pto and middle school newsletter

PTO AND MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Issue 8
April 2012
Dear Families,
Why is it that my five and eight year old children can navigate the apps on my new phone far better than I
can? Technology is like a magnet for them. They are eager to play and get messy with it as they patiently
navigate the digital world, while I just want someone to just show me how to work it. As digital natives
they do not know life without technology. In our techno-driven world I think a lot about how much time my
kids should spend interfacing with technology. As I worry about how mesmerizing the glowing screens
can be, I find myself constantly placing limits on screen time. My soundtrack is, “Let’s run around, play a
game, read a book, do a puzzle, or bake something.” As a parent I lean towards wanting to have my kids
engage socially with friends and family and immerse themselves in active, imaginative play. Yet I still
want to make room for the many creative things technology allows them to do, learn, and discover. From
smart music to tumble books to researching rocks and minerals, the positive applications of technology
are plentiful even at their ages. I know that responsible, skillful use of technology is critical to their future
as students and in the adult world. My goal as a parent is to strike a healthy balance in how they play and
learn.
So, what is the right balance between powering up and powering off? It is a question I wrestle with not
only as a parent but also as a principal. Technology is a topic that our curriculum leader team debates
regularly, discussing where, when and how to integrate it into our curriculum in meaningful, responsible
ways that enhance student learning. We are clear that using technology does not automatically result in a
stronger lesson. Good teaching does. Technological bells and whistles may or may not lead to deeper
understanding or more memorable learning. As educators we must continue to ask important questions.
How does the use of a particular technology improve comprehension? Does it expand our ability to
differentiate instruction? Can the technology help us promote intellectual rigor? In our ever-expanding
technological environment, we are committed to incorporating technology thoughtfully, while preserving
time that is technology free. Students still learn to carefully examine a visual reference as they create
three-dimensional animal masks from paper mache. We engage in sustained, deep reading of text in
English that is free of the distraction of toggling between multiple windows. We have face-to-face
discussions as we turn and talk in math class about factors vs. multiples and debate issues of justice in
social studies, learning the skills of showing ones attention to the speaker and actively listening. The
capacity for empathy is just emerging during the middle school years and requires the practice of listening
carefully to one another and learning to read non-verbal cues. We continue to prioritize working to
develop these essential skills.
There is no doubt, however, that technology is positively transforming the way we teach and the way our
students learn. We aim to utilize technology within the content areas to foster the 4 C’s - communication,
collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Google applications have revolutionized the way we do
business, allowing for asynchronous collaboration on papers and projects in all disciplines, thus extending
the reach of the classroom experience beyond its 56-minute block. We can garner instant assessment of
student understanding of concepts through voting clickers as students anonymously answer questions,
allowing us to make pedagogical adjustments in real time. The Internet provides immediate access to
ideas, online communities, and individualized practice of skills such as the customized mathematics
problem set students solve through using Assistments. Seamless use of interactive white boards allow
for simulations around plate tectonics while Vernier probes allow us to capture scientific data in
spreadsheets. VoiceThread provides students listening and speaking opportunities as students utilize
world languages outside the classroom. Teachers have developed thoughtful projects that capitalize on
innovative technologies like Google Earth where students can visually demonstrate their understanding of
geography. Creative Imovie book trailers made during an author study in English allow students to share
excitement about books they’ve read through a multi-media project. And the list goes on…
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PTO AND MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
As our instruction requires more digital proficiency, we must model and advocate for students to be
responsible consumers and producers of digital content. Students need to learn to evaluate the credibility
of digital sources. One of my favorite lessons from our 6 th grade information investigators unit is an
examination of the website about the tree octopus. Through it students learn to carefully consider a
website’s source and question its accuracy. It is equally important to help students become responsible
online citizens. What students say online matters and leaves lasting digital footprints. We need to ask
them about the pictures, videos and words they use to comprise their online presence. My constant refrain
is, “If you wouldn’t say it in person or want it said about you, don’t write it. Think before you post.” Our
students often have a false sense of anonymity in their online communications, yet texts, pictures, and
videos can be forwarded for anyone to see. We educate about cyberbullying, the emotional harm it
causes, and potential repercussions. While mistakes may be made in cyberspace the repair work is done
in person. We invite you to participate in these discussions with your children and actively monitor their
online behavior.
For me the quest for balance and thoughtful implementation is critical in my teaching and parenting around
technology. As a fellow parent, I urge you not to be afraid to set limits. Students do not need to take
phones, many of which are powerful computers, to bed at night. The allure of the incoming text message
interrupts sleep. Computers need not reside in students’ bedrooms, with 24-hour access to the virtual
world. Online video gaming has its place, but needs clear boundaries as it can be addictive. Most of all, I
urge you to talk to your adolescents and communicate your values, priorities, and expectations around
showing respect online. Your children may be more facile than you in the digital world, but they still benefit
from your wisdom. Don’t be afraid to share it.
Respectfully,
Betsy Gavron
Principal
WORLD LANGUAGE NEWS
Mandarin for 7th graders
We are excited that for the first time a section of Mandarin has been included in the 2012-2013 Wayland
Middle School budget. When course recommendation sheets come home on Friday, April 13, 2012 our
World Language offerings will include Mandarin along with Spanish, French and Latin. World Language
teachers will be speaking to current 6th graders about the 7th grade language options on Wednesday
morning April 11th. We ask that students include their 1st and 2nd language choices on the course
st
nd
recommendation forms and we guarantee that each student will receive his/her 1 or 2 choice. Happy
choosing!
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SCHOOL NEWS
Donation Request for the
WMS Organic Garden
The 7th Grade Cape Cod trip will be here before you know it!
The second payment date is Friday, April 13th. Students
should turn in payments to their homeroom teachers. If you
are in need of financial assistance for the trip and have not yet
notified your child's cluster leader please do so as soon as
possible.
Important medical forms will be sent home Thursday, April 5th
as well. These forms need to be completed and need to be
signed by a doctor if your child takes any prescription
medication. These forms need to be returned by Friday,
April 27th.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate
to contact your child's cluster leader by phone 508-6556670 or email. Thank you!
Jaclyn McDonald
Rachel Cluster
jaclyn_mcdonald@wayland.k12.ma.us
Michael Lehr
Carson Cluster
michael_lehr@wayland.k12.ma.us
Over 55 Wayland
Middle School
students took part in
our after-school CPR
certification program.
The WMS Organic Garden is anticipating
another productive growing season. Last
July and August we provided fresh
produce every week to two family
shelters in Framingham and monthly to
the Parmenter food pantry. Please show
your support by donating any of the
following items by the end of the school
year:

