Wilson Middle School Weekly Newsletter

We have had a wonderful start to the 2013-2014 school year.  Students, at this point have had a chance to meet all of their teachers and hear about all of the exciting things they will be doing this year.  Kids are coming in energized and ready for the day.  It has been fun for the faculty and staff to see all of the students who've returned and get to know some of our new students.

This week, Dr. Page, Mr. Carney, and Ms. Balboni held assemblies with all grades to talk about our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, and Results.  We also reviewed with students all of the safety procedures and expectations.  

Teams have also been working with the students to develop team norms and establish team expectations.  Students have had a chance to participate in activities to get to know all of the students on their teams.  

Eighth grade students have also attended an assembly about their laptops.  Laptops have been distributed to students, but they will not be taking them home until next week.  Please keep in mind, that families who have not signed the laptop agreement or paid the laptop fee, will only have access to the laptop during classes and will not be taking them home.  Information for the agreement and how to pay are below.

Scheduling, at this time, appears to be complete.  Some glitches in student schedules did occur and we appreciate everyone's patience as we corrected these issues. Special thanks to Mr. Carney for all of his hard work in creating schedules for all of our students, particularly in light of the high number of enrollments this summer.

All morning announcements and information about district and town activities can be found on our website. Reminder that next week is an even shorter week.  Students will attend on Tuesday and Wednesdayonly.  Enjoy your two extra long weekends!

A reminder for 8th grade families regarding the 2013-14 laptop program:
 Payment and Contract MUST be completed prior to the start of school.
The $75 fee payment and handbook sign off for your child's laptop for the upcoming school year will be available online and can be accessed here:http://www.natickps.org/departments/technology/laptopprogram/userfee.cfm

Family cap of $175 (for families with multiple laptops/children in grades 8-12)
If a family is on free lunch, fee is reduced but contract must still be signed
If a family is on reduced lunch, fee is $35 and contract much still be signed

Laptops will be issued to middle school students in the first weeks of the new school year.

Laptops will not be issued until parents/guardians have paid the fee in full/
Students will be trained in the new school year.

We look forward to your participation in this exciting and valuable program for your child.

Volunteers Needed! Laps after Lunch Program

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday ---4 parents each day 10:45-12:25.

You can volunteer on a weekly or rotating basis. 

Prefer full slots...but would gladly accept 1/2 time slots.

We also need substitutes to cover on an as needed basis.

Role: supervise students on outside track around the building in fair weather as they walk, run, have informal outside time after they eat lunch.

Please, no dogs accompanying volunteers.

Email jholihan@natickps.org if you can help!

Resilient Parent, Resilient Child 
Parent & Family Program Series

We are pleased to announce the 2013-14 Resilient Parent, Resilient Childspeaker series.  For the online brochure, please go HERE.  Topics addressed will include how to support student athletes, raise successful students and support global and digital citizenship.  All are welcome -- this series is for the whole community!  All programs will be held at Natick High School and are free of charge.  Check out the website at www.ResilientParentResilientChild.org.  Thanks to the Natick Public Schools, Natick Together for Youth (NTY), Charles River Rotary, SPARK Kindness, and all of our community supporters.  You can register and learn more about our first program on"Raising a Student Athlete:  Supporting Toward Excellence" HERE.

Brochures about this series was sent home with your students today!