WMA Middle School Boarding Program

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Wilbraham & Monson Academy The Global School® Going Global in Grade 8 allows us to extend the global mission of the Academy – to develop global citizens and leaders – into our Middle School experience and curriculum.

Enrolling International Students in Grade 8 provides our Academy an additional year to promote, foster and build a greater level of engagement for our students to grow and develop into positive and effective global leaders.

Grade 8 Goes Global

Middle School

Connecting our Grade 8 International Students with our domestic Middle School students creates opportunities for our local community to become more engaged with the global mission of the Academy in the Middle School years.

The connection between our Grade 8 International Students and our local families will also create a wonderful opportunity for our International Students to experience our American culture as a more intimate and more family-centered experience.

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy The town of Wilbraham, incorporated

Welcome to Wilbraham!

in 1763, is located in Western Massachusetts about 130 km due west from Boston, Mass. and 240 km northeast of New York City.

Wilbraham is about a two-hour drive from Logan International Airport in Boston, Mass. and a much shorter 40-minute drive from Bradley International Airport outside of Hartford, Conn.

Being so close to Boston and New York places our school a short drive from both metropolitan areas, making the many offerings associated with these cities – from great colleges and universities, to museums and historical sites – accessible to our students.

We are also less than an hour away from the Five College Area of University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and Smith College.

Our WMA campus occupies 300 acres of what was formerly rich farmland and wooded hillsides.

A 200-year-old tradition, the Monson Bell is rung to commemorate important events at the Academy.

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Middle School

WMA History with International Students

Wilbraham & Monson Academy was established by the merger of two early nineteenth-century academies: Monson Academy, founded in 1804, in Monson, Mass., and Wesleyan Academy, founded in 1817 in New Market, N.H. Wesleyan Academy moved to Wilbraham in 1825, and became Wilbraham Academy in 1912.

Wilbraham Academy and Monson Academy merged in 1971. A tradition of acceptance and diversity dates back to the founding of the two academies. Wesleyan Academy was the first coeducational boarding school in the country, and in 1847 Monson Academy became the first American school to enroll Chinese students. Soon afterward, students from Thailand began to attend Wilbraham Academy. Current enrollment includes students from more than 30 countries. Alumni Memorial Chapel was part of the Underground Railroad and the Academy has enrolled students of color since before the Civil War.

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Who are we?

For more than 200 years, Wilbraham & Monson Academy has been one step ahead of our competitors, from the enrollment of our first international students in the early 1800s to our current Center for Entrepreneurial & Global Studies. Our mission is to create global citizens and leaders. Are you ready to take on the world?

OUR STUDENTS 431 200 158 73 32 12 Students Boarding Upper Middle Nations U.S.

School School States

Day O U R F A C U LT Y 78 62% 50% 12-15 6:1 Teaching Hold Live on Average Student: Staff advanced campus class size faculty

degrees ratio 4

Academic Philosophy

Middle School

The primary educational philosophy that drives our Middle School program is that learning is fun! Learning is an exciting and enriching lifelong endeavor.

We work to create engaging educational experiences that consistently motivate our students to be active, involved learners eager to question and willing to explore.

We also challenge our students to fully appreciate the privilege of being a member of an educational community where by learning together and learning with and from one another, students make those initial steps toward being a contributing member in a global community.

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Academic Program The WMA Middle School features an integrated curriculum, with each grade concentrating on a learning theme. Technology is effectively integrated into our curriculum with every student and every class using iPads and the appropriate applications as the primary electronic device for disseminating information, creating and submitting assignments, and correcting, grading and assessing student performance.

Grade 6 Theme: Knowing One’s Past Grade 7 Theme: Knowing One’s Self Grade 8 Theme: Knowing One’s Community

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Grade 8 Curriculum

Middle School

Humanities Students build from the historical framework of the British colonization of North America, the American Revolution, and the immigration experience in North America to explore the concept of building a democratic community.

Math Offers two courses: one a Prentice-Hall pre-Algebra class, and the second a Prentice-Hall Algebra 1 honors class.

Science Uses SEPUP curriculum, Issues, Evidence and You. Connects to the issues and challenges involved with how science impacts the community level with resource and waste management, as well as sustainability.

