W E D N E S D A Y  W E E K L Y
January 27, 2016
In this Issue

Upcoming Events

January 27
Webinar: Intro to WMS's New Progress Report Format
7:30 p.m.
Learn More


January 28
Progress Report Update Coffee
8:45 a.m. & 5 p.m.

52nd Birthday Celebration
11:15 a.m. in the Gym


February 4
3-6 Maker Morning
8:45 a.m. in Room 26

9-12 Talent Show
Dress Rehearsal - 9:30 a.m.
Performance - 7 p.m.
Learn More


February 10
Information Night for Parents of Rising 3-6 Students
5-6 p.m. in the Great Room
February 11 & 12
Primary & Elementary Parent Conferences
No school for these ages.
Pre-registered child-care available.

Note: Toddler classes run as scheduled on these days.

 
February 15
Mid-Winter Break
No school.
Pre-registered child-care available.


February 17
Annual Meeting
7 p.m. in the Great Room
 
 

Message from Head of School
Lisa A. Lalama
 
Read more from Lisa on our Montessori Message blog.
This week, every parent at WMS will receive a letter explaining the new and improved WMS progress report. For several years, our staff has recognized the need to adapt our progress report to better reflect your child's daily experience. Although our teachers worked hard to explain the curriculum and your child's progress in a lengthy narrative report, we recognized the need to be more concise and help you better understand the curriculum as well as your child's learning.

For many years, we have used reading and writing continuums to explain a student's growth as readers and writers. Just as children learn to walk and talk at varying ages, they also acquire academic skills at various times within given parameters. The new progress report is focused on the development of children within a range of time and skills. The beauty of a WMS education is that we provide the space that gives children the chance to take the time they need to learn and grow. We do not have an arbitrary deadline of each child being able to do one thing at a certain time. For example, we know that most children will begin to read between kindergarten and second grade. Those who learn in kindergarten and those who learn in their first-grade year are virtually indistinguishable from each other by the end of second grade. However, the lessons and support each receive will be different based on the child's progress. This is the WMS difference.
Your children are accepted where they are, academically and socially, and moved along a continuum of growth in each area of their learning. The new progress report reflects this. Yes, you will note "age/grade-level" expectations which let you know how your child measures against a "typical" child of that age or grade. You will have the assurance of knowing that you and we know where your child is based on assessments, what lessons need to come next, and how he or she is developing.
I'm sure you have a lot of questions about this new way of reporting your child's progress. Please join Sarah Williams, Laurie Orsic and me for the webinar tonight at 7:30 p.m. or one of the information sessions scheduled for tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. We look forward to sharing this new report with you.



   
Co-op Cornercoop
Dads' Day - Thursday, February 25
Dads' Day is coming soon!  This annual event gives dads (and other special friends) a chance to visit their students' classrooms and participate in class activities and lessons. It is always a day the students look forward to and dads enjoy. Classroom visitations begin at the start of the school day and continue until 10 a.m. Refreshments will be served. 

If you are interested in helping with Dads' Day, please stop by Lori Oberly's office or email co-op@wmsde.org. Available Co-op jobs include, but are not limited to, planning, banner-making, decorating, set-up/clean-up and purchasing event supplies.  
Meerkat Milers - Water Station Captain
Would you like to earn all 30 of your Co-op hours in one fell swoop and know that you are helping to keep the Meerkat Milers (the WMS marathon team) well-hydrated? We are looking for someone to be the Water Station Captain to help in advance of and on the day of the Delaware Marathon. This is a straightforward way to contribute to the success of our runners - both children and adults - and know that your Co-op obligation is fulfilled. And, besides, it is a LOT of fun! For more information, contact co-op@wmsde.org.
Auction Committee
Participating in the work of the Auction Committee is a great way to contribute your talents to the school and also build friendships with other dedicated WMS parents. This year's auction is set for Saturday, April 16. There is work to do before, during, and after - and plenty of tasks for everyone! Most Auction Committee members fulfill their Co-op obligation by way of this single event. Please plan to join in the pleasure of shaping this annual fundraiser and community event. All are welcome. To sign up, please email co-op@wmsde.org, contact Lori Oberly or join at our next action meeting on Thursday, February 4, at 6 p.m.
News & NotesNews
Snowtographs!
Tonight - January 27 at 7:30 p.m. 
This school year brings a new look to the WMS progress report. During the past few years, our staff has worked to develop a progress report that will better communicate the key skills and concepts developing in each stage of a child's growth. The new WMS progress report will communicate your child's progress along a continuum of growth in reading and writing and will also detail his/her specific skills and knowledge in math and cultural studies. 

