VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
INFLIGHT NEWS The WNS Middle School Newsletter
A NOT E F R O M MR S . R O D As we have reached the middle of the first semester, it feels timely to take a look back and feel abundantly grateful for all the opportunities afforded to our middle schoolers so far this year. From retreats to field trips, performances, vast elective offerings, athletics, and time spent bonding in advisory, buddies, and family groups, the middle school program provides numerous points of connection and avenues for finding one’s passions within the school day. Moreover, academic classes are in full swing with projects and work proudly displayed in the hallways and within classrooms. As we look forward to the holiday season, with students buzzing with excitement (particularly for another break), I encourage all families to find a moment to reflect together on the little things that are bringing you joy this season. I know that WNS and our community is certainly one for me.
INFLIGHT NEWS
In this issue A Note from Mrs. Rod PAGE 1 Halloween PAGE 2 7th/8th Grade Dance PAGE 3 Book Fair PAGE 4 Fall Play: Clue on Stage PAGES 5-6 Buddies PAGE 7 Family Groups/Breaking Bread PAGE 8 Fitness for Fun PAGE 9
PAGE 1
Halloween, October 31
Halloween at WNS is an event you don’t want to miss. Everyone celebrates together by sharing their spirit, their costumes, and good laughs. Each grade level dances and high-fives the others in the school as they share their costumes. Eighth-grade parents kicked off the event as a group of sharks with a fun choreography and a lot of energy. Then Kindergarten through eighth grade danced around the turf. Finally, faculty and staff also had a turn, along with the WNS families in attendance. Students still had class but also spent time bonding in advisory, playing games, and spending time in family groups. The energy was palpable. We were all thankful for a late start day the next day! It’s always fun to dress up and pretend to be another character. It was also lovely to see the creativity in the designs and concepts behind some costumes and how some students, staff, and faculty worked together. We look forward to more community events and celebrations this year. Thank you for all your participation!
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7th/8th Grade Fall Dance, November 3
The seventh and eighth-grade dance was a blast. The dance committee worked hard on putting it all together, from the vision of neon lights to decorating and setting up all the final touches. Everyone had fun and enjoyed seeing some of their teachers dance too. Memories were made, silly photos were taken, and crazy shenanigans were avoided. We love having ‘fundatory’ events like these and seeing students who may be initially a bit shy or reserved really break it down.
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Book Fair, November 6-15
The book fair was fantastic. The theme was “Books give you wings” with beautiful displays and a wonderful selection of books for all ages. Students enjoyed visiting the book fair with their grade levels and with their buddies to help them discover the joy of reading. All different kinds of books could get even the most reluctant reader excited about reading. At WNS, we believe reading is fundamental and we are making sure students are reading as much as they can to help them develop their fluency and their love of reading and writing. Some of our alumni have gone on to write and publish their own books! We hope our current middle schoolers continue to embrace the magical world of books and continue to contribute their creativity and ideas to grow our library.
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Fall Play: Clue On Stage, November 14 and 15 “I honestly think it is “The performances REVIEWS
the best WNS show I’ve seen in the 12 years I’ve been here. The kids looked so comfortable on stage, knew their lines, and the acting was REALLY GOOD!”
you pulled out of these kids was nothing less than spectacular” - WNS Parent
- WNS Parent
Ms. White
“The students were passionate, committed, and gave a 110%. Bravo!”
House Assistant
- WNS Teacher
Colonel Mustard
- WNS Teacher Yvette Chef “The acting was so good and I loved the theme of the play and how it was modeled after the movie. I was impressed that they were able to do a full show without forgetting any lines. The lighting was cool and the sound cues made the show exciting.”
Wadsworth
- WNS Student Mr. Boddy Mr. Green
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“I thought the actors did a fantastic job with showing emotion and staying in character. I was completely shocked to discover who the murderers were. I loved the plot twist.” - WNS Student
Mr. Plum
Ms. Scarlett
“The actors were so convincing, the dialogue witty, and overall I was just so impressed.”
“What an amazing show! The set was incredible! The actors were so good and I wish I could have been in this production. The black box was transformed. I miss WNS.” - WNS Alumni
Ms. Peacock
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Students worked incredibly hard to put on a fantastic Fall show in the Black Box Theatre. The actors brought the story of “Clue” to life and entertained their audiences. The tech crew were instrumental in running lights and sound, while managing props, sets, and costumes. We couldn’t be more proud of this ensemble!
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Buddies Students had the opportunity to meet with their buddies on several occasions this month. They played together at recess, explored the book fair together, and also spent time telling and reading stories together. Eighth graders also helped their Kindergarten buddies write gratitude notes to important people in their lives. We hope those people received their notes. They’re forming such sweet bonds. We’re so happy to be able to capture these moments as we see them laugh together, give each other hugs, and jump up and down when they see their older buddy enter their classrooms. We look forward to our next buddy time.
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Family Groups and Breaking Bread, November 17
Family groups has met twice this month, where they were able to read new books featured at the Book Fair and also enjoy time sharing what they were grateful for in their lives during our breaking bread time. Students who are brand new to WNS this year had the chance to sign their family group’s tablecloth, which is filled with a rich history of names from years and years ago.
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Fitness for Fun, November 17
Students in their family groups had the chance to stretch their legs, get their hearts pumping, and most importantly get closer as a community through fun physical activities and challenges. From dancing together to collaborating on various races, students, faculty, and staff had a wonderful time together. A highlight for faculty and staff included drenching students with water as they were trying to compete in the three-legged potato sack race.
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