This week we learned that Emmett Boggs, 8th Grade, was both the local and district winner in the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars “Patriots Pen” Essay Contest. The topic of the essay was “What Makes America Great.” Emmett will now go on to compete at the state level. We are very proud of his accomplishment!
This is our last week before a well-deserved two-week break. Students have a busy week ahead of them with two assessments this week and a final Extravaganza on Friday, which is essentially a pep rally to spread some community joy prior to the break. Our SCA does a wonderful job sponsoring this event.
Please note that in keeping with the ACPS Homework Policy (Policy IKB) students should not have homework over breaks, so they can spend time with family and friends and get refreshed. If you have concerns about students being assigned homework over breaks please reach out to Mr. Walton or Dr. Jones-Lewis.
PTO Information
We had a small PTO meeting on Tuesday night, but there were lots of good questions. One question that came up was about grading in ACPS. ACPS is investigating Standards-Based Grading/Reporting for the secondary schools and this is an ongoing process. We will be sure to keep you updated on any community events around this topic. You can read news story about one that was held this summer. https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/albemarle-school-division-rethinking-how-it-grades-students/article_bcc42328-e1cd-504d-a598-c504392d1d2d.html
We are asking our caring adults who are interested in helping or leading PTO events to please complete this survey: PTO Volunteer Survey
WMS Peer Tutoring is Up and Running
WMS offers an in-school peer-tutoring program during WIN. There are two google forms posted on Schoology--one to sign up to be a peer tutor and one to work with a peer tutor. Students may sign up to do both. Registering is simple:
- Students log in to Schoology and select the Walton Wildcats Primary page.
- There, students will open the "Clubs and Activities" folder.
- Inside that, students can click on the "Request to Work with a Peer Tutor" link if they want help.
- Or, students can click on the "Sign Up to be a Peer Tutor" link to offer to help someone else.
There are options for weekly sessions, study groups, meetings just before a test/quiz, organizational help with notes or binders, and locker cleanouts.
Please encourage your child to log in to Schoology and sign up--either to help others or to receive help.
WMS Counseling Newsletter
Our Counseling Office produces a monthly newsletter that contains wonderful information for parents. This month’s issue includes information about our new Calm Room, high school transition for 8th graders, our SCA sponsored Winter Extravaganza pep rally, and our holiday program for Families in Crisis. Read the issue here: WMS Counseling Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 4.
Nominate a Teacher for the Golden Apple-Due January 27, 2020
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Golden Apple Awards. The program, which began in 2001, honors outstanding teachers in public and private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City. Sponsored by Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry, the program recognizes educators, from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade, for their outstanding classroom performance and influence on the success of their students.
Honorees are selected for a Golden Apple based upon demonstrated excellence in the classroom, innovative instructional strategies and techniques, and involvement in their local community. Students, parents, educators, and other members of the community may submit nominations. Previous Golden Apple recipients are eligible for a second award providing that three years have elapsed since they received their award. You can find a list of previous WMS Golden Apple Recipients here: WMS Golden Apple Winners
Nomination forms are available at individual schools or online at www.k12albemarle.org. The deadline for school principals to receive nominations from students, parents, school staff, and community members is January 27, 2020.
Attention 8th Grade Families-Academy and Murray Open Houses
It is hard to believe, but we are already in the transition planning season. As 8th graders move into this time of year we encourage them to explore various options available in ACPS including our academies and charter high school. The links below take you to the admissions info for each school and Open House dates are noted. Applications for all Academies and Murray High School open on November 26, 2019 and are due on January 24, 2020.
Outpatient Counseling Services Available in School Through Elk Hill
Elk Hill, one of our providers for Therapeutic Day Treatment, is now offering Outpatient Counseling Services in school for students. Outpatient Services provide therapy and counseling to children and adolescents who have mental, behavioral, or emotional symptoms that impair daily life activities. Elk Hill accepts Medicaid and other insurance plans for Outpatient Services. If you are looking for counseling services for your child and are interested in having them participate please contact Patricia Joseph, Elk Hill Counselor, at pjoseph@k12albemarle.org.
This Week:
Monday, December 16-GOLD DAY
Tuesday, December 17-BLUE DAY
Wednesday, December 18-GOLD DAY
Thursday, December 19-BLUE DAY
Friday, December 20-GOLD DAY
Upcoming Dates:
December 21-January 5-Winter Break-No School
January 6-Return from Winter Break
January 10-Laptop Inventory in Advisory
January 14-Civics and Science SOL Test (Regular Schedule for 6th and 7th Grade, 8th Testing-1st and 2nd Block)
January 17-Early Dismissal-End of 2nd Quarter (Middle Schools Dismiss at 1:05 p.m.)
January 20-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday-No School
January 21-Teacher Work Day-No School