Tomato cages and/or garden
stakes (we need lots!)

Weed trimmer (electric or gas)

Salt-marsh hay for mulching plants
Do you like to garden or want to learn by
doing? Please consider donating some
time in the garden this spring or summer.
It's a great activity to do with kids of all
ages and older students can accrue
community service hours for helping out.
If you’re interested, please email
Beth_Monahan@wayland.k12.ma.us
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SCHOOL NEWS
A VISIT FROM JAPAN!
“MISSED” CALLS
FROM WMS
Please help us keep our call volume at a
manageable level. If you see you have a “missed”
call from Wayland Middle School, please check
your voicemail messages before calling the school.
Increasingly, parents are calling the school to say,
“I just missed a call from this number.”
Unfortunately, we have no way to know which of
our over 80 staff members may have called you.
It could be a teacher, house leader, guidance
counselor, school nurse, wrong number, etc.
On March 26, Mr. Lenz' 6th grade Social Studies
green class hosted 13 Japanese middle school
students and their teacher, all here from Tokyo
and staying with the Showa Institute in Boston.
Some of Mr. Lenz' students trained as guides and
learned several Japanese phrases to more
effectively communicate with our guests as they
toured classrooms throughout our building. Then,
once last period began, our students and
our Japanese guests sat together at tables in Mr.
Lenz' room to introduce themselves, share
photos of their families, and practice their crosscultural communication skills.
Smiles and laughter were abundant despite
language barriers.
We have a telephone trunk line at Wayland Middle
School so any call made from any phone within our
building shows up as a main office number.
If you do check your voicemail and find you have no
message, please do not be concerned. Staff
members always leave messages for urgent or
important matters, even as they continue to try to
reach you through your other contact numbers.
Many thanks for your support!
The WMS Office Team
Chris DiBona, Maria Silva, & Ramah Hawley
On Tuesday, April 10th, the Wayland Middle School Honors Chamber
Orchestra and Belmont's Chenery Chamber Orchestra will perform
together at Chenery Middle School in Belmont. The concert will begin at
7:00 p.m. Each group will perform selections on its own, and the
orchestras will play four pieces together. We hope you'll join us for an
evening of wonderful music!
Ms. Tandon
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PTO NEWS
Happy Spring! March has been a busy month for the PTO and as always, I am amazed by the never
ending volunteer hours that are put in to help make the PTO events happen. See the following page for
our many thank yous for the play volunteers and supporters.

