WMS Listserv Messages
October 18 | October22 | October 26 | October 30 |
To parents/guardians of Mrs. Noble's Reading/Language Arts students
Mrs. Noble's Reading/Language Arts students will be sharing their portfolios with parents on Monday, May 23, between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. in the WMS cafeteria. Notices were sent home with the students, but if you did not receive one, please come anyway! See the improvement your child has made in writing and see how your child reported out on the books that he/she read this year. Siblings are invited to come.
Student recognition
Congrats to Elizabeth Vinci, Kayla Curran, Brianna Cain and Jack Wrenn. All participated in the RIMEA Solo and Ensemble festival last Saturday.
Congratulations to the WMS jazz band for earning another "Superior" rating at this year's state jazz festival !!
Upcoming events
Spring Band Concert - Tuesday May 24th @ 7:00 ;Students arrive no later than 6:40; Concert Dress (Black and White)
Memorial Day Parade - Mon., May 30th 9:15 @ Wilson Park Pick up students at HooFinFeathers parking lot.
8th Grade Graduation - Tues., June 21 @ North Kingstown High School; 7th grade band members report @ 5:30pm.
The 6th grade Ali's wrap up clinic will be Monday during B hour as long as weather permits.
The Ali's Run is on Sunday, June 5th at 1 pm. FYI- if you register by May 14th the fee is $15. Anytime after May 14th, registration is $20. People are also able to register the day of the event.1st in Jamestown. Applications can be downloaded from the website and I also have some if anyone is interested. Please make note that WMS is the affiliate.
WMS Career Day
Career Day is on Tuesday, May 17th between 8:00 and 10:00.
Thank you
A big THANKS to all who volunteered for Teacher Appreciation Week! The teachers and staff were treated to a wonderful week thanks to the efforts of many. Your help made it the success it was!
The PTO Executive Board: April Brunelle, Clare Pope, Nancy Sherman
PTO meeting
WICKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL PTO MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 17TH 7:00 PM WMS LIBRARY
MEETING TOPICS:
**BASKET RAFFLE**
**ICE CREAM SOCIAL**
**8TH GRADE GRADUATION**
WMS PTO Event
Basket Raffle and Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, June 15 6:30-7:30
WMS Cafeteria
Please join us in support of the WMS PTO Basket Raffle. We will have seven bountiful baskets prepared with your generous donations with the following themes:
1. Carwash & Wash Tigers 5. Summer Fun/Have a Ball Pumas
2. Chocolate Lovers-WMS Staff 6. Mama Mia That’s Italian-Jaguars
3. Fix It Yourself-Bobcats 7. The Best Kitchen Stuff -1/2 Lynx
4. Grow It Yourself-1/2 Lynx
Tickets are now on sale for $1 each or 6 for $5. You may purchase tickets using the order slip below (detach on dotted line). Have your child return the order slip and money to their homeroom teacher. The drawing will be held on June 15, 2005.
Tickets for the Ice Cream Social are free!
Please make checks payable to: WMS PTO
Name _________________________ Homeroom ________
Home phone number ________________ (winners will be called)
Number of basket tickets ___________ Amount _________
Ice Cream Social Tickets free! Number of Tickets _________
May 5thTraffic pattern: Workmen are scheduled to do some work at the back of WMS sometime during the day on Friday. The traffic pattern to the back of the school may be briefly interrupted. This should not interfere with student drop offs in the morning or afternoon pick ups.
Important date: The last day of school is June 22.
Team-O-Grams
Team-O-Grams will be sent home with students on Monday. Due to a family matter, I will be unable to devote the time to write notes on the reports this weekend. Sorry.
WMS PTO Basket Raffle
You should have received the following information via backpack express earlier this week. I have not included the list of items for each team. If you have not received this information, it may be buried somewhere in your child’s book bag.
