We have had a great start to the school year! The HS Unity Day was a hit as students had a chance to bond during their various grade-level activities. This new tradition is one that we want to continue, so any student and parent feedback about these events would be greatly appreciated.

This is a time for students to start making goals and thinking about how to make those goals realities. High School faculty and staff want to be involved in that process! As a High School, we read the book Mindset for summer reading, and I hope that the message will help us as everyone in the High School works toward his or her goals. Students were challenged last Friday during the back to school assembly to develop their ideas and share them with others. We cannot wait to see what they come up with, and how we can help.

New for our Freshmen this year will be a Character Development workshop where they will spend the day exploring the Hero's journey, as well as their own role in developing their own identities, the theme of the grade 9 English curriculum. We will have guest speakers attend from EA to present information about video game production and the role that math and storytelling play in the development of games. This cross-curricular event is only the beginning of what students can expect as the Grade 9 team works toward great programs throughout the year!

As the school year begins, please feel free to reach out to your children's teachers with any questions or concerns. You know your children best, so talk with the teachers early and often. Next Wednesday, we will have our Open House from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. We hope that you will be able to attend so that you can establish the initial contact with the teachers. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for High School, please visit this link to input your information: High School Parent Volunteer Form.   

Serving in Tallahassee

Congratulations to Nick LaFalce, who was sworn in on Sunday in Tallahassee as a Florida Youth Commissioner, a very prestigious volunteer position. Only 20 students are chosen after a very intensive interview and application process. The Florida Youth Commission is comprised of youth leaders statewide who advise the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet of key issues facing Florida's next generation. We are proud of you, Nick!

College Corner

It is that time of year when the College Admission Counselors begin to make their fall High School visits. Mark your calendars - we will be adding new schools to this list each week.

Upcoming Events

August

22 - Character Development Day (Gr. 9)

26 - New Student ERB Testing (Gr. 9; info)

27 - SGA Elections

27 - Open House (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.)

28 - New Student ERB Testing (Gr. 9)

29 - Drop/Add Deadline

September

17 - Picture Day

19 - Conference Day

Sincerely, Leslie Williams, Ph.D., Greg Pesicek, and the High School Team

Dear Middle School Families,

Last week, we conducted orientation and an exercise in unitas. This week, we are totally into the 2014-15 school year! Students are following regular schedules, getting acclimated to the campus, making new friends, and becoming fully immersed in learning. I'm certain you've received quite a bit of information this week, so perhaps these reminders will serve you well:

Middle School Class Protocols

Teachers post daily agendas to Edmodo. This includes detailed information about the day's lesson (a valuable resource in case of absence). Teachers post unit folders organized with helpful documents that you will find useful throughout the year.

Every Middle School class begins with a "Lakers, Look" task, designed to get students in the mode of that class lesson, think critically, and participate in daily writing practice. Please ask to see your child's "Lakers, Look" journal.

All Middle School teachers require students to always have a book to read. Students are expected to include reading as part of their homework schedule. Nothing furnishes the mind with more power than the simple act of reading. This Wednesday served as our inaugural SOAR morning of the year, with students and faculty alike immersed in a good book.

Throughout Middle School, students will be updating their portfolios, a collection of their best work. These are showcases that document student progress from every class. The digital format offers parents an ongoing glance at portfolio progress.  

Communication

It is essential that all students and parents use Skyward, our student information system, regularly. You'll notice due dates and assessment, refer to grade reports, and review calendar dates.

All students and teachers will use Edmodo for daily agendas, class assignments, and resources. Think of Edmodo as a cyberspot for all class documents. It is not necessary for parents to monitor Edmodo regularly, however, you are welcome to view each class site. Students will share access codes with you.

Communication is of utmost importance in education, so please use Skyward, Edmodo, and these weekly e-newsletters to stay informed. Contact any faculty member using this email address format: firstname.lastname@windermereprep.com.

We will update the Skyward calendar throughout the year. Please refer to this overview of Middle School events.  

Absences

If your child is absent, please call or email the MS office at Maria.Everitt@windermereprep.com. Students may access their assignments using Skyward and Edmodo to stay current with their learning.

Many thanks to the crew of parents who made our Mania cookout such a celebrated event: Allison Durst, Ann Eppinger, Molly and Bobby Russell, Elizabeth Montalvo, Sarah Longwell, Tara Harned, Amy Healy, Rich Harding and Danielle McCall... You are the best! Click to view photos from this day of unitas.

As always, please call, email, or stop by the Middle School office if we can be of assistance. Please look to this weekly e-news for highlights and reminders. Of course, you'll learn more at Open House next Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. You'll report to your homeroom class promptly at 6:00 p.m., so review the map for location.  

Congratulations on a fantastic first week,  

Upcoming Events

August

26 - Middle School Open House

September

01 - Labor Day Holiday

02 - WPVA's Boosterthon Pep Rally

03 - Picture Day! (wear formal uniform)

04 - 6th Grade "Spirit of Unitas" Trip Registration Due  

Football

Please come join the football team as they head to Master's Academy this Friday for their Preseason jamboree! The Lakers are slotted to play Master's Academy at 7:00 p.m. for one half, then TFA Leesburg at 7:30 p.m. for the second half. Come out and cheer on the Lakers at their final dress rehearsal before season begins!

Soccer

Girls Soccer Informational Meeting

Wednesday, August 27 at 2:20 p.m. in Room #333. Any girls in Grades 6-12 who are interested in participating in soccer this year should attend. For more information, please contact Coach Stone.

Tennis Academy

It was a very warm first week on the courts for all of our players, but it was awesome to welcome old faces back to the court and meet so many new faces. As you can see, Colton, Emily, and Jackson enjoyed themselves, regardless of the heat!

Want to Play?

A few spots remain open if you would like to play, whether it be beginner or advanced. Please see one of our coaching staff for the Pathway to Success for all levels of tennis players. We also have group and private lessons available on weekends.

Stringing

We have a new state of the art stringing machine, and both Coach Howard and Fernando have a tremendous knowledge of string selection.

Good luck to all of our players this weekend! Contact us at 407.905.7737 ext 3316, or 407.928.6666. Visit us at the Tennis Academy or Elite Tennis website.