Join us for this webinar to learn more about what you can expect to see when you receive your child's progress report on February 10.

Register Now Button
Can't attend the webinar? Join us for coffee and conversation about the new progress reports tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Limited Spaces Still Available for Winter/Spring Learning Together Program
For Parents/Caregivers & Children Ages 6 Months - 2 1/2 Years
 
Based on the Montessori philosophy of "following the child," Learning Together is a program in which young children are free to learn, explore and interact with others in a classroom especially designed for them, alongside adult partners like parents, grandparents, guardians and other consistent caregivers.

Have a younger child who will attend WMS next year?  This is a great way to get him or her acclimated to the school. 
 
Tell a friend or enroll today! 

Saturdays (7 weeks)
Saturdays, February 6 through March 19

9:30-11 a.m.  
Cost: $70 
 
Today's LearnersLearner
Can You Feel the Talent Tonight?
by Music Teacher Heather Wadler
 
 
It is hard to believe, but we are just one week away from our annual 9-12 talent show! Every year, the 9-12 class joins together to show off their many unique and diverse talents in a performance that highlights just how special our WMS students are!
 
Among our oldest students, we have singers, pianists, break-dancers, gymnasts, scriptwriters, harpists and more! It is always amazing, as their teacher, to see what new tricks the students bring to the table. The way the students take ownership of their talents and use the show as a way to display their individuality is very impressive. It is a show that they all can't wait for their families, teachers and peers to see!
 
What audience members might not realize is the amount of logistics and work that goes on "behind the scenes." While students are providing introductions for their classmates, we have a whole stage crew running around backstage setting up for the next act. We have several students transferring microphones from student to student, making sure the batteries are charged and the switches are turned on.  We have students controlling the musical tracks and transition music, as well as using the soundboard to control microphone and sound levels for the entire gym. Some students are experimenting with the art of lighting and how to focus a spotlight in one area or use colors that create a certain mood in an act.  Although not every student thoroughly enjoys performing in front of an audience, these stage crew students take on amazing and technical leadership roles that are extremely essential for the success of our show.
 
What is the best part? The best part is being able to sit back, relax and enjoy the show, of course! By the end of this process, the students have practiced their acts, set goals for themselves, and have a show that they can completely run all by themselves.  This hands-on learning experience is one that the students look forward to every year and prepare for years in advance.  

I hope that no matter what level your child or grandchild is at the school, you'll join us to see the hard work that these young professionals put in!  Come see what can be achieved with teamwork and determination.  
 
Our talent show titled "Can You Feel the Talent Tonight?" will be performed on Thursday, February 4, at 7 p.m. in the Gym.  The dress rehearsal will be that same morning at 9:30 a.m. in the gym. You don't want to miss this!
 
Can't get enough of these talented 9-12 year old musicians?
 
Join us as the 9-12 Choir sings the National Anthem at the University of Delaware Men's Basketball Game against College of Charleston on Thursday, February 18, at 7 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark.
Tomorrow's Leadersleaders
Calling all alumni and alumni parents!

We want to know what you're up to! Please send your news to alumni@wmsde.org or take a few moments to share your experiences as a past WMS student or parent.
The Wednesday Weekly shares WMS news and events that are relevant to the families in our community.  

Please send submissions to wednesday-weekly@wmsde.org by 4:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the issue in which you wish to include your information. Content may be edited for length  and style and may be held for a future issue due to space constraints.  

For more information, contact Noel Dietrich, Director of Communications.
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