Calling All Volunteers!
We are looking for those interested in taking a role in the PTO next year. We have many
positions available…small time commitments, larger time commitments, event specific
commitments, and so on. There is a place for you! To find out where you might help next year,
contact Alexia Obar 508 647-0881.

We have a few School Directories left that we are selling for $8 each if you would like one please
contact Alexia Obar obars@verizon.net.
Neighbor Announcements:
Jr.Tech is offering its first STEM Educational Workshop in the MetroWest
Crime Scene Investigation: Who did it? How did it happen? Did they leave any clues or evidence? During this daylong, hands-on workshop, students learn the steps and tools used by crime scene investigators to solve crimes.
Through simulated role-playing they will listen and learn about the details of the mock crime, observe the mock
crime scene, collect evidence and samples, and rotate through eight lab science stations to analyze the collected
evidence. The lab stations include hair analysis, fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, liquid, fabric and dry-material
testing, and more. 6.5 hrs instruction.
Pack a lunch.
When: Saturday, May 12, Time: 9:00am–3:30pm
Price: $195, Grades 5–7
Location: Peace Lutheran Church, 107 Concord Road (Rte 126), Wayland
Maximum of 15 students
STEM skills
• Forensic Science • Clinical Lab Science • Mathematics
• Critical Thinking & Communicating Solutions
Based in Hyannis, MA, Jr.Tech’s mission is to engage 5th–12th grade students in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) education. We educate students in STEM fields through high quality, interactive, hands-on
workshops and expos. Our workshops are held in one-day, multi-day and weeklong formats after school, on
weekends, and during summer and school vacations. All of our courses are fully aligned with the Massachusetts
Curriculum Standards for each grade level. For questions, contact Deb Vogt, your local Metro West representative
at 508-358-4521or vogtboston@comcast.net
Enrollment is non-refundable unless a two-week notice is provided before the date of the workshop. A $20
processing fee is applied to all cancellations.
That is it for this month! As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the PTO board with questions,
comments and/or concerns.
Alexia Obar
PTO President
508-647-0881
obars@verizon.net
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PTO NEWS
Katastrophe Kate Production: A PTO Thank You!!
The middle school PTO would like to thank all those who helped make this year’s spring musical,
Katastrophe Kate, such a success. The dedication and creativity of all who were involved was truly
evident in this wonderful community event. The support of the MS staff, parents and area
businesses was amazing.
Congratulations and thank you to all the faculty members and staff involved in the production:
Kelly Lopez, Stephen Murray, Klara Sands, Diane Muffitt, Chris DiBona, Ramah Hawley, Maria Silva,
Frank Griggs and the whole MS maintenance dept.
Many thanks to all the parent and community volunteers who put in hours of behind the scenes help
to help make the production a success. Special thanks to the committee chairpersons:
Program Book: John Flaherty
Program Ad Sales: Alexia Obar and Deb Studeba
Ticket Coordinators: Wendy Pachter and Claire Sehringer
Special thanks to our business and community sponsors whose financial support is key to the
success and quality of our middle school productions:
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, Alegra Design Marketing Print, Baldwin Insurance, Bolivar
Plumbing and Heating, Carpentry by Tom Antonellis, Charles River Creative Arts Program, Coldwell
Banker (Laurie Dolan), Cook's Automotive, Donelan's Supermarkets, Especially for Pets, Florentine
Frames, Four Seasons Sunrooms, Gardens By the Yard, Good Shepherd Par Omni Food
Supermarkets, Hayward Photography, John C Bryant Funeral Home, Karen J. Lyons Realtor, Robb
Photography, Kim M. Chau, D.M.D., P.C., Lavin's, Lemon Tree Goods, Leonard Carapezza, D.M.D.,
Leonard’s Music, Liberty Pizza, Lynch Tree Landscaping, Mango Tree, Media Methods, Michelle's
Jewerly Boutique, Middlesex Savings Bank, Moodz Day Spa, Munroe Tree/ Landscaping, Neta and
Allyson Barker's School of Ballet, Oak Hill Architects, Main Street Music, Cook's Automotive,
Parmenter VNA and Community Care, Rebound Physical Therapy, Rivers Music Conservatory, Roche
Bros. Supermarkets, Russell's Garden Center, Salon D'Elegance, Shaw's Star Market, Sudbury
Family and Cosmetic Dental Center, Summer Fenn, Temple Shir Tikva, The Pongal II Regional
Indian Cuisine, The Village Bank, Verill Farm, Viva Mexican Grill and Tequileria, Wayland Animal
Clinic, Wayland Excavating, Wayland Family Dental Center, Wayland Jr. Warriors, Wayland Police
Association, Wayland School of Music, Wayland Travel, Wayland Wine and Spirits, Weston Drama
Workshop, Weston Orthodontic Associates, Wm E. Hershberger, D.M.D,
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GREEN TEAM NEWS
This year the Wayland School Green Team is teaming up
with Transition Wayland to organize
Earth Day is Our Day!
April 29, 2012 Noon to 3:00PM
Town Building Courtyard
Senior Center in case of rain
Exhibits, Question Booths, Music, Activities,
Mini-Workshops, Demos, Raffle, Lunch
Check out: www.waylandgreenteam.org/programs/earth-day
or email info@transitionwayland.org
Two Wayland Schools are participating in the April nationwide
Recycle Challenge, sponsored by the Green Schools Alliance.
Happy Hollow and Claypit Hill students will evaluate how well their
communities recycle during the month of April.
For more information, contact:
Deane Coady, Claypit
deane_coady@wayland.k12.ma.us
Deborah Niles, Happy Hollow
<deborah_niles@wayland.k12.ma.us
We encourage you to reduce all forms of lunch waste. Here are a few simple tips:




