WMS Friday Family Message 9-9-16

We had another great week here at WMS. While it was a short week it was packed with lots of learning and activities including our first dance, which just concluded at 6:00 p.m. On dance days you can expect to receive the Family Message a bit later than usual. The students at the dance had a great time and were walking the Walton Way by demonstrating safe, responsible, respectful, and learning behavior. We even learned a few dance moves, but we’re not quite ready to take them public.

Next week we have several exciting events including a field trip to a local art museum, the Fralin Museum at the University of Virginia. Students will be looking at art work through a critical and creative lens as they prepare to participate in the annual Writer’s Eye contest: http://www.virginia.edu/artmuseum/edu/k-12-programs/writers-eye/#writers-eye Last year we three Walton students placed 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention in this competitive event. We hope to have a repeat this year.

On Friday we will have a visit from three artists from Inema Arts Center in Kigali, Rwanda (http://inemaartcenter.com/). These artists are visiting Charlottesville for a month in partnership with McGuffey Arts Center. While they are in town they are visiting local schools and participating in the greater art community. We are privileged to be part of their tour. While here they will hold a school-wide assembly where they will share aspects of their Rwandan culture including music, dance, storytelling, and art. After this they will visit classes to participate in workshops and to continue the cultural exchange in smaller groups. We are so excited for our students to have this opportunity to learn from friends across the globe right here in Albemarle.

Back-to-School Night

Thursday, September 15 is back-to-school night. This is an event designed for parents to come learn more about their child’s classes and about WMS in general. It begins at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria with the State of the School Address. This will last approximately 20 minutes and then parents will visit classes starting with their child’s first block blue day class. Visits in each class will last fifteen minutes. We look forward to seeing you here on Thursday for this great event.

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, September 13: Writer’s Eye Field trip to Fralin Museum

Friday, September 16: Visit from artists from Inema Arts Center in Rawanda

Thursday, September 15: Back-To-School Night 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m (Schedule above)

Friday, September 23: Activity Period

Monday, September 26: Professional Development Day-No School for Students

As always please feel free to reach out with your questions, comments, and suggestions.

Have a wonderful weekend,

The WMS Administrative Team

Josh Walton, Principal

Sherica Jones-Lewis, Assistant Principal