WMS October Newsletter

Wow! Time flies when you're having fun. I hope by now your student(s) has settled in and is enjoying their time at WMS. This week, we are celebrating Week of Inclusion/Week of Respect. Throughout the week, we will be completing lessons and activities that will focus on how we can be more inclusive. We also have Spirit Week this week:

• Monday - Wear Blue for World Day of Bullying Prevention
• Tuesday - PJ Day: Let's Put Bullying to Rest
• Wednesday - WMS Wednesday - Show Your School Spirit by Wearing Red & Black
• Thursday - White Out for Integrity
• Friday - Teaming Up Against Racism (Wear a Team Shirt)

At WMS, every student matters and every moment counts. Here is to a happy October!

Dr. Kayla Lott, WMS Principal

This school year, instead of Student of the Month we will have Warrior of the Week. What better way to showcase our students' various acts of kindness, and show how proud we are of them? Having Warriors of the Week allows us to highlight more students for actions that were done in a shorter amount of time, and build stronger relationships by encouraging the kind of traits we want them to have.

Please be on the look out for Warrior of the Week in our next newsletter.

Are you interested in your 8th grade student attending a Magnet High School? If so, please review the linked information about the upcoming Middlesex County Magnet HS Presentation coming up.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and where you are from.

My full name is Robin Marie Rackett. I am 47 years young. I grew up in Carteret. That is where I met my amazing husband. This year we will be married 20 years. We have two beautiful, talented daughters who are 18 and 16. We also have six pets, all of which are named after Disney characters (I LOVE Disney as you can see). I am lucky enough to still have my dad, who will be 80 years young this year. I also have an older brother (6 years older). On both sides, I have 22 nieces/nephews, and 17 great nieces/nephews.

• Where did you go to college, and what degrees do you hold?

Middlesex College is where I started my college career. Then, I finished up at Kean University. I have a BA in Teacher of the Handicap. This allows me to teach K-12 Special Education. I also took my Praxis, which then allowed me to teach K-5 General Education. I have taught all areas.

• What classes are you teaching this year?

This year I have the pleasure of teaching 6th and 7th grade math and 7th grade science.

• How long have you been teaching, and how long at WMS?

This school year is my 24th year teaching – wow time flies when you are having fun. This is my 8th year at WMS. I have been in Woodbridge district for all 24.

• What’s your goal for your students this year? What about for yourself?

Every year brings new ideas, new beginnings. My goal is to to know each student as an individual, what makes them stand out, what makes them a good human. Encouraging and reminding them daily is part of that goal. For my students, my goal is for them to take each day one day at a time. Tomorrow is always a new day. Middle school goes by quickly. Enjoy every moment, and be the best person you can be, be true to yourself.

• What’s your personal mantra or favorite quote?

“I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” - Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias

• What your hobbies?

My hobbies include decorating (my home), watching my daughters play sports, traveling with my family, enjoying friends’ company, and watching movies (with snacks of course)

• What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I absolutely LOVE Christmas.

• What are you currently reading in your free time?

I have been reading a lot of information in regards to college information, radiology and nursing. I also like to read about cooking/baking.

The time has come to nominate the classroom teacher and/or educational services professional for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program (GEOY). If you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in the lives of our students, please complete the following Google Form by November 16th: WMS GEOY Nomination Form 2023.

Each candidate will be scored based on the criteria below:

• Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school

• Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn

• Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom;

• Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and

• Plays an active role in the community as well as the school.

The GEOY panel and I look forward to reading your responses.

The WMS Family Thanksgiving tradition is back! We welcome your student and immediate family to WMS on November 15th (6pm) to eat a meal and celebrate the holidays with the WMS community. If you plan to attend, please complete this form so that we know how many families to prepare for: WMS Family Thanksgiving Dinner.