WMS PTO BASKET RAFFLE
ALL ITEMS ARE DUE BY Wednesday, May 11
BASKET RAFFLE AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL Wednesday, JUNE 15th
The WMS-PTO Basket Raffle is about to begin. This is our major fund raiser and we receive 100% of the proceeds! Please help raise money for our students and school. This year, to further celebrate with our WMS community, we’ll be having an ice cream social the night of the drawing. (You do not have to be present to win a basket.)
The WMS PTO supports many worthy projects at our school including Destination Imagination, teacher grants, 8th grade graduation, author visits (Wendell Minor spent the day with WMS in April), Leadership Training, and Student of the Month and birthday recognition. Please help continue this tradition by providing needed items. Please see the accompanying form to purchase raffle tickets and ice cream social tickets.
We’ll also be selling tickets at Dave’s June 4 from 9-5, at Ryan’s on Memorial Day from 9-12, Student concerts at NKHS June 1, June 7, and at the band concert. If you /your child could man our booth for an hour, contact Nancy Sherman at nwsherman@cox.net or 932-6373, or would like to help at the ice cream social, contact Clare Pope at clarepope@cox.net or 294-5887.
Students have been asked to bring in an item that matches the following themes:
Tigers - Carwash & Wash Tigers
Pumas - Summer Fun/Have a Ball
Jaguars - Mama Mia, That’s Italian
Bobcats - Fix It Yourself
1/2 Lynx - The Best Kitchen Stuff
1/2 Lynx - Grow It Yourself
It is suggested that you spend no more than $10. If you prefer, you can send a check and we’ll purchase an item for the basket, and perhaps can purchase some more expensive items with the combined funds. Please make all checks payable to WMS PTO.
(The WMS Staff is putting together a “Chocolate Lovers” basket.)
April 29 For parents of incoming grade 6 students:
The WMS Open House for incoming 6th graders will be held on Wednesday evening, May 25. More information will follow.
For parents of grade seven students:
Here is a copy of a notice that was sent home with students last week.
REQUEST FOR HELP
from all 7th Grade Families for the
Wickford Middle School Graduation
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
There is a tradition at WMS that each year the 7th grade families sponsor the 8th grade graduation ceremony and celebration. This allows for the graduates and their families to relax and enjoy their children’s accomplishments! In 2006, the 7th grade parents will do the same for our children when they graduate.
The committee is asking all 7th grade families for a contribution of $5 (or whatever you’d like to donate) to help offset the costs that will be incurred (paper goods, flowers, snacks, decorations, drinks etc.). Money in the PTO budget doesn’t cover all of the expenses.
Please return with your child to Home Room by FRIDAY, MAY 13th.
We also need many helping hands closer to the date, if you would like to help in ANY WAY, please fill out the following information or contact:
REGINA EATON 295-5461 or FRAN FOGARTY 295-1996
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Name: ___________________________________________________
Phone:____________________or email ______________________
Volunteers Needed:
Decorate (HS Auditorium or WMS Café/Dance) _______
Baked Goods ______ Party Pizza _______ Drinks _______ Snacks _______ Fruit Tray ______
Chaperones ______Serve Refreshments ______Clean up ______
Other (Graduation Helpers - Flowers/Programs) _______
Thank you for your support!
Attention all 8th graders...
For all who are interested in trying out for the North Kingstown Cheerleading Squad for next year, there will be an informational meeting on Tuesday May 10th from 6:30-8:00pm at the NKHS Media Center. Tryouts will be held on Sunday May 22nd and 23rd at the NKHS gymnasium. Flyers with details are posted in the cafeteria.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Special Guests
Author/ Illustrator, Wendell Minor, and his wife will visit Wickford Middle School students after April vacation.
For more information about Mr. Minor and his work, visit www.minorart.com.
Wendell Minor is a traditionalist and a romantic. He has had a romance with America since his childhood in Aurora, Illinois, and as he explores more regions more closely, his love of the country grows with a vision that celebrates the beautiful, the lyrical. After completing his studies at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, Wendell began creating original designs for book publishers in New York City. His cover illustrations have enhanced over 2000 works, among them, the covers of bestsellers Truman by David McCullough, The Prince of Tides and Beach Music by Pat Conroy, Fried Green Tomatoes and Welcome to the World, Baby Girl by Fannie Flagg, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Julie's Wolf Pack by Jean Craighead George, Alaska by James Michener and Terms of Endearment by Larry McMurtry.
