August 14, 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians,

             I hope you and your family have enjoyed this time together.  As the summer winds down and we prepare to welcome the 2007/2008 school year, I would like to share some information and thoughts with you.

             The Wissahickon Middle School Staff is in the process of completing final preparations to open the new school year.  Our secretarial and custodial staff has worked diligently throughout the summer and I would like to commend them for their outstanding efforts and hard work.  New ceilings, a new gym floor, bathrooms painted and new fixtures are some of the projects that took place this summer. 

             We are welcoming many new staff members in each grade level.  I hope you will extend a warm and inviting welcome to our new staff.  I know they are excited to be joining this learning community. 

             Of particular note is the district’s initiative in technology.  The middle school will have 13 new e-classrooms, four new mobile MAC labs and Ms. Tori Grosch will be piloting a one-to-one student laptop program.  These are exciting times both for students and teachers.  The upgrades provided to our network, hardware and software will enhance learning which will benefit student achievement

             Wissahickon School District is implementing new software this year that should provide greater information on-line concerning students’ grades, schedules and other class information.  Due to these changes, teacher gradebooks and other aspects of the parent portal will not be available until sometime in the second marking period.  Please check the district website for updates.

             Please note the following information which should assist you in your preparation for the coming school year: 

•  Thursday, August 30, 2007 – 6^th Grade Back-to-School Night  -  5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

• A cookout dinner will be provided to staff, in-coming 6^th grade students and parents.  Dinner is from 5:00 – 6:00 P.M.  Teachers will meet with parents from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. and students will meet with the Administrative Team, counselors and unified arts teachers. 

•  

• Tuesday, September 4, 2007 – First day of school for all 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students.  All students should report at the regular start time of 7:25 A.M. 

6^th grade students will be directed to their assigned teachers as they enter the school (Atrium area).  Teachers will be available to direct students to their appropriate locations.  7^th and 8^th grade students should report to the gyms, where they will be dismissed to their respective rooms.

7^th Grade – Old Gym

8^th Grade – New Gym

Students will be dismissed at 2:25 P.M.

 ·         Parents are asked to follow signs posted for appropriate drop-off and pick-up of students.  DO NOT ENTER BUS LANES AND DO NOT CALL STUDENTS TO CARS.  Your cooperation with this matter will assist with the safety of all our students.

 ·         Students are not permitted to cross Houston Road during dismissal.

 ·         Note bus transportation schedules which are posted in the Ambler Gazette and Times Herald.  North Penn Reporter lists schedules on their web page.  All transportation requests/questions should be made directly to the transportation department

(215-619-8114). 

 ·         Students may bring their lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria.  The price of lunch is approximately $2.75 and a-la-carte items vary in price.

·         Student safety is a priority at Wissahickon Middle School.  Therefore, all visitors must register with the receptionist when entering the school.  The main entrance will be locked during school hours of 7:25 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.  Entrance into WMS will be through a buzz-in system. Students will not be permitted to carry bookbags/backpacks in the school building from class to class.  They may be carried to and from school and should be stored in their lockers during the day. 

·         ALL students will need an agenda book, which will be given to them the first day of school.  This agenda book should be treated as a textbook and will cost $5.00 if lost.  Student must have an agenda book in their personal possession during class periods, as it will serve as a parent/teacher communication tool.

·         Team lists will be posted in the front of the school the week of August 27^th after 3:00 P.M.

·         Mark your calendar!  7^th and 8th grade Back-to-School Night on September 18^th at 7:00 P.M and PTC Meeting on September 20^th at 9:15 A.M.

 The administrative team of Wissahickon Middle School asks that you join us as we begin the new school year.  We welcome your participation and look forward to our collaboration to benefit the successful learning experiences of our students.  Our theme for 2007/2008 “We Believe,” not only focuses our attention on all students potential but provides guidelines to encourage respect and responsibility of our entire school community.

Please get involved this year, especially with the PTC.  I look forward to working with you as we seek to maximize the learning experiences of all students.  Thank you, in advance, for your support and cooperation.  Welcome Back!

 

                                                   Respectfully,

                                                   Lyn Fields

                                                   Principal

LF/db