ESL Students will be enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class to support the reading, writing and content our students produce in the classroom.

Art Explores the theme of how a culture and a community can be understood by the art they produce and value.

Health & Wellness Students explore and discuss being happy and healthy, physically and emotionally, and working to be a contributing member of a healthy community.

Music Students choose an instrument from strings, percussion or keyboard and work together to play and perform with one another, culminating in a public performance at our Spring Concert.

Physical Education Classes meet twice each week for the entire school year with the goal of involving students in regular physical activity including a variety of lifelong sports.

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy Meet the Faculty

Charles D’Avazno Middle School Director Grade 6 Science

“Welcome to WMA Middle School! We invite you to take a close look at our program.

We are confident that you will uncover and discover a school, a program, and a community that will walk with you as you embark on your journey to becoming a global leader!”

Na-Young Weaver Grade 8 Math

Luke Pelletier Grade 8 Science

“Growing up in many different cultures, I thought I could never settle down in one area. Working at WMA has provided me with an environment that is so globally conscious that I feel at home. My husband graduated from WMA, and has only positive comments about his alma mater. I am proud to be teaching at such a great international

“As a parent for three years I was impressed with the educational experience my son received in the WMA Middle School. After he moved into the WMA Upper School, I had the opportunity to become a faculty member in the WMA Middle School teaching Science. Currently, as part of the faculty, I have an even greater appreciation for the school and the educational experience it is providing for all families involved.”

school.”

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Middle School Meet the Students

Alexandra Garrison Class of 2018

SooYoung Park Class of 2018

Alivia Mountford Class of 2019

“WMA became something like a second home to me.

I’ve been attending WMA since 6th grade and though at first I was a little intimidated, I quickly grew to love this school. WMA offers many opportunities to try something new and learn about different cultures.

When you attend the Academy not only are you coming to a great school but you’re joining a family that will look out for you and support you.”

“I enjoy being a student at WMA, and I especially like the after school program.

It helps me stay active and I enjoy being with other students outside of the classroom making friends.

In many ways, it is often my favorite part of the day.

Also, I like the classroom atmosphere that encourages me to ask questions. This is The Global School®, so students have an open mind to international students.”

“I came to WMA assuming I would be challenged academically, but I was fascinated by the engaging curriculum and supportive teachers who motivated me every step of the way.

I appreciate WMA’s athletic program as well because it’s an enjoyable way to stay active, which makes WMA a perfect fit for me.”

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy Typical Week Day 7:30 – 8:00 AM Breakfast in Lak Dining Hall • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Academic classes • 12:00 PM Lunch in Lak Dining Hall • 3:00 – 3:30 PM Check-in with dorm parent • 3:30 – 5:00 PM After school sports/activities • 5:00 – 6:00 PM Showers and downtime • 6:00 – 7:00 PM Dinner served family-style in residence hall • 7:00 – 8:30 PM Study Hall with WMA MS faculty/dorm parent • 9:00 PM Room check • 9:30 PM Lights out 10

Beyond the Classroom

Middle School

Friday evening (in residence hall with all Middle School students invited) • 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Movies, dances, game nights, snack nights, etc.

Saturday • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Brunch in Lak Dining Hall • 1:00 PM: Off-campus activity (Boston trips, hiking, beaches, etc.)

• 5:00 PM: Dinner in Lak Dining Hall or out Evening schedule depends on when students arrive back from daytime activities.

Sunday • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Brunch in Lak Dining Hall • 1:00 – 5:00 PM: Local activity (apple picking, bowling, community service, etc.)

• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Dinner family-style in residence hall • 7:00 – 8:30 PM: Study hall

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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Middle School

After School Sports & Activities Sports Fall

Winter Spring

Boys’ Soccer

Boys’ Basketball

Boys’ Lacrosse

Girls’ Soccer

Girls’ Basketball

Life Sports

Lego Robotics

Lego Robotics

Varsity & Junior Varsity Opportunities Fall Winter Spring Cross Country

Dance

Baseball

Dance

Swimming

Boys’ Volleyball

Field Hockey

Theater

Dance

Girls’ Volleyball

Track & Field

Golf

Theater Wrestling Lacrosse Water Polo

Yoga

Softball

Tennis

Theater

Track & Field

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

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Middle School Technology at WMA Every student is required to have an iPad. Each student uses an iPad in conjunction with the Academy’s white board technology, eBackpack and PowerSchool to produce, depict, display, submit and retrieve work assigned, collected and graded by the instructor.