Wendell draws upon his lifelong affinity for environmental issues to create illustrations for children's books, which he finds especially satisfying, as they allow him to combine his love of the outdoors with his independent pursuits – including painting the landscape from life, in the tradition of classic American painters such as Homer, Hopper, and Wyeth. His wish is to inspire children to go out into the fields and woods and mountains to see wildlife in its natural habitat, and to give the children a positive perspective about the beauty that abounds in the world. Happily, the poets and authors whose words he illustrates share his deep respect for the natural world.
Wendell's travels have taken him from the tropical Everglades of Florida, to Barrow, Alaska in the Arctic circle, from the Midwest to the Grand Canyon in the Southwest, and throughout the United States, to research his many children's books, which have won national acclaim.
“Artist Wendell Minor has said, ‘A picture invites the viewer into it and offers a sense of mystery. It lets the viewer become part of the process. A good picture, like a good story, is timeless.’ The timelessness of Minor’s art begins when he gets an idea or insight that he wants to create and with his editor, he finds an author who share his sensibilities and interest in a particular subject. When Minor begins researching a subject, he often travels to get a clear sense of what he is portraying. He enjoys being out in “the field” observing his subjects and gaining the inspiration he needs to create good composition, value, color and texture. The works he feels closest to are his illustrations for children’s books. Minor loves bringing scenes of the natural world to children. ‘If we lose touch with nature,’ he has said, ‘then we lose touch with ourselves.’
Minor also utilizes the computer to scan a sketch, recolor and enlarge it and experiment with different type faces. His work preparation includes taking many photographs, doing sketches and taking notes. The finished work must relate in ‘harmony of movement and composition.’ The work becomes ‘not just a visual interpretation of a story, but a story on its own.’ ”
- From “Visual Solutions” Michelle Gillett, Columnist and Editor of The Women’s Time, on Visual Solutions: Seven Illustrators and the Creative Process - a recent exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
A Past President of the Society of Illustrators in New York City, Wendell currently lives in rural Connecticut with his wife and business partner Florence Friedmann Minor, a former film editor for ABC television. Their first picture book collaboration entitled “Christmas Tree!” will be published in the Fall of 2005. Wendell and Florence share their home, and studio, with their cats Sofie and Cindercat.
Wendell Minor is also a member of The Children’s Book Council (CBC), a non-profit trade organization dedicated to encouraging literacy and the use and enjoyment of children’s books. Click below for more information.
* Barring any additional “snow days”, the WMS commencement is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, at NKHS.
* Eighth grade commencement is just around the corner and it is never too early to get started.
* We are looking for one or two seventh grade parents who would be willing to fill out the 8th grade commencement certificates. If you think that you might be available to do this, please contact the Wickford Middle School Office at 268-6471 or 268-6470. Thanks.
PTO
*******IMPORTANT MEETING********
WICKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
PTO MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH
7:00 PM WMS LIBRARY
THE FACILITY LIMITATIONS OF WICKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HOW YOUR CHILD IS AFFECTED WILL BE DISCUSSED.
**DID YOU KNOW THAT WICKFORD MIDDLE HAS NO SPACE FOR ASSEMBLIES AND TEAM INTEGRATION?
**DID YOU KNOW THAT BATHROOMS HAVE BEEN CONVERTED INTO CLASSROOM SPACE?
**DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE SAFETY CONCERNS DUE TO THE CONFIGURATION OF THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE?
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: COMPARISON OF WICKFORD MIDDLE AND DAVISVILLE MIDDLE.
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND AS WE TACKLE THIS ISSUE!
THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!!!
DMS PTO --- An invitation
You are cordially invited to a workshop entitled
“Unraveling the mysteries that surround adolescents”.