Buy larger bags of snacks & foods instead of individual-packs, and put them in reusable
containers (ziplock bags can be reused, particularly if used for dry foods).
Use small reusable plastic containers (Rubbermaid makes many sizes, available at Stop &
Shop and CVS). These last for years.
Plastic water bottles are reusable. Steel or aluminum bottles are also popular and now
available in many stores, including Target. Check out www.reusablebags.com for a variety of
alternative bags and containers.
Some students bring in silverware or durable plasticware and take them home every day.
Thank you for supporting environmental stewardship in our schools.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Congratulations to the WMS Destination Imagination Teams!
Geoffrey Wang, Jillian LeBlanc,
Kara Chuang and George Jiang
DI Renaissance Award Winner for exceptional skill in
the areas of engineering, design, or performance
rd
Tzur Almog, Marc Bacharach, Tim Dowling,
Graham Macklin, and Chetan Patel
rd
3 Place DI State Tournament
1 Place DI Region 8 Tournament
3 Place DI Region 8 Tournament
Technical Challenge: Assembly Required
Structural Challenge: Hold It
Alex Chu, Matthew Curran, Nolan Keegan,
Andrew Shapley, and Zhen Yang
Alex Beer, Audrey Camacho, Jamie Levin
st
rd
3 Place DI Region 8 Tournament
Technical Challenge: Assembly Required
Project Outreach:
The World Canvas
To learn more about DI, visit http://www.idodi.org/
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YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US IN...
Puttin’ On
A Little
Ritz
a FUNraiser to support Golden Tones chorus
Special honored guest: Gail Huff, ABC News reporter
Sandy Burr Country Club, Wayland
Sunday, May 6, 2012, 2:00pm
Featuring:
MidLife Crisis Band • Have Voices Will Travel • The Notables • Golden Tones chorus
DANCE to classic rock and R&B!
BID on adventures, experiences, services!
MUNCH on gourmet snacks, cash bar too!
MINGLE with friends, old and new!
Tickets $25 donation
To request an invitation visit www.goldentones.org or call 508-318-6318