Moving Up Program Grade 8 students spend time in November and December visiting Grade 9 classes and meeting Grade 9 faculty members and students to learn more about the Upper School Program. Students will also meet with key Upper School administrators to learn of additional opportunities that await them as an Upper School student.

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Connecting with our Community During mid-year school breaks, International Students will be placed in Homestays with local WMA Middle School families.

These occur in early October, Thanksgiving Break and February Long Weekend. Many of our regular weekend activities will involve connecting our Middle School International Students with our domestic students and local families on our weekend trips.

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Join our Global School!

WMA Titans hail from more than 30 countries

Angola Armenia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bangladesh Bermuda Canada China

Costa Rica England France Germany Ireland Italy Japan Kazakhstan Korea

Lithuania Mexico Nigeria Russia Serbia Singapore Somaliland South Africa

Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA Ukraine Venezuela Vietnam U.S. Virgin Islands

423 Main Street • Wilbraham, MA 01095 413.596.6811 • www.WMA.us • admission@WMA.us

Wilbraham & Monson Academy The Global School®

A P P LY O N L I N E Visit our website at www.WMA.us/apply. Teacher recommendations and transcript request forms are also found here, under “application process.”

C O M M O N A P P L I C AT I O N We also accept applications through SSAT at: www.ssat.org or The Association of Boarding Schools at www.boardingschools.com/how-to-apply.aspx.

A P P L I C AT I O N C H E C K L I S T o o o o o o

Parent Form Student Resume Student Essay Teacher Recommendations Transcript Request Form Standardized Test Scores

Regional, state, or national tests are acceptable.

TOEFL or SSAT are preferred for international students.

International students must provide: o Copy of Passport o Financial Verification

o Interview o Submit application fee

($75 domestic, $150 International)

ADMISSION DEADLINES February 1 — Deadline for the following fall March 10 — Admission decisions are sent Rolling admission begins April 11 We will accept applications after the deadline as space allows.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy 423 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 Tel: 413.596.6811 • www.WMA.us • admission@WMA.us

Wilbraham & Monson Academy The Global School®

2014-2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR FA L L T R IM EST ER August 25, Monday September 1, Monday September 5-7, Friday-Sunday October 17-21, Friday-Tuesday October 22, Wednesday November 21-23, Friday-Sunday November 25, Tuesday

Fall trimester classes begin Labor Day (no classes) Closed weekend Parents weekend/long weekend Classes resume Closed weekend Fall vacation begins at 3:00 PM

WI N TER T R IMEST ER December 1, Monday December 12-14, Friday-Sunday December 19, Friday January 6, Tuesday February 5-9, Thursday-Monday

February 10, Tuesday March 6, Friday

Winter trimester classes begin Closed weekend Winter vacation begins at 12:00 PM Classes resume Winter long weekend begins at 3:00 PM Classes resume Spring vacation begins at 12:00 PM

S P R I NG T R IMEST ER March 25, Wednesday Spring trimester classes begin May 22-25, Friday-Monday Closed weekend May 22, Friday Prize Day (Student attendance mandatory) May 23, Saturday Commencement (Student attendance mandatory) May 25, Monday Memorial Day (no classes) May 28, Thursday Last day of school (Middle School)

–C losing Ceremony at 7:00 PM in Chapel May 29, Friday Last day of school (Upper School)

Please note: Closed weekends • Boarding students must sleep on campus each night • Does not affect domestic students Long weekends • S tudents have an extended weekend; boarders may stay on campus or leave campus • Students may not leave until after their last obligation • Boarding students must return to campus at the end of long weekend between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM the day before classes resume Vacations • Students may not leave until after their last obligation • Boarding students must be out of the dorms by 12:00 PM the day after vacation begins • Boarding students must return to campus at the end of vacation between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM the day before classes resume • Boarding students must leave campus for the following: fall, winter and spring vacations

All dates and times are subject to change.

Visit us online at www.WMA.us for the latest information.

The Academy is in session on Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.