The DMS PTO is proud to present this exciting evening for parents.
Please join us on Thursday, April 28, 2005 beginning at 7:00 pm.
The following individuals will be presenting:
~Ms. Paula Guida-DMS and WMS eighth middle school guidance counselor: Tips on how to have your child be a successful high school student.
~Ms. Lori Maroni-DMS school nurse: Emotional and physical changes of puberty.
~Representative from the College Planning Center: Planning for post-secondary education.
~Ms. Joan Hurley and Ms. Laura Gentile-Student assistant counselors at DMS and NKHS, respectively~ Transitioning to High School’
~Mrs. Robin D’Errico -NKHS parent/educator~Tips on raising teens.
~Kyla Normand and Diana Osychny-two NKHS seniors (who are former DMS grads) offering tips on how to make the most out of high school.
Parents will be able to choose three sessions to attend. Each session will last approximately fifteen minutes. We hope you are able to join us for what promises to be a great evening. Please join us for refreshments in the cafeteria immediately following the last presentation.
Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month and this year’s theme is:
Together We Can Stop Underage Drinking.
Our young people are beginning to drink earlier; in fact it is on the average of 13.1 years of age. When young people begin drinking before 15 they are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age twenty one. Alcohol is the most frequently used drug by high school seniors. Alcohol is a factor in the four leading causes of death among persons ages 10-24, including, but not limited to, motor-vehicle crashes, unintentional injuries, homicides and suicide. Approximately 9.7 million current drinkers in the United States are between the ages of 12-20.
Therefore, it is of the utmost priority that as parents you join the effort to save a child’s life and end underage drinking.
Some important facts to share with your children:
1. Underage drinking put students at a much higher risk for fatal injury and academic failure.
2. Anyone can overdose on alcohol.
3. Drinking too much and too fast can kill you.
4. Teach your child that abstinence from alcohol is an acceptable lifelong decision.
5. Teach your child that drinking can be risky and to intervene when they see that their classmate is in trouble.
6. If you drink, be sure to set an on-going healthy example regarding adult alcohol use.
While the issue of underage drinking is a complex problem, one that can be only solved through a sustained and cooperative effort between parents, schools, community leaders, and the children themselves, there are three areas which have proven to be effective in prevention of underage drinking: curtailing the availability of alcohol, consistent enforcement of existing laws and regulations, and changing norms and behaviors through education.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at WMS 268-6469. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Joan Hurley
Student Assistance Counselor
Author/illustrator, Wendell Minor will be at Wickford Middle School on Wednesday, April 27. This is part of a school-wide literacy initiative.
Report cards will be sent home on Wednesday, March 30.
The topic for Wednesday’s advisory for seventh grade students is peer pressure.
Budget update
Dear Parents:
School Committee chairman, Don Defedele, and I made our 2005-06 school budget presentation to the Town Council on Monday evening (3/28). During this presentation we outlined the significant achievements of our students, our faculty and our district overall. We described the systems that are currently in place to support this continued excellence. We also outlined the impacts of reducing our proposed budget to the 3.5% spending cap now required by the Town Council. As of today, our 2005-06 school budget must still be cut by an additional $583,879 to meet the cap. This is in addition to $3,420,367 in reductions that have already been made.
The budget presentation PowerPoint, impact statements and budget summary are now posted on our website www.nksd.net. I urge you to review this material. We are facing significant cuts across the district including personnel, technology, instructional support & professional development, textbooks, supplies, furniture, extra-curricular activities, building maintenance and repair. In my tenure as superintendent, this district has never faced such a significant step backwards in terms of the impact on the programs and systems we have put in place to support student achievement and continued teacher/staff excellence.
I will continue to update our website as additional cuts are made. Citizens' comments are welcome at school committee meetings and throughout this process. If you have questions about the budget or the budget process please send your inquiries to budgetquestions@nksd.net.
I am sorry that the budget news for next year is not more positive.
