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