacted by the recent hurricanes. We will begin our collection next Wednesday, and both AHS and WBMS will share more information early next week.
Advisory Connect Groups Need Your Help!
The WBMS Advisory team is proud to announce the kick-off of our 2017-2018 CONNECT Communities and we NEED YOUR HELP!
Why CONNECT Communities? Student, parent, and staff feedback indicates that our advisory program is meeting the academic needs of our students and building lasting socio-emotional awareness but perhaps not giving students an opportunity to share their interests with one another. So this year, we wanted to give students an opportunity to CONNECT with other students and advisors that share similar interests!
What are CONNECT Communities? Our advisors have created over 60 communities for 7th and 8th grade students, including Wall Climbing, Aviation Club, Kickball, College Football Nation, and Eat Around the World!, just to name a few. Students have selected 4 communities that peaked their interest and will be rotating through those CONNECT communities every few weeks.
How can you help? In order to operate a full years worth of events we are asking for new or gently used items to be donated by the families in our school. The items requested are listed below:
• 7th grade parents: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4aa9ab22a6fa7-7thgrade
• 8th grade parents: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4aa9ab22a6fa7-8thgrade
We greatly appreciate your support of this program and look forward to adding this new dynamic to our advisory program!
Attention 8th grade parents!
Bingo- September 27, 2017
Reflections- Deadline October 11th
Do you love expressing yourself through the arts?
Then the REFLECTIONS CONTEST is for you!
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 11th
Please see the attached flyer for more details!
Competition is open for all students in the following categories:
- dance choreography
- music composition
- literature
- visual arts
- photography
- Special Artist (criteria on-line)
- film production
SOS- Signs of Suicide Prevention
We will be presenting the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program again this year to all 6th grade students and 7th and 8th grade students new to WBMS. A parent information/opt-out letter will go home with the 4 1/2 week Interim Progress Report.
If you do not want your child to participate, please complete the opt out letter and turn it in to a teacher.
Tina Mathewson, 6th Grade Counselor
Leslie Nuckolls, 7th Grade Counselor
Anne Ramsey, 8th Grade Counselor
Volleyball Tryouts
Tryouts for the WBMS Volleyball Team
Girls – September 18th and 19th after school
Boys – September 21st after school
Information packets available in the gym or the WBMS website under Athletics
See Coach Sell for questions
Tennis Tryouts
Tryouts for the WBMS Tennis Team
October 2nd and 3rd after school
Information packets available in the gym or the WBMS website under Athletics
See Coach Sell for questions
Jr Raider Basketball Tryouts
Come tryout for the Jr Raider competitive basketball teams. Tryouts will be held on Sept. 10, 17 and 24. Visit our websites to learn more and register online prior to the first tryout. Players must live in the Alpharetta High School attendance zone.
Boys (5th - 8th grade teams): www.jrraiderbasketball.com
Girls (6th - 8th grade teams): www.ahsjrladyraiders.org
Jr. Raider Baseball- 13u
Are you interested in being a Jr. Raider Football Trainer?
ATTENTION 6th, 7th or 8th grade girls who would like to be an important part of the football team and is not cheering. You will get to help out at all football games by providing the players with water and helping coaches with anything they need. It is a great opportunity to get involved with your Jr. Raider Team! We especially need 6th Grade Girls!!
Sign up now: https://goo.gl/forms/pwYB7vXei7Hq77xX2
Questions: contact
Caroline Kelly carolinemoorekelly@gmail.com or
Lora Bunarek lbunarek@gmail.com
Science Olympiad returns to WBMS next week!
WBMS is looking for students interested in participating in this year’s Science Olympiad. This is your chance to showcase your talents as a young aspiring scientist! This will be the fourth year for WBMS to participate in Science Olympiad. We will assemble a team of some of the best students from the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. The first organizational meeting will be at 8:00AM and held in room 604 on Thursday, September 14th. Spots are limited! If you plan on applying for a spot on the team, please attend this meeting! The application window will open Thursday morning and close at the end of the day Friday! Please see Mr. Clark or Ms. Fernald if you have any questions prior to the meeting date.