Dr. James M. Halley
Superintendent of Schools
March 18 Student safety and well-being
A number of students have been using erasers to create abrasions on the top of their hands and legs. Some are doing this as a dare, while others are doing it to themselves. The nurse has seen several students whose abrasions have become infected. Please discuss the severity of this behavior with your child. Thank you.
M. Martha McLaughlin, School Nurse Teacher and K. Mort, Principal
Student Placement
A reminder to parents/guardians that the course selection notices distributed last week were due March 15th. Please be sure to sign and return them as soon as possible. It is important that they are returned so we are able to ensure that students are scheduled in the appropriate classes for next year.
Mrs. Noe, Guidance
Advisory
The mission statement for WMS reads,
Wickford Middle School, in concert with North Kingstown Public Schools Mission Statement, recognizes the wonderfully unique developmental characteristics of the middle school student. We believe in the middle school concept which nurtures respect for sense of self, others, and community. We are dedicated to the development of the team concept which fosters high academic achievement, clear thinking, and responsibility in all members of our educational community. Through the cooperative efforts of parents, teachers, and community we encourage academic, emotional, and social growth and instill democratic principles in our students.
In keeping with the mission, this Wednesday, WMS began a ten week pilot of an advisory program with grade seven students. The advisory program provides and opportunity to further personalize the learning environment at WMS. Advisories will meet every Wednesday after lunch during the silent reading period. Staff members have developed a curriculum comprised of topics relevant to this age that all groups will follow. Topics include: peer pressure, problem solving, respect, and decision making.
PTO
FREE MONEY!!!
That is what BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION is!!!
Last year, the PTO received $150 from BOX TOPS donations!
EASY MONEY!!
Just cut the BOXTOPS off your General Mills/Pillsbury products and send them in.
It's easy to have the clippings dropped in our box next to the office, and they're collected year-round!
Shopping online? Go through the boxtops4education.com website first to access your store. Your shopping dollars result in credits to our account as well!
Need a credit card? Check out the BoxTops card at boxtops4education.com. Your purchases result in money in our account too!
The PTO finances such things as teacher grants, 8th grade graduation and birthday ice cream with this money. Please help out!!
Parent Workshops
Have Children? Join the Club!
Together with the North Kingstown Public Schools and the North Kingstown Child Opportunity Zone (COZ), the Parenting Development Program is pleased to offer
The Discussion Club for Parents
Back by popular demand, this free discussion series from the Nurturing Program features important parenting topics for parents with children ages birth to twelve years.
Each discussion topic is offered 2 times weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:00am and 1:00 to 2:00pm at Davisville Elementary School. Parents are encouraged to attend one session each week, but may choose individual sessions as well. Refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.
Please call 268-6592 to reserve your spot!
Week# Wednesday
Week#1 March 16th How do I teach my child to care? (Developing empathy)
Week#2 March 23rd What about Me? (Meeting my needs)
Week#3 March 30thNo means No! (Myths and Facts about spoiling children)
Week #4 April 6thI think I can, I think I can… (Developing personal power in children and adults)
Week #5 April 13th Say what you Mean! (Owning and Communicating Feelings)
Week #6 April 27th Choices and Consequences (Helping children to manage their own behavior)
Week#7 May 4th Our Family does things this Way… (Developing family rules)
Each topic is presented through a brief video, followed by group discussion and resource support.
Dates to Note
March 23-24 Scoliosis Screening through Physical Education classes
March 25 Good Friday – no school
March 28 Ali’s Challenge Kick-Off for grades 6 students and those new to WMS
March 30 Report Cards distributed
The Leadership Team in conjunction with the Wickford Middle School Community will be holding a pasta supper on January 21, 2005. All proceeds will be sent to the Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund assisting victims of Southwest Asia. Please hold the date. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday and will be sent home through backpack express. If you cannot attend, but would like to donate, there will be a box you can check on the ticket to do just that. There will be a silent auction during the dinner. Anyone interested in sending in an item for the silent auction, food for the dinner, or to volunteer, please contact Denise Mancieri a.s.a.p. through email at Denise_Mancieri@nksd.net. You may drop off the item at school with a Denise Mancieri, Silent Auction tag on it.
