Dear Weston Middle School Families:
The Wait Until 8th pledge—in which families commit to delay giving smartphones to kids until the end of 8th grade—is active in Weston. Over the last year, families at HES and WIS have signed the pledge, including about 30% of the current 5th grade class. Parent-organizers would love to continue the effort as we head to WMS. More information has surfaced about the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and development—Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation" has presented findings on depression, anxiety, bullying and suicide rates. The benefits of delaying smartphones can be especially powerful for our rising middle schoolers as they face the emotional rollercoaster of puberty, social pressures, etc. This is, of course, a personal choice for each family, but organizers are sharing information to make parents aware and to build solidarity.
WMS Pathways to Wellness Program Weston Middle School students are encouraged to participate in WMS Pathways to Wellness, led by Josh Flaherty, LCSW, who facilitates the WHS ADAP peer group. The program is sponsored by ADAP, the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program, of Weston. WMS Pathways to Wellness is a supportive approach to mental health wellness and substance use issues. Students will learn foundations of positive mental health, risks of substance misuse, and healthy, holistic coping skills to help navigate their adolescent years. This program will meet on four consecutive Thursdays from May 1 through May 22 from 2:45- 3:45 pm at Weston Middle School. There is a $100 registration fee. The deadline to register is Friday, April 25. For more information about this program and to register, please click this link.
BOOK JOY is coming to WMS with the PTO's Scholastic Book Fair! May 13-15, including during the Art Jam! ONLY E-Wallet and credit /debit cards will be accepted. A sign-up for parent volunteers will be forthcoming. Please set up an E-Wallet for your child here: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/westonmiddleschool1 This is the easiest way to process payment and make sure your child has funds to get books the day they attend the Book Fair!
Support West Fest and the Weston Middle School PTO! Be part of the fun and help make West Fest Music Festival a success! Your sponsorship helps fund the festival and supports important programs for our students at Weston Middle School. Choose your sponsorship level and make a difference today! 
Opportunities for Corporate Sponsorship and Family Sponsorship are available using the link below. We are excited for an AWESOME 2nd year of West Fest Music Festival featuring local bands, including student bands and talented parents! Please visit https://westonmspto.membershiptoolkit.com/fundraising for all the sponsorship opportunities.
Weston's ECOFEST, a day of environmental service, celebration, and education at Lachat Town Farm on Sunday, May 4th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. EcoFest will bring together local businesses, organizations, and community members for a fun and impactful event featuring:
Local vendors & community partners showcasing sustainable products and initiatives
Live music from outstanding high school student bands
Food trucks/vendors serving delicious eats
Family-friendly games & activities, including the Energize CT Mobile Activity Trailer
Mini-speaking series on sustainability topics like pollinator-friendly planting, eco-friendly gardening, electrified lawn care, and recycling tips
A live animal presentation by Christine’s Critters
A bottle & can drive + raffle, celebrating Weston's collection of its Millionth Bottle/Can, where event attendees can bring 25 redeemable containers for a chance to win $250
WMS PTO 6th Grade The WMS PTO is hosting a 6th Grade Social at THE GRIT NINJA on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 6:30-8:00pm. This is a PTO sponsored event with PTO parent chaperones. The cost per student is $35.00 which includes a 90-minute program guided by trained coaches. Social Permission Slip GRIT NINJA ONLINE WAIVER The deadline to turn in permission slips and checks is Tuesday, April 22.
After School Activities There are several after school activities that will be available for Weston Middle School students sponsored by Weston Parks and Recreation/WOW. For more information, please check out this link.
Communication Protocol As a reminder, please refer to this communication protocol when you have a question or concern that needs to be addressed. We always try to resolve issues with the staff member who is closest to the situation. If you need to report a student absence, please call our absence line: 203-221-6361
Important Upcoming Dates
April 21: School resumes
April 25: PTO 6th Grade Social at The Grit Ninja, 6:30-8 pm
April 28, 29: SBA Math Assessment
April 29: Rising Freshman Forum WHS Auditorium 6:30 pm
April 30: 6th Grade Science Arbor Day presentation
May 1: SBA Math Performance Task
May 2: 8th Grade trip to Philadelphia
May 5, 6: SBA ELA Assessment
Sincerely,
Daniel Doak
Principal
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