Friday, November 18, 2016

WMS Friday Family Message 11-18-16

Today students had enjoyed a music workshop by Robert Jospé and Kevin Davis as they conducted a whole-school assembly and workshop on drumming and the musical influence of the African diaspora on American music. This is made possible through a grant by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The students were deeply engaged and learned about this important part of world and American history through music. We thank our ACPS Lead Coach for Fine Arts, Doug Granger, for helping to make this opportunity possible for our students.

Learn more at:

New Reading Resource: Snap and Read!
A new resource has been added to student and staff computers: Snap and Read. Snap and Read provides on-demand read aloud support for students to engage with any text that they encounter, whether on a website (in any browser), in a PDF, or even part of a picture or illustration. Read more about Snap and Read here: http://compass.k12albemarle.org/?p=2237421

We will be training students on how to use this resource in the coming weeks.

MAP and SOL Testing
Students will be administered the MAP test upon their return from Thanksgiving Break. Students take these tests in Language Arts and Math. The tests give teachers important information about student academic progress. To learn more about these tests visit:https://www.nwea.org/assessments/map/

8th Grade students will be taking the Civics or Science SOL tests in January upon the week after they return from Winter Break. We will be posting more details soon, but wanted to get this on your radars.  

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, November 23-Friday, November 25: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Wednesday, November 30: Encore Field Trip to Paramount Theater

Friday, December 2: CATEC Field Trip

Wednesday, December 7: Monticello High School Curriculum Expo (Attention 8th Graders!)

Friday, December 9: Walton Bash-4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 15: Winter Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 16: Winter Concert for Students at 9:15 a.m.

Friday, November 11, 2016

WMS Friday Family Message 11-11-16

Good Afternoon, Walton Families

This has been a short, but productive week for students. The election has been on students minds and we recognize the importance of having conversations around this important event. In fact, we are compelled to engage students with this and other current events through our Lifelong Learner Competencies (http://bit.ly/2g2wEBx):
  • Demonstrate ethical behavior and respect for diversity through daily actions and decision making.
  • Participate fully in civic life, and act on democratic ideals within the context of and global interdependence.

Students in 8th grade Civics, in particular, have had many conversations leading up to the election and will continue to engage in healthy debates as they explore American government and politics. We encourage you to have these conversations at home and to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

This week we have also had conversations about Veterans Day and its importance to our country and history. We have encouraged students to reach out to veterans that they know to thank them and honor them for their service.

Today was activity period and students were able to get outside and enjoy this gorgeous fall weather. Having this opportunity on a week that was a bit out of routine was a welcome experience for students and geared them up for their weekend. We always appreciate being able to have the time to have these experiences that extend beyond the regular academic routine with students.

Come to the Book Fair!
The Scholastic Book Fair runs through this coming Monday, November 14. Besides bringing affordable and appropriate books to our school, a goal of our Book Fair is to provide more books for our school library. Each child has had an opportunity to visit the Book Fair with his class and makes his or her purchases. You and your family are invited to come during any of our open hours from 9:00-4:00.  (Be sure to check in at the office when you arrive). We have books for all ages, including adults!
You may also visit our online book fair and books will be delivered to Walton. Please share the link with friends and family. Books make great holiday gifts! P.S. For your convenience, our Book Fair accepts credit cards!

Dance-November 18 and Movie Night Canceled
There will be a regular dance (4:05 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) on Friday, November 18. This dance is in support of our annual Care and Share food and donations drive to help members of our community over the upcoming holidays. Admission to the dance is $3.00 and concessions will be sold during this time.

The movie night that was tentatively planned for November 18 after the dance has been canceled. We will work to reschedule this event soon.  

World Beat Workshop on November 18
On Friday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m. we will host Robert Jospé and Kevin Davis as they conduct a whole-school assembly and workshop on drumming and the musical influence of the African diaspora on the world. This is made possible through a grant by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Learn more at:

New Reading Resource: Snap and Read!
A new resource has been added to student and staff computers: Snap and Read. Snap and Read provides on-demand read aloud support for students to engage with any text that they encounter, whether on a website (in any browser), in a PDF, or even part of a picture or illustration. Read more about Snap and Read here: http://compass.k12albemarle.org/?p=2237421


Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday, November 15: 6th Grade First Nine Weeks Award Assembly at 10:40 a.m. in
Amphitheater
7th Grade First Nine Weeks Award Assembly at 3:05 p.m. in Amphitheater

Wednesday, November 16: 8th Grade First Nine Weeks Award Assembly at 3:30 p.m. in  
Amphitheater

Friday, November 18: World Beat Workshop Assembly with Robert Jospé and Kevin Davis at
3:00 p.m.
Dance 4:05 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

Wednesday, November 23-Friday, November 25: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Wednesday, November 30: Spanish Field Trip to Flamenco Ballet in Richmond
        Encore Field Trip to Paramount Theater

Have a Great Week!
The WMS Administrative Team
Josh Walton, Principal

Sunday, November 6, 2016

WMS Friday Family Message 11-6-16

Time seems to be flying by this year. We are already one week into the second quarter and Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner. This is the time of year when we emphasize to the students that every day counts. We appreciate your help in reinforcing this message.

ACPR Flag Football and Soccer Starting Soon:
Albemarle Parks and Recreation is recruiting for an intramural flag football and soccer league at WMS. The league starts the week of November 14. It is co-ed and we need 12 participants in each league for it to run. Sign-up forms can be found on the Walton homepage.

PTO Update and Family Movie Night
The PTO met on Thursday, November 3. One thing we discussed was hosting a family movie night on November 18. Please complete this short survey to tell us your interest in attending. NOTE: We have an Open Gym/Dance scheduled for this day, so parents could attend when they come to pick up their children. https://goo.gl/forms/qJmNUkmXvFY2nu6r2

Come to the Book Fair!
The Scholastic Book Fair coming and we hope you will keep these dates open: Wednesday, November 9th until Monday, November 14th, 2016. Besides bringing affordable and appropriate books to our school, a goal of our Book Fair is to provide more books for our school library.
Here’s how the Book Fair works: During the week, each child visits the Book Fair with his class and makes his or her purchases. You and your family are invited to come during any of our open hours from 9:00-4:00.  (Be sure to check in at the office when you arrive). We have books for all ages, including adults!
You may also visit our online book fair and books will be delivered to Walton. Please share the link with friends and family. Books make great holiday gifts! P.S. For your convenience, our Book Fair accepts credit cards!


Bond Referendum
This November 8, the ballot in Albemarle County will include not just candidates for President of the United States and for Congress, but also a question on whether the county should issue $35 million in general obligation bonds to finance improvements at 25 of 26 school facilities. Schools in all three of the county’s feeder patterns are involved.

To learn more about the Bond Referendum please visit: http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=br


Upcoming Dates:

Monday, November 7: Professional Development Day-No Students

Tuesday, November 8: Conference Trade-Off Day-No Students

Wednesday, November 9: Honor Band Field Trip

Friday, November 11: Activity Period Schedule

Friday, November 18: World Beat Workshop Assembly with Robert Jospé and Kevin Davis

Wednesday, November 23-Friday, November 25: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Wednesday, November 30: Spanish Field Trip to Flamenco Ballet in Richmond
        Encore Field Trip to Paramount Theater