Thank you in advance for your time and support.
PTO Announcement
The PTO meeting has been changed from January 19 to January 18.
Teacher Recognition
Mr. Michael Iadevaia has been selected by the RI Music Educators Association to conduct the All-State Honors Band this year. The concert will be held on Sunday, January 30, at 2:00. Congratulations to Mr. I !!
Testing ; March testing
Grades 4 and 8 will NOT be assessed in March 2005 (New Standards Reference Exam, ELA and Math)
Parent workshop
The Parenting Development Program is pleased to announce a new BOOK CLUB for North Kingstown parents. Registration is now open for our winter book selection:
Family First by Dr. Phil McGraw Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
6:30-8:00PM
Fishing Cove Elementary School Library
Facilitated by URI graduate students in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
January 19 February 2 March 2
January 26 February 9 March 9
February 16 March 23 March 30
With guidance from trained group facilitators, participants will discuss one to two chapters per week. Book Club meetings will involve discussion and review of material as well as active and interactive application of strategies learned.
Participants must commit to the full 9 week series.
Each participant will be provided with a hard-cover copy of Family First.
This FREE nine-week book club is provided through a partnership between the North Kingstown School Department, Child Opportunity Zone (COZ) and the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic at the University of Rhode Island.
Enrollment is limited. Call 268-6592 to reserve your spot today!
A goal of the North Kingstown School Department is to provide all families with a variety of educational opportunities that support them as they learn and grow together. The philosophy and practices expressed in this program are not necessarily those of the North Kingstown School Department, Child Opportunity Zone (COZ) or the Parenting Development Program.
Parenting Development
…growing parents…growing children…growing families…growing parents…growing children…growing families…
Adult Education
Winter classes begin late January and include many wonderful topics such as computers, cooking, arts and crafts, dance and exercise, new age, finance and investment, foreign languages and now two new areas: courses for parents and children ages 8+ together and a set of classes to help learn to set up and run a small or home-based business.
Catalogs available in all district main offices, online at www.nksd.net/adulted and easily obtainable through interoffice mail by calling x438. Also happy to mail them to home addresses.
The next PTO meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday, December 14th, at 7pm in the WMS Library. A handout is being sent home via backpack express today.
Report cards will be sent home with students on Wednesday, December 15.
The WMS Winter Band Concert will be held this Thursday at NKHS at 7:00.
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Wickford Middle School, I'd like to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kathy Mort
Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot was an enormous success. We raised over twenty-five hundred dollars for the North Kingstown Food Pantry. Thank you to all who participated. I'll do a follow up report after the holiday. What a great Wickford Middle School tradition!!!
Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair held at WMS last week was a success, due in no small part to the help of the many volunteers. Wickford Middle School received $438 in books and $328.50 in cash. All proceeds directly benefit the school library. The students are very excited to start reading the many books I was able to add to the library collection. Thank you all and have a great Thanksgiving! Mrs. Law
Special Event at WMS
First Trimester Specialist Showcase
7 – 8:30 Thursday, December 2
A showcase of student work completed by WMS students in special areas classes will be held on Thursday night, December 2, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All displays and demonstrations will be in the rooms downstairs corridor (near the library).
Mr. Buzz –wood shop
Wood Projects
Mrs. Schick – Room 103
Video of “Once on this Island”, audio tapes of 6th grade Blues Projects
7th and 8th grade final music projects displays.
Mrs. Hammersley – Home Ec Room
6th grade sewing projects, 7th grade refreshments
Mrs. Strain – Room 102
6th grade finger print poem art/letter designs, Greek inspired pinch pots
7th grade – SmArt instructed organic object abstractions/illustrations
8th grade – color collisions
Mrs. Giguere – library
6th grade personal health books
Mr. Aubin – room 105
7th and 8th grade projects – beach, body, adjectives
Mrs. Robberson – room 105
8th grade weather projects
Mrs. Beveridge –library
7th and 8th grade reading projects
Mrs. Mancieri - library
6th grade free thought typing books and examples of work
7th grade letters and process reports
Mr. Iadevaia – room 103
8th grade music projects
A loss for the Wickford community
Katrina Clark's dad recently passed away. Katrina is an eighth grader on the Tiger team.
