First Days of School
The first day of school brought lots of smiles, hugs, and excitement! Students spent the day retelling stories of their summers as well as their hopes and dreams for the school year to come! We cannot wait to watch this year unfold.
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Upcoming Dates and Announcements PAGE 6
While the first few days were focused on reviewing expectations, receiving devices and discovering upgrades to our campus students also had the chance to meet the teachers and start their classes
Students reviewed their summer math packets, discussed their summer reading and began learning about the essential questions and units they would explore throughout the year.
This year we focused on the 4 pillars of W and how we can show up every single day professional students
OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL CONTRACT
Our middle school students have taken a proactive approach to fostering a positive learning environment this year by collaboratively developing their own social contract. Through thoughtful discussions in advisory, they identified key values and behaviors that will guide their interactions and create a supportive classroom atmosphere. Students from each advisory then came together to present their ideas to a committee of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. After two days of deliberation, students finalized the final four rules that embody our school’s pillars. The contract emphasizes mutual respect, active listening, and personal responsibility. By involving students in this process, we've empowered them to take ownership of their learning space and strengthen their sense of community.
Middle School Retreat: September 6
Each year during the final electives season, a Middle School Retreat Planning elective is offered. Students from the 6th and 7th grades come together to brainstorm and plan the Middle School Retreat, turning their ideas into reality.
This year, we added a twist by taking the entire middle school to Sky Zone, where students enjoyed jumping, playing basketball and dodgeball, tackling obstacle courses, and flipping into foam pits. After a fun-filled morning, everyone returned to WNS for a catered lunch from Chick-fil-A.
The afternoon kicked off with a middle school competition, featuring activities like a water balloon fight, relay races, Scattergories, and more. The winning group allocated $100 to donate to one of four charities: Private School Village, Safe Place for Youth, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, and the Westside Food Bank. The winning team also received popsicles, of course!
Buddies: September 25
During the first days of school, middle school students brainstormed a variety of activities they could do with their younger buddies. As the older students, they took the lead in planning activities that would help their buddies feel happy, safe, seen, and heard.
The 8th grade students began filling out an "All About Me" booklet during advisory, which they completed with their kindergarten buddies Photos of the students were also added to these books. The kindergarteners also created “All About Me” booklets that they worked on with their 8th grade buddies Once completed, these will be kept as a keepsake.
The 7th graders worked on buddy booklets with their third grade buddies. These served as an introductory activity to help the buddies get to know each other We are hoping that they will continue to add pictures and ideas to these books as the year continues!
The 6th grade focused on interviewing their first grade buddies as a way to get to know each other on a deeper level. At the end, buddy pairs were encouraged to create a secret handshake with their buddy that they would use to greet or say goodbye to at every buddy meeting
Family Groups: September 16
Family group meetings are an opportunity for our middle school students to model leadership. Sixth through eighth graders take on roles leading their family groups that include both younger and older students.
The 8th grade students prepare and deliver mini-lessons for their mixed-age groups, while the 6th and 7th grade students facilitate the family group meetings As a group, these students help guide their peers through a structured format.
This includes leading the group greeting, facilitating a sharing activity, overseeing a collaborative exercise, and wrapping up with a closing. The middle schoolers take ownership of these responsibilities, gaining practical experience in areas like public speaking, conflict resolution, and activity planning
While the younger students look up to their middle school leaders, the program also benefits the older students themselves. They learn important leadership abilities and build connections across grade levels. The family groups foster a sense of community, with students of all ages supporting one another
Upcoming Dates
FRIDAY IS SPIRIT DAY! Beginning Friday, October 4th, and every Friday after (unless otherwise specified), the entire community is encouraged to wear WNS gear to celebrate community and belonging. Feel free to wear any kind of WNS gear every Friday!
Friday, October 11 - No School; Professional Development Day
Friday, November 1 & Monday, November 4
5th and 6th Grades: Parent-Teacher Conferences
7th and 8th Grades: Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences
- You choose whether they are in-person or on Zoom
Announcements
Don’t forget to make your home technology agreement We highly recommend using Common Sense Media’s website for example agreements and guidelines on apps, games, and movies
Executive Board
Speeches & Elections
Please remove devices from your child’s bedroom at night.
Help us support students in meeting our few no’s: no gum chewing or candy no Crocs no smartphones
Coming Soon...
8th Grade Pen Ceremony
Grade Level Retreats
Curriculum Snapshots Buddies
Second through eighth grade students and faculty listened to 19 speeches from 8th graders all committing to make change and be great school representatives. 6 of the 19 were elected to be executive board members:
Dani Artunian, Jordan Brookins, Stella Coyne, Otis Faxon, Lily Hopkins, & Gia Morris
These students will help to lead community gathering and will meet regularly to ensure all at WNS are seen, heard, and supported.
