Wareham Middle School 4 Viking Drive Wareham, MA 02571

(508) 291-3550 www.warehamps.org fax: (508) 291-3580

HOWARD GILMORE, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS: Daniel Minkle Extension 6105 Sandi Ponte Extension 6106

Dear Parent: The 2011-2012 school year began on Wednesday, August 31st with many smiling faces and great enthusiasm from students and staff to be back to school. Amongst the 700 students were 230 new grade 6 students. As we begin the school year, I would like to remind you that all you need to know about Wareham Middle School may be found on our school website. Especially helpful to parents is that all daily announcements are placed on the website each morning. During the week leading unto the remembrance of the tenth anniversary of September 11th, each grade level team during their Critical Thinking -World View classes involved their students in the historical importance and significance of what happened on that date. Most of our students were between the ages of 2 - 4 and what they knew about September 11th varied. On Friday morning, a remembrance for 9/11 and the events of that day was read followed by an extended moment of silence. The following week students during their Critical Thinking - World View classes focused on The United States Constitution. Constitution Day was recognized in the middle school on September 16th. It was wonderful to see so many parents at our open house last Thursday night, September 22. Sincere thanks to student council members who acted as guides and to our parent association for the terrific pieces of pie that were offered. The treats were a reminder of the involvement needed of parents in our major fundraising effort. Remember the 3rd annual Pig Races for the fundraising winners will be held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This is an event that is greatly anticipated by all!! Reminder late buses are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These buses are provided so that your child may receive extra help from their teachers or to participate in tutoring, or to participate in a co-curricula club or activity. Most clubs are in the process of holding their first meeting. International Peace Day was celebrated by the middle school on September 21st. Students were involved in creating pinwheels for peace during their ASB period prior to this day. Students placed their pinwheels in the grass area in front of the school as a visual reminder of the need to create a world of peace as well as to reinforce that our school is a Peacebuilder School. Mid Trimester progress reports will go home on Friday, October 14. If you have any concerns regarding your childs progress, please contact the teacher, team chair, or assistant principal.

October is recognized as the month of the young adolescent. The purpose is to remind us of the many challenges that face our youth between the ages of 10 -15. These Middle School years are filled with the most intense growth physically, emotionally and psychologically. The struggles for them to make sense of what is happening to them as they get older. It also causes us as parents and educators to assist our children to maintain a balance when all about them may seem so chaotic. This also is a time that all the adults in their lives need to be available to them to help them sort out what is important. This is also a time when we need as educators and parents to keep a larger perspective and a sense of HUMOR. The middle school is a great place to be. Please encourage your daughter/son to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. I encourage you as well to join our Parent Association, School Council, volunteer, but most importantly to become an active member of our school community.

Dates to Remember: School Picture day is Wednesday, October 5 No School for students on Friday, October 7 due to Teacher-In-Service day and October 10 for Columbus Day. Bog Fright Nights will be October 21 - 23. Save the dates.

Sincerely,

Howard Gilmore

.a caring, cooperative and respectful community of high performing learners