Dates to Note
Thursday, December 1 End of Trimester I Thursday, December 2 First Trimester Specialist Showcase 7 – 8:30
Wednesday, December 8 Strings and Chorus Concert, 7 PM, at WMS
Tuesday, December 14 PTO meeting 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 15 SAC meeting 2:30 p.m.
Wickford Middle School PTO
Schedule of Meetings
2004-2005 School Year
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
November, 2004
Dr. Halley's Comments
On November 22, Rhode Island state assessment results for students in grades 4, 8 and 11 were released and schools were rated based on these results. I am pleased to say that our students performed well on the assessments, improving in all categories, particularly at the high school level. As a result the North Kingstown School District and the majority of our schools have been rated High Performing which is the best rating a school or district can receive.
The state assessment is linked to the objectives of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, which holds schools and districts accountable for the achievement of all students. In Rhode Island the standards that students are required to meet are high and will require considerable effort and dedication to meet. By 2014 every student in every school must meet 100% of the standards established by the state in which they reside.
In order to achieve this goal, Annual Measurable Objectives have been established in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for the elementary, middle and high school levels for each year from 2003 through 2014. School ratings are then based on their ability to meet 21 “target indexes” used to assess student proficiency.
These indexes include school level performance in ELA (English Language Arts) and Mathematics, performance by a variety of student subgroups including ethnic groups, special needs students, English as a Second Language (ESL) students and students from economically disadvantaged families. In addition, scores are weighted by participation rate, school attendance and graduation rates.
As a whole, students in the North Kingstown schools at all levels met or exceeded the 2011 targeted proficiency levels. Our schools are well ahead of the achievement timeline that has been established by our state and federal governments. The attached chart shows the target years and where each of our schools stand in relation to them.
Two North Kingstown schools did not meet the standards for high performing status, each based on a statistical technicality. Davisville Elementary School is a primary grade school (K-3) and cannot participate in fourth grade testing. Schools like Davisville Elementary, without testable grades are classified as moderately performing.
Wickford Middle School is classified as a school in need of improvement despite the fact that all 21 target indexes were met in 2004. The problem for this school is that one of its testing subgroups (special needs students) is smaller than the allowable sampling size. Therefore this subgroup’s score has been averaged over a three year period, bringing it slightly below the proficiency index benchmark. While this group’s scores have improved over each of the previous years, the group of testers is getting smaller each year which skews the scores when averaged.
I am proud of the performance of all of our students in an assessment program that is stringent and demanding. This performance is a tribute to the teachers of the district and the administrators and parents who support them.
We will of course, continue our efforts to improve. Each school will be conducting a report night. On this night, you can see the specific results for your child’s school and hear about the plans that the school has for continual improvement of student achievement.
If you have any questions concerning this assessment program or the results of any school, please contact the school principal or Dr. Barbara Fitzsimmons, our Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
Additional information regarding the Rhode Island Department of Education Assessment Program can be found by visiting http://www.ridoe.net.
Thank you for your continued support of excellence in our schools.
James M. Halley
Superintendent of Schools
North Kingstown School Level Assessment Scores (% of children meeting or exceeding the standards) and where they fall in relation to annual goals toward 100% proficiency in 2014 (No Child Left Behind).
Elementary Middle School High School
Year ELA Math ELA Math ELA Math
2014
2013 FPES 96.60
2012 FPES 88.27
WES 88.13
SLES 82.64
HES 82.00
QES 79.51
FCES
78.50
QES 72.69
HES 69.78
WES 69.17
WMS 75.51
DMS 70.83 WMS 62.22
DMS 60.10 NKHS 74.46 NKHS 68.34
2011
SLES 64.50
FCES 50.67
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004 Current Year Benchmarks To Meet or Exceed
2003
2002 Base
Band
Congratulations to the band students for the wonderful job they did in Thursday's parade.