Jr. Beta Club
Join Chinese Club
Do you want to learn traditional Chinese culture through fun activities, such as tasting Chinese Moon Cakes, cooking dumplings, folding origami, practicing chopsticks, writing
cal-lig-raphy, playing Chinese Yoyo, Chinese Checkers, practicing Chinese martial art, practicing math on an ab-a-cus and lots of more? Come to Ms. He’s classroom 105 to get a registration form and a meeting schedule. Our monthly meeting is scheduled on the first Friday after 8th period each month.
The first meeting will be on September 8 from 4:05 – 5:30.
Join Drama Club
Interested in Drama Club? The first meeting is September 11 after school until 5:30 in the gym!
Join FBLA
Students are welcome to join FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), a new chapter for the middle school. The Mission of FBLA is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. Our next meeting is Friday, September 8 at 7:40 a.m. in the Media Center. To join, please submit a check for $25 made payable to “WBMS” for national and state dues as well as a WBMS FBLA t-shirt, and give the check to Dr. Oravetz in Room 120. We look forward to having students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 join soon!
Join Math Club
Do you enjoy math? Does the chance to participate in math competitions sound exciting? If so, you should join the WBMS math club, which will meet on Monday mornings beginning September 11th at 8 a.m. in the media center. Dues are $10, which covers the cost of 9 before-school competitions throughout the year.
Join Reading Club
Do you enjoy reading? Would you like to share the excitement of reading with others? Come join the WBMS Reading Club, which will meet on Friday mornings at 8 a.m. in the media center, beginning September 8, 2017. See Mrs. Brown with any questions.
Join Bridge Club
Do you like to play cards? Would you like to learn a card game that will improve your memory and critical thinking skills while you have fun with friends? Our Contract Bridge Club will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, September 7th, after school in the media center. See Mrs. Brown if you have questions.
AHS Colorguard
Alpharetta high school invites students from grades 6, 7 and 8 to participate in a one-time performance on a special color guard night. This event will take place on Friday, September 15. Watch the following video for details.
Webb Bridge Process to Performance After School Acting Classes
Thursdays 4:15-5:45 This session will work on improvisation, scene study, physicality, character development, and audition techniques. Students will also work on one-act plays. This is a phenomenal class to work skills as well as gain stage experience!
For more information: www.buildingcharacter.org
email: info@buildingcharacter.org
Lost and Found
All lunch boxes and water bottles need to be put near the cafeteria on the left side entering the café, and will be donated or thrown away the last day every week.
All items in the lost and found next to the clinic will be donated or thrown away on the 15th of every month.
All Items of value: glasses, electronics, jewelry etc. should be given to the front office.
Helping Children/Youth After A Loss
If you have a child who has experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, or other close loved one, there is a FREE weekend retreat for kids 7 years old to a high school senior. Camp MAGIK—Mainly About Grief In Kids (www.campmagik.org) --is a having their weekend retreat October 13-15, 2017 (deadline is October 4th). There is also a retreat available for adults who want to process their own grief with other adults who are grieving. It is held on the same campus and led by professional bereavement counselors. Transportation to/from the camp is available. Please contact Rene Searles McClatchey, PhD, at rsm@saf.com, 404.790.0140, for more information.
Low Cost Internet
Get assistance with low-cost internet providers for your student’s Surface by clicking this link:
http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
This link has a listing of various programs in our area offering low cost internet connectivity for qualifying families.
As always, please exercise caution when reviewing options and choose what will work best for your income and family’s need.
Have any extra sports equipment?
WBMS's International Night
It is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the International Festival - Webb Bridge Welcomes the World - on Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. We will gather together to experience the diverse cultures that make up our Webb Bridge family!
We look forward to having colorful displays which teach us about your cultural heritage. Displays could include ethnic foods, dress, artifacts, pictures, music, games, activities, etc. In addition to the displays, we welcome performances which represent various countries.
