Dear Weston Middle School Families:

These final few weeks of school are packed with activities as we mark the end of the academic year and anticipate the coming school year.  This Monday and Tuesday we will welcome our rising 6th graders.  Current fifth graders will be given tours of Weston Middle School by our 8th grade peer leaders.  They will also have an opportunity to ask questions to learn more about what it’s like to be a middle school student.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Nolle-Berg, sixth grade science teacher and team leader for the Innovators team, on being named this year’s recipient of the David Trigaux Innovation Award by the Weston Education Foundation.  Mrs. Nolle-Berg’s bird feeder identification project has inspired her students to be citizen-scientists and has sparked their curiosity about the world around them.

Our school-wide Warrior Day will take place on Friday, June 6th (rain date 6/5).  We have a full day planned with fun and engaging challenges, exciting games, and team-building activities for all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.  Our day will begin with the ever exciting Pep Rally!  This will be followed by the new Team Warrior Relay Competition for students who are interested in participating in an obstacle course relay challenge.   Following the Team Warrior Competition, we will have a variety of structured morning activities for all students to participate in.  A team picnic has been planned for lunch, followed by the Tug-Of-Warrior Competition, student/staff volleyball games, and to finish off the day, our famous annual Student Showcase!

*IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR STUDENTS*

Wear your team shirt/colors

Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water

Bring a towel to sit on for lunch

Bring a bag lunch with extra snacks 

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. 

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 
June 2,3:  5th graders visit/tour of Weston Middle School, 8th grade Peer Leaders serve as tour guides
June 3,4:  8th Grade Algebra and Geometry Final Exams
June 6:  WMS Warrior Day (Students need to bring a bag lunch)  
June 9,10:  7th Grade Algebra Final Exam
June 10:  8th Grade Trip to Weston Field Club
June 13:  Early Dismissal for Students 11:45 am.  No lunch is served
June 16:  Last Day for Students.  8th Grade Breakfast.  10 am Dismissal.  10:30 am 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, WHS Gymnasium
Sincerely,

Daniel Doak
Principal