Wickford Middle School Students of the Month for October
The following students had breakfast with Mr. Merkel and Dr. Mort on Wednesday, November 10, to recognize them as being selected as Students of the Month for October. Congratulations to all!
Bobcats: Ryan Kelley and Kelsey Drought
Jaguars:Tom Galster and Maegan Maybach
Lynx: Yvonne Dyer, Emily Coble and Josh Desabris
Pumas: John Montanaro and Megan Hanrahan
Tigers: Madeleine Gibson and Richard Boland
PE: Bret Zimmerman and Katie Walsh.
What's Going on at WMS?
Math Night
The WMS Math teachers are hosting an informational meeting for all parents who would like some ideas on how to help their children with math. They will be concentrating on math homework and problems of the week. If you would like to attend, please fill out the information slip that was sent home with your child and return it to your child’s math teacher no later than Tuesday, November 16th.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the WMS library from Tuesday, November 16 through Friday, November 17. Your child is scheduled to attend the book fair through his/her classroom teacher. Make-up times are scheduled during the school day on Friday, November 19. The book fair will also be open until 4:00 on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
MIX IT UP DAY AT LUNCH
November 18, 2004
Dear Faculty, Parents, and Students ,
We listen to young people talk about how hard it can be sometimes to fit in at school. The labeling and grouping at most middle schools tends to put you in one group and keep you out of others.
Sometimes, the way other people treat you is tied to how "your group" rates at school.
We understand hanging out with people we think are most like us can be comfortable. But we also understand it can be uncomfortable when you want to hang out with someone new and other people think you should "stick with your own kind."
Nowhere at school are the boundaries of group membership more clearly drawn than in and around the cafeteria.
"They" sit at those tables and "the ..." hang out over there. Everybody knows where you're supposed to hang out. But why does it have to stay that way?
Truth is, things don't have to be how they've always been. That's why we decided to support young people who wanted to create change and participate in Mix It Up.
Mix It Up believes in the power of youth to create and sustain real change. We want to provide ideas and tools to help break the walls of division in our school and community.
This year Wickford Middle School sixth graders will be having our 2nd annual mix it up at lunch day. Please support our efforts.
Sincerely,
Lisa Noe 6th &7th grade guidance counselor and Joan Hurley Student Assistance Counselor
PTO
Wickford Middle School PTO Update Fall, 2004
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is upon us! The Wickford Middle School PTO hopes that the school year is going well for your student. The PTO is off to a great start this year, collecting more then $800 in donation. Thanks to those who have generously donated and for the offers to volunteer.
The PTO is still collecting donations so that we can fund the classroom grant requests, 8th Grade Commencement, birthday ice cream passes and other faculty requests. Forms are available in the office, or you can call President April Brunelle at 294-2441 or Secretary Clare Pope at 294-5887.
Funding Report: How your PTO funds are being spent
The Leadership Team is a new group created this year to be the pulse of the students at Wickford Middle School. Organized by Mrs. Mancieri, Ms. Clays, Mrs. Noe and Officer Anne Cunningham, this group addresses such areas as respect, service, and student recognition. The Leadership Team applied for and was given a grant of $500 to help fund an all day training session at the Alton Jones Campus at URI. The students on the team will learn about communication and planning to help them become a cohesive group.
The next PTO meeting is Wednesday, November 17 at 7pm in the library. Hope to see you there!!
Dates to Note
Wednesday, November 17 PTO
Thursday, November 18 Math night for parents
November 19 and 20 “Once on this Island” will be presented by WMS students on the Hamilton Elementary School stage on Friday, 7:00.
Thursday, December 1 End of Trimester I
Wednesday, December 8 Strings and Chorus Concert, 7 PM, at WMS
