January 19, 2025
Dear WIS Families,
I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend and the snow. It seems that these next few weeks will continue to be cold with temperatures in the low 20s and even the teens. Please continue to send your children with clothing that will keep them warm and comfortable for play as we do try to go outdoors for recess whenever possible. We do allow our students to play in the snow, however they must be dressed appropriately with boots, snow pants and gloves.
Bracelets for Hope Fundraiser 
Our 5th grade Student Council members organized a fundraiser, Bracelets for Hope, to support families in California affected by the recent wildfires. Starting on Tuesday, January 21st, handmade friendship bracelets and our custom-designed stickers (see image) will be for sale during morning arrival. All items are two for $5 -- cash only, please! Thank you for supporting our Student Council and their efforts to change the world one bracelet at a time 
Below are some other events and upcoming dates including the Board of Education meetings on the budget which can be accessed through a link on the Weston Public Schools website.
Dismissal Safety
It is very important that if your child is walking to Hurlbutt at the end of the day for pick-up, they must use the crosswalks when crossing the street. Parents please enforce this with your child as we want all students to arrive at Hurlbutt safely. Also, a reminder that all car pick-ups should take place in the loop at Hurlbutt and not at the Central Office parking lot so students don’t have to cross School Road..
Smart Watches and Cell Phones:
A reminder that Cell Phones and Smart Watches are not allowed in school or to be used on the buses. If a student brings one of these devices to school, the teachers will bring it to the office and we will call home for a parent to come and pick it up. These devices can be distracting to students and teachers. If a student needs to call home or speak with a parent, we are happy to have them come to the office so we can arrange that for them.The updated technology policy is referenced in our school handbook.
Winter Progress Monitoring
During this coming week, third grade students will be taking the DIBELS8, a universal screener for reading. This assessment assesses both fluency and decoding. Weston uses multiple forms of assessment (e.g., formative, summative) to monitor student growth, understanding that no single measure provides the complete picture of a child’s progress. We are committed to ensuring that each child continues to grow academically.
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Weston Middle School, Short Wharf Theater presents: The Music Man Jr!
Performances are Friday, January 24th, 7pm, Saturday, January 25th, 3 pm, and
Sunday, January 26, 3pm. Tickets are on sale at https://whscompany.ludus.com/index.php
Language Arts Informational Session for Families
Save the date of Tuesday, January 28 at 9:15 a.m. for this informative session with our Curriculum Instructional Leader, Alex Bluestein. Mrs. Bluestein will share information about our new reading program, ARC Core, and strategies for promoting literacy at home. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by using this FORM.
Performing Arts in WIS
Our next winter concert will feature the 5th grade Band and the 4th grade Orchestra. This concert will be held later this month, on Thursday evening, January 30 at 7:00pm in the WIS Cafetorium.
PTO Sponsored Sweetheart Dance
Sweetheart Dance Tickets are on sale now. The dance will take place on Friday, February 7th from 6:00-8:00pm. This event is for fifth grade students only. The dance will be held in our WIS Cafetorium and feature dancing, snacks, games and a lot of fun. The cost is $30 for a child and a parent or guardian - this is not a drop off event. Students must be accompanied by an adult. Phones are HIGHLY DISCOURAGED as parents will be there to take pictures.
Ticket purchase link:
https://wispto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/193812378
Song Request form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebURAoi2y-OdGMVXdrbxbObFNwdC_10ZYVmh_UMFRE9piFiQ/viewform
Important Dates:
January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. day - No School
January 21: Board of Education meeting, 7:00pm, remote
January 23: Board of Education Public Forum 2 on the budget, 7-10pm, virtual
January 24: 6:00-7:30 Bingo Night at WIS - Tickets are on sale now. This event is open to all WIS families
January 28: Language Arts Informational Session for Families at 9:15 am, see link above
January 28: Board of Education Special Meeting - Approval and Adoption of the Budget, Zoom Webinar
January 30: Instrumental Debut Concert - 5th grade Band and 4th grade Orchestra, 7pm, WIS Cafetorium
February 3: 12:35pm Early Dismissal for Professional Development
February 7: Sweetheart Dance, 6:00-8:00pm, WIS Cafetorium
Warm Regards,
Patricia Falber
Principal
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