Sunday, March 19, 2017

WMS Family Message 3-19-17

Greetings, Walton Families:

This past week 7th grade students visited the annual Career Fair at UVA’s Newcomb Hall where they had the opportunity to explore a variety of career and educational options for their future.
There will be a PTO meeting this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.
ACPS Visual Arts Festival
The 23rd Annual ACPS Visual Arts Festival is going on now through March 26 at Fashion Square Mall. Come check out all the the great art from students around the county, but particularly the Walton students near J.C. Penny. There will be a closing gala at 5:00 on March 26 down in the common area near J.C. Penny. Check out the Newsplex story on the Festival http://www.newsplex.com/content/news/Student-art-on-display-at-Charlottesville-Fashion-Square-416169373.html
SOL Testing-8th Grade Writing
8th Graders will take the SOL Writing test this week. Students will complete the Direct Writing portion on Tuesday where they will respond in writing to a prompt. On Wednesday they will complete the Multiple Choice section.
Digital Sabbatical Day-March 24
On March 24 Walton Middle School will be taking a digital sabbatical. Students and teachers will take a break from digital technology in an effort to appreciate what this technology offers us for learning and to appreciate what “old school” learning feels like and the value therein. Student Ambassadors will be completing some service projects around the school on this day too. Students and teachers will not be using their laptops on this day and will be encouraged to put their smart and cell phones away for the day as well.
We Notice Nominations Open!
You are invited to celebrate the work of a teacher or other ACPS staff member by completing our online We Notice nomination form by Friday, March 24. In turn, nominees will be recognized at a reception in April.

Spring Pictures-March 28
Spring pictures will be taken on March 28 for any families interested. We are distributing picture forms and will only take pictures of students who bring their forms on the 28th. Additionally, you may prepay for pictures at  https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/ Use the picture day ID: SH186215Q0

Green Work Day Reinstituted for March 31
At their meeting on February 23, the School Board voted to restore Friday, March 31, as a Green Work Day (non-student day). Previously, March 31 was scheduled as an inclement weather make-up day. March 31 is now a non-student day.

Upcoming Dates:
March 20: Tornado Drill
March 21: SOL Testing-8th Grade Writing (Direct Writing)
March 22: SOL Testing-8th Grade Writing (Multiple Choice)
March 23: MoHS Counselors Visit 8th Grade
PTO Meeting at 6 p.m.
March 24: Activity Period
March 28: Spring Pictures
    8th Graders visit MoHS
March 30: End of the Third 9 Weeks
    Talent Show
    Student Faculty Volleyball Game
March 31: Green Work Day (Student Holiday)
April 2-April 9: Spring Break
April 14: Rising 6th Graders Visit WMS-9:30-11:30 a.m.
April 20: MoHS Band, Orchestra, Choir Concert
    6th Grade Orientation
April 21: Activity Period
April 28: Bash-4-7 p.m.

Have a great week!
Josh Walton, Principal
Sherica Jones-Lewis, Assistant Principal