Please fill out the form below to indicate your interest in volunteering for the Festival. We will collect the forms, coordinate and schedule the activities. We will provide tables for the displays, as well as TVs, DVD players and other AV equipment as needed. For any individual questions, please contact:
James Barket (Barket@fultonschools.org),
Beena Shah (shahb@fultonschools.org), or
Michelle Garner (garnerm@fultonschools.org)
We look forward to this exciting and educational event and hope to see many of you here!
Bingo Volunteers Needed
In order to make Bingo a successful event, a few volunteers are needed. Please sign up on Sign Up Genius.
Please Support PTA
Please Support Your PTA!
It’s not too late to support your PTA!! Without your help, the WBMS PTA will not be able to fund the many worthwhile school-wide programs and events that are planned for this year. In previous years, your donations have enabled the PTA to fulfill many direct teacher and classroom needs, but we need your help to reach this goal. We can't do it without you!
Donating online is easy at www.WBMSPTA.org. If you prefer a paper form, those are available in the front office.
Thank You for supporting YOUR WBMS PTA!
What is SGC?
The Webb Bridge School Governance Council is already hard at work this year. When Fulton County became a Charter System, School Governance Councils were created to reflect the stakeholders for each school – faculty, parents, and community members. The School Governance Council concentrates on the culture, identity, and mission of Webb Bridge and are tasked with creating the Strategic Plan for our school. As the district Strategic Plan was updated this summer, this fall the School Governance Council will be working on creating our new, updated Strategic Plan for Webb Bridge.
Strategic Plan
Our updated plan will be built “bucket by bucket” to align with the districts new Strategic Plan. We are incorporating results of our Needs Assessment Data and using your feedback to update our Strategic Plan.
The Fulton County Strategic Plan: http://www.fultonschools.org/en/Pages/StrategicPlan2022.aspx
The first “bucket” we will work on for our Strategic Plan will be Student Achievement – how we can better prepare students academically to have the foundations and skills needed to navigate life beyond graduation.
Meetings and Public Comment
Webb Bridge’s School Governance Council meets in the morning one Friday each month in room 116; our next meeting is Friday, September 22nd. We hold a Public Comment period starting at 8:10 AM. Please feel free to attend and help us start our planning! If you cannot come to issue public comments, please fill out the form below.
My Keyboard Isn't Responding
- Detach the keyboard, then re-attach it. The student should hear a solid click when it is attached correctly. If this does not work, restart the tablet. Finally, run updates AT HOME using the instructions if the other actions do not work.
Please Support Our Business Partners!!
4915 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 209-2229
2017-2018 School Year
First Semester
August 1 – 4 ........................................... Preplanning for teachers
August 7......................................................... First Day of School
September 4........................................Labor Day (schools closed)
October 6 ......................................Teacher Workday (students off)
October 9 ......................................Columbus Day (schools closed)
November 20 – 24.............. Thanksgiving Holidays (schools closed)
December 21 ....................................... Last Day of First Semester
December 22 – 29 ...........................Winter Break (schools closed)
Second Semester
January 1 – 3...................................Winter Break (schools closed)
January 4.......................................Teacher Workday (students off)
January 5....................Professional Development Day (students off)
January 8.........................................First Day of Second Semester
January 15..............Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (schools closed)
February 16*................... Student/Teacher Holiday (schools closed)
February 19 ......................President’s Day Holiday (schools closed)
March 9*.......................................Teacher Workday (students off)
March 12....................Professional Development Day (students off)
April 2 – 6 .......................................Spring Break (schools closed)
May 24........................................................... Last Day of School
May 25.................................................................. Post Planning
May 28...............................Memorial Day Holiday (schools closed)
* Designated as inclement weather make-up days (if needed).
Our School Release Days
These are the dates approved through the RFF process as part of School Governance. WBMS students will NOT attend school on the following dates:
September 1, 2017
October 5, 2017
January 16, 